Virtual program helps first year students gain confidence to succeed

This past August, around 600 McMaster Engineering students participated in EMBER, a new two-week online program that prepared students for their first year.

EMBER, which stands for Engineering Mentorship & Bridging Education Resources, introduced students to foundational concepts of engineering with courses in math, physics and chemistry.

Created by students, for students, course content was delivered through daily live tutorials led by seven upper year engineering students. Self-paced learning modules offered videos, quizzes and interactive simulations.

“We received an overwhelming response to the EMBER program and were excited to support our incoming undergraduate students,” says Associate Dean (Academic) Steve Hranilovic.

“Students now have the confidence and tools they need to be successful in their first year. They start their studies having already developed connections with their peers and upper year students.”

According to a feedback survey of 125students who participated in the program, 96 per cent felt more prepared for first year.

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