The registrar's website has links to numerous useful resources, include information on requirements for majors, minors, and concentrations; core requirements; the writing competency exam; and the academic calendar and exam schedule.
Make sure you have declared your major(s) and/or minor(s)!
If you are a geology, environmental, paleo, or GIS major or minor, be sure to explore theDepartment of Earth & Environment website for information on the requirements of our majors/minors, descriptions of our courses, information about careers, field, and research opportunities, and the facilities our department hosts.
Before each advising meeting, make sure you have downloaded the latest Graduation Audit form for your major(s)/minor(s), and completed this based on your own academic record. Take control of your college career!
I also recommend that you make yourself a 4-year plan, in which you map out all of the courses you might take (or have already taken) in your 8 semesters to fulfill your requirements and majors/minors/concentrations. Try making a table for each year at Albion (2 semester columns, with 4-5 rows beneath for the corresponding courses, as below). By taking the initiative to make a 4-year plan, you will be able to see where times of flexibility vs. strict requirements are, and have more control over the possibilities for your own future.
Requesting Recommendations
I am pleased to write letters of recommendation for students. Here are a few important steps that you can take to facilitate the process:
Fill out my online request form for letters of recommendation AND send me an email to let me know that you have completed this step, including a copy of your resume/CV and cover letter for the position. In this form, you will answer key questions about the type of program or position you are applying to, due date for the letter, submission format, and a bit about what you are applying to. NOTE: In order to write a well-informed letter, I must have interacted with you in at least two different contexts, which can include: classes, directed study research, supervising you as a TA, or field camp or regional.
Be sure to allot plenty of time to write the letter! A minimum of 3 weeks lead time is recommended, and if less notice is provided, I may not be able to fulfill your request. Drafting careful and specific letters to support you takes time to do well.
Be thoughtful about the number and types of programs, positions, or research opportunities you apply to. I recommend that you consult the Albion College Career and Internship Center and our Earth & Environment faculty as you being to make plans, in order to determine what is appropriate and best to dedicate your time and effort in applying to.
Update me! If it's been a while since we've been in contact, or I haven't heard the latest of what you are working on, please email me your resume/CV and a brief writeup about what you've been doing since we were last in good touch.
Updating me about how your applications progress and turn out is also good practice. Once you hear from jobs, programs, or schools, tell me how you fared! I am always thrilled to hear good news, and also glad to commiserate when things don't work out. Your experiences and feedback will also help future Albion Geology alums. Additionally, one of the very best parts of mentoring students is hearing back from you years down the line -- always feel free to reach out!
I will be writing letters based not only on my experience with you as a student in class, but also on observations of you in the department and your interactions and behavior with other students, faculty, on trips, during projects, and during events. If an experience was not entirely positive, please be aware that a letter may include critical comments or a discussion of that experience. If you have questions about this, please discuss it with me when making your letter request.