Syllabus
Expectations
Taken from the BTG Student Agreement 2026:
Bridging the Gaps is both a professional development experience and a job. Therefore, we expect that students will handle their commitment to the program professionally, including completing all of the requirements stated herein and treating people with respect and dignity. If a student does not fulfill these expectations, we will notify the student’s school through a letter to the appropriate Dean. Unprofessional behavior reflects not only on the individual, but on the institution and the profession.
Program Directors
Drexel
- Elissa Goldberg, MSS, LSW
[email protected] - Laura Mullin, MS
[email protected]
Jefferson
- Zoë Van Orsdol, MA, MPH
[email protected]
Temple
- Jerome Wright, BA
[email protected]
UPenn
- Bridget McCormick, MS
[email protected] - Ellen Martinak, MS
[email protected]
DeSales
- Tricia Bernecker, PhD, RN
[email protected]
Cooper
- Anthony Rostain, MD, MS
[email protected] - Mara Gordon, MD
[email protected]
Assignments
Central Text:
The Age of Dignity: Preparing for the Elder Boom in a Changing America by Ai-Jen Poo, your Program Director will provide you with your book.
Evalutations and Questionnaires:
Completion of weekly and end of the program evaluations and questionnaires is a program requirement. Links will be sent via redcap.
Assignment
Date
Details
Photo Advocacy Project
For students to learn more about structural issues affecting communities they serve this summer.
Cardiovascular Disease/ Smoking Cessation/ Oral Health Work
For students to incorporate into their projects when appropriate
Small Groups will focus on what students are learning through their community-based work as well as from all other components of the program.
Weekly Journals/ Final Paper
Course Schedule
Wednesday, June 17, BTG Orientation
Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine (3500 N. Broad St)| 8:00-8:30AM | Breakfast | |
| 8:30-9:00AM | BTG Welcome & Introduction | Lucy Wolf Tuton, PhD, BTG Executive Director |
| 9:00-9:10AM | Introduction to BTG Advocacy Project | Laura Mullin, MS |
| 9:10-10:00AM | Writing for Advocacy | Maura Gordon, MD & Rosie Frasso, PhD, CPH |
| 10:00-10:15AM | BREAK | |
| 10:15-10:30 AM | Administrative Details (Oral Health, Mandated Reporters, Assignments, Website) | Bridget McCormick, MS & Jerome Wright, MSW, LSW |
| 10:30-10:35AM | Introduction to Small Groups | Crystal Wortham, MSW |
| 10:35-10:50 | Grab Lunch | |
| 10:50-11:50AM | Small Groups | |
| 12:00-2:00PM | De-escalation training | Geremi James, LSW, Make-a-Wish |
| 2:00-2:15PM | BREAK | |
| 2:15-3:15PM | Art & Advocacy | Paul Farber, Monument Lab |
| 3:15-3:30PM | Component Programs |