Multicultural Affairs
Services
Recruitment
The Office of Multicultural Resources recruits historically underserved students to all of the educational programs at Upstate.
The curriculum adapts to the skills and background of the individual student. This is reflective of SUNY Upstate Medical University's commitment towards increasing the enrollment, retention and graduation of historically underserved students interested in medicine.
Recruiting activities are geared toward high school and college students. Recruitment visits are made to regional health career meetings and to individual undergraduate schools. Liaison relationships have been established with some undergraduate schools to enable SUNY Upstate Medical University to assist students on a continuing basis to better prepare for medical school.
Academic Support
Historically underserved students participate in a comprehensive program of academic support. The basic components of the program include a summer gross anatomy class, a flexible curriculum and faculty run tutorials. This flexibility enables students to participate on either the standard four year curriculum, or an extended curriculum that paces the basic science courses over a three year period. Movement between different tracks in the curriculum , depending upon student performance, is encouraged. Faculty sponsored tutorials, as well as student tutorials, are available in each of the major basic science courses. A year long study skills program is also available.
There is a continuous and ongoing program of advisement and counseling to help orient, direct and guide historically underserved students throughout their medical education. A special educational reference and study center is also available where students are encouraged to participate in institutional and national organizations responsible for historically underserved medical education.
Enrichment Programs
Summer Program Human Anatomy is offered for medical students enrolled as first year students for a period of eight weeks. Students successfully completing this summer course are exempt from taking anatomy during the first year. Students have the opportunity to develop basic learning skills in the context of one of their major academic courses.
 USMLE Step I and Step II preparation is available to all medical students who demonstrate the need. The preparation includes a three hour diagnostic test and a questionnaire. The data is computer-analyzed and each student receives a customized study plan that assesses strengths and weaknesses and suggests a study timeline. The preparation also include study strategies, test taking hints, diagnostic exam with computer assisted feedback, individual study plan and practice questions with explanations.
Educational Partnerships
Advocate/Liaison
The Office of Multicultural Resources serves as an advocate/liaison to all four colleges on issues that impact historically underserved students.
Diversity Education
The Office of Multicultural Resources provides leadership in the establishment of an institutional environment supportive of respect for, and appreciation of diversity. Assistance is available to faculty, staff and students in acquiring skills leading to optimum health care practices in a multicultural society.
Education and Access for the Syracuse Community
The Office of Multicultural Affairs provides education, problem solving, access and information about SUNY Upstate Medical University's commitment to serve historically underserved populations.
Undergraduate Pre-counseling
Provided to over 500 undergraduate students seeking admissions to the four colleges and enrolled historically underserved students.
Student Organization
Advisor to the Student National Medical Association, (SNMA www.snma.org). An organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color. Its activities involve:
- recruitment
- development of regional and national affiliations
- raising awareness of community health concerns
- holding forums for social, political and scholastic interactions between members of different health professions
|
