This past fall, the Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) department hosted over 115 first-year students as part of the ENGR 10 Freshman Orientation course’s Exploring Majors event. The event provided students with an opportunity to discover how Civil and Environmental engineers address critical challenges, from designing safer structures to promoting sustainable practices.
The ENGR 10 course, a cornerstone of the College of Engineering’s first-year curriculum that is also part of the Complete Engineer® Program, encourages students to explore various engineering disciplines, reflect on career outcomes, and engage with departments. Through events like those hosted by the CEE department, students gain exposure to diverse fields while connecting their studies to broader industry applications.
During the CEE events, students interacted with faculty at both the City and Scott campuses. Highlights included hands-on demonstrations led by Prof. Andrew Loken from the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility (MwRSF) and Prof. Kaycie Lane from the Environmental Engineering Lab. These activities illustrated how engineers innovate to improve infrastructure safety and advance sustainable environmental solutions. Faculty also provided interactive talks that underscored the societal impact of civil and environmental engineering.
Students from a variety of majors attended the event, as participation was not limited to those studying civil or environmental engineering. Attendees were tasked with reflecting on their experiences, connecting the event to their career aspirations, and identifying overlaps between their own fields of study and the featured discipline.
One student noted, “I didn’t realize how much overlap there is between environmental engineering and my major in mechanical engineering. It was inspiring to see how their work directly impacts sustainable living.” Another shared, “The hands-on demonstrations helped me visualize the real-world impact of engineering decisions.”
The Exploring Majors module is an integral part of ENGR 10, with objectives that include engaging with engineering departments, reflecting on career opportunities, and developing non-technical skills emphasized in the Complete Engineer Competencies. Through departmental events like these, students are encouraged to view their academic journey as part of the larger engineering landscape.
The CEE department’s efforts exemplify how academic events can inspire students while showcasing the diverse opportunities within engineering. By fostering connections between students and faculty and offering engaging activities, the department contributes to a college-wide initiative to support students’ academic and professional growth.
