MS in Nutrition & Dietetics – RD-Track Student Handbook

Registered dietitians are considered food and nutrition experts. They work in a wide variety of employment settings, including hospitals and health care facilities, food & nutrition-related business and industry, community & public health, education, research, government agencies and private practice.

This handbook provides you with pertinent information about the dietetics program. The current procedures are consistent with institutional practices and are intended to supplement the information found in the university student handbook.

Dr. Tiffany Sterling, EdD, RD, LD, FAND
Director, Coordinated Program in Dietetics
PO Box 910, State University, AR 72467
Email: dietetics@astate.edu

Arkansas State University enjoys a reputation as an excellent institution of higher education serving citizens throughout Arkansas and surrounding states. It is the only comprehensive public university located in this region. Dedicated to teaching, research and service, the university provides students with the broad educational foundations that help develop critical thinking and analytical skills, decision-making capabilities, and communication skills.

Dr. Todd Shields became Chancellor of the A‑State‑Jonesboro campus on August 15, 2022.

This institution was founded in Jonesboro in 1909 by the Arkansas General Assembly as a regional agricultural training school. It began offering a two‑year college program in 1918, then became “First District Agricultural and Mechanical College” in 1925. A four‑year degree program was begun in 1930; then A & M College became “Arkansas State College” in 1933. The Arkansas Legislature elevated the college to university status and changed the name to Arkansas State University in 1967. Today, the institution has more than 70,000 alumni. A‑State has been powering the minds of its students for 100 years; the university observed its Centennial in 2009‑10.

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.

The university is located about halfway between the Mississippi River Valley, one of the most fertile areas in the world, and the Ozark Mountains, rich in American folklore and tradition. The university campus occupies an area of 1,376 acres on the gently rolling slopes of Crowley’s Ridge, in the City of Jonesboro.

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

The College of Nursing and Health Professions, formed in 1982, includes the School of Nursing and nine other departments/programs, all of which are accredited by discipline‑specific agencies. The Coordinated Program in Dietetics, a recent addition to the college, is located in Eugene W. Smith Hall.

Nearby, the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Health Sciences is a 50,650‑square‑foot structure that includes the Speech and Hearing Center, the Department of Communication Disorders, and a nurse anesthesia lab. The center also houses interdisciplinary labs, a community education center, research labs, classrooms, an auditorium, a computer lab, a student lounge, a conference room, group study rooms, a nursing clinical learning lab, health assessment labs, and special project rooms.

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 (CP) in Dietetics at Arkansas State University is administered by the Health Sciences & Risk Management department in the College of Nursing & Health Professions. The program provides for the achievement of knowledge and performance requirements for entry‑level dietitians through integration of didactic instruction with a minimum of 1,080 hours of supervised practice.

The supervised practice experiences occur in foodservice, community and clinical settings, with half of the hours occurring in the clinical setting. These experiences allow students to build upon foundation knowledge and competencies for future proficiency in the clinical area of dietetics.

Students earn a Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) upon completion of the required 53 hours. The master’s program is delivered 100% online. Upon successful completion of the MSND, students are eligible to take the national credentialing examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). After passing the examination, they become registered dietitians.

In addition to registered dietitian credentialing, many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners. Frequently, these state requirements are met through the same education and training required to become and maintain status as a registered dietitian. For more information on registration and state licensure, visit the CDR website.

The Dietetics Program at Arkansas State University seeks to meet the need for registered dietitians in the delta region and beyond by providing quality, equitable, and inclusive education and experiences for all students.

The successful graduate will:

• Perform as a knowledgeable, competent entry‑level dietitian.
  • At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length).
  • Of graduates who seek employment, 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  • 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
  • The program’s one‑year pass rate on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
  • 80% of graduates working in dietetics will receive a score of “average or higher” for professional conduct when rated by employers on satisfaction surveys.
• Pursue service to the profession of nutrition and dietetics.
  • At least 70% of program graduates will pursue service to the profession of dietetics as a preceptor, leader, through civic engagement, or through active participation in professional organizations within 3 years post‑graduation.

Outcomes data are available upon request.
*Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) required objectives.

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics at Arkansas State University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics 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
800‑877‑1600 X 5400

eatrightpro.org/acend

To be considered for admission to the 100% online MSND degree program, applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and the specific program requirements. Meeting program requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. The Nutrition and Dietetics program admits students on a space‑available basis. Current resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation are used in the selection process.

• Undergraduate degree including: lifecycle nutrition, nutritional biochemistry, nutrition assessment, food science, nutrition counseling, community nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, and an applied statistics course (junior level or higher). Transcripts can be reviewed for similar courses.
• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Personal statement (500–1,000 words) addressing professional goals, past experiences, and contributions expected in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
• Two letters of recommendation/rating forms from former supervisors or faculty.
• Selective admissions process used to select the most qualified students. Applications are submitted through DICAS throughout the year.

See the A‑State Bulletin for full course descriptions.

Estimated Total Two‑Year Professional Program Only (MSND Degree): $18,020

Additional Program Estimates

Total Additional Program Expenses: $7,210
Total Estimate for Two‑Year Program: $25,230

Students may qualify for financial aid or scholarships through Arkansas State University. Consult the Financial Aid & Scholarships page for more details.

(Required element 8.2m)

In order to receive a M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from Arkansas State University that signifies completion of the Dietetics Program, a student must:

• Complete academic course requirements with a grade of C or above in all degree courses [A degree course is any course that is listed in the Bulletin as a Major Requirement for the Master of Science Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics]. (Students are allowed one grade of C throughout the program.)
• Complete all education and university requirements pertaining to the major.
• Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Successfully complete five supervised practice experiences.
• Have no outstanding financial or other program obligations. Obligations include:
  • CDR/RD Exam review course purchase
  • Self‑assessment tool survey completion
  • Exit survey completion

Based on the ACEND benchmark for program completion (within 150% of the time planned for completion), this would equal a period of three years once a student is accepted into the Coordinated Program.

(Required element 8.2n)

Once students complete the MS in Nutrition and Dietetics, they will have completed the requirements for receipt of a verification statement. Upon successful completion of the CP, each student will receive Verification Statement form(s).

This is the form used by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics to verify that the student has met all academic and supervised practice requirements for program completion in accordance with Arkansas State University and accreditation guidelines.

The verification statement is also required by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) for eligibility for the Registration Examination for Dietitians. Once the required paperwork is completed, the program director submits the registration eligibility applications to CDR. Upon notification from CDR, it is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements to schedule and take the Registration Examination.

Total: 1,080 hours*

*These are minimum hour requirements; totals could be slightly higher depending on calendar dates and schedules.

• Attain 75% average on all graded activities.
• Achieve all competency requirements, including academic and professional behavior standards, with acceptable score of 3 or above on rating scale of each rotation evaluation tool.
• Fulfill all designated hour requirements. All hours will be recorded and tracked using the Typhon management system (Required element 8.1c).
• If required hours are not completed:
  • Grade of “I” until hours are fulfilled before the next practicum begins.
  • If hours remain incomplete, grade of “F” is assigned. Student cannot proceed in the program and must reapply, resuming at the beginning of the practicum in question (space permitting).
• Professional activities promoted by the program may count toward supervised practice hours. These are recorded in the conference log within Typhon.
• Other class activities (e.g., case studies, simulations) may count toward supervised practice hours at the discretion of the practicum instructor. Alternate activities are noted on evaluation and time sheet in Typhon.

Students are responsible for securing their own sites and preceptors. For students located near Arkansas State University or in areas where faculty have connections, potential preceptors and sites have been identified. Students are not required to choose these, but local student acceptance may be limited based on availability and at the discretion of the program director.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides a Find‑a‑Preceptor Database for program directors and students (members of the Academy) to search for and contact preceptors willing to teach students within their practice area.

Preceptors may include:

• Registered Dietitians (RD / RDN) – required for clinical rotations
• Licensed Dietitians (LD), Certified Dietitians (CDN)
• Nutritionists
• Registered Nurses (RN), Nurse Practitioners (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)
• Physicians’ Assistants
• Food Service Directors (schools, hospitals, nursing homes, etc.)
• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
• Administrators (e.g., nursing home or assisted living)
• Others evaluated case‑by‑case

Note: Some experiences must be supervised by RDs, while others may be supervised by team members involved in nutrition and dietetics issues.

A‑State does not require preceptors identified at application, but a list must be provided to the program director before the first program course. Faculty will evaluate potential preceptors within 1–2 weeks. Upon approval, the program director initiates the affiliation agreement process and obtains resumes.

• Must have education and experience to provide appropriate guidance.
• Must be licensed or credentialed as required by state/federal regulations.
• Clinical preceptors (Practicum IV & V) must be RDs. Community preceptors may be RDs or hold nutrition‑related positions. Food service preceptors may be managers, Certified Dietary Managers, extension personnel, or professionals with health promotion backgrounds (RD not required).
• Preceptor or another RD on staff must be available for the entire rotation.
• Must demonstrate willingness to take on responsibility for students (assignments, teaching, mentoring, evaluations, time management).
• Must demonstrate communication skills and collaborate with program director/faculty.
• Must demonstrate good people skills, patience, and understanding to teach required knowledge and skills.
• Must support Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics practice standards and preferably be a member of the Academy if an RD.
• Must be willing to use Typhon system for tracking hours and completing evaluations.

Students complete 1,080 supervised practice hours: 360 in foodservice, 180 in community, and 540 in clinical settings. All rotations/hours should be in person. Telehealth positions considered case‑by‑case.

Potential Sites for Food Service

FSM rotations may be completed at hospitals, long‑term care facilities, school nutrition programs, or university dining services. Other sites may qualify with program director approval.

Potential Sites for Community Nutrition

Community rotations should be at facilities focused on nutrition and public health. Recommended sites include SNAP, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, food banks, WIC, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, Congregate/Home‑Delivered Meal Programs, and grocery stores with dietitians. Other sites may qualify with program director approval.

Potential Sites for Clinical Nutrition

(Required element 8.2a)

All students are required to have health, automobile, and professional liability insurance ($1,000,000 per incident/occurrence 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 include:

• Ethical performance in accordance with the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics
• Regular and punctual attendance
• 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 A‑State, 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.

Each student is assigned an advisor to assist with planning for orderly transition through the program. Advisees should meet their advisors prior to registration for classes. Additional meetings may be held if deemed necessary.

Students are responsible for their own education. Each student receives a curriculum plan outlining program requirements semester by semester. Additional information is provided in the University Student Handbook. Students must follow requirements and procedures in this handbook and any updates provided electronically or in writing.

Students should follow the University registration format as outlined in the semester schedule of classes. Advisors will generally post hours for advisement. Students should contact their advisor before making schedule changes. Students who interrupt their program must meet with the program director and advisor to determine appropriate action.

(Required element 8.1d)

All students admitted to the Dietetics program have equal access. Arkansas State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to excellence and diversity. Opportunities in employment, admission, and treatment of students are provided without regard to color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, national origin, religion, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability. A‑State complies with all applicable legislation and does not discriminate unlawfully. Questions should be addressed to the Affirmative Action Program Coordinator.

(Required elements 8.2r & 8.2s)

Student files related to advisement, registration, evaluations, etc. are kept on the dietetics drive. Only faculty have access. A‑State adheres to FERPA, which affords students rights regarding their educational records. Students may inspect and review their records except for specific exclusions. See the University Bulletin for the complete policy. Students may contact the program director to view their dietetics file.

(Required element 8.2t)

Counseling Center: Offers personal, career, and academic counseling and outreach programming. Services are provided by licensed mental health practitioners, interns, and practicum students. Staff provide lectures, workshops, and consultations across campus.

Financial Aid & Scholarships Office: Provides financial resources to students. Aid is awarded based on demonstrated need, with efforts to maximize grants and scholarships and minimize loans. Staff compile packages to provide maximum support. See the University Bulletin for more information.

Dean B. Ellis Library: Provides extensive resources, including nutrition‑related textbooks, periodicals, and interlibrary loan services. Collections also support nursing, psychology, sociology, biology, sports medicine, and speech pathology.

Pack Support: A one‑stop resource connecting students, parents, faculty, and staff to university procedures and resources. Issues may include academic performance, harm to self/others, financial concerns, food/shelter anxieties, housing, illness, hospitalization, and conduct. Contact PackSupport@astate.edu.

Access and Accommodation Services: Coordinates academic adjustments and auxiliary aids for qualified students under Section 504 and ADA. Concerns about physical access should be addressed to the coordinator. A‑State provides auxiliary aids at no cost to students with verified disabilities.

(Required element 8.2p)

Students should consult with their instructor and advisor before changing schedules or withdrawing. Students receiving aid should consult their Financial Aid Counselor. See the University Bulletin for information on withdrawal and refund of tuition and fees.

A‑State promotes academic integrity and professional ethics. Violations are considered serious misconduct and may result in severe penalties, including expulsion. Students cannot avoid sanctions by withdrawing from a class, program, or the University.

The College Student Academic Honor Code exists in addition to the University Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Policy. Offenses include lying/willful misrepresentation, cheating/unapproved collaboration, plagiarism, or facilitating dishonesty. Assignments include papers, projects, homework, and exams.

Lying / Willful Misrepresentation

A false statement made with intent to deceive.

Examples include:

• Fabricating quotations and/or sources
• Dishonestly adjusting, omitting, or misrepresenting research results
• Selective reporting or omission of conflicting data
• Altering graded work and resubmitting
• Providing false information about absences or late work
• Submitting the same paper in multiple classes without approval
• Submitting a paper from a previous semester without approval
• Failing to provide required information about prior academic performance
• Obstructing or interfering with other students’ academic work
• Altering documents affecting academic records
• Providing false information about academic performance or leadership activities
• Recording hours not actually worked
• Submitting fabricated preceptor evaluations
• Altering scores, grades, or schedules on records
• Forging signatures without authorization
• Recording lectures or meetings without permission
• Creating false university or medical documentation

Cheating / Unapproved Collaboration

An act of dishonesty with the intent of obtaining and/or using information in a fraudulent or unauthorized manner.

Examples include:

• Observing or copying from another student’s assignment
• Giving or receiving assistance during an exam (including providing answers to subsequent examinees)
• Using unauthorized notes or information during an exam
• Buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting assignments without authorization
• Using for credit an assignment written for a previous class without instructor approval
• Impersonating another person or permitting impersonation for exams/assignments
• Unauthorized collaboration during exams, labs, or course requirements
• Altering grades or official records
• Falsifying or signing another person’s name on academic documents
• Sabotaging or interfering with academic progress of others
• Submitting altered, fraudulent, or falsified data or records

Discipline:

• Allow testing to progress, inform student, and assign failing grade on test
• Seize test and assign failing grade
• Assign failing grade in the course
• Recommend sanctions, including expulsion; all cases referred to student conduct system

Plagiarism

The act of taking, using, or presenting the ideas, work, or writing of another as one’s own.

Examples include:

• Submitting another’s work (paper, report, program, presentation, etc.) as one’s own
• Failing to give credit when quoting, paraphrasing, or referencing ideas
• Quoting without quotation marks and citation
• Submitting research or assignments not completed by the student seeking credit

Discipline:

• Return paper for rewriting; grade may be lowered
• Assign failing grade on paper/item
• Assign failing grade in the course
• Recommend sanctions, including expulsion; all cases referred to student conduct system

Facilitating Academic Dishonesty of Others

Intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help others commit academic dishonesty.

Examples include:

• Writing a paper for another student
• Allowing another student to use past assignments, papers, labs
• Sharing homework when collaboration is not allowed
• Helping another student during an exam or quiz
• Sharing notes, books, calculators, phones, computers, websites, or other aids during exams without permission
• Completing another student’s exam or quiz
• Providing materials or information knowing it will be used dishonestly
• Stealing or circulating exam/homework materials before authorized time

Violations apply to didactic, laboratory, and clinical experiences.

Procedures for Honor Offenses

Students aware of an honor offense should report it to the faculty member, program director, or department chair. An investigation will follow.

If evidence exists, the student will be notified in writing of charges, hearing body, and hearing details at least two working days in advance. Hearings should occur within 10 working days of notification.

College Code of Ethics Committee:

• Comprised of five CNHP student representatives and two CNHP faculty appointed by the dean
• Actions may include dismissal of case, sanctioning student, or referral to Dean of Students
• Sanctions may include educative measures, reprimand, restrictions, restitution
• Committee cannot suspend or expel students

Student rights are outlined in the A‑State Student Handbook under “Disciplinary Hearings.” Students are entitled to one appeal to the Associate Dean for Judicial Affairs.

Effective August 1, 2010, A‑State is a Smoke Free campus. See appendix for complete policy.

Students must comply with supervised practice site policies. Arkansas law prohibits smoking on hospital grounds. Students who use tobacco in classrooms, labs, or supervised practice sites are subject to facility actions (removal or fines) and may be removed from the practicum course.

Social media can be a way to share life experiences and opinions with others. Use of social media presents risks and carries responsibilities.

Definition: Social media includes all means of communicating or posting information via the Internet or other electronic methods. This includes personal blogs, journals, websites, chat rooms, and group platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and anonymous sites.

Content may be transmitted to others with or without consent from the original author. Per HIPAA regulations, no information, pictures, videos, or descriptions of clients/families may be posted on social media sites.

Responsibilities:

• You are solely responsible for what you post online.
• Inappropriate postings (patients, classmates, faculty) that include discriminatory remarks, harassment, threats, or violations of professional codes of conduct are subject to disciplinary action and may result in program dismissal.
• Future employers may view candidate websites. Students should review their sites for unprofessional images or language that could affect employment.
• Make responsible decisions about social media use.

FERPA of 1974 provides protection for all educational records related to students enrolled in an educational program. Information about your rights and protection of your records is available on A‑State’s website.

Questions or concerns about FERPA issues may be directed to registrar@astate.edu or the Office of Admission, Records, and Registration.

(Required element 8.2o)

Arkansas State University is required by federal law and regional accreditors to confirm the identity of all students who take online courses. Authenticating student identities ensures academic integrity and preserves the quality of the online degree.

BioSig ID:

• Students create a biometric password using a mouse, stylus, or finger on various devices.
• The biometric password cannot be replicated by someone else.
• Authentication is required before completing quizzes and exams, and periodically throughout each course.
• All authentications occur within Canvas.
• See the “Create BioSig ID” folder in Canvas for details.