Changes in a first-year technical writing class to support student success and retention in engineering and applied sciences

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (IME) 1020, Technical Communication, is a first-year technical communication course designed for first-year College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) students at Western Michigan University (WMU). The course meets the university´s General Education Writing Proficiency One requirement and is part of the core pre-engineering/pre-engineering technology program. Beginning with discussions amongst STEM faculty on how best to aid student retention while meeting course outcomes, the course coordinator has instituted a series of changes to the course syllabus and requirements including an emphasis on career exploration and development, research writing, and lifelong learning awareness. IME 1020 has also become an anchor course for the STEP (STEM Talent Enhancement Program) Learning Communities where interaction with faculty, and programs emphasizing early intervention and academic etiquette are contributing positively to an increase in first-year student retention rates.