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The graduate school, the chemistry department, and ChemGSA provide many different resources. This page is to help compile some of the links together. Check out the Chemistry Departments official resource page as well.
Often times, incoming, first year, and even second, third, fourth, and fith year students have questions about the program, Lexington, and what to expect. We've compiled information on life in Lexington and other resources students find helpful. Check out the resources and FAQs below. If you have further questions reach out the GSA or your first year buddy. We are always willing and excited to help! If you have a suggestion or know of an additional FAQ or resource that should be included for future students, send an email or talk with one of the GSA leaders.
Chemistry Graduate Student Handbook
Chemistry Graduate Student Handbook
Perhaps the most important student resource for chemistry graduate students is the graduate student handbook. Always refer to the handbook! It has information on degree requirements, how to graduate, teaching assistantships, code of conduct, etc. The rubrics for and when to schedule qualifying exams are also included.
Chemistry Graduate Student Resources
Chemistry Graduate Student Resources
Follow the link for the Chemistry Departments official resource page. This page has nearly everything you need during the program. Our page here is supplemental information. They have information for offical program forms, deadlines, degree requirements, contacts, dissterations & theses, metnal health resources, and other pages you will find helpful during your time here.
University Wide Graduate Student Resources
University Wide Graduate Student Resources
Check out the general graduate student resource page which has information about gradute life at the University of Kentucky. We've mentioned some of these resources belwo as well (yes, the resources on campus are really that awesome!!).
Chemistry Graduate Student Resources Handbook
Chemistry Graduate Student Resources Handbook
Over the past two years, we have worked to put together a ChemGSA Resource Handbook for graduate students in the chemistry departemnt. This handbook has detailed information for students in the chemistry graduate program. Some of this information is repeated in the FAQs below.
Housing
Housing
We understand the current housing crisis, especially for new, international students. That's why we have put together a list of rental properties in Lexington:
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
about orientation
about orientation
Why is orientation so long?
There are three orientations:
One for the graduate school, that is for every graduate student at UK. During this orientation, there are some events that are only for international students to complete. It is listed on the orientation shcedule.
Then there is the chemistry department orientation, which introduces you to the department in general. It's when you'll register for classes.
Lastly, there is the TA orientation. All TAs will attend this orientation. Everyone will be split into their teaching assignments at this time.
When do I sign up for classes?
There's no rush to sign up for classes. The classes oyu need to/want to take are very unlikely to fill up. There will be an assigned time to schedule classes together during orientation. Graduate students and professors will be available to help you pick classes.
Lunch?
For most days, you are on your own for lunch during orientation. The on campus cafeterias will be open. There's resturants nearby, or have lunch in the kitchen on the third floor of Chem-Phys. There is a fridge and microwaves. (WARNING: "Launch Party" in general chemistry TA orientation does not mean lunch party...)
When do I need to be on campus for orientation?
Orientation runs from 8 am to 5 pm. You need to come for every day of orientation. There are times when there is nothing scheduled for orientation, in which you do not have ot be on campus. Look out for emails from teh departmetn for the date that you should be avialable in Lexington.
What should I wear to orientation? Do I need my own goggles and lab coat?
The department will provide a lab coat and goggles for teaching. There is a specfiic type of goggle and lab coat needed for TA assignments. For research, your lab group/advisor decide what personal protective gear is needed and when.
about being a TA
about being a TA
How do TA assignments work? When will I know my TA assignment?
Honestly, none of us know exactly how TA assignments are given. You be assigned as alab instructor to general chemistry, organic chemistry, or to teach recitation class. You will be given your TA assignment right before TA orientation, either the Friday before or the Monday of. There's a lot of moving parts behind the scene for TA lines with the graduate school, so the departemnt cannot make final decisions until right before.
How am I evaluated as a TA?
There will be two semester TA evaluations. The first one is an obersvation, where someone from the department observes you teaching. This happens mid semster. Then, there is a final evalaution at the end of the semster from your TA supervisor. You will revieve feedback from both! If you have questions about your teaching, you can discucss with your TA supervisor or a lead TA/super TA.
Should I be worried if I've never taught before?
No! It's normal for most incoming student to have no teaching experience. TA orientation is designed to provide you with all the tools and information needed to be a successful TA. Weekly TA meetings and TA evaluations further develop you as a TA and help you throughout the semester. Lead TAs (general chemistry) and Lead TAs (organic chemistry) are also there to help you.
How many students will I be incharge of?
There is a max of 24 students per class. Sometimes the class is not full though.
Are there night labs?
No. All classes are from 8 am to 5 pm. You will only have to teach during that time block, for your assigned class. There are proctoring assignments once or twice a month that occur at night for common hour chemistry exam.
about picking and joining a lab
about picking and joining a lab
How does research here?
Can I do research over the summer before starting my first semster?
How do I join a research group?
Are there rotations?
There are not formal rotations. You are welcome and encouraged to shadow in a lab, talk to current grad student, and attend group meetings of the labs you're intertested in.
How do I form a committee?
This can vary between research groups. Ask your advisor! But, generally you select three in department professors (including your PI) and one out of department person. There is a committee form that must be filled out before your first year committee meeting (occurs in third semester). It's best to form your committee before the end of your first spring semester.
about the chemistry department
about the chemistry department
What's up with all of the donuts?
about life in Lex
about life in Lex
How can I save money while in grad school in Lexington? Good to know resources while living in Lexington
Too good to go bags
Library card from Lexington Public Libraries. Download the Libby App for free books at home with your library card.
On campus Dollar Lunch
Bus:
10 free meal swipes
Lexington Guide as told by current grad students
Lexington Guide as told by current grad students
Cool things to do in Lexington:
Lexington Farmer's Market: Takes place in several locations, but the closest one to campus is downtown Lexington on Saturday mornings. It's fun to stroll through the booths with fresh vegtables, flowers, and baked goods. There are also art vendors, jams, honey, coffee trucks, etc.
Good Foods Coop: Great place for loacl produce and vegtables. There's a juice bar and hot bar in the back!
The Last Monday Reading series at KY Native
Walk around: Gatton Park, Arbortetum
Hike around: Raven Run
Visit the KY Horse Park and Keeneland (even out of racing time)
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