Undergraduate Studies Faculty of Science 2017 Year in Review Section 1: The primary focus of our undergraduate programming is to encourage student excellence and connectivity. This priority guided a range of enhancements and growth in 2017. Our Step-Ahead Program has been a huge success, offering optional online and in-class learning modules at no cost to any incoming students from around the world in the two weeks prior to the academic year beginning in September. These modules assist first-year students in brushing up on fundamental concepts and skills to help them make a strong start to their degree. after its benefactor, Science Advisory board member and active Computer Science alumnus Rodney Yip, this endowed award will be given out each year to a deserving full-time fourth-year student who excels and demonstrates financial need. Of course, all these enhancements are simply ways to better meet the needs of students, several of whom are highlighted here as a representation of the innovative and interesting things happening with our undergraduates. Ryerson University We have also established a new noncredit course, SCI999: Research Practicum, which provides students with a low-risk opportunity to engage in research with a faculty supervisor. The course is an intermediate step for students considering a thesis project because it offers more structure than volunteering in a lab. We also continue to celebrate and support student success through our awards programs, including the new Rodney Yip Award in Science. Named 7