Undergraduate Education
I Want To Be A Chemistry Major... Now What?!?
Welcome to a special group of about 50 students who have already decided to major in Chemistry! We hope that you find a home in this department to help you realize all of your academic and professional goals. Deciding to major in Chemistry is the first of many important decisions in the discipline, and you will likely have many decisions still to make, such as:
? Which major is right for me: the BS; the BS with concentration in Biochemistry or concentration in Materials Chemistry; or the BA?
? What can I do with my chemistry degree when I graduate?
? How might my study of chemistry complement other academic interests in other departments (double majors; major & minor programs)?
? How can I get involved in chemistry research?
? Can I participate in study abroad as a chemistry major?
? Are there ways for me to get involved with chemistry outreach activities here on campus or in the local community?
To help guide you to solutions to these and many other questions, a Major Advisor will be assigned to you after declaration. Major Advisors are Chemistry faculty members who can share their experiences with you as you work towards your academic, professional, and personal goals. They will meet with you regularly, beginning soon after your declaration until your graduation.
So, now that you’ve decided to major in Chemistry, here’s what will happen:
Major Declaration
To declare your Chemistry major, please see Ms. Linda Tuttle, Chemistry Staff Assistant, in Salem Hall Rm. 110 during the declaration week. She will collect some essential information from you (student number, contact information, etc.) and will provide you with a new undergraduate handbook.
Advisor Assignment
You will be contacted by the Chemistry Department to let you know who has been assigned as your new Major Advisor, and you will be provided with your advisor's contact information.
Advising Period
You should contact (or you will be contacted by) your new Major Advisor to set up an individual advising appointment with her/him. Advisors will help you to chart out the selection of courses for your major while considering other graduation requirements along with your unique academic and professional interests. Your advisor will provide you with a detailed list of major requirements when you first meet, and will also provide you with a pre-registration form each semester, which you will submit to Ms. Linda Tuttle (Rm. 110) in order to be registered in your Chemistry courses in advance of the regular rounds of registration.
Photo Sessions
During the advising period, you will need to have your photo taken by Tommy Murphy in Salem 207B. No appointment is necessary – simply stop by 207B during one of the photography periods.
Chemistry Majors Dinner Meeting
SAVE THE DATE:
Be sure to make a note on your calendar to attend the annual "New Majors Dinner" in Salem Hall Rm. 210. All new majors must attend!! There will be free food and soft drinks and you will have a chance to meet faculty, staff, and other new and returning majors while learning about departmental events and activities.
Registration Period
Although you will be directly registered in the chemistry courses required for your major during the advising period, you will subsequently register for your electives and divisionals during the regular two rounds of open registration.
Finally, if you have any questions about this process or about the Chemistry Department in general, please do not hesitate to contact the Department Chair, Dr. Christa Colyer (Salem 207C, 336-758-4936, colyercl@wfu.edu).
~ WELCOME TO CHEMISTRY! ~
