Furman University

SAFE Passage 2012 (July 15th through 19th)

[SAFE Passage 2013 (tentatively scheduled for July 14th - July 18th]

A key component of the SOAR program, SAFE passage sets the stage as the incoming cohort of students spend 5 days (4 nights) living together in the dorms, getting a snap shot of the academic expectation awaiting them in the fall, learning about the wide variety of research opportunities and getting to know the SOAR management team that will be supporting them through their four years at Furman. Finally, a little time was also found getting to know each other and bonding as we tackled the Nantahalla River through a half-day rafting adventure.

Academics: Students experience multiple lectures in up to 5 different academic disciplines (2012 : Calculus, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Political Science/Asian Studies and History/FYW).

Research: In addition to a general discussion of research opportunities, students had meetings with professors in Chemistry and Biology to learn about their research and their research group.  Drs. Chosed and Lewis (Biology) and Drs. Buchmueller and Wagenackt (Chemistry) shared their research groups through a 45 minute round-table discussion.

Chemistry and Biology Majors: Students spent two evenings with groups of chemistry and biology majors (freshman as well as upperclassmen) and enjoyed dinner in downtown Greenville.

Socializing: Mid-way through the 5-day program, we spent a day taming the Nantahalla River (see pictures below).  Group photo after taming Bull Sluice and our "flawless" path through Bull Sluice.