This talk presents a professional networking program that is integrated into the first semester physical chemistry curriculum as part of a larger, fully-scaffolded professional skills curriculum at a small, liberal arts college.  The zero-cost program emphasizes opportunities for current students and alumni to interact both in person and using videoconferencing technology, as well as some off-campus programs arranged in collaboration with the Career Development Center.  The program was developed using the principles of backward design with the goals of increasing inclusivity and persistence of under-represented groups, providing students with increased awareness of educational and career opportunities post-graduation, highlighting the values of a liberal arts education, providing critical education about work/life balancing, and facilitating job/internship placement with alumni and community partners.  The program is assessed every semester using a survey of student perceptions that address the program goals.  In addition to presenting how the program fits into both the departmental professional skills curricula and the physical chemistry-specific elements of that curriculum, we will present the logistics and mechanics of facilitating the program as well as provide data from the student perception surveys as to how well the program is currently meeting its goals.  Based on these data and faculty observations, mechanisms for improving the program in future iterations will also be discussed.<br/> <br/>This talk is the last in a four part series that details a scaffolded undergraduate professional skills curriculum that spans the full four-year undergraduate chemistry/biochemistry experience. While the talk can absolutely be attended as a stand-alone, attending all four in the series will provide audience members with a better understanding of what this type of intentionally scaffolded curriculum can accomplish.<br/>

Scaffolding alumni interactions into the physical chemistry curricula through professional networking

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.