Eighth College at UCSD – What to expect?

Hey guys, I heard there's an Eighth College at UCSD but I don't really know much about it. What is it known for? What makes it unique compared to the other colleges at UCSD? Any info would be awesome!

Hey there! Eighth College at UCSD is indeed the newest addition to UCSD's college system. While it's still relatively new and developing its own identity, I'll give you a brief rundown of what we know so far.

Eighth College's theme revolves around "Inspiring Minds, Empowering Success." The main focus is on student-centered learning, innovation, accessibility, and success in the 21st-century world. This means that the college's academic programs, general education (GE) requirements, and extracurricular opportunities emphasize collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and self-discovery.

Speaking of GEs, it's important to remember that each UCSD college has its own unique GE requirements. Eighth College's requirements are designed to foster intellectual curiosity and provide a well-rounded education across different disciplines. Keep in mind that the GE classes might be updated over time as the college continues to evolve.

One distinct feature of Eighth College is its interdisciplinary core sequence, known as SYNAPSE (SYNthesizing Advanced Practices for an Equitable Education). This 3-course sequence covers topics like collaboration and innovation, equity and social justice, and reflection and metacognition. These courses focus on developing essential 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, ethical decision-making, teamwork, and effective communication.

As for residential life, Eighth College aims to foster a strong community amongst its students. However, due to its recent establishment, it is currently co-located with Sixth College. Once construction on its permanent buildings is complete, which is projected around 2023, Eighth College will have dedicated residence halls and facilities for its students.

Overall, Eighth College is an exciting addition to the UCSD college system that aims to prepare students for personal and professional success in today's constantly changing global landscape. The college looks forward to developing its community, programming, and educational opportunities as it continues to grow and take shape.