Great Teacher. Explains everything really well. Has office hours/study session available to help students out. encourages you to study with classmates. tests are okay, do probs in book, look over notes, and book and you should do fine

I love Dr. Caran! He's one of the most helpful teachers ever...very easy to get ahold of. He cares about his students alot, but expects them to work very hard.

Great trip leader, and an awesome person. Has som great songs, including fishie. Also a good cook.

absolutely amazing guy! wonderful ASB leader and a fantastic musician. very helpful and willing to do anything for his students. i love this professor...rocks my world!

If you show up to class and pay attention this should be an easy A. He is a very nice guy, and his classes don't seem to difficult, although sometimes slightly boring.

excellent, even though the class materials are SO hard, he makes you study hard. He's willing to help students and very friendly. highly recommend

Dr. Caran is amazing, if you have the opportunity def take him, always willing to help, really clear lectures, just study and you'll be fine!

I dont know what these other people were smoking but this class is definitely not a walk in the park. Quizes almost every other class. Tests are hard. Im working my ass off and getting a B. Not the hardest teacher but definitely NOT an easy A.

Dr. Caran is so cool! He is excellent at explaining concepts and will really put forth an effort to help you if you are having problems. I also love that's he's laid back and fair. However, he is strict on lab report grading!!!!

really nice guy. willing to help if you have problems. tests are kind of hard. if you miss a day, you miss a lot of slides/notes that he hands out in class. lots of in-class assignments. its a pretty easy class, but you must go to class to do well.

Go to class, study the slides from in class notes and you will do fine on the tests. Do the hw so you know what you are doing. Small Nano project/mini presentation is kinda bogus but very doable. TAKE CARAN!!!!!!!!!!!

Class is DEFINITELY HARD but it's organic, whoever that's expecting it to be easy is at fault to begin with. He wasn't as effective in the beginning because he was fairly new but by the end, he got better. He's willing to help if you seek but he wants you to put some effort in it as well.

Great professor and amazing person.Very passionate about what he does.Very clear lectures.Goes out of his way to help you if you seek it.Very approachable,holds multiple review sessions for every exam.Go to class and study,you'll do well.If I had taken him for GSCI 101 as a freshman, probably would have switched from business to biology major.

What can I say other than Wow!

He bent over backwards to help me learn this subject. He doesn't just want you to pass it, he wants you to know it. He is a top notch teacher. Just keep up with everything he tells you to do and you will be OK. No short cuts here.

This guy is just an awesome teacher. One of the best I have encountered. Extremely fair grader and just pay attention to his lectures and the tests and write ups are no problem

not an easy class for a gen-ed. the things he teaches are far advanced, but not too in depth so the tests aren't that bad. i got an A because of my test grades...drops ur lowest one...go to class, strict attendance policy but overall worth taking

Caran's a brilliant man and knows the subject, but goes too fast most of the time. Tests and quizzes are fair, but you're going to have to put in a lot of outside hours in order to get the material down.

He's really sweet but seriously, expect to eat, sleep, and breathe chemistry if you have him. Also, I think he's really hot.

Tough, but super duper nice. His jokes are terrible, but so terrible they are funny! He is the epitome of what an organic teacher should look like!

LOVE HIM! He loves organic chemistry and you will love it because he is so enthusiastic. He is hot in a "I'm too smart for you and I'm in a band" kinda way! Just listen to his suggestions on how to study, they work! Learn your mechanisms because they will help you with his tricky MC questions. Go to class, recopy your notes, and study.

Fantastic teacher, very knowledgeable and kind

Dr. Caran is a great prof. Organic Chemistry is extremely difficult but he does a good job of explaining things and has weekly problem sessions outside of class. Be prepared to put in a ton of outside hours to do average.

Really cool, hard class but he was always very enthusiastic! He puts up problem sets and practice exams and has weekly problem sets.

do the problem sets, do the practice tests, they are like very similar to the actually test. It is a very hard class, but he is really good at explaining everything if you put the effort into it

Only problem I had with Caran is it seemed like he rushed through the notes, sometimes leaving me clueless and trying to play catch-up. I wish he would let us do group problems during class, like the other orgo professor, so we could get practice/help during class. Overall, however, a very thorough and knowledgeable professor.

Organic chemistry sucks. I imagine it would be worse if you didn't have a teacher that didn't know what he was talking about. Caran, along with the rest of the orgo teachers are very knowledgeable and very helpful. He'll do everything he can to get you to pass. It's up to you to put in the work. You won't regret taking him.

Great teacher. He gives hard tests but if you study really hard they are completely doable. STUDY for the class no matter who u have but he is great! He is funny and nice and clear and really helpful. Take him!

This class is very hard, but Dr. Caran is very fair and does not give you anything on tests that you haven't seen before. DO THE PROBLEM SETS AND PRACTICE EXAMS...similar to what the tests are like. Try not to miss class and take good notes/stay organized - anybody can pass but you honestly have to work for it, it will not be handed to you.

Kevin Caran is the man, end of story. Excellent professor and, atleast I thought, very straight foreward. Attending class is a must - organic is a tough subject, but he explains in very well. Not a subject you can learn on your own effectively.

Awesome guy. Terrific professor. Get over it, it's organic chemistry - you have to work hard. But he explains it EXTREMELY well. Never used the text book, just went to class and PRACTICED. 5 exams, drops the lowest and a final. I love organic because of him. HIGHLY recommend.

Dr. Caran is the reincarnation of Christ. He is kind, funny, and a great teacher. Please take him. My only complaint is he can be a wee bit nit-picky on grading, but he takes off small amounts of points at one time.

Dr. Caran is an amazing professor that really knows what he is talking about. I would highly recommend taking him if you want to do well in Organic. I could easily say he is one of the best teachers iv ever had. TAKE HIM FOR ORGANIC!

He is a great professor, and I love the fill in the blank style notes. I couldn't imagine writing everything down that we go over in one class. His tests are extremely difficult, but he is fair. Lots of people have to retake this class however, including myself. He knows how to keep it fun by singing songs and whatnot too.

Great professor

Very helpful and clear teacher. Has great notes for you to follow along with. O.chem is a difficult class but if you READ the text book you will do fine. I got an A and a B+ with lots of studying.

Moves much faster than any other the other teachers and gives 5 tests which are basically every 2 weeks. Not a lot of time to study for each so made it very difficult. I would take Mohler unless you're not taking any other hard classes.

Caran is the shizzzz. Organic is hard, deal with it. He's awesome at teaching it and really knows his stuff. His tests are tough, but he makes organic a FUN class. take him.

Caran is one of the best professors I've ever had. He's extremely passionate about organic chemistry, which really sets a good mood for the class. He expects a lot of the students, but he's a very fair and clear professor. I would recommend rearranging your entire schedule if you have to just to take his class.

Professor Caran is awesome - he makes chemistry accessible and does his best to make it fun and doable. He is clear, gives you tons of practice, and provides lecture notes. Organic chemistry is tough. Period. But Caran is the perfect option.

Organic chemistry is a hard class, but Dr. Caran is very motivating, fair, and clear. You will learn A LOT in this class, so I especially recommend taking Caran if you plan to take biochemistry. I earned a B by going to every class, going to the PASS sessions, and doing the problem sets. I probably could have gotten an A if I used the text book.

Caran is a great teacher but he makes the class way harder than it has to be. Caran's tests were very tricky and the dude flies through lectures. His tests were ridiculously demanding in the short 50 minutes we had to complete them... take Lewis if you can

I loved him, by far my favorite teacher. Even though I took him for lab he was always willing to help with any questions I had and made himself very available to everyone in class. After having him for lab, I would absolutely take him in a lecture class! He knows what he is talking about and is a whiz at organic chem. Really cool guy.

Dr. Caran was an amazing lecturer, and he really wants his students to succeed. He offers up a ton of extra resources and he explains things really well to those who don't get it in a variety of ways. His tests are pretty hard, but it's organic and as far as the other teachers go I would definitely recommend him over the others. Loved him.

Dr. Caran is one of the smartest teachers in this department. Lewis is also great for this class, but I believe Caran is a little more clear and helps develop a better understanding. No matter who you have organic chemistry is going to be a challenging course, that's just how it is. Pay attention and work hard and it's doable.

Dr. Caran is amazing. Organic chemistry is a tough class but as long as you go to lectures and read the book outside of class, you should do fine. He grades tests incredibly fast- we usually got exams back the next class. He does not take attendance but you definitely need to go to lecture or you will miss important material.

Nice, funny professor, but a brutal class. The lectures go full time and he talks very fast. Hard to copy down everything he writes on the slides. There are 5 tests and a final so you are always studying. He does drop your lowest test score. 10% is online homework and you should do all of it for the points. Khan academy helps for some stuff.

Caran made organic much better than the rumors. His tests are tough but very fair to what we learn in class. Lectures are interactive and he is pretty funny, so it is easy to learn in class. There are lots of tests so room to improve and one gets dropped. Final was cumulative but by far manageable. Got a B+

This man is a genius and you will learn Orgo if you are willing to put in the effort. His class is fast paced compared to Lewis and he posts blank slides so you can fill them out while he lectures. His tests are hard and tricky, but an A is very possible. His office hours are the best part about him because he is able to clarify all lecture points.

I love Dr. Caran! He makes ochem interesting and is so approachable. The class its self is difficult, I mean it is ochem, but keeping a set timeline of study time and really putting forth effort to learn makes it not so bad. Would definitely take him again and I'm kind of sad class will be over soon.

Dr. Caran is amazing! I honestly would not being as well if he was not my professor. Orgo is hard, really really hard, and it makes me cry on the daily, but because of him I feel better about it! His lectures are very informative and helpful, and he's super chill and nice! Definitely recommend him to get you through the suffering :).

Dr. Caran is the bomb. If you're ever confused, go to office hours. He will explain a concept in many different ways until you understand it. He is a tough grader, but he's fair, and if you have exactly what he asks for you'll be fine. His tests are hard, but once you get the hang of it, you'll know what to expect.

Dr. Caran is hands down the best professor I have had thus far at JMU. Its no secret that orgo is hard and he knows that, but it definitely makes a difference when you go to office hours on a regular basis, keep up with your readings, and ask questions. This class is very difficult but far from impossible with Caran as a professor.

Dr. Caran is pretty awesome for organic. Its a hard class, but he posts his powerpoints before class so you can follow along and take notes making it easier to organize the material. He's funny too and makes class as enjoyable as possible. His tests can be difficult, but they're manageable. He's definitely a great orgo professor.

if you have to suffer through orgo this is the best professor at JMU to do it with. Great professor, grades quickly, loves the material and will help you do so too. go to office hours dont get behind. great guy, actually cares about his work

Caran is the best professor I have ever taken. In order to do well in orgo you need to be very motivated to study and GO TO OFFICE HOURS. Dr. Caran can explain really small details from the powerpoint that are kinda choppy and can also help you understand chemistry better, as a whole. An A is definitely possible, just stay on top of things!

Kevin is the best hands down. So caring, always willing to help, tries to be there for his students as much as he can.

Hands down the best professor in the chemistry department. Dr. Caran is funny and explains very well. He's also really accessible outside of class

Dr. Caran is such a genuinely sweet man and a GREAT teacher. He moves a little fast but is more than happy to clarify any questions. He offers tons of extra (optional) practice that prepare you for the tests. Organic is super hard and so are his tests but he's a great professor.

I could not be more happy that I chose to take him for Organic, he is an amazing professor that makes learning a very difficult subject interesting and as easy as possible. You will have to work for an A in any 241 class, but his tests just seem to make sense as long as you study! And he drops the lowest exam! Funny, stand-up guy, have to take him

Caran gives great lectures and is very helpful. The textbook is also really great. Overall this class was a lot of work and a good grade does not come easily, but it was nice having such a supportive professor.

By far the hardest class I've taken at JMU. I had Caran for both 241 and 242. He is very caring and just wants you to pass. He is easily accessible outside of class and is one of the most helpful professors I've had here. The low grades are just due to the course material being difficult, not because of the teacher. Study very early and go to PASS

Dr. Caran is AWESOME. His notes are clear, he explains the concepts well, and he really wants students to succeed. He gives you EVERY tool necessary to succeed. Organic is a hard subject no matter who you take, but his organization and level of knowledge make him such an amazing professor!!

Orgo is hard no matter who you take it with, but Dr. Caran really strives to make sure you learn the material the right way. If you plan on going to orgo II, you really want to take it with him. I took this once before with Mohler and learned more in his class in a month than I did the whole semester. Lectures are recorded and posted w annotations!

Dr. Caran is the BEST PROFESSOR I HAVE HAD. This class is hard no matter what, but he explains everything well, very good at dumbing things down & gives so much practice. Office hours saved my life, he is so funny and caring and willing to help. Attendance isn't required but lectures are so helpful & he drops a test. Test every 2 weeks plus final.

Dr. Caran is the BEST!! I would definitely recommend him for Orgo. He tries to make orgo as fun as he can and he wants you to do well. The lectures are very helpful so even though attendance is not mandatory definitely go to class. He posts problem sets and practice exams before each tests that are very helpful!

He is a good choice for organic chemistry. It is a bear of a class but he is good at making it make sense. Lectures are pretty much mandatory to pass the class, I also really suggest going to PASS if its available.

Dr. Caran is THE BEST option for Orgo. He gives a ton of practice and posts lectures (but I would still go). Office hours and PASS were extremely helpful and I highly recommend you attend if possible! There are 5 exams (one gets dropped) in addition to a final. Honestly, orgo I was the hardest class I've taken, but Caran makes it somewhat bearable.

Dr. Caran is very good at explaining things. the class is pretty fast paced so you need to stay on top of studying because he gives 5 tests (drops one) plus the final. He's very nice and funny so the class is not boring.

Hands down the best prof I have ever had. Orgo is like a different language and if you study/ learn how to speak it, it isn't too bad. Dr. Caran provides so opportunities to practice and is more than available to help. He provides so much support academically and personally if needed, he deserves the world. Such a great guy and even better professo

Dr. Caran is a caring professor, he knows orgo chem is hard so he makes time to help you learn the material. He does a lot of practice problems during class meet up times via zoom which is great. Also provides alot of practice problems to do yourself. Oro chem is all about practice!!

Took him last fall and his lectures are recorded so lecture attendance is optional. He's awesome and makes this naturally difficult class not as bad as it could be. Online homework is a significant part of your grade so you'll get a nice curve at the end of the semester.

Caran is the best! So knowledgable about chemistry and builds a real connection with each student. He is very lenient in lab and wants you to succeed. If theres any confusion he is right there to help. I've heard great things about him for Organic Chem as well. Highly highly recommend.

Organic is a tough class - but Caran makes a good grade achievable. Exams are difficult but he holds awesome office hours and has pretty thorough lectures. Expect a curve at the end of the semester. Take Caran because he is the sweetest chem prof I have had and genuinely cares about student success and understanding.

Orgo is def a hard class, but Caran does a great job at explaining and trying to help as much as possible. Breakout rooms are used during lecture time, although it isn't mandatory, it realllyyyyy helps with understanding the material. There are exams just about every 2 weeks, so you never really get a break in the class. Large curve at the end!

Caran is amazing. One of the best professors Ive ever had. Orgo is hard, but he makes it so much easier to understand. He genuinely cares so much about the class and the students. You can tell he wants you to succeed and wants you to understand what youre learning. If you have him as an option, TAKE HIM.

Dr. Caran was the best teacher to have for organic chemistry. His pre-class lecture videos were well done and explained the material clearly. He was always available outside of class for office hours. Dr. Caran's office hours were great to go too and he cares so much about the success of his students. Definitely recommend for organic chemistry.

Dr. Caran had amazing lecture videos that explained everything so well you don't even need the textbook. He explained orgo in good detail. Not a lot of homework. His tests were hard though. He doesn't put in grades so you don't know what you have until transcripts come out. Not the best at responding to emails.

guy is awesome. super chill super understanding. honestly j a nice guys and the class is so easy

I was terrified to take organic this semester, but Dr. Caran made it bearable. His explanations are very clear and made the material seem much less intimidating. As someone who really struggled in general chemistry, the fact that I was able to be successful in this class says a lot about Dr. Caran's teaching abilities. Take him for orgo if you can!

Caran was the best professor I ever had. Organic chemistry was single handedly the hardest class I have ever taken, but he did an amazing job at breaking down the material. His lecture videos were extremely helpful. Beware, exams are difficult, so in order to do well you need to invest a ton of time in practice problems.

I absolutely loved Dr. Caran, take him if you can. He genuinely cares about his students and wants you to succeed. Orgo is a hard class no matter which professor you take, but Caran is amazing at explaining the difficult concepts. It is a flipped classroom, so be prepared to watch hours worth of lecture videos before class and don't fall behind.

I had Dr. Caran for CHEM241 and 242, he is my absolute king. He REALLY wants you to do well, and has a lot of availability for help. His quizzes really are not that bad, and you get a cheat sheet for each one, besides the final. I really enjoyed having him, and I'll miss him as a prof. PS - GO TO TA REVIEW SESSIONS!!

If I could take this professor for every single class at JMU, I would. He is the sweetest professor I have ever had. He was always willing to give helpful guidance and he never makes you feel stupid for asking questions. He always has on a cool Hawaiian shirt. (my fav was the one with sharks) Anyway, take this class, the group work is so chill.

Dr. Caran is absolutely phenomenal! My class was a reverse-lecture style, which normally I would have struggled with, but Caran made it an absolute breeze. Since the course material is hard, Caran gives out multiple exams and is a generous yet tough grader. You may not make it out with an A necessarily, but you'll definitely know the material.

I love this man. Orgo is har, there is no way around it. But he gives a lot of partial credit, is so sweet and caring in office hours, and your lowest exam score is replaced by final. Go to PASS, offce hours, do homework, keep up with videos, and attend class and you will be great. **Orgo is easier and more fun then Gen Chem so thats a plus too!

He's an amazing professor and knows what he's talking about BUT his exams are something else. You have to know wtf you're doing in orgo to pass his exams. Go to class and get all the extra help that's offered.

Caran is an amazing professor who makes a difficult class much more fun!! He cares about his students and is an effective teacher that explains difficult concepts clearly. Definitely take him!

Prof Caran is super chill and wants you to try to do the lab/math yourself before helping, but if needed he will walk you through it step by step. The lab was pretty easy and the presentations were low-stress because they were all group labs. Highly recommend him - there was basicallyno hw and def no lab exams or finals.

Orgo is hard but I thought it would be so much harder. Caran really helped and explained everything perfect. Grades on a curve and you need to put in a lot of work but its not on the teacher. Take him and Mohler!

His lectures are easy to understand, and his office hours are incredibly beneficial.