General Engineering Advising and Academic Success Notes

General Engineering Advising and Academic Success

General Engineering Advising Leadership Team

  • Edwin Aguilar: Assistant Director for Advising Services.
  • Darcy Crumpacker: Undergraduate Advising Coordinator.
  • Garrett Brownfield: Undergraduate Advising Coordinator for Academies.

Texas A&M Campus General Engineering Advisors

  • Your assigned advisor is accessible through your Navigate student app.
  • You can meet with any available advisor, even if they are not your assigned one, especially if your assigned advisor is booked, out sick, or on vacation.

Advising Office Hours (Through October 31)

  • Monday - Thursday:
    • In-person and Virtual Appointments: 08:30 \text{ AM to } 04:30 \text{ PM}.
    • Typical Breakdown: 08:30 \text{ AM to } 11:30 \text{ AM} and 01:30 \text{ PM to } 04:30 \text{ PM}.
  • Friday:
    • In-person and Virtual Appointments (Morning): 08:30 \text{ AM to } 11:30 \text{ AM}.
    • Drop-in Appointments (Afternoon): 01:30 \text{ PM to } 04:30 \text{ PM}.
      • Drop-ins are for quick questions at ZACH 481 or virtually, not full appointments.
  • Scheduling: All sessions can be scheduled through the "Navigate student app" (ensure it's downloaded).
  • Location: ZACH 481.
  • Backup Email: enadvising@tamu.edu for when your assigned advisor is unavailable; this inbox is monitored by all general engineering advisors.

Contacting Your Advisor

  • Official Communication: Always use your official Texas A&M Gmail account. Emails from personal accounts (e.g., Yahoo) may not be answered.
  • Email Signature: Create an email signature including your full name and UIN (University Identification Number) to help advisors quickly access your information.
  • Success Team: Your assigned academic advisor is listed under your "Success Team" in the Navigate application.

Academic Resources

  • Supplemental Instruction (SI) Sessions:
    • Led by peer tutors who have earned an 'A' or 'B' in the course.
    • A good backup plan for supplementing professor or TA instruction.
    • ASC Peer Tutoring: Covers chemistry, physics, and engineering subjects.
      • Website: tx.ag/engrhealth provides comprehensive academic assistance.
  • Math Learning Center:
    • Offers resources like Python videos and other video tutorials.
  • Academic Coaching Workshops (Academic Success Center - ASC):
    • Location: Second Floor of the Pavilion.
    • Covers crucial topics not commonly known by students, such as:
      • Note-taking strategies for math/science classes vs. typical university classes.
      • Optimal study skills, times, and locations based on individual assessments.
  • Blinn Learning Center:
    • Availability: Face-to-face at Rellis Campus, online via Upswing platform.
    • Services: One-on-one advising, assistance with any subject (calculus, science specific).
    • ETAM Application Support: Staff proofread ETAM essays.
    • Testing and Accommodations: Available at the Rellis campus.
  • Blinn Office of Disability Services (ODS):
    • Requirement: Paperwork must be completed at both Blinn and Texas A&M.
    • Texas A&M is the primary institution; complete forms to allow communication between Texas A&M University ODS and Blinn ODS.
    • Location: Smarts Building, Room Suite 230.

Communication Hubs

  • Blinn eCampus:
    • Your primary communication hub; found in your My Blinn portal under "Campus Essentials."
    • Course: "Texas A&M Engineering at Blinn, TE26".
  • Canvas Community Page (General Engineering Academic Advising Resources):
    • Used for quick announcements, resource sharing, event/workshop notifications on the A&M campus, and advising deadlines.

Important Fall Dates

  • Blinn College:
    • September 29: Spring schedule becomes available for viewing.
    • October 3: Deadline for first through eight-week courses.
    • October 20-21: Second eight-week add/drop period.
    • November 26: Holiday.
    • December 2: Q-drop deadline.
  • Texas A&M University:
    • October 13-14: October Break.
    • November 6: Spring registration begins.
    • November 19: Q-drop deadline.
  • More information can be found at the respective institutional links.
  • Note on Blinn Registration: You can view course offerings on September 29, but actual registration for Blinn courses will open on or after November 6 (same as A&M). View the schedule to identify courses on your track sheet.

Program Policies: Probation and Dismissal

  • These policies are based on Texas A&M Student Rules (e.g., tx.ag/studentrules).
  • Terms Defined:
    • Academic Term: A full fall, spring, or summer semester.
    • Partial Term: Embedded (e.g., Blinn's 8-week courses) or in-between regular terms (e.g., Wintermesters, Maymesters). These also count as terms.
  • Program Probation:
    • Triggered by receiving a 'D', 'F', 'Q' (Q-drop), 'I' (incomplete), or 'W' (withdraw) in any math, science, or engineering course at either A&M or Blinn.
    • This applies even if your term GPA is above a 2.0.
  • Academic Probation:
    • Triggered if your term GPA at either Blinn or A&M falls below a 2.0.
  • If on Probation: It's not the end of the world, but immediately contact your advisor for guidance on moving forward.
  • Program Dismissal:
    • Two Consecutive Terms of Probation: Dismissal from the TEAB program (e.g., Academic Probation in Spring, then Program Probation in subsequent Fall due to a 'D' in a math course).
    • Failure to Co-enroll: Dismissal if you do not co-enroll at both Blinn and A&M in any fall or spring semester.
    • Less than 12 Hours: Dismissal if you co-enroll in less than 12 total hours across Blinn and A&M in any fall or spring semester (must be a full-time student).
    • Always reach out to advisors if you have questions or anticipate these situations.

Program Reminders and Requirements

  • First-Year Tracks:
    • In your first fall and spring semesters, you must follow pre-defined tracks. These cannot be broken (e.g., mixing courses from different tracks).
    • Advisors will check your schedule; if tracks are not followed, your schedule will be changed, and a hold placed on your account.
    • Seat Availability: Tracks are removed from the track sheet once courses fill up; register early.
  • Course Location: Math and science courses must be completed at Blinn on the Rellis campus.
  • A&M Coursework: Must register for at least one graded class at A&M per fall/spring semester.
  • A&M Hour Limit: Maximum of 6 hours at A&M. This limit is strict and cannot be overridden.
    • Example: Taking ENGR 216 (2 credit hours) and a core curriculum course (3 credit hours) is 5 hours total. Taking two 4-credit-hour classes would exceed the limit.
    • If ENGR 216 is your only A&M class, your A&M GPA is heavily impacted by its grade.
  • Total Hour Enrollment: Must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 to a maximum of 20 hours combined between A&M and Blinn for fall/spring semesters.
  • Program Duration: A maximum of 4 long semesters in the TEAB program to meet ETAM requirements and transition to your major.
    • This includes your current fall semester, one more fall, and two spring semesters.

ETAM (Entry to a Major) & Transitioning

  • ETAM Deans' Presentations: Deans from the College of Engineering are discussing ETAM in ENGR 102 classes; attend and pay attention for in-depth information.
  • ETAM Timeline:
    • Spring 2024: First potential application for students currently in Calculus I (if they take Calc II, Physics, etc.).
    • Fall 2026: Pre-Calculus students will first apply for ETAM.
    • Spring 2027: The last chance to apply for ETAM (your fourth semester).
  • Summer ETAM Cycles: ETAM is not conducted during the summer semesters.
    • You can take courses counting towards ETAM during summer, but the application cycle is only fall/spring.
    • Summer ETAM is avoided due to potential affordability issues and student availability (work, vacation).
  • Summer Classes: If considering summer classes, consult an advisor to ensure they align with your academic plan and ETAM goals.
  • ETAM vs. Transitioning:
    • ETAM: The process of applying to an engineering major (you select 3 to 5 choices). Acceptance into a major does not automatically make you a full-time A&M student.
    • Transitioning: The process of moving out of the TEAB program and becoming a full-time A&M student. The 6-hour A&M cap no longer applies after transitioning.
  • Criteria for Transitioning: Completion of the calculus sequence for your declared major.
    • Most of the 22 ETAM-eligible engineering majors require up to Calculus III.
    • The TEAB program advises completing the calculus sequence through Blinn for consistency of content, as Blinn professors are aware of prior Blinn learning.
    • Students may remain co-enrolled in their major at A&M, limited to 6 hours, until Calc III is completed.

Things to Consider for Transitioning

  • Calculus III Requirement: Most majors require Calculus III. Since you apply for ETAM before knowing your major, it's generally best to plan for Calc III.
  • 6-Hour Limit: Remember, you're limited to 6 A&M hours until you fully transition.
  • Financial Considerations:
    • Some students opt to complete Calc III at Blinn to save money by remaining co-enrolled longer.
    • Scholarship and financial aid requirements need to be checked for potential impact.
    • Consult with an advisor who can redirect you to specialized financial aid personnel if needed.

Spring Schedules by Starting Math Course

  • For Pre-Calculus Students (currently in MATH 2413 - Calc I):
    • MATH 2413 (Calculus I)
    • CHEM 1409 (General Chemistry for Engineers) - Note: If interested in Biomedical, Chemical, or Material Science Engineering (on a scale of 7 or higher interest), take CHEM 1411 or CHEM 1412 instead, as these majors require more in-depth chemistry.
    • CLEN 261 (The Engineering Profession) - 1 credit hour, pass/fail, taught by industry professionals.
      • Not financial aid eligible, but financial aid will cover if total eligible hours are 12 or more.
    • UCC (University Core Curriculum) on the A&M side - Your graded A&M course.
    • Recommendation: If not pursuing the three chemistry-intensive majors: Calc I, General Chem for Engineers (CHEM 1409), CLEN 261, and a UCC at A&M. Consider a UCC at Blinn only if needed for credit hours or financial aid.
  • For Calculus I Students (currently in MATH 2414 - Calc II):
    • MATH 2414 (Calculus II)
    • PHYSICS 206 (Physics I)
    • ENGR 216 (Engineering 216)
    • UCC (University Core Curriculum) on the A&M side.
    • Note: If interested in Biomedical, Chemical, or Material Science Engineering, take CHEM 1412 at Blinn.
    • Recommendation: For most students not in the three chemistry-intensive majors: Calc II, Physics I, ENGR 216 at A&M, and a UCC at A&M. This strategy helps with ENGR 216 and A&M GPA.
  • For Advanced Students (started in Calc II or Calc III):
    • You will build your own schedule, as specific tracks are less common due to fewer students in these situations.

Tracks and Registration Notes

  • Tracks are for the First Year Only.
  • Track Sheets: Ms. Booth will email track sheets and post them to the eCampus page.
  • Reserved Tracks: Some tracks are reserved for specific populations (e.g., Corps of Cadets, Band, Biomed/Chem/MatSci Engineering interest).
  • No Breaking Tracks: You must follow the assigned track.
  • Simultaneous Registration: Register for both Blinn classes in a track at the same time; the system prevents registering one at a time.
  • Advanced Tracks: If you're in an advanced math track and don't see a specified track, register for the Blinn sections you need on the Rellis campus.
  • Chem 1412: For students in Calc II or Calc III tracks, you must find your own CHEM 1412 section that works with your math and physics courses, as building a track for this can be too restrictive.
  • Physics 216 Override: If ENGR 216 sections at A&M do not fit your schedule (e.g., Calc III, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra students), you can request a PHYS 216 override.
    • Email Jason Voler at jvoler@tamu.edu.
    • Provide a screenshot of your schedule showing registration for physics and math courses.
    • ENGR 216 and PHYS 216 cover the same course content and count equally for ETAM.

Registration Checklist

  • Complete Action Items: Address any outstanding to-do items.
  • Check for Holds: Verify both A&M and Blinn accounts for any registration holds.
  • Check Registration Times/Dates: Blinn registration opens earlier than A&M.
    • A&M registration times are in your Howdy portal under "Registration Readiness" and vary for each student (e.g., 5 \text{ AM to Noon} on the same day).
  • Self-Registration: Unlike NSC, you are now responsible for your own registration.

Payment Information

  • Blinn Payment Deadlines:
    • Non-Financial Aid: December 3.
    • Financial Aid: Estimated January 16 (subject to change, indicated by a question mark).
  • Texas A&M Payment Deadlines: Check the Student Business Services page for official dates.
  • First Day of Classes (Both): January 12.
  • Financial Aid Tips:
    • Texas A&M does not directly pay Blinn. Students receive funds and are responsible for paying Blinn.
    • For A&M financial aid questions, consider visiting the General Services Complex in person rather than relying solely on email or phone for quicker resolution.

Instructor Relationships and Student Development

  • Instructor Relationships: While ideally positive, challenges may arise.
  • Advisor's Role: Advisors empathize but cannot intervene in academic affairs (e.g., change grades, speak to professors/deans).
  • Problem Resolution: Your first step should always be to speak directly with your instructor.
  • Blinn College Policy: If direct communication with the instructor fails, Blinn College has a student complaint policy available upon request.
  • Student Development: Further discussion on this topic is planned (not detailed in this transcript segment).