Strategies to Enhance Recruitment and Retention of Biology Majors

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的毕业生数量来帮助解决这一短缺问题。正在实施以下保留活动：1)一个学分的新生研讨会课程，教学生如何有效地学习科学；2)在项目的头两年，专业上的四门生物学课程每门都有一个学分应用课程，允许学生在一个小组中学习应用困难的概念；3)金钱奖励留在生物学项目中；4)让学生与教师导师一起从事深入的研究；5)扩大小组活动，以增加社区意识；6)吸收代表不足的群体的科学家作为榜样；以及7)增加与少数族裔学生校园服务的互动。正在实施的新招生战略包括：1)加强与高中和社区大学的沟通；2)增加教职员工与潜在学生之间的个人联系；3)增加对周边地区高中生的活动。正在评估这些招聘和留用活动的成效，并将其传达给各机构的科学、技术和经济管理部门。

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.