Ancillary Elements of Undergraduate Economics Programs: The Extras Can Make All the Difference

Successful economics programs recognize that the well-rounded student is best supported through a multi-faceted approach that considers the student’s academic life in a holistic way. While traditional classroom instruction forms the core of economic education, ancillary elements, such as student clubs, speaker series, internships, and research opportunities, are also vital components. They can support content mastery and student success, provide opportunities to apply concepts and skills in real-world contexts, and expose students to new developments in the discipline. This overview paper first gives a sense of the current landscape regarding ancillary provision at US institutions and then introduces the other contributions to this symposium. These papers provide detailed examples of effective ancillary elements, offering guidance and inspiration for enriching students’ academic experiences.