Women Engineering Program

Women Engineering Program

The University of Dayton Women Engineering Program (WEP) is dedicated to recruiting top female students into engineering majors and, once enrolled, ensuring the highest level of retention possible through social and professional events as well as academic support systems.

Goals of WEP

• Provide a support system for female engineering students at the University of Dayton
• Establish a network system with practicing engineers and University engineering faculty
• Initiate volunteer opportunities that encourage middle school and high school girls' interest in science, technology, engineering and math
• Provide information about scholarship, research and job (internship/co-op/full-time) opportunities

WEP Activities

• Welcome Social
  A great way to start a fun and exciting semester and learn about upcoming WEP events.  New and returning female engineering students — join us and visit with your fellow women engineering students, faculty and staff. 
• Dinners with Women Engineers (once each semester)
  Join professional women engineers for an informal dinner.  This is a great chance to meet working engineering professionals, talk about careers in engineering, and ask any questions that you may have.
• Professional Speakers
  Professional speakers are scheduled at various times throughout the semester on topics of information for all women engineering students.
• Speed Mentoring — with Professionals (offered each semester)
  "Speed Networking," modeled after popular speed dating events, is a fun and unique way for students to connect with potential mentors in the University of Dayton Society of Women Engineers' (SWE) community in a short period of time. It's a great way for students to practice their networking skills and connect with prospective mentors.
• Attend Regional and National SWE Conference
• WISE Living Learning Community
  The Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) LLC, designed for science and engineering majors, seeks to help you explore your technical interest with other female students through shared courses providing a platform for scientific exploration and discussion. Through the WISE LLC, you will build personal and professional networks that will last a lifetime. Open to women students in science and engineering.
• Girl Scout Aerospace Badge Day
  A great chance to interact with young girls and be a positive engineering role model! Volunteer at the Girl Scout Badge Day event hosted by WEP and SWE.  Fifty fourth-grade girls will be on campus and participate in various engineering related hands-on projects. 
• Women in Engineering Summer Camp
  A six-day residential camp that introduces high school women to career opportunities in engineering.  Participants experience a total immersion into the world of engineering through classroom activities, participatory experiments, visits to industries, and contact with women engineers.  Current University engineering students are encouraged to apply as camp counselors.  Visit the Women in Engineering Summer Camp Website >>

Student Organizations Mentored by WEP

• Society of Women Engineers (SWE) – University of Dayton Student Chapter
  SWE is an extra-curricular, professional society where students meet other women in the School of Engineering while attending socials, service events, and professional development opportunities. WEP and SWE co-sponsor several events over the year, such as:
  • Girl Scout Aerospace Badge Day
  • Professional Speakers
  • Regional and National Conference
  • Speed Mentoring - with professionals, offered each semester
  • Mentoring Program
• Phi Sigma Rho
  Phi Sigma Rho is a national, social sorority for women in engineering and engineering technology. Our sisterhood is made up of women engineering students who also participate in campus activities within the social Greek system.  In addition to socials, the sisters of Phi Sigma Rho are involved in community service projects and philanthropies such as the Girl Scouts of America and the American Cancer Society.