ODI Summer Pre-Matriculation Program (PMP)
ODI Pre-Matriculation Program (PMP) Heading link
Register for PMP Here! Registration is now open. Apply using the link!
What is PMP? Heading link
Every summer, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion (ODI) hosts a Pre-Matriculation Program (PMP) to help admitted students prepare for the academic challenges of our School of Public Health (SPH) graduate master level programs. Students can apply to either a 4-week synchronous program that includes both in-person and virtual components or a 6-week asynchronous option that is completely online. Enrollment is prioritized for African American, Latinx and Native American students, as well as others with a strong commitment to social justice and the health and wellbeing of historically marginalized populations.
The goal of PMP is to strengthen the academic, professional and social skills of incoming admitted students as they enter graduate school. The PMP curriculum covers key public health concepts, academic writing, professional/leadership development and quantitative methods. The program includes opportunities for participants to meet public health professionals and alumni, become familiar with campus resources and form relationships with future classmates.
Overall Learning Objectives for PMP:
- Demonstrate an understanding of public health concepts
- Demonstrate an understanding of core quantitative methods and academic writing
- Strengthen oral and written communication skills through final presentations and research paper
- Increase understanding of health disparities and social justice issues
- Strengthen competency in working in teams
Application Process Heading link
In-person & Synchronous PMP Dates: July 10 – August 4, 2023
Asynchronous Online PMP Dates: July 3 – August 11, 2023
Student applications will be reviewed and recommended by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion staff for enrollment in the program. All recommendations are made in the best interests of the students, with the intention to provide a rich and rewarding stepping-stone into their public health academic program. Selected students will be notified by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
4-week In-person & Synchronous PMP Schedule:
Thursday & Friday (synchronous via zoom)
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
11:30 – 12:00 PM (Break)
12:00 – 1:30 PM
Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday (in-person at SPH)
9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
11:30 – 12:00 PM (Break)
12:00 – 1:30PM
Students who apply for this version of PMP will be required to engage with faculty, staff and fellow students on weekdays between the hours of 9:00 AM and 1:30PM from July 10 – August 4, 2023. This will include instruction time, individual and group work, excursions and structured breaks. Please note that additional work outside of this timeframe is expected. Eligible participants will receive a small stipend upon successful completion of the program at the end of the program. Out of state students may be eligible for further support if admitted to the program. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide stipends to international students, but they are more than welcome and encouraged to apply to the program.
6-week Asynchronous (online) PMP Schedule:
Orientation Session – July 3, 2023 from 6:30-7:30 PM CT via Zoom
Mid-Program Session – July 24, 2023 from 6:30-7:30 PM CT via Zoom
This version of PMP will take place July 3 – August 11, 2023. As with the synchronous program, students will strengthen their knowledge of public health concepts, quantitative methods, academic writing, and leadership development. Students will have opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and peers, join Synchronous students on in-person excursions (non-mandatory) and can direct questions about course content to PMP staff during weekly office hours. Though this version of the program does not require participants to meet at specific times (other than the orientation session and the mid-program session), students are expected to complete weekly assignments as well as a final presentation, which can be the product of individual work or a group project. The time commitment for this program is about 6-8 hours a week.
Applications are now open! Apply Here
If you are interested in learning more about the program or have any questions, please contact Cecilia Macias at cmacias2@uic.edu or Angela Hunt at ahunt13@uic.edu
Program Modules Heading link
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Academic Modules
Orientation to UIC School of Public Health programs & services Quantitative fundamentals Academic writing Research and literature review fundamentals Research ethics Overview of public health systems Applied practice experience information Guest lectures and field trips related to health disparities, community research, and other topics. -
Professional Development / Leadership Modules
Careers in public health Resume/portfolio development Communication skills & electronic etiquette Mentoring relationships Leadership & work style assessments Public speaking and presentation skills SPH Student Affairs services & activities Campus tour – SPH buildings, library, UIC ID
Summer Pre-Matriculation Program (PMP) Testimonials Heading link
This program has been instrumental in preparing me for my graduate studies. Learning and applying quantitative methods, meeting the challenge of the academic writing all while
meeting and collaborating with my future classmates has made me so grateful for this opportunity! Beyond the skill-building was the team building and sense of community our group developed. As one of my colleagues put it, “I have 14 new friends.”2022 PMP Participant
If you’re looking to return into the rhythm of school and academia, grow relations with peers and staff, familiarize yourself with city, and build you quantitative and academic writing skills, I couldn’t recommend the PMP enough!
2022 PMP Participant
I would say that PMP was not only an enjoyable experience but also extremely informative! I gained so much confidence with presentation giving, academic writing, and using quantitative methods in public health and feel as though, because of this, I will go into my Masters program a step ahead. It was also a wonderful way to meet people throughout the School of Public Health and get used to doing group projects and working in teams again. I’ve gained so much both personally and professionally from PMP and am very grateful I was accepted to be part of this program.
2022 PMP Participant
I would say that this program can be incredibly beneficial in helping people get back into the swing of academics and creating relationships that will assist with the years to come while completing our degree! I think the quant section really helped us gain confidence in statistics and SAS! I also feel more prepared for writing and completing future research projects.
2022 PMP Participant
If you’re having doubts about what to expect in Graduate school, or don’t have outside support because you’re first Generation, don’t hesitate to apply! This program will gently push you to your potential. After this program, I am excited to start Graduate school. As a first Generation graduate school applicant, and having struggled during undergraduate school, I’m so glad I was able to find the PMP program. (This program should be offered EVERYWHERE) The PMP has helped me get into a habit of education and working together. I have never been with a group of people that genuinely get along and are fighting for the same things. The Iron Oaks event definitely helped solidly our group.
2022 PMP Participant
Coming from out of state, I appreciate how this program helped me to settle better in Chicago while learning more about Chicago’s public health structure. The no judgement learning space helped me to feel more comfortable to be a graduate student here at UIC.
2022 PMP Participant