Transcript Slide 1
Welcome to Chemistry! Fall 2007: 58 New Freshmen 16 New Transfers +20 from other UA majors 94 students new to chemistry! Congratulations to You! For getting involved, getting to know others, and beginning to stand out from the rest of the crowd! It’s not always what you know… But who you know, and what they think of you! For today… Surviving and Thriving in Chemistry! Information to help you now • common struggles - what do you do? Possibilities for your future • Program aspects to enhance your educational experience! Robin’s Top 10 Tips for Success • Keep your eyes on the prize! Freshmen New-found freedom! High Expectations! Then: Homesickness Struggles with time management Roommate incompatibility New distractions & new peer pressures Not used to asking for help; lack of selfadvocacy skills Balancing course load while navigating these transitions is challenging! Transfer Students • Online catalog only & different support structure • Commuting to campus inhibits participation – feel like outsiders • Transfer credits as pre-reqs to UA courses not seamless • Fewer options for classes – less flexibility • Assumptions that you already know how college works Can amount to a less tolerant environment and frustration. UA students who switched majors • Assumptions that you know everything about the UA policies, SAPR, procedures, etc. • Different levels of support and information depending on your former department(s) – NMS? Can get easily overlooked! We can help! Please know that we care! Let’s identify the problem and make necessary adjustments! See me right away for perspective, options, and referrals to campus resources that can also help you. Undergraduate Program Robin Rarick Undergraduate Program Coordinator quiz2.chem.arizona.edu/ugres/ Which Degree Program is Right for You? • BS CHEM (ACS Certified) • BA CHEM • BS Science Education (CHEM Option) New HSF Scholarship! Consider your goals – which is the best fit for you? Exploring Interdisciplinary Work • Combine your interests by working on a unique research project • Choose a complimentary minor • Dual major or degree Chemistry majors have blended their chemistry with: Anesthesiology Geosciences Microbiology Medicine Pharmacology & toxicology Plant Sciences Optics Chemical Engineering Environmental science Anthropology Materials science Physics Strive to be well-rounded; take part in a variety of activities Coursework (strategic choices in electives) Experience (research, internship, REU, job) Leadership (clubs, preceptor, SA, etc.) Having of all three aspects enables you to be stand out and be more competitive! Be in High Demand! Getting Started Consider your post-grad plans – work backward from that point and start planning now, what you can do and when to reach those goals Unsure of your future plans? Then start with anything that sounds fun and interesting! Grow from there… Special Programs to Consider Jamie Ross; Synthesis Facility Research! • Lab tour program; see what we do in chemistryStart shopping for projects! • Attend Department seminars – open to the public and free! www.chem.arizona.edu • Talk to your professors about what they do • See Robin for the forms to enroll for credit • Consider summer REUs at schools of interest • Watch the listserv for additional opportunities as they emerge Take advantage of opportunities for travel & presentations Eri Nakatani; winner 2006 • Merck Travel Grant for conference funding • Go to national ACS meetings & others • Present your own research findings at local chemistry symposia; Undergraduate Fair & Poster Contest • Go to England on exchange for chemistry; 3rd year! Grow as a Leader SAACS Magic Show 2005 •Work in the chemistry preproom •Be a CoS Ambassador •Teach a section of chemistry lab; SA program •Be a chemistry preceptor •Attend leadership workshops •Join SAACS; and become an officer •Help to establish a new club Robin’s Top 10 Tips for Success #10 Get savvy about finding information Know how to use the UA website, catalog, and online resources #9 Make no excuses It’s your job to know things like policies and deadlines. Give yourself enough time; things always take longer than you think. Remember, you are the one who has to deal with the ramifications of poor planning! #8 Monitor your progress Know the requirements for your degree and graduation - as they pertain to YOUR catalog year use check lists learn to read your SAPR to monitor progress – report inconsistencies to your major advisor! See your advisor each term or at least once per year #7 Don’t assume Double check with advisors; do not rely on what you hear from friends as it may not pertain to your situation! what’s that? we can take diff-eq instead of vector calc? #6 Be professional take notes during meetings and keep them organized, be respectful of others’ time; learn to network Mind your cell phone manners #5 Discover your strengths Take risks by using this time to try new things go beyond the classroom experience for better perspective take additional classes (beyond the minimum) that you find interesting become well rounded and build your confidence! #4 Start building a resume P.S. Send me a copy & Stay on the radar! Start a portfolio or résumé and add to it each year as you gain more experience; have someone review it and provide feedback don’t underestimate yourself! #3 Learn to advocate for yourself Only you know what you need; be persistent; learn who to ask, what to ask, and how to ask. Don’t be shy! Remember, we can do so much more for those who can articulate their needs and concerns. #2 Be Realistic Be honest with yourself; recognize when something is not working for you and take action, have multiple back-up plans and be prepared to change directions do things for the right reasons, please yourself and you’ll find happiness and success #1 Keep your Eyes on the Prize! If you run into trouble seek help right away – it’s usually not as bad as you think, and advisors can offer advice and perspective – don’t run away! A few last thoughts… Use the free tutoring available in chemistry, math, and other subject areas Participate in campus programs, career services, etc. Take advantage of priority advising and registration Be mindful of deadlines to drop, add, and change units in your schedule Use the UG Majors Lounge to connect with other chemistry students (#55121) Check your email! Other questions/concerns? Questions? Come and ask Robin! Good luck this term!