Later this month, the Greenville Health System will designate Furman their “primary undergraduate institution” as a part of a new agreement that the administration says will provide Furman with additional resources and enable the university to consider new joint-programs with the hospital.

Dean of the Faculty John Beckford announced the new agreement to members of the faculty in an email sent last week. Beckford told The Paladin that he expects a public signing ceremony to be held before the end of the month.

The new partnership will give Furman a “special privilege to place undergraduate students in shadowing experiences, internships, and professional development programs,” according to a case statement for the relationship attached to Beckford’s email.

The case statement listed several possible programs that could develop out of the new partnership, including: “bridge” programs for graduates seeking admission to medical school; a fourth year undergraduate medical school preparatory curriculum (“med school lite”); and a new summer research program unique to Furman students.

In turn, the Greenville Health System will “draw upon Furman expertise to advance all areas of engagement” and will likely “seek Furman’s guidance in managing student/faculty interactions and student support services.”

The new partnership lays out the structure for a joint committee consisting of the Presidents and equal number of trustees of both institutions.

Furman and the Greenville Health System also intend to establish a “joint position of leadership in health care education,” funded equally by both institutions, that would work with both institutions and focus on program design.