STEM Excellence

We are committed to giving our STEM students all they need to succeed in these fields. We have several ongoing projects:

• Updating the facilities – We are currently undergoing several building projects. We are renovating the classrooms and Ecology lab, adding a Biology Research lab, Virtual Reality lab, and STEM Center for you to have a place to study/meet.
• Research Opportunities – Knowing how beneficial it is for you to experience research, we are working on providing more awareness and short-term experiences on campus as well as off. SWAU also has year-round research opportunities in their Dinosaur Museum and summer digs.
• Peer Mentors – We provide you with peers who have been in your shoes and can help you stay the course. They are available to help you navigate time management, study skills, etc., and simply be a support to you on a regular basis.

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 some of the most intact fossils found in the nation. Students can work side by side with experts in researching dinosaur fossils. Not only that, but each year, students and professors join together to experience the “hands-on” Dino Dig in Wyoming. 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!

Southwestern Adventist University is committed to giving you all that you need to succeed in your STEM (Science, Technology, Pre-Engineering, and Math) classes and help students with STEM majors be competitive in their fields. We have several programs for you:   

Peer Mentors – We provide you with peers who have been in your shoes and can help you stay the course. They are available to help you navigate time management, study skills, etc., and support you regularly. (pics of a mentor working and 2 links – 1 to become a mentor and 1 to request a mentor) 

Graduate Placement Advising – If you want to go on to graduate school, or become a doctor, dentist, physical therapist or other health professional that requires you to go to a professional school, we provide you with one-to-one help in planning your future. We will go over classes that are needed, details of exams, give you many opportunities for internships, research and networking with recruiters. (Pic of student scribing & link to more details)  

Research Opportunities – Knowing how beneficial it is for you to experience research, we are working on providing more awareness and short-term experiences on campus as well as off. SWAU also has year-round research opportunities in their Dinosaur Museum and summer digs. (a link to the dino page and a picture of students doing research – maybe a research interest form?) 

Science Building Renovations – We are adding new labs, a study room and renovated classrooms to give you the best classroom experiences possible. (pics of ongoing renovations)