Welcome First Year students to McMaster Engineering! You are now officially a member of the Fireball Family and beginning a journey towards a career in the Engineering profession. You are part of a community that promotes engagement, diversity, and inclusion.
We are delighted to introduce for the first time in Fall 2020 a new teaching and learning approach to First Year Engineering: ENGINEER 1P13 . In this integrated experiential learning experience, replacing traditional engineering courses, you will learn engineering fundamentals, develop practical skills, and learn how to apply your knowledge to real life situations through a series of five cornerstone design projects that cover a variety of key topics relevant to all engineering disciplines.
While much of the future is unknown as a result of COVID-19 one thing we do know is that the Fall 2020 term is set to take place entirely online. Over these past few months, our First Year Engineering team (faculty, staff and senior undergraduate students) have been working hard to deliver a safe and rewarding integrated experiential learning course for you all in a virtual setting! We will be using Microsoft teams to connect you with your peers for collaboration as well as offer virtual real-time interactive design studios, labs and lectures.
We understand that the transition to Level I can be very challenging, but we want to position every student in this community for success. In doing so, there are many options available to help you navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
The Faculty of Engineering’s Experiential Learning Office, which includes the First Year Engineering team, provides support personnel and services specifically designed to assist first year students. Our office is located in the Engineering Technology Building (ETB); please stop by to say hi once in-person classes resume.
For assistance or academic advice please contact Mr. Nathan Butterworth, the Engineering I Advisor. He is available by e-mail at butterw@mcmaster.ca.
Student Affairs offers a number of supports for all McMaster students. If you need support for a diagnosed disability or disorder, please refer to Student Accessibility Services. The Student Success Centre provides convenient access to an array of student services in the areas of Career and Employment, Transition and Academic Success, and Community Service- Learning, Civic Engagement and Leadership. The Student Wellness Centre provides support to the whole student - mind, body, spirit through a range of wellness services such as personal and psychological counselling, medical and health services, and wellness education resources.
And finally, the McMaster Engineering Society (MES), a group you are now part of and one of the largest student groups on campus, is available to support you academically, professionally, and socially.
Although your first year will look different than anticipated, know that our top priority remains the same: to introduce you to the engineering profession; provide you with fundamental engineering skills; and offer guidance and support as you navigate first year of University.
I wish all of you a successful and memorable first year of engineering,
Dr. André Phillion
Director, Experiential Learning in the Faculty of Engineering
Associate Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
