A cohort of incoming transfer students was chosen to be part of the Summer Jump Start Program, an initiative for mechanical engineering and computer science and software engineering students to experience life at Cal Poly the summer before their junior year.
Thanks to a $20,000 sponsorship from Chevron to help launch the program, 34 students got a head start on their classes during this five-week program that runs from July 29 to Aug. 30.
This is the second year of the Transfer Student Jump Start Program. Students can take up to six units of introductory courses to put them on track for the fall quarter. They also have the option to live on campus and get acclimated to San Luis Obispo.
Mechanical engineering lecturer Sarah Harding and computer science and software engineering Assistant Professor Stephen Beard are serving as mentors for this year’s group of Jump Start students, a vital role to answer student questions and make sure they feel part of the Mustang family.
“This year, we hosted a variety of sessions that would be useful to the students, including Ask the Chair, Registration Café, Got Help?, the SLO Life and Become a Club Kid,” Harding said.
Each of these sessions provides different resources for transfer students. For instance, during the Registration Café, students brought their computers in, and Harding and Beard helped them register for classes, a process that can be complicated for any student going through it for the first time at a new school.
“If they were unable to get their classes on the first go, we were there to help them all leave with a full schedule,” Harding said.
Members from the Transfer Center also shared information with students during a mentoring session on tools to utilize during their time at Cal Poly.
In addition to providing knowledge on classes and life at Cal Poly, the faculty mentors introduced students to tips only the locals know – where to eat, hike and experience the best of San Luis Obispo.
“I am hoping to complete the Tri-Tip Challenge, visit the Cambria Scarecrow Festival and go to a Cal Poly versus UCSB soccer game,” said computer science student Edson Munoz, who is from Cameron Park, California.
Munoz received an email with information about the Summer Jump Start Program and took the opportunity to apply.
“I’ve learned a lot about the resources and opportunities offered at Cal Poly and was even able to take extra classes that put me ahead on my path to graduation,” he said. “I’ve also made connections with my roommates and cohorts.”
Establishing friendships is a common theme throughout the program, as students get to share classes with others who have similar educational backgrounds.
“I learned that other transfer students are in the same boat when it comes to being nervous about entering a new school and making friends,” said mechanical engineering student Selena Yanez, an Avenal, California, native. “Through the Jump Start Program, I’ve met one of my close friends on the first day of class, and it’s been amazing!”
By Taylor Villanueva
