FOCUS, which stands for “Focusing on Cultivating Scientists,” is in its second year at Carleton. FOCUS is designed for students interested in science and promoting diversity in the sciences. FOCUS supports students through their entry into the study of science/math at Carleton and as they continue in the curriculum by creating a cohort which enrolls in classes together (in so far as this makes sense), meets regularly in a colloquium throughout the first year, and has an opportunity for work study in the sciences.

Fall term

• A science based first year seminar; for 2008: PSYC 100: Brain, Mind & Behavior – 6 credits
• FOCUS colloquium – 2 credits
• 2 additional courses of student’s choice – 12 cr. (likely including 1 math course)

Winter term

• Math or science course* – 6 credits
• FOCUS colloquium – 2 credits
• 2 additional courses of student’s choice – 12 credits

Spring term

• Math or science course* - 6 credits
• FOCUS colloquium – 2 credits
• 2 additional course of student’s choice – 12 credits

Benefits for FOCUS students include the following:

1. Membership in a cohort of science-interested students in first-year seminar.
2. Placement into science-based first-year seminar in fall term.
3. FOCUS coordinator, a science/math faculty member, organizing events, publicizing opportunities, and working directly with student participants
4. Priority registration into intro science or math courses in winter and spring terms
5. Full-year colloquium taught by FOCUS coordinator with an emphasis on science-based activities, projects, research opportunities, and field trips as well as on strategies for success at Carleton. Students earn credits equivalent to a single course distributed over the year, creating a “cushion” for future terms in which students may want to take a reduced load.
6. Personalized science advising with FOCUS coordinator in addition to regular academic advising.
7. Student mentors available for science/math courses in which FOCUS students are enrolled
8. Work-study opportunities in the science/math areas for approximately 50% of work contract
9. Targeted recruiting for summer opportunities.

The cohort is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) and the NSF's Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP).

Interested in becoming a part of FOCUS? Check it as your first choice on the Pre-Registration Form and answer the pertinent questions.

Contact Information

FOCUS Adviser: Deborah Gross, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Mudd Hall 172, x5629  dgross@carleton.edu   *Check out Deborah Gross' website

Alternate FOCUS contact:  Eric Egge, Associate Professor of Mathematics, CMC 223, x7623  eegge@carleton.edu