Dear students,

I had my departmental meeting for the department of pharmacology on Wednesday, November 19th.

Most of the attendees were first-years. Our discussion was mainly focused on how to improve orientation.

Please see below for a bullet point list of concerns/suggestions voiced by the attendees:

-Would like to have the BBS rotation guide and orientation guide during the summer to carefully consider classes and rotations. This year, these guides were passed out hours before the first year students had to meet with the DGS and they felt unprepared for their meeting.

-Would like the registrar to maintain an orientation packet for new incoming students. This packet should include the BBS general orientation guides mentioned above, and the powerpoint presentation that pharmacology students present as part of the student orientation.

-Would like a student "buddy" contact over the summer. The first years were not contacted from May until August, making them feel extremely lost and insecure. If each first year was assigned a current student, they could ask questions and be in contact with the program throughout the summer.

-Would like a seminar on how to apply for fellowships. First years are strongly urged to apply for fellowships. Other BBS departments dedicate some time to discussing how to apply for various fellowships. The first years would also like this.

-Lastly, a security issue: students do not feel safe walking from the medical school campus to the Amistad garage. Security is posted at 2 corners on the way from TAC to the Amistad garage, but they leave at 6 p.m. Would it be possible for security to stay until 7? Also, are blue emergency phones located en route to the garage?

The issues that were raised by the first years regarding orientation can be addressed with the registrar and John Alvaro of BBS. I intend to keep in touch with the first years, registrar and John to help improve orientation for next year.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

Vivi Ko