First Year Engineering Tips

Here are some tips for first year engineering students adapted from the article "Surviving Engineering School" from Richard M. Felder, North Carolina State University, Chem. Engineering Education, 37(1), 30–31 (2003).

1. Go to Class
Attendance is important, but so is participation. Pay attention in class and ask questions when you don't understand something. Chances are someone else has the same question.

2. Use Office Hours
Visiting Professors and T.A.'s during office hours allows you to ask questions and get clarification on assignments.Could you give an example of how you would use that formula?" "Could you sketch what that (device, solution, plot) might look like?" "Where did that equation you just wrote come from? Never ask your instructor for help on a problem until you have made a serious effort to solve it by yourself.

3. Study with a group
Working with others helps you ask questions and figure things out. Studying together with peers can show you ways to solve problems. Outline problem solutions by yourself first and then work out the details in your group. Get group members—especially the weaker ones—to explain all completed problem solutions before ending a problem-solving session.

4. Do your Homework
Completing your homework on time help you prepare for exams. If you are having difficulty, seek out help from a tutor or T.A. Start early: waiting until two days before the final exam probably won’t cut it.

5. Use the Engineering Library (scan your ID to use the library 24 hrs.) http://engineering.library.nd.edu/

6. Math Library Tutors are available to help you with any type of math.
http://mathematics.library.nd.edu/about/tutors.shtml

7. Find a good study spot
There are lots of great places to study on campus, but branch libraries like Engineering, Math, and Chemistry Physics are favorites for being quiet places. The lower level of Hesburgh is also nice and quiet!

8. Make an exam schedule
Don't stress about tests! Make a calendar of exams and study for one at a time.

9. Ask questions
If you can't figure something out on your own, seek out an expert. Professors, grad students, librarians, or professional engineers can be a great resource for students.

10. Believe in yourself!

ACM Digital Library Institution Bibliometrics

The ACM Digital Library now provides institutional bibliometrics profiles. Check out the University of Notre Dame's Profile!

http://dl.acm.org.proxy.library.nd.edu/inst_page.cfm?id=1017072&CFID=42848082&CFTOKEN=22418365

Knovel University Challenge

The Knovel University Challenge begins today! Answer 3 questions correctly and enter to win an iPad, cash, or other great prizes!

http://www.knoveluniversitychallenge.com/

Free Math Tutoring

The O'Meara Mathematics Library is pleased to announce that starting on Sunday, September 11, a mathematics tutor will be available from 7pm to 10pm in the Math Library. The plan is to have a tutor available from Sundays thru Thursdays, 7pm – 11 pm.

Tutors are available to help *any* undergraduate who's having trouble with mathematics.

Tutoring can be scheduled for an individual or a small group for half-hour sessions. Interested students can email (mathlib.1@nd.edu) or phone (631-7278) the O'Meara Mathematics Library to schedule a time. If a time is arranged in advance there will be a better chance of getting help at the time needed.

Students are asked to provide their names and the name of their class. It would also be help to explain briefly what sort of help they're looking for. Specifics will give the tutor time to prepare in advance of the session.

The tutors will also try to accommodate drop-in students.