The students tend to be outspoken, intellectually curious and self-reliant. Looking ahead, Professor Merritt believes ESG can be a key player in showing the way to achieve the goals of the Task Force on Student Life and Learning and the Educational Design Project. The program, supported by the School of Science, occupies a 14-room suite on the sixth floor of Building 24, dominated by a lounge with sofas and chairs, a hammock and an oversized magnet that can be hazardous to credit cards. The doors to the common area are never locked. Humanities subjects and seminars involve intensive discussions and projects, with students providing substantial input.
Classes are small, discussions are lively and students proceed at their own pace.
Typically, students devote five class hours a week to their core science and math subjects, scheduled at times mutually convenient to students and instructors. Humanities subjects meet two or three times a week. In addition, intellectual exchanges are encouraged at weekly Friday lunches with guest speakers, and periodic evening study sessions. Cultural and recreational field trips are also scheduled. Professor Merritt plans to maintain the tradition of learning in small groups.