Promoting Student Success: One Pizza at a Time

Every semester the School of Math, Science and Engineering hosts a “Pizza with the Dean” event to encourage students to learn more about the school, the tutoring they offer, and the academic support resources that are available. This semester's event was held on Feb. 21 in the STEM Learning Center in the Science Building (SI) on the Taylorsville Redwood Campus.

The center provides drop-in tutoring in subjects like math, chemistry, biology and more. Students can check in at the front desk and then scan a QR code on tables to be connected with a tutor. In addition to tutoring, the center serves as a quiet study space for individuals or groups. Jevahjire France, a student studying mechanical engineering, said he often comes to the center to "find a comfortable spot by the big windows to do homework or study for tests." Being in the space makes it easier for him to focus and stay awake, he says.

Attendees at the "Pizza with the Dean" event enjoying their pizzas.

A key part of the event was introducing students to the new Student Success Ambassadors program. Led by success coaches Bonnie Ogden and Renee Mixco, six peer ambassadors are available in the center to help guide students to the right resources. Their role is to connect students one-on-one and ensure they are aware of all the academic support options on campus. Bonnie explained, the ambassadors aim to "empower students to take control of their own learning and seek help independently."

For those interested in research opportunities, the center’s director Kamal Bewar, and other faculty were available to discuss the benefits of undergraduate research. Craig Caldwell, dean of the school, shared that students don't become scientists by reading about science, they become scientists by practicing science. And that it is through research how students "become scientists by practicing skills like data collection and analysis." 

Dean Craig Caldwell holding a pizza at the "Pizza with the Dean" event.

Presenting research at the annual Undergraduate Projects and Research Conference (UPRC) in April is a chance for students to showcase their research work and skills, Kamal said. It also improves communication abilities - an important skill for any career. It provides a supportive environment for students to share their work, receive constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers and faculty. The deadline to submit a presentation, project, performance, or research for the conference is March 1.

“The goal of this event is to make sure every school and student participates,” says Kamal, who is chairing and leading the conference. “This is encouraging students to do undergraduate research that will prepare them for the bigger step when they move to four-year institutions or perhaps moving forward to a master's degree. Undergraduate research is the first step for them to initiate their ability.”

For those seeking academic support or research experience, the STEM Learning Center aims to help all students achieve success through their services. Their dedicated staff, including the new ambassadors, are helping ensure peers know where to turn for help. Visit their website for more information. 

While the STEM Learning Center focuses on subjects like math, chemistry and biology, computer science students in need of programming help should visit the Gail Miller School of Business according to Bonnie. They provide specialized tutoring for courses in computer programming involving languages like C++ and Java.