ABOUT USIE

Undergraduate Student Initiated Education (USIE) is an innovative program designed to provide a select group of juniors and seniors in the College with an opportunity to develop and facilitate, under close faculty supervision, a lower division seminar for their peers. The program was created in 2005-06 when a group of undergraduate students approached the Dean/Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, Judith L. Smith, with a proposal for student initiated classes.

At the end of its first year USIE underwent a comprehensive assessment and, based on the highly positive feedback received, was extended an additional five years (until 2011-12). Through the commitment and enthusiasm of its student facilitators, faculty mentors, and administrators the USIE program continues to achieve success every year. As of Spring 2009, more than 60 students have designed and offered their own seminars enrolling over 800 undergraduates.

The application and selection period begins during Fall quarter. During Winter quarter, facilitators work closely with their faculty mentors to develop a formal syllabus, and they participate in a pedagogy seminar with other facilitators to prepare them for the teaching experience. The students then facilitate their seminars during Spring quarter while continuing the mentorship with their faculty sponsors.