Dear Chemistry Majors,

Course registration for fall semester 2008 begins April 7th for current seniors, April 14th for current juniors, April 22nd for current sophomores, and April 28th for current freshmen.  Your specific registration date and time are provided on SPIRE.  You must meet with a Chemistry Department advisor for advisement and to receive your registration access code (RAC).  You cannot register without your RAC; it is only provided after you have met with your advisor.  RACs will not be given by phone or email.  Chemistry Department advisors are available for current seniors only on Friday, April 4th.  Open advising begins Monday, April 7th.

Chemistry majors are assigned an advisor; this assignment is found on your SPIRE page and posted near your mailboxes.  However, regardless of this assignment, you may meet with any Chemistry Department advisor.  Prof. Richason is available for all students mornings between 8:30-11:30AM; no appointment necessary.  Some advisors maintain a sign-up sheet on their office door, others schedule drop-in times only.  Check with your assigned or chosen advisor for specifics.  You are urged to schedule, or go to an advising session prior to your assigned SPIRE registration date/time.

When you meet with an advisor you must bring: (1) a copy of your unofficial transcript; (2) your proposed schedule (a blank scheduling grid is part of the gold sheets noted above), and (3) a completed course checklist for appropriate degree (BA or BS).  This is part of the green sheets.

It is essential that you register as early as possible after your assigned start date/time so you have the maximum possible choice of courses, sections, & times.  If you register on time, we will guarantee you a place in chemistry courses required of the major, provided you will have met the prerequisites or have instructor permission.  If you do not register during this registration period, you may find it impossible to enter a required or chosen course.

Before registering for classes, any “holds” must be removed.  If you have an Advisor Alert (hold) or Credit Alert (hold), you must be advised by and receive your RAC from Prof. G. Richason, Chief Undergraduate Advisor (CUA).  Your academic folder resides in the Chemistry Department Office, LGRT 104.

For your general information, Prof. Paul M. Lahti is the Undergraduate Program Director, and is available for consultation by appointment.  Prof. David L. Adams is the Honors Coordinator, and is available during posted office hours for specific advice on honors courses, Departmental Honors, and the Commonwealth College. 

Your advisor is responsible for answering questions and providing counsel on course selections and our curriculum.  However, within limits imposed by the College and the University, the final choice is yours.  It is your responsibility to ensure that departmental, college, and university requirements are satisfied.

You are reminded of the Chemistry Majors Bulletin Board outside of GSMN 153 (Chemistry Club) and GSMN 149, where timely information on summer jobs, internships, summer research programs, etc., is posted as received.  These postings are updated frequently.  This information is also available on the Career Services website.  You should also regularly check your OIT (@student.umass.edu) email account for communications concerning your major and the department.

I hope this has helped to answer some of your questions regarding registration and advisement within the Chemistry Department.  Please address additional questions to me or one of the chemistry advisors.

Sincerely,

Marie Whalen,
Undergraduate Program Manager
Goessmann 149C (marie@chem.umass.edu)