First Year Students Starting on the Right Foot
Each academic year, as SEAS celebrates graduating seniors preparing to embark on the next chapter of their professional journeys, the School also focuses on setting up incoming students for success in their chosen fields of study, while actively recruiting future cohorts of engineering and computer science students. This dynamic undertaking requires thoughtful planning and commitment from SEAS faculty and staff, as well as continual adaptation to meet the evolving needs and interests of students.
During the last year, SEAS placed a stronger emphasis on designing events and spaces specifically for first year students, with goals of promoting academic success, fostering a vibrant sense of community, and helping students feel confident in their choice of major.
Another major initiative was rebranding the Innovation Studio in the Bollier Center as the First Year Zone, a dedicated space for studying, socializing, and accessing information about upcoming events. All SEAS first year students received 24/7 access to this zone, with additional enhancements planned for Fall 2025 to further cultivate a welcoming and engaging environment.
The year kicked off with summer orientation, where students participated in a lively Poker Run game. This interactive experience introduced them to people and places essential to their first-year journey: meeting their advisor, Joan Sarles, Interim Dean Shepherd and Dean’s Office staff; exploring the Cadwell Maker Center (photo left), Math Learning Center, and the Manufacturing Technology Center; and connecting with the SEAS IT team to learn about laptop requirements.
It was a dynamic and engaging way to build excitement and set the tone for life as a SEAS student.
Another major initiative was rebranding the Innovation Studio in the Bollier Center as the First Year Zone, a dedicated space for studying, socializing, and accessing information about upcoming events. All SEAS first year students received 24/7 access to this zone, with additional enhancements planned for Fall 2025 to further cultivate a welcoming and engaging environment.
In parallel, SEAS conducted an in-depth analysis of student success metrics, including time to graduation, retention within SEAS majors, and academic performance in core math, science, and engineering courses. These insights are guiding curricular updates aimed at maintaining the school’s high success rates and upholding its commitment to academic excellence. First year programming has expanded to include exciting new experiences such as a SEAS-specific study abroad fair, hands-on design workshops in the Cadwell Maker Center, and club events designed to help students get involved with SEAS organizations from the start.
On the recruitment front, SEAS redoubled its efforts to showcase the exceptional opportunities available to students. On-campus admission events now feature faculty meet-and-greets, tours of the school’s world-class facilities, and engaging conversations with current SEAS students about what makes Gonzaga and SEAS so special. These efforts have already yielded strong results in attracting this year’s incoming class.
