Texas Southern University (TSU) proposes a Science and Technology Enhancement Program (STEP) One-Year Planning Grant to the NSF Historically Black College and University Undergraduate Program (HBCU UP). The objective is to increase the recruitment, retention and graduation rates of students in undergraduate programs in science, mathematics, engineering and technology (SMET) areas through quality enhancements of teaching and student learning at the University. The TSU STEP will achieve this overall objective through four (4) programmatic thrusts: Student recruitment and retention for academic success, Faculty development in teaching and scholarly achievements, Curricular reforms through use of technology, and Assessment and evaluation for sustainability beyond NSF funding. These programmatic thrusts will have measurable goals and timelines to achieve the overall objectives of the TSU STEP.
During this one-year planning period the TSU STEP will develop a comprehensive recruitment and retention plan for science and technology. Industry will become an integral part of the S&T programs trough establishing a Corporate and Professional Advisory Committee for the College of Science and Technology and a discipline specific one for each department. Comprehensive plans to assist faculty teaching with technology and enhancing their research capacity will be developed. Each undergraduate academic program will recommend improvements in their curriculum to enhance the quality of the education. An assessment and evaluation plan will be developed such that the TSU STEP will be sustainable after NSF funding has expired.
