Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 ATSU University Catalog 
    
2016-2017 ATSU University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

College of Graduate Health Studies


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Dear Student and Colleague,

Welcome to the College of Graduate Health Studies (CGHS) and A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU). You are part of a rich history; joining an institution that has educated health professionals since 1892. ATSU instills in students the compassion, experience, and knowledge required to address the whole person and shape healthcare in communities where needs are greatest.

We are pleased you have selected CGHS and assure you we are dedicated to your success. We strive to create a learning-centered environment to support your professional education.

In this catalog, you will find important information related to your educational journey. Please read the catalog carefully so you fully understand CGHS policies and procedures. We also encourage you read the University Student Handbook.

On behalf of CGHS administration, faculty, and staff, I wish you nothing but success throughout your academic endeavors.

All the best,
Don Altman, DDS, DHSc, MPH, MBA, MA Professor and Dean, College of Graduate Health Studies

About CGHS

Program Accreditation

The Master of Public Health and Master of Public Health with Dental Emphasis degree programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health – 1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 220, Silver Spring, MD 20910 - 202.789.1050.

CGHS Mission Statement

The College of Graduate Health Studies is a student-centered online school, focused on academic excellence and innovation. We are dedicated to preparing leaders for socially responsible practice, policy, and research to improve prevention initiatives, wellness, and health care delivery and access.

Vision

The College of Graduate Health Studies will be the preeminent school for leaders in the health-related industry. We will provide an innovative curriculum facilitated by distinguished faculty and exceptional support staff, that prepares our students to integrate theory into practice to meet the growing needs of domestic and global health and wellness.

Values

Leadership: We value leadership development for our students, faculty, and staff and encourage participation in community and professional service.

Integrity: We value the highest ethical principles of fairness and honesty in all of our interactions.

Scholarship: We value critical thinking and the generation of ideas through innovation and analysis.

Diversity: We value differences among people and their personal and professional perspectives.

Interprofessional education: We value the combined contributions of our educational community and work to achieve an environment of teamwork and collaboration.

Innovation: We value a continual and aggressive push to develop new and efficient mechanisms for learning, teaching, and technological delivery.

CGHS Contact Information

A.T. Still University – College of Graduate Health Studies
800 W. Jefferson Street
Kirksville, MO 63501
www.atsu.edu/cghs

Katherine Adler, DHA
Acting Dean
660.626.2709
kadler@atsu.edu

Academic Advisors
All programs
877-686-2658
cghsacademicadvisors@atsu.edu

Terry Wise D Min, PhD, JD
Associate Dean, Online Operations
660.626.2709
twswise@atsu.edu

Aesha Turner
Executive Assistant to the Dean
480.265.8021
aturner@atsu.edu

CGHS School Policies

The following policies or guidelines apply to all programs at CGHS.

Admissions

Application Process

The College of Graduate Health Studies (CGHS) uses an online admissions system. Please visit https://www.atsu.edu/application/cghs/ to access the A. T. Still University common application system. Additional information regarding the program application deadline date, tuition and expenses, and related financial assistance can be found at www.atsu.edu, or by calling 877.626.5577 or emailing cghsonlineadmissions@atsu.edu.

Admission Requirements

  1. Academic:
    1. Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) at the qualifying degree institution.
    2. An accredited degree from a university recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (bachelor’s degree for master’s programs and a master’s degree for doctoral programs).
      1. Applicants who graduated from a university outside the United States may have to provide a degree equivalency evaluation.
    3. Official transcript from the qualifying degree-granting institution.
      1. For students using VA benefits transcripts for all institutions attended are required.
    4. Some degree programs may require experience or credentialing relevant to the field.
  2. Elements of Success:
    1. A current resume
    2. Completion of an essay
    3. English Proficiency*
    4. Meeting of technology requirements**

*Applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English when applying to A.T. Still University’s College of Graduate Health Studies. Written and spoken proficiency in the English language may be demonstrated by one of the following options:

  • Option 1 - English is your first language.
  • Option 2 - Graduated from a regionally accredited four year college/university in the United States with a BA/BS or graduate degree.
  • Option 3 - You are demonstrating your English proficiency by submitting acceptable scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
    • The Computer Based Test (CBT), Internet Based Test (iBT), or the Paper Based Test (PBT) is accepted. The following are the minimum required score based on test type:
      • CBT - minimum total score of 213: Minimum of 22/Reading Skills section and minimum of 26/Writing Skills section
      • iBT - minimum total score of 80: Minimum of 22/Reading Skills section and minimum of 24/Writing Skills section
      • PBT - minimum total score of 550: minimum of 57/Reading Skills section and minimum of 61/Writing Skills section
    • The TOEFL is administered by TOEFL/TSE Services, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ, 08541-6151, USA 609. 771.7100. Information is available at http://www.ets.org/toefl. A.T. Still University’s institutional code is 0339. Please be sure to include this information when you submit your application packet. TOEFL Educational Testing Services P.O. Box 6151 Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 609.771.7100

**Technology requirements as outlined at: http://its.atsu.edu/knowledgebase/cghs-technology-requirements/

CGHS Program Transfer

Students who wish to transfer to another academic program within CGHS must apply to that program through Admissions. Students applying to transfer programs will not be charged an application fee. To apply for admission to another academic program, an applicant must submit an application including an essay and all other supporting documentation (i.e., letters of reference, medical documentation, etc.) to Admissions by the admissions deadline for the semester and block in which a student wishes to enroll. An applicant may also include additional supporting documentation for the admissions committee to consider.

The admissions committee will consider prior ATSU coursework and documentation provided at matriculation on file with the Registrar’s Office and may require additional documentation. The admissions committee has the right to conduct interviews, secure documentation, and evaluate past grades and performance. Given the various possible reasons for transferring, the information required by the admissions committee may vary. The admissions committee has the right to reject an applicant’s request for transfer. The committee will consult with the Dean of CGHS to establish program placement and academic conditions for transfer.

Transfer Credit

Please refer to the Transfer Credit Policy located in the ATSU Policies section of this catalog. CGHS only accepts up to three courses (9 credits) for transfer.

The Master of Public Health with Dental Emphasis with a Dental Public Health Residency Certificate Program does not accept transfer credits. All residents must earn their MPH with a Dental Emphasis from ATSU while in the 25 month residency.

Selection of Applicants

Applicants are selected by the Admission Committee. The Admissions Committee seeks applicants capable of meeting the academic standards of CGHS. Completed applications, in compliance with minimum admission requirements, are reviewed for academic performance, extracurricular and co-curricular activities, work and life experience, recommendations, and interest in health education, health administration, health sciences, kinesiology, or public health.

The Admissions Committee reserves the right to accept, reject, or defer any application. Applicants are notified following the committee’s decision. Successful applicants are granted a specified time period to notify the Admissions Department of the intention to enroll. After acceptance, matriculation is subject to the satisfactory completion and verification of all academic and admission requirements.

Deferring Admission

A student may request to defer one time prior to matriculation and may not defer for longer than one year. Deferred students will work with an enrollment advisor to coordinate registration for the term in which they wish to return.

Minimal Technical Standards for Admission and Matriculation

Introduction

A.T. Still University’s College of Graduate Health Sciences (ATSU-CGHS) is committed to equal access for all qualified applicants and students. Minimal Technical Standards state expectations of ATSU-CGHS students. The Technical Standards provide sufficient information to allow the candidate to make an informed decision for application. Minimal Technical Standards are a guide for accommodation of students with disabilities. Accommodations can be made for disabilities in some instances, but a student must be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner. Procedures to apply for accommodations are found at the conclusion of this policy.

Statement of Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion encompass an authentic understanding and appreciation of difference and, at their core, are based upon the value each human being brings to our society and each person’s access and opportunities to contribute to our University’s cultural proficiency.

ATSU-CGHS admits and matriculates qualified students per the policies found in the CGHS Catalog. ATSU-CGHS prohibits discrimination against anyone on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual preference or disability. ATSU-CGHS expects all students to meet certain minimal technical standards as set forth herein. The standards reflect what the College of Graduate Health Sciences believes are reasonable expectations of online learning and performing common course work.

Categories of Technical Standards:

Students must be able to read, integrate, analyze, and synthesize data consistently, accurately, and in a timely fashion, as demonstrated by the ability to carry out the activities described below. Students must possess, at a minimum, the skills and abilities outlined in the chart below. The examples mentioned are not intended as a complete list of expectations, but only as samples demonstrating the associated standards.

Category Standard Example
Observation Sufficient uncorrected or corrected visual acuity for reading
 
Able to read text on computer monitor as well as hard print media suitable to meet the course requirements
Communication Possess fluent formal and colloquial oral and written English skills

Capable of writing in English effectively

Capable of reading English effectively
Demonstrate command of the course material to instructor

Understand oral and written lectures, ask questions and understand answers

Explain procedures in writing and discuss results with instructors and fellow students

Complete written course assignments

Participate via the written word in on-line group discussions
Computing Abilities Possess sufficient computer skills to operate computer system

Possess sufficient computer skills to navigate online.
Demonstrate the ability to navigate in an online environment suitable to meet course requirements.

Able to adjust computer settings

Able to download software, patches, and drivers with minimal or no assistance
Physical Possess sufficient skills to perform tasks on a computer.
 
Able to place and remove information into and from the computer.
Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Apply knowledge, skills and values learned from course work and life experiences to new situations

To receive, decode, interpret, recall, reproduce and apply information in the cognitive form to solve problems, evaluate work, gauge progress and demonstrate understanding of course material
Interact in writing with group discussions synthesizing, explaining, and presenting information and conclusions in such a way as to help establish and maintain an active learning environment.
Behavioral and Social Possess the emotional health required for full use of intellectual abilities

Exhibit appropriate behavior, judgment and ethical standards

Develop mature and cooperative relationships with peers, faculty and staff members
Interact through appropriate electronic, telephone, written and oral communication with peers, faculty and staff members.

Project an image of professionalism.

Work independently on all projects.

Interact professionally, ethically and confidentially with peers, faculty and staff members

Control temper and never perpetrate harassment

Additional Information

Records and communications regarding disabilities and academic adjustments with the Director of Learning and Disability Resources have no bearing on the application process. You may contact the director at Director of Learning and Disability Resources, A. T. Still University of Health Sciences, 800 W. Jefferson Street, Kirksville, MO 63501 or by phone at 660.626.2424.

Applying for Academic Adjustments

The institution remains open to possibilities of human potential and achievement, providing support for students with disabilities. The Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for the administration of and compliance with the Technical Standards and Academic Adjustments Policy (ATSU Policy #20-110) through the Director of Learning and Disability Resources. Please see the University Student Handbook for information on how to apply for academic adjustments.

Auditing a Course

CGHS does not allow auditing of courses at this time.

Grading

CGHS students earn a letter grade. Grades are assigned by faculty members and are based on the points possible in any given course. CGHS does not round scores. Final grades are posted in the CampusNexus Student Portal 14 days after the last day of the semester block.

Grade Value
A 90-100%
AU Audit
B 80-89.9%
C 70-79.9% - lowest passing grade
C* Indicates the course was repeated and not included in the GPA calculation
F 0-69.9% - failure
F* Indicates the course was repeated and not included in the GPA calculation
I Incomplete
NC No Credit
P Pass
W Withdraw
WF Withdraw Fail
WP Withdraw Pass
Grades followed by # Indicates grades that are not included in the GPA calculation

CGHS does not round scores. Grades are assigned by faculty members and are based on the points possible in any given course. Final grades are posted in the CampusNexus Portal 14 days after the last day of the semester block.

Incomplete Grade

While it is expected requirements for completion of a course are met at the end of a term, there are times when it is necessary for a student to request an incomplete grade. An incomplete grade may be issued by an instructor if a student presents in writing a rationale for circumstances beyond his or her control that prevented completing the class in a timely fashion and the student completed at least 50% of the assigned coursework at the time of request.

At the time when an incomplete grade is requested, a student must be passing the class with a grade of C or higher. Other than in cases of emergency, this request must be received by the instructor no later than two weeks prior to the end of a term. If an instructor submits an incomplete grade, an “I” shall be entered on the final grade form. An instructor must complete an incomplete grade form on which the conditions for removal of the grade of “I” are specified and the date any missing work must be submitted is included.

In general, an incomplete grade must be removed within two weeks of the end of a term, unless the extenuating circumstances warrant a longer time. A copy of all documentation for removal of an incomplete grade must be submitted to the department chair. It is a student’s responsibility to meet the conditions for the removal of the “I” grade. If there are additional extenuating circumstances, a student may request an extension of the “I” grade; but in no case will an extension of the “I” grade will not be allowed for more than two blocks.. If an “I” grade is not changed in one calendar year, it will automatically revert to a grade of F (excluding dissertation-only courses). Students with an outstanding grade of “I” are not eligible to graduate.

Appealing a Grade

Students have 14 days to seek an appeal after a grade is posted.

In all cases where a student has a question regarding a grade, a student should contact the instructor to discuss the grade. In the event a student wishes to appeal a grade after speaking with an instructor, the following process is to be followed.

Student submits to the department/program chair a letter outlining why the student believes grade awarded was not appropriate for the submitted work. For example, the appeal letter must include specific examples of how the grading rubric was not fairly used in the review of a paper.

A program chair will communicate with the instructor regarding the circumstances surrounding the grade and provide details to either the associate dean or a committee appointed by the program chair.

The associate dean or review committee will grade assignments (blinded) under appeal, based on the grading rubric and submit grades to the department/program chair with a one paragraph summary of the strengths and limitations of each assignment. The department/program chair will communicate results to the student within 14 days from the initial date of the appeal.

A student is awarded the grade assigned by the associate dean or review committee - it could be higher, lower, or the same as the instructor’s grade. Participation, seminar, and oral presentation grades, are not included in the evaluation - these grades remain unchanged.

Late submission deductions will remain unchanged and are factored into a final appeal grade.

Course(s) or Program of Study Withdrawal

CGHS students in poor academic standing when withdrawing from all courses in a semester block are required to petition the program chair for re-entry.

CGHS students not enrolled for an entire semester will be withdrawn from the program of study. In most instances, students withdrawn from ATSU, regardless of the reason, must apply for re-admission, consistent with University policy. Students who have been withdrawn for less than one semester may re-enter by contacting their Academic Advisor prior to the registration deadline.

Plagiarism Defined

Plagiarism is the presentation of another’s work as if it were one’s original. Proper and complete citation and reference, in accordance with APA style guidelines, is required of all student work. Specific examples of plagiarism include:

  • Cutting and pasting or re-entering information from another’s work into a document without correct citation or attribution
  • Information is attributed to a source other than the original
  • Material authored by someone else is submitted as original work
  • Turning in previously prepared work, in part or in whole, is considered self-plagiarism and is unacceptable. In instances where it may be appropriate to include prior work, the student must obtain permission from the instructor to include the prior work.
  • Information is properly cited but the paraphrasing is not substantively different from the original source
  • Infrequent or missing citations

Plagiarism Sanctions

Assignments submitted for a grade, including papers and discussion posts, are subject to review for plagiarism. The consequences of plagiarism vary based on whether the incident is a first, second, or third occurrence.

First occurrence: A first instance of plagiarism is generally believed to result from a lack of familiarity and inexperience using APA guidelines and is perceived as a misuse of sources.

The sanctions for a first offense generally are, but not limited to:

  • Required completion of the University Writing Center’s Proper use of Resources tutorial
  • A grade of zero on the assignment
  • Resubmission of the assignment for a reduced grade
  • Students who choose not to participate in the tutorial or fail to complete the tutorial will receive a grade of zero on the assignment

Second occurrence: A second occurrence of plagiarism is a more serious academic offense and is not attributed to naiveté, ignorance of guidelines, or a misunderstanding of what constitutes acceptable graduate scholarship at ATSU.

The sanction for a second plagiarism offense is, but is not limited, to:

  • A grade of F in the course

Third occurrence: A third occurrence of plagiarism is seen as a student’s chronic inability or refusal to produce acceptable graduate-level scholarship.

The sanction for a third plagiarism offense is, but is not limited, to:

  • Expulsion from the university

Academic Probation

If a student fails to meet the 3.0 cumulative GPA, he or she will be placed on academic probation. There are two phases of academic probation.

Phase I Academic Probation:

  • Student is limited to a maximum of two courses per semester block.
  • Student’s cumulative GPA must be a 3.0 or above at the end of the probationary semester
  • If a student receives a grade of W during the probationary semester, he or she automatically fails to meet the requirements of probation

If a student meets the requirements of the probationary period, he or she is removed from academic probation and returned to good academic standing. CGHS students in poor academic standing at the time of withdrawal from all courses in a semester block are required to re-apply for admissions.

Phase II Petition Academic Probation:

If a student fails to meet the requirements of Phase I Academic Probation, Phase II is not automatically granted. Requirements for this phase include:

  • Student must petition the department chair or program chair in writing within 5 days of notification
  • Student is limited to two courses per block
  • If a student receives a grade of W during the probationary semester, he or she automatically fails to meet the requirements of probation.
  • Student’s cumulative GPA must be a 3.0 or higher at the end of the probationary semester
  • Students must meet any additional criteria outlined by a program chair during the Phase II academic probation term.

If a student meets the requirements of the probationary period, the student returns to good academic standing.

Students on Phase I probation who do not meet probation requirements and fail to request Phase II probation will be administratively withdrawn from a program of study. Students denied Phase II probation or who fail to meet requirements on Phase II probation may be dismissed from a program of study.

Graduation Requirements

A degree is awarded at the end of the semester following completion of requirements. Attending commencement is not required but highly recommended. Students who have not fully completed their degree requirements may participate in the graduation ceremony under the following guidelines:

  • Students who only have one registered term of coursework to complete
  • Dissertation Only Students (DHA & DHEd): The student has obtained committee approval of Dissertation Chapter 3 and Institutional Board Review approval
  • DHSc Students: DHSC 9025  completed
  • Practicum Only Students: The student has identified a practicum site, the practicum supervisor is in place, and the practicum plan (with an anticipated completion date in the next block) is approved.

The official graduation date on the transcript and diploma will be the last day of the semester.

Students must complete all requirements prior to graduation. Graduation requirements include:

  • Cumulative GPA 3.0
  • Credit earned in all required courses (to earn credit for a course a student must earn a grade of C or higher)
  • Zero financial balance is determined by the Controller’s Office
  • Exit interview with Financial Services (if student received financial aid at ATSU)
  • Graduate exit survey completed

Degree Completion

Students at CGHS are expected to complete a degree in a program’s standard plan of study. Students will have a maximum degree completion timeline of five years for a master’s program and seven years for a doctoral program from the time of initial enrollment. Failure to complete a degree program in the time allowed may result in loss of some or the entire student’s previously earned course credits.

Academic Standards, Guidelines, and Requirements

Academic Standing

In order to maintain good academic standing, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Academic standing is evaluated after the Fall and Spring semesters.

Attendance

Please see the ATSU Policies section of this catalog for the University policy on student absences. In addition to the University policy, CGHS requires the following:

As a student in an online program, it is expected you participate in all class activities every week. The academic week is from 12:00 AM Arizona time Monday morning through 11:59 PM Arizona time the following Sunday. Participation and attendance are defined as having completed one or more of the activities required in any week. These include:

  • Participate in the class discussion
  • Submit a paper
  • Complete a quiz or examination
  • Complete some other assignment as presented in the course syllabus

If a student does not complete any activities during the first week of class, he/she will be administratively withdrawn. Throughout the remainder of the course, if a student does not participate during a week, he/she may be contacted by the instructor. If non-participation continues for two consecutive weeks, an academic advisor will contact a student. If non-participation continues for three weeks, the department chair and an academic advisor will again contact the student. Four weeks of no participation or attendance may result in a student being removed from a class.

Textbooks

The book list is posted at http://guides.atsu.edu/CGHS_Course_Resources/Textbooks and on the ATSU portal four weeks prior to the start of a semester block. Students should order books from this list only for the new semester block.

Students may purchase books from any bookstore; however, CGHS can only assist students with book issues if books are ordered from Matthews Bookstore Online. Required books containing access codes for additional materials should be purchased directly through Matthews Bookstore Online.

It is a requirement that students have all required books the first day of class.

Course Access

Students are granted Blackboard course access one week prior to the first day of class.

Course Cancellation

The institution has the right to cancel a course. Any student enrolled prior to a course cancellation will receive a full refund of tuition paid.

Inclement Weather Policy

In the event a major weather occurrence prevents a student from accessing a class, instructors will work with the student to set reasonable accommodations to accept assignments after a due date. Instructors may request documentation from a student if a weather occurrence is not widespread.

Late Assignment Policy

Late work is not accepted without prior approval of your instructor. Failure to obtain approval before the due date may result in a zero for the assignment.

Program Cancellation

Should the institution cancel a program, currently enrolled students are permitted to complete a program before it is discontinued. No new students are permitted to enroll in a program the institution has cancelled.

Programs

    Doctor of Education
    Doctor of Health Administration
    Doctor of Health Education
    Doctor of Health Sciences
    Master of Health Administration
    Master in Public Health and Certificate
    Master of Science
    Certificate

    Courses

      Education
      Health Administration
      Health Sciences
      Kinesiology
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