You Belong at the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS).
Engineering and computer science drive innovation to shape our shared world.
Every day, engineers and computer scientists make decisions that influence lives across the globe. Like anyone else, our personal histories inform the decisions we make. When engineers and computer scientists reflect the breadth of human difference, we make decisions from a deeper well of knowledge: decisions that benefit the whole of our society.
At ECS, we believe that broadening participation in engineering and computer science is a civic responsibility, and we welcome all people into the study and practice of engineering and computer science.
Science is inherently collaborative and creative. Time and again, research demonstrates that belonging is an essential precondition for both. Belonging is the safe haven from which we voice our wildest ideas; and scientific progress is nothing if not a compounding chain of wild and wilder ideas.
At ECS, we believe that belonging accelerates innovation, and we aim to cultivate a sense of belonging for every member of our student, staff, and faculty bodies.
To foster belonging for all those comprising or aspiring to engineering and computer science, we seek to:
- Undertake the work of education and research with integrity;
- Engage our students, staff, and faculty as whole people, and provide holistic support through their nonlinear journeys of learning and discovery;
- Empower our students, staff, and faculty to create and uphold a welcoming culture for all who wish to pursue engineering and computer science;
- Apply the endless pursuit for scientific advancement to our own College and strive, always, to do better.
For Students
Academic Excellence Workshops
The Academic Excellence Workshops (AEW) are geared toward achieving success in courses in engineering and math. AEW sessions are peer-facilitated, one-credit, pass/fail courses designed to supplement the instruction in many first and second-year courses. Students are able to register for these classes during the course add period via MySlice.
Participants not only leave with an excellent understanding of the material, but also with new organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills. The Academic Excellence Workshop is an excellent opportunity to meet your peers and establish new study groups as you learn the essential course material.
Peer Office Hours
Weekly peer office hours are available to help all engineering and computer science students with their coursework in calculus and other fundamental engineering courses supported by the AEW program. A complete schedule of these sessions is available on the Peer Office Hours calendar.
Campos Student Center
The Campos Student Center is a welcoming home-away-from-home where ECS undergraduates can receive academic support, connect to campus resources, and access a sense of community and belonging. Drop in anytime!
Location: Center for Science & Technology (CST) room 2-209
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 AM – 8 PM; Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM
*Hours may change during university breaks*
Join us for any of these peer-facilitated programs:
- Computer Programming Study Table
- Mondays, 5 – 8 PM
- Open Study Table
- Tuesdays, 5 – 8 PM
- Math Study Table
- Wednesdays, 5 – 8 PM
- Thriving Thursdays
An opportunity to connect with peers, reflect on your journey at ECS, and tap into a sense of belonging
- Thursdays, 9 AM – 8 PM
- Weekly Wind Down
Coffee, breakfast, and community
- Fridays, 10 AM – 1 PM
Catalyst Scholars
The Catalyst Scholars program promotes excellence in STEM studies by:
- Engaging an annual cohort of first-year, first-generation students to facilitate academic and professional success in STEM while promoting belonging at ECS
- Preparing future leaders to catalyze positive change in their fields of study
Catalyst Scholars benefit from leadership and advocacy training, academic support, professional development, and peer mentoring, all within a close-knit community of first-generation college students. For more information, email ecscatalyst@syr.edu.
For Staff and Faculty
Staff/Faculty Learning Community
Each spring, the Office of Inclusive Excellence invites staff and faculty members from across the College to participate in a collaborative learning experience on an emergent topic related to inclusive excellence. Together, participants deepen their knowledge and hone their skills to become more effective agents for belonging while building connections and community across the College.
To suggest a topic for the learning community or more information, please email ecsieoffice@syr.edu.