Unique Electives

Unique electives are electives proposed by students who wish to do research in a specific field which will allow them more in depth exposure to that particular area of medicine.  Generally, a full-time work week of 40 hours is equal to 1 credit.  (Refer to Course Selection Book for further guidelines.)  Unique electives can be done at Upstate or at another institution/abroad if the student chooses.

The steps for filling out the paperwork for Unique Electives are as follows:

• Students can obtain the Add/Drop Form and the Unique Elective Form from the Curriculum Office or from the links listed below.  The forms should be filled out six weeks prior to the date that the research/elective is scheduled to begin. 
• Students should provide all requested information and detailed supporting documentation as to what they will be accomplishing during the unique elective.
• Once all of the paperwork is filled out, a signature is required from the department chairperson (i.e. if the unique elective is in Surgery, you need a signature from Dr. Cooney, etc.)
• The completed forms and all supporting documentation should be dropped off in the Curriculum Office for processing and will be reviewed by Dr. Cleary. 
• When Dr. Cleary reviews the submitted paperwork, she may ask for further information or clarification if needed to process the unique elective.  The student will be contacted via e-mail asking them to provide further information.  Dr. Cleary sometimes will want to speak to the student directly and this will be arranged on an as needed basis. 
• If the unique elective is approved, a copy of all paperwork will be forwarded to the Registrar’s Office, and an e‑mail will be sent to the student notifying them it was approved and has been sent to the Registrar’s Office for processing. 

Forms:
Add Drop Form
Unique Elective Form