CircLES: a retention program for entering students in engineering, mathematics and science

Summary form only given. Circles of Learning for Entering Students (CircLES) is a comprehensive retention program targeting first-time freshmen and transfer students in engineering, mathematics and science. The goals of CircLES are to: (1) create an environment which emphasizes student success in engineering, mathematics and science through the mastery of life-long learning habits; (2) significantly increase the retention rate of pre-engineering and pre-science students; and (3) develop an integrated approach to retention. We have emphasized four areas in our model: a mandatory college-specific orientation program in the summer prior to matriculation; mandatory placement in learning communities (Clusters) in the first year; strong developmental advising and scheduling; and early intervention. This integrated approach has proved to be highly effective in enhancing the success of our pre-engineering and pre-science students. We discuss the structure and management of CircLES, our orientation strategy, the development and implementation of our Cluster groupings and our aggressive advising and intervention programs. We also discuss the success of the program.