SAGINAW, Mich. — An agreement signed by Saginaw Valley State University and Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine will provide an enhanced opportunity for pre-med students there to attend medical school at MSU.
Officials from both universities finalized the early assurance program for admission Sept. 30 in the Roberta Allen Reading Room at SVSU. Those attending included: Donald J. Bachand, SVSU's provost and vice president for academic affairs; Deborah R. Huntley, SVSU dean of College of Science Engineering and Technology; Andrew M. Chubb, SVSU associate professor of chemistry and pre-health professions advisor; Randy Hillard, MSU associate provost for human and health affairs; and Jerry Kooiman, MSU College of Human Medicine assistant dean for external relations.
"MSU is committed to ensuring a continuous pipeline of well-qualified students from Saginaw Valley State University to the College of Human Medicine," Hillard said. "This is a long-term vision for enhancing health care in the region and beyond, as many of these students will complete their third and fourth years of medical school in Saginaw or Midland and likely return to the area to practice."
Bachand said he is pleased to partner with Michigan State University in a manner that will benefit both institutions, Michigan residents and the students of both universities.
"In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of SVSU students seeking and gaining admission to medical school," he said. "This agreement provides enhanced opportunities for them to study and ultimately practice medicine within our state."
The College of Human Medicine's partnership with SVSU is part of a growing network of collaborations MSU has established with local institutions with a long-term vision for enhancing health care in mid-Michigan.
Preference for the early assurance program will be given to SVSU students interested in caring for underserved populations. Candidates will complete a program of enriching clinical and service experiences, as well as academic advising directed toward admission to MSU College of Human Medicine.
During their junior year, students who excel in the SVSU program may apply to the College of Human Medicine, and selected students will be assured of admission and begin a relationship with MSU College of Human Medicine during their senior year of college. There will be 2-3 seats reserved for this program.
In June, MSU announced an early assurance program agreement with Kettering University in Flint. Other Michigan universities participating in the early assurance program include the University of Michigan-Flint, Northern Michigan University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University and Grand Valley State University.
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