Creating a Community for Incoming Freshmen

They learned slacklining on the beach. They built structures out of KNEX and got to test them on a miniature shake table. They built towers out of spaghetti and marshmallow. But more importantly, they met people who will become their best friends over the next four years.

Dozens of incoming freshmen who are IDEA Scholars took part in the Summer Pre-Engineering Program (PrEP) organized by the IDEA Student Center. The program's goals include fostering a sense of community; preparing incoming students academically; smoothing the transition between high school and college; building awareness of campus programs and resources; and inspiring students.

This year's program for incoming freshmen took place July 30 to Aug. 3. Some pictures of the fun below.
Next up are incoming transfer students, who will take part in a shorter program Aug. 14 to 16.