". . . LEAP leaders work closely with a small group of students and help students based on their individual needs."
"[First-year] Engineering students get to work with someone who recently went through the course and are in the same stage of life. [Leap leaders] can mentor students as well as help them through the course."
"I think being a LEAP leader is one of the best jobs on campus for growing professionally. You learn how to communicate clearly, give feedback, guide a classroom, and mentor students. As a LEAP leader you also gain important technical skills as you work with the course material in new and creative ways."
"The leadership and facilitation skills I learned from being a LEAP leader will be relevant to future jobs I will have in the engineering field."
"Being a LEAP leader gives you the chance to have a positive impact on students, by introducing them to the basics of engineering and being a good role model."
Assist fellow students using active learning methods.
LEarning with Academic Partners (LEAP) program is designed to support students in their first-year engineering courses. LEAP leaders plan and lead one active learning session per week to review and emphasize the most difficult material covered in the course.
Practice LEAP techniques in real courses.
The program emphasizes Supplemental Instruction techniques. These sessions integrate how-to-learn with what-to-learn. The program helps students discover appropriate applications of learning strategies as they review difficult course content.
Become a LEAP leader as an undergraduate.
Leap leaders are essential to the success of the LEAP program. Leaders are students who have demonstrated competence in the course and have great facilitation skills. A LEAP leader’s responsibilities include:
- Attending training throughout the semester
- Attending two studio sessions per week
- Planning and leading one LEAP session per week
- Supporting faculty in grading assignments and classroom management
- Collecting program evaluation data
LEAP leaders are provided training through the course:
Pursue a leadership minor or pathway.
LEAP leaders can earn the Leadership minor (IMLE) easily by taking only a few more classes. For more information see the minor requirements under Pavlis Honors College or contact the LEAP program directors.
Interested in becoming a LEAP leader?
Applications for LEAP leader positions open Week 8 and are due Week 10 of each semester. Contact leapadmin-l@mtu.edu to request an application or stop by the Engineering Fundamentals office for more information.
AJ Hamlin
- Teaching Professor, Engineering Fundamentals
- ahamlin@mtu.edu
- 906-487-3047
- Dillman 112B
Amber Kemppainen
- Teaching Professor, Engineering Fundamentals
- amber@mtu.edu
- 906-487-2193
- Dillman 112D