Curriculum Oversight and Development

SUMMER 2008 CURRICULUM AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Curriculum Ambassador Program

Now in its eighth year, this program is one of the great hallmarks of curricular change and enhancement at UCSF, and an exciting example of the way in which students have an active role in shaping their education.

Most students opt to participate in the program during the summer between their first and second years. But students at all levels have served as ambassadors, some even taking time off during the academic year to pursue extended projects or teaching.

Partnership: Students and course faculty work together to develop and creatively improve block components, ranging from small group sessions to syllabus chapters to online modules.

Mentoring: Former ambassadors speak enthusiastically of the unique mentoring relationships they have developed with faculty, and faculty say the advising experience is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.

Projects: Priorities are identified by course faculty and curriculum oversight committees. Students are encouraged to identify their interests, make proposals, and find matches.

Weekly summer meetings: These sessions are designed to develop specific, relevant skills, and also provide opportunities for problem-solving and collaboration on multiple levels. In addition to working on focused, individual projects, students participate in team efforts. Here, students truly become ambassadors, enhancing the diffusion of information across the blocks and bringing valuable perspective to the array of faculty and staff involved in curriculum development, implementation and oversight.

Ambassador Showcase: Every year in the fall, ambassadors present their innovations in the form of posters, videos, online modules etc. to faculty and their fellow students.

We have put together a sampler of past projects for your information. It is not uncommon for students to develop projects that were begun by former Ambassadors.

Contacts:
Eva Lo, Program Coordinator
Dr. Tracy Fulton, Faculty Program Director
Dr. Helen Loeser, Associate Dean, Curricular Affairs