Breaking Barriers: Fostering STEM Belonging and Success through Early Student-Faculty Interactions

Fairmont State University’s College of Science and Technology has hosted a variety of events aimed at removing the barriers between students and faculty. Two events in particular targeted incoming freshmen – a bridge program and the SciTech Social. In August 2023 and 2024, a bridge program was held for a select group of first-generation and underrepresented incoming freshmen. The students were invited to move onto campus early, and over the course of three days engaged in activities aimed to prepare them for the semester, including workshops on study skills and networking with college faculty. Survey data indicated that after the program, students felt more comfortable interacting with faculty, were more knowledgeable of academic resources, and had a higher sense of belonging at college and in STEM. Since the Fall 2022, the college has implemented the “SciTech Social”, a picnic during the first week of the fall semester aiming to promote early student-faculty interactions for all incoming freshmen. During the event, students and faculty mingled over lunch, used BINGO cards to encourage conversations, and explored STEM clubs at informational tables. The event has grown annually, with increasing participation and positive feedback from attendees. Survey data suggested that students who attend are more likely to engage with faculty throughout the semester, attend office hours and tutoring sessions, and participate in student organizations. These early opportunities for student-faculty involvement help students feel less intimidated by their professors, which may significantly impact the likelihood of student academic success and persistence in STEM majors.