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Students urged to apply for fall program MUSC  is currently accepting applications/nominations for the next class of the Presidential Scholars Program. The program will bring in its new class of scholars in August.  Students from all colleges are encouraged to apply. The program is a two-semester experience for approxi-mately 40 students, joined by selected faculty scholars from each college.  This non-graded, extracurricular program allows students to bring an interdisciplinary perspective to the study of complex social, political, and human issues of broad interest to health care professionals. For the past two years the program has focused on the issue of health care disparities.  Program Description Involvement in the scholars program will allow students to: Engage in intellectually challenging and provo-cative 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 is offered in a format that maximizes student directed learning and participation.  Meetings are held during the evening, generally on a monthly basis, with occasional short retreats.  Included are special occasions with Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., MUSC president,  and visiting speakers. A universitywide forum, Presidential Scholars Day, which is led by the scholars, culminates the year’s activities.  A variety of active learning approaches are used in the program with emphasis on dialogue between participants, faculty, and experts inside and outside the university. Scholars also use WebCt for ongoing communication.  The Presidential Scholars are among MUSC’s most outstanding students, with a demonstrated interest in learning more about other disciplines and larger health care systems issues. They are recognized in multiple venues on campus throughout the year and the designation of Presidential Scholar appears on their academic transcript. Scholars also receive a special Presidential Scholars medallion to be worn at graduation. Application Process Students may be nominated in three ways.    1. Any interested student may nominate her-or himself for the Scholars Program.    2. A current or previous Presidential Scholar may nominate students.   3. A faculty member may nominate students. 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 must also submit a letter of support from a faculty member or current or past presidential scholar who knows them well and can speak to their interest, accomplishments, and personal characteristics that support their suitability for the program.  Faculty and scholars who nominate a student should submit a letter describing the student’s potential as a candidate. Faculty and Scholar-nominated students will then be notified of their nomination and asked to submit their own essay as described above.  The Office of the Provost must receive nominations no later than Feb. 21.  Applicants may complete and submit a nomination online at http://www2.edserv.musc.edu/scholars/application/process.htm or submit the nomination form included in this article. Complete applications include the student essay, faculty or scholar support letter, and a two page CV .  The Office of the Provost must receive complete applications no later than March 5 in order to be considered. Accepted students will be notified in early April. Information Sessions Two 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 give an overview of the program. The sessions will be held on the following dates and times: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 5 p.m., room 100, Administration Building  Tuesday, March 4, 5 p.m., room 100, Administration Building. Medical University of South Carolina 2003 Presidential Scholars Program Nomination Form Note:  Nomination deadline is Feb. 21.  Completed application (essay, support letter and CV) deadline is March 5.  (Please include the information on where we can reach you on April 10.) Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Telephone Number(s): Home _______________  Work  _________________ E-Mail Address:_________________________________________ College:  ____Dental Medicine    ____Graduate Studies ____Medicine    _____Health Professions     _____Nursing              _____Pharmacy Program: _____________________________________________________ Name of Faculty Member:_______________________________________ Final Application Checklist:   _____ Letter of support from faculty member or scholar  _____  Student essay (not to exceed one page; 8.5" X 11", 1" margins,        font >10) _____ Curriculum vita or resume (not to exceed two pages) Submit to:  Dr. Valerie West         Administration Building, Suite 200H         P. O. Box 250002            171 Ashley Avenue         Medical University of South Carolina         Charleston, SC  29425         Phone:  792-2340  Fax:  792-5110          E-Mail: westvt@musc.edu       Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.