Department Culture

Recommendations about the shared values, assumptions, beliefs, attitudes or ideologies that frame department level policies and procedures and also influence how individual college community members interact with one another. Click on the links below to see the full contents of the recommendations and publications that support these recommendations.

Departments must facilitate multiple entry points into the curriculum as few students new to engineering have the background knowledge or resources to know unequivocally where they best fit among the engineering disciplines.

Recognize that students who have difficulties in one engineering discipline can thrive in another.

Departments endearing to attract and retain diverse students must promote a professional image that is multi-faceted, clearly defined, and relevant to students’ lives.

Authentic representation of degree programs as challenging, but achievable, may enhance recruiting and retention of future and existing students.

Foster a collegial and inclusive department culture of faculty who demonstrate a genuine interest in students’ academic futures and provide encouragement.

Faculty must be available by appointment for students with conflicts during office hours.