STUDENT HANDBOOK
FOR
DIDACTIC PROGRAM IN DIETETICS
2013-2014
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
The University of Tennessee at Martin
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page #
Introduction...... 3
Program Overview...... 4
Accreditation...... 4
Program Mission...... 4
Program Philosophy...... 4
Admission Criteria...... 4
Advising of Prospective and Admitted DPD Students...... 5
Faculty Advisors for DPD Students...... 5
Curriculum Requirements...... 6
Supervised Field Experience...... 7
Special Costs for DPD Students...... 7
Ongoing Assessment...... 8
Verification Statements...... 9
Role of DPD Program in Credentialing Process...... 9
Matching to Dietetic Internships...... 9
Directory of ACEND accredited programs...... 10
Career Opportunities for Non-Credentialed DPD Graduates...... 10
Program Goals...... 11
Learning Outcomes for FCS Majors...... 13
Other Policies and Procedures...... 14
Academic Calendar...... 14
Transfer Credit...... 14
UT Martin Drop, Add, Withdrawal Policies...... 14
Student Support Services...... 14
Filing Complaints...... 15
Maintenance of Student Records...... 15
Appendix A: Matching Checklist...... 16
Student Handbook for Didactic Program in Dietetics
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
The University of Tennessee at Martin
Introduction
The Student Handbook for the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is a reference tool designed to assist students who are enrolled in the undergraduate program in dietetics. It is a compilation of information including program goals, policies and procedures as well as student requirements and responsibilities. The handbook lists goals for students and addresses frequently asked questions about educational requirements and expected outcomes. Each dietetics student will receive a copy of the handbook to use as a reference during his/her enrollment in the program.
EEO/Title VI, Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADE A Statement
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admissions without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. Eligibility and other terms and conditions or employment benefits at the University are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University.
Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 303 Administration Building, The University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, TN 38238, telephone 731-881-7847 (V/TTY available) or 731-881-3505. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.
Program Overview
Accreditation
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800/877-1600 ext. 5400.
Program Mission
The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics at the University of Tennessee at Martin is to prepare graduates for their dietetic internships, the Registration Examination for Dietitians, and career practice in a dietetics-related field. Grounded in adult education theory, the science-based curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, team work, and authentic application of information. Graduates will acquire the skills necessary for both dietetics-related professional practice and lifelong learning.
Program Philosophy
As graduates of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, dietetics students should contribute to an improved quality of life for the people of their communities while functioning effectively as individuals, family members, citizens, family and consumer scientists, and dietetics professionals. In particular, graduates of the DPD should achieve the status of Registered Dietitian.
The philosophy of the dietetics curriculum is in harmony with the educational goals of The University of Tennessee at Martin and the purpose and mission of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, which is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Council for Accreditation.
Admission Criteria
Interested students must meet admission requirements to The University of Tennessee at Martin, choose to major in Family and Consumer Sciences, be admitted to the Dietetics Concentration/DPD within the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (see admissions criteria below), and work toward the Bachelor of Science degree.
University admission requirements can be viewed at: http://catalog.utm.edu/
Prospective students will be considered for entry to the Dietetics Concentration/DPD based on the following criteria:
· Cumulative GPA = 3.0 or better
· Grade of C or better in each of the following courses:
o BIOL 140 – Cell & Molecular Biology
o CHEM 111 – General & Inorganic Chemistry
o CHEM 112 – Organic & Biochemistry
o FSCI 200 – Food Principles
o FSCI 313 – Food Management
o NUTR 100 – Introductory Nutrition
· Completion of application packet, which includes:
o DPD admission application
o Current transcripts from UTM and/or any other relevant universities or colleges attended
· Completion of interview with dietetics faculty
Advising of Prospective and Admitted DPD Students
During freshman advising or upon admission to the DPD program, students are provided with a checklist and a suggested sequence of course work for each semester. The checklist serves as a means for posting grades and reviewing progress. The sequence indicates the desired sequencing of courses to ensure that course prerequisites are met and the DPD program is completed in a timely manner.
An academic plan of study should be developed by each student in consultation with his/her advisor early in the academic career. The semester plan in particular shows the placement of courses which are offered at specified intervals in the university schedule. Adjustments in the semester plan will occur when the student carries less than the prescribed course load; when sequencing is affected by the need for core courses such as math or chemistry; or when deficiencies occur in high school credits for admission.
Faculty Advisors for DPD Students
Kathy Stanczyk, MS, RD is the appointed DPD director, and Lori Littleton, MS, RD is the appointed Director of the Dietetic Internship (DI). Both Ms. Stanczyk and Ms. Littleton serve as faculty advisors to undergraduate students enrolled in the dietetics concentration. Advising activities for preparing Class Request Forms are scheduled during the times designated by the Records Office for pre-registration advising and on the regular registration day at the beginning of each academic term. Other advisement occurs during the recruitment and admissions processes, during the first semester while students are enrolled in FCS 100 Family and Consumer Sciences Perspectives (1 credit hour), and at times initiated by either the student or the advisor.
Ms. Stanczyk’s office is located at 330G Gooch Hall, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, TN 38238; Ms. Littleton’s office is located at 330D Gooch Hall. Both Ms. Stanczyk and Ms. Littleton have their office hours posted on their office door and are available by appointment. They may also be contacted via email at or , respectively. Ms. Stanczyk and Ms. Littleton will respond as promptly as possible to students’ needs.
Students, whether enrolled or prospective, are encouraged to contact Ms. Stanczyk for specific information related to the DPD program. In addition to the aforementioned office and email contact information, Ms. Stanczyk can also be reached at 731-881-7100 or 731-881-7742.
Curriculum Requirements
General education requirements for a bachelor’s degree and departmental requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree are outlined in the UT Martin catalog. The UT Martin catalog can be viewed online at http://catalog.utm.edu/. Each student is responsible for familiarizing him/herself with the requirements for completion of a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in dietetics.
A B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences with a dietetics concentration requires accrual of a minimum of 120* semester hours, broken down into the following categories:
General Education Component...... 53-55 hours
Includes: biological and physical sciences, communication,
fine arts, humanities, math, social and behavioral sciences
Family and Consumer Sciences Core Component...... 16 hours
Dietetics Core Curriculum...... 30 hours
Business Component...... 9 hours
Professional Development Courses...... 7 hours
Elective Courses...... 6 hours__
120+ hours*
*Please note that additional hours may accrue if deficiencies must be met.
Supervised Field Experience
The supervised field experience provides experiential education to all Family and Consumer Sciences majors who qualify with a minimum 2.75 GPA and senior standing. Supervised field experience courses for the dietetics student are specifically numbered for the approved DPD.
Cooperating healthcare facilities provide a common body of knowledge and activities in order that students will achieve similar outcomes. Resources abound in the surrounding region, up to 150 miles radius, but are limited near the university. Thus, to facilitate the student’s coordination of living arrangements during the field experience, field placements are made at the earliest possible convenience.
A list of contracted health care facilities which cooperate in the field experience is available from the DPD director. These facilities are primarily in the surrounding region as described above, but additional arrangements may be made when circumstances dictate. Students begin discussing placements with the DPD director in the fall of the senior year.
A DPD Field Experience Manual has been developed by the DPD director and dietetics faculty in consultation with field experience preceptors. This manual serves as a guide for both the student and preceptor with respect to minimum objectives for the field experience. Appendices included in the Field Experience Manual must be completed in their entirety by the student and submitted to the DPD director at the conclusion of the student’s field experience. These appendices along with a preceptor evaluation will culminate in grades for the experiential courses.
Special Costs for DPD Students
Tuition and fees, which are applicable to all students enrolled in The University of Tennessee at Martin, are established by the Board of Trustees annually and published in the UT Martin Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog (available online at http://catalog.utm.edu/). Costs of books and supplies required for individual classes are not included in tuition and fees, but may be obtained on the website of the university bookstore. In addition, dietetics students will accrue the following expenses:*
Student Liability Insurance $32.00* per term
· Required for FSMG 312 and supervised field experience
· The current fee will be collected and receipted in The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences office, 340 Gooch Hall. A directive is on file from the Office of Risk Management for The University of Tennessee (system-wide), which describes the procedure and limitations.
Background check $60*
· Required for supervised field experience
Laboratory tests/immunizations (e.g., TB, Hepatitis A) $200*
· Required for supervised field experience
· Estimated cost provided above is for these tests/immunizations to be performed at a physician’s office.
· These tests/immunizations may be performed at a reduced price or free of charge at facility where student is placed for field experience. Therefore, student should check with respective facility/preceptor upon notification of field placement.
Travel and/or lodging for field experience Variable
· Dependent on living arrangements and distance (mileage) of commute
· Student assumes liability for safety in travel.
Lab coat $25
· Required for supervised field experience
*Costs shown are estimated
Ongoing Assessment
Throughout the student’s academic career, assessment occurs via course assignments, tests, projects, and other measures of student learning. Students receive grades for each course at the end of the semester. Individuals who are performing below standard may be remediated by the individual instructor of the course and, when applicable, the DPD director. DPD students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all subject matter courses within the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. Students whose performance falls below this standard will repeat the particular course at the next available opportunity.
In addition, students admitted to the DPD program will take a pretest and posttest in the fall and spring of both junior and senior year. These tests serve two purposes. First, they allow the DPD director and dietetics faculty to evaluate the efficacy of the DPD curriculum. Second, they help to identify an individual’s strengths and areas in need of improvement. Based on results of the respective pre- and posttests, the DPD director may offer the student advice with regard to areas in need of improvement. This advice may include a list of remediation resources and/or a recommendation to repeat a required course.
Verification Statements
The academic program provides the necessary didactic instruction to meet the Foundation Knowledge and Competencies for Entry-level Dietitians as defined by the ACEND. Upon successful completion of the DPD program, students will receive six original copies of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Verification Statement from the DPD Director. To establish authenticity, each copy of the Verification Statement must be signed in blue ink by the DPD Director on record with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Verification statements are required for AND membership, Dietetic Internship (DI) applications, state licensure, and to establish eligibility to write the Registration Examination for Dietitians.
Role of DPD Program in Credentialing Process
Completion of the DPD program qualifies students to apply for a Dietetic Internship (DI). Successful completion of an ACEND accredited DI establishes eligibility to write the Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Upon passing the Registration Examination for Dietitians, individuals may use the credentials of Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Further means of specialization are possible by earning advanced degrees and through work in specialized professional practice as a RD or RDN.
Matching to Dietetic Internships
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics requires that dietetics students who wish to enter a supervised pre-professional program leading to registration eligibility be matched to Dietetic Internships (DI). Matching occurs in the spring and fall of each year. The application deadline for the spring match is typically the second week of February, and the application deadline for the fall match falls on or about September 25th. Students failing to register for the match with D&D Digital Systems by the established deadline will not be included in the match and the DI programs will not be able to consider their applications. Thus, students should contact their DI programs of choice well in advance of the application deadline, allowing adequate time to complete any necessary application materials.