Campus Map Excerpt with Dorm(Williston Hall) and Dining Hall (Valentine):

http://www.amherst.edu/map/

Welcome to Summer Science

2012!

Summer Science 2012 is an opportunity to spend three weeks working with Amherst College faculty and other students interested in science and mathematics. The program introduces first-year students to the excitement and challenges of science, mathematics, and premedical studies at Amherst. The emphasis is on serious academic work in a collaborative environment.

From July 22 - August 11, Summer Science 2012 will bring together a group of new Amherst College students along with two tutors and numerous faculty and staff members.

Participants will live in a dormitory and share meals in the dining hall. Daily coursework and evening assignments will be combined with weekend social activities.

Your professors, tutors, the deans, and the rest of the program staff are looking forward to a fun and productive Summer Science 2012 – and we hope you are as well!

Getting to Amherst

Summer Science participants traveling by air, Amtrak, or bus should receive their tickets in the beginning of July. If you plan to travel by air, train, or bus, and have not received your tickets as expected, please email Jennifer Innes at jbinnes@amherst.edu.

For students arriving by air at Bradley International, we will make reservations for transportation with Valley Transporter. You will need to use the courtesy phone at the airport to confirm your arrival with Valley Transporter.

For students arriving by train, the Amtrak station is only a few blocks from campus and someone will meet you.

The Peter Pan bus drop-off is within walking distance of your assigned dormitory.

Arriving on Campus

You will be arriving on Sunday July 22. While at Amherst for Summer Science 2012, you will be living in Williston Hall. This is where you should come to check in (see the map excerpts with this handbook) when you arrive on campus. Plan to arrive for check-in sometime between the hours of noon and 5 p.m. (although for some of you, flight schedules may require a later check-in). We will have a welcome reception at 8pm that evening.

For participants being driven to campus, the closest parking is on the drive in front of Williston Hall.

Accommodations, Amenities, What to Bring

All rooms in Williston Hall are doubles. Room assignments will be made on the day of your arrival. If you have any physical disabilities that require special accommodations, please contact Jennifer Innes jbinnes@amherst.edu as soon as possible.

Williston Hall provides linen service including pillows, sheets, blankets, and towels. The house is not air-conditioned, but fans will be provided in each room. You may wish to bring an alarm clock.

Williston Hall is unable to provide housing or storage during the two weeks between the end of Summer Science and the beginning of First-year Orientation. You will need to leave Williston Hall sometime on Saturday August 11.

You have probably already received an e-mail account. Williston Hall rooms are wired for e-mail and web access. Computers will be available for your use in the Moss Quantitative Center (Q Center) for much of each day.

Williston Hall rooms will not be equipped with telephones. There are phones available in the Q Center.

You will be issued a meal card and all meals will be provided by the Amherst College student dining service in Valentine Hall. Meal times are as follows:

Breakfast 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Lunch 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

The first meal served will be dinner on Sunday July 22; the last meal served will be lunch on Saturday August 11 (although most of you will have departed before dinnertime).

Some Amherst College athletic facilities are available for your use this summer, but reservations by sports camps may restrict your use of many facilities at certain times. You will be able to use the fitness center, the pool, and (with great restriction) the tennis courts. You should bring your own gear (i.e., swimsuit, racquet, tennis balls).

There are no planned activities that will require dress attire. Bring comfortable summer clothes and shoes. Please remember you will need closed-toe shoes for laboratory (no sandals). Classrooms will be air-conditioned, and some evenings can get chilly, so bring a sweater or sweatshirt. Laundry facilities and supplies are available in Williston.

Health services are not available on campus during the summer, but students will have access to the University of Massachusetts Health Service. The Summer Science Program assumes full responsibility for any necessary emergency services available in the community.

The Summer Science Program will pay for expenses associated with the three weeks, including all planned off-campus meals and entertainment. However, if there are personal items you want or need to purchase you should bring a small amount of spending money. The stipend you receive as a Summer Science 2012 participant applied directly toward your expected contribution (half for the fall semester, half for the spring).

The Program will provide all necessary materials for your academic work – including texts, writing instruments, and notebooks. If you have a calculator, consider bringing it with you.

Participant Responsibilities

As a Summer Science 2012 participant, you are on the threshold of becoming an Amherst College student. Participation in the program offers you an early opportunity to become acquainted with, and to practice, the principles set out by the College’s “Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities”.

This statement, given in full and discussed at greater length in the Amherst College Student Handbook, notes the intellectual responsibility you assume as a member of the College community. “Every person’s education,” it states, “is the product of his or her intellectual effort and participation in a process of critical exchange.”

As you will learn from current Amherst students involved in Summer Science 2012, taking responsibility for your own learning is key to academic success in college. In the context of this summer’s program, intellectual responsibility requires the following:

· Attending all classes

· Participating in, and contributing to, all scheduled activities

· Completing all homework and other class assignments

Please remember that Summer Science faculty are making a serious commitment volunteering to teach in the summer, and we ask for equal commitment on the part of the student participants. Although SSP is academically risk-free in that neither grades nor course credit is given for participation, Program faculty do give an evaluation of each student’s performance.

Participants will be asked also to abide by Amherst College’s “Statement on Respect for Persons”, which too is given in full and discussed at greater length in the Amherst College Student Handbook.

As declared by the statement, “Respect for the rights, dignity and integrity of others is essential for the well-being of a community. Actions by any persons which do not reflect such respect for others are damaging to each member of the community and hence damaging to Amherst College. Each member of the community should be free from interference, discrimination, intimidation, sexual harassment, or disparagement in the classroom, the social, recreational, and residential environment or the work place.”

So beyond taking responsibility for your own intellectual development, you should be aware of your responsibilities to others in the program. Learning occurs best when there is a spirit of cooperation, and when reasoned dissent and debate are practiced with tolerance for difference and respect for the ideas and opinions of others.

In addition, you must abide by all rules set out by the resident tutors. Also, you must employ common sense. For example, while there are no rules that establish an evening curfew, you should make decisions that enable you to fulfill your course commitments and that respect the needs of other dormitory residents.

Participants who risk interfering with the academic benefits for other members of the program, or who do not participate responsibly in the life of the community may be asked to leave the Program.

Alcoholic Beverages. Summer Programs reminds participants that: 1) A person must be at least 21 years of age to legally purchase alcoholic beverages; 2) Purchase of alcohol by an underage person or arrangements by another person to buy for an underage person is a crime; 3) Willful misrepresentation of one’s age to purchase or receive alcoholic beverages is a criminal offense.

Note: All participants in this year’s program are under the legal drinking age.

The Schedule

Summer Science 2012 will include coursework in mathematics, ethics, chemistry, biology, and writing. The mathematics, biology and chemistry courses will run for all three weeks of the Program with the goal of introducing students to how courses will be taught at Amherst College, and helping them choose an appropriate placement in the first semester. The writing component of Summer Science introduces you the kind of expository assignments you may experience during your first year. You will also have access to the Writing Center during the program.

With some exceptions, mornings will be devoted to science and mathematics lectures, and afternoons will be reserved for participation in laboratories, seminars and projects. Weekday evenings are set aside for completing homework assignments in collaboration with tutors and fellow participants.

During the three weeks, you will become acquainted with other resources available to help you achieve excellence at Amherst College. Your evening homework sessions in the Moss Quantitative Center will introduce you to and help you learn to utilize the Q Center’s resources and services. We will also meet with representatives from the Writing Center, Career Center and Dean of Students office.

This booklet includes a tentative daily schedule for all three weeks of Summer Science. The final schedule may be updated as the program progresses.

Summer Science 2012 Participants

Kiana Cardwell, Lynchberg, VA

Daviana Dueno, Bronx, NY

Suhasini (Sue) Ghosh, Gaithersberg, MD

Jasmine Green, Horseheads, NY

Katherine (Kasia) Henley, Burlington, Ontario

Juan Llamas, LA, CA

Kendall Melvin, Lakewood, CA

Ashley Montgomery, Union City, GA

Andrea Paez, NY, NY

Michelle Palencia, Fresno, CA

Omar Pineda, Bronx, NY

Andrea Silva, Reseda, CA

Colby Smith, Lilburn, GA

Summer Science 2012 Faculty

All of the professors participating in Summer Science 2012 are Amherst College faculty members. Depending on your interests, one of these faculty members may serve as your first-year advisor.

The Summer Science 2012 faculty are

· Gregory Call, Professor of Mathematics and Dean of the Faculty Office: 103A Converse Hall

· Robert Benedetto, Associate Professor of Mathematics

Office: 403 Seeley Mudd

· Jyl Gentzler, Professor of Philosophy

Office: 207 Cooper House

· Richmond Ampiah-Bonney, Chemistry Academic Manager

Office: 431 Merrill Science

· Stephen George, Professor of Biology and Neuroscience

Office: 228 LSB

Summer Science 2012 Tutors

The tutors for this summer’s program are two current students and Timothy St.Onge, who serves as mathematics counselor in the Q Center throughout the academic year. The two undergraduate tutors will live with you in Williston Hall, assist you in completing your work, and acquaint you with campus and community resources. In evening homework sessions, Tim St.Onge will join the undergraduate tutors; the three tutors will work with you on assignments and projects and offer valuable learning and study strategies for success in Summer Science and your first year of college.

The Summer Science 2012 tutors are

· Joyzel Acevedo, Class of 2014

· Joelle Comrie, Class of 2014

· Timothy St.Onge, Math Counselor

Summer Science 2012 Organizers

Several other people have been involved in the planning and implementation of Summer Science 2012:

· Jennifer Innes, Summer Science Program Coordinator and Director of the Moss Quantitative Center

Office: 202 Merrill x8331

· Patricia O’Hara, Dean of New Students and Professor of Chemistry: 105 Converse, x2336

Academic Year Resources

A range of resources is available during the academic year for students interested in science, mathematics, and premedical studies.

· Moss Quantitative Center (202 Merrill Science Center): The Q Center provides walk-in and scheduled study help in mathematics, science, and economics. In addition to lecture TA’s assigned to specific courses and drop-in tutors for math and physics, the Director, Quantitative Fellow and Math Counselor are available for drop-in hours and appointments for mathematics, chemistry and physics. Students often meet in the Center for collaborative study. Room 202 Merrill Science Center, x8331 (Jennifer Innes, Director), x8569 (Samantha Ostrowski, ’10, Quantitative Fellow), x8569 (Tim St.Onge, Math Counselor).

· Writing Center (Charles Pratt Dorm): Students may consult the Center staff to improve their academic writing and get help at any stage of the writing process: getting a paper started, editing and revisions, and for help writing with more energy and confidence.

· Lecture TAs: Many science and economics courses (e.g., Chemistry 11, Biology 18, Economics 53) are served by upper-division students who attend all class meetings and hold at least one weekly review session for all class members.

· Peer tutors: Individual tutoring is available to all students in a broad range of departments. Approval for peer tutoring must come first from your course professor. Assignments are then made in consultation with Dean Charri Boykin-East.

· Charles Drew Pre-med Society: A support group open to all Amherst College students interested in pursuing a medical career. For additional information, visit www.amherst.edu/~premedg.

· Dean Charri Boykin-East: Dean Boykin-East is available for short-term counseling sessions to help students address problems that impede academic progress. For an appointment, call x2529.

Important Telephone Numbers

Amherst College phone numbers are preceded by the area code 413 and the prefix 542. You may find the following numbers useful this summer:

General Emergency x2111

(fire, police, medical)

Campus Police (non-emergency) x2291

Main Switchboard x2000

Jennifer Innes x8331

Timothy St.Onge x8569

Dean of Students Office x2336

Q Center x8331, 8564, 8569

Writing Center x2139

Student Computer Help x7921

Dean Allen Hart x2336

SUMMER SCIENCE 2012 WEEK 1a

WEEK 1	MONDAY 7/23	TUESDAY 7/24	WEDNESDAY 7/25	THURSDAY 7/26	FRIDAY 7/27
9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	CALCULUS Merrill 315	CALCULUS Merrill 315	CALCULUS Merrill 315	CALCULUS Merrill 315	CALCULUS TEST Merrill 315
10:40 AM – noon	CHEMISTRY Merrill 4	BIOLOGY Merrill 315	CHEMISTRY Merrill 315	BIOLOGY Merrill 315	CHEMISTRY Merrill 4
Noon – 1 PM	LUNCH noon-1 Terrace room	LUNCH noon-1 Terrace room	LUNCH noon-1 Terrace room	LUNCH noon-1 Terrace room (Staff meeting)	LUNCH noon-1 Terrace room
1 PM
2 PM	2-4pm BIOETHICS seminar Prof. Gentzler Webster 102	2-5pm BIO LAB	2-4pm BIOETHICS seminar Webster 102	2-5pm BIO LAB	2-5pm CHEM LAB Check-in/Safety Weighing Merrill 426
4 PM
5:00 – 7:00 PM	DINNER Valentine (5-6:30)	DINNER Valentine (5-6:30)	DINNER Valentine (5-6:30))	DINNER Valentine (5-6:30)	DINNER Valentine (5-6:30)
7:00-10:00 PM	HOMEWORK(QCenter) Tim St.Onge, Joyzel & Joelle	HOMEWORK(QCenter)	HOMEWORK(QCenter)	HOMEWORK(QCenter)	7:00-10:00 PM

Summer schedule Mon – Fri Valentine hours: Breakfast: 7-8:30 am; Lunch 11-1 pm; Dinner: 5-6:30 pm

Fitness Center: 6 am – 7 pm Pratt Pool: 12 – 6 pm

Campus Center: 9 – 9 pm Schwemm’s Coffee House: 8 am – 2 pm

Frost Library: 8 – 5 pm Science Library: 10 – 4 pm

SUMMER SCIENCE 2012 WEEK 2a

WEEK 2	MONDAY 7/30	TUESDAY 7/31	WEDNESDAY 8/1	THURSDAY 8/2	FRIDAY 8/3
9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	CALCULUS Merrill 315	CALCULUS Merrill 315	CALCULUS Merrill 315	CALCULUS Merrill 315	CALCULUS TEST Merrill 315
10:40 AM – noon	CHEMISTRY Merrill 4	BIOLOGY Merrill 4	CHEMISTRY Merrill 4	BIOLOGY Merrill 4	CHEMISTRY Merrill 4
Noon - 1 PM	LUNCH Terrace room	LUNCH Terrace room	LUNCH Terrace room	LUNCH Terrace room (Staff meeting)	LUNCH Terrace room
1 PM
2 PM	2-5pm CHEM LAB Precipitation Merrill 426	2-4pm BIOETHICS seminar Webster 102	2-5pm CHEM LAB Separation Merrill 426	2-4pm BIOETHICS seminar Webster 102	2-5pm CHEM LAB Finish Expt Merrill 426
4 PM
5:00 – 7:00 PM	DINNER VALENTINE (5-6:30)	DINNER VALENTINE (5-6:30)	DINNER VALENTINE (5-6:30)	DINNER VALENTINE (5-6:30)	DINNER VALENTINE (5-6:30)
7:00-10:00 PM	HOMEWORK Q Center	HOMEWORK Q Center	HOMEWORK Q Center	HOMEWORK Q Center

SUMMER SCIENCE 2011 WEEK 3a

WEEK 3	MONDAY 8/6	TUESDAY 8/7	WEDNESDAY 8/8	THURSDAY 8/9	FRIDAY 8/10
9:15 AM – 10:30 AM	CALCULUS Merrill 315	CALCULUS Merrill 315	CALCULUS Merrill 315	CALCULUS TEST Merrill 315	CALCULUS Merrill 315
10:40 AM – noon	CHEMISTRY Merrill 4	BIOLOGY TEST Merrill 315	CHEMISTRY TEST Merrill 4	BIOLOGY Exam review Merrill 315	CHEMISTRY Presentations Merrill 4
Noon - 1 PM	LUNCH Terrace room	LUNCH Terrace room	LUNCH Terrace room	LUNCH Terrace room (Staff meeting)	LUNCH Terrace room
1 PM					1:30- Individual advising and course selection Dean Hart and Dean O’Hara
2 PM	2-4 pm BIOETHICS seminar Webster 102	2-5pm CHEM LAB Lab write-up Merrill 4	2-4pm BIOETHICS seminar Webster 102	CHEM exam review Work on presentations. Merrill 4
4 PM
5:00 – 7:00 PM	DINNER VALENTINE (5-6:30)	DINNER VALENTINE (5-6:30)	DINNER VALENTINE (5-6:30)	5:30 Farewell Dinner for SSP and SumHum Lewis-Sebring	DINNER VALENTINE (5-6:30)
7:00-10:00 PM	HOMEWORK With BIO help! Q Center	HOMEWORK Q Center	HOMEWORK Q Center	HOMEWORK Q Center