Synaptic Scholars creates a framework in which intellectual juxtapositions, critical thinking and self-directed explorations are fully realized. Synaptic Scholars is a leadership program, meant to provide a forum for students to take risks, pursue passions, and challenge assumptions in an intimate, supportive and collaborative environment. It is designed to cultivate a strong sense of accountability and responsibility, while encouraging scholars to enrich the University’s intellectual life and programming.

After being accepted into the program at the end of their first year, scholars work with selected faculty and other mentors to develop immersive and rigorous internships, research initiatives and projects. By moving beyond traditional departmental methodologies with a singular disciplinary focus, the group creates a framework in which intellectual juxtapositions, critical thinking and self-directed explorations are fully realized.

There are three levels to the Program:

Individual Projects
Rigorous projects, research initiatives, or internships challenge Scholars to take intellectual risks, integrate their passions, and apply knowledge to the world at large with the support of their peers and mentors identified by the IGL. International travel is often a major component of these experiences. Projects are meant to have tangible outcomes and/or applications.

The Synaptic Scholar Community
The group meets weekly to share their work and to discuss interesting, challenging issues. Peer collaboration and a formal system of peer review/feedback supports the individual work of Scholars and allows them to grow and benefit from each other’s efforts. Furthermore, the community is a close-knit one that aims to bridge the gap between intellectual and social life through various group events (trips to museums and art exhibits, special meetings with visiting speakers, etc), discussions, and shared readings.

The Tufts Community
Synaptic Scholars are also committed to further integrating and bridging intellectual and social life on campus. This is achieved through programming that brings faculty and students of various disciplines together in candid, informal settings for dialogue and reflection over critical issues. "Fireside chats" grew out of this goal.

Ultimately, the Synaptic Scholars program is a leadership program, meant to provide a forum for students to take risks, pursue passions, and challenge assumptions in an intimate, supportive and collaborative environment. It is designed to cultivate a strong sense of accountability and responsibility, while encouraging scholars to enrich the University's intellectual life and programming.

Please read more about past Synaptic Scholars activities at the IGL Archives.

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