Leadership through Engineering Academic Diversity

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between APEX and SPEED?

A: APEX is a university program for all multicultural students whereas SPEED focuses just on engineering students and their academic preparation and professional development.

Q: When should I arrive?

A: Students should arrive no later than 5 PM on Saturday, June 21, 2008.

Q: Is it required to participate for the whole program?

A: Yes it is but if emergencies or family events occur we can be flexible on attendance. However, students are responsible for the content covered in their classes and in completing homework.

Q: Would I earn college credit in the program?

A: Because our courses are not part of the courses offered by the university, it is not possible to earn credits by participating on the program. Once students have completed our courses and done well they may have the option to test out of courses.

Q: What will I gain if I chose to participate?

A: You will gain a better ability to learn quickly; greater depth of knowledge; establish key relationships with other students in engineering; network with several fortune 500 companies; and develop professionally and as leaders.

Q: How much and how often will I get paid? How will the payment be determined?

A: Participants will be paid up to $200 weekly and it will be earned based on completed work and event participation. We will also provide bonus opportunities for students to earn additional compensations for demonstration of excellence and improvement.

Q: What expenses should I be prepared for?

A: Expenses related to traveling to and from Ames, school supplies, and personal items are not covered by SPEED and are your responsibility. But in general, beyond these traveling costs, there should not be additional expenses.

Q: What personal and professional opportunities will be available for me?

A: There will be a variety of personal and professional development opportunities for SPEED participants ranging from team building activities, social events, time management workshops, problem solving activities, and industrial field trips.

Q: Where will I live?

A: You will live in a SPEED designated residence hall. Two SPEED Student Counselors, who are upper class students, will live on the same floor and help you adjust to college life. They will also assist you during homework sessions.

Q: How many roommates will I get?

A: SPEED participants will live in residence halls with suite style living options. There will be two students per room.

Q: Will there be student counselors on the floor?

A: Yes, there will be 2 live-in student counselors in the same floor as you.

Q: How will male/female be divided?

A: Participants will live in a co-ed floor in the assigned residence hall for SPEED. However, students will have same gender roommates.

Q: Can I go home during the weekends?

A: Unless there are emergencies or family events, students will be discouraged from going home on weekends because there will be academic and networking activities taking place over the weekends.

Q: Do I still need to go to ISU orientation?

A: Yes. All SPEED participants are required to attend orientation for the College of Engineering. Important information about the campus and your college is shared during this event. In addition, placement exams, which help determine which courses you will take during your freshmen year, are taken during orientation. Finally, during ISU Orientation you will also meet your academic advisor, prepare your fall class schedule, create an ISU e-mail account, and get an ISU student ID card.

Q: Can I bring my car for the summer?

A:  No, we strongly suggest you do not bring a car for the summer. Transportation will be provided for all students as necessary and students will receive a bus pass to get around the City of Ames as needed. Additionally, transportation to all sponsored weekend activities will be provided by SPEED.

Q: Is transportation provided to and from the airport/bus station?

A:  SPEED assists out-of-state students by providing a shuttle service from the airport/bus station.

Q: Can I transition into my residence hall assignment?

A: Yes. Once the program concludes, SPEED participants will have the opportunity to transition into their residence hall assignment.

Q: Whom do I contact for more information?
A: You can contact the SPEED Coordinator if you need more information or have more questions regarding the program. Please use the contact us link, write, email or call:

Summer Program for Enhancing Engineering Development (SPEED)
LEAD Program – College of Engineering
Iowa State University
116 Marston Hall
Ames, IA 50011-2151
Phone: 515.294.9802
Fax: 515.294.9273
Email: leadprogramiastate.edu