The department follows a Summer/Fall registration. Students will pursue research during the summer when they can devote full time to the work and complete the write-up during the Fall Quarter of the senior year. According to the SIP registration guidelines from the Registrar's Office, students will receive one credit for the summer research and an additional credit for the write-up and seminar. Each student should work out an SIP in consultation with the Chemistry Department, based on individual interests and other relevant factors. It is expected that some students will prefer to carry out the SIP off campus or in another department in which they have a heavy concentration of courses.

In addition to the Kalamazoo College SIP registration form (available from the department coordinator or Registrar's Office), a more complete description of the SIP proposal must be submitted to the chair of the chemistry department by or before 9th week of junior spring for approval. Your project must receive department approval before you can receive SIP credit in chemistry. Students who wish to carry out an SIP at another institution should begin making their own arrangements as early as possible.  The end of Fall term is a common time to start applying for research opportunities, as applications are often due between December and March.