First semester freshman year is tough. For most students, the transition from high school coursework to college academics can be a real shock. Just ask Ryan Biller, an electrical engineering freshman who finished his first semester in December. "Academically, it was a rude awakening," Biller said. "Classes were just hard. I have to work now, not like in high school."

As if this weren't challenging enough, consider the confusion and anxiety that most first-year students experience with their chosen major. Jeremy Stoppelman, a computer engineering junior recalls being scared his first semester at U of I. "I had tougher classes than I ever had in high school, and I didn't really know what to do with this major," Stoppelman said.

In September, the ECE Student Advisory Committee (ECESAC) launched a new student mentor program that aims to help underclassmen successfully make the academic transition to college and understand the requirements and career options affiliated with their ECE major. The voluntary program pairs 80 freshmen with upperclassmen who share their ECE experiences and provide advice on anything from study habits to favorite ECE electives. The mentors and underclassmen typically meet during lunch or communicate through e-mail.

Most freshmen enter college with only a vague idea of what they can do with their major. "Starting out, I knew nothing about EE," Biller said. "I was interested in circuitry and computers, so my high school physics teacher steered me in this direction."

Computer engineering freshman Chris Fava thinks the mentor program is a great idea. His mentor, senior Brian Bruenig, has advised him on job availability, the sequence of classes to take, and good companies to interview with in Chris' area. "He is really open, and says to call if I have any questions," Fava said.

Electrical engineering senior Jonathan Ashbrook became a mentor because it seemed like a great way to help an underclassman without having to make a huge time commitment. "I like the way it's structured because it doesn't require a lot of extra time and work," Ashbrook said. "I wish it had been around when I was a freshman." Junior Joyce Lee concurred. "There was such an overwhelming number of upperclassmen who signed up to participate, I think it speaks for itself that they would have wanted a mentor when they were freshmen," Lee said. "I only wish more freshmen had taken advantage of the program."

Freshmen may be tempted to bypass the mentor program, thinking that it's just another time commitment in their overcrowded schedules. However, it's a direct way to ease concerns and doubts about electrical and computer engineering. "It's nice to realize that your mentor isn't a superman engineer," said Biller. "It's good to know there are normal people who are in engineering."

Already, the program has had a positive impact on students. ECE Associate Head for Undergraduate Affairs and Chief Advisor Bruce Wheeler noted one freshman who was thinking of changing his major because he was concerned about his ability to handle ECE courses. By the next day, the freshman had spoken with his mentor and regained confidence in his ability to handle the ECE course work. "I'm always amazed at the number of different routes that information and concerns must travel in order to reach all of our students," Wheeler said.

ECESAC student representative Stoppelman, who is coordinating the program, believes it's worthwhile to connect with an older student. "It's like an antacid-it settles your stomach," Stoppelman said.