Engineering Clinic Resources

What is HMC's Clinic Program?

Clinic engages juniors and seniors in solving real-world, technical problems for companies and organizations. Teams of 4 – 6 students complete computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, or multidisciplinary projects as a capstone experience to their academic achievements. Clinic is key to helping students see the impact of their work on society, as it applies their skills to real-world situations with deliverables of value to sponsors.

History of Engineering's Clinic Program

Six decades ago, while watching a homecoming parade, one of Harvey Mudd College’s engineering professors turned to a colleague and said, “Wouldn’t it be great to channel the energy and ingenuity these students use to create a winning float into solving real technical problems?” In that moment of inspiration, the concept of the Harvey Mudd College Clinic Program was born.

Founding faculty members Jack Alford and M. Mack Gilkeson set out to harness HMC students’ initiative, drive, and intelligence through projects grounded in real-world problem-solving. They envisioned giving students a “clinical” experience—similar to the hands-on training that medical students receive—thus inspiring the name Clinic.

“I gained the idea that engineering was like dancing, you don’t learn it in a darkened lecture hall watching slides; you learn it by getting out on the dance floor and having your toes stepped on.”
– Jack Alford, Emeritus Professor of Engineering and Clinic Program co-founder

Clinic Events

Launch Day

Clinic Launch Day marks the first formal meeting between each Clinic team and their sponsor liaison for the academic year. It’s the official kickoff to the project and an opportunity to establish goals, expectations, and communication channels for the months ahead.

Clinic Presentations

Clinic presentations are scheduled on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 P.M. and are reserved for design reviews, seminars, and team presentations. Attendance by all Clinic students and faculty is mandatory.

Prototype Social

Typically held on a Friday in late March or early April, this event gives Clinic teams the chance to showcase their prototypes, designs, and project progress. It’s a casual and collaborative opportunity for feedback and celebration of milestones achieved.

Projects Day

Projects Day is the culminating event of the Clinic program. Each team presents the results of their work to sponsors, guests, faculty, staff, and fellow students through formal presentations and Q&A sessions. A poster session also highlights each team’s achievements and gives the HMC community a chance to explore the year’s innovations up close.

Engineering Clinic Resources

The Engineering Stockroom supports Engineering's Clinic Program by providing access to tools, equipment, and essential documentation that help teams manage their projects efficiently.
Below are key resources the Engineering Stockroom supports that are available to clinic students:

Engineering Clinic Handbook – Guidelines, policies, and best practices for managing clinic projects.
Clinic Calendar – Important dates and deadlines for the clinic program.
"Kuali Purchase Order Form" – For submitting purchase requests and tracking packages of purchased clinic supplies/materials.
Clinic PC/Laptop Checkout – Access to computing resources and devices for clinic use.
Engineering Clinic Van Reservation – Request transportation for off-site Clinic work.
Clinic Liaison Equipment & Supplies – Items and materials sent through your assigned clinic's liaison.

If you have any questions or need help accessing a resource, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Instructional Support Coordinator or Clinic Project Manager.

Harvey Mudd College, Department of Engineering, Engineering Stockroom

Contact: jstaimpel@hmc.edu

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