Connect | Lead | Inspire | Mentor | Belong

Sponsored by Marathon, the Pre First-year Academic and Career Engagement (PREFACE) Program is a multi-level program designed to develop our pre-first-year students into high-performing students who are confident, efficient, and results-driven engineers through a holistic approach toward academic and professional success in the engineering environment at The Ohio State University College of Engineering and beyond. More importantly, we want our PREFACE participants to learn life skills and pay it forward by becoming productive citizens. In order to help build community and development for Buckeye engineers to strive towards excellence, LEAP (Learning Community for Engineers, Architects and Planners) is our residential hall for all incoming PREFACE participants.

Learn more about PREFACE

We understand that choosing a specific engineering major can be daunting, especially when there are so many exciting paths to explore. If you are unsure about which engineering major to choose and are open to learning new things, this program is for you. 

The Exploring Engineering Pathways program offers a unique first-year experience that combines classroom learning and industry engagement, allowing students to feel well-informed and confident as they enter engineering.  Students are enrolled in a specially formatted engineering survey course (ENGR 1100) that includes experiential learning, field trips to industry partners, and networking with engineering faculty and alumni.  

Structured Exploration: guidance and support to explore direct enrollment major to Business Analytics, Computation, and Systems Integration; Biotechnology, Biosystems, Pre-med; Robotics, Space Systems, and Materials; or Sustainability, Energy, and Infrastructure.  Each themed pathway presents unique courses and co-curricular opportunities, allowing you to find a path that best aligns with your interests and passions. A first-year experience that reflects the multidisciplinary nature of engineering. Content, discipline, and profession. 

Engaged Learning: Engineers are at the forefront of addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges, such as advanced manufacturing and materials, healthcare, biotechnology, and infrastructure development. Through engaging lectures and hands-on projects, you will develop critical thinking skills and learn how to apply engineering principles to real-world problems. The program will also facilitate early connections with industry partners and alumni serving in engineering roles aligned with the exploration themes.  

Special note about the AU 2024 pilot - The pathways programming is in the BETA phase; student feedback will be collected throughout the for continuous improvement.   All students will have a support team with an assigned academic advisor (including the academic advisor from the major or pre-major they selected on their application), CARE and EASE staff, and an alumni mentor from one of the Explore Pathways to empower you inside and outside of the classroom. 

Please email Mary Leist ([email protected]) for more details.

ACCELERATE is a summer program designed to empower current students in their pursuit of academic success in their College of Engineering experience.

During a 3-day residential program, students work with CARE staff and university partners to improve their path to collegiate success by exploring course-specific study skills and engaging in workshops that reinforce foundational knowledge and boost their overall academic confidence. Following the residential program, students enroll in one core engineering course during the summer semester and receive supplemental course instruction from CARE’s peer academic coaches.

Interested in participating? APPLY by February 21st, 2025.

ACCELERATED REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) Boot Camp is a yearly event during the autumn semester. 

Email Gisell Jeter-Bennett, PhD ([email protected]) with any questions.

In collaboration with Computer Science and Engineering, the College of Engineering Community, Access, Retention and Empowerment Office (CARE) partnered with our OHI/O Program to sponsor its first Hackathon. CARE Hackathon is a beginner-friendly competition that is open to diverse prototypes. From LoFi, or high Tech, Low Code/ No Code like Figma or High Code like Full Stack building. Try something new and stretch your skills. 

The CARE Hackathon provides a fun, supportive environment! Designed for first—and second-year students (or any student who has never participated in a hackathon before), the event is focused on exploring new skills, building confidence, and creating something extraordinary. This year’s theme is about improving campus life for new students. Whether it was an app to help freshmen navigate campus, a tool to connect students, or a platform to reduce stress, their ideas could inspire fundamental changes on campus.

Details for AU 2025 TBD

Contact Dr. Parker.86 for more details

Wellness is an integral part of a student’s academic success. Engineering Wellness workshops and events are focused on establishing healthy physical and mental wellness routines. Previous events include yoga classes, rock climbing, boxing, meditation workshops and our annual Cookies and Canvas event.