Incoming Student Information & Application

The MESA University Program is a UCSB undergraduate retention program for students who are first-generation college students in STEM majors. For summer 2020, we are launching the MESA Successful Transition Program (M-STP) to help prepare incoming freshmen and transfer students to succeed in their first year courses, learn about all the great resources available at UCSB, network with other UCSB students and alumni and industry partners.

M-STP is a 3-week transition program for incoming first-year students and transfer students in the STEM fields. The aim of the program is to expose students to academic rigor along with the ability to access and to leverage campus resources. The 2020 Program will be held virtually from August 31st to September 18th with live virtual activities and courses.

Program Activities and Information

  • 50 Spaces are Available
  • Short Courses in:
    • Python & MATLAB
    • Math & Physics
    • Technical Writing
    • College Success
  • Virtual Seminars with:
    • Industry Professionals
    • Alumni & Faculty
  • Virtual Community Building Activities
  • Mini Project Competition
  • Virtual Activities with Current Undergraduates
  • Academic Courses Taught by UCSB College of Engineering Graduate Students

 

If you have questions about the program please contact the MESA staff or view the following video of the info session we held on June 23, 2020 where we provided a more detailed overview of the program and answered questions students had.

Please view the live info session recording at the following link:

Application Information & Requirements

Eligibility

  • Students pursuing any STEM major are welcome to apply
  • Students who participated in MESA at their high school or community college are highly encouraged to apply
  • Students who are first-generation college, meaning neither of your parents have a 4‐year degree, are eligible to apply


Your completed application is due by 5:00 PM on Monday, August 10, 2020. Please use the following link to submit your application:
https://tinyurl.com/mesaucsb-stp

 

Undergraduate Mentor Application

The MESA University Program is seeking caring, dedicated STEM undergraduates to serve as program teaching assistants for the 2020 MESA Successful Transition Program (M-STP). M-STP aims to prepare incoming freshmen and transfer students to succeed at UCSB in their STEM majors.

Role of an M‐STP Mentor

  • Serve as a teaching assistant to a graduate student teaching a course
  • Facilitate virtual community-building activities
  • Engage participates regularly in a virtual capacity
  • Be comfortable with subject matter for academic courses (Programming (MATLAB, Python, etc.), Math/Statistics, and Physics) you are assigned to
  • Tutoring support for daily assignments through open office hours
  • Be available on the weekends during the program
  • Provide guidance on group projects and discussions

Responsibility of an M‐STP Mentor

  • Have excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Have effective program management and strong organizational skills
  • Have demonstrated skills and ability to establish and maintain a working relationship with others
  • Have the ability to work both independently or in a group/team effort
  • Be able to collaborate with students on a one-on-one basis and in small groups in various capacities
  • Be able to maintain accurate records, monitoring student progress, making program announcements, facilitating activities, and other related tasks as assigned by the MESA/OEP staff
  • Be able to perform clerical work, such as data entry and supply organizing/distribution of information
  • Be able to encourage and support the students in a positive and enriching learning environment and serve as a role model to support and achieve the program’s mission and vision

M‐STP Mentor Eligibility and Information

  • Must be an enrolled UCSB undergraduate in good academic standing in a STEM major OR a recent UCSB STEM graduate (graduating no earlier than June 2020)
  • Have a strong foundational knowledge in at least one of the core subject areas being addressed in the program (Physics, Calculus I, Probability & Statistics and Programming (MATLAB, python, etc.)


To apply to be a 2020 M‐STP Mentor, please use the link below to complete your application by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, July 8, 2020:
https://tinyurl.com/mesaucsb-mentor20