Usap Forum 2011 Vision
This year's Usap forum is themed Envisioning the Future: Usap Dreams Global. In light of all the achievements of Usap students over the past twelve years, this year's forum will look to the future, not only of Usap students, but also of the program itself. The Usap mission statement is enshrined in four principles: academic excellence, demonstrated leadership, low-income background and a desire to give back. In recent years, Usap students have been an embodiment of this mission and in this forum we will explore ways in which we, as students, can personify these goals globally.
Centered on the theme: Envisioning the Future: Usap dreams global, discussions will facilitate the sharing of practical ideas to improve the group and to use the skills we have acquired to better serve the global community. The topics to be discussed include giving back to the community and the challenges faced by students during the application process and during their time at their respective institutions. A number of students will also give presentations on the various activities and initiatives that they have been taking part in during the past year.
An important goal of this year's forum is to establish and facilitate networking within and between the Usap classes and take this interaction to a global scale by improving communication between all the Usap students in different countries. To this end, this year will see the official launching of professional interest groups within Usap. The groups will be comprised of students and alumni who share the same academic and/or professional interests. Through email and annual meetings at the forum, members of each group will be able to share opportunities and advice related to their work.