05/24/06

Welcome to ACE at the University of South Alabama!

Dear Students, Parents, Teachers

   I’m very excited to introduce you to the ACE/USA program.  This program was created in 1995 to show talented students what engineers do and how science and mathematics are used to benefit society.  This is done through a series of faculty and student presentations, hands on activities and field trips to local facilities or engineering projects. 

   Beginning in September, participants are invited to campus once a week, on a Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 p.m., to see presentations and do related activities arranged by faculty from each academic department (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical & Computer and Civil Engineering).  At the end of each academic component, an interesting field trip is planned.  We also offer other educational activities to complete the two hours you spend with us.  We cap everything off with a reception to recognize our ACE class! 

   During the spring term, ACE students have the opportunity to attend ACT Review classes at a considerable discount.  (It cannot be emphasized too much how important the ACT Exam scores are to high school graduates needing scholarship money to offset the high cost of a college education.) These sessions not only provide a review of the subject matter (English, Math, Reading and Science); students also learn test-taking strategies to improve test performance.  The second reason why ACT scores are important is that ACE students may be eligible for up to two free classes if they have earned a composite ACT score of 25.  This opportunity is available through USA’s Accelerated College Enrollment Program or ACEP and is a great way to get an early start on your college education. 

   I have found that high school students are often very busy with after school activities.  If you are already committed to something that requires your attendance every Tuesday afternoon, the ACE program is probably not feasible.  However, if you can participate most, if not every, Tuesday afternoon, I would encourage you to apply.  The benefits are many, and there is no cost to you! 

   I am actively looking for students who are interested in and have the academic credentials to benefit from the ACE program.  You need not have decided on an engineering career.  If you like math and science,  ACE can help you decide if engineering is for you.  Please give me a call at 461-1546 or e-mail me at tracytowry@usouthal.edu for further information. 

   If you are interested in participating in the ACE program, please complete the forms listed on the forms page which include a (1) transcript request form for the College of Engineering, (2) transcript request form for the Office of Admissions (3)ACE Program Rules and Regulations,  (4) Application and (5) Student Data Sheet.    The first two forms, the transcript request forms, should be completed right away and submitted to your high school registrar or sophomore counselor.  The other forms should be completed and returned to me by May 30, 2006.  My address is College of Engineering, University of South Alabama, EGCB 108, Mobile AL 36688-0002.  My fax number is 251-460-6343.  

   The schedule of presentations will be sent out during the summer along with a map of the campus showing the location of the ACE meetings.  Please feel free to call me (251-461-1546) if you or your parents have any questions about the ACE program.  You may also e-mail me (tracytowry@usouthal.edu).

 Sincerely yours

 Tracy L. Towry

Tracy Towry

Engineering Student Services Coordinator

Program Coordinator for ACE