Computer Science Cohorts in New Student Orientation to Promote Departmental Identification, High Impact Practices

Sarah Hug, Suzie Nicolas, Patricia Morreale, Nohelia Diplan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Sufficiently serving computer science students at minority serving institutions entails systematic communication of the "hidden curriculum"- the unwritten rules and tacit norms of traversing a disciplinary academic space- knowledge that students might learn from those with college-going backgrounds. At Kean University, department-run new student orientation has become a mechanism for integrating new students into the institution as well as into the computer science department's community. The course addressed what Kezar and Holcombe call "Elements of STEM student success", or the needs of students at the intersection of first-generation familial experiences and STEM student college newcomers. In this work in progress experience report, we use data from retrospective pre post surveys to show student participants in the orientation indicate greater intent to engage in High Impact Practices, greater confidence in their major choice, and strong identification with their STEM discipline. The authors discuss how systemic, department level orientation processes at institutions that serve underrepresented student populations can impart academic and career path blueprints that move beyond institutional retention and improve equitable advancements in computing.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRESPECT 2024 - Proceedings of the Conference for Research on Equitable and Sustained Participation in Engineering, Computing, and Technology
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages278-283
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9798400706264
DOIs
StatePublished - 16 May 2024
Event9th Conference for Research on Equitable and Sustained Participation in Engineering, Computing, and Technology, RESPECT 2024 - Atlanta, United States
Duration: 16 May 202417 May 2024

Publication series

NameRESPECT 2024 - Proceedings of the Conference for Research on Equitable and Sustained Participation in Engineering, Computing, and Technology

Conference

Conference9th Conference for Research on Equitable and Sustained Participation in Engineering, Computing, and Technology, RESPECT 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta
Period16/05/2417/05/24

Keywords

  • cohort development
  • diversity and inclusion
  • first year students
  • new student orientation
  • Retention

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