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Presidential Scholars Program accepting applications  MUSC is accepting applications/nominations for the second class of the Presidential Scholars Program.  The program will begin fall 2002 and will be a two-semester experience for approximately 36 students, joined by selected faculty scholars from each college. This is a non-graded, extracurricular program to allow students to bring an interdisciplinary perspective to the study of complex social, political, and human issues of broad interest to health care professionals. Involvement in the scholars program will allow students to: Engage in intellectually challenging and provocative dialogue on issues of broad interest to the helping professions; Develop appreciation for other disciplines and understand interdisciplinary cooperation; Appreciate the complexities of difficult local and global human and social issues; Gain greater insight into the nature of ongoing change and the complexity of resolving conflicting needs; Understand and appreciate divergent views and heighten awareness of their own values and sense of social conscience in the context of their professional responsibilities and talent; and Learn to use new ideas and sources of knowledge to establish lifelong learning patterns. As such, the program will help develop future health care leaders who possess a solid core of values and sense of responsibility for the health of their communities. The program will be offered in a format that maximizes student direct learning and participation. Meetings will be held during the dinner hour, generally on a monthly basis, with occasional short retreats.  Included will be special occasions with MUSC President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., and visiting speakers.  A universitywide forum, led by the scholars, would culminate the year’s activities. A Web site will be used to support the program as well. A variety of active learning approaches will be used, with emphasis on dialogue between participants, faculty, and experts inside and outside the university. The new class of scholars will continue work on this year’s theme of health care disparities.  Students selected as Presidential Scholars will also be recognized in multiple venues on campus and the designation of Presidential Scholar will appear on their academic transcript.  Any interested student may nominate her- or himself for the scholars program.  A cumulative GPA of greater than 3.00 is desirable for application to the program. Students should not be on academic probation or have academic deficiencies. Student self-nominees should submit a one-page essay describing their interest in the scholars program and include information regarding experience with and interest in interdisciplinary activities. Students are encouraged to also submit a letter of support from a faculty member or dean. Faculty members and deans may nominate students for the scholars program. Faculty should submit a letter describing the student’s potential as a candidate. Faculty-nominated students will then be notified of their nomination and asked to submit their own essay as described above. Nominations must be received by the Office of the Provost no later than Feb. 22.  You may complete and submit a nomination online two ways: <http://www.musc.edu/presidential_scholars> and then click on Application Process or go directly to Web site <http://www2.edserv.musc.edu/scholars/application/process.htm> or submit the nomination form included in this article.  Complete applications include both the student essay and faculty support letter.  Completed applications must be received by the Office of the Provost no later than March 6.  Three information sessions have been scheduled for those students interested in participating in the program.  Student and faculty scholars will be in attendance to address questions and concerns.  The sessions will be held on the following dates and times: Wednesday, Feb. 20, noon and 5 p.m., room 100, Administration Building; Monday, Feb. 25, 5 p.m., room 100, Administration Building.