HARVARD EXTENSION SCHOOL building an undergraduate community through communication
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Undergraduate Community News
This past December, the Harvard Extension Student Association (HESA) presented The Courage Project, A Symposium for Premedical and Health Careers Students. Organized by premedical student Guy MacPherson, ALB '04, the symposium explored the unique challenges encountered by nontraditional medical students, who are often required to balance family and work responsibilities while meeting the extraordinary demands of medical school. The Symposium featured two Deans of Admissions of local medical school programs, a practicing physician, and four nontraditional medical students. MacPherson's inspiration for this symposium arose from his observations that "many of my fellow premedical students were not talking with each other about their shared goals and aspirations." After taking the initiative to meet and talk to a number of his classmates, he realized that many of his nontraditional peers were facing similar challenges in their pursuit of preparations for medical school. Through a sequence of short interviews, he incorporated their stories of personal struggle, sacrifice, and determination in a film titled, Courage Project 2002 . His purpose for both the symposium and the film was to provide a conduit for students to "engage in conversation with each other while providing much needed support and inspiration." The overarching message conveyed by the panelists of the symposium was, "Although [medical school] is extremely demanding and requires that you have set your personal priorities in advance, you can do it and still have a life." Presenters' perspectives, suggestions, and personal stories will be available to view online this fall. MacPherson plans to present the next Courage Project symposium in the fall. The theme is mortality, specifically how our awareness of the finite nature of our existence impels us to lead more fully realized lives. Sounds like another wonderful topic to generate student discussion and community. The Undergraduate Office would like to officially thank Guy MacPherson for all of his efforts in support of Harvard Extension School students. His generosity of time and energy are inspirations to fellow students, faculty, and staff. New Program: Certificate in Instructional Technology
Harvard University Extension School's Certificate in Technologies of Education (CTE) Program is pleased to announce a new opportunity for undergraduates who are interested in entering the field of education. By completing courses in the Certificate in Instructional Technology (CIT) track within the CTE program, you can complete your major in an area of technology while simultaneously fulfilling the requirements for Massachusetts state teaching licensure for grades K-12. Instructional technology is a new and vibran*t field in education, and it will continue to grow as more and more schools seek to offer their students the technology skills necessary for success. The CIT program seeks to prepare and support instructional technology teachers who will be catalysts for change in technology within schools. They will be innovative in their approaches and technology leaders among their peers. This is a wonderful opportunity to make the most of undergraduate work, preparing students for a professional position upon the completion of their ALB. Those interested in pursuing Massachusetts teacher licensure, please submit a letter of intent to Dr. Catalina Laserna, Coordinator of the CTE Program.
The Harvard Extension Student Association (HESA) is the umbrella organization for all student groups at the Harvard Extension School. It is the first organization to officially represent the Extension School student body since the school was founded in 1909. HESA was chartered in 2001 with the aim of building a student community and facilitating student-to-student connections through their website as well as a series of First Fridays events and other activities. The organization welcomes currently enrolled degree, certificate, and diploma candidates.
This year HESA has held three First Fridays events in the Grossman Common Room. First Fridays are open to degree, certificate, and diploma candidates on the first Friday evening of each month during the spring and fall terms. This is a chance to meet other Extension School students, talk about issues of common concern, and share some good food. Those who haven't been able to attend this semester should mark their calendars for fall. More information will be available online at that time. Winter Reception and Faculty Panel
Attendees remarked that the receptions keep getting better and are beneficial to their course selection planning. They also enjoy the opportunity to talk to faculty in an informal setting. So if insider information and the chance to mingle with Harvard faculty sound appealing, save the dates of September 10, 2003 and January 22, 2004 and join us at the next reception. The UN-List is a way (via e-mail) for AA and ALB candidates to talk to each other and give constructive advice related to their Extension School academic pursuits. This spring UN-List participants had wonderful and informative conversations about book selling and book buying options, study abroad programs, and Summer School transfer credits. The Undergraduate Office would like to thank those who participated in these information-sharing events. Students who are not UN-List members, should e-mail Assistant Director Mark Ouchida, to subscribe so they won't miss the lively and educational conversation anymore. |
