STEM Talent Expansion Program

students gathered to study at Floyd Hall — What is STEP?

The STEM Talent Expansion Program (STEP) provides the resources you need to succeed in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

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Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are the driving forces for innovation and exploration in the world. STEM careers are exciting and interesting, but the path to obtaining a bachelor's degree in engineering and applied sciences can be challenging. STEP will help you develop the academic habits, life skills, experience and career connections you need to successfully complete your studies and prepare for your career.

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences tutor helping student

Drop-in Tutoring

Find the help you need through the drop-in tutoring centers located on main campus in Ackley Hall and at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences in Floyd Hall. Academic help is available to you all year for courses in math, physics, chemistry, computer science and more. Explore the course tutoring schedule below to find a time and place convenient for you.

Drop-in tutoring schedule

students collaborating in lecture hall — Cohorts

Cohorts are a great way to find familiar faces in your first year at Western.

Learn more about cohorts

First Year Student Information

ALEKS math placement

The STEP Program offers a voluntary mathematics placement exam called ALEKS which allows us to better access your mathematics skills and provide remediation options if needed. Students with an ACT Math subscore of less than 27 or SAT Math subscore of less than 640 must complete the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment prior to attending orientation or meeting with an academic advisor. To change your current math placement using ALEKS, follow the steps outlined in the link below.

Learn more about ALEKS

Preparatory Program

If enrolled as a CEAS-Preparatory major, you will be placed in a cohort of classes designed to foster your academic success. These classes include ENGR 2100 First Year Engineering Experience, ENGR 1002 Introduction to Engineering Analysis, and EDMM 1420 Engineering Graphics, if applicable. If you have any questions or concerns about the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Preparatory major, please contact academic advising.

Contact advising

Fall Welcome

Attending Fall Welcome helps you prepare for the first day of class at ��ϲʹ��ֱ�� and the fall semester. In addition to Fall Welcome activities, STEP has created a program called Passport Day. All incoming College of Engineering and Applied Sciences students are invited to Floyd Hall where you receive a “passport” that serves as a guide for touring open labs and department offices. Prizes are awarded to those who receive the most stamps in their passport earned for every location visited. This event also includes presentations from College of Engineering and Applied Sciences registered student organizations (RSOs).

Learn more about Fall Welcome

Women and Leadership Course

STEP has created a one credit hour course for first-year and transfer students, entitled ENGR 4950: Women and Leadership in Engineering and Applied Sciences. This course, modeled after successful women in science and engineering programs in the U.S., introduces speakers who provide powerful insight on their experiences in engineering fields. To learn more about the Women in Leadership course or find resources for women at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, visit the link below.

Women in engineering

student smiling while writing in notebook

Café Critique helps you enhance your resume and cover letter, gain interview skills, refine your job search strategies, prepare for career fairs, and more. Located in the Parkview Café in Floyd Hall, you can attend a 20-minute drop in session or schedule a one-hour appointment through Handshake by clicking the link below.

students gathered around text book in Floyd Hall

Schedule your campus visit

Request info

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