The second year of college for most science majors is a challenging time when many students — particularly students from groups underrepresented in the sciences — struggle with their coursework and may choose to leave the field. The Grinnell science division’s work over the past few years has focused on curricular reforms and providing a supportive context to help students weather this challenging phase of their education. “Situating Second-Year Success: Understanding Second-Year STEM Experiences at a Liberal Arts College” in CBE-Life Sciences Education (Sept. 1, 2016) details their work, which was done with support of a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Contributors include Leslie Gregg-Jolly, professor of biology; Jim Swartz, Dack Professor of Chemistry; Joyce Stern ’91, dean for student success and academic advising; and David Lopatto, director of the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment.
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