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SPS Buddy System

The SPS Buddy System is a program where upperclassmen help their younger compatriots figure out how to make the most of the Physics Department, how to navigate Harvard in general, or maybe just how to integrate x*e^-kx.

A Farewell

Dear buddies big and little,

Thank you for letting me serve as your buddy match coordinator. I hope you found this system useful, or at least mildly entertaining for a few minutes, or at least beneficial to your physical harmonies. Max promises to be a great successor to this position, and I hope you all sign up to be big buddies next year (now that your big buddies made you so much wiser)! I'll see you around on Thursdays in Leverett and hope to give you some great social events in my new office.

Best wishes,

Louis Kang

-- LouisKang - 09 Feb 2007

Buddy System 2006-07 Matchups!

First remember, sign up for SPS-list if you have not done so already (the link is on the left)!

I tried to match buddies together who share the same interests. The "Theme" is mean to reflect this compatibility, but in most cases, it is grossly misrepresentative and corny.

Also, since there are more little buddies than big buddies, I had to match a few big buddies with more than one little buddy. I hope you don't mind; your physics enthusiasm should increase proportionally.

For those attending the lunch, try to find your buddy when you arrive! If your buddy is not attending the lunch, don't fret! Just enjoy the company of other physics students and professors, and you may see your buddy another day. A reminder: the lunch will take place at 1:30 PM (with mingling starting at 1:15 PM) on Monday, November 13 at the Faculty Club.

Please e-mail me (lkang [at] fas) if any of this information is wrong or if I failed to match you with someone else.

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-- LouisKang - 12 Nov 2006

Buddy System 2006-07

Hello Physics Enthusiasts!

The Society of Physics Students brings you the 2006-2007 Buddy System! This noble tradition has enriched the experiences of freshman and upperclassman alike and has generated general camaraderie for all. Heed the wisdom of your physics forerunners and join!

The Buddy System matches one Little Buddy with one Big Buddy who has similar interests. Big Buddies provide advice about the College, courses, activities, research, and other pertinent topics to help the "Little Buddies" orient themselves within the Physics Department and Harvard College. We have organized events for Buddies to attend, and outside of these events, you may meet as often as you like.

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are usually Big Buddies. Freshmen and students new to the concentration are usually Little Buddies.

Our first Buddy event will be a Student-Faculty Lunch on Monday, November 13 at the Faculty Club. Many professors will be there so you can become acquainted with the department. Professor Morin will send you more details about this later.

To sign up, please complete the following electronic .pdf form. If you have any questions, please e-mail me (lkang [at] fas). I personally had a great experience with my Big Buddy last year, who was tremendously helpful.

• SPS_Buddy_System_Questionnaire.pdf

You definitely do not have to be a Physics concentrator to join. If you receive SPS-list e-mails, you are more than qualified to join! If you do not receive SPS-list e-mails, you should sign up for SPS-list and then join!

-- LouisKang - 24 Oct 2006

Buddy System Blurb 2005-06

The SPS Buddy System is a program that matches up freshmen interested in physics and related fields with upperclassmen in physics. Sophomores are welcome to participate, and they may either be big or little buddies, depending on their experience. It is a great opportunity for both parties to meet new people and gain additional perspectives on physics classes and the department. If you are a freshman, you need not be certain that you want to concentrate in physics, or even in a related field; likewise, upperclassmen need not be solely interested in physics, but it might help.

If you are interested in either being a buddy or having a buddy, please fill out the questionnaire. We ask these questions because our goal is to match buddies with similar interests. Please email your responses both to your friendly Freshman WHIP (Ellen Martinsek, martins@fas) and our SPS President (Peter Williams, pkwill@fas) by FRIDAY OCTOBER 14. Please be timely, as we may not be able to match you up after this date. The first official buddy event will hopefully be a Liquid Nitrogen Night (crossing fingers here) in late October/early November, and then there will be a luncheon with all the buddies and the department at the Faculty Club on Monday, November 14.

• buddy_questionnaire.doc: Questionnaire

News

So I'm going to be visiting Physics 15a and 16 during the third week of classes to talk a little bit about SPS and the buddy system, and also to hand out questionnaires and gauge interest in the buddy program. All you physics '09ers, hope to see you then!

As for big buddies, physics concentrators will probably be hearing from me late September/early October as I try to get a nice big group with varied interests and experience. Can't wait to work (and play) with you!

Any prospective physics concentrators who are interested in having an upperclassman buddy to show them the ropes of the Department and give advice about classes to take should definitely email me! (martins@fas)

I'll see you in the fall!

--Ellen Martinsek, Freshman WHIP

Why Be A Buddy?

There are so many reasons to be a buddy, it's amazing! Whether you're a big or a little buddy, you'll definitely get a lot out of the program, starting with meeting someone else in the department (and, of course, there are the fabulous events! with FREE FOOD).

If you're a BIG buddy, you get to impart the wisdom you've built up over your years as an undergrad here at Harvard, giving advice to a new member of the physics community and sharing your insights. And, of course, you get to have lunch at the Faculty Club, which is far better than dining hall food. :)

If you're a LITTLE buddy, you get a whole lot out of the program. You get to hear from an experienced upperclassmen about classes, especially in the physics department, and Harvard in general. Basically, you get the inside scoop on all sorts of questions from someone who wants to help you and hang out with you. Whether you just chill with your buddy or go to them often for advice, they're a great resource.

-- EllenMartinsek - 08 Sep 2005

Attachment?	Action	Size	Date	Who	Comment
SPS_Buddy_System_Questionnaire.pdf	manage	286.9 K	24 Oct 2006 - 01:38	BailesBrown	Buddy Questionnaire 2006