Program Policies

Insurance Requirements (Required element 8.2a): All students are required to have health, automobile and professional liability insurance and provide documentation to the program director before beginning supervised practice rotations.

Travel (Required element 8.2b): In order to complete the supervised practice rotations in the CP, students may be required to travel to sites. Some practice sites may be located within a 75-90 mile radius of the student’s home. Students must furnish their own transportation, which should be reliable and dependable, to and from these facilities and assume all costs and liability involved with this travel. Vehicle insurance is required as noted above.  Travel time to rotation sites does not count toward supervised practice hours.

Injury or Illness at Supervised Practice Sites (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 as needed.

Drug Testing and Criminal Background Checks (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.

Student Replacement of Employees (Required element 8.2e): 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. All preceptors should adhere to the rotation schedules and learning activities provided by the program director/practicum instructor. Students do not receive paid compensation for any aspect of supervised practice hours or program requirements (Required element 8.2f).

Grievances and Complaints: Students enrolled in the dietetics program have a right to discuss any complaints or grievances related to academic, supervised practice or program issues. They should first consult with the course or practicum instructor and then with the Program Director to resolve the issue, following the procedures outlines in the university’s Student Handbook. Grievances involving the Program Director should be discussed with the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions.

ACEND-Related Complaints (Required element 8.2g): The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics will review complaints that relate to a program’s compliance with the accreditation standards. ACEND is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dietetics education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students. Students may submit written complaints to ACEND at the address below only after all other options with the program and the university have been exhausted. A copy of ACEND’s policy and procedure for submission of complaints (Required element 8.2h) may be found on the website or obtained by contacting ACEND at:

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics

120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190

Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995

Phone: 800-877-1600 X 5400

Transfer Credit/Prior Learning (Required element 8.2i): Transfer of academic credit from other colleges or universities follows the Arkansas State University policy. Refer to the bulletins page 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 with such experience should meet with the program director to develop a personalized learning plan.

Evaluation of Student Learning: Evaluation of learning occurs at pre-determined times throughout the academic and supervised practice components of the program. Specific information is detailed in the syllabi provided for each course and practicum experience. There are specifically prepared forms for evaluation throughout supervised practice. Preceptors/instructors completing the evaluation use the provided form and review with the student prior to signatures on the form. Students are responsible for being familiar with the various evaluation forms so that they are aware of the criteria and timing for each evaluation. Students are also given the opportunity to evaluate their experience in the rotation site as well. These forms are used to evaluate future improvements in the program and provide feedback to preceptors. Faculty in the program monitor student performance in their courses, in order to detect these students who are experiencing academic difficulty in each semester and offer counseling and remediation as needed on an individual basis.

In addition to being evaluated on academic performance, students are also evaluated on professional and ethical behaviors, using the Professional Behaviors procedure noted in this handbook.

Formal evaluations (Required element 8.2j) may be in the form of written evaluations, rubrics, exams and scored assignments, to name a few. Many opportunities are also available for informal evaluations on progress and performance. These should be viewed as positive encounters to gain insight and adjust performance. Examples of informal evaluation include, but are not limited to, daily feedback/discussions with preceptors/instructors on skill development, clinical documentation, presentations and projects.

Pack Support (Required element 8.1a), the university resource for students who need campus resources, information and extra guidance, is also available to monitor student performance. This system offers assistance in academic performance and other areas such as financial concerns, food or housing issues, illness/hospitalization and harm to self or others. Pack Support for Faculty is the software portion of this program to identify students who could be at academic risk so that they receive appropriate assistance in their respective programs.

Retention and Remediation (Required element 8.1b): If at any time the conduct of a student results in unsatisfactory level of performance, whether academic, professional, or ethical, or the health status of a student is a detriment to the student’s successful completion of the program, a conference shall be held between the program director and appropriate representatives to determine necessary corrective actions. See the disciplinary/termination procedures policy below and the Professional Behavior Evaluation Form, which is located in the appendix of the handbook.

If the student fails to complete the remediation plan as outlined, the student will be dismissed from the program and referred to the Health Professionals Advisor in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, the Wilson Center for Academic Advising and Learning Assistance on campus and/or Pack Support university resources as mentioned. Students who find themselves in this position are counseled into career paths that are appropriate to their abilities.

See the bulletins page for additional information on probation, retention, and readmission to the program.

Course Work Remediation: (Required element 8.2k) All program courses, except practicums, are weighted, and exams are weighted at a higher percentage. In the case where a student makes lower than a 75 on any exam, project, or assignment, remediation will occur. Students are required to improve their scores in order to meet specific competencies. If a student fails a to meet a competency and fails the course, they are required to have a meeting with the Program Director and the instructor of the course. Information regarding the Dietetics Program Remediation Policy can be found in appendix. Students who fail to complete a required course during the program are counseled into career paths that are appropriate to their ability. Students who chose to continue to pursue dietetics as a career path may reapply to the program one additional time.

Dismissal from the program

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

1. Failure to meet acceptable academic standards. For example, failing to maintain a GPA of 3.0.
2. When a student attains a “C” in two courses or receives a combination of two “C” or “F” grades.

Disciplinary/Termination Procedures (Required element 8.2l): Professional behaviors are those behaviors that are expected to be displayed at all times in the classroom, supervised practice settings, and dietetics-related programs. These behaviors are detailed on page 14 of the handbook.

A violation of professional behavior may be intentional or unintentional and requires intervention to mitigate future consequences. A subsequent violation in the same professional behavior area by the student is considered to be an ‘at risk behavior’ and constitutes grounds for dismissal from the course.

If a faculty member determines that a violation has occurred, a written report using the Professional Behavior Evaluation Form (located in the appendix) and corrective plan of action will be completed according to the following steps:

1. The incident will be documented and the student will be notified.
2. The faculty member will use discretion to determine if the student will be dismissed from the classroom or supervised practice setting until notified of the final disposition.
3. The student’s case will be evaluated for disposition within three school days by the involved faculty member and the program director.
4. Corrective Actions may include detailed plan for remediation, conference with faculty, dismissal from supervised practice with loss of hours, dismissal from course or practicum with unsatisfactory  grade or other actions with approval of the program director or CNHP dean.
5. Copies of the Professional Behavior Evaluation Form are to be sent to the student, student file, faculty member and program director.

Professional Dress Code: Students are expected to dress in a clean, neat and professional manner at all supervised practice sites. This includes hair, nails and clothing. Students reporting for supervised practice in improper attire will be dismissed to change into proper attire. Time lost for this reason is considered absence time and make-up time is not available. Students should wear their name tag and A-State ID at all times when at supervised practice sites. Distance students will follow instructions to submit an online photo and then their ID badge will be mailed to them.

 

Proper attire for supervised practice sites or as instructed by the preceptor:

• Clinical Rotations:
• Women: clean and pressed, white lab coat over scrubs or a professional dress, blouse, skirt or slacks. Blouse/dress must have sleeves. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts and exercise attire are not acceptable.
• Men: clean and pressed, white lab coat over scrubs, or professional attire, which may include collared shirt, plain dark dress slacks, dark shoes. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts and exercise attire are not acceptable.
• Shoes: comfortable shoes in good condition that offer support and protection. Shoes are to be low-heeled and closed toes/heels, clean and polished. Tennis or sport shoes are not acceptable.
• Hair: restraints must be worn in food service areas. Facial hair must be neatly shaven; beards and moustaches must be neatly trimmed. Only natural hair colors are allowed.
• Food service rotations:
  • Slip-resistant shoes are to be worn.
  • No jewelry, including watches and earrings, are allowed except for plain wedding bands (no stones).
  • Jewelry: limited to engagement/wedding rings, watch and one pair earrings no larger than a dime.
  • Gum chewing and/or candy is not allowed.
• Community rotations:
  • Varies by site. If scrubs or business casual are not required, students should wear an A-State t-shirt or plain black, red, or white t-shirt; jeans with no holes or shorts (only knee length); shoes are to be low-heeled and closed toes/heels.

Other rules related to personal appearance:

• Name tag: A-State ID badge and student name tag should be worn at all times, visible on the top left of lab coat or other clothing.
• Nails: must be trimmed to not extend past the tip of the finger. No nail polish or nail enhancement is allowed (varies per facility).
• Excessive make-up should not be used.
• Preceptors may request that tattoos are covered at all times.
• Visible body piercings (tongue, eyebrows, nose, etc.) are not allowed.
• Use deodorant/antiperspirant to reduce body odors.
• Do not use strong perfumes, colognes and lotions. Many sites prohibit using these items because it can cause allergic reactions/respiratory distress for guests and employees.

Professional Behaviors: Professional behaviors are those behaviors that are expected to be displayed at all times by students in class, supervised practice settings, and dietetics-related programs. Students who fail to exhibit these behaviors are subject to corrective/disciplinary action. See the Professional Behavior Evaluation Form available in the appendix of the handbook.

 

The following is a list of expected behaviors of dietetic students:

• 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 relationship 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 other behavior and/or attitude demonstrated which is considered to be unprofessional, disruptive and/or unethical

Essential Functions: 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.

Academic and CP Schedule (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.

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

If the student withdraws from the university, he/she must apply for readmission to the program. Readmission status will be dependent upon space available. See the bulletins page for additional information.

Attendance: Weekly participation is a critical component of online learning and students are expected to participate in discussions or complete other assignments each week. Students who do not login to courses 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 are withdrawn from the class.   

Supervised Practice: Absences from the supervised practice facility due to sickness or family emergency must be reported to the preceptor and the practicum instructor. The preceptor should be notified prior to the time the student is expected to be present. A student 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 to the practicum instructor at least one week in advance of the absence.  Not all requests for absences may be approved.  Personal business or routine appointments must be planned outside of practicum hours.  Once the absence is approved by the practicum instructor, the student should make arrangements for make-up time with the preceptor.  Any learning experience missed must be completed to the satisfaction of the preceptor and practicum instructor.  Make-up time may be necessary during time that would be considered “off” days.

Leave of Absence: (Required element 8.2q): If a student is not able to meet the requirements for attendance as listed above it is recommended, they set a time to meet with the Program Director to discuss the opportunity for a temporary leave of absence. This is determined on a case-by-case basis specific to the needs of the individual. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the process with the Program Director.

Inclement Weather: The university remains open for academic classes and all other services during inclement weather except in extreme circumstances determined solely by the Chancellor of the University. Since this is an online program, class is not canceled due to inclement weather, even if the main campus is closed. If university Internet access is affected by inclement weather, extensions will be given as appropriate. If student Internet access is affected by inclement weather, the student should notify the instructor so a suitable timetable for making up the work can be established.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices: Cell phones and other electronic devices may be used as a student resource at the discretion of the faculty member and/or clinical site. Taking unauthorized photographs in clinical settings is strictly prohibited, as use of any personal electronic device to store/ enter any type of patient information is a violation of the Healthcare Information Portability Accessibility Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Using devices to screen capture or cheat on tests and papers is a violation of the Honor Code. Violation of any of these policies may lead to a grade of F and/or dismissal from the program. Students violating the policy will be referred to the program director. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which promotes a collegiate learning environment. Behaviors and attitudes which disrupt the learning environment will not be tolerated.

Professional Meetings: To enhance professional development and networking, dietetic students are encouraged to attend several professional meetings. Students will be released from supervised practice to attend meetings, which should be documented on the professional activity logs. Travel is the responsibility of the student; costs related to travel (gas, meals, lodging, etc.) should be considered in anticipating program expenses.

Outside Employment: It is extremely difficult to work while completing the Coordinated Program. If students must be employed, hours should be scheduled during the evenings or on weekends only. Students MUST be available to fulfill all requirements for coursework and supervised practice experiences.

Orientation Days for Supervised Practice: Attendance for all practicum orientations is mandatory. Students are required to attend all orientation sessions prior to the start of the semester in which they are enrolled in practicum courses. Students will be notified by the practicum instructor when and where to report for these mandatory meetings.

Grading System: Each course in the curriculum has a descriptive course syllabus with information concerning content and determination of course grade.  It is the student's responsibility to be familiar with and meet the requirements of each course.

Exit Survey: Students are requested to evaluate the overall program upon completion of the requirements for graduation. An exit survey is available for this purpose. Compiled data from the surveys are shared with faculty as part of program evaluation.

Distance Learning Requirements (Required element 8.2k)

Computer Requirements: Students enrolled in online courses must have access to a laptop/desktop computer with a reliable and unrestricted internet connection. DSL, cable, or other high speed internet is required.

• Hardware, Operating, and Software Requirements
  • Windows computer: i5 processor or better; 8 GB RAM; Windows OS 8 or 10
  • Mac computer: i5 processor or better; 8 GB RAM; Mac OS Mohave 10.14 or newer
  • Webcam with audio/video capabilities
  • Microsoft office 365- Software downloads are available here: https://www.astate.edu/a/its/software-downloads/
  • Web browsing software

Learning Management System: Canvas is the learning management system used at A-State. Learn more about Canvas at A-State: https://www.astate.edu/a/its/canvas/. The helpdesk is available 24/7 by calling 870-972-3933 or emailing itshelpdesk@astate.edu.

Typhon Group: Typhon is an education management system used by the program to track, manage, and approve student and preceptor documentation for supervised practice rotations. Students use a secure login and password to confirm their identity.