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!

FreshmenNew-found freedom! High Expectations!

Then:HomesicknessStruggles with time managementRoommate incompatibilityNew distractions & new peer pressuresNot used to asking for help; lack of self-advocacy 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.

Robin RarickUndergraduate Program Coordinator

Undergraduate Program

quiz2.chem.arizona.edu/ugres/

Which Degree Program isRight 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 blendedtheir chemistry with:

AnesthesiologyGeosciencesMicrobiology

MedicinePharmacology & toxicology

Plant Sciences

OpticsChemical EngineeringEnvironmental scienceAnthropologyMaterials sciencePhysics

Strive to be well-rounded; take part in a variety of activities

Coursework(strategic choices in electives)

Leadership (clubs, preceptor,

SA, etc.)

Experience(research, internship,

REU, job)

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

Research!• Lab tour program; see what we do in chemistry-

Start 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

Jamie Ross; Synthesis Facility

Take advantage of opportunities fortravel & presentations

• 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!

Eri Nakatani; winner 2006

Grow as a LeaderSAACS 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!

But no one ever told me that!

I didn’t know…

#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

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!

P.S. Send me a copy & Stay on the radar!

#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!