CHCS Student Handbook 2019-2020

Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences—Department of Occupational Therapy 2019–2020 183 interfere with his or her studies or progress. Students should not hesitate to contact their advisor. Also it is expected that students will respond to any email communication from his or her academic advisor within 24 hours of receipt. Students are expected to engage in a minimum of 16 hours of either volunteer or professional development hours within each of the first two years of the program. Completed documentation should be submitted as instructed by the student’s adviser. During the third year, students are mentored in their professional development by their onsite fieldwork educators. The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator serves as the academic advisor and provides additional support while the student is participating in these two Level II fieldwork experiences. Essential Functions Most educational programs have technical standards or essential function policies that guide and protect the program and its students regarding reasonable expectations for admission, retention, and graduation. The Master of Occupational Therapy Program complies with the Health Professions Division Core Performance Standards for Admission and Progress through its documentation of essential functions. Essential functions refer to those abilities required for satisfactory completion of all aspects of the M.O.T. curriculum, including fieldwork education and the professional attributes required of all M.O.T. students for degree completion. Students will be introduced to the essential functions during orientation and are required to perform those functions with or without accommodation in order to progress through the program in a satisfactory manner. Failure to demonstrate those essential functions may result in a referral to the departmental Committee on Student Progress. Dress Code The Occupational Therapy Department observes the HPD policy regarding dress code whether on or off campus. In addition, occupational therapy students should wear occupational therapy polo shirts and either khaki or dark-colored trouser-, boot-, or straight-legged pants, when engaged in pre-service or service learning experiences, or during special events, either on or off campus, at the discretion of the department. Slim or tight leg pants, including leggings, and shorts of any length are not acceptable. Professional Membership Upon entry into the M.O.T. program, students are required to obtain membership with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and sustain that membership throughout the duration of the program. Maintaining AOTA membership will ensure access to necessary professional resources required throughout the curriculum and will facilitate development of a professional identity. Professional Engagement All M.O.T. students are required to attend at least one regional, state, or national conference or meeting per year while enrolled in the program. In addition, students must participate in 16 hours of volunteer service and professional development activities per year (see Academic Advising and Professional Development above). Failure to complete these requirements will result in a referral to the CSP and may affect the student’s standing in the program.