Registered Dietitians/Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD/RDNs) are food and nutrition experts who work in a variety of settings, including hospitals and health care facilities, food and nutrition-related business and industry, community and public health, education, research, government agencies, and private practice.

This handbook provides students with important information regarding the Coordinated Program in Dietetics. The policies and procedures outlined herein are consistent with university policies and are intended to supplement information contained in the Arkansas State University Student Handbook.

Dr. Tiffany Sterling, EdD, RD, LD, FAND, Director, Coordinated Program in Dietetics, P.O. Box 910, State University, AR 72467

Email: dietetics@astate.edu

"Arkansas State University educates leaders, enhances intellectual growth and enriches lives."

Arkansas State University aspires to be an academic leader recognized for innovation and quality in teaching and learning, international standing in strategic research areas, and commitment to outreach and service to the Delta and beyond.

Arkansas State University was founded in 1909 and has grown into a comprehensive public university serving students throughout Arkansas and beyond. The university is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service and is home to more than 100,000 alumni. Dr. Calvin White, Jr. became Interim Chancellor of the A-State Jonesboro campus on July 1, 2026.

The mission of the College of Nursing and Health Professions is to prepare leaders to meet the current and future global healthcare demands and positively impact health and wellness in the Mississippi Delta region and beyond through innovative scholarship and outreach.

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics is housed within the Department of Health Sciences and Risk Management in the College of Nursing and Health Professions.

The Coordinated Program (CP) in Dietetics at Arkansas State University integrates didactic instruction with a minimum of 1,080 hours of supervised practice and prepares students for entry-level dietetics practice.

Supervised practice experiences are completed in foodservice, community, and clinical settings, with approximately half of the supervised practice hours occurring in clinical practice.

Students earn a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) upon completion of 53 credit hours. The program is delivered fully online.

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates receive a Verification Statement and are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing examination for RD/RDNs. After passing the examination, graduates may use the RD/RDN credential.

In addition to earning the RD/RDN credential, some states require licensure or certification for practice. Information regarding state licensure requirements is available through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and individual state licensure boards.

The Dietetics Program at Arkansas State University seeks to meet the need for Registered Dietitians/Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD/RDNs) in the Delta region and beyond by providing quality, equitable, and inclusive education and experiences for all students.

Goal 1: Perform as a knowledgeable, competent entry-level dietitian.

Objectives:

Graduate Performance on Registration Exam:

Goal 2: Pursue service to the profession of nutrition and dietetics.

Objectives:

Program outcome data are available upon request. Please contact the Program Director at dietetics@astate.edu for additional information. (Required element 7.2.c)

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics at Arkansas State University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995

Phone: 800-877-1600 ext. 5400

Website: eatrightpro.org/acend

To be considered for admission to the fully online MSND degree program, applicants must meet Graduate School admission requirements as well as program-specific requirements. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Students are admitted on a space-available basis.

Selection materials include:

Prerequisite Course Requirements:

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics accepts applications only from eligible Arkansas State University students enrolled in either the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program or the Graduate Prerequisite Program. External applications are not accepted. Applicants may enter the program without a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement provided all required prerequisite coursework has been completed satisfactorily. Applications are submitted through the Arkansas State University application system. Application deadlines are established approximately two weeks prior to ACEND notification deadlines. Applicants are notified of their admission status on or before November 1 for Summer admission and on or before March 1 for Fall admission. Admitted applicants are not required to accept or decline an offer of admission until on or after November 10 for Summer admission and on or after March 10 for Fall admission.

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program requires a high level of proficiency in English so that all students will be able to successfully meet academic requirements, supervised practice competencies, and professional communication expectations necessary for entry-level dietetics practice.

Applicants whose primary language is not English or who did not attend K-12 school in the United States must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:

All test scores are valid for two (2) years.

Exemptions may apply. Applicants should consult Arkansas State University Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions requirements for additional information.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Students who do not meet the required English language proficiency requirements may enroll in Arkansas State University's English as a Second Language (ESL) program through the International Center for English.

Students enrolled in the ESL program must maintain an average of 85 or higher in levels 0 through 4. In the final or 5th level of the ESL program, an average of 90 or higher must be maintained. Upon successful completion of the ESL program, students must take the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Upon successfully meeting the proficiency requirement, students may apply for admission to the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program.

Additional Professional Communication Requirement

Because registered dietitian nutritionists routinely communicate with patients, clients, caregivers, preceptors, faculty, and members of interprofessional healthcare teams, students must demonstrate effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills throughout enrollment in the program. Students who demonstrate deficiencies in communication skills that interfere with academic or supervised practice performance may be required to participate in remediation activities as determined by the Program Director.

Students must possess the intellectual, physical, emotional, and ethical abilities necessary to complete the curriculum and perform essential functions of professional dietetics practice.

Observation - Students must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and tactile sensation, enhanced by the functional sense of smell.

Communication - Students must be able to utilize appropriate verbal (in English), nonverbal, and written communication with patients, families, preceptors, members of the healthcare team, and others. Communication includes not only speech, but listening, reading, writing, interpreting information from a variety of sources, and computer literacy. Appropriate communication may also rely on the student's ability to make a correct judgment in seeking assistance and consultation in a timely manner. Recognition and respect for the ethnic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic needs of patients and families are also part of effective communication skills.

Motor - Students must have sufficient motor skills to gain access to patients in a variety of care settings. Students should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other assessment maneuvers. Students must be able to sit, bend, reach, walk, and stand for extended periods. Students should have no restrictions in the following: climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing carts, lifting up to 20 pounds, carrying up to 20 pounds, writing, typing, feeling, talking, hearing, and seeing. Frequent interaction via computer, interpretation of visual presentations on a screen, and repetitive hand movements are also required.

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities - These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Problem-solving and critical thinking are important skills demanded of dietitians and require all of these intellectual abilities. Students must have the intellectual ability to comprehend and recall large amounts of didactic information under time constraints and apply this information to the practice of dietetics and foodservice management.

Behavioral and Social Attributes - Students must possess the emotional health required for full use of their intellectual abilities, to exercise good judgment, and efficiently complete all responsibilities of the program. The development of mature, sensitive, effective, and professional relationships with patients and members of the healthcare team is essential. Students must be able to tolerate demanding workloads and function effectively under stress. Students must be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and function in the face of uncertainties inherent in healthcare environments.

Professional behaviors assessed throughout the program include commitment to learning, interpersonal skills, communication skills, effective use of time and resources, use of constructive feedback, problem-solving, professionalism, responsibility, critical thinking, and stress management.

Students who require accommodations should contact Arkansas State University Access and Accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are determined through the university's established process. Students should be aware that those limitations that interfere with patient care, safety, or require the use of an intermediary may be incompatible with independent professional practice.

Students are responsible for maintaining access to technology required for participation in online coursework and supervised practice activities.

Students must have:

Students are responsible for meeting current Arkansas State University technology requirements and recommendations published by Information Technology Services. Canvas is the official learning management system used by Arkansas State University. Students are expected to possess basic technology skills necessary for participation in online learning environments. Student identity in online courses is verified through BioSig-ID™ and other university-approved methods as applicable.

Estimated Total Two-Year MSND Program Tuition and Fees: $18,550 (Required element 7.2.e.1)

Estimated Required Program-Specific Costs (Required element 7.2.e.2)

Estimated Total Required Program-Specific Costs: ~$1,750-$1,900

Estimated Variable Costs Related to the Program (Required element 7.2.e.3)

Estimated Total Variable Costs: ~$5,600-$5,700

Total Additional Expenses: $7,350-$7600

Estimated Total Program Cost: $26,150

Students may qualify for financial aid and scholarships through Arkansas State University. Students should contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office regarding eligibility for scholarships, financial aid, student loans, and loan deferment options during enrollment.

Pack Support is an Arkansas State University resource that connects students with campus resources, information, and support services.

Pack Support can assist students experiencing:

The Pack Support for Faculty system allows faculty members to identify students who may be experiencing academic or personal challenges so that appropriate support and intervention services can be provided. Students have access to a variety of university support services, including academic advising, counseling services, tutoring resources, health services, financial aid services, and other campus resources designed to promote student success. For additional information, contact PackSupport@astate.edu.

The Coordinated Program is committed to maintaining a learning environment in which students are treated with dignity, respect, professionalism, and fairness by faculty, staff, and preceptors.

Arkansas State University provides numerous support services to assist students academically, professionally, and personally.

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center provides:

Services are provided by licensed mental health professionals and supervised trainees.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office assists students in identifying and obtaining funding for educational expenses.

Services may include:

Dean B. Ellis Library

The university library provides:

Resources support nutrition and dietetics as well as related health science disciplines.

Access and Accommodation Services

Access and Accommodation Services coordinates accommodations for qualified students with disabilities under:

Services may include:

Students seeking accommodations should contact the office directly.

Student learning and professional development are evaluated throughout the academic and supervised practice components of the Coordinated Program. Student progress is monitored through both formal and informal assessment methods.

Students experiencing academic or professional performance concerns may be required to participate in remediation activities designed to support successful progression in the program.

Students also evaluate courses, supervised practice rotations, preceptors, and learning experiences to assist with ongoing program improvement.

Students are expected to maintain satisfactory academic performance, professional behavior, ethical conduct, and the ability to meet program requirements. When concerns arise regarding a student's academic performance, professional behavior, ethical conduct, or progression in the program, the student may be required to meet with the Program Director and other appropriate representatives to evaluate the concern and determine appropriate corrective actions.

Possible outcomes include:

When remediation is required, a written action plan may be developed that identifies areas of concern, program expectations, required corrective actions, timelines for completion, and methods for evaluating progress. Students who do not successfully complete required remediation activities may be dismissed from the program. Students dismissed from the program may be referred to appropriate university resources, including:

Additional probation, retention, and readmission policies are available in the Arkansas State University Bulletin.

Program faculty monitor student performance throughout the curriculum to ensure achievement of academic standards and required competencies. Most didactic courses utilize weighted grading systems in which examinations generally constitute a substantial portion of the final course grade. Students who do not demonstrate competency as defined by course or program requirements may be required to complete remediation activities.

When competency requirements are not met:

Students who fail a required course will receive academic counseling regarding available options and may be advised regarding alternative academic or career pathways. Students may be eligible to apply for readmission one additional time. Readmission is not guaranteed and is subject to program review, available space, and compliance with program policies.

Students complete a minimum of 1,080 supervised practice hours through the following practicum experiences:

Practicum I (NSP 6123)

Practicum II (NSP 6223)

Practicum III (NSP 6323)

Practicum IV (NSP 6424)

Practicum V (NSP 6524)

Total Hours

Actual totals may vary slightly depending on schedules, holiday calendars, and site-specific requirements.

To successfully complete supervised practice experiences, students must:

If required supervised practice hours are not completed:

Students receiving a grade of F in a practicum course are not permitted to progress in the program and must reapply for admission if space is available.

Students are responsible for maintaining accurate records of supervised practice hours and experiences in the Typhon management system.

Students are responsible for identifying potential supervised practice sites and preceptors. The Coordinated Program in Dietetics provides guidance throughout the process, maintains a database of previously approved sites and preceptors, and assists students who encounter difficulty securing placements. While the program makes reasonable efforts to assist students in identifying appropriate supervised practice experiences, placement at a specific site or geographic location cannot be guaranteed. Students should anticipate that travel may be required to complete supervised practice experiences. The availability of qualified sites and preceptors varies by geographic location. In some cases, students may need to travel, temporarily relocate, or complete rotations outside their local area to meet program requirements and required competencies. The program assists students in securing geographically accessible supervised practice sites whenever possible.

Students are not required to identify supervised practice sites and preceptors at the time of application. However, all required clinical supervised practice sites must be secured and approved before the start of supervised practice experiences. Supervised practice sites are evaluated annually through review of student evaluations, preceptor feedback, and program faculty assessment to ensure continued adequacy and appropriateness for competency attainment. (Required element 6.1.c)

Before a supervised practice experience may begin:

The Program Director or Practicum Instructor provides preceptor orientation materials and is available to meet with preceptors as needed to review program expectations, competencies, evaluation procedures, and supervised practice requirements.

Acceptable preceptors may include:

Preceptors must:

Clinical Nutrition Rotations

Community Nutrition Rotations

Food Service Management Rotations

Students complete a minimum of:

All rotations are generally completed in person. Telehealth experiences or alternative supervised practice activities may be considered on an individual basis and must comply with ACEND and program requirements.

Sites must provide sufficient experiences to allow students to achieve all required competencies.

Examples of Food Service Management Sites

Examples of Community Nutrition Sites

Examples of Clinical Nutrition Sites

Other sites may be approved by the Program Director or Practicum Instructor when sufficient opportunities exist to achieve required competencies. Students should receive exposure to a variety of disease states, healthcare settings, and patient populations throughout supervised practice experiences.

Prior to beginning supervised practice experiences, students must provide documentation of the following:

Students are responsible for obtaining and maintaining professional liability insurance throughout the supervised practice component of the program. Professional liability coverage must provide:

Failure to maintain required insurance may result in inability to participate in supervised practice experiences.

While the program makes reasonable efforts to assist students in identifying appropriate supervised practice experiences, placement at a specific site or geographic location cannot be guaranteed. Students should anticipate that travel may be required to complete supervised practice experiences. The availability of qualified sites and preceptors varies by geographic location. In some cases, students may need to travel, temporarily relocate, or complete rotations outside their local area to meet program requirements and required competencies. Students are responsible for transportation, travel-related expenses, and liability associated with travel to and from supervised practice sites. Travel time does not count toward supervised practice hours.

Students who become ill or sustain an injury during a supervised practice experience may be referred to an emergency department, urgent care facility, or private healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment. Students are responsible for all costs associated with medical care and must maintain health insurance coverage throughout enrollment in the program. Arkansas State University and supervised practice facilities are not responsible for medical expenses incurred as a result of illness or injury during supervised practice experiences.

All students admitted to the Coordinated Program must successfully complete a criminal background check prior to beginning the program. The criminal background check must have been completed within six months of the first day of classes. Some supervised practice facilities may require additional criminal background checks, drug testing, fingerprinting, or other screening procedures as a condition of placement. Students are responsible for all costs associated with required screening procedures. Failure to satisfy program or supervised practice facility requirements may prevent participation in supervised practice experiences and may delay progression or completion of the program.

Students completing supervised practice experiences will not be used to replace employees or perform routine staffing functions. Planned staff-relief experiences may occur when educationally appropriate and necessary to achieve program competencies. Such experiences are designed to enhance learning and are supervised in accordance with program requirements. Students are not compensated for supervised practice hours completed as part of program requirements.

Students are responsible for coordinating supervised practice schedules directly with their assigned preceptors and complying with site-specific attendance expectations. If illness, emergency situations, severe weather, or other circumstances prevent attendance at a supervised practice experience, students are expected to notify the preceptor as soon as possible and communicate significant attendance concerns to program faculty in a timely manner. Students are expected to demonstrate professional communication and accountability regarding attendance, schedule changes, and missed supervised practice experiences. Students are required to complete all supervised practice hours and competency requirements for graduation. The program provides approximately 1,080 supervised practice hours.

Failure to meet attendance expectations, complete required hours, or demonstrate professional conduct during supervised practice experiences may result in remediation, delayed progression, or other actions as outlined in program policies.

Typhon is the management system used to:

Students access Typhon using secure login credentials. Students are responsible for maintaining accurate and current records in Typhon, including supervised practice hours and required documentation. Program faculty review records to monitor student progression and completion of program requirements.

Students are expected to maintain a professional appearance during supervised practice experiences. Failure to comply with dress requirements may result in dismissal from the site until appropriate attire is obtained. Time missed is counted as an absence.

Students must wear:

Clinical Rotations

Students are expected to wear professional attire appropriate to the practice setting.

Acceptable attire includes:

Attire must be clean, neat, in good repair, and appropriate for patient care and professional interactions.

Not permitted:

Shoes

Tennis shoes or athletic shoes may be worn only when approved by the supervised practice site.

Hair

Food Service Rotations

Requirements include:

Community Rotations

Dress requirements vary by site.

When approved, students may wear:

Additional Appearance Standards

Students must comply with appearance standards established by supervised practice facilities, including requirements regarding tattoos, facial piercings, jewelry, hair, nails, fragrances, and other grooming practices. Students must comply with any additional appearance, dress, grooming, safety, and identification requirements established by supervised practice facilities. Facility requirements supersede program dress code requirements.

Attendance at all practicum orientation sessions is mandatory. Students must complete orientation requirements before beginning supervised practice experiences.

Professional behavior is expected in all academic and supervised practice settings.

Examples include:

Professional behaviors are evaluated throughout coursework and supervised practice experiences. Areas evaluated may include critical thinking, interpersonal skills, communication skills, use of constructive feedback, problem-solving, professionalism, responsibility, and stress management. Students demonstrating deficiencies in professional behavior may be subject to remediation and disciplinary procedures as outlined in this handbook.

Failure to demonstrate professional behavior may lead to disciplinary action.

Arkansas State University promotes high standards of academic integrity and professional ethics.

Violations are considered serious misconduct and may result in sanctions up to and including expulsion. Withdrawal from a course, program, or the university does not eliminate responsibility for academic misconduct violations. The College Student Academic Honor Code operates in conjunction with the University Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Policy.

Major categories of misconduct include:

Lying or Willful Misrepresentation

Lying or willful misrepresentation involves making false statements with the intent to deceive.

Examples include:

Cheating or Unapproved Collaboration

Cheating is any act intended to gain an unfair academic advantage.

Examples include:

Possible Sanctions

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is presenting another person's work, ideas, or writing as one's own.

Examples include:

Possible Sanctions

Facilitating Academic Dishonesty

Facilitating academic dishonesty involves intentionally assisting another person in violating academic integrity standards.

Examples include:

Standards apply to:

Honor Code Procedures

Students who are aware of an honor-code violation are encouraged to report it to:

When evidence supports a violation:

College Code of Ethics Committee

The committee:

Possible sanctions include:

The committee does not have authority to suspend or expel students.

Students have appeal rights as outlined in the Arkansas State University Student Handbook.

Students enrolled in the Coordinated Program are expected to comply with all tobacco, nicotine, smoke-free, and vape-free policies established by Arkansas State University and any supervised practice facility, agency, organization, or community site where program-related activities occur.

Because supervised practice experiences are completed in a variety of locations throughout the United States, students are responsible for understanding and following all applicable facility, organizational, state, and local regulations regarding the use of tobacco and nicotine products, including electronic cigarettes and vaping devices.

Failure to comply with facility or program tobacco and nicotine policies may result in:

Arkansas State University is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action.

All students admitted to the Dietetics Program are provided equal access regardless of:

The university complies with applicable federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination.

Questions concerning equal opportunity policies may be directed to the university's Affirmative Action Program Coordinator.

Students are expected to demonstrate professional conduct in all academic, supervised practice, and program-related activities.

Professionalism concerns may include, but are not limited to:

When concerns regarding student conduct, professionalism, ethics, or performance arise, the following process will generally be followed:

Possible outcomes include:

Serious violations involving academic misconduct, patient or client safety, unlawful behavior, breaches of confidentiality, falsification of records, or other conduct that threatens the welfare of others may result in immediate disciplinary action, including dismissal from the program.

Documentation related to disciplinary actions and remediation plans will be maintained in the student's educational file in accordance with university policies.

Students may be dismissed from the Coordinated Program for reasons including, but not limited to:

Students dismissed from the program for academic misconduct are not eligible for readmission to the Coordinated Program. Students may be eligible to apply for readmission one additional time. Readmission is not guaranteed and is subject to program review, available space, and compliance with program policies.

Students are encouraged to resolve concerns through the following process:

University grievance procedures outlined in the Arkansas State University Student Handbook apply. Individuals who file complaints, participate in investigations, or raise concerns in good faith will not be subjected to retaliation. Complaints will be addressed in a fair, timely, and confidential manner to the extent permitted by law and university policy.

Students and other individuals may submit complaints to the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) regarding a program's compliance with ACEND accreditation standards only after all applicable program and university complaint procedures have been exhausted.

ACEND does not serve as:

Information regarding ACEND's complaint process is available on the ACEND website.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995

Phone: 312-899-0040, Ext. 5400Email: ACEND@eatright.org Website: www.eatright.org/ACEND

Students have the right to inspect and review their educational records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Arkansas State University policies.

Requests to review program records should be submitted to the Program Director. Access to records will be provided in accordance with university procedures governing educational records. Student information, evaluations, records, and communications are maintained in accordance with university privacy, security, and FERPA requirements. Students may access their program file upon written request.

Privacy of Information

Student records related to advising, evaluations, registration, and program performance are maintained in secure university systems. Access is limited to authorized faculty and staff. Arkansas State University complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which provides students with rights regarding review and access to their educational records.

Students wishing to review records maintained by the program should contact the Program Director.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA protects the privacy of student educational records.

Students have rights regarding:

Questions regarding FERPA may be directed to:

Electronic devices may be used when approved by faculty or supervised practice sites.

Students may not:

Students must comply with all university, facility, HIPAA, FERPA, and information security requirements when using electronic devices for academic or supervised practice activities.

HIPAA violations or academic misconduct may result in disciplinary action, failure, or dismissal.

Arkansas State University utilizes BioSig-ID™ to verify student identity in online courses. Students are required to complete identity verification activities as assigned. Federal regulations require verification that the student who registers in an online course is the same student who participates in and completes course activities. Failure to comply with identity verification requirements may affect access to course content and assessments.

BioSig ID Authentication

Federal regulations require Arkansas State University to verify the identity of students enrolled in online courses.

BioSig ID is the identity-verification system used within Canvas.

How BioSig ID Works

Students should review university instructions regarding BioSig ID setup and use.

Social media includes any electronic platform used to communicate, share, post, or distribute information.

Examples include:

Student Responsibilities

Students are solely responsible for content they post online.

Students must not post:

Students should avoid posting content that is:

Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the program.

Students are encouraged to remember that future employers may review publicly available social media content.

To receive the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) degree from Arkansas State University and complete the Coordinated Program in Dietetics, students must:

A Verification Statement is issued only after all degree, supervised practice, and program requirements have been completed and verified by the Program Director. The Verification Statement verifies that the student has met all academic and supervised practice requirements in accordance with Arkansas State University and Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) standards.

To receive a Verification Statement, students must:

Students must complete all program requirements and receive a Verification Statement within six years of admission to the Coordinated Program in Dietetics unless otherwise approved by the Graduate School Dean. Students who do not meet all degree, supervised practice, and program requirements are not eligible to receive a Verification Statement. The Verification Statement is required by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to establish eligibility for the Registration Examination for Registered Dietitians/Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD/RDNs). Following verification of program completion, the Program Director will submit the required registration eligibility documentation to CDR. Students are then responsible for scheduling, paying for, and completing the Registration Examination. Verification Statements are issued electronically by the Program Director following confirmation that all degree, supervised practice, and program requirements have been met.

The Coordinated Program follows Arkansas State University policies regarding transfer credit for academic coursework. The program does not currently assess prior learning for supervised practice credit. Students must complete all supervised practice experiences required by the program regardless of previous employment, volunteer activities, certifications, or other professional experience. Should ACEND-approved prior learning assessment opportunities become available in the future, the program will evaluate their applicability and communicate any policy changes to students.

Students generally follow the Arkansas State University academic calendar.

Additional scheduling information is available in:

Students whose progress is interrupted because of health concerns, personal circumstances, military service, family obligations, or other factors should meet with the Program Director to discuss available options. Program interruption, leave of absence, or withdrawal may affect the student's anticipated graduation date, supervised practice schedule, and eligibility for program completion. Interruptions may extend completion beyond the normal program timeline.

Students who withdraw from the university must apply for readmission. Readmission is dependent upon space availability. Students must complete all program requirements and receive a Verification Statement within six years of initial enrollment in the Coordinated Program.

Students unable to meet attendance requirements should contact the Program Director to discuss a leave of absence. Approval is determined on an individual basis. The student is responsible for initiating the request. Students requesting a leave of absence must notify the Program Director in writing. Approval of a leave of absence does not guarantee the availability of the student's original supervised practice schedule, preceptor assignments, or anticipated graduation date upon return to the program.

Regular participation is required in all online courses. Students who do not log into a course during the first eleven class days of a fall or spring semester, or first five class days of a five-week term may receive a WN (Withdrawal for Non-Attendance) and be administratively withdrawn.

Because the MSND program is delivered online, classes are generally not canceled when the Jonesboro campus closes due to weather. If technology disruptions affect access:

Students experiencing severe weather, hazardous travel conditions, natural disasters, power outages, or other emergency conditions in their local area that may affect participation in coursework or supervised practice activities should notify course instructors, preceptors, and program faculty as soon as possible. Accommodations, schedule adjustments, or make-up activities may be considered on a case-by-case basis. During supervised practice experiences, students must follow closure, delay, emergency, and weather-related procedures established by the supervised practice facility.

Students are encouraged to attend professional meetings and conferences.

Benefits include:

Approved meetings may count toward professional activity documentation. Students are responsible for associated travel expenses.

Working while completing the Coordinated Program can be challenging. Students who choose to work are encouraged to schedule employment during evenings and weekends so program requirements remain the priority.

Each student is assigned an academic advisor to assist with progression through the program.

Students should:

Students are responsible for their own educational planning and for complying with university and program requirements.

Students who interrupt enrollment should meet with both their advisor and the Program Director to determine an appropriate plan for returning to the program.

Students considering withdrawal should consult:

University policies regarding:

are outlined in the University Bulletin.

Each course syllabus outlines:

Students are responsible for understanding and meeting all course requirements.

Graduating students complete an exit survey evaluating the overall quality of the program.

Survey results are used for program assessment and continuous improvement.