Confchem 2000

Response to question from Richard Pendarvis on the paper "Igniting students....."

Richard Pendarvis asks:

I am wondering how you handle the practical aspects of your "open days"?

It would seem difficult to have every faculty member available at all times during the open days. On the other hand, there is a considerable degree of liability.

Response:

Each faculty member is expected to be available for a single day, since the Inorganic, Organic and Physical/Theoretical divisions each have their own Open Day.

The Open Day does require a commitment of time, but less time is needed to give an outline of one's research if students can be gathered into groups of half a dozen, than if one meets them one by one.

Any students whose interest is piqued by what they've learnt at Open Days can - and will - pursue more in-depth discussions subsequently. The social aspect of Open Days is also important, since students get a chance to gauge the "feel" of the department in which they may work.