High-impact practices

Helios icon
The helios icon, inspired by the sculpture on campus, is the symbol of our five high-impact practices of student success.

A major objective of the College of Engineering's strategic plan is to sustain a vibrant culture of learning and discovery so every student gains the technical and personal skills needed to embark on a successful career. To achieve this, the dean introduced the five high-impact practices of student success. They are:

Hands-on experience
Our students apply lessons learned in the classroom to team-based simulations. They research, incorporate design fundamentals and procedures, test and retest solutions, and learn how to succeed and sometimes fail in a safe, productive learning environment.

Global perspective
American companies have traditionally held a competitive advantage around the globe. Today, that dominance is in question. Engineers must be prepared to navigate their way in diverse cultures around the globe. The college recently established partnerships with engineering and computer science schools in China, the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria to benefit our students. Research, internship and study abroad opportunities are increasing annually.

Undergraduate research
Engineers must address challenges of daunting complexity, such as developing steady sources of renewable energy, rebuilding cities with sustainable methods and materials, jumpstarting the economy with new technology and products, and finding new ways to diagnose and treat major diseases. In the College of Engineering, undergraduate students tackle these challenges through multidisciplinary and translational research, learning principles and theories in the classroom and applying that knowledge in the laboratory under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

Co-ops and internships
In the rapidly changing era, engineers now work as interdisciplinary teams defined by diverse and evolving environments. It's critical for engineering students to understand how to succeed on the job from day one. We encourage every student to gain real-world experience through co-ops and internships with some of the most well-known corporations and institutions in the world. Our proximity to firms with global headquarters in Southeast Michigan and across the state gives our students a competitive advantage for engineering and computer science careers.

Community engagement
Engineers play a pivotal role in revitalizing and sustaining their communities through research and innovation. College of Engineering students lead in their community by introducing local children to career opportunities in science and technology fields. They are involved in a variety of K-12 programs such as the Detroit-Area Pre-College Engineering Program and the Department of Computer Science's summer camps.