Overview

Specialized STEM Student Programs

The Center offers STEM course preparedness and guidance for students interested in science and math courses, which often prove to be challenging. Through specially planned courses and programs CASTLE offers environments in which faculty mentors and student assistants can exchange ideas (LA Program), and opportunities for First Generation and/or Deaf and Hard of Hearing first-year students can acclimate early to the RIT campus through the IMPRESS summer program. Programs offer opportunities to students of all university year levels, grade-point averages, and diverse backgrounds. Special summer programs for rising 8th grade girls (SMASH) builds confidence and curiosity in math and science at an early age.

Learning Assistant (LA) Program

Undergraduate LAs facilitate small-group or other interaction in the classroom. The transformation of science courses involves creating environments in which students can interact with one another, engage in collaborative problem solving, and articulate and defend their ideas. The Learning Assistant (LA) program is based on the model developed at the University of Colorado - Boulder.

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Integrating Metacognitive Practices and Research to Ensure Student Success (IMPRESS)

An educational experience for select RIT students that incorporates metacognition into the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) studies. Open to all students, it is designed especially for First Generation and Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students to integrate them early to the RIT campus and college life while having fun with STEM learning as a group.

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Summer Math Applications in Science with Hands-On Experience for Girls (SMASH)

This summer experience brings rising eighth-grade girls onto RIT's campus for a week-long program comprised of mathematical modeling projects designed to show the usefulness of math in science and everyday life. The program includes hands-on activities developed to explore real world applications of math while building confidence in their math skills. The experience also includes daily recreational activities.

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Professional Experiences for Emerging Researchers (PEER)

PEER provides emerging education researchers with hands-on experience with qualitative research methodologies. RIT is one of three locations (US, Cologne, Rwanda) taking part in PEER 2017. The initiative gathers data during the IMPRESS program, which occurs during the first two weeks of August and then continues with biweekly video meetings throughout the academic year. Now in its fourth year, past PEER participants from institutions all over the US plus Mexico and Germany. Each cohort blends experienced facilitators with junior faculty, undergraduate students, and graduate students from different universities with an emphasis on publications.

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PEER Participant Testimonials

Cologne, Germany PEER

Here's what Cologne, Germany participants are saying:

“In fact, you can profit on all levels, because everybody needs time and space for re-reflection, that is the most valuable thing to do. It is an advantage, that the peers form a heterogenous group, including students and faculty members, so everybody learns more from one another.”

Why participants recommend PEER to their colleagues:

"You learn a lot without being overwhelmed or overburdened by things that are far from reality. Things are very important, nevertheless well presented."
"You feel free to utter your questions and opinions."
"It provides soft skills development and project work skills."
"the focus is on collaboration and networking, which is great"
"You connect with people who share topics/fields/interestes or even better - they have other ideas!"
"You learn amazing things with great methods and teachers, views which you can benefit from. You not only learn for research BUT for life!"
"It helped a lot in the development of my question."
"It helped me to think in more easy and active ways. Furthermore, it helped to build a community."

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