SUBJECT:

Freshman Seminar Program and Senior Seminar Program – Call for Proposals, 2012-13 Academic Year

I am pleased to announce the continuation of the Freshman and Senior Seminar Programs for the 2012-13 academic year. These outstanding undergraduate seminar programs contribute to UC San Diego’s undergraduate mission by expanding undergraduate education offerings.

The Freshman Seminar Program creates a unique classroom environment by providing opportunities for incoming students to engage in intellectual discussions with faculty and peers in a small, supportive class setting. The Senior Seminar Program was launched in fall 2006 as an additional venue to enhance the undergraduate student experience at UC San Diego. The small, informal class setting promotes exploration of advanced topics and fosters an ideal learning environment for polishing critical thinking and analytical skills. Eligible faculty will receive a $1,000 research payment for teaching a one-unit freshman seminar (not as salary, but as funding available to support various academic expenses including research, travel, and supplies). Due to the continuing budget crisis, no payment will be provided for senior seminars.

Incoming students are particularly interested in taking undergraduate seminars during the fall. I especially encourage you to consider offering a seminar during this time when demand is the highest. The due date for submission of proposals for Fall Quarter 2012 freshman and senior seminars is Wednesday, March 21, 2012.

Your participation in these programs is greatly appreciated. Undergraduate seminar programs have been very well received and are important to our students. You can visit the program websites, http://academicaffairs.ucsd.edu/ug-ed/ugsem/index.html, for detailed information: Please contact Barbara Sawrey, Associate Vice Chancellor – Undergraduate Education (x24358), or Marie Sidney (x40097) with questions or comments.

Suresh Subramani Executive Vice Chancellor