March 2026 Statler Circuit: Department Digest and Awards

Pick 5: Connect Across Units - Fundamentals of Engineering

As part of our ongoing effort to strengthen engagement relationships across our college and create a more collaborative, friendly environment, we are excited to introduce a new initiative called “Pick 5: Connect Across Units”! This initiative is designed to spotlight different academic units to learn more about each other’s work, explore potential collaborations, and build stronger connections. As part of the inaugural spotlight, we are featuring Fundamentals of Engineering! Learn with us about this academic unit!

1. What is a signature course, project, or experience your faculty and staff love?
   ENGRFest, a Fundamentals of Engineering Program (FEP) signature event, is a Statler College& organization fair connecting entering first-year students with many exciting Statler College student organizations and resources that may help them succeed throughout college. For the& more than 40 student organizations who participate, it is& an opportunity to recruit new members. Over& 900& students participate in this event each year.
2. What is one thing faculty and staff appreciate about working in this academic unit?
   The FEP Team appreciates one another and works as a family focusing on the best interests and opportunities for each other and the students we serve.
3. Coffee, tea, or snacks: what fuels the team during busy times?
   All of the above!& The FEP team& is fueled by delicious snacks and drinks,& donated by team members. We always have drinks available along with a popcorn machine and other snacks to satisfy hankerings. Our goodies are available for our team and our students who may need a drink or snack to get through their day. We welcome everyone to stop by!
4. What’s your favorite season on campus—and why?
   We love the Fall! We enjoy& the excitement of the new academic year, starting with our FEP& pre-semester student orientation event, and welcoming hundreds of new and returning students. We also appreciate the beautiful Fall foliage!
5. What’s one fun thing faculty and staff wish more people knew about the work happening in your unit? OR What’s& an example of behind-the-scenes work that makes a big impact?
   The FEP lobby is always decorated, fun, and inviting.& Plus, we have& many& fun engagement activities, including game night, speed networking, ice cream socials, bingo, Friendsgiving, field trips, the& Academy of Engineering Success (summer bridge program), AND MORE!

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