A new program is encouraging incoming UCLA engineering students to enroll as “Early-Bird Engineers” — taking their basic required classes such as math, chemistry, and general education before their first full academic year begins so they can then concentrate on their major.

The Early-Bird Engineers program includes lunch programs and speakers where new Bruins can meet with engineering faculty, staff, and fellow students to learn more about the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Associate Dean Richard Wesel started the program in collaboration with colleagues from several departments and Summer Sessions.

“Engineering students have particularly demanding and specific academic requirements,” said Wesel.  “This program was created to reach out to these students and encourage them to start their academic careers with summer classes, which can improve their chances of graduating in four years.” 

In the process, students will also become familiar with the campus and with college-level study.

New engineer David Ly, who attended the first Early-Bird lunch on June 24, said that  after only a few days in class, he realized that university study is much more self-guided than high school.

“You have to motivate yourself,” Ly said.

Erkki Corpuz, a student affairs officer in engineering, spoke at the lunch, providing hot tips on succeeding in school. Upcoming lunchtime speakers include Wesel, Malcolm Quon of the UCLA International Education Office, and Aleksandra Mstowska of the Society of Women Engineers.

The program was repeated in Summer Session C, which began August 3.

For more information about the Early-Bird Engineers Program, call Kathleen Micham, (310)825-7370.