Timing

• When can I start my CESL project? Do I have to start during my first year?

You may begin your CESL project at any time after your class receives an introductory lecture explaining the requirements for the course (which should occur shortly after the start of first year). You will be expected to select a project, submit the pre-reflection essay, and begin participating in service activities before the end of your first year (specific deadlines may be added in order to encourage student engagement). There is no specific number of hours that need to be completed each year, so long as you complete your 40 hours of direct service activities, project report and reflection essays by December of fourth year. As the clinical years (M3 and M4) tend to be particularly busy with clerkship rotations, we do advise that you become actively involved with your service project during the pre-clinical years (M1 and M2).  

• If I am able to complete my CESL requirement during first or second year, will I need to continue being involved with my project during third and fourth year?

Once you complete your mandatory CESL requirements, you will not be obligated to continue with your projects for the remainder of your time at NJMS. However, please note that some student service groups may have additional expectations that you will remain involved with the service activities beyond your requirements for CESL (any groups that have additional expectations will be clear about them from the beginning). If you complete your CESL requirements before fourth year, we do recommend that you remain connected to your community partners, patients and peers you have worked with, offering mentorship to the underclassmen students who have taken a leadership role in coordinating your project. If you continue to be involved with your project after completing your CESL requirements, we advise that you keep a personal log of the hours you are devoting in order to include that information in your Curriculum Vitae (CV) when applying for residencies.