March 2000

EDUCATION:
Happy in high tech

Bucking a national trend, female engineering students at
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are more satisfied with their education than their male counterparts and are more likely to remain in school and graduate, according to statistics released from the Institute. Undergraduate enrollment, satisfaction levels, and retention of women in engineering at Rensselaer have steadily increased over the past five years.

Nationally, women comprise less than 20 percent of students graduating with majors in engineering. At Rensselaer, undergraduate women comprise 22 percent of graduating engineers, and 32 percent of the university’s female students graduate with a science degree.

At Rensselaer, 71 percent of female engineering students said they were “very satisfied” with their academic experience last year compared with 64 percent of male engineering students. And more women are staying in high-tech disciplines at the university because they’re convinced it’s the right choice for them, says Vicki Lynn, assistant dean of engineering and director of the Women @ Rensselaer Mentor Program.

“The message is loud and clear—women thrive here because we have the right combination of elements: team-based learning, outstanding role models such as our new president, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, and a sense of community,” Lynn says.

“Rensselaer has worked hard to ensure women have a support system,” says David Haviland, interim vice president for institute advancement. “This is not just a question of getting good grades, getting your diploma, and getting a great job; it’s a question of camaraderie and connection to a family.”

CONTACT: Theresa Bourgeois, (518) 276-2840, bourgt@rpi.edu

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