Office hoursEducational Philosophy/Student and Faculty Responsibilities
This part of the site is still under construction. Stay tuned for updates.
The educational endeavor is a partnership between the faculty and the students at New College. Of primary importance are respect, responsibility and commitment. This program is not for the faint of heart, either as a faculty member or as a student. A good educational experience is hard work.
When you are approaching a faculty member about a tutorial or independent project, think about your goals, how you want to accomplish them, and how they relate to your academics. Just because something seems like a good idea, does not mean that it should become an academic undertaking. I ask that students entertaining a project with me come with no less than a set of potential background works and an outline for the undertaking. You must put thought and work into what you are planning. This means that most projects will develop from an educational activity where you have engaged in meaningful consideration of the topic. If you come to me with the notion of me developing the project, do not be disappointed if I send you away.
Education can come in many forms. Experience in the field is one of the best ways to determine interests. Working with others at tasks that build communication skills, community, self-sufficiency and confidence is an important part of becoming a well rounded scholar. It is just as important to learn process as it is to complete a product.
Guide for incoming students
There are several things that you should know as an educated person. Key skills will allow you to take advantage of the offerings in a liberal arts setting with a focus on the natural sciences. Below is a checklist of items that I feel are important.
Computers
use email and online search engines
attach files to email
use Windows or other operating package
scan and manipulate images
Information
use virtual library including electronic reserves and online Interlibrary loans
search for and evaluate information on the worldwide web
use spreadsheet for data entry and manipulation
Scientific thinking
write critical reviews of primary articles
present a short talk or poster
use graphing program to create figures
develop and test hypotheses
understand inferential statistics
design experiments
find and use gray literature
Laboratory skills
understand and practice lab safety
develop basic lab skills such as using balances, meters, and pipettes
learn lab etiquette
understand how to use and maintain light microscope
keep lab notebook
write lab report
Field skills
understand and practice safety
use basic field instruments such as meters and collection devices
understand map reading and orienteering
keep a field notebook
write a field report
**for those interested in working in marine biology snorkeling skills are useful
GRADUATES
Often, graduates need letters of recommendation for various types of scholarships and programs, especially if you do not apply for a job or graduate school directly after graduating. If you think that you will be in this situation, please make sure that you keep in touch with faculty and update them on your work. For me, I do not generally write letters for students that have not contacted me for an update within 12 months of their request for a letter.
These letters take time, but also careful consideration by the faculty member of your potential, reliability, team work, etc. Without contact, it is difficult to assess the qualities of interest to employers or graduate programs.
Office hours
Please note that I have several tutorials and meetings in my office. I am more than happy to meet with students outside of scheduled office hours by appointment. If you drop by, at least look inside before knocking on the door. When you knock or open the door, it interrupts any meetings that are ongoing. Currently the office hours are from 10:00-11:30 am on Mondays ; others by appointment please. To reach me for a quick question, please contact me by email gilchrist@ncf.edu. I usually respond quickly to email if the server is available. You may also leave a voice mail message at my office in HNS 109 during the day (359-4275) or my lab at 359-4377.
If I am in my office in the evenings, I am probably busy. Please do not just "drop by" to chat. If you need to make an evening appointment, please do so at least a day in advance. Be aware that I do have some evening tutorials (mostly Monday and Tuesday).
Please respect my time needed for course review, paper work, letters of recommendation, committee work, research, course development, and other parts of my job.
