Flexus

Flexus: The Dr. Marilyn Berman Pollans Women in Engineering (WIE) Living and Learning Program 

Flexus is a two-year living and learning community that was established in 2007 geared toward providing a supportive community for all students who identify as women studying engineering.  Flexus aims to promote diversity, inclusion, and social justice in the field of engineering through curricular and co-curricular programs. Open to incoming first-year engineering students, Flexus is an ideal program for students who are looking for community, academic support, and ways to develop as future engineers outside of technical courses.  The Flexus Community engages closely with the Virtus Community, with combined living (mixed gender) and academic seminar components.   

Living with Flexus

First-year Flexus students live in the common residential community in Easton Hall. Living with the Flexus and Virtus communities in Easton Hall is a requirement for all first-year participants in the Flexus and Virtus programs. Second-year students may live elsewhere, but are encouraged to remain in Easton. Living with this community helps students to connect with peers in engineering and develop a peer support network. Students can easily create their own study groups, benefit from peer tutoring, and engage in a variety of social activities specific to the development and interests of the community.

In addition, the "Flexus & Virtus Student Lounge" is available on the ground floor of Easton Hall for all Flexus and Virtus participants. This space is used for free Flexus and Virtus tutoring services, studying, and other activities.

Learning with Flexus

All participants in Flexus are required to enroll in a 1-credit seminar course each semester for a total of four seminar courses during their first- and second-year. Enrollment in and completion of all four seminars is a requirement to complete the Flexus Program.

A key feature of the Flexus program, these 1-credit seminars explore a range of topics that seek to:

• Enhance campus and community engagement
• Promote critical self-awareness
• Connect engineering to social change. 

Below is a table providing an overview of the curriculum throughout the two-year program:

Term	Course Theme	Course	Credits
Fall Semester, First Year      Wednesdays 4:00pm-5:30pm*	First-Year Transition	ENES 115	1
Spring Semester, First Year     Wednesdays 4:00pm-5:15pm*	Professional & Career Development	ENES 116	1
Fall Semester, Second Year     Thursdays 4:00pm-5:15pm*	Introduction to Diversity & Inclusion in Engineering  (General Education: DVCC)	ENES 215	1
Spring Semester, Second Year     Wednesdays 5:00pm-6:30pm*	Introduction to Engineering & Social Change	ENES 216	1

*Day and time subject to change.

Social and Academic Support

A student-led programming board coordinates community events throughout the year. Flexus students have access to a variety of resources provided by the Women in Engineering Program, such as: networking opportunities; mid-semester advising; virtual tutoring; and peer mentoring; and WIE staff.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be admitted into the Clark School of Engineering for enrollment as a first-year student in Fall 2023.
• As space is limited, Flexus is designed for students who are not a part of other living and learning programs. 
• Living in Easton with the Flexus community as a first-year student is a requirement for participation in the program.

Application and Deadlines

Contact Information

Please direct any questions about the program to:

       Sam Murillo
       Program Coordinator, Women in Engineering Program
       Phone: 301-405-8308
       Email: lmurillo@umd.edu

       Paige Smith 
       Director, Women in Engineering Program
       Phone: 301-405-3931
       Email: pesmith@umd.edu