MESA University Program
Baskin Engineering strives to maintain an environment that stimulates excellence in scholarship and service along with a commitment to diversity through the coordinated efforts and services of the MESA University Program. MESA is the university level component of the statewide system Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program of the University of California Office of the President. At UC Santa Cruz, MESA is an integral part of Student Excellence, Engagement, and Inclusion and provides advice in academic, career, social and cultural areas for students in the Baskin Engineering community.
MESA provides a variety of academic and personal support to encourage the academic success of aspiring engineering students many of whom are first in their family to attend college, enroll in computer science or engineering programs, or from family backgrounds of limited financial resources and less educational opportunities.
The MESA learning community augments students’ undergraduate experience by encouraging their full participation in services and activities to ensure that students achieve success, and by creating a strong support network that encourages their matriculation into graduate school.
The MESA Success Plan Participation Policy started in 2012-13 with the goal of supporting the undergraduate experience for engineering students. It is important that students actively participate and
engage in various academic, student leadership and professional development activities.
- Academic and personal advising, professional development workshops, faculty and alumni connections
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24-hour access to a dedicated resource/study center, computer lab with printer and internet access
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Tutoring, study groups and tutor employment positions
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Individual lockers, lending library, check-out of scientific calculator for exams
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MESA sponsored events, such as the Student Leadership Conference and lab visits
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Scholarship opportunities, advice on financial support
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SHPE and NSBE student organizations support
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Engineering Summer Bridge program participation (new students), student staff positions
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Community service connections, outreach, student involvement
Eligibility for MEP participation is intended for School of Engineering students who meet two or more of the following:
- are first in their family to attend a four year college/university
- may have limited financial resources or experienced socio-economic challenges (low-income, financial need)
- are from historically underrepresented or marginalized groups who typically do not pursue engineering studies
Students who have participated in pre-university service programs (e.g. Early Academic Outreach, Upward Bound, MESA MSP or MCCP, Talent Search, Puente, DEEP, Smith Scholastic Society, etc.) are encouraged to apply.