<p>I’m a 2010 mechanical engineering grad. Based on my experience, I would say the mechanical engineering department focuses more on the theory side of engineering compared to technical schools such as Case and CMU. That being said, there are several classes devoted to “hands-on” instruction, such as senior design and several research design courses. The mechanical engineering facilities during my time at UR left a lot to be desired. Thankfully, the school is constructing a new building that will house an engineering fabrication shop, including 3-D printers and other advanced technologies (see this article for more info: [Construction</a> to Begin on Ronald Rettner Hall for Media Arts and Innovation : Rochester News](<a href=“http://www.rochester.edu/news/show.php?id=4122]Construction”>Construction to Begin on Ronald Rettner Hall for Media Arts and Innovation : Rochester News)). The new building is set to open this fall and I’m sure professors across all the engineering departments will incorporate the new building’s technology offerings into their classes. In my opinion this type of building was something UR desperately needed in order to compete with other top engineering schools. I should also note that Dean Clark (the engineering school dean) took office during my Junior year and seems to be doing a fantastic job leading and improving the engineering school.</p>
<p>UR engineering students, and the student population as a whole, are very collaborative. There is some healthy competition, but everyone was always willing to help each other. I spent many late nights (and early mornings) in the library with my fellow classmates completing problem set after problem set. I think that the small class sizes at UR are very beneficial. After spending a semester abroad at a large public university in Australia where the engineering classes averaged 200+ students, I experienced first-hand how advantageous small classes are, especially for engineering students. There are some classes at UR with 200+ students (many intro level courses are relatively large), but all of my mechanical engineering professors would know my name by the end of the semester and made an effort to know everyone’s name. Some professors are better than others (you’ll find that anywhere you go), but generally speaking the professors seem to care about their students and are willing to work with you if you need some extra help. </p>
<p>There are also “intangibles” that I feel make the mechanical engineering department at UR something special. The small size of the department makes it feel like a close-knit community where everyone seems to know each other. Furthermore, many social events are held throughout the year where department faculty, staff, and students interact outside of the classroom. This creates a great dynamic between everyone in the department that doesn’t seem to exist at a lot of other schools (based on discussions I’ve had with non-UR engineering students). </p>
<p>If you’re looking for an experience where you are going to design and build the latest and greatest tech gadget, then I would recommend going to school somewhere else. But if you want an excellent engineering and non-engineering education, a close-knit community, easy access to research and professors who generally care about their students, then UR will likely be the right place for you and I welcome you to the family. As we say at UR, “Meliora!”</p>