Orientation Leader Information for NACOE

NACOE Overview

Question 1:

Please provide a brief overview of the college/department. This may include the number of majors, who comprises the advising team, what facilities are associated with the programs, and any other noteworthy details.

Question 2:

What is the most important thing new freshmen should know about your college/department before entering it?

1. We are focused on creating an academic community. We want students to come, engage, find their interests, be challenged, and feel supported through these experiences. But THEY are the master of their engagement…meaning, we need them to regularly come through our doors so we can get to know them. When they least feel like talking to someone, THAT’s when they should be walking in the door of their college (NACOE) or their department and saying hello or asking a question like…”Where is the student center or lab for your department?” We can’t help if we don’t know them, and we want to know them.

Question 3:

What is the recommended set of courses for a first-time entering student?

1. Each major flowchart shows the recommended courses for that major in the first semester.
2. These include: 1 math class, 1 science class, 1 writing or university seminar course, and 1-2 courses from the following areas: IA/RA, D, IH, and IS.
3. EMEC 100 and ETME 100 are Fall only courses
4. ECHM 100 and EBIO 100 are Fall only courses.

Question 4:

What CORE categories are fulfilled in the curriculum?

1. What CORE categories are required students take?
   1. W, US, Q, IN, CS, & R CORE areas are directed by major requirements.
   2. IA/RA, D, IH, and IS are required to meet University requirements. Popular courses in these areas are available on the General Engineering sample flowchart
2. Are there common courses that are recommended or align well?
   1. If a student can see how the topic of a course aligns with their interests, then it is recommended. For example, an electrical engineering student may not wish to take a music or drawing class to fulfill the IA/RA core, but they may see the value of a web design course which also fulfills the same requirement.

Question 5a

What is the required math sequence for students entering this curriculum?

1. 1. It is VERY important that students understand they can start from ANY math level and complete a degree in engineering or computer science. We do not have a required math sequence start. A fundamental value of our college is to inspire the next generation of Norm Asbjornson who started his mechanical engineering degree from Level 1 math. Students continue to do the same today.
   2. Academic advising for developing tailored plans of study is provided for students whose experience will including additional math and science courses.

Question 5b

What criteria should we use when advising students on which math class to take?

1. Encourage students to take the math class they have the highest probability of earning an “A” in. This is usually the one identified through the Math Department’s assessment.
2. The first semester is a fire hose of new experiences and challenge is a good thing. However, beginning a math course with a review that looks familiar is going to be less overwhelming than if none of the material is recognized.

Question 6

Do any of your required courses have math prerequisites?

1. Yes, please reference flowcharts for majors.
2. If so, how to you suggest we advise students who do not meet this requirement their freshman year?
   1. Students will work with the academic advisors in their units to re-organize their plan of study for their math start. In some departments, an additional advisor will work with students starting in Math Levels 100 - 300.

Question 7

Outside of WRIT 101w, are they any required writing courses that students must take?

1. Most engineering majors require a credit-bearing writing course. Civil engineering, construction engineering technology, and computer science majors require 2 credit-bearing writing courses. Check the flowchart or course requirements for the major

Question 8

What supportive courses do you recommend students take to enhance their degree program?

1. For engineering and computing majors, it is better for students to focus on the foundational courses for their major. Ways to enhance degree programs will become more relevant during their Sophomore and Junior years. This is a good time for students to consider opportunities like the International Engineering Certificate and finding one student organization in their college/department to engage with regularly during their Freshman year.
2. If ANY student is adding an ROTC program to their degree curriculum, they are part of the NACOE and supported through the NACOE-ROTC Community Program. They will take courses aligning with their ROTC program (Army or Air Force) and will be invited to attend Zero Days which is a signature NACOE-ROTC Community event to orient Freshman to MSU and ROTC. 

Question 9

What are common minors or certificates that students pair with this curriculum?

Question 10

Is there a gate or any portfolio or GPA requirements to get accepted into 2nd year or upper division classes in this college/department?

1. There are no gates or portfolio reviews in the NACOE. Admission is determined through acceptance to MSU.

Question 11

During the summer Orientation sessions, there will be a large block of time for advising students. How do you imagine Orientation Leader’s assisting during this time?

1. Each department will answer this relative to their needs.
2. CHBE department will be in touch with their assigned orientation leader prior to the first orientation to review flowcharts and role during academic advising session.
3. Basically:
   1. Sharing your experience
   2. Moving student groups to their meeting areas – crowd control
   3. Answer questions, help with DegreeWorks, Cat Course, etc.
   4. Letting students know where to start to find answers (NACOE Online Advising Center, academicd epartment, the NACOE Dean’s Office)

Question 12

Are there any major revisions to your programs in the 2023 catalog? Are there any noteworthy changes or revisions to your college/department as a whole that I should know about?

1. There are no big changes to NACOE programs.

Question 13

What tutoring or other academic support services does your college/department offer to its students?

1. NACOE Online Advising Center (even if you didn’t use this, become familiar with it and promote this as the place to start to find help or ways to engage with the college)
   • Academic Help
     • MSU Campus Academic Resources
     • Peer Recommended Online Resources
     • College Knowledge
     • Connecting with your NACOE Community

Question 14

What student organizations does your college/department have?

1. This NACOE Student Organizations list is not exhaustive. Some groups are affiliated with research labs.

Question 15

Is there anything else you would like me to know before summer Orientation?

1. You are the student expert at Montana State.
2. Be the best example of good student behavior you can be.
3. Show your group how to have fun while remaining responsible for their decisions and experience.