What it's like to transition from UC regional campus to uptown campus
Leia Han shares her path to chemical engineering
Leia Han, a third-year chemical engineering student, began her journey at the University of Cincinnati's Clermont College. She spent three semesters at the regional campus as a pre-engineering student. The unique opportunities offered through UC's cooperative education (co-op) program are what drew Han to main campus.
Leia Han
Chemical engineering
Chemical Engineering student, transition from UC Clermont College, Undergraduate Research Co-op Fellowship student
What led to your transition decision?
My academic journey began at UC Clermont College, where I spent three semesters as a pre-engineering student, specifically during the fall 2022, spring 2023, and summer 2023 semesters. This period laid a solid foundation for my engineering studies and provided me with a unique perspective on the transition to a larger campus.
As a pre-engineering student at the regional campus, I realized that I couldn't access the co-op opportunities that are so vital in the engineering field. The hands-on experience and networking that come with co-op positions are invaluable, and I knew that to advance my career, I needed to immerse myself in the co-op program available at the main campus.
The main campus offers a wealth of resources and connections that can significantly enhance my educational experience, and I wanted to take full advantage of that. When I transitioned to the main campus, I decided to change my major to chemical engineering, a significant decision for me.
Additionally, for my first co-op rotation, I took part in research through the Undergraduate Research Co-op Fellowship Program.
Describe the transition process.
Leia Han spent three semesters at UC Clermont College before transitioning to the uptown campus. Photo/provided.
Throughout the transition process, I found my academic advisor to be an incredible support. She was not only friendly but also genuinely invested in my success. She guided me through the application process, helping me understand the steps involved, what I should be prepared for during the transition, and helped me connect with my current academic advisor in the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science.
Her insights about the main campus and the chemical engineering program were invaluable. She provided me with resources, advice on classes to take, and tips for navigating the larger academic environment, which made me feel more confident about my decisison.
Adjusting to the main campus was a significant challenge, but it also proved to be an incredibly rewarding experience. One of the most notable differences I encountered between the two campuses was the size of the classes.
At Clermont College, the smaller class sizes fostered close relationships with my professors. This intimate setting allowed for more one-on-one interactions, making it easier to seek help and engage in discussions surrounding course material.
In contrast, the main campus features larger lecture halls and classrooms, which can make personal interactions with professors more challenging. Although I found it harder to approach them or attend office hours as frequently as before, I discovered that the main campus offers many resources to support my learning. For instance, the availability of Supplemental Instruction (SI), Learning Assistants (LA), and Teaching Assistants (TA) provided additional avenues for assistance in my classes.
These resources help bridge the gap that was created by larger class sizes, offering me, and other students, the opportunity to engage with course material in different ways. Additionally, the library and other academic resources on campus are extensive, allowing for a wealth of information and support that I hadn't fully appreciated before.
What would you tell students who are considering transitioning to main campus?
For anyone considering a transition, my advice would be to engage in open discussions with your academic advisor. They can help clarify the necessary steps and prepare you for what lies ahead. It’s essential to ask questions and express any concerns you may have. Their experience and knowledge can help demystify the process and make your transition smoother.
While the transition was difficult, it also pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. I found myself learning about various new topics, participating in different activities, and making many new friends. The diverse environment of the main campus exposed me to different perspectives and experiences, enriching my education beyond the classroom.
Overall, transitioning from UC Clermont to the UC main campus was a transformative experience for me. It not only expanded my academic and professional opportunities but also helped me grow personally. I learned the importance of seeking help and utilizing available resources, and I’m excited to see how these experiences will shape my future in chemical engineering.
Featured image at top: Bearcat Mascot at UC Clermont College. Photo/UC
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