STEM Excellence

Course Navigator Program

STEM courses are quite rigorous and many students in the science majors are preparing for graduate schools in the medical fields. Having the extra support of your peers who have been able to stay the “course” is very encouraging. At SWAU we want all our STEM students to have every support system possible. Our mentors will be there for you, to answer questions, help you with classes and even provide insight to beneficial resources. Any STEM student at any level can request a mentor.

SWAU Research

Initiatives and Opportunities

Studies have shown how important it is for students to be able to experience research not only in the medical fields but in all disciplines. It grows skills and opens one’s eyes to so many possibilities. SWAU is dedicated to providing many on campus as well as off campus opportunities for you to participate in.

• Our famous Dinosaur Museum houses our nation’s most intact bones found. Students can work side by side with experts in researching dinosaur bones. Not only that but each year, students and professors join together to experience a “hands-on” paleontology dig in Minnesota. PAL 101
• We have other courses that will give you shorter research project opportunities but a fantastic way for you to get your feet wet with research. Some of the following classes offer research components: BIO 216, CHEM 234, KIN 457, NURS 345,
• Several of our professors have ongoing projects that they invite students to be a part of.
• We give Freshmen a lesson on research as a head start. All our Honor students submit a project before graduation.
• We also help students apply to outside research opportunities, such as the summer research experience at LLU in California and local opportunities as well.

The Transfer Student Program

Being a transfer student has its challenges. Not only are you starting over in a new environment, but you also have the added stress of making sure all your transcripts arrive and you have the right credits, etc. SWAU wants to make it just a little easier for you. 

• We will provide you with a peer mentor, Course Navigator, who will attempt to fill in some of the gaps and help you navigate the process. They will give you firsthand answers to dorm life, the cafeteria, local places to go/eat, and more. They’ll reach out to you before school starts, be with you through Orientation, and show you where you can access the resources on campus. They’ll keep you updated, reach out to you regularly, and help make sure you have what you need. 
• Transfer Student Orientation is so important that we require all transfer students to attend. The day before classes start, you will meet and spend a couple of hours getting to know the campus's important information and meet the key people of the Student Success team, as well as your mentors and fellow transfer students.
• SWAU is a member of the Texas Core Association. This means that if you are transferring from another Texas university, we will accept your A.S. degrees, making it much easier to transition.
• SWAU is in the process of creating smooth degree pathways with our local Community Colleges, which will help avoid taking unnecessary classes.

We want you to feel at home in your new home. We are excited you are coming or thinking of joining our family and are here to help you in this new adventure!