STEM Basecamp

STEM Basecamp

Prior to the start of the Fall 2021 semester, the College of Science and Technology hosted 40 incoming freshman students at STEM Basecamp,an intensive five day program specifically designed to help first-year STEM students make a successful transition to college. STEM Basecamp participants developed skills and learned strategies for success as well as reducing the stress of the first semester at Tarleton. During the five-day program, students participated in classes to help them be successful in their first mathematics course (college algebra or precalculus math) and the first course in their specific degree program (biology, general chemistry, physics, intro to computer science, etc). In addition, the students were provided resources for STEM Readiness which provided them with tips and techniques to test preparation, study habits, time management, how to communicate with faculty, and much more. More than 15 COST faculty and staff participated in the various sessions sharing their knowledge of STEM as well as their passions for teaching undergraduate STEM students. The program also incorporated a team-building excursion to the Tarleton Challenge Course and several social activities including game night, trivia night, and a show at the planetarium. Based on the feedback from the faculty and staff as well as an exit survey of the STEM Basecamp participants, the program was a huge success and accomplished many our initial goals. We will continue to track the participants over the coming years to look for long term impacts on student retention and graduation as well as other success markers. We have already begun planning for next year’s event where we hope to grow the number of participants!!