Redesigning the Common Engineering First-Year (Part 2): Pilots and Stakeholder Engagement

This paper builds upon the initial phase of redesigning the common engineering first-year curriculum, focusing on the implementation and evaluation of pilot projects. The primary goal is to create an innovative and effective first-year experience aligned with 21st-century student needs. The redesign employs a Theory of Change framework, encompassing vision definition, leverage point identification, pilot development, stakeholder engagement, and scaling successful initiatives. Key outcomes from the 2023 and 2024 block model pilots indicate improved student performance and engagement compared to traditional delivery methods. Feedback from students and faculty highlights both successes and challenges, informing the design of new first-year courses to be piloted in 2026-2027. This paper provides insights into the transformative academic change process, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder involvement and continuous evaluation to achieve sustainable educational innovation.