Apply to be a PAL

Women comprise only about 20% of the undergraduate population in the Cockrell School of Engineering. That fact, coupled with UT's size, can leave some students feeling lost in the crowd.

WEP's goal for the PAL program is twofold:

  1. Increase the retention and graduation rates of women in the Cockrell School of Engineering by providing them with a strong mentoring relationship in their first year.
  2. Recruit additional female students into the Cockrell School of Engineering by providing potential students with relevant information.

PALs provide new students with resources that will help them become part of the UT engineering community and make informed decisions about their pursuit of an engineering degree and career. In addition, PALs also provide pre-college students with meaningful interactions that will inspire them to take on the challenge of engineering as a major and create realistic expectations of their course of study and career options.

PAL Responsibilities

  • Attend Training in August to learn about mentoring strategies, identify campus resources for referrals and resources for prospective students
  • Attend additional meetings (3 total) throughout the school year to address issues and concerns, plan for upcoming WEP events and explore a professional development topic
  • Participate in Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day and at least one other pre-college activity per semester
  • Participate in FYIsland the first evening of classes in the fall and FYIceland in the spring
  • Maintain regular monthly contact with mentees
  • Organize social events
  • Provide timely information regarding upcoming events, such as advising, summer employment opportunities, and preparing for finals
  • Encourage mentees to attend FYI events
  • Provide ample opportunities for mentees to ask questions
  • Help with personal/academic concerns as possible or make referrals to other offices if necessary
  • Have fun!

PAL Application Requirements

All students applying to be a PAL must:

  • be at least a 2nd Year student in Engineering
  • have a 2.5 GPA or higher
  • be enthusiastic about helping other students
  • have excellent communication skills and a high level of maturity
  • have the ability to establish rapport with a diverse group of students
  • completion or enrollment in WEP Leadership Seminar

Special considerations:

  • Seniors must have at least 2 long semesters left prior to graduation
  • Graduate students are welcomed to apply
  • Students participating in a co-op are welcomed to apply

  • Applications are Closed

    The deadline has past for this year, applications will open Spring 2010.