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It's a
Celebration
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Sue
Lasser, director of Clemson University's PEER Office, has reason
to celebrate. Numbers show that the retention-to-graduation
rate for African-American freshmen in the College of Engineering
and Science (CoES) at Clemson is on a par |
with the rate
for all CoES freshmen. In fact, since 1993, the six-year graduation
rate for all first-time CoES freshmen has averaged 47.75% - while
the corresponding rate for black first-time freshmen is 48.25%. The
six-year rate is based on students who graduate or continue enrollment
in their major. "This is an amazing accomplishment," Lasser
says with a smile. "These numbers speak volumes about the hard
work Clemson minority students undertake to reach their goals."
"What's
most impressive," said Stephen Melsheimer, associate dean for
undergraduate studies, "is how Clemson compares nationally."
A recent study by the Center for Institutional Data Exchange at
the University of Oklahoma indicates that the six-year discipline-specific
graduation rates for all freshman science, math, engineering and
technology majors is 44.7%. The national average for African-American
freshmen is 27.3%, 21 points behind Clemson's CoES rate of graduation.
Prior to the establishment of the university's Programs for Educational
Enrichment and Retention [PEER] program in 1987, Clemson's African-American
engineering graduation rate was near the national average.
Since 1987,
the office has been committed to improving the academic performance
of underrepresented students in the College of Engineering and Science.
The award-winning program is designed to help minority students
achieve excellence in their chosen fields. "It's important
to acknowledge our corporate partners," noted Lasser. "People
like Duke Energy, Fluor-Daniel, General Electric, and others provide
critical support."
"Clearly,
PEER makes the difference at Clemson," said Melsheimer. All
new PEER undergraduates are assigned to a PEER mentor -- a junior,
senior or graduate minority student in the College of Engineering
and Science. Mentors organize study groups, sponsor social activities
and acquaint first-year students with academic life at the university.
PEER also offers personal counseling, tips on study skills and time
management, and assists with career planning.
PEER students
also have the advantage of general support services available within
the college and the university as a whole. "The College of
Engineering and Science wants ALL of our students to succeed,"
observes Lasser. "Student support personnel in the academic
departments, in general engineering, in the Women in Science and
Engineering (WISE) program, and across campus - everyone plays a
crucial role in helping them do just that."
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