Over the years, a number of interventions aimed at increasing student engagement and performance have been implemented in higher education. Some of these, labeled high-impact practices (HIPs), when done well, have led to documented evidence of student success. Two approaches that have been identified as HIPs--first-year seminars and learning…

In September 1983 Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT) began a program requiring every incoming student to own a Digital Equipment Corporation PC-350 microcomputer. Past computing experiences at SIT, impact of the program, software and hardware considerations, and computing experiences in chemistry are reviewed. (JN)

Examines reasons why individuals in academic institutions do not feel the same safety-related pressures as individuals in nonacademic institutions. Also lists elements that should be included in any basic safety/health program and describes the steps taken at one college to improve laboratory safety. (JN)

Recognizing that the vast majority of students will enter the chemical industry, an optional four-course sequence related to industrial chemistry was introduced. Program details are given along with information on how it was integrated into the curriculum of a small school with minimal staff size changes and limited facitlities. (JN)

Describes the University of Kansas chemistry department's safety program. Comprehensive regulation, undergraduate regulations, safety equipment, handling accidents, inspections, and training are addressed. (JN)

Described is the "typical" curriculum necessary for graduation with a biochemistry degree from college. The information was synthesized from over 600 responses to a questionnaire sent to colleges and universities. Biochemical educators and scientists have been asked to review the curriculum and send comments. (KR)

Describes an undergraduate polymer laboratory program in which the laboratory simulates an industrial organization. The goals of the program are to foster an understanding of the properties of polymers and how they change, their preparation, and industrial application. (JN)

A workshop was designed to introduce experiences with chemistry at a level appropriate to elementary school teachers with little/no background in chemistry and presented so teachers learned to do hands-on experiments appropriate for their students. A list of 16 activities (with brief descriptions) used in the workshop is included. (Author/JN)

The environmental chemistry program at Vassar College consists of undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework in environmental chemistry, a research program, and a program of involvement with environmental problems in the Mid-Hudson area. Various aspects of this interdisciplinary, integrated program are discussed. (JN)

The project accounting system used by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Chemical Sciences exchanges financial data with the campus' central accounting system and allows integration of this information with user-entered data to produce an easily read, fully obligated project accounting statement for the budget and period…

Describes a chemistry curriculum for college freshmen that uses laboratory study of the chemical composition of meals eaten by students as the central activity from which theoretical and practical learning are derived. Presents a meal analysis flow diagram and a table of concepts included in the program. (GS)

Presents an alternative syllabus in A-level chemistry based on the place of chemistry in industry and its effect upon society. (Author/GS)

Project SERAPHIM (Systems Engineering Respecting Acquisition and Propagation of Heuristic Instructional Materials) aims to help chemical educators by collecting, producing, and disseminating instructional software for microcomputers. Project activities, accomplishments, and possible future endeavors are described. (JN)

Describes a program designed to prepare students to work upon graduation in the industrial chemical field as chief chemists in production plants; in analytical laboratories; or in sales, management, or public relations within chemical firms. Also describes industry-college relationship established to achieve program objectives. (JN)

Described is a chemistry program for high school students in rural Pennsylvania administered by Juniata College. Support, programing, equipment, and management of this van-based program are discussed. The positive effects on the students, teachers, and the college community are stressed. (CW)