Program Policies

(Required element 8.2a)

All students are required to have health, automobile, and professional liability insurance ($1,000,000 per incident/occurence and $3,000,000 aggregate) and provide documentation to the program director before beginning supervised practice rotations.

(Required element 8.2b)

Students may be required to travel to supervised practice sites within a 75–90 mile radius of their home. Students must furnish their own reliable transportation and assume all costs and liability. Vehicle insurance is required. Travel time does not count toward supervised practice hours.

(Required element 8.2c)

Students who are injured or become ill during supervised practice will be sent to the Emergency Room or private physician as appropriate. Students are responsible for any financial expenses incurred, as well as health insurance to cover such emergencies and follow-up care.

(Required element 8.2d)

Students are required to undergo a drug test and criminal background check if required by the supervised practice site. Students are responsible for any fees associated with these procedures.

(Required elements 8.2e & 8.2f)

Students do not replace employees for routine work responsibilities unless staff relief is planned as part of the CP supervised practice experience to meet specific competencies. Preceptors should adhere to rotation schedules and learning activities provided by the program director/practicum instructor. Students do not receive paid compensation for supervised practice hours or program requirements.

Students have the right to discuss complaints or grievances related to academic, supervised practice, or program issues. They should first consult with the course or practicum instructor, then with the Program Director. Grievances involving the Program Director should be discussed with the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Procedures follow the university’s Student Handbook.

(Required elements 8.2g & 8.2h)

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) reviews complaints related to compliance with accreditation standards. ACEND does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal in matters of admission, appointment, promotion, or dismissal of faculty, staff, or students.

Students may submit written complaints to ACEND only after all other options with the program and university have been exhausted.

Contact:
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 800-877-1600 X 5400

(Required element 8.2i)

Transfer of academic credit follows Arkansas State University policy. Refer to the Bulletin for more information.

The CP does not grant credit for prior work experience. However, learning experiences may be adjusted to a higher level if a student has significant experience in the area of practice covered in the supervised practice rotation. Students should meet with the program director to develop a personalized learning plan.

Evaluation occurs at pre-determined times throughout academic and supervised practice components. Specific information is detailed in syllabi. Preceptors/instructors use prepared forms and review with students prior to signatures.

Students are responsible for being familiar with evaluation forms and criteria. Students also evaluate their rotation experiences, providing feedback for program improvement.

Faculty monitor student performance each semester to detect academic difficulty and provide counseling/remediation as needed.

Students are evaluated on academic performance and professional/ethical behaviors using the Professional Behaviors procedure noted in this handbook.

Formal evaluations: Written evaluations, rubrics, exams, scored assignments.
Informal evaluations: Daily feedback/discussions, clinical documentation, presentations, projects.

(Required element 8.1a)

Pack Support is a university resource for students needing campus resources, information, and guidance. It assists with academic performance, financial concerns, food/housing issues, illness/hospitalization, and harm to self or others.

Pack Support for Faculty is the software portion used to identify students at academic risk so they receive appropriate assistance.

(Required element 8.1b)

If student conduct results in unsatisfactory performance (academic, professional, or ethical), or health status is detrimental, a conference is held with the program director and representatives to determine corrective actions. See disciplinary/termination procedures and the Professional Behavior Evaluation Form in the appendix.

If remediation is not completed, the student will be dismissed and referred to advising and support resources (Health Professionals Advisor, Wilson Center for Academic Advising, Pack Support). Students are counseled into career paths appropriate to their abilities.

See the Bulletin for additional information on probation, retention, and readmission.

(Required element 8.2k)

All program courses, except practicums, are weighted, with exams weighted higher. If a student scores below 75 on any exam, project, or assignment, remediation occurs. Students must improve scores to meet competencies.

If a competency and course are failed, a meeting with the Program Director and instructor is required. Information regarding the Dietetics Program Remediation Policy is in the appendix.

Students who fail to complete a required course are counseled into appropriate career paths. Students who wish to continue in dietetics may reapply to the program one additional time.

A student may be asked to leave the program if any of the following conditions occur:

• Failure to meet acceptable academic standards (e.g., failing to maintain a GPA of 3.0).
• Attaining a “C” in two courses or receiving a combination of two “C” or “F” grades.

(Required element 8.2l)

Professional behaviors are expected at all times in the classroom, supervised practice settings, and dietetics-related programs. A violation may be intentional or unintentional and requires intervention. A subsequent violation in the same area is considered an “at risk behavior” and constitutes grounds for dismissal.

Procedure:

• The incident is documented and the student notified.
• The faculty member may dismiss the student from class or supervised practice until final disposition.
• The case is evaluated within three school days by the faculty member and program director.
• Corrective actions may include remediation plan, conference with faculty, dismissal from supervised practice with loss of hours, dismissal from course/practicum with unsatisfactory grade, or other actions approved by the program director or CNHP dean.
• Copies of the Professional Behavior Evaluation Form are sent to the student, student file, faculty member, and program director.

Students must dress in a clean, neat, and professional manner at supervised practice sites. Improper attire results in dismissal to change clothes; time lost is considered absence time. Name tag and A-State ID must be worn at all times. Distance students submit an online photo for mailed ID badge.

Clinical Rotations

• Women: White lab coat over scrubs or professional attire (dress, blouse, skirt, slacks). Sleeves required. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, exercise attire not acceptable.
• Men: White lab coat over scrubs or professional attire (collared shirt, dark slacks, dark shoes). Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, exercise attire not acceptable.
• Shoes: Low-heeled, closed-toe/heel, clean and polished. Tennis/sport shoes not acceptable.
• Hair: Restraints in food service areas. Facial hair neatly trimmed. Only natural hair colors allowed.

Food Service Rotations

• Slip-resistant shoes required.
• No jewelry except plain wedding bands.
• Jewelry limited to engagement/wedding rings, watch, one pair of earrings no larger than a dime.
• No gum chewing or candy.

Community Rotations

Varies by site. If scrubs or business casual are not required, students may wear an A-State t-shirt or plain black/red/white t-shirt; jeans without holes or knee-length shorts; low-heeled, closed-toe shoes.

Other Appearance Rules

• Name tag and A-State ID badge visible on top left of lab coat/clothing.
• Nails trimmed; no polish or enhancements (varies by facility).
• No excessive makeup.
• Tattoos may need to be covered.
• No visible body piercings (tongue, eyebrows, nose, etc.).
• Use deodorant/antiperspirant to reduce body odors.
• No strong perfumes, colognes, or lotions (may cause allergic reactions/respiratory distress).

Professional behaviors are expected at all times in class, supervised practice, and dietetics-related programs. Students failing to exhibit these behaviors are subject to corrective/disciplinary action. See the Professional Behavior Evaluation Form in the appendix.

Expected Behaviors:

• Ethical performance in accordance with the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics
• Regular and punctual attendance for meetings, supervised practice, and other activities
• Completion of assignments within allotted parameters
• Positive relationships with peers, faculty, clients/patients, preceptors, and staff
• Compliance with dress code in various settings
• Acceptance and incorporation of faculty feedback
• Adherence to guidelines stated in the Arkansas State University, CNHP, and Dietetic Student handbooks
• No behavior or attitude considered unprofessional, disruptive, or unethical

Students are expected to possess the intellectual, physical, ethical, and emotional abilities necessary to undertake the full dietetics curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the program for professional practice.

See the Essential Functions document available in the appendix of the handbook.

(Required element 8.2q)

Students will have holidays consistent with the A-State academic calendar. Individual course syllabi and the Supervised Practice Rotation Schedule provide additional information about the CP schedule.

If progress in the CP is interrupted for health or other reasons, the student must meet with the program director to discuss circumstances and options for completion. This may take the student outside of the benchmark window.

If the student withdraws from the university, they must apply for readmission to the program. Readmission status depends on space availability. See the Bulletin for more information.

Weekly participation is critical in online learning. Students are expected to participate in discussions or complete assignments each week.

Students who do not log in during the first seven class days of a seven- or fourteen-week term will be assigned a grade of WN (withdrawal for non-attendance) and withdrawn from the class.

Absences due to sickness or family emergency must be reported to the preceptor and practicum instructor prior to the scheduled time.

Students may not leave a supervised practice site during scheduled hours without notifying the practicum instructor.

Special requests to miss practicum must be submitted in writing at least one week in advance. Not all requests may be approved. Personal business or routine appointments must be scheduled outside practicum hours.

Approved absences require make-up time arranged with the preceptor. Missed learning experiences must be completed to the satisfaction of the preceptor and practicum instructor. Make-up time may occur on “off” days.

(Required element 8.2q)

If a student cannot meet attendance requirements, they should meet with the Program Director to discuss a temporary leave of absence. This is determined case-by-case. The student must initiate the process.

The university remains open during inclement weather except in extreme circumstances determined by the Chancellor. Since this is an online program, class is not canceled due to weather, even if the main campus is closed.

If university Internet access is affected, extensions will be given. If student Internet access is affected, the student should notify the instructor to establish a timetable for making up work.

Devices may be used as resources at the discretion of faculty or clinical sites. Unauthorized photographs in clinical settings are prohibited. Storing patient information on personal devices violates HIPAA.

Using devices to cheat is a violation of the Honor Code. Violations may lead to a grade of F and/or dismissal. Students will be referred to the program director. Conduct must promote a collegiate learning environment; disruptive behaviors are not tolerated.

Students are encouraged to attend professional meetings for development and networking. Students may be released from supervised practice to attend, with documentation in professional activity logs. Travel costs are the student’s responsibility.

It is extremely difficult to work while completing the CP. If employment is necessary, hours should be scheduled evenings or weekends only. Students must be available to fulfill all coursework and supervised practice requirements.

Attendance at all practicum orientations is mandatory. Students must attend all orientation sessions prior to the semester start. Practicum instructors will notify students of dates and locations.

Each course has a syllabus detailing content and grading. Students are responsible for being familiar with and meeting course requirements.

Students evaluate the overall program upon graduation. Exit survey data are compiled and shared with faculty for program evaluation.

(Required element 8.2k)

Computer Requirements

Students must have access to a laptop/desktop computer with reliable, unrestricted high-speed internet (DSL, cable, etc.).

Hardware, Operating, and Software Requirements

• Windows: i5 processor or better; 8 GB RAM; Windows OS 8 or 10
• Mac: i5 processor or better; 8 GB RAM; Mac OS Mohave 10.14 or newer
• Webcam with audio/video capabilities
• Microsoft Office 365 (software downloads available)
• Web browsing software

Learning Management System

Canvas is the LMS used at A-State. Helpdesk is available 24/7 at 870-972-3933 or itshelpdesk@astate.edu.

Typhon Group

Typhon is the education management system used to track, manage, and approve student and preceptor documentation for supervised practice rotations. Students use secure login credentials to confirm identity.