Student Success & Undergraduate Affairs Update
Summer Scholars Academy Supports Incoming Freshmen
The Summer Scholars Academy came to an end on August 7 with 55 students completing the program. Two goals of the program were to offer participants the opportunity to earn credit for Calculus I and to have their major changed to their first-choice NSM or Engineering major. Thirty-four (61.8%) students earned credit for Calculus 1, were eligible to enroll in Calculus 2, and had their major changed to their first choice in NSM or Engineering effective fall 2025. Fifteen (27.3%) students placed into Calculus 1 in the fall. The remaining participants placed them into precalculus.
On the last day, students participated in an awards ceremony to celebrate the scholars’ accomplishments. Scholars received words of encouragement from administrators, instructors, and the Associate Dean of Curriculum, Instruction and Career Development. In addition to lunch, students received certificates of completion, superlative awards, and academic awards.
SEP Workshop Enrollment
This semester, the Scholar Enrichment Program (SEP) is providing valuable support to 1,291 students enrolled in 19 STEM courses. This assistance comes in the form of 1-credit hour academic excellence workshops, each designed to support students through a structured, collaborative learning environment that fosters both academic excellence and personal development. The program offers a total of 52 workshops, the largest number offered in a single semester, including a newly launched workshop serving students in Anatomy and Physiology 1 (BIOL 2301).
Each workshop is led by a team of two undergraduate peer facilitators who help students engage with challenging material, develop stronger study skills, and stay on track for academic success. In total, there are 103 peer facilitators contributing to SEP’s learning community, each bringing their own experiences and knowledge to help guide and support their fellow students in these workshops.
Office of First Year Programs (OFYP) Updates
Recruitment, Transition, Retention
The OFYP engaged in the following retention-related activities for incoming first-year students:
Coffee & Conversations - The OFYP hosted Coffee and Conversations on Wednesday, September 2. This event provided informal opportunities for first-years and transfers to connect with peers, mentors, and faculty. 56 students attended. 12 SLT assisted with the event. Faculty from Chemistry, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Biology, and Physics were present.
Good Vibes & Game Plans - The OFYP partnered with the NSM Dean’s Advisory Board to host a Good Vibes & Game Plans event on Friday, August 28th. This event provided opportunities for first-years, transfers, and Student Leadership Team (SLT) members to explore career-readiness topics with peers, Dean’s Advisor Board (DAB) members, and industry partners. Activities included intentional group discussion, a gamified professional panel, and informal networking. 12 first-year/transfer students attended. Volunteer and College-level support with 12 Student Leadership Team (SLT) members, 3 Development Officers, and 7 Dean’s Advisory Board members supported the event. Dean Dudley and Associate Deans Pattison and Stokes attended.
Block Party - The OFYP hosted our annual Block Party on Sunday, August 23. This event is a celebratory welcome bash for first-year and transfer students in NSM. Attendance included 275 students, 19 student organizations present, and 42 SLT members volunteering to assist. This event earned a 4.6 star rating (out of 5).
First-Year Seminar - Both sections of the FYS were taught on Monday, August 24th, where each section has 16 students enrolled. The Embedded Tutors were present on the first day, and the OFYP has set up a reoccurring meeting to discuss course facilitation plans throughout the semester. Guest speakers have been solidified for 2 class sections, including the Undergraduate Advising Center and the NSM Career Center.
Student Leadership Team (SLT) Program
Peer Mentorship - 147 first-year and transfer students registered to participate in the OFYP’s Peer Mentorship Program. SLT Mentor-Mentee assignments have been made and engagement has already began through several events.
SLT Summit - The OFYP hosted SLT Summit on August 20-21 for our largest cohort of 63 members. The Summit provided an opportunity for SLT members to practice the materials learned in the Online Modules as well as to bond with other SLT members. SLT Summit also included opportunities for professional development, including a StrengthsFinder 101 Session, providing SLT members information to utilize when mentoring first-year and transfer students in NSM.
Online Modules - The OFYP implemented online training modules to begin training for SLT ahead of the Summit. Modules opened on August 1st and were closed the day before SLT Summit, August 19. These modules included information about NSM and campus resources to prepare SLT members for their volunteer roles in recruitment, academic support, peer mentorship, and social engagement.
Co-Chair Collaboration - The OFYP hosted Co-Chair Collaboration online on Friday, August 14th. This event provided an opportunity for Leadership Council to bond as a team and prepare to lead SLT Summit.
NSM Career Center Updates
The NSM Career Center has engaged in robust employer outreach and student engagement initiatives leading up to the Fall 2026 semester. Key efforts centered on expanding corporate partnerships for the upcoming NSM + Computer Science Career Fair and driving student preparation through high-performing targeted campaigns.
The Career Fair was held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the University Center (USC). Corporate Sponsors included Capco and Sysco. New Participating Employers include Eurofins, ExxonMobil, Fast Enterprises, Nabors,Nova 401(k), Onterris, Patterson-UTI, Sino Biologica, Tetra Tech and Texas First Bank. These new additions significantly broaden the career landscape for our students, introducing diverse opportunities across Biotechnology & Life Sciences, Energy & Oilfield Services, Software & IT Consulting, Environmental & Infrastructure Engineering, and Banking & Financial Services.
Student Preparation & Campaign Highlights - Ensured students presented competitive applications to returning and new employers, the Career Center launched a structured Resume Review campaign on July 13, 2026.
“Goldfish Theme” Resume Campaign - Featured weekly themed outreach targeted at upper class students to encourage resume uploads to HireNSM.
We look forward to sharing final attendance metrics and outcome reports following the event.