We have two separate degrees, Computer Science through the College of Arts and Science, and Computer Engineering through the College of Engineering. There is a very competitive admission process for both. Grades don't tell the whole story of course, but just for calibration, the average GPA of students admitted to Computer Engineering is about 3.8 and about 3.6 for Computer Science. In 1993, looking for ways to increase the retention and success of underrepresented minority students in our undergraduate majors, we instituted a tutoring program. The tutoring program has since expanded to include women who aren't minorities as well.
Participation is completely voluntary.
The first tutor, Derrick Weathersby, did most of the tutoring personally. For his work on the program, Derrick won the College of Engineering Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award in Spring 1995. Ruth Anderson has been the tutor since Autumn 1994, and has carried on this strong tradition. During this time, as noted above we expanded the program to include other undergraduate women in addition to minorities. Another possible problem is that the program would cause resentments among students not receiving tutoring as being unfair.