One of the issues I've had to come to terms with over the years is the proliferation of electronic devices in my classroom. Not only are there more of them, but students do not seem fully aware of etiqutte of using these devices in a learning environment.

Dear Colleagues,

One of my organic colleagues asked me today if I knew what "pendant base" meant in terms of metals and ligands. Has anyone heard this before? Is this some sort of new nomenclature/concept?

Sibrina

A recent post by the Lafayette propaganda folks.

 '...with dedicated labs for teaching analytical, biochemistry, general, organic, physical, and inorganic chemistry.'

Is it me, or does something seem unusual?

How do you encourage your students to only apply to an appropriate number of research programs or graduate schools? While the number that is appropriate is obviously going to be different for diffferent students and different programs, I heard about this plan today and thought it was a good, albeit tounge-in-cheek way to get the point across.

A VIPEr user who wants to remain anonymous has the following real-life case study.  Please provide any comments you feel that could help.  
- Adam

anyone see this? 

http://www.chemistry-blog.com/2010/06/22/something-deeply-wrong-with-ch…

I am going to do a group meeting on Friday with my students to discuss this blog and its associated articles.  I want to alert them to the possibile realities of grad school, and traits to look for (and avoid) in potential advisors.

Any thoughts?

Adam

does anyone out there in VIPEr land have a department policy on missed work during the summer?  I am asking specifically about medical or family emergency (ie, excused absences) but it would be also good wo know whats out there regarding unexcused missed days.

Sadly, I ask because one of my student's family members is having a serious medical emergency and the student has missed a lot of work and I expect more over the next week or so.  

Are you interested in becoming more involved with the ACS Division of Inorganic Chemistry? Would you like to develop a symposium for a meeting?  Are you interested in running for office? The DIC is always looking for volunteers.

Contact reisneba at jmu dot edu for more information.