UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - MERCED
RETENTION PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
The UC Merced NSBE Chapter is implementing the Retention Program in full force this semester, because Science and Engineering are disciplines that a number of students struggle with within the chapter. They are striving to raise the grades and academic performance of the students within the chapter, and they committed mentors and mentees who are working toward making this happen.
One of the items they have created to ensure students are receiving the help they need is the NSBE Booster Card which was designed by their Academic Excellence Chair Lacie Pierre. On these cards, members record their attendance through signatures at office hours, tutoring and advisor meetings. They then check the progress of their respective members at every meeting to make sure they are routinely going. Furthermore, both mentors and mentees are required to fill one of these cards out. At the end of the semester, the mentor/mentee pair who has the most signatures will win a prize.
Also Lacie Pierre has created packets for the mentors and mentees that are a part of the Retention Program. The mentor packets contains detailed instructions on what should be covered when they meet with their mentee such as what questions should be asked, time management strategies and personal goals. In the mentee packet, there is a place where the mentee can keep track of their classes, goals for the semester, meeting times with mentors and study tips. Mentees also must attend study nights (seminars) where they will get the questions answered from facilitators, and attend various academic workshops. Each NSBE member is either a mentor or a mentee. The UC Merced NSBE Chapter takes great pride in their member’s academic excellence and wants to see all members ultimately succeed. Through the Retention Program, they hope that their members will be provided with the all the help they need and feel supported throughout the semester.