Strategies to Enhance Recruitment and Retention of Biology Majors

在美国，科学，技术，工程和数学领域的毕业生在全国范围内短缺，该项目通过增加生物科学领域毕业的学生人数来帮助解决这一短缺问题。 以下保留活动正在实施：1）一个学分新生研讨班，教学生如何有效地学习科学; 2）一个学分的应用程序课程的四个生物学课程的每一个专业采取在该计划的前两年，让学生学习应用困难的概念在一个小团体; 3）金钱激励留在生物学计划; 4）学生参与与教师导师的深入研究; 5）扩大团体活动，以增加社区意识; 6）将来自代表性不足的群体的科学家纳入其中，作为榜样;以及7）增加与少数民族学生校园服务的互动。 正在实施的新的招生战略包括：1）增加与高中和社区大学的沟通; 2）增加教师和潜在学生之间的个人接触; 3）增加周边地区高中生的活动。 正在评估这些招聘和保留活动的有效性，并将其传达给各机构的STEM学科。

There is a nationwide shortage of graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields in the U.S. This project is helping to address this shortage by increasing the number of students graduating in the Biological Sciences area. The following retention activities are being implemented: 1) one credit freshman seminar classes that teach students how to study science effectively; 2) one credit Applications courses for each of the four Biology courses that majors take in the first two years of the program that allow students to learn to apply difficult concepts in a small group; 3) monetary incentives to stay in the Biology program; 4) engagement of students in intensive research with faculty mentors; 5) expansion of group activities to increase the sense of community; 6) inclusion of scientists from underrepresented groups to serve as role models; and 7) increased interactions with minority student campus services. The new recruiting strategies that are being implemented include: 1) increased communication with high schools and community colleges; 2) increased personal contacts between faculty and potential students; and 3) increased activities for high school students from surrounding areas. The effectiveness of these recruitment and retention activities is being assessed and communicated to STEM disciplines at various institutions.