This program is being proposed by Dr. Nouhad Rizk, the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Houston. It will increase retention of undergraduates in computing by creating a “Reboot Lounge”, a welcoming physical space, supporting students as leaders, and co-mentoring freshman and sophomore.  

One-on-one mentoring drives community integration  

Campus life becomes an experience that is just as important for students to build lifelong connections and become their best selves. Clubs and organizations enhance community integration. Being a founder and advisor to many student organizations on campus, I find out that it is not enough to achieve an exceptional student-centeredness and success. The purpose of One-on-One mentoring is implementing a strategic effort to drive community education and integration of the computer science students.  

Studies indicate that formal peer support can be an effective intervention for reducing attrition. Moreover, the findings of engaging students with active community integration are numerous such as students will be more likely to receive good grades, show more active brain development, show improved psychological well-being, improve their leadership skills, and enhance their multicultural awareness. Reducing attrition among first time in college and transfer student could result in a substantial increase in students’ retention in the computer science department. 

This type of co-curricular engagement characterizes benefits for students who embrace it, such as :1) a stronger sense of belonging and inviduality;2) Leadership opportunities; 3) reduce stress of the academic pressure; 4) improvement in community relations. 

Junior and seniors will serve as peer mentors to student participants (sophomores and transfer students. Both mentors and mentees meet regularly as a 1:1 meeting and attend weekly group interview sessions organized by Dr. Rizk.