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Students urged to apply for fall program MUSC is currently accepting applications/nominations for the Presidential Scholars Program.    This program will begin in the fall and will be a two-semester experience for approximately 40 students, joined by selected faculty scholars from each college. This is a non-graded, extra-curricular 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 the students' values and sense of social conscience in the context of their professional responsibilities and talent Learn to use new ideas and sources of knowledge to establish lifelong learning patterns. 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-directed 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 Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., MUSC president, and visiting speakers. A universitywide forum, led by the scholars, will 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.   Students selected as presidential scholars will 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 greater than 3.0 is desirable for application to the program.  Students should not be on academic probation nor 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 submit a letter of support from a faculty member, dean, or current or past presidential scholar who knows them well and can speak of the interest, accomplishments and personal characteristics that support their suitability for the program. Faculty members and previous or present presidential scholars may nominate students for the scholars program.  Faculty and scholars 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.    Nominations must be received by the Office of the Provost no later than Feb. 16. You may complete and submit a nomination online at http://www2.edserv.musc.edu/scholars/application/nomination.las. Complete applications, including both the student essay and faculty support letter, must be received by the Office of the Provost no later than March 9.     Information sessions for students interested in participating in the program will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 16, noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 17, and 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 25. All of the information sessions will be held in Room 103, Education Center/Library Building.   Student and faculty scholars will be in attendance to address questions and concerns.     Friday, Jan.12, 2007 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 catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.