GRADUATE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

S Tatement Of S Tudent R Esponsibility

The information contained in this handbook/catalog is accurate as of the date of publication. However, Wingate University reserves the right to make changes in the graduate business programs’ academic and financial policies, in student requirements, and in regulations at any time without prior notice. The University further reserves the right to ask a student to withdraw at any time.

Each student is responsible for learning and meeting the degree requirements for graduation.

D Efinition Of A Ccredited I Nstitutions

For the purpose of transfer policy, articulation agreements, and prior higher education degrees, Wingate University defines an “accredited institution” as one accredited by any of the following institutional accreditors: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

A Cademic H Onors At C Ommencement

At Commencement, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Pharmacy, and Doctor of Physical Therapy students with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher are graduated with honors as follows:

Summa cum laude 3.90 and above

Magna cum laude 3.70 to 3.899

Cum laude 3.50 to 3.699

Graduation with distinction is determined by the overall GPA on all graduate work attempted, including grades earned in repeated courses

A Ttendance D Efinition

Attending is defined as completing an academically related activity which includes, but is not limited to:

• Physically attending a class where there is an opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and students.

• Submitting a required academic assignment.

• Taking an exam or quiz.

• Taking a required interactive tutorial or computer-assisted instruction.

• Attending a study group that is assigned by the school.

• Participating in an online discussion about academic matters.

• Initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course.

REMEMBER: Any change in status (i.e., from full-time to part-time, etc.) may cause the reduction or cancellation of your financial aid award. In other words, your out-of-pocket expenses may increase.

C Ommencement

Wingate University holds two annual commencements in May and December. Should circumstances arise that prohibit the student from attending commencement, the student should submit a written request to be excused from the ceremony at least 30 days in advance to the Office of the Registrar, P.O. Box 159, Wingate University, Wingate, NC 28174 or to the program director or dean.

A student who will complete all required classes in August can participate in the May ceremony only if he/she:

• Meets the minimum cumulative GPA required for completion of the degree

• Can meet all requirements for the degree by the August graduation date

• Can complete all classes at Wingate University (not off-campus)

• Has registered and paid for all required classes prior to Commencement

• Has a clear financial account with the Business Office

Ed.D. candidates must have successfully provided an oral defense of their capstone projects by the preset deadline for the semester in which they intend to walk in Commencement.

C OPYRIGHT P OLICIES

C OPYRIGHT C OMPLIANCE

• Copyright protection extends to original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as books, poetry, novels, movies, songs, photos, computer software, and architecture (as well as text, graphics, and logos). Copyright infringement occurs when a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner.

• Wingate complies with United States copyright law as set forth in Title 17 of the United States Code, Section 106. In the peer-to-peer file-sharing context, unauthorized downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work, such as music, videos, books, games, software or other files, constitutes an infringement. All network users are responsible for using electronic materials in accordance with copyright and licensing restrictions. The use of university resources that violates copyright laws, including downloading or sharing copyright-protected works, is strictly prohibited.

• Copyright infringement, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject you to civil and/or criminal liabilities, as well as personal sanctions imposed by Wingate University.

• Damages for copyright infringement are not limited to actual damages or lost profits. Courts can award statutory damages of up to $30,000 per infringement or up to $150,000 per infringement if the infringement was willful (in addition to attorneys’ fees).

• In addition to penalties imposed by the court, Wingate University can: (1) add disciplinary sanctions for violating the Wingate Honor Code as defined in the student handbook, (2) suspend Internet access, and/or (3) suspend user accounts.

• If you’d like more information, we invite you to review the copyright section in the Wingate University Student Handbook or visit the United States Copyright Office website. The FAQ page is especially helpful.

I Ntellectual P Roperty P Olicy

• It is the purpose of this policy to encourage, support, and reward scientific research and scholarship, and to recognize the rights and interests of the creator, author, inventor, or innovator, the public, the sponsor, and the University.

• The University’s commitment to teaching and research is primary, and this policy does not diminish the right and obligation of faculty members to disseminate research results for scholarly purposes, which is considered by the University to take precedence over commercialization of technology or other works. This policy is to be consistent with the University’s commitment to academic freedom.

• Wingate University encourages faculty to undertake creative endeavors and to receive recognition therefor. The terms ―inventions, discoveries, and other innovations and technologyinclude tangible or intangible inventions, in the patent sense, whether or not reduced to practice, and tangible research results whether or not patentable or copyrightable

• Faculty members working with students on research projects must inform those students in advance of the terms of this policy and of any burdens of non-disclosure or confidentiality deemed necessary by the faculty member or any applicable third parties to protect resulting work product.

• The University owns any inventions (patentable or otherwise) that are created as part of: (1) University research; (2) activities within the scope of the inventor’s employment with the University or in official association with the University, or (3) activities involving the use of University time, facilities, staff, material, non-public information, or funds administered by the University or third-party grants obtained by the University.

• All faculty who engage in University-sponsored research must promptly disclose their inventions (patentable or otherwise) to the University. Any University personnel who invents or creates potentially patentable inventions should notify their Department Head and contact the Office of the General Counsel. The Provost and General Counsel shall decide if the invention should be submitted for a patent. Any invention created by a University employee on his or her own time, outside of their scope of employment, and not using University resources is the property of the inventor.

• Regarding copyrights or other works of authorship, the University owns any works where the work is prepared by an employee within the scope of her/his employment.

• Faculty members shall cooperate reasonably with the University in the procurement of any patents, copyright registrations, trademark registrations, or any other intellectual property rights. To the extent that a written assignment is needed to effectuate the ownership rights, the faculty member shall cooperate to execute any documentation reasonably necessary to effectuate the transfer of ownership.

• In the event the University seeks to commercialize any patentable technology, the University will negotiate in good faith with the inventor(s) concerning a royalty agreement.

• To the extent a faculty member has a direct or indirect financial or other interest in any intellectual property or work product that is the subject of, or will be used in connection with, any grant, the faculty member must disclose the nature of the intellectual property/work product and interest therein to the Office of the Provost prior to the grant request approval process and annually thereafter.

C Redit H Our And C Ourse D Elivery

THE CARNEGIE UNIT is a unit of measurement used by secondary and post-secondary schools to assure uniformity and consistency in assigning credit for courses awarded by an institution. Thus, Wingate University uses this unit in defining a semester hour of credit as equivalent to a minimum of three hours of class per week for a 15-week semester. Courses are reported and recorded in semester hours with one semester hour covering between 650-700 minutes. A three-hour course usually contains the equivalent of 2,100 minutes of instruction. The traditional three-hour course includes between 42-45 fifty-minute sessions or 27-29 seventy-five-minute sessions. One credit hour courses contain 14-15 fifty-minute sessions; two credit courses contain 28-30 fifty-minute sessions. The application of this definition requires that all engaged in the process continually adjust for the evolving differences in the methods of delivery, the nature and scope of material, the pedagogy, and the varying ways students commit to the process of education including the pace at which they learn. It is further assumed and expected that students in traditional courses will spend at a minimum an additional two hours of preparation for every hour of instruction.

C Linicals And L Abs

Courses with clinical, ensemble, or lab components have a different credit hour to contact hour ratio, then the 1:1 ratio described above. Typically, the ratio of credit hours to contact hours for these types of courses is 1:3; where 1 credit hour is equivalent to 3 hours of contact in the lab, studio, or clinical setting per week; however, this definition may vary by department/school. Each course with clinical, ensemble, or lab components will specify on the course syllabus the number of credit hours assigned to class (usual 1:1 credit to contact hour ratio) and the number of credit hours assigned to the experiential component, with the contact hours also specified. All proposals for new clinical/lab/ensemble courses coming forward for faculty approval will also have the credit hour to contact hour ratio (or number of contact hours) clearly specified.

N ON - TRADITIONAL C OURSES

In non-traditional courses such as Directed Independent Studies and Online Courses, the University intends that student learning per credit is the equivalent of between 42 and 45 hours of coursework for the semester or term through activities that demonstrate student competency in the learning outcomes while observing appropriate standards and design practices.

If a hybrid or online class is also taught as a traditional class, then the non-traditional version of the class will be deemed to have the same number of semester hours as the traditional version of the class provided both versions require roughly the same work from the student and achieve the same objectives and outcomes regardless of the amount of face-to-face meeting time scheduled for the non-traditional version of the course.

The faculty is responsible for ensuring that the expected quantity of student learning relative to credit hours is achieved. The process for approving courses for credit is a multi-stepped one which includes the formal request for a new course in which the requirements, credit value, instructional materials, budgetary issues, method of delivery, and learning outcomes are identified. This initial process provides compelling evidence of the need for the course and how that course will expand the mission of the department specifically and the University in general. Requestors file through the appropriate Department Chair who subsequently submits the request to the department for approval. Once approved by the department, the proposal is forwarded to the University Academic Affairs committee for approval, and then finally to the University Faculty Assembly for final approval.

Courses are categorized according to the following classifications:

TRADITIONAL: Courses categorized as traditional should include at least two of the following methods:

• traditional instruction via face-to-face classroom meetings

• laboratory meetings, clinical experiences, practicums, and other instructor-supervised educational activities

• in-classroom tests, exams, student presentations, and/or discussions

TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCEMENT: If a professor chooses to electronically enhance a traditional course, he or she is still expected to meet with students each scheduled class period. Electronic enhancement does not authorize professors to teach their course via a blended/hybrid or online platform. Enhancement allows for class continuance in cases of inclement weather, illness, professional development activities, or other circumstances.

If a faculty member wishes to change a traditional course to a hybrid format, the approval of the department chair is needed. If a faculty member wishes to change a traditional course to an online format, approval from the Academic Affairs committee and the Faculty Assembly is required.

HYBRID: A hybrid course consists of a combination of face-to-face and online educational instructional opportunities as designed by the instructor. Online educational instructional opportunities may include lecture, independent study, visual electronic interaction and other online communication. A course is hybrid when up to 49% of the instructional minutes are delivered via an electronic platform. In the event a hybrid course exceeds more than 49% of the minutes of instruction being offered online, the hybrid course will become an online course.

ONLINE: An online course utilizes online tools and resources to deliver 50% or more of class content, discussion, quizzes, exams, etc. The online course may have physical space and meeting times during testing or other examination periods. Any required face-to-face meetings will be specified in the syllabus.

D ISABILITY S UPPORT S ERVICES (DSS)

Wingate University is committed to ensuring that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in University programs or activities due to his or her disability. The University is fully committed to complying with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and its amendments and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (section 504) and to providing equal educational opportunities to otherwise qualified students with disabilities. Disability support services are available to otherwise qualified students with disabilities to ensure equal access to the University’s programs and services. Services may include making academic and/or non-academic accommodations for students. The University’s Office of Disability Support Services is the only designated department authorized to coordinate disability-related services. Students should contact the Office of Disability Support Services when seeking academic and/or non-academic accommodations. The office is located on the 2nd floor of the Ethel K. Smith Library, in the Academic Resource Center (the ARC). Contact information: access@wingate.edu, 704-233-8271.

S Tudent D Isability G Rievance P Rocedure

Wingate University is committed to ensuring that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability is excluded from participation in, subjected to discrimination in connection with, or denied the benefits of any University programs or activities due to his or her disability.

The University has adopted this internal grievance procedure to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of student complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) or Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“Title III”) or otherwise alleging disability-related discrimination or harassment. Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, and Title III prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by private entities (including Universities) that provide places of public accommodation. These laws and accompanying regulations may be examined in the office of the Executive Director of the Academic Resource Center, whom the University has designated to coordinate its efforts to comply with Section 504 and the ADA (“the Director”).

WHO MAY GRIEVE?

Any student currently enrolled at the University who believes he or she has been discriminated against or harassed on the basis of disability by a University employee (e.g., administrator, faculty, staff, adjunct faculty, or other agent of the University); University student; or, in certain circumstances, by a visitor to the University, may use this process to file a grievance.

WHAT MAY BE GRIEVED?

An action or decision may be grieved if it involves alleged discrimination or harassment by a University employee; University student; or, in certain circumstances, by a visitor to the University against a student on the basis of that student’s disability. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, denial of accommodations or lack of physical access to University facilities or programs.

Confidentiality And Prohibition Against Retaliation

The University will treat all information submitted in connection with a grievance as confidential. Subject to FERPA and other applicable privacy laws, however, the University official investigating the grievance will inform individuals with a legitimate need to know of the grievance and may provide them related information as necessary to allow the University official to conduct a meaningful and thorough investigation. The University official investigating the grievance will inform all involved parties of the need to maintain the confidentiality of such information.

Wingate University prohibits retaliation for submitting a grievance or participating in a grievance investigation. Retaliation includes threats, intimidation, reprisals, and adverse actions. The University official investigating the grievance will advise all involved parties of this strict prohibition against retaliation.

Informal Grievance Procedure

The Informal Grievance Procedure is designed to facilitate a satisfactory resolution of the grievance in an informal manner. The student has the option to forego the Informal Grievance Procedure and move immediately to the Formal Grievance Procedure.

A student initiates the Informal Grievance Procedure by contacting the Executive Director of the Academic Resource Center. If the Executive Director is the subject of the grievance, the student initiates the Informal Grievance Procedure by contacting the Vice Provost for Academic Success and Initiatives. The student may contact the appropriate official (the “Investigator”) by e-mail, phone, or in person.

Ms. Kristin Wharton, Executive Director of the Academic Resource Center |704-233-8366 | arc@wingate.edu | Office location: Ethel K. Smith Library, Academic Resource Center (second floor)

Dr. Brooke Mitchell, Vice Provost of Academic Success and Initiatives 704-233-8060 | bmclaugh@wingate.edu | Office location: Stegall Administration Building, Provost’s suite (second floor)

To initiate the Informal Grievance Procedure, a student is not required to submit the grievance in writing, but the Investigator may ask the student to do so or to submit other evidence, if necessary to facilitate a satisfactory resolution.

The Investigator will attempt to expeditiously facilitate a satisfactory resolution. The Investigator may meet in person with the student, confer with the individual(s) against whom the grievance is filed, attempt to arrange a meeting between the student and the individual(s), or take any other steps the Investigator believes will be useful in promoting resolution.

Within 21 calendar days after the student initially contacts the Investigator regarding the grievance, the Investigator will inform the student in writing of the outcome of the Informal Grievance Procedure.

Formal Grievance Procedure

If the student is not satisfied with the resolution reached using the Informal Grievance Procedure, or if the student chooses not to use the Informal Grievance Procedure, the student may initiate the Formal Grievance Procedure by submitting a written complaint to the appropriate Investigator. A student who chooses to initiate the Formal Grievance Procedure after participating in the Informal Grievance Procedure must do so within 14 calendar days of receipt of the Investigator’s written notification of the outcome of the Informal Grievance Procedure.

The written complaint must:

• be dated;

• state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the date of the alleged action;

• state how the action is discriminatory (or how the decision is unreasonable if it a denial of a requested accommodation);

• name the individual(s) against whom the grievance is filed;

• state the requested remedy; and

• be signed by the student.

Within seven calendar days of receiving the written complaint, the Investigator will provide written notification of receipt of the complaint to the grievant and to the individual(s) against whom the grievance is filed. The Investigator will also conduct a thorough investigation of the complaint, affording all relevant persons an opportunity to submit evidence regarding the allegations. Within 30 days of receipt of the written complaint, the Investigator will provide the grievant and the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed a written decision regarding the grievance. The decision will include findings of fact, a conclusion, and, if applicable, an explanation of remedies, which may include the imposition of disciplinary sanctions and / or referral to an individual’s supervisor or another administrator for the determination and imposition of disciplinary sanctions. The Investigator’s findings shall be based on the preponderance of evidence standard of proof.

Appeal

The student or the individual(s) against whom the grievance is filed may appeal within fourteen calendar days of receiving the Investigator’s written decision and / or any associated disciplinary sanctions by writing to the Provost’s office. The written appeal must clearly set forth the grounds for the appeal and must include all supporting evidence. Generally, the Provost will limit his or her review of the Investigator’s decision to determine whether the Investigator considered the proper facts and whether there were any procedural irregularities. Within 21 days of receipt of the appeal, the Provost will provide the grievant and the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed a written decision regarding the appeal. The decision of the Provost is final, and the University will disregard any subsequent appeals (in any form) to any University representative, including the University President.

Dr. Jeff Frederick, Provost

| j.frederick@wingate.edu

| 704-233-8123

Office location: Stegall Administration Building, Provost’s suite (second floor)

Adjustment Of Deadlines

The Investigator, Vice Provost of Academic Success and Initiatives, or the Provost may change the above deadlines for good cause, such as semester or summer breaks. Likewise, if the application of time deadlines creates a hardship due to the urgency of the matter or the proximity of an event, the Investigator, the Vice Provost of Academic Success and Initiatives, or the Provost, at the request of the student, will determine if an expedited procedure can be created.

SUPPORT PERSONS/ADVISORS

The student who initiates the grievance may have one support person/advisor present to support and assist them during any meetings. The student is not limited in their choice of support person/advisor. The student may consult privately with their respective support person/advisor during meetings provided that such consultation is not disruptive. Support person/advisors, may not, directly participate in any meeting.

A support person/advisor may be required to leave a meeting if their presence is disruptive at the Investigator’s request. A support person must maintain confidentiality regarding any and all communications exchanged.

Interim Measures

If necessary while any grievance investigation is ongoing, the University may take interim measures to stop discrimination or prevent its recurrence. Such interim measures may include, but are not limited to, limiting interaction between the parties, arranging for the provision of temporary accommodations, or staying a course grade.

Confidentiality Of Records

Once the Investigator, Vice Provost of Academic Success and Initiatives, or Provost has made the final decision regarding the grievance, the records related to the grievance will be confidentially maintained in the Office of Disability Support Services for three years.

Disability Accommodations

Wingate University will make arrangements to ensure that students with disabilities are provided appropriate accommodations as needed to participate in this grievance procedure.

Requests for accommodations must be made to the Director. The Director will review the supporting disability related documentation, make a decision about the request, notify the student about approved accommodations and make arrangements for the accommodations. Accommodations may include, but are not limited to, providing interpreters for the deaf, providing recordings of materials for the blind, and assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings.

External Complaints

The availability and use of this grievance procedure do not prevent a student from filing a complaint of discrimination with external agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.

D Isability H Arassment P Olicy

Wingate University is committed to ensuring that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability is excluded from participation in, subjected to discrimination in connection with, or denied the benefits of any University programs or activities due to his or her disability. Harassment is a form of discrimination and, therefore, harassment directed toward an individual student with a disability is a violation of the University’s anti-discrimination policy as well as state and federal laws.

Disability harassment is defined as verbal (including written or electronic communication) or physical conduct that is directed at an individual because of his/her mental/physical disability that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to have the purpose or effect of creating a hostile work or educational environment. A hostile environment may exist even if there are no tangible effects on the student, where the harassment is serious enough to adversely affect the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the educational program. Disability harassment may occur in a variety of relationships, including faculty and student, supervisor and student employee, student and student, staff and student, and other relationships between students and other persons having business at or visiting the University.

To file a complaint of harassment students should follow the University’s Grievance Procedure for Students with Disabilities.

E Mail

All correspondence, including news, information, and course updates, are communicated through Wingate email ONLY. To avoid any confusion the school will only use Wingate email address to communicate information. Students should check email regularly

F AMILY E D UCATIONAL R IGHTS AND P RIVACY (FERPA )

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly known as the Buckley Amendment or FERPA, was passed and put into effect in January 1975. The law regulates the use and disclosure of personal information in educational records and permits a student to inspect what material is maintained in those records. A copy of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is on file in the Office of the Registrar in the Stegall Building. It can also be found at http://uscode.house.gov (search for 20 USC 1232g).

A full statement pertaining to the University’s compliance with the Buckley Amendment printed each year in the Student Handbook and also is available on the University website on the Registrar’s Office page.

G Rading And G Rade P Oint A Verage

Grades are assigned based on the following scale:

A Excellent

B Above average

C Average

F Failure

P Pass (for courses offered on P/F basis)

HP High Pass

I Incomplete

W Withdrawal

R Indicates the course has been repeated; the letter grade to the right of the “R” is the new grade that replaces the previous grade (see repeat course policy)

NOTE: Minus (-) or plus (+) signs may be attached to each grade of “A”, “B”, and “C”, but this does not affect the quality points assigned for those grades.

Grade point average (GPA) is determined using 4.00 scale. Students may receive a “+\-” as indicators of performance, but these are not calculated into the GPA.

Incompletes are only assigned in extenuating circumstances. Incomplete coursework must be completed within 30 days of the next semester. Failure to resolve an Incomplete will result in the grade being assigned as an “F.”

G Raduation P Rocedures

Graduate degree candidates must complete a graduation application at least 10 days prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student will complete degree requirements. Graduation applications can be found online at myGate or at https://www.wingate.edu/academics/theregistrar.

Degrees are conferred three times per year: At the end of the fall semester (December), at the end of the spring semester (May), and at the end of the summer (August).

H Onor C Ode

Membership in the Wingate University community is a privilege conferred by demonstrated merit and sustained by a continuing commitment to high standards of performance and conduct. The University expects that all members of the community will conduct themselves in a manner reflecting respect for all other members of the community. It is the responsibility of all Wingate University students to report any suspected violations of the University Honor Code and Code of Community Standards.

Wingate University students do not lie, cheat, steal, or plagiarize, nor do they tolerate in their company the presence of one who does. Effective writing, analysis, and idea curation are critical to college coursework and therefore must be completed by the student themselves. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to write a paper or complete an assignment will be treated as plagiarism, unless the professor clearly states that use of AI is permitted on that assignment, project, or paper. Even then, proper and complete attribution of AI sources is required.

Wingate University students conduct themselves at all times in a manner that is conducive to the maintenance of a strong environment for study and learning. Wingate University students respect the rules and regulations of the University as outlined in the Student Handbook A student who commits such an offense will be reported to the Program Director or Dean for appropriate action. Failure to report knowledge of an honor code violation will carry the same penalty as an offense.

I Ncomplete G Rade

If permitted by the Program Director or Dean, a student may petition a faculty member for an extended amount of time to complete a course in which the student is regularly enrolled. The student must demonstrate that extenuating circumstances exist that prevent completion of the course(s) according to the University calendar. In this case, the faculty member may assign a grade of “I’ showing that some requirement of the course is not yet complete.

Incomplete grades are not possible for all graduate courses or work, such as clinical rotations. Students should always check with the Program Director or Dean first before contacting an instructor.

It is the student’s responsibility to initiate steps with the professor to change this grade. A grade of “I” which has not been completed within 30 calendar days of the next regular semester will automatically become an “F”.

A faculty member may submit a written request on behalf of the student to the Program Director or Dean to extend the deadline. When doing so, the faculty member will impose a new deadline.

I Nternational A Pplicants R Equiring F1 V Isas

Wingate University values the contributions and perspectives of international students in our programs.

International students requiring an F1 student visa must also submit the following to their graduate program for admission:

1. A certified translation of transcripts if the original transcripts are not in English. In addition, a course-by-course evaluation of the applicant’s academic documents compiled by an independent academic credential evaluation provider will be requested for any post-secondary work or Commonwealth advanced level examinations taken outside of the United States. A color copy of the biography page of the student’s passport. Wingate recommends a member organization of The Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AIEC), National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), AACRAO International Education Services (IES) or World Education Services, Inc. (WES) for translation and evaluation services. a. Scores must not be more than one year old, unless the student has been enrolled full-time in an accredited American college or university in the interim. Individual minimum scores are decided by each graduate program. Completing a previous degree in the US will exempt an applicant from the English proficiency requirement. b. The TOEFL Bulletin of Information is available at American embassies and consulates, or can be obtained by writing: TOEFL, CN 6155, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6155, or online at ets.org. The IELTS application can be obtained by writing: IELTS International, 825 Colorado Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90041, or at ielts.org

2. Non-native English speakers and/or applicants whose principal language of instruction has not been English must submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) reported directly from ETS.org; or official scores from International English Language Testing System (IELTS) reported directly from IELTS.org.

3. International students must also present copies of the following forms to the International Programs Office:

• Passport

• Visa

• I-94 print out

• I-20

• Financial statement showing resources for a one-year period

• Proof of health insurance

Admission of an international student who requires an F-1 visa is only final when the visa is obtained. A student must be fully admitted to the graduate program to receive an I-20. International students holding current tourist (B1/B2) visas are not allowed to enroll in a degree program. We also cannot enroll F1 visa students for the purpose of completing prerequisites only.

Questions about F1 visa requirements can be addressed to international@wingate.edu

C OUNTRIES EXEMPT FROM E NGLISH P ROFICIENCY E XAM S CORE R EQUIREMENTS

• Antigua and Barbuda*

• Australia

• Bahamas*

• Barbados*

• Belize*

• Bermuda

• British Indian Ocean Territory

• British Virgin Islands

• Canada (expect Quebec)

• Cayman Islands

• Dominica*

• Falkland Islands

• Fiji

• Gibraltar

• Grenada

• Guyana*

• Guinea (British)

• Ireland

• Jamaica*

• Marshall Islands

• Mauritius

• Anguilla*

• Micronesia

• Montserrat

• Nauru

• New Zealand

• Palau

• Papua New Guinea

• Solomon Islands

• St. Kitts and Nevis*

• St. Lucia

• St. Vincent and the Grenadines*

• Tonga

• Trinidad and Tobago*

• Turks and Caicos Islands

• Tuvalu

• United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland & Wales)

• U.S. Virgin Islands

• Vanuatu

• Western Samoa

*With CXC or CAPE examination. Since English is the official first language at the countries listed above, students from those countries are NOT required to submit a proof of English proficiency.

S Pecial C Ollections

Wingate University Special Collections is comprised of physical holdings related to Wingate School/Junior College/College/University, providing researchers information about the education community and traditions of Wingate University. To learn more about using the materials contact Wingate University’s Special Collections Archivist at the Jesse Helms Center, (704) 233-1776, extension 6.

E THEL K. S MITH L IBRARY

Library Mission

In keeping with the Wingate University mission to develop educated, ethical, and productive citizens at home and abroad, the Ethel K. Smith Library serves as a gateway for all students, faculty, and staff to access, explore, and evaluate a variety of traditional, multi-media, and electronic resources, which support the University’s curriculum and facilitate academic inquiry. Fostering a foundational sense of lifelong learning for all constituents is paramount to the librarians and the library staff.

Library Goals

In keeping with the EKS Library mission, the librarians and library staff endeavor to:

• Offer a welcoming, research-oriented, and engaging environment which fosters academic inquiry

• Provide access to collections, resources, and programming services in a variety of formats, physical and virtual

• Encourage faculty members to actively participate in collaborative collection development practices supporting the foundations of academic freedom by developing a diverse collection of materials which present differing perspectives

• Instill the elements of information literacy including information access, evaluation, and the ethical use of information and intellectual property through reference transactions and library instruction sessions cooperatively designed by librarians and faculty

The Library houses more than 85,000 print volumes in the facility, as well as 100 database subscriptions which provide students online access to a variety of scholarly journal and newspaper titles. Additionally, the Library’s InterLibrary Loan Department enables students to research supplementary materials not held in the collection. For students attending our satellite campuses, Library materials can be supplied through the Library’s Bulldog Delivery system in which materials are delivered from the Library via professors or others traveling between campuses.

A variety of study options are available in the Library including individual study carrels in the Quiet Room, several group study spaces, and general areas for individual or group work. For those who bring their laptops to the Library, Wireless LAN access and wet carrels are available in several areas of the facility. The building also includes an electronic instruction lab equipped with computers for interactive teaching.

The Ethel K. Smith Library is staffed with highly trained, professional librarians available to assist students in their research endeavors and to instruct individuals or entire classes in the most effective and efficient research applications available in today’s academic library. The computer commons in the Reference Department is specifically designed for the purpose of such instruction, with the goal of cultivating a basic, inter-disciplinary, transferable skill set regarding applied research. In person, phone, and online reference help is available to all Wingate students, and library instruction sessions can be scheduled at our satellite campuses as well.

Please visit https://www.library.wingate.edu for more information on the Ethel K. Smith Library.

M Edia R Elease

Wingate University regularly uses photographs and voice interviews of students for internal and external promotion and/or informational purposes. Students should understand that the photographs and videos may be published on the Internet, in various print media or on television/radio at the sole discretion of Wingate University. By participating, students waive any and all present or future compensation rights to the use of promotional and informational materials. If you desire not to be photographed, interviewed or have material in your likeness published, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications.

O Nline C Lass A Ttendance

Regular attendance in online courses is expected throughout the length of the term. Students who do not submit any academic assignment (such as a course requirements checklist, a quiz, an exam, written paper or project, discussion board post, or other academic activity) the first week of the class will be dropped from the course. Students who desire to reengage in the class need to contact the instructor to provide evidence of an excused absence and to find out if it is possible to make up missed work. A student who requests and is added back to an online class will be considered as completing an academic activity. It is the student’s responsibility to make up all missed work.

O Nline L Earning M Anagement S Ystem

Wingate uses Canvas learning platform for all courses. Course updates, syllabi, and information related to a specific course may be posted on Canvas. Check individual course webpages regularly.

S Tudent R Esearch

It is the policy of Wingate University that all research involving human participants or animals must be reviewed by the Research Review Board (RRB). In most circumstances, data collected before or without RRB approval cannot be used.

If a student is undertaking research, it is their responsibility to discuss the specific requirements for their proposed research with their project advisor. The project advisor must review all completed documents before submission to the RRB. Documents can be accessed here: https://wingate.instructure.com/courses/15912.

All students conducting research must complete Collaborative Institute Training Initiative (CITI) training to receive a certificate and number. Students who have not completed the training or if the training has expired, can go to the following site and register with CITI to complete the training. https://about.citiprogram.org/. You can reach out to the RRB with any questions via email: rrb@wingate.edu.

Textbooks for individual courses will be available for online purchase via the Wingate University Bookstore website at https://wingate.textbookx.com/

Any student who feels discriminated against, or who is a possible victim of sexual harassment or assault, is encouraged to seek help using the resources identified on the Wingate University website. All information can be found at: https://www.wingate.edu/title-ix

T Ranscripts

The official academic record for each student is maintained in the Office of the Registrar. A student has access to the record during normal office hours. A student may receive copies of the official transcript by ordering them through the National Student Clearinghouse at https://studentclearinghouse.org. Unofficial transcripts can be printed by the student using WinLINK, the web-based student information system. Transcripts will not be released if the student’s account with the University is delinquent.

WinLINK is the Wingate University computer system for our students to access their personal/academic information. You will be assigned a student ID number and an email address. You will receive a letter from the main campus regarding your personal log-in and password. If you do not receive this information, please contact Jimm Wetherbee at 704233-8092 or jimm@wingate.edu

W Ithdrawal

Students may withdraw from individual courses at their discretion (until the deadline listed on the academic calendar) and receive a grade of “W” on their transcripts provided they secure approval of the instructor and the Registrar.

Withdrawal from the program for the semester is initiated with the Program Director or Dean

Students who officially withdraw from courses can expect tuition refunds according to the refund schedule in this catalog. If the student receives financial aid, Title IV funding (such as Direct Student Stafford Loans) may have to be returned, thereby creating a balance due for the withdrawing student.

W Riting C Enter

The Christa Helms Austin Writing Center is located on the second floor of the Ethel K. Smith Library, in the Academic Resource Center, and offers students, staff, and faculty an opportunity to improve and strengthen their writing skills. Students from all majors and classes are encouraged to visit the Writing Center. Consultants can help students work on specific writing assignments as well as helping with any of the “stages” of writing brainstorming topic ideas, shaping a thesis, revising, learning to better edit your own work, or understanding style demands for papers in different disciplines.

The Writing Center is staffed by faculty-recommended student consultants who have been trained to help other students improve as writers. Students may schedule ongoing tutorial sessions, make appointments for specific writing assignments, or drop-in for a session with an available consultant. Students may also benefit from writing tutorial handouts and checklists available in the Writing Center and through the Center’s website.

PORTER B. BYRUM SCHOOL OF B USINESS

Dean: Sergio Castello

Assistant Dean: Mark Bryant

Professors: Sergio Castello, Barry Cuffe, Lisa Schwartz, Kristin Stowe

Associate Professor: Ellis Hayes

Assistant Professors: Michael Geier, Scott Lail, Zhiyan Wang, James Watkins, Jennifer Zarzosa

Instructors: Mark Bryant, Richard Cook

The mission of the Wingate University Porter B. Byrum School of Business is to deliver nationally accredited bachelors and masters programs in business. Accordingly, the Porter B. Byrum School of Business has the following objectives:

• To develop and deliver a curriculum and to set educational standards consistent with those of a national accrediting body in business administration;

• To attract and retain faculty able to foster the mission of the University and the School, and who will value teaching, applied scholarship, and professional experience;

• To encourage students to pursue academic and professional excellence; and

• To provide opportunities for engagement with ethical issues, involvement with cultural events, and encountering of a global perspective.

A Ccreditation

Wingate University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It is the body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. It serves as the common denominator of shared values and practices primarily among the diverse institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia for those institutions of higher education that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degrees (see www.sacscoc.org). Questions about the status of the University’s accreditation may be obtained from the Commission on Colleges by calling 404-679-4500 or by writing to the SACSCOC home office, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033. Wingate University is accredited by SACSCOC to award the bachelor’s, master’s, and professional degrees.

Wingate University is also nationally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) to offer the following business degrees:

• Master of Business Administration

• Master of Accounting

Questions about the status of the University’s business accreditation may be obtained by visiting the ACBSP website (www.acbsp.org), by calling 913-339-9356, or by writing the following address: 7007 College Blvd., Suite 420, Overland Park, KS 66211.

C Orrespondence

MAC P ROGRAM :

Wingate University Ballantyne Campus

The Gibson Building 11430 North Community House Road Suite 150 Charlotte, NC 28277

Tel: 704-233-6004 | Fax: 704-233-6009

Email: mbryant@wingate.edu

Website: https://www.wingate.edu/graduate-programs/master-ofaccounting

MBA P ROGRAM

Wingate University Ballantyne Campus

The Gibson Building 11430 North Community House Road, Suite 150 Charlotte, NC 28277

Tel: 704-233-6004 | Fax: 704-233-6009;

Email: mbryant@wingate.edu

Website: https://www.wingate.edu/graduate-programs/master-ofbusiness-administration

Spring 2024 Mba Mac

Martin Luther King Holiday Jan. 15 Jan. 15

Classes Begin Jan. 16 Jan. 16

Incomplete Deadline Feb. 16 Feb. 16

M Aster Of A Ccounting

The Master of Accounting (“MAC”) program consists of a total of 30 credit hours (10 courses) and is an evening program based at the Wingate University Ballantyne Campus in Charlotte, NC. The MAC program consists of a one-year full-time course track and a two-year part-time course track. The full-time track includes 12 credits (four classes) per semester during the fall and spring semesters, and 6 credits (two classes) during the summer, and is thus completed in one year. The full-time track is primarily designed for students entering directly upon graduation from their undergraduate institution, and may be considered a “4+1” program or “fifth year” master’s degree. The part-time track includes 6 credits (two classes) per semester during the fall and spring semesters, and a total of 6 credits (two classes) over the summers (either 3 credits in each summer session or 6 credits in the final summer session) and is completed in two years. The part-time track is designed for working professionals who have full-time professional positions and are pursuing a part-time program. Completion of the MAC program satisfies the educational requirement for those students interested in taking the CPA exam (sitting for the CPA exam requires a total of 150 credit hours: 120+ credit hour bachelor degree + 30 additional educational credit hours).

A Dmissions P Olicie S

An application for admission to the Master of Accounting program may be obtained by contacting the MAC Program Office. You may also visit our website at https://www.wingate.edu/graduate-programs/masterof-accounting.

Undergraduate students completing a bachelor’s degree may be admitted under the following circumstances:

• If the applicant has earned a GPA of 3.25 in the following courses: Intermediate I, Intermediate II, Federal Income Tax I, and Auditing (Wingate University equivalents: ACCT 313, ACCT 314, ACCT 427 and ACCT 431).

• If the applicant has not earned a GPA of 3.25 in the abovementioned courses, the GMAT would typically be required, or may be waived based on other factors such as professional work experience.

All applicants will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee to determine entrance into the program.

Prerequisites For Admission

Applicants to the Master of Accounting program must have completed accounting coursework through Intermediate Accounting I and II, Auditing, and Federal Income Tax.

Additionally, ACBSP accreditation requirements specify that students admitted to the MAC program must have completed a Common Professional Component (CPC) of coursework prior to admission. This CPC is coursework in a variety of business-related subjects including accounting, economics, finance, quantitative methods, ethics, law, marketing, management, communications, global business, information systems, and strategy. A student with an undergraduate degree in a business area will typically have met these requirements.

Applicants should consult with the MAC Program Office for questions regarding prerequisite eligibility based on specific course work taken, or options to satisfy any prerequisites that may be needed prior to entry into the program.

GRADUATE MANAGEMENT ADMISSION TEST (GMAT)

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) may be required before a student is admitted into the MAC program. The GMAT may be waived in certain circumstances. Please refer to the section above, “Admissions Policies” for more details. Applicants should request their official GMAT test scores be sent to Wingate University by using institutional code 00G-NM-92. Test scores earned more than five years prior to the date of application will not be accepted.

Currently, the GMAT is not administered on the Wingate University campus. However, the test is administered at a number of convenient locations in the area.

You may obtain information regarding the GMAT at www.mba.com

APPLICATION

Applications are available online at: https://www.wingate.edu/graduate-programs/master-of-accounting. You may submit the supporting documents via mail or online as applicable. Please consult the MAC Program Office for details.

The Master of Accounting curriculum consists of 30 credits (10 courses).

REQUIRED CORE COURSES

Required

ACCT 621: Advanced Accounting I

ACCT 622: Advanced Accounting II

ACCT 628: Advanced Tax Issues

ACCT 629: Advanced Taxation of Business Property

ACCT 631: Advanced Auditing

ACCT 641: Advanced Accounting Information Systems & Information Technology Risks & Controls

Credits

Classes are taught during weekday evenings originating at the Wingate University Ballantyne Campus.

P ROGRAM C OMPLETION

In order to receive the Master of Accounting degree from Wingate University, students must meet the following requirements:

• An overall cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.

• No more than one grade of “C” has been received.

• 30 credit hours of the required courses have been successfully completed.

It is the student’s responsibility to see that all requirements for graduation are met.

M Aster Of B Usiness A Dministration

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is designed to meet the needs of business professionals in the dynamic Charlotte area and Southern Piedmont region. The MBA program consists of 36 credit hours (12 courses) and is an evening program based at the Wingate University Ballantyne Campus in Charlotte, NC. The MBA program is tailored for working professionals Since most students in the program have had professional experience, the program is able to accentuate business theory and skills with a practical application emphasis.

The program offers a carefully chosen group of courses to give students a wide exposure to the key areas of business administration. In addition to the core curriculum courses that all students take, students choose one concentration from the following five areas of concentration: data analytics, corporate innovation, health care management, project management, and general management.

A Dmissions P Olicies

An application for admission to the MBA program may be obtained by contacting the MBA Program Office. You may also visit our website at https://www.wingate.edu/graduate-programs/master-of-businessadministration .

Applicants for admission must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution

Applicants must submit a portfolio of information to the MBA Program Office at the address above. A complete admission portfolio includes:

• Completed online application

• Current resume

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

• Official GMAT or GRE scores (may be waived in certain circumstances)

Portfolios will be evaluated to determine entrance into the program. The strength of each portfolio will be evaluated based on the evaluation of undergraduate transcript(s) and GPA, official GMAT or GRE scores, and professional work experience

Prerequisites For Admission

Although an undergraduate business degree is not required for admission to the MBA program, specific course material is required. Wingate University offers an MBA prerequisites course (Business 500). This course is offered to students in the MBA program who need some or all of the prerequisites. It is especially geared for those students who did not graduate with a business undergraduate degree. The course carries eight (8) undergraduate credit hours (2 credits per module), and will not count towards the graduate GPA. Students may also take and pay for only the specific Business 500 course modules required on a prorated basis. A grade of “C” must be earned on all Business modules in order to satisfy the applicable prerequisite. Students who have already taken the prerequisites must demonstrate mastery of the material normally taught in the following courses by presenting a transcript showing that the course has been completed with a grade of “C” or better. Applicants should consult with the MBA Program Office for questions regarding prerequisite eligibility based on specific course work taken, or options such as the Business 500 course to satisfy any prerequisites that may be needed prior to entry into the program

• Principles of Financial Accounting

• Principles of Managerial Accounting

• Principles of Microeconomics

• Principles of Macroeconomics

• Principles of Management

• Principles of Marketing

• Principles of Finance

• Business Statistics

• Mathematics (College Algebra or Calculus)

(Students should be familiar with computer spreadsheet and word processing programs.)

GRADUATE MANAGEMENT ADMISSION TEST (GMAT)

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) may be required before a student is admitted into the MBA program, although it may be waived in certain circumstances. Applicants should request that their official GMAT test scores be sent to the Wingate University MBA program by using the institutional code OOG-NM-57. Test scores earned more than five years prior to the date of application will not be accepted. Currently, the GMAT is not administered on the Wingate University campus. However, the test is administered at a number of convenient locations in the area.

You may obtain information regarding the GMAT at www.mba.com

GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATIONS (GRE)

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be substituted for the GMAT, although it may be waived in certain circumstances. The Wingate University GRE institutional code is 5963. Test scores earned more than five years prior to the date of application will not be accepted

Currently, the GRE is not administered on the Wingate University campus. However, the test is administered at a number of convenient locations in the area. You may obtain information regarding the GRE at www.ets.org/gre.

Application

Applications are available at https://www.wingate.edu/graduateprograms/master-of-business-administration. You may also submit the supporting documents via mail Please contact the MBA Program Office for details.

C Urriculum

The MBA curriculum consists of a total of 12 three credit courses (36 total credits), which consists of 10 core courses, and two concentration courses. Students must complete all 10 core courses, and choose one area of concentration, from which the two additional concentration courses are chosen. The nature of many of the courses listed in the following section requires that a series of prerequisite courses be taken. For specific information regarding the prerequisites required for each course, consult the course descriptions provided subsequently in this catalog. Any exceptions to the required prerequisites must be approved in advance by the Dean of the Porter B. Byrum School of Business in consultation with the Assistant Dean of Graduate Business Programs. The following is a listing of the MBA courses:

This concentration will focus on managing innovation and technology in order to develop competitive advantage from a corporate perspective

Data Analytics

This concentration will focus on developing the ability to access, mine, and extract data from information databases, enterprise data warehouses, and other sources; to analyze, interpret, and extract meaning from raw data and leverage applicable specialized data analytics software and other tools with a focus on real world applications; and to translate, optimize, and present data in order to drive optimal business decisions.

HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT

This concentration will focus on development of health care management expertise through relevant, real-world oriented health care course content, including the health care system, financial and legal issues, and health care strategy.

9

*Note: For the Health Care Management concentration, BUS 672 replaces BUS 631 (Business Strategy) from the core curriculum.

PROJECT AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

This concentration will focus on effective leadership and management of the project and program management process

• Must pass the Educational Testing Service (“ETS”) Major Field Test for MBA.

It is the student’s responsibility to see that all requirements for graduation are met.

G Rading P Olicy

No more than two MBA courses with a grade of “C” will be applied toward graduation. Students have the option of repeating courses for which grades of “C” or lower are received. The most recent grade is used in the calculation of the GPA and credits earned. Any student who receives a grade of “F” in a course maybe be subject to dismissal from the program.

Students are expected to maintain a 3.00 GPA in the MBA program Students who fall below 3.00 GPA are placed on academic probation and may be subject to dismissal from the program. Students on probation are evaluated each semester. Attaining a B or better in all subsequent coursework ensures your continuation in the program.

A Cademic P Olicies

S T U DENT G RIEVANCES AND A PPEALS

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

Students may choose any two courses from any of the proposed concentrations, with the exception of BUS 672 (subject to prerequisites).

Students enrolled in the Wingate University School of Pharmacy have the opportunity to work toward completing the MBA degree while enrolled in the School of Pharmacy. The MBA program is also available to practicing pharmacists. Interested pharmacy students or practicing pharmacists should contact the Assistant Dean of Graduate Business Programs for additional information regarding the application process and specific program requirements. Business 603 (Business Ethics) is not required for Wingate University pharmacy students enrolled in the MBA program, and may not be required for practicing pharmacists depending upon the specific pharmacy curriculum. In terms of admissions requirements, the PCAT may be substituted for the GMAT. All MBA courses originate from the Wingate University Ballantyne campus.

For financial aid purposes, the PharmD/MBA curriculum at Wingate is not considered a dual-degree program. As a result, you are not eligible to receive financial aid for your MBA coursework. Students wishing to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree simultaneously with the Doctorate of Pharmacy are awarded financial aid based upon their enrollment in the Doctorate of Pharmacy Program. These two programs are not integrated as one degree and therefore aid is awarded to the higher degree level program, providing the most benefit to the student.

C Lass S Chedule

During fall and spring semesters, courses take place from 6:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m. one night per week. Summer sessions take place twice weekly for a six-week period typically from 6:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. A typical course load is two courses per semester for students who hold full-time jobs.

P Rogram C Ompletion

In order to receive the MBA degree from Wingate University, students must meet the following requirements:

• An overall cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.

• No more than two grades of “C” have been received.

• 36 credit hours of required courses have been successfully completed, which includes 30 core credit hours and 6 concentration credit hours.

• Completion of the program occurs within six years from the date of enrollment

Any grievances and appeals must be made in writing and submitted to the Dean of the Porter B. Byrum School of Business who will consult with the Assistant Dean of the Graduate Business Programs. The student will be informed of all resulting decisions.

S TUDENT S TATUS

Graduate business students have status in one of four categories:

REGULAR: Applicants whose portfolios meet admission requirements and who have completed all program prerequisites.

PROBATIONARY: Probationary status will be used only in exceptional cases at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Probationary students may begin coursework. At the completion of six (6) credit hours, status will be evaluated. To be upgraded to regular status, probationary students must have received a “B” or better in graduate courses at Wingate University. Those who do not meet this requirement will be subject to dismissal from the program. This status is also assigned to students on academic probation.

SPECIAL: A student who is required to complete all or part of the prerequisite course(s) or a non-matriculating student requesting transfer credit to another institution will be considered special status.

INACTIVE: A student whose file is inactive longer than one calendar year must reapply for admission prior to enrolling in graduate courses.

A maximum of nine semester hours of graduate transfer credit may be applied to the MAC or the MBA degree when all of the following conditions are met:

• The credit has been earned at an accredited institution within six years prior to the application date to Wingate University.

• Transfer courses are approved by the Dean of the Porter B. Byrum School of Business in consultation with the Assistant Dean of Graduate Business Programs.

• Individual course grades are “B” or better.

• The courses directly satisfy a program requirement as determined by Wingate University.

Individual courses, again, not to exceed the original nine (9) hours, may be taken at another school if Wingate is not currently offering the course. Each course must be approved in advance by the Dean of the Porter B. Byrum School of Business in consultation with the Assistant Dean of Graduate Business Programs. Inasmuch as Wingate now offers every course every year, it is rare this case would apply.

NOTE: The final six hours of coursework must be completed at Wingate University.

Levine College Of Health Sciences

Six programs of study leading to degrees in health professions comprise the Levine College of Health Sciences. These programs include the School of Pharmacy, established in 2003; the Department of Physician Assistant Studies, established in 2008; the Department of Nursing, established in 2012; the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, established in 2014; the Doctor of Occupational Therapy, established in 2019; and the Department of Public Health, established in 2021.

The overarching goal of the College is to educate and graduate the most practice-ready health care practitioners in the country. To that end, practice experience is incorporated into the curriculum of each program, and the collaborative practice model is emphasized through interprofessional education.

M EDICAL /I MMUNIZATION R EQUIREMENTS

After a student has been accepted by Wingate University, he/she is required to submit health information which includes a health history, proof of insurance, physical examination, and immunization information. Medical requirements are due July 1 (Fall admission) and January 2 (Spring admission). Students who are incomplete 30 days after classes begin are subject to expulsion from classes and the University until such information is received.

The physical examination must be performed one year prior to the date of admission to the University. Per NCAA regulations, students participating in an intercollegiate sport must have a physical every six months. Physicals can be done in The Health Center for a fee. The physical must include: vision, urinalysis, hemoglobin, and TB skin test. The following immunizations are required:

Tetanus Series (Td, DPT, Tdap) Three doses. One must have been within the past 10 years. Those individuals enrolling in college or university for the first time on or after July 1, 2008 must have had three doses of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid and a booster dose of tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine if a tetanus/diphtheria toxoid or tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine has not been administered within the past 10 years

Measles Two doses (after 1st birthday). Measles vaccines are not required if any of the following occur: Diagnoses of disease prior to January 1, 1994; an individual who has been documented by serological testing to have a protective antibody titer against measles; or an individual born prior to 1957.

Mumps Two doses. Mumps vaccine is not required if any of the following occur: an individual who has been documented by serological testing to have a protective antibody titer against mumps; an individual born prior to 1957.

Rubella One dose. Rubella vaccine is not required if any of the following occur: 50 years of age or older; an individual who has been documented by serological testing to have a protective antibody titer against rubella.

Hepatitis B Three doses. Hepatitis B vaccine is not required if an individual was born before July 1, 1994 and is not enrolled in a Health Science major.

Polio Three doses. An individual attending school who has attained his or her 18th birthday is not required to receive polio vaccine.

Meningococcal Series. Two doses. If the first one is given at age 16, then only one is required.

Students in Pharmacy, Physician Assistant Studies, Physical Therapy, Nursing, and Exercise Science are required to have additional immunizations. Check with those programs to identify what is required.

Required vs. Recommended North Carolina law requires individuals attending college or universities to receive certain vaccines. But in order to be fully protected from vaccinepreventable diseases, individuals should receive all immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Recommended vaccines include flu, meningitis, meningococcal B series, and HPV.

Students who are not compliant with NC immunization requirements within 30 days of the first day of class will be required to withdraw from classes. Students taking online courses, off campus courses, evening courses (after 5 p.m.) or no more than 4 daytime credit hours are exempt from immunization requirements. Medical and religious exemptions can be requested through The Health Center. Questions should be directed to the Director of The Health Center, Campus Box 3037, Wingate University, Wingate NC 28174. Students in the Physician Assistant Studies require additional immunizations and tests and should check with the Health and Wellness Center prior to enrollment.

I Nternational S Tudents

• Must meet North Carolina guidelines concerning immunizations.

• Must provide documentation of insurance. A student accident and sickness insurance program is available for purchase by students of Wingate University in the Business Office.

All students with a positive tuberculin skin test will be referred to the Health Department for evaluation & follow-up. If the recommendation of the Health Department is that they receive prophylactic treatment for tuberculosis, students will be required to comply.

D Epartment Of O Ccupatio Nal T Herapy

Program Director: Melissa Sweetman

Professor: Melissa Sweetman

Associate Professors: Stacey Caplan, Christine McConnell

Assistant Professors: Reeti Douglas, Daniella Hauser, Wynnet Sinclair, Patricia Tomsic

Academic Fieldwork Coordinator: Stacey Caplan

Doctoral Capstone Coordinator: Reeti Douglas

The Wingate University Department of Occupational Therapy was founded in 2017, and opened its doors to the charter class beginning study in August 2019. The charter class graduated from Wingate University in May 2022. The class size has been limited to assure individualized attention to every student. Occupational therapy classes will be held primarily in the Burnside Dalton Building located in the center of the Wingate main campus.

The contact information for the department is:

Wingate University, Department of Occupational Therapy

P.O. Box 159, Wingate, NC 28174-0159

Phone: 704-233-8972

E-mail: OTD@Wingate.edu

Website: https://otd.wingate.edu

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wuotd

Instagram: @Wingate_OTD

A CADEMIC C ALEND AR

Fall 2023 New OTD Student Orientation

Convocation Ceremony

Classes Begin

Level II Fieldwork

Labor Day Holiday

Thanksgiving Holiday

Classes End

Final Exams

Spring 2024

Classes Begin

Martin Luther King Holiday

Spring Break – No Classes

Easter Holiday

Classes End

Final Exams

Summer 2024

August 17-18

August 20

August 21

August 28-November 17

September 4

November 20-24

December 8

December 11-15

January 8

January 15

March 4-8

March 29 -April 1

April 26

April 29-May 3

Classes Begin May 13

Level II Fieldwork

Memorial Day Holiday

Juneteenth Holiday

May 13-August 2

May 27

June 19

Independence Day Holiday July 4-5

Classes End

Final Exams

August 2

August 5-August 9

The vision of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Wingate University is to be a leading educator of occupational therapists who are practice-ready leaders and clinical scholars committed to the pursuit of meaningful occupational performance for all persons, groups, and populations.

The mission of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Wingate University is to develop knowledgeable and ethical occupational therapists who are committed to the health, well-being, and quality of life of all persons, groups, and populations through a solid education founded upon principles of occupational performance, critical thinking/professional reasoning, servant leadership, evidence-based practice/scholarship, and occupational justice.

S Tudent L Earning O Utcomes

1. Occupational Performance a. Articulate and demonstrate occupational therapy core values, ethics, and theory across all practice settings. b. Facilitate occupational performance and engagement as a determinant of health, wellbeing, and quality of life for all persons, groups, and populations within a variety of contexts through the design and implementation of occupation-based, client-centered interventions. c. Collaborate with the client, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team to advocate, evaluate, and provide holistic care that supports health, wellbeing, and quality of life of all persons, groups, and populations.

2. Critical Thinking/ Professional Reasoning a. Utilize critical thinking and professional reasoning skills to design and deliver evidence-based, client-centered, occupation-based services. b. Demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills, and problemsolving abilities within a specialty practice area. c. Integrate learned material with client and environmental factors to make ethical decisions and demonstrate reflective clinical practice.

3. Evidence-based Practice and Scholarship a. Demonstrate the skills to advance the profession’s body of knowledge through critical inquiry and dissemination of scholarly works with emphasis on mechanisms that evaluate and change professional practice, service delivery, and/or professional issues. b. Locate, understand, critically appraise, evaluate, and integrate current evidence to design and deliver high quality, efficient, and effective therapeutic interventions. c. Identify and implement solutions to address the occupational needs of persons, groups, and populations through evidencebased program development, advocacy, and/or leadership initiatives.

4. Servant Leadership a. Demonstrate proficient use of critical self-reflection skills to develop authentic servant leader characteristics for leading clients, caregivers, colleagues, other health professionals, communities, and the public. b. Facilitate continuing professional development of self and others through reflective practice skills and a desire for lifelong learning. c. Pursue leadership roles in local, state, regional, and/or national organizations within the profession of occupational therapy or within organizations that support the profession and its clients.

P Rogram S Ites

The program is delivered on the main campus of Wingate University. Didactic courses are delivered live with a few courses delivered via distance education. Clinical education experiences entail learning exercises at affiliated sites within the occupational therapy network. The Department will attempt to place students in locations that are mutually agreed upon but reserves the right to place students in locations that may be distant from campus when necessary. Transportation for all offcampus clinical education experiences is the responsibility of the student, as are living arrangements and living expenses.

A Ccreditation

The accrediting agency for occupational therapy education is the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The purpose of ACOTE is to accredit occupational therapy educational programs and occupational therapy assistant educational programs. ACOTE establishes, approves, and administers educational standards to evaluate occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs. ACOTE shall have complete autonomy in establishing standards for educational programs; developing and implementing policies, rules, and procedures for conducting accreditation reviews; and making accreditation decisions (ACOTE, 2017). The standards set forth by ACOTE entail the minimum educational standards to which a program must adhere to earn accreditation status. The full list of standards is available for viewing at: https://acoteonline.org/accreditation-explained/standards/

The accreditation process for the Wingate University entry-level OTD program was initiated in 2018 with Candidacy for Accreditation status awarded in 2019. The program had a preaccreditation review in the Fall of 2020 with Preaccredititaion Status granted on April 2021, and Accreditation Status was granted in December 2021. Accreditation is required for graduates to be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR) and will be eligible to apply for licensure to practice occupational therapy in the United States. All states require licensure, and state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. (Note: A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to meet NBCOT and licensure requirements, and therefore may necessitate seeking advice prior to starting an academic program).

Program outcomes on the NBCOT examination will be found on the NBCOT website at: https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance This sequence is the typical accreditation process and timeline for all programs in occupational therapy education.

The contact information for ACOTE is:

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) 6116 Executive Boulevard; Suite 200 North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929

Phone c/o AOTA: 301-652-2682 | Website: www.acoteonline.org

A DMISSIONS

To be considered for admission to the OTD program, students must:

• Have an earned Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution (see Definition of Accredited Institutions under Graduate Policies and Procedures), official transcript required.

5.

Occupational Justice and Cultural Responsiveness

a. Foster inclusion and diversity to address the needs of underserved persons, groups, and populations in local, regional, national, or international contexts.

b. Advocate for changes to education, practice, and/or policy to meet the occupational needs of society.

c. Address the social and cultural determinants of health, wellbeing, and quality of life to foster equitable access to and participation in one’s desired occupations.

• Have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 with a “C” or better in all prerequisite courses

• Supply three (3) letters of recommendation; at least one must be from an occupational therapist and at least one must be from a professor/academic advisor

• Complete a minimum of 40 hours of clinical observation with an occupational therapist in at least two practice settings with different aged clients

• Have no more than three outstanding prerequisite courses at the time of application

• Complete the following prerequisite courses:

Prospective students may submit applications to the Wingate University Department of Occupational Therapy through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application System (OTCAS) through the link provided on the OTD program website or through https://otcas.liaisoncas.com. Admissions decisions are multi-factorial and consider a composite score calculated from the required prerequisite work, GPA, letters of recommendation, observation hours, resume, and interview. Other factors involving any student applicant’s likelihood to be successful within the program are also considered. For questions related to admissions, prospective students may direct inquiries to OTD@Wingate.edu or by calling 704-233-8674.

Prerequisite courses must be completed through high school Advanced Placement courses, high school/college dual enrollment courses, or through an accredited institution of higher education (junior college, technical school, college, university) of higher education in a face-to-face or online setting (see Definition of Accredited Institutions under Graduate Policies and Procedures). Medical Terminology may be completed through the above avenues or through an online certificate course.

Matriculating students will be required to pass a criminal background check at the time of admission to the program in order to be eligible to complete clinical fieldwork and to sit for the National Board for Certification for Occupational Therapists (NBCOT) examination. Eligibility requirements for the national examination can be found at www.nbcot.org or by contacting NBCOT, One Bank Street Suite 300, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. Phone: 301-990-7979. (Note: A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to meet NBCOT and licensure requirements, and therefore may necessitate seeking advice prior to starting an academic program).

The Wingate University OTD program offers no advanced placement or any other type of transfer credit from prior enrollment in any health science, medical, work experience, or related program. A qualified applicant previously enrolled in another ACOTE-accredited OTD program may be considered for admission only after consultation with the director of the former program of study.

O Ccupational T Herapy P Rogram E Ssential S Ki Lls

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Wingate University prepares students to enter the workforce as occupational therapists. The profession of occupational therapy is highly skilled and technical, requiring a rigorous academic preparation. Therefore, students must possess certain capabilities to be able to fully participate in the educational process required for preparation as an occupational therapist.

The standards listed below must be met with or without reasonable accommodations in alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Wingate University does not discriminate against students with disabilities, but it is the student’s responsibility to request needed accommodations through the Office of Disability Support Services within the Academic Resource Center. Prior to accepting a position as a student in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, all potential students must confirm their ability to meet each of the standards listed below. If at any time before or during the course of the program the student believes he/she cannot meet any of these standards with or without reasonable accommodations, he/she may be dismissed from the program.

SENSORY/OBSERVATION SKILLS: Students must have sufficient use of sensory abilities including vision, hearing, tactile sensation, smell, spatial awareness, and proprioception to safely and thoroughly observe and interpret client interactions accurately. Furthermore, these skills are necessary for full participation in lectures, labs, and experiential learning opportunities.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Students must possess the ability to read/comprehend, write, and fluently speak the English language. They must be able to communicate effectively and confidently with a variety of audiences including clients of all ages and cultures, caregivers, other health professionals, payers, policy makers, faculty, and the general public. These skills are also necessary for completion of the occupational therapy curriculum, which involves substantial amounts of reading and writing.

PHYSICAL/MOTOR SKILLS: Students must be able to demonstrate sufficient mobility and strength to complete safe client evaluations and interventions in a variety of settings and on a variety of surfaces. Motor capabilities include sitting and standing for long periods of time, walking, crouching, kneeling, bending, twisting, maintaining static/dynamic balance, lifting up to 50 pounds, pushing/pulling up to 100 pounds, demonstrating fine motor dexterity, demonstrating gross and fine motor coordination, and possessing quick physical reaction times.

INTELLECTUAL SKILLS: Students must possess cognitive skills sufficient for critical thinking, reflecting, reasoning, problem solving, organizing, analyzing, calculating, following complex instructions/directions (both written and verbal), recalling information, focusing for long spans of time, making quick decisions, and integrating material from a variety of sources.

SOCIAL SKILLS: Students must be able to establish therapeutic relationships with clients of all ages, abilities, ethnicities, and cultures. Furthermore, students need to possess emotional intelligence sufficient to show empathy and compassion for others, be able to give and receive critical feedback, resolve conflicts with maturity and professionalism, and handle stressful situations.

PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR SKILLS: Students must demonstrate professional behaviors at all times including punctuality, dependability, collaboration/cooperation, maintaining professional personal appearance and hygiene, showing initiative, flexibility, and respect for others.

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS: Students must possess basic computer skills including searching the internet, use of e-mail, using Microsoft Office, and saving/retrieving files.

A Cademic P Rogram

The fixed-sequence program begins in August and spans the course of eight continuous semesters. The first five semesters focus on building the foundational knowledge, entry-level clinical skills, and advanced practice skills required for doctoral level practice with a blend of didactic and experiential learning opportunities. Coursework begins with the basic science foundation and core foundations for the profession of occupational therapy. Next, coursework emphasizes the specific knowledge and skills students need to design and deliver occupational therapy services and function as a leader, advocate, and scholar. The final three semesters allow the student to hone their practice skills and link theory with practice through clinical immersion in Level II Fieldwork and an advanced practice Doctoral Capstone. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to enter the workforce as advanced practitioners, researchers, educators, advocates, entrepreneurs, or administrators. The broad scope of the curriculum prepares graduates to practice in a variety of existing and emerging settings with clients of all ages

A Cademic P Olicies

The entire Wingate University Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program curriculum plan, policies, procedures, regulations, and codes are subject to ongoing evaluation and subsequent modification by the collective core faculty. Various departmental committees and groups comprised of core faculty, departmental staff, and university faculty/staff are charged with the collection, review, and suggestion for revision to the appropriate entity. Proposals for curricular modification emanating from these self-study processes are carefully deliberated upon by the entire faculty prior to any adoption of change.

While the information and regulations detailed within this handbook were believed to be accurate at the time of publication, the Department reserves the right to make modifications to any area described without advance notice, and will provide notice to all current students of the changes made. Changes may be enforced following the date of notification of change.

Academic Advising

As each OTD cohort is matriculated into the program, they are assigned a faculty advisor. During the first two weeks of the program, each advisor will meet with all of their advisees once either as a group or individually to inform them of the advisory process. First semester students will also meet with their advisors during weeks 5 or 6 for midterm advising and during weeks 10 or 11 for final advising. Each semester following thereafter, there are two formal occasions on which advisees must meet with their advisors:

• During week 3 or 4 of the semester

• During week 12 or 13 of the semester

Additional advising sessions may be conducted at the request of the student or the advisor. No advisory meetings are expected during clinical experience and internships but may be scheduled if so desired by the student or advisor.

It is the responsibility of the student to contact his/her advisor to initiate each meeting and come prepared with a completed Student Advising Form (including the action plan section). Signed advising forms will be kept in the student’s academic file. The student files are to remain locked at all times or maintained in a password connected computer and any documents in the student files should be considered confidential information (as is dictated by the FERPA Regulations Subpart D). Advising minutes are to be signed by both the student and the faculty advisor and placed in the student’s permanent department record.

G RADUATION WITH D ISTINCTION

Students who attain a Department of Occupational Therapy cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater will be specially recognized upon graduation.

3.50 to 3.69 = cum laude

3.70 to 3.89 = magna cum laude

3.90 or higher = summa cum laude

ACADEMIC PROGRESSION AND GRADUATION

Each year, progression is awarded only to those students who have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.0/4.0 (or above), and demonstrated minimally acceptable mastery of the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to earn the degree, Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Remediation activities will be prescribed for those students who are not awarded progression.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

Any student earning a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0/4.0 for their first time will be placed on Academic Probation. Academic Probation is for up to two semesters following the failure to maintain the 3.0 GPA. However, in all cases, a minimum GPA of 3.0 must be achieved prior to beginning Level II fieldwork. If a student fails to meet this criterion, he/she will be placed on Academic Suspension. The intent of academic probation is to alert the student of impending failure to progress within the program and to allow them an opportunity to improve their grade average and avoid academic jeopardy. While on probation, students are considered not in good academic standing; therefore, students cannot hold offices in student organizations or serve on professional and/or academic committees.

Possible outcomes for a student placed on academic probation include:

• Probation will be lifted and student returned to good academic standing status after successfully achieving a cumulative GPA of >3.0 in two semesters or less.

• Academic Disqualification will result for failure to achieve a cumulative GPA of >3.0 at the completion of the second semester of academic probation.

• Academic Disqualification will result if a student’s cumulative GPA drops below a 3.0 after a period of Academic Probation has been lifted.

ACADEMIC SUSPENSION

The intent of Academic Suspension is to allow the student time to remediate any inadequate knowledge and/or skills and for their attempt to return to demonstrate removal of those inadequacies. The length of Academic Suspension will be for up to one year. While on Academic Suspension, students do not attend classes and are considered not in good academic standing; therefore, students cannot hold offices in student organizations or serve on professional and/or academic committees. Students are placed on Academic Suspension for one of the following causes:

• Failing to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 by the end of semester 5 prior to Level II Fieldwork, or

• Earning a grade of “F” in any course.

Students on Academic Suspension will be offered the opportunity to return to the program at a point in the professional curriculum as determined by the collective core faculty. The point of entry will be determined to be most likely to afford the student the best opportunity for success in the program while respecting the financial burden additional coursework may incur. The student then has the ability to accept or decline the point of return offer.

Academic Disqualification

Students who demonstrate the inability to remove any inadequacies of knowledge or skill will be placed on Academic Disqualification and will be summarily dismissed from the program of study. Students are placed on Academic Disqualification for one of the following causes:

• Failure of two didactic courses (two separate courses or failing the same course twice) within the Department of Occupational Therapy

• Failure of Fieldwork II followed by failure of remediation plan

• Failure of a second Fieldwork II course (regardless of previous successful remediation plan)

• Receipt of a failing grade or a cumulative GPA< 3.0 after a term of suspension.

• A second violation in drug testing/random drug screening

• Significant violation of the OTD Code of Ethics, Code of Personal Conduct, or Code of Academic Conduct

• Failure to demonstrate professional bearing, cognitive or psychomotor impairment, failure to follow rules, lack of attendance, incompetence, failure to maintain safety in practice, or possible client health/safety jeopardy after remediation opportunity.

• Failing to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 by the end of semester 5 prior to Level II Fieldwork, or

• Earning a grade of “F” in any course.

D Uration Of S Tudy

Students will have a maximum of six years to complete the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program. All Level II Fieldwork and the Doctoral Capstone must be completed within 24 months of the conclusion of the didactic portion of the curriculum.

Significant Quantities Of Absence

An excess of two tardy arrivals per didactic semester will not be tolerated as it is considered a professional behaviors violation and will result in a score of ‘1’ on the “attendance” portion of the Professional Behaviors Evaluation. A student may not have more than 3 absences per course, per semester. Once a student has missed three class periods, the fourth absence will result in a deduction of 10% of a student’s total course grade and each subsequent absence will result in an additional 2% deduction.

Academic Petition

If a student does not meet the academic standards or regulations of the Department of Occupational Therapy, he/she may petition the core faculty for an exception to the policy. The core faculty meets on an as needed basis to review petitions. Each student is responsible for submitting his/her own petition.

Students should submit petitions in writing using the Academic Petition Form. The student is highly encouraged to meet with their faculty advisor to discuss the petition process. Students may also seek guidance about the petition process from the Program Director.

The core faculty will make a decision after reviewing the student’s academic record, and any other pertinent information presented by the student such as physician reports, counselor’s recommendations, court order, etc., and the circumstances stated in the student’s petition. Each petition will be considered on its own merits.

The student will be officially informed of the decision by the Program Director. If the decision is approved, a revised plan of study and terms of agreement for the conditions are prepared for the student. The student has two business days to agree to the terms by signing the agreement and returning to the Program Director. If a petition is denied, the student may meet with their academic advisor to discuss options regarding their educational plans. As a final option, students may appeal a denied petition to the Program Director. The Program Director’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.

Academic Standing

Students must be in good academic and professional standing to be considered for Department of Occupational Therapy honors, awards, student leadership positions, or any other special recognition acknowledgements.

Assessment

Students’ knowledge and skills may be assessed through a variety of methods including but not limited to written examinations, oral examinations, practical examinations, competency assessments, papers, and projects. The faculty has identified the ability set for which a student must demonstrate mastery for each benchmark/assessment measure of the program. Students who do not demonstrate mastery may be offered opportunities for remediation of their deficiencies and may be required to submit to a reassessment of those abilities not mastered prior to progression. The inability to demonstrate mastery of the skill sets prescribed may result in delayed progression.

Attendance

The educational process of a professional is very important and should never be taken lightly. It is expected that students in the OTD program have made a commitment to themselves and to their future clients to acquire and master every bit of information and skill possible; therefore, each student is required to be prompt and to attend all scheduled appointments (lectures, instructional demonstrations, laboratory sessions, and examinations). Learning opportunities are to pre-empt any extra-curricular activities in which the student may be involved (i.e. work, athletics, club activities, etc.). The practice of prior planning to avoid conflicts with tardiness or attendance at educational and assessment experiences is paramount for a professional in training and is expected in all circumstances. An absence is defined as missing more than 15 minutes of any scheduled class meeting for any purpose. Absences are likely to contribute to a student’s inability to meet minimum academic and professional requirements of the curriculum and therefore it is expected that a student notify the department prior to missing any session.

Attendance Policy Related To Examination Procedures

The process of examination of learning deserves attention toward providing the least amount of distraction to all. Therefore, for all scheduled written assessments (e.g., examinations, quizzes) students should arrive early and be prepared for the assessment to begin on time. Students tardy for an examination will be required to take the exam at a later time/date at the discretion of the instructor. Unusual and unforeseen circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director (or assigned appointee) only if the student alerts the program by phone (704-233-8972) or e-mail (OTD@Wingate.edu) of their circumstance at least 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the scheduled assessment.

If a student is unable to take an examination at the scheduled time for any reason other than emergency, serious illness, or other significant life crisis (i.e., death in the family), a 20% grade deduction will be applied to the exam score in alignment with the late assignment policy. If a student misses a quiz for any reason other than emergency, serious illness, or other significant life crisis (i.e., death in the family), a grade of zero (0) will be applied and a make-up quiz will not be offered. If a student cannot take a clinical examination as scheduled for any reason, a grade of zero (0) will be entered for the first attempt. Please see the clinical examination policy on page 50 of this handbook. Examinations and quizzes taken at a time other than originally scheduled may vary in content and format from the original.

Cadaver Dissection Lab

The cadaver dissection lab is operated solely for educational and research purposes. Students are warned that their behavior in the cadaver lab must be restrained and reserved. Under no circumstances is a student to be in the cadaver lab alone at any time or be in possession of any camera or visual recording device unless tending to a directive issued by an OTD core faculty member. Students may be granted access after normal working hours to avail themselves of the learning opportunities that dissection provides; however, this access is a privilege and will be removed and the offender disciplined accordingly if any impropriety of the cadaver dissection lab rules should occur.

Department Of Occupational Therapy Code Of Conduct

It expected that all students will subscribe to and comply with all aspects of the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (2020) which can be downloaded from https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S3006.

Furthermore, students are expected to adhere to the Department of Occupational Therapy Code of Personal and Academic Conduct as outlined below.

Personal Conduct

Personal conduct on University property, at affiliated clinical sites, or Department/University sponsored events is subject to disciplinary jurisdiction of the Department of Occupational Therapy.

The Department of Occupational Therapy may also enforce its own disciplinary policy and procedures when personal/professional conduct, regardless of where it occurs, is deemed incompatible with the overall mission, program, or other functions of the Department of Occupational Therapy. Any action which represents a violation of civil and criminal law will be addressed by the appropriate non-university agencies in accordance with their policies and regulations. Action of non-university authorities in response to any violation of statutes shall not preclude nor replace the right and responsibility of the Department of Occupational Therapy to review the student independently for that violation. If, at the time of graduation, unresolved criminal charges or proceedings are pending against a student, conferral of the degree may be withheld until such time the matter is resolved. In the event the candidate for graduation is exonerated, the degree will be conferred. The following are examples of conduct for which disciplinary action may be taken. These are merely examples and are not to be considered all-inclusive.

• Alcoholic beverages - possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on university or university-affiliated sites or functions (except as expressly permitted).

• Drugs - illegal use, possession, sale, or distribution of any drug, chemical compound, or controlled substance or paraphernalia. Students found guilty of violating this section will be subject to immediate expulsion from the Department of Occupational Therapy.

• Drugs – testing positive or refusing to be tested in the prescribed manner.

• Weapons and dangerous items - illegal use or possession of weapons, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, noxious materials, incendiary devices or other dangerous substances.

• Theft or damage - theft of, or damage to, property of the university or university-affiliated, other students, other members of the university community, or of campus visitors. Possession of property known to be stolen. Defacing or unauthorized removal of material from the library is damage and theft.

• Disorderly conduct – hostile behavior, disorderly conduct, indecent conduct, harassment, inappropriate intimidation, excessive pressure, humiliation, coercion, stalking, hazing, overtly reckless behavior, false alarms, failure to comply with lawful directions of university officials, unauthorized entry of use of university or university-affiliated property, unauthorized use of university name, logo, or symbols.

• Inappropriate social networking that is considered unprofessional for a student occupational therapist.

• Unprofessional conduct – conduct falling below the standard expectations of the faculty and fellow classmates, including noncompliance with reasonable requests of the faculty, staff, and administrators.

• Financial irresponsibility - failure to meet financial responsibilities.

• Failure to respond to notification - failure by a student or organization to respond to notification to appear before the Program Director during any stage of a disciplinary proceeding will not prevent the Program Director from proceeding with disciplinary action in the absence of the candidate.

• Misuse or abuse of university equipment, programs, or data; unauthorized access to or copying/distributing of data, records, or programs; attempting to alter or modify records, data, or programs. Students are not to take classroom materials (e.g., splinting materials, crafting supplies, etc.) without express permission from a faculty member. All classroom materials (e.g., anatomical models, assessments) removed from their usual storage location must be signed out and returned as soon as they are no longer being used.

• Failure to schedule and attend advising sessions per the advising policy guidelines.

Academic Conduct

All students matriculating into the Department of Occupational Therapy implicitly and personally subscribe to the Code of Personal and Academic Conduct in accepting admission. Each student is responsible for his/her own integrity, and is likewise responsible for reporting possible violation of the Code by others. The faculty shall take all reasonable steps to prevent violations of the Code of Personal and Academic Conduct, and each faculty member likewise is responsible for reporting possible violations.

The following are examples of conduct for which disciplinary action may be taken. These are merely examples and are not to be considered allinclusive.

• Dishonesty which includes, but is not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to an examination or to obtain unfair advantage, using unauthorized sources of information during an examination, assisting a fellow student in committing an act of cheating, collaborating on assignments without explicit permission of the instructor, entering an office or building to obtain unfair advantage, taking an examination for another candidate, or altering grade reports. Fabrication of information, data, or citations is also considered academic dishonesty.

• Plagiarism, which is using, stating, offering, or reporting as one’s own, an idea, expression, or product of another without the proper credit to its source. A direct quote should be cited and placed in quotation marks. However, the student should also know that if the ideas of others are used, these must be cited and referenced per American Psychological Association (APA) 7th edition guidelines or the student is guilty of an act of plagiarism.

• A student who witnesses any of the above or who is approached with an offer to gain unfair advantage is obligated by the Code of Professional and Academic Conduct to report that violation to the appropriate authority. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

It is the policy of the Department that acts of plagiarism or any other acts of academic dishonesty, on any assignment, quiz, or examination, will result in an assignment grade of zero (0), and in some circumstances will result in a course grade of zero (0) or other sanctions up to and including dismissal from the University.

Course Grading

Students earn a letter grade according to the score achieved as indicated by the course syllabus. Faculty will provide assignment and exam grades/feedback to students within 14 business days. Appointments to discuss individual results may be requested and are encouraged.

CLINICAL EXAMINATIONS (PRACTICALS/COMPETENCIES)

Students’ clinical skills may be assessed through written examinations, oral examinations, practical examinations, and competency assessments. A practical examination typically requires demonstration of particular skills and procedures that may be components of an occupational therapy evaluation, intervention, or discharge. A competency assessment typically requires the student to demonstrate a synthesis of critical components that are part of the occupational therapy process. Competencies may include integration and application of content knowledge with clinical decision-making and skill performance along with evidence of clinical reasoning.

For all clinical examinations, a grade of >80% is required for a passing score. In addition, students must score Pass (Pass vs. Fail) on the mandatory safety component(s) of a clinical examination or will be considered to have failed the exam regardless of performance in other areas (a grade of 0 will be entered).

Students receiving a failing grade on any clinical examination in the didactic curriculum will be offered the opportunity to remediate and reexamine one time per examination. The remediation and re- examination must be scheduled by the student within 2 business days of receiving their examination grade or the failing grade will remain and there will be no opportunity to re-examine. The process for reexamination is as follows:

• If a student does not pass the clinical examination on the first attempt, the student may seek remediation from the instructor followed by a second attempt to demonstrate competency with the skill.

• The grade the student earns on the initial attempt will be the grade entered into the gradebook and will remain regardless of whether the student passes or fails the second attempt if the failure was due to loss of points and not due to a safety failure. If on the second attempt the student demonstrates a safety failure, a grade of zero will be entered.

• If the student failed the initial attempt due to a safety failure, a zero will be entered into the gradebook. If the student passes the second attempt, the zero will be replaced with 50 points for a practical examinations or 25 points for a competency examination. If the student fails the second attempt by points or safety fail, the zero will remain.

• The second attempt will be scored on a Pass/Fail basis. If the student passes the clinical examination on the second attempt, the student will be considered to have passed the clinical examination.

• If the student fails the clinical examination on the second attempt, the student will be considered to have failed the clinical examination.

• If a student fails two clinical examinations (i.e., fails two second attempts), the student will receive a course grade of F. With a course grade of F, the student will automatically be suspended from the program and must follow the process to re-enter the program by re-taking the failed course the following year.

• If a student is not in attendance for the originally scheduled clinical examination for any reason, the first attempt will receive a grade of zero and the student will be offered the opportunity to re-examine as outlined above. Exceptions to this policy will be made at the discretion of the program director for emergency reasons only.

• Note that OTD 711: Human Gross Anatomy practicals are exempt from this policy; only one attempt is allowed and the minimum passing score is 70%.

BEHAVIOR AND/OR SAFETY IN PRACTICE

In the case of behavior and/or safety in practice, clinical or academic faculty may evaluate students in many activities, and any identified deficiencies must be brought to the student’s attention at the earliest appropriate opportunity.

Remediation Policy

It is the policy of the program to make a best effort to ensure student success within the program. Feedback on student performance will be provided to students when graded assignments are returned. Our faculty is actively committed to supporting a retention and graduation rate of 100% of every cohort, but we also recognize that despite best efforts, not every student may be successful in the program. Therefore, the inability to successfully remove deficiencies will result in Academic Disqualification of the student from the program.

Fieldwork And Doctoral Capstone

In the case of fieldwork and doctoral capstones, the ACFW/DCC is responsible for assigning the pass/fail grade. Any student receiving a failing grade from the ACFW/DCC will have his/her performance evaluated collectively by a panel of core faculty, appointed by the Program Director. The panel will review the student’s clinical performance in all aspects as deemed necessary. This may include any or all of the following:

• Review of clinical documentation, documentation of the supervising Clinical Fieldwork Educator (CFE), and student documentation

• Interview of the student, CFE, and ACFW/DCC

• Observation of the student in a clinical situation.

The panel will report findings and recommendation of upholding the failing grade or of overturning the failing grade to a passing grade to the Program Director. The AFWC/DCC, in conjunction with the Program Director, will determine the grade and/or remediation to be assigned. The Program Director and student’s Academic Advisor will then inform the student of the outcome.

Repeating A Course

Students who earn an F in a didactic course will be placed on academic suspension per the Academic Suspension policy outlined below. If a student is permitted to return to the program, a course may be repeated only one time the next semester it is offered. Students who earn an F in a Fieldwork II course will be placed on an individualized remediation plan that must be completed and passed before repeating the clinical experience. If the remediation plan is not passed, the student will be dismissed from the program.

Grade Disputes

Any student who has reason to question a graded assignment, test, or final course grade must first discuss the nature of the concern with the instructor in writing within ten business days of receiving the grade. For clinical education experience grade disputes, the student may appeal to the AFWC/DCC. If a resolution to the problem is not reached at the level of the instructor, the student may appeal the grade to the Program Director. The student must submit the complaint in writing to the Program Director and copy the Instructor/AFWC/DCC. The Program Director may not consider any grade appeal without first consulting with the Instructor/AFWC/DCC. The Program Director will submit her findings/recommendations in writing to the student. The Program Director’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.

Grading

All grades will be calculated on the basis of the following scale:

A 89.5% to 100% = 4.0 Grade Points per Semester Credit Hour

B 79.5% to 89.4% = 3.0 Grade Points per Semester Credit Hour

C 69.5% to 79.4% = 2.0 Grade Points per Semester Credit Hour

F 69.4% or below = Zero Grade Points per Semester Credit Hour Courses graded on a Pass/Fail basis will not earn quality points, thus no grade points considered.

Graduation

Students who enroll in and successfully complete the 125 credit hour course of study, have achieved a Department of Occupational Therapy grade point average of least 3.0, earned a “Pass” for all courses that are graded on a “Pass/Fail” basis, successfully completed a Doctoral Capstone Project, are in good administrative/financial standing, and have been judged by the faculty to have met all the academic and professional requirements will be eligible for graduation.

Grievance Policy Not Concerning Grades

Students who experience problems relating to the Department of Occupational Therapy that are unrelated to grades may file a grievance using the following procedures:

• The student should attempt to resolve the problem at the level at which the concern occurred. The attempt to solve this complaint should be presented to involved parties in writing. The student will receive a reply which addresses the complaint in writing.

• If the reply is not satisfactory, the student can submit the complaint in writing to the Program Director who will attempt to resolve the issue.

• The Program Director will evaluate the complaint and notify the student of her findings in writing. The Program Director’s decision will be final and cannot be appealed.

• In the event that the grievance is against the Program Director, the student can submit the complaint in writing to the Provost, who will evaluate and make determination.

• Wingate University will make arrangements to ensure that students with disabilities are provided appropriate accommodations as needed to participate in this grievance procedure. Requests for accommodations must be made to the Office of Disability Support Services within the Academic Resource Center. (Allegations of disability-related harassment or discrimination, however, should be reported in accordance with, and will be investigated in accordance with the University’s Student Disability Grievance Procedure.)

• A record of all formal, written complaints received will be maintained at complaints@wingate.edu including the nature of the complaint and how the complaint was resolved.

Incidental Costs Associated With Occupational Therapy Education

The student is responsible for any and all costs associated with coursework, including those involving clinical education experiences. Costs to each student may include transportation, room and board, purchase of personal laptop, criminal background checks, drug screens, uniforms, health insurance, and other expenses. Students may be required by some clinical affiliates to successfully pass a specific Criminal Background Check and/or Drug Screening in order to participate in clinical experiences at their facility. Students are expected to adhere to all safety and professional requirements imposed by the facility at which they are affiliating. Additionally, students may be offered opportunities to earn advanced certifications or attend enrichment workshops (e.g., NBCOT examination preparation workshop) that may be added personal expenses outside of tuition costs. Total cost of attendance can be found on the program’s website at https://otd.wingate.edu.

Informed Consent

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Wingate University, through its Department of Occupational Therapy, requests that all entering students provide their written informed consent to the sharing of personal information with Wingate’s educational partners (e.g., clinical affiliates, occupational therapy practice sites) strictly on a need-to-know basis.

This sharing of personal information may include the following (i) social security numbers; (ii) immunization records; (iii) e-mail addresses and telephone numbers; (iv) results of health care tests; (v) criminal records known to Wingate University; (vi) credit checks. Additionally, notice is hereby given that random drug screening or additional criminal background checks may be requested of the student for placement in certain clinical sites as a matter of standard operating procedures for those sites. The student may be responsible for the cost of drug screening or additional criminal background checks.

If the background check reveals any information that is brought to the student’s attention by the Program Director, which could make the student ineligible for licensure or clinical affiliations, it is the responsibility of the student to:

• Contact the NBCOT to determine if he or she will be eligible for national examination. After speaking with NBCOT, the student is required to:

• Meet with the Program Director to discuss a course of action. Students who are not willing to allow the release of the required personal information may not be able to be placed in an affiliated occupational therapy practice site. In such cases, the student cannot meet the requirements for graduation.

The clinical sites with whom the department partners for clinical affiliation has a sincere interest in detecting and preventing drug use among its students for protection of the public. The department values the partnership it has developed with these clinical sites and works collectively to ensure the supply of quality student interns meets their individual requirements. Therefore, if ever the drug testing/random drug screening required of any particular clinical affiliation site for the purpose of internship reveals a positive result, the first violation will result in an immediate, significant sanction and possible dismissal from the Department of Occupational Therapy. A second offense will result in dismissal from the program.

Laptop And Technology Requirement

All Wingate University occupational therapy students are required to have a laptop personal computer including the Microsoft Office software package, provided at the student’s expense. Students are trained to use their laptops to access class information required for each class. Laptops may be used extensively within a course. Wingate University occupational therapy classrooms provide wireless connections to the medical library system and to the Internet, allowing students to retrieve not only class-related materials, but also other health care related materials. A printer station is made available for student printing needs (a fee may be assessed for printing services), but many students find it beneficial to have a personal printer/scanner.

Each student is assigned a unique login and password following registration for courses within the department. These login credentials are distributed at departmental student orientation after each student has provided valid photo identification to occupational therapy staff. The login information is used for electronic mail, the Canvas learning platform access, ExamSoft testing software, grade reports, and business office accounts. Each student is responsible for his/her own data and accounts, and must NOT share or allow another to know or to use their personal account or password. It is the student’s responsibility to protect the account information by changing the password regularly. If any student does not change their password at least annually, the system will require a change of password prior to continuing use of the system. There is no additional charge to the student associated with this process of verification of identity.

Licensure As An Occupational Therapist

Graduates from the Wingate University Department of Occupational Therapy will be eligible to sit for the NBCOT examination once full accreditation has been granted (anticipated 2021). Upon earning a passing score on this exam, graduates will then be eligible to apply for licensure to practice occupational therapy in any state within the United States of America. Information regarding the NBCOT examination can be found at www.nbcot.org. Graduates are encouraged to contact the Licensure Board in the state in which they intend to apply for licensure for detailed information on requirements and process.

The North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy may be contacted at the information below:

North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy

P.O. Box 2280 Raleigh, NC 27602

Phone: 919-832-1380

E-mail: administrator@ncbot.org

Personal Health Insurance

Students are required to maintain personal health insurance coverage during their enrollment in the Department of Occupational Therapy. Students are responsible for all health care costs associated with an illness or injury that results from any activity on campus or at an affiliated training site. Neither the University nor its practice experience partners bear any responsibility for healthcare costs of the student.

Rules Related To Disclosure And Release Of Student Information

Wingate University generally may not release to any third party any personally identifiable information in a student's education record without the student’s informed consent. In those instances, the release may be made to (i) officials of other educational institutions in which the student seeks to enroll, provided that the student is notified of the transfer of such information, receives a copy of the information if requested in writing, and has an opportunity to challenge the contents of the record; (ii) certain state and federal government officials stipulated by law; (iii) persons or agencies directly related to a student’s application for, or receipt of, financial assistance; (iv) accrediting organizations; (v) parents of dependent students; (vi) any source if required to do so in compliance with judicial order or subpoena, provided that the student is notified of all such orders or subpoenas; (vii) health authorities, if, in the event of any emergency, knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or other persons; or (viii) University officials (those carrying out official University business, whether paid or unpaid) who have a legitimate educational purpose in consulting the record (based on the need to access the record to perform the University business). Or, the information to be released is exclusively “directory information,” defined as (i) the student's name, address (including e-mail), telephone listing, and photograph; (ii) the student's date and place of birth; (iii) the student's major field of study; (iv) the student's participation in official activities; (v) the height and weight of members of athletic teams; (vi) dates of attendance; (vii) degrees and awards received; and (viii) the most recent previous school attended by the student. Any student may object to the designation of “directory information.”

To do so, he or she must file within 20 days after the first day of classes in each semester a signed notice informing the University that any or all of the information described above should not be considered directory information about that specific student. The requests must be filed in the Office of the Registrar. Such requests for nondisclosure will only be honored by the University for the current enrollment period; therefore, a new request must be submitted each semester or term.

Each University official responsible for any type of educational record shall maintain a record of the persons or parties, other than those University personnel authorized (as specified above) requesting or obtaining access to a student’s educational records. The record of requested access is available only to the student, to the University official responsible for the custody of such records, and to that official's assistants.

The University may disclose to the parent or legal guardian of a student under the age of 21, without the prior written consent of the student, information regarding any violation by the student of any federal, state, or local law or any rule or policy of the University governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the University has determined that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession. The University may disclose, without prior written consent of the student, final results of disciplinary proceedings against the student who is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence (18 U.S.C. § 16) or a non-forcible sex offense if the University finds the student committed a violation of the University’s rules or policies with respect to such crime or offense. The information shall include only the name of the student, the violation committed, and any sanctions imposed by the University on the student. The University may include the name of any other student such as a victim or witness, only with the written consent of that other student.

Student Responsibilities

All financial obligations associated with the student’s occupational therapy education lie with the student including transportation, textbooks, course materials, and other incidental costs. Students are expected to attend each activity of the course and actively participate in the discussions and assignments.

Withdrawal

Students must obtain written approval from the Department of Occupational Therapy to withdraw from occupational therapy courses.

S Chool Of P Harmacy

Dean: Susan Bruce

Associate Dean: Michelle Chaplin

Assistant Deans: Wesley Haltom, Brock Harris, April Robinson

Professors: Susan Bruce, Michelle Chaplin, Samir Kouzi, Lisa Meade, Amie Naylor, Eric Schneider, Shawn Taylor, Jennifer Wilson, Andrew Woods

Associate Professors: Robert Barrons, Dawn Battise, Lisa Brennan, Megan Coleman, Lisa Dinkins, Carrie Griffiths, Wesley Haltom, Brock Harris, Heather Kehr, Geoffrey Mospan, Donald Nuzum, Angela Pegram, Tanya Riley, April Robinson, Rodney Siwale, Susan Smith, Brittany Vickery, Rashi Waghel, Nicholas Wright

Assistant Professors: Erica Anderson, Edward Chiyaka, Evan Drake, Adriane Marino, Alexandra Mihm, Nicholas Nelson, Jenna Theroux, Jennifer Wood

The Wingate University School of Pharmacy opened its doors to applicants in 2002, with the charter class beginning its program of study in August 2003. The charter class graduated from Wingate University in May 2007. All Wingate University pharmacy faculty have made a commitment to excellence in the classroom

Wingate University School of Pharmacy is in strict compliance with the accreditation guidelines of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Wingate University School of Pharmacy intends to be nationally recognized as a leader in the education of pharmacists.

It seeks to reach this goal by providing a state-of-the-art, high-tech learning environment that will facilitate critical thinking and problemsolving skills, scholarly inquiry and service to the institution, the profession and the community.

This handbook contains detailed information describing the admission, progression, and graduation requirements for the Doctor of Pharmacy candidate. The candidate is responsible for knowing the policies, procedures, curricular requirements, and codes of conduct for the School and the University.

The information contained in this handbook is accurate as of the revision date listed. However, the University reserves the right to make changes in the program of study, financial policies, and regulations at any time deemed appropriate by the University.

Each student is responsible for his/her progress towards degree completion Neither the student’s advisor nor the faculty of the School are responsible for insuring that the student meets degree requirements. The School and/or University may terminate enrollment of any student for professional, academic, or financial reasons.

Special Note It is very important to recognize that there may be differences in the procedures described in the general university student handbook for non-pharmacy students in comparison to the procedures for students enrolled in the professional pharmacy program. These differences are intended and have been carefully crafted based on the nature of the doctoral level professional program In those cases where procedures are different, the procedures specific to the professional pharmacy program take precedence over those described for the general undergraduate program.

D EPARTMENTS

EDUCATIONAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

Chair: Jennifer A. Wilson

SOCIAL/ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES AND OUTPATIENT PRACTICE

Chair: Shawn Riser Taylor

TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCES AND INPATIENT PRACTICE

Chair: J. Andrew Woods

M ISSION OF THE S CHOOL

The Wingate University School of Pharmacy aspires to...

MISSION

Educate leaders to advance the care of our community.

VISION

Provide a transformative experience.

VALUES

1. Learner-centered – We will empower all learners to develop the skills, behaviors, and attitudes necessary for life-long success. Our learners are partners in education, and we value their interests and needs first in the pursuit of excellence and goal attainment. Community – We will promote a culture of community and collaboration among students, alumni, faculty, staff, patients, and the healthcare team built upon a foundation of respect, integrity, and compassion. We seek to be active partners in our community, serving the wellbeing of those around us.

2. Influence – We will lead the profession forward by promoting a culture of mentorship and advocacy among all stakeholders in an effort to amplify the provision of patient-centered healthcare.

3. Adaptability – We will ensure all students, faculty, and staff exercise adaptability to achieve success within the rapidly changing healthcare and higher education landscapes by promoting innovation, displaying creativity, and challenging the status quo.

4. Diversity – We will foster an environment that ensures and values inclusivity, belonging, and appreciation. We will provide opportunities that nurture diversity of thought through tailored student experiences.

A Ccreditation

Accreditation oversight for pharmacy education is provided by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The Wingate University School of Pharmacy is fully accredited by ACPE through 2029 Additionally, the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS) approved the University to award the doctoral degree (Doctor of Pharmacy Degree) in 2004.

Concerns And Complaints

The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) requires that each school of pharmacy implement a process to allow for students to lodge written complaints regarding the school of pharmacy or the pharmacy program – complaints that relate directly to ACPE’s accreditation standards, policies, or procedures. The Wingate University School of Pharmacy’s process for formally registering these concerns and complaints is as follows:

A student who has a concern or a complaint about the School of Pharmacy or the Doctor of Pharmacy Program regarding ACPE’s accreditation standards, policies, or procedures may complete the required components of the Student Concerns and Complaints Form Those required components include (i) the student’s name, class, and email address, (ii) the date of the concern or complaint, (iii) the specific ACPE accreditation standard, policy, or procedure that is of concern (The accreditation standards can be found at https://www.acpeaccredit.org/pdf/Standards2016FINAL.pdf), and (iv) a description of the specific complaint or concern.

The form will be sent to and reviewed by the Assistant Dean for Student Services (see the website for details).

• The form will then be referred to the Executive Committee (Dean and Assistant Deans) for analysis, assignment, and planning or action.

• Students will be notified of the concern or complaint and the resultant actions taken or to be taken by the School of Pharmacy.

• A file of these concerns and complaints will be maintained in the Office of the Assistant Dean for Student Services and will be made available to ACPE during site visits and upon written requests from ACPE. The implications of these complaints will be included in ACPE’s Evaluation Team Report.

These concerns and complaints will also be considered in the School of Pharmacy’s assessment, quality improvement, and self-study processes.

A Dmissions

The Wingate University School of Pharmacy has a special opportunity and responsibility to educate pharmacists who can help meet the health care needs of the state and the nation. The Admissions Committee selects students who in its judgment best provide excellence and diversity in the student body. The school makes a sincere effort to graduate every matriculated student, and a variety of academic and social support services enhance the overall experience of pharmacy education. Prospective students may make application to the Wingate University School of Pharmacy directly through the National Pharmacy Application Clearinghouse (PharmCAS). The application is available online (www.PharmCAS.org). Admissions decisions are based upon the calculated required pre-pharmacy course work grade point average, PCAT scores, letters of recommendation, and the student interview score. For questions related to admissions, prospective students may direct inquiries to Pharmacy Admissions Hendersonville: 828-6970105, hendersonville@wingate.edu or Wingate: 704-233-8331 or via email at Pharmacy@Wingate.edu

Because of the nature of the pharmacy profession and its role in the rendering of pharmaceutical care and medication therapy management, the Wingate University School of Pharmacy has incorporated several non-cognitive skill building elements into the pharmacy curriculum. Therefore, in addition to the demonstration of a high level of cognitive skill, the demands of the curriculum dictate that all School of Pharmacy matriculants must demonstrate a prescribed level of psychomotor skill including visual, auditory, motor, and tactile abilities. Professional Technical Standards as determined by the School of Pharmacy must be met with or without appropriate accommodations

Wingate University is committed to ensuring that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in university programs or activities due to his or her disability. The University is fully committed to complying with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and its amendments and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and to providing equal educational opportunities to otherwise qualified students with disabilities Disability support services are available to otherwise qualified applicants with disabilities to ensure equal access to the University’s programs and services. Services may include making academic and/or non-academic accommodations for students. The University's Office of Disability Support Services is the only designated department authorized to coordinate disability-related services Applicants should contact the Office of Disability Support Services when seeking academic and/or non-academic accommodations

Wingate University requires that a minimum of 62 semester credit hours (94 quarter credit hours) of college coursework be completed prior to matriculation into the School of Pharmacy. Applicants must successfully complete the following required courses.

*Any count.

The academic program of the Wingate University School of Pharmacy is student-centered. The overarching goal of the curriculum is the assurance of the mastery of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes prescribed by the profession and by society for the pharmacist of tomorrow. This unique curricular approach has been carefully crafted for continuous quality improvement of its structure and content. Its endpoint can be seen in the health care servant of tomorrow whose commitment to competence does not end upon graduation and whose dedication to the service of others is evident in all considerations and actions undertaken.

A Cademic C Alendar

Fall 2023

New pharmacy student Orientation Week

Classes Begin

Third-year student rotation Block 1

Entering student White Coat Ceremony

Wingate Campus

Hendersonville Campus

Fourth-year student rotation Block 5

Labor Day Holiday

Third-year student rotation Block 2

Fall Break – No Classes

Third-year student rotation Block 3

Fourth-year student rotation Block 6

Fourth-year student rotation Block 7

Classes End

Thanksgiving Holiday

Final Exams

Spring 2024

Classes Begin

Third-year student rotation Block 4

Fourth-year student rotation Block 8

Martin Luther King Holiday

Third-year student rotation Block 5

Fourth-year student rotation Block 9

Spring Break – No Classes

Third-year student rotation Block 6

Fourth-year student rotation Block 10

Fourth-year student rotation Block 11

Easter Holiday

Classes End

Final Exams

Commencement

Summer 2024

Fourth-year student rotation Block 1

Memorial Day Holiday

Fourth-year student rotation Block 2

August 2-4

August 7

August 7-September 8

August 14

August 21

September 1-29

September 4

September 11-October 13

October 13-16

October 16-November 17

October 2-31

November 1-30

November 17

November 20-24

November 27-December 6

January 8

January 8-February 9

January 2-31

January 15

February 12-March 15

February 1-29

March 18-22

March 2-April 26

March 1-29

April 1-30

Mar. 29-Apr.1

April 26

April 29-May 8

May 10

May 1-31

May 27

June 3-28

Juneteenth Holiday June 19

Independence Day Holiday

July

C Urricular C Omponents

The curriculum is designed with students in mind, offering a variety of teaching methods and opportunities for students to tailor their pharmacy education through an increased number of elective opportunities. Students may also earn digital badges to be displayed on LinkedIn and resumes to showcase individualized training, certifications, and credentials to potential employers.

The WUSOP curriculum equips students with the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes needed to practice in any healthcare setting and address the needs of any patient. Six curricular threads are woven throughout the curriculum to ensure that students are ready for practice upon graduation.

1. Integrated Pharmacotherapy Modules (IGP): Following a foundational first-semester course, this thread includes a series of integrated courses, organized by body systems, which describe the physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacotherapy for the treatment of common medical disorders. This series of courses provides future pharmacists with a well-rounded knowledge of pharmaceutical and clinical sciences for application in pharmacy practice.

2. Social and Administrative Sciences (SAS): This thread develops engaged community members who solve patient, population, profession, and health care problems utilizing evidence and innovation, while maintaining necessary legal and ethical considerations. As life-long learners, the goal is to utilize and continually evolve cultural and structural competency to communicate and collaborate effectively as members of interand intraprofessional teams.

3. Skills Lab: This thread complements courses taught in the classroom and involves a combination of lab activities and case discussions to augment student learning. The goal is application of foundational, clinical, and affective domain knowledge and skills in preparation for successful pharmacy practice.

4. Pathways: This thread provides a flexible platform which allows for exploration of and additional development in a variety of practice areas to increase opportunities for employment in unique areas of pharmacy practice. This thread offers a mixture of programs and partnerships in live and virtual formats, taking advantage of partnerships between the school and the university and external stakeholders.

5. Experiential Education: This thread prepares practice-ready pharmacists who competently apply skills and knowledge acquired in curricular and co-curricular experiences. This thread begins with introductory experiences in community and hospital pharmacy in the first and second years, faculty-led third year rotation experiences in ambulatory care and inpatient medicine, and culminates in a year of full-time rotation experiences in a variety of practice settings.

6. Interprofessional Education: This thread builds upon and reinforces concepts taught throughout the SAS and Skills Lab threads through intentionally designed courses where students learn about, with, and from students in other health professions programs (e.g., Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, Nursing, Medicine).

WUSOP IPE V ISION , M ISSION AND G OAL S TATEMENTS

The Interprofessional Education Committee (IPE) deliberated and developed statements for the School of Pharmacy’s IPE Vision, Mission and Goals over this past semester. The statements shown below have been approved by the Committee and we want to share them with the faculty. These will be placed in the student handbook and possibly on the web site. Any comments are welcome.

Vision

The interprofessional education program at Wingate University School of Pharmacy strives to create an exemplary model for preparing student pharmacists for interprofessional, team-based patient centered care.

Mission

The interprofessional education program at Wingate University School of Pharmacy prepares student pharmacists to be practice ready, interprofessional team members focused on delivering care and advocating for their patients in the effort to improve patient outcomes.

GOAL STATEMENTS:

• IPE program participants will learn about, from and with health professions’ students.

• Interprofessional education will be intentionally planned and integrated within the didactic and experiential education portions of the curriculum.

• Assessment of interprofessional education activities will be intentional and aligned with program goals.

• Meaningful co-curricular and extra-curricular interprofessional education activities will be planned that complement didactic and experiential learning.

• The WUSOP IPE Committee will maintain and establish new interprofessional education opportunities with the Wingate University health profession’s programs, as well as with academic health centers external to Wingate University.

• WF has intentionally planned activities as does Atrium, Main

• Hendersonville-based IPE event – simulation with P4 pharmacy students

C Urricular C Hange

The Wingate University School of Pharmacy Program is subject to ongoing evaluation as dictated by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The Program Compliance Committee, a standing faculty/student committee, will follow the Guidelines for SelfStudy of ACPE. It should be noted that ACPE guidelines call for ongoing assessment rather than point-in-time assessment of program elements. The Program Compliance Committee reports to the Dean who is responsible for taking action on the findings and recommendations of the Committee. Proposals for curricular modification emanating from these self-study processes are carefully deliberated upon by the entire faculty. While the curriculum and program of study detailed within this catalog were accurate at the time of publication, the School reserves the right to make modifications without advance notice.

P Rogram S Ites

The program will be delivered on and off the campuses of Wingate and Hendersonville campuses Didactic courses will be delivered live and via distant technology while practice experiences will entail learning exercises within affiliated sites including community pharmacies, longterm care facilities, hospitals, and clinics. The School will attempt to place students in locations that are mutually agreed upon but reserves the right to place students in locations that may be distant from campus when necessary. Transportation for all off-campus practice experiences is the responsibility of the student, as are living arrangements and living expenses.

A Cademic P Olicies

Academic Honors

THE DEAN’S LIST

Students whose academic performance is within the top ten percent of the class are placed on the Dean’s List after each semester. Eligible students must be enrolled full-time and in good academic and professional standing. Fourth-year professional students are not eligible for the Dean’s List.

Graduation With Distinction

Students who attain a School of Pharmacy cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater will be specially recognized upon graduation.

3.90 or higher = summa cum laude

3.70 to 3.89 = magna cum laude

3.50 to 3.69 = cum laude

ACADEMIC PROGRESSION AND GRADUATION

ACADEMIC PROGRESSION AND GRADUATION

Each year, full progression is awarded to students who have successfully achieved a grade of C or higher in all coursework within the School of Pharmacy Remediation activities may be available for selected courses.

GRADING

All grades will be calculated on the basis of the following scale:

A 89.5% to 100% = 4.0 Grade Points per Semester Credit Hour

B 79.5% to < 89.5% = 3.0 Grade Points per Semester Credit Hour

C 69.5% to < 79.5% = 2.0 Grade Points per Semester Credit Hour

F < 69.5% or below = Zero Grade Points per Semester Credit Hour

ACADEMIC WARNING

• Receipt of 1st failure

• Students are not considered to be in good academic standing and may not hold offices or committee chairs in student organizations nor may they travel to national or regional meetings that conflict with scheduled classes

• Students will be considered in good academic standing once the failed course is successfully passed

ACADEMIC PROBATION (STUDENT MAY CONTINUE TAKING COURSES AS OUTLINED BY STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE)

• Receipt of failure in a 2nd (different) course

• Students are not considered to be in good academic standing and may not hold offices or committee chairs in student organizations nor may they travel to national or regional meetings that conflict with scheduled classes

• The Student Affairs Committee (SAC) will develop an academic contract for the student whose terms must be satisfied within the timeline imposed per the contract for continued progression. Those unable to meet the terms of the contract are subject to dismissal from the program.

• Advisor reassignment may occur.

• Students will be considered in good academic standing once the courses are satisfactorily completed and the terms of the contract are met.

ACADEMIC DISQUALIFICATION (STUDENT IS DISMISSED FROM THE PROGRAM)

• Receipt of 3 or more failures

• Receipt of 2nd failure of the same course

• Permanent inability to meet the Professional Technical Standards

• Note: Disqualified students may petition the SAC to reapply to the School of Pharmacy as an entering P1 student

Duration Of Study

Students have a maximum of six years to complete the Doctor of Pharmacy Program.

Academic Petitions

If a student does not meet the academic standards or regulations of the School of Pharmacy, s/he may petition the Student Affairs Committee (SAC) for an exception to the policy within 3 business days of receiving the grade. The SAC meets on an as needed basis to review petitions. Each student is responsible for submitting his/her own petition. Students must submit petitions to the SAC in writing using the Academic Petition Form. The student must meet with his/her faculty advisor to discuss the petition process. If the student is unable to consult with his/her advisor in advance s/he may also seek guidance about the petition process from the Assistant Dean for Student Services.

Students have the option to appear before the SAC to present the petition and answer questions. If a student does not wish to appear before the committee, the petition will be considered without the student present.

The student will be officially informed of the decision by the Assistant Dean for Student Services. If the decision is approved, a revised plan of study and terms of agreement for the conditions are prepared for the student. The student has two business days to agree to the terms by signing the agreement and returning to the Assistant Dean for Student

Services. If a petition is denied, the students may meet with the Assistant Dean for Student Services to discuss options regarding their educational plans. As a final option, students may appeal a denied petition to the Dean after meeting with the Assistant Dean for Student Services Appeals should be in writing and sent to the Dean within 3 business days of notification from the SAC committee. The appeal should address concerns about the SAC process and/or new information.

Advising

Advising is one of the cornerstones of the Wingate University School of Pharmacy. This feature of the student experience is coordinated through the Office of Student Services. Upon matriculation, each student will work with the Student Success Counselor to learn about the Blue Curriculum Advising Model. During the spring semester, P1 students will be matched to a faculty advisor. P2-P4 students will maintain their current assigned faculty advisors. To assist students with issues related to the curriculum, other educational opportunities, academic progression, career decision-making, and personal concerns, students should meet with their faculty advisor and/or one of the Assistant/Associate Deans, depending on the nature of the issue. Students should meet with their faculty advisors no less than once per semester.

A Ssessment

The faculty and practitioners have identified the ability set for which a student must demonstrate mastery each year of the program. Students who do not demonstrate mastery will be given plans for remediation of their deficiencies and may be required to submit to a reassessment of those abilities not mastered prior to full progression.

The inability to demonstrate mastery of the skill sets prescribed may result in delayed progression. The annual assessment exam scores are not equivalent to course grades. They measure different competencies and therefore, are not interchangeable. Course grades are used to determine progression through the curriculum and Doctor of Pharmacy Degree completion.

Attendance

Attendance is expected and is critical for successful acquisition of knowledge and skills required of the candidates for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Students who miss class place themselves at an academic disadvantage.

The Office of Student Services may grant excused absences for medical emergencies, car malfunction or accidents, debilitating illness or death in the immediate family; all other absences are generally unexcused. All absences that occur on an examination, quiz, or special project day require appropriate documentation. Absences associated with weddings, personal travel, traffic court summons, or other non-emergency events do not meet the criteria for excused absences. It would be highly unusual for any student to request an excused absence more than once per semester. Those with circumstances that extend beyond one day should immediately alert the Assistant Dean for Student Services or Regional Dean.

Students must take all tests, including quizzes, midterms, and final exams, and participate in all lab exercises at their assigned campuses as scheduled in course syllabi. Faculty at Wingate University School of Pharmacy encourage students to participate in local, regional and national professional organizations. Those who plan to attend professional meetings in order to fulfill official duties or make presentations when exams are scheduled should submit an Anticipated Absence Request form to the Office of Student Services 6 weeks before the anticipated absence. International students may also submit the Anticipated Absence Request form in advance of court appearances. Respective Deans will communicate with the faculty teaching the affected classes.

Punctuality is essential. Excessive tardiness is unacceptable and may result in an unexcused absence. Instructors will have the discretion to determine if students can make-up missed quizzes or assignments due to tardiness. Students should refer to the Exam Proctoring Procedures document for directions regarding late arrivals to exams.

For courses provided online, students should be fully engaged in the course materials and should not be participating in other activities such as driving, work, home activities, etc.

Campus Transfers

Students seeking to transfer from one pharmacy campus to another must request permission and approval from the Assistant Dean for Student Services. To be considered for a transfer, students must have a compelling reason or extenuating circumstances. All transfer requests should be submitted in writing directly to the Assistant Dean for Student Services

Disability Accommodations

Any student who, because of disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet course requirements must first obtain approval for accommodations through the University’s Office of Disability Support Services Once accommodations are approved, the student must meet with the Assistant Dean for Student Services and then with the course leader prior to or during the first week of class each semester to determine implementation It is the student’s responsibility to present accommodation requests to each course coordinator within the first week of class of each new semester.

Accommodations are for present and future activities and are not retroactive. Disabilities that are not approved by the University’s Office of Disability Support Services will not receive special accommodations. Ms. Kristin Wharton, Executive Director of the Academic Resource Center | kwharton@wingate.edu; 704-233-8366

Examinations

Students are expected to complete examinations as scheduled Students must obtain and submit a Request for Excused Absence from the Office of Student Services, and if approved, contact the course instructor to reschedule the exam. Those who are tardy may be asked to leave the classroom and not allowed to take the examination Students who arrive to examinations late will not be allowed to take the examination if one student has already left the examination room.

Students are expected to remain in the examination classroom throughout the duration of the exam. Students may take restroom breaks during assessments, but should do so only if they are unable to wait until the end of the assessment.

Grade Disputes Didactic

Any student who has reason to question a graded assignment, test, or final course grade must first submit the concern to the instructor in writing within ten business days of receiving the grade. Upon receipt of this written notification, the instructor will provide a written response to the student within 10 business days. If the appeal to the instructor is not satisfactory, the student may appeal to the faculty team leader of the course in question by forwarding the original written complaint along with any additional information in writing.

If not resolved at the faculty course leader level, the student may appeal the grade to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs The student must submit the complaint in writing to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and copy the Instructor and/or Team Leader of the course.

The Associate Dean may not consider any grade appeal without consulting with the faculty team leader and/or instructor for the course in question The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs may not change a grade but will advise the Dean regarding the situation. The Dean’s decision on a grade dispute is final.

EXPERIENTIAL/PRACTICE EXPERIENCE

Any student who has reason to question a graded assignment or final rotation grade must first discuss the nature of the concern with the preceptor within ten business days of the end of rotation If a resolution to the problem is not reached at the level of the preceptor, the student may appeal the grade.

The student may appeal to the Assistant Dean of Experiential Education

The student must submit the complaint in writing to the Assistant Dean for Student Services and copy the rotation preceptor. If not resolved at that level, the student may appeal the grade to the Assistant Dean for Student Services. The student must submit the complaint in writing to the Assistant Dean for Student Services and copy the Assistant Dean of Experiential Education

The Assistant Dean for Student Services may not consider any grade dispute without consulting with the Assistant Dean of Experiential Education. The Assistant Dean for Student Services may not change a grade but will advise the Dean regarding the situation. The Dean’s decision on a grade dispute is final.

Graduation

Students who enroll in and pass each required and elective course within the curriculum, have amassed the prescribed hours of practice experience, have achieved a School of Pharmacy grade point average of at least 2.0, and have been judged by the faculty to have met all the academic and professional requirements will be eligible for graduation.

Personal Health Insurance

Students are required to maintain personal health insurance coverage during their enrollment in the School of Pharmacy. Students are re sponsible for all health care costs associated with an illness or injury that results from any activity on campus or at an affiliated training site. Neither the University nor its practice experience partners bear any responsibility for health care costs of the student.

P Rofessionalism

The School of Pharmacy at Wingate University is committed to the development of the pharmacy professional In all professional pharmacy endeavors students are expected to think, act, and behave professionally and throughout the pharmacy curriculum where applicable, students are graded based on their professional contributions Students are expected to display appropriate respect for the rights and privileges of their peers and other members of the University community and their guests. Classroom and laboratory atmospheres must be free from any sort of disruption. Consequently, all courses require the illustration of professional characteristics during and outside of formal class time Professional characteristics are reflected in the student’s adherence to course policies, School of Pharmacy Handbook guidelines, and the University Code of Conduct.

Instructors reserve the right to take the following action for students who do not adhere to professional expectations: reduction in student points gained for the day, dismissal from the class, or receiving an unexcused absence.

Professional Conduct Review Board

The Professional Conduct Review Board is composed of members of the faculty and student body. Student members will be nominated by faculty and staff. Once approved by the Dean, nominees will be put forward for a vote before peers in their class year. One student representative for each class year will be selected by majority vote. Appropriate studentrelated issues for Board deliberation may include, but are not limited to the following: academic misconduct, unexcused absences, drug diversion, failed drug screens, drug or alcohol intoxication, failure to report for a drug screen, unauthorized access, distribution of restricted materials, falsifying records, unprofessional response to conflict, attire and professional bearing compromises, inappropriate language, harassment, bullying, failure to comply with reasonable instructions, tardiness, communications not up to professional standards, personal and/or cultural insensitivity, HIPAA violations, or other conduct unbecoming of a professional. The Professional Conduct Review Board may also refer these matters to the University’s Office of Community Standards and/or Title IX Coordinator. Allegations involving sexual harassment will be handled exclusively by the Office of the Wingate University Title IX Coordinator. Concerns related to faculty and/or staff professionalism should be brought forward to the Assistant Dean of Student Services and/or the Office of Human Resources.

Academic or professional misconduct is a reflection on professionalism and therefore falls under the purview of this Board. Students or employees who suspect possible violations of the Code of Professional and Academic Conduct should report this to the Board Chair within 7 working days (excluding holidays and school closures) of becoming aware of the suspected violation, and shall provide any known or available evidence. The Board Chair, with or without consultation of the Vice-chair, shall review the report and determine whether the alleged conduct, if true, would rise to the level of unprofessional conduct contemplated by this policy. If the Board Chair and/or Vice-chair determines that the alleged conduct falls within this policy the Board Chair shall investigate by interviewing relevant witnesses and reviewing relevant materials, and in the discretion of the Board Chair, the student who is alleged to have been engaged in the putative misconduct. When possible, the referred student will remain anonymous to everyone except the Board Chair, Assistant Dean of Students, Assistant Dean for Hendersonville (if applicable), and Dean. The Board Chair shall prepare a formal complaint that includes the alleged conduct within 5 working days. The referred student and their faculty advisor will be notified of the formal complaint. The referring party (ex. student, faculty or staff member) will not receive any notification related to the formal complaint.

Board meetings will be called by the Chair within 10 working days of the formal complaint. The Board will convene to review the issue and the involved parties will be invited to speak, as deemed necessary. When possible, the referring party will remain anonymous unless they request otherwise. All Board meetings will be closed sessions as student confidentiality is a priority. Outside participants are not allowed unless previously approved by the Chair for the explicit purpose of providing necessary information. Students may request one trusted advisor be present for support but this must be coordinated with the Chair in advance of the meeting. Failure to appear will not stop proceedings. Board deliberations and voting will be private. Disciplinary action will be determined by a simple majority vote. The Chair will not vote except in the event of a tie. Within 48 working hours, the Board will provide a response to the Assistant Dean of Students (or another Administrator if the Assistant Dean of Students if unavailable) which may include a final recommendation or, if necessary, a request for additional information. Should additional information be required, the referred student will be notified. The final Board recommendation will be reviewed and approved by the Assistant Dean of Students before the student and the student’s faculty advisor receives formal, written notification. The referring party will not be notified of the Board’s final decision. Exceptions may include a decision that impacts a student’s academic performance (ex. grade adjustment). After notification, formal appeals must be filed by the sanctioned student within 72 working hours of notification to the Dean.

A student may appeal based on one of the following criteria: (1) a procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the matter; (2) new evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination that could affect the outcome of the matter; or (3) bias or a conflict of interest by a member of the Board. The decision of the Dean is final and is not appealable.

Sanctions shall be determined by the Professional Conduct Review Board and recommended to the Assistant Dean of Students (or another Administrator if the Assistant Dean of Students is unavailable) for approval. Recommendations shall be based on the severity of the infraction and may include more than one sanction. Repeated infractions may result in more significant sanctions. All final sanctions will be reported to the student’s faculty advisor, and the Office of Student Services to be kept in the student’s file. Possible recommended sanctions include, but are not limited to:

Additional Education

• Training to be completed in a specific timeframe to education the student on the issue and encourage continued professional development

Letter of Reprimand

• Letter of notice that the student has had a breach in their professionalism contract

Professionalism Probation

• Period of specified time during which a student is not in good professional standing

• During this time, a student may not be allowed to: o Hold an office in student organizations o Represent the school for certain extracurricular activities o Receive support for conferences/meetings o Receive scholarships or awards/honors of distinction o Grade adjustment with or without re-assignment

Receiving an “F” on the course assignment

Receiving an “F” on the overall course

Service

• May include service to the community, profession, School of Pharmacy, and/or Wingate University

Suspension

• Temporary separation from the school with conditional readmission

Dismissal

• Permanent separation from the school

Counseling or other professional services

• Counseling services may be provided by the school or external bodies. The student may be responsible for payment of services for any recommended counseling or support

Other discretionary sanctions based upon committee discussion and/or consultation with the appropriate administrator

Remediation

Remediation and re-evaluation will be offered to students whose course grade is between 64.5-69.4% and who demonstrated consistent effort throughout the course as defined in the remediation eligibility criteria. Students should be able to progress through the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum with post-semester or end of course remediation and reevaluation. Generally, students whose course grade is <64.5% will be required to retake the course in its entirety the next time it is normally offered. This may result in a delay in completing the Doctor of Pharmacy program, along with associated financial implications, or dismissal from the Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Repeat Courses

Students who repeat or re-take a course previously passed, the last grade earned becomes the current grade in the course even if it is lower than the first grade. The last grade will be used to determine academic progression, grade point averages, honors, and other related graduation requirements.

Student Responsibilities

All financial obligations associated with the student’s pharmacy education lie with the student including transportation, textbooks, course materials, and other incidental costs. Students are expected to attend each activity of the course and actively participate in the discussions and assignments.

T EMPORARY LEAVE OF ABSENCE (TLA) (STUDENT IS NOT ENROLLED IN COURSES)

The Assistant Dean for Student Services may recommend a leave of absence for any student who is temporarily unable to meet the Professional Technical Standards Students may also request a TLA in the event that the student’s health (e.g. physical, mental, emotional) is in jeopardy. The required terms will be outlined in a written contract for the student to resume participation in the program.

W Ithdrawal

Students are not permitted to withdraw selectively from courses during the semester Students may request a withdrawal from all courses from the Assistant Dean for Student Services.

D Epartment Of P Hysical T Herapy

Program Director: Karen Friel

Professors: Karen Friel

Associate Professors: Brett MacLennan, James Massey, Tyler Shultz, Mary Swiggum

Assistant Professors: Danielle Felsberg, Jordan Felsberg, Jill Nappi-Kaehler, Jaclyn Polk, Deborah Prouty

Visiting Professor: Stephen Morris

Wingate University is operated on a nondiscriminatory basis. Wingate University complies with federal law, including the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Wingate University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service in its administration of education policies, programs, activities or services; admissions and housing policies; scholarship and loan programs; or employment; except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the Office of Business Affairs.

Wingate University further complies with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This act, as it applies to institutions of higher learning, ensures that students have access to certain records that pertain to them and that unauthorized persons do not have access to such records. A copy of the Act and the University’s policy regarding Student Educational Records and Information is available upon request at the Office of the Dean of Students and at the Office of the Registrar. Information on crime statistics and graduation rates is available upon request in the Office of Admissions.

This handbook contains detailed information describing the admission, progression, and graduation requirements for the doctor of physical therapy candidate. The candidate is responsible for knowing the policies, procedures, curricular requirements, and codes of conduct for the Department and the University.

The information contained in this handbook is accurate as of the date of publication. However, the University reserves the right to make changes in the program of study, financial policies, and regulations at any time deemed appropriate by the University. Each student is responsible for his/her progress towards degree completion. Neither the student’s advisor nor the faculty of the Department are responsible for ensuring that the student meets degree requirements. The Department and/or University may terminate enrollment of any student for professional, academic, or financial reasons.

Special Note: It is very important to recognize that there may be differences in the procedures described in the general university student handbook for non-physical therapy students in comparison to the procedures for students enrolled in the professional physical therapy program. These differences are intended and have been carefully crafted based on the nature of the doctoral level professional program. In those cases where procedures are different, the procedures specific to the professional physical therapy program take precedence over those described for the general undergraduate program.

A Cademic C Alendar

A Bout The D Epartment

The Wingate University Department of Physical Therapy was founded in 2012, and opened its doors to the charter class beginning study in January 2014. The class size has been capped at 44 to assure special attention to every student. All Wingate University physical therapy faculty have made a strong commitment to student-centered education, striving for excellence both in and out of the classroom. All classes are directed by faculty possessing terminal doctoral degrees. No courses, discussions, case studies or laboratories are taught by graduate students. The accrediting agency for physical therapy education is the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program is fully accredited through 2021 and will have its next accreditation site visit in fall of 2021.

Wingate University Department of Physical Therapy is in strict compliance with the accreditation guidelines of CAPTE. Wingate University Department of Physical Therapy’s mission statement is – to provide an innovative, scholarly, learner-centered environment to cultivate exceptional, mindful and impactful physical therapists who are leaders in, and committed to, interprofessional collaboration, global community engagement and professional formation.

The salient values and expectations of every member of the Wingate University Department of Physical Therapy include programs that will consistently strive to include the following guiding principles in all aspects of the educational experience:

• Academic Rigor to ready the graduate for physical therapy practice and professional and community service.

• Active Learning Strategies that foster intellectual development and scientific reasoning.

• Commitment to Student Success that provides each student with the necessary support to be successful in academic achievement.

• Integrity in every facet of educational, professional and personal growth among faculty, staff and students.

• Value Diversity and the unique contributions that can be provided among all faculty, staff and students.

• Sense of Community that works to benefit the larger Wingate community and Piedmont region of North Carolina, and to maintain mutually beneficial connections with our alumni.

Program Sites

The program is delivered onsite on the Wingate campus of Wingate University. Clinical education experiences will entail learning exercises within affiliated sites within the physical therapy network. The Department will attempt to place students in locations that are mutually agreed upon but reserves the right to place students in locations that may be distant from campus when necessary. Transportation for all offcampus clinical education experiences is the responsibility of the student, as are living arrangements and living expenses.

A Ccreditation

Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination required in all states.

E NTRY - LEVEL DPT PROGRAM :

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Wingate University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org

CAPTE considers complaints about programs that are accredited, or are seeking accreditation by CAPTE, and complaints about CAPTE itself. The process for formal complaints regarding CAPTE can be found at http://www.capteonline.org/Complaints/

A Dmission S

The Wingate University Department of Physical Therapy has a special opportunity and responsibility to educate physical therapists who can help meet the health care needs of the state and the nation. The goal of the DPT Admissions Committee is to select candidates who will succeed in the program, fill the health care needs of the U.S. upon graduation, and advance the profession of physical therapy, but who will also reflect the multifaceted diversity of society. These goals are consistent with the Wingate University Mission of Commitment to Knowledge, Faith and Service.

Wingate University requires that all applicants matriculating into the DPT Program hold an earned baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited institution in the U.S., and in addition completed all identified prerequisite course work with a grade of “C” or higher prior to matriculation into the Department of Physical Therapy. See Definition of Accredited Institutions under Graduate Policies and Procedures. Applicants must also meet other minimum requirements as identified on the application and accompanying documents.

Prospective students may make application to the Wingate University Department of Physical Therapy through the avenue described on the applicable programmatic webpage at www.dpt.wingate.edu. Admissions decisions are multi-factorial and consider a composite score calculated from the required pre-physical therapy course work, grade point average, letters of recommendation, an interview, and any other student interactions with faculty, staff or other persons associated with Wingate University occurring during the admissions process. Other factors involving any student applicant’s likelihood to be successful within the program are also considered. Additionally, the program may have specific goals or expected outcomes for the entering cohort that may be factored into the admissions process. For questions related to admissions, prospective students may direct inquiries to dpt@wingate.edu or by calling (704) 233-8674.

Because of the nature of the physical therapy profession and its role in the rendering of patient care, the Wingate University Department of Physical Therapy has incorporated several non-cognitive skill building elements into the physical therapy curriculum. Therefore, in addition to the demonstration of a high level of cognitive skill, the demands of the curriculum dictate that all Department of Physical Therapy matriculants must demonstrate a prescribed level of psychomotor skill including visual, auditory, motor, and tactile abilities. Essential functions as determined by the Director of the Department of Physical Therapy must be met with or without appropriate accommodations.

Wingate University is committed to ensuring that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in university programs or activities due to his or her disability. The University is fully committed to complying with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and its amendments and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and to providing equal educational opportunities to otherwise qualified students with disabilities. Disability support services are available to otherwise qualified applicants with disabilities to ensure equal access to the University’s programs and services. Services may include making academic and/or non-academic accommodations for students. The University's Office of Disability Support Services is the only designated department authorized to coordinate disability-related services. Applicants should contact the Office of Disability Support Services when seeking academic and/or non-academic accommodations.

PRE-MATRICULATION PHYSICAL THERAPY ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Hold a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited institution in the United States (see Definition of Accredited Institutions under Graduate Policies and Procedures), and in addition completed all identified prerequisite course work with a grade of “C” or higher prior to matriculation into the Department of Physical Therapy.

Academic Requirements

SCIENCES -- 31 SEMESTER HOURS

• 4 semester hours Biology with lab

• 8 semester hours Chemistry (I and II) with lab

• 8 semester hours Physics (I and II) with lab

• 4 semester hours Human Anatomy with lab

• 4 semester hours Human Physiology with lab

• 3 semester hours Advanced Biology or Upper Level Science

PSYCHOLOGY 3 SEMESTER HOURS

• 3 hours of Normal Psychology

MATH -- 6 SEMESTER HOURS

• 3 semester hours Pre‐calculus or above

• 3 semester hours Statistics

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

In an attempt to allow thorough informed consent to attend the professional program, all students who matriculate into the entrylevel DPT program MUST complete a criminal background check (CBC) as prescribed by the program. This CBC will allow the Program Director and student to be alerted to any potential background information which may interfere with or preclude a student from completing a clinical internship and/or securing the opportunity to sit for licensure in their desired state. After a review and conversation regarding any findings in the CBC, the matriculating student may be asked to provide written documentation of their informed consent to continue with the matriculation and education process.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at Wingate University, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. A person qualified for the DPT program is one who has met academic standards and is able, with or without reasonable accommodations, to meet the essential functions of a physical therapist.

These essential functions are the activities that a student physical therapist must be able to perform, with or without accommodations, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for successful completion of the professional curriculum. They are applicable in the classroom, laboratories, simulated clinical settings, and on clinical education assignments.

Wingate University uses independent clinical education sites that may or may not be able to offer the same reasonable accommodations made available by the University.

The essential functions articulated below will help students interested in the DPT program to make an informed decision about career choice.

Other specific requirements and competencies are outlined in course syllabi and clinical performance tools. Faculty will assess each student's ability to meet the Essential Functions. Students must be able to confidently state that they can meet these requirements prior to entering the program.

• The Essential Functions will be sent to each student with their acceptance information and posted on the department website.

• The accepted student will read the document and send the initialed and signed copy back to the department within one month of accepting a seat in the program.

• Failure to meet the Essential Functions at any point during the program may prevent the student from progressing through the program. If, in the professional judgment of the faculty, no reasonable accommodation can be made to allow for successful performance, the student may be terminated from the program. PT faculty will work with the Office of Disability Services to assess the options available to meet the Essential Functions.

• Students who seek reasonable accommodations for a diagnosed disability should refer to the section of the University Catalog entitled, "Disability Services".

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF A PHYSICAL THERAPIST*

Note: Students will be required to acknowledge and attest to the following:

THE STUDENT PHYSICAL THERAPIST MUST HAVE THE CAPACITY

TO: OBSERVE

• Must be able to interpret written and illustrated material both in print and electronic form. Perceive discriminatory findings on radiographic images. Assess patient/client posture, gait, movement patterns, monitor physiological responses, assess depth and characteristics of integumentary/skin/soft tissue compromise, and read degrees of motion on a goniometer.

COMMUNICATE

• Communicate effectively and sensitively with persons of any cultural and social background using appropriate verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills with faculty, peers, other members of the inter-disciplinary team, and patients/clients/caregivers.

• Confidently, comprehensively, and concisely communicate relevant information regarding patient status with appropriate members of inter-disciplinary team. Utilize empathetic listening skills to promote open communication and develop a positive rapport with faculty, peers, other members of the interdisciplinary team, and patients/clients/caregivers.

• Read, write, record, and interpret written and nonverbal communication in a timely manner using both written and electronic formats at a competency level that allows a physical therapist to safely function in the academic or clinical setting in a professional manner.

• Provide complete, accurate and timely written documentation of patient history and physical examination.

INTELLECTUAL/CONCEPTUAL, INTEGRATIVE, & QUANTITATIVE ABILITIES

● Effectively organize and prioritize tasks when simultaneously managing the treatment of multiple patients or other rehabilitation duties simultaneously.

● Effectively manage patient care and other rehabilitation duties with lab partners, patients, families, and others under stressful conditions, including but not limited to medically or emotionally unstable individuals, situations requiring rapid adaptations, the provision of CPR, or other emergency interventions.

● Seek, incorporate, synthesize, reason, and analyze information from peers, instructors, and the literature in both didactic and clinical settings.

● Recall and retain information in an efficient and timely manner.

● Organize and prioritize multiple, simultaneous tasks, integrate information, and make sound decisions that ensure the safety of the patient and others.

● Demonstrate the capability to manage and maintain 100% of a full-time physical therapist’s caseload in a cost-effective manner.

● Problem solve, recognize deviations from a norm, formulate assessments, and derive clinical judgments from information collected.

● Possess the social and emotional stability to manage stress and function effectively under unpredictable circumstances encountered in clinical, classroom and laboratory settings.

SOCIAL/PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Function effectively under high stress and proactively make use of available resources to help maintain both physical and mental health.

• Demonstrate personal hygiene and attendance necessary for effective participation in academic and clinical activities.

• Accurately self-assess and self-reflect in a timely manner to continually improve professional skills.

• Display ethical and legal behaviors consistent with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Code of Ethics.

• Display professional behavior consistent with the APTA Core Values of Professionalism.

• Students must be able to practice in a safe, legal, and ethical manner, including in emergency situations.

Sensory And Motor Coordination And Function

• Observe and process information with accuracy and efficiency via the senses: visual, auditory, exteroceptive (smell, touch, pain, and temperature), and proprioceptive (position, pressure, movement, stereognosis [ability to perceive form], and vibratory) phenomena.

• Perform gross and fine motor movements with coordination sufficient to perform complete physical therapy examinations and interventions including the use of physical therapy and monitoring devices.

• Have sufficient levels of postural control, neuromuscular control, and eye-hand coordination for satisfactory performance in patient care and classroom or laboratory settings.

• Possess sufficient mental and physical stamina to meet the physical activity and productivity demands associated with extended periods of sitting, standing, moving, lifting, and physical exertion required for satisfactory performance in patient care, clinical education, and classroom or laboratory settings.

*Adapted with permission from Misericordia University and the University of Delaware

A Cademic P Rogram

The academic program of the Wingate University Department of Physical Therapy is learner-centered. The overarching goal of the curriculum is the assurance of the mastery of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes prescribed by the profession and by society for the physical therapist of tomorrow. This unique curricular approach has been carefully crafted for continuous quality improvement of its structure and content. Its endpoint can be seen in the health care servant of tomorrow whose commitment to competence does not end upon graduation and whose dedication to the service of mankind is evident in all considerations and actions undertaken.

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY CURRICULUM CLASS OF 2023

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY CURRICULUM CLASS OF 2024

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY CURRICULUM CLASS OF 2025

Right Of The Program To Make Changes

The entire Wingate University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program curriculum plan, policies, procedures, regulations and codes are subject to ongoing evaluation and subsequent modification by the collective core faculty. Various departmental committees and groups composed of core faculty, departmental staff, and university faculty/staff are charged with the collection, review, and suggestion for revision to the appropriate entity. Proposals for curricular modification emanating from self-study processes are carefully deliberated upon by the entire faculty prior to any adoption of change.

While the information and regulations detailed within this catalog were believed to be accurate at the time of publication, the Department reserves the right to make modifications to any area described without advance notice, and will provide notice to all current students of the changes made. Changes may be enforced following the date of notification of change.

Academic Advising

As each DPT cohort is matriculated into the program, they are assigned a faculty advisor by the Program Director. During the first two weeks of the program, each advisor will meet with all of their advisees once either as a group or individually to inform them of the advisory process. Each semester following thereafter, advisees must meet with their advisors once per semester:

• Advisors will email their advisees during the first week of their clinical rotations in efforts to keep the line of communication open between the advisor and advisee while the student is off campus. Concerns should be directed to the DCE.

• It is the responsibility of the student to contact their advisor to initiate each meeting.

• The advisor may obtain the student’s folder to review during the meeting.

Minutes of each formal advisory meeting shall include major topic areas discussed, deficiencies noticed, and description of the action plan devised to assist the student in meeting desired outcomes. These minutes are to be signed by both the student and the faculty advisor and placed in the student’s permanent department record.

Academic Honors

DEAN’S LIST

Students whose academic performance is a 3.8 or above are placed on the Dean’s List after each semester. Eligible students must be enrolled full-time and in good academic standing. Eighth and Ninth semester students (primarily clinical education) will not be eligible for the Dean’s List.

Graduation With Distinction

Students who attain a Department of Physical Therapy cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater will be specially recognized upon graduation.

3.50 to 3.69 = cum laude

3.70 to 3.89 = magna cum laude

3.90 or higher = summa cum laude

Academic Progression And Graduation

Each year, good academic standing is awarded only to those students who have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.0/4.0 (or above), and demonstrated minimally acceptable mastery of the knowledge skills and behaviors necessary to earn the degree, Doctor of Physical Therapy. Remediation activities will be prescribed for those students who are not awarded progression. Those students not in good academic standing are placed on probation.

Academic Probation

The intent of academic probation is to alert the student of impending failure to progress within the program and to allow them an opportunity to improve their grade average and avoid academic jeopardy.

Semesters 1-3

Students can be placed on academic probation in semester 1-2 if their cumulative GPA is below a 3.0. Students will have until the completion of Semester 3 to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

1. Probation will be lifted and the student returned to good academic standing status after successfully achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

2. Academic disqualification will result for failure to achieve a cumulative 3.0 GPA at the completion of semester 3.

Semesters 4-9

A student can be placed on academic probation if their cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0. Students will have until the end of the ensuing semester to increase their cumulative GPA to 3.0 or higher.

1. Probation will be lifted and the student returned to good academic standing status after successfully achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

2. Academic Suspension will result for failure to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the completion of the probation period. a. Students will have one semester to come off of academic probation.

ACADEMIC SUSPENSION

The intent of academic suspension is to allow the student time to remediate any inadequate knowledge and/or skills and for their attempt to return to demonstrate removal of those inadequacies. The length of academic suspension will be for up to one year. While on academic suspension, students do not attend classes and are considered not in good academic standing; therefore, students cannot hold offices in student organizations or serve in professional and/or academic committees. Students are placed on academic suspension for one of the following causes:

1. An F earned during semesters 2-9.

2. Returning to the conditions of academic probation for a second instance at any time in the curriculum.

Students on academic suspension will be offered the opportunity to return to the program at a point in the professional curriculum as determined by the collective core faculty. The point of entry will be determined to afford the student the best opportunity for success in the program while respecting the financial burden additional coursework may incur. The student then has the ability to accept or decline the point of return offer.

Academic Disqualification

Students who demonstrate the inability to remove any inadequacies of knowledge or skill will be placed on academic disqualification and dismissed from the program of study. Students are placed on academic disqualification for any of the following causes:

1. A final course grade of F earned in the first semester.

2. A second F earned at any time in the curriculum.

3. A second violation in drug testing/random drug screening.

4. GPA below 2.5 after the first semester.

5. Any student with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 at the completion of the 3rd semester.

6. If a student is academically suspended and has a history of a previous ARC for concerns related to professional behaviors. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the end of semester 9 is required for graduation.

Duration Of Study

Students have a maximum of 4 years to complete the program of study. If a student chooses to withdraw or take a leave of absence, they must withdraw from ALL courses taken during that semester of withdrawal. No partial withdrawals from a semester’s course load will be permitted.

ACADEMIC PETITION

If a student does not meet the academic standards or regulations of the Department of Physical Therapy, he/she may petition the core faculty for an exception to the policy. The core faculty meets on an as needed basis to review petitions. Each student is responsible for submitting his/her own petition.

Students should submit petitions in writing using the Academic Petition Form (located in Appendix B of the Doctoral Candidate Handbook). The student is highly encouraged to meet with their faculty advisor to discuss the petition process. If the meeting cannot take place in a reasonable way, the petition can be submitted without the faculty advisor’s signature. Students may also seek guidance about the petition process from the Program Director.

Students have the option of appearing before the core faculty to present the petition and answer questions. Students will be given 10 to 15 minutes to present to the faculty. If a student does not want to appear before the committee, the petition will be considered without the student present.

The core faculty will make a decision after reviewing the student’s academic record, and any other pertinent information presented by the student such as physician reports, counselor’s recommendations, court order, etc., and the circumstances stated in the student’s petition. Each petition will be considered on its own merits.

The student will be officially informed of the decision by the Program Director. If the decision is approved, a revised plan of study and terms of agreement for the conditions are prepared for the student. The student has two business days to agree to the terms by signing the agreement and returning to the Program Director. If a petition is denied, the student may meet with their academic advisor to discuss options regarding their educational plans. As a final option, students may appeal a denied petition to the Program Director. The Program Director’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.

Academic Standing

Students must be in good academic and professional standing to be considered for Department of Physical Therapy honors, awards, student leadership positions, or any other special recognition acknowledgements.

Assessment

The faculty has identified the ability set for which a student must demonstrate mastery each benchmark/assessment of the program. Students who do not demonstrate mastery will be given plans for remediation of their deficiencies and may be required to submit to a reassessment of those abilities not mastered prior to progression. The inability to demonstrate mastery of the skill sets prescribed may result in delayed progression.

Attendance

The educational process of a professional is a very important procedure, and one that should never be taken lightly. It is expected that each student in the DPT program has made a commitment to themselves and to their future patients to acquire and master every bit of information and skill possible, therefore each student is required to be prompt and to attend all scheduled appointments (lectures, instructional demonstrations, laboratory sessions, and examinations). Learning opportunities are to pre-empt any extra-curricular activities in which the student may be involved (i.e. athletics, club activities, etc.). The practice of prior planning to avoid conflicts with tardiness or attendance at educational and assessment experiences is paramount for a professional in training and is expected in all circumstances. An absence is defined as missing more than 5 minutes of any scheduled class meeting for any purpose. Absence(s) are likely to contribute to a student’s inability to meet minimum academic and professional requirements of the curriculum and therefore it is expected that a student notify the department prior to missing any session.

The procedure for a student notifying the department of absence should be as follows:

Students are expected to be in class for all class sessions; however, students are entitled to 2 excused absences per semester. An Excused Absence form must be completed and signed by all instructors holding class on the days expected to be missed; final approval is required from the Director.

For absences that are unplanned and will occur within the next 8 hours (e.g., an unplanned illness, injury, accident, or mechanical breakdown), the student will phone the department and leave a message or voice mail at 704-233-8358. The message or voice mail should include the reason for the unplanned absence and the student’s expected time of arrival (if known). Within 24 hours of return following the absence, the student must complete and circulate the Excused Absence Form for signatures of all faculty whose course was missed that day or the absence will be considered unexcused.

A student with an unexcused absence from class may be penalized up to 5 points of the final average for the course. Students are NOT allocated two excused absences when on clinical rotation; 100% attendance is expected when on clinical rotation. All unplanned absences from clinic must be made up as per the requirements stipulated by the clinical staff.

SIGNIFICANT QUANTITIES OF ABSENCE: The department reserves the right to deny academic progression to any student who, for any reason, has missed a significant portion of the scheduled learning opportunities (5% or greater is suggested) in any course or collectively in any academic semester.

Student-parents should plan their schedules such that their children are not attending physical therapy classes, labs, or clinical education rotations. Students with children are expected to make childcare arrangements to avoid conflicts with their educational experience.

Only Students In Good Academic Standing May Be Considered For Leave

A student will be considered to be tardy for instruction when he/she arrives later than the planned class meeting but still less than 5 minutes after the planned meeting. Excessive tardiness will not be tolerated, and may result in charges of violation of the Department of Physical Therapy Code of Professional and Academic Conduct.

Attendance Policy Related To Examination Procedures

The process of examination of learning deserves attention toward providing the least amount of distraction to all therefore, for all scheduled written assessments (a.k.a. Examinations) students should arrive early and be prepared for the assessment to begin on time. Students will be considered as absent and therefore unable to sit for the exam if they are not in their seat and ready for pre-assessment information at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start of the assessment. Any student not present 5 minutes before the scheduled start will not be permitted to enter the room and will earn a grade of “0” for that assessment. Unusual and unforeseen circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director (or their assigned appointee) only if the student alerts the program by phone (704-233-8358) or email (dpt@wingate.edu) of their circumstance at least 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the scheduled assessment. If a student misses an examination, make up examinations will be given at the discretion of the instructor, with consultation from the Director.

Cadaver Dissection Lab

The cadaver dissection lab is operated solely for educational and research purposes. Students are warned that their behavior in the cadaver lab must be restrained and reserved. Absolutely, under no circumstances, is a student to be in the cadaver lab alone at any time, or be in possession of any camera or visual recording device unless tending to a directive issued by a DPT core faculty member. Students may be granted access after normal working hours to avail themselves of the learning opportunities that dissection provides; however, this access is considered a privilege and will be removed and the offender disciplined accordingly if any impropriety of the cadaver dissection lab rules should occur.

Code Of Professional And Academic Conduct

Virtually all professional schools and colleges have instituted codes of professional and academic conduct. The Code of Professional and Academic Conduct is descriptive of acceptable and unacceptable conduct.

The Code is designed expressly for the Department of Physical Therapy and is compatible with all regulations and policies of the University. This section complements the previous section detailing the expectations of the physical therapist and physical therapist-in-training.

Personal Conduct

Personal conduct on University property, at affiliated practice sites, or School or University sponsored events is subject to disciplinary jurisdiction of the Department of Physical Therapy.

The Department of Physical Therapy also may enforce its own disciplinary policy and procedures when personal/professional conduct, regardless of where it occurs, is deemed incompatible with the overall mission, program, or other functions of the Department of Physical Therapy. Any action which represents a violation of civil and criminal law will be dealt with by the appropriate non-university agencies in accordance with their policies and regulations. Action of non-university authorities in response to any violation of statutes shall not preclude nor replace the right and responsibility of the Department of Physical Therapy to review the student independently for that violation. If, at the time of graduation, unresolved criminal charges or proceedings are pending against a candidate which, in the sole opinion of the Program Director, prevent the university from conferring a degree of physical therapy, the Program Director shall withhold the degree until such time the matter is resolved. In the event the candidate for graduation is exonerated, the degree will be conferred.

The following are examples of conduct for which disciplinary action may be taken. These are merely examples and are not to be considered allinclusive.

• Alcoholic beverages - possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on university or university-affiliated sites or functions (except as expressly permitted).

• Drugs - illegal use, possession, sale, or distribution of any drug, chemical compound, or controlled substance or paraphernalia. Students found guilty of violating this section will be subject to immediate expulsion from the Department of Physical Therapy.

• Drugs – testing positive or refusing to be tested in the prescribed manner.

• Weapons and dangerous items - illegal use or possession of weapons, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, noxious materials, incendiary devices or other dangerous substances.

• Theft or damage - theft of, or damage to, property of the university or university-affiliated, other students, other members of the university community, or of campus visitors. Possession of property known to be stolen. Defacing or unauthorized removal of material from the library is damage and theft.

• Disorderly conduct – hostile behavior, disorderly conduct, indecent conduct, harassment, inappropriate intimidation, excessive pressure, humiliation, coercion, stalking, hazing, overtly reckless behavior, false alarms, failure to comply with lawful directions of university officials, unauthorized entry of use of university or university-affiliated property, unauthorized use of university name, logo, or symbols.

• Inappropriate social networking that is considered unprofessional for a student physical therapist.

• Unprofessional conduct – conduct falling below the standard expectations of the faculty and fellow classmates, including noncompliance with reasonable requests of the faculty, staff, and administrators.

• Financial irresponsibility - failure to meet financial responsibilities.

• Failure to respond to notification - failure by a student or organization to respond to notification to appear before the Program Director during any stage of a disciplinary proceeding. Failure to appear will not prevent the Program Director from proceeding with disciplinary action in the absence of the candidate.

• Misuse or abuse of university equipment, programs, or data, or unauthorized access to or copying or distributing of data, records, or programs; or attempting to alter or modify records, data, or programs.

Academic Conduct

All students matriculating into the Department of Physical Therapy implicitly and personally subscribe to the Code of Professional and Academic Conduct in accepting admission. Each student is responsible for his/her own integrity, and is likewise responsible for reporting possible violations of the Code by others. The faculty shall take all reasonable steps to prevent violations of the Code of Professional and Academic Conduct, and each faculty member likewise is responsible for reporting possible violations.

The following are examples of conduct for which disciplinary action may be taken. These are merely examples and are not to be considered allinclusive.

• Dishonesty which includes, but is not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to an examination or to obtain unfair advantage, using unauthorized sources of information during an examination, assisting a fellow student in committing an act of cheating, collaborating on assignments without explicit permission of the instructor, entering an office or building to obtain unfair advantage, taking an examination for another candidate, or altering grade reports.

• Plagiarism, which is using, stating, offering, or reporting as one’s own, an idea, expression, or product of another without the proper credit to its source. As defined by Webster, plagiarism is “an act or instance of stealing or passing off the ideas or words of another as one’s own, using a created production without crediting the source, or presenting as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.” (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). A direct quote should be cited and placed in quotation marks. However, the student should also know that if the ideas of others are used, these must be referenced or the student is guilty of an act of plagiarism.

• A student who witnesses any of the above or who is approached with an offer to gain unfair advantage is obligated by the Code of Professional and Academic Conduct to report that violation to the appropriate authority. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

It is the policy of the School that acts of plagiarism or any other acts of academic dishonesty, on any assignment, quiz, or examination, will result in a course grade of zero (0) and other sanctions. The failing grade and incident of cheating will be reported to the Program Director for possible additional sanctions. The process for the disposition of allegations of academic misconduct is delineated below.

Reporting And Investigating Suspected Violations Of The Code

Possible violations of the Code of Professional and Academic Conduct should be reported by any source to the team leader of the course or the faculty member who is supervising the activity involved or to the Program Director in writing who will be responsible for a preliminary investigation regarding the validity of the charge. (Allegations of disability-related harassment or discrimination, however, should be reported in accordance with, and will be investigated in accordance with, the University’s Student Disability Grievance Procedure.) The charges and any preliminary findings will be communicated, in writing, to the accused.

A student who stipulates to the charge of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating) will receive a grade of “F” (zero percentage) for the course and other possible sanctions. Repeat offenders will receive special sanctions beyond the prescribed course grade.

For any violation of the Professional and Academic Conduct Code.

• In cases of minor infractions, a faculty member speaks with the student. The behavior would be discussed at the next regularly scheduled faculty meeting so all faculty are aware. The faculty would also inform the advisor of the concerning behavior.

• If the behavior continues after this discussion, the faculty, Director, advisor and student would meet to discuss ongoing issues. A behavioral contract may be developed at this time.

For any infraction, students may be called to appear before the Academic Review Committee, composed of department faculty and other invited faculty, presided over by the non-voting DA, who will determine appropriate remediation plan or dismissal. The decision of the panel is forwarded to the DA and the Provost who will then jointly make a final determination of disposition.

Sanctions for violation of the Code of Professional and Academic Conduct may include but are not limited to (i) remediation as outlined in the plan; (ii) censure by written letter to be placed in the student’s file; (iii) probation for a specified time period; (iv) suspension for a specified time period or for an indefinite period with written criteria for re-entry consideration; (v) expulsion from the school with the transcript reflecting the nature of the expulsion. Any appeal of the final decision of the Program Director will be made in accordance with University guidelines and will relate to the student’s status within the University, but not the Department of Physical Therapy.

Students with prior instances of unprofessional behaviors may be required to enter the next clinical rotation with a behavioral contract in place

Course Grading

Written Examinations

In the case of written examinations, the student earns the letter grade according to the score achieved as indicated by the course syllabus. A student must have an average of a 70 on the written course examinations to pass the course, regardless of what the numerical average is when all components of the course are calculated. If not specifically stated on the syllabus, it is assumed that they are not. If a student is in good standing in the program, and has otherwise passed the course, they may be given the option of a comprehensive makeup examination which must be passed with a grade of 70. If the student does not pass a comprehensive retake with a grade of 70 or above, they will receive a failing grade for the course. Students will be allowed only ONE comprehensive makeup exam throughout the 3-year curriculum. “Green zone” courses may opt out of this policy if there are significant other requirements to pass a course, or if a course is considered to be less “clinical” in nature. A “green zone” course will not require a minimum average grade of 70 on the written exams to pass the course. In those cases, passing the course will be determined by straight numerical grading according to the syllabus.

CLINICAL EXAMINATIONS (PRACTICALS)

All clinical examinations must be passed successfully in order to proceed in the curriculum. A grade of >80% is required for a passing score. In addition, students must score 100% on the safety component of the clinical examination or will be considered to have failed the exam. Students receiving a failing grade on any clinical examination in the didactic curriculum will be offered the opportunity to remediate and reexamine up to a maximum of 2 times for any one course, or a combination 3 times over the entire curriculum regardless of whether they are repeating any courses. The process for re-examination is as follows: a. If both faculty scored the re-examination at less than 80%, the student will be referred for additional remediation. b. If one faculty member scored the re-examination at less than 80% and the other faculty member scored it >80%, then a third faculty member will review the video and independently score the re-examination. The average of all three scores will be the final score for the re-examination. If this score is >80%, the student will receive a maximum grade of 75%. If the re-evaluation score average is less than 80% the student will be referred for remediation.

1. A lead faculty member for the course will meet with the student and review the inadequacies and discuss opportunities for improvement.

2. The re-examination will be video recorded, while evaluated in person by two core faculty members. The average score from the two faculty members must be >80% for the student to pass the reexamination. If the student passes on the first retake attempt, the recorded score will be a 75%.

3. If the average score from the two faculty members is not >80% one of two scenarios will occur.

4. Upon completion of the remediation plan the student will complete a second videotaped re-examination. Two core faculty members will score the re-examination. The process for scoring the re-examination is the same as mentioned above. If a second retake is required, the maximum recorded score for a passing performance is 70%. If a student does not attain >80% at this point, the student will fail the clinical examination and earn a grade of “F” for the course. (Refer to Wingate University Graduate Catalogue and WU DPT Doctoral Candidate Handbook)

A student who earns a second F in the curriculum will be dismissed from the program without the possibility for reentry.

Examination Etiquette

Students are expected to be present and attend all examinations at their scheduled times. Tardiness to scheduled examinations will not be permitted under any circumstances (see Attendance Policy for additional information). Students wishing to be considered for admittance for an assessment procedure when tardy or absent will be required to obtain an approved excuse from the Program Director and gain permission from the course instructor to reschedule the exam at a later date.

Students are expected to remain in the examination classroom throughout the duration of the exam. Bathroom breaks during the exam will not be permitted. Students are expected to plan their intake and elimination accordingly so as not require a bathroom break during any scheduled exam period. Students should make arrangements with the instructor prior to the exam for medical conditions that may require exceptions.

Grade Disputes

Any student who has reason to question a graded assignment, test, or final course grade must first discuss the nature of the concern with the instructor in writing within ten business days of receiving the grade. If the appeal to the instructor is not satisfactory, the student may appeal to the course coordinator of the course in question. The instructor and/or course coordinator will summarize their discussion with the student in writing. If a resolution to the problem is not reached at the level of the instructor or course coordinator, the student may appeal the grade. For clinical education experience grade disputes, the student may appeal to the Director of Clinical Education. If not resolved at that level, the student may appeal the grade to the Program Director. The student must submit the complaint in writing to the Program Director and copy the Instructor/Course Coordinator. The Program Director may not consider any grade appeal without first consulting with the Instructor/Course Coordinator/Director of Clinical Education. The Program Director’s decision on a grade dispute is final. The Program Director will submit their findings/recommendations in writing to the student. The Program Director’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.

Grading

All grades will be calculated on the basis of the following scale:

A 89.5% to 100% = 4.0 Grade Points per Semester Credit Hour

B 79.5% to 89.4% = 3.0 Grade Points per Semester Credit Hour

C 69.5% to 79.4% = 2.0 Grade Points per Semester Credit Hour

F 69.4% or below = Zero Grade Points per Semester Credit Hour

Courses graded on a Pass/Fail basis will not earn quality points, thus no grade points considered.

Graduation

Students who enroll in and successfully complete the program course of study, have achieved a Department of Physical Therapy grade point average of at least at 3.0, and have been judged by the faculty to have met all the academic and professional requirements will be eligible for graduation.

Grievance Policy Not Concerning Grades

Students who experience problems relating to the Department of Physical Therapy that are unrelated to grades may file a grievance using the following procedures:

1. The student should attempt to resolve the problem at the level at which the concern occurred. The attempt to solve this complaint should be presented to involved parties in writing. The student will receive a reply which addresses the complaint in writing.

2. If the reply is not satisfactory, the student can submit the complaint in writing to the Program Director who will attempt to resolve the complaint.

3. The Program Director will evaluate the complaint and notify the students of his findings in writing. The Program Director’s decision will be final and cannot be appealed.

4. In the event that the grievance is against the Program Director, the student can submit the complaint in writing to the Provost, who will evaluate and make determination.

5. Wingate University will make arrangements to ensure that students with disabilities are provided appropriate accommodations as needed to participate in this grievance procedure. Requests for accommodations must be made to the Office of Disability Support Services.

Accommodations may include, but are not limited to, providing interpreters for the deaf, providing recordings of materials for the blind, and assuring a barrier-free location for proceedings.

(Allegations of disability-related harassment or discrimination, however, should be reported in accordance with, and will be investigated in accordance with, the University’s Student Disability Grievance Procedure.)

Incidental Costs Associated With Physical Therapist Education

The student is responsible for any and all costs associated with coursework, including those involving clinical education experiences. Costs to each student may include transportation, room and board, criminal background checks, drug screens, uniforms, health insurance (many clinical facilities require the student to be covered by valid major medical insurance), and other expenses. Students may be required by some clinical affiliates to successfully pass a specific Criminal Background Check and / or Drug Screening in order to participate in clinical experiences at their facility. Students are expected to adhere to all safety and professional requirements imposed by the facility at which they are affiliating.

Informed Consent

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Wingate University, through its Department of Physical Therapy, requests that all entering students provide their written informed consent to the sharing of personal information with Wingate’s educational partners (e.g., clinical affiliates, physical therapy practice sites) strictly on a need-to-know basis.

This sharing of personal information may include the following (i) social security numbers; (ii) immunization records; (iii) e-mail addresses and telephone numbers; (iv) results of health care tests; (v) criminal records known to Wingate University; (vi) credit checks. Additionally, notice is hereby given that random drug screening or additional criminal background checks may be requested of the student for placement in certain clinical sites as a matter of standard operating procedures for those sites. The student may be responsible for the cost of drug screening or additional criminal background checks.

If the background check reveals any information that is brought to the student’s attention by the Program Director which could make the student ineligible for licensure or clinical affiliations, it is the responsibility of the student to:

1. Contact their planned licensing authority to determine if he or she will be eligible for licensure. After, speaking with the licensing authority, the student is required to:

2. Meet with the Program Director to discuss a course of action. Students who are not willing to allow the release of the required personal information may not be able to be placed in an affiliated physical therapy practice site. In such cases, the student cannot meet the requirements for graduation.

The clinical sites with whom the department partners for clinical affiliation has a sincere interest in detecting and preventing drug use among its students for protection of the public. The department values the partnership it has developed with these clinical sites and works collectively to ensure the supply of quality student interns meets their individual requirements. Therefore, if ever the drug testing/random drug screening required of any particular clinical affiliation site for the purpose of internship reveals a positive result, the first violation will result in an immediate, significant, special sanction and possible dismissal from the Department of Physical Therapy. A second offense will result in dismissal from the School. For the policy regarding drug testing, see Section 19. Department of Physical Therapy Code of Professional and Academic Conduct in this handbook.

The Director of Clinical Education and the Program Director shall be the only individuals in the department to be made aware of drug testing/random drug screening results of students in the department.

Laptop Computer Requirement

All Wingate University physical therapy students are required to have laptop personal computers, provided at the student’s expense. A description of hardware and software requirements is provided.

Wingate University physical therapy classrooms provide wireless connections to the medical library system and to the Internet, allowing students to retrieve not only class-related materials, but also other health care management materials. A printer station is made available for student printing needs. A fee may be assessed for printing services. The Doctor of Physical Therapy is a computer intensive program and it is vital to have an up-to-date, functional laptop. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that laptops are fully operational and supported within the Wingate network prior to class and exams.

Recommended Computer Specifications:

• NO iPads or Mobile Devices, NO Virtual Machines (VM), Surface Pros are OK.

• Compatible Windows Operating systems: Windows 10

• Compatible Mac Operating systems: 10.13 High Sierra, or higher (10.14 Mojave, and 10.15 Catalina)

• Hard Drive = At least 1 GB or higher free disk space.

• RAM = At least 4 GB

• CPU Processor: 2.0 GHz Intel i3 processor or equivalent

• Administrator rights on the machine to install the software. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program uses ExamSoft testing software for all exams. You will be required to download Examplify software to your computer. Account and download information will be sent via email prior to starting the semester and will be discussed over orientation.

Licensure As A Physical Therapist

Graduates from Wingate University Department of Physical Therapy will be eligible to apply for licensure in any state or territory of the United States. Licensure as a physical therapist is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Every state and US territory require graduates to complete the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), as well as state prepared examination on laws and rules for physical therapy practice within the state. The NPTE is administered through testing centers using computer testing. Scores may be reported to any state. Graduates are advised to contact the Board of Physical Therapy in the state in which they desire to apply for licensure for more detailed information on requirements.

The North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners may be contacted at the address and phone number listed below.

North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

8300 Health Park #233

Raleigh NC 27615

Phone: (919) 490-6393 www.ncptboard.org

Personal Health Insurance

Students are required to maintain personal health insurance coverage during their enrollment in the Department of Physical Therapy. Students are responsible for all health care costs associated with an illness or injury that results from any activity on campus or at an affiliated training site. Neither the University nor its practice experience partners bear any responsibility for health care costs of the student.

Remediation Policy

It is the policy of the program to make the best effort in ensuring student success within the program. Best effort for student success should always include attempts to remediate any student with inadequate knowledge, skill, behavior, or safety practices. Any inadequacies must be successfully removed prior to the student progressing in the curriculum. A stated “desired program outcome” includes a faculty that is actively committed to supporting a retention and graduation rate of 100% of every cohort, but we also recognize that despite best efforts not every student may be successful in the program. Therefore, the inability to successfully remove deficiencies will result in academic disqualification of the student from the program.

BEHAVIOR AND/OR SAFETY IN PRACTICE

In the case of behavior and/or safety in practice, clinical or academic faculty may evaluate students in many activities, and any identified deficiencies must be brought to the student’s attention at the earliest appropriate opportunity. A decision of pass/fail must be reached by consent from a three-member core faculty panel, appointed by the Program Director.

Clinical Experiences And Internships

In the case of clinical experiences and internships, the ACCE/DCE is responsible for assigning the pass/fail grade. Any student receiving a failing grade from the ACCE/DCE will have their performance evaluated collectively by a panel of core faculty, appointed by the Program Director. The panel will review the student’s clinical performance in all aspects as deemed necessary. This may include any or all of the following:

• Review of clinical documentation, CPI, documentation of the supervising CI, and student documentation

• Interview of the student, CI, and ACCE/DCE

• Observation of the student in a clinical situation.

The panel will report findings and recommendation of upholding the failing grade or of overturning the failing grade to a passing grade to the Program Director. The ACCE/DCE, in conjunction with the Program Director, will determine the grade and/or remediation to be assigned. The Program Director and student’s Academic Advisor will then inform the student of the outcome.

CLINICAL EXAMINATIONS (PRACTICALS)

For information regarding remediation of clinical examinations, see previous section on Course Grading.

Rules Related To Disclosure And Release Of Student Information

Wingate University generally may not release to any third party any personally identifiable information in a student's education record without the student’s informed consent.

In those instances, the release may be made to (i) officials of other educational institutions in which the student seeks to enroll, provided that the student is notified of the transfer of such information, receives a copy of the information if requested in writing, and has an opportunity to challenge the contents of the record; (ii) certain state and federal government officials stipulated by law; (iii) persons or agencies directly related to a student’s application for, or receipt of, financial assistance; (iv) accrediting organizations; (v) parents of dependent students; (vi) any source if required to do so in compliance with judicial order or subpoena, provided that the student is notified of all such orders or subpoenas; (vii) health authorities, if, in the event of any emergency, knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or other persons; or (viii) University officials (those carrying out official University business, whether paid or unpaid) who have a legitimate educational purpose in consulting the record (based on the need to access the record to perform the University business). Or, the information to be released is exclusively “directory information,” defined as (i) the student's name, address (including e-mail), telephone listing, and photograph; (ii) the student's date and place of birth; (iii) the student's major field of study; (iv) the student's participation in official activities; (v) the height and weight of members of athletic teams; (vi) dates of attendance; (vii) degrees and awards received; and (viii) the most recent previous school attended by the student. Any student may object to the designation of “directory information.”

To do so, he or she must file within twenty days after the first day of classes in each semester a signed notice informing the University that any or all of the information described above should not be considered directory information about that specific student. The requests must be filed in the Office of the Registrar. Such requests for nondisclosure will only be honored by the University for the current enrollment period; therefore, a new request must be submitted each semester or term. Each University official responsible for any type of educational record shall maintain a record of the persons or parties, other than those University personnel authorized (as specified above) requesting or obtaining access to a student’s educational records.

The record of requested access is available only to the student, to the University official responsible for the custody of such records, and to that official's assistants.

The University may disclose to the parent or legal guardian of a student under the age of 21, without the prior written consent of the student, information regarding any violation by the student of any federal, state, or local law or any rule or policy of the University governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the University has determined that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession.

The University may disclose, without prior written consent of the student, final results of disciplinary proceedings against the student who is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence (18 U.S.C. § 16) or a nonforcible sex offense if the University finds the student committed a violation of the University’s rules or policies with respect to such crime or offense. The information shall include only the name of the student, the violation committed, and any sanctions imposed by the University on the student. The University may include the name of any other student such as a victim or witness, only with the written consent of that other student.

Student Responsibilities

All financial obligations associated with the student’s physical therapy education lie with the student including transportation, textbooks, course materials, and other incidental costs. Students are expected to attend each activity of the course and actively participate in the discussions and assignments.

Technology Use In Teaching And Assessment

Classrooms with associated wireless technology are provided for the educational experience. A printer station is made available for student printing needs. A fee may be assessed for printing services. Each student is assigned a unique login and password following registration for courses within the department. These login credentials are distributed at departmental student orientation after each student has provided valid photo identification to physical therapy staff. The login information is used for electronic mail, the Canvas learning platform access, grade reports, and business office accounts. Each student is responsible for their own data and accounts and must NOT share or allow another to know or to use their personal account or password. It is the student’s responsibility to protect the unique account information by changing the password regularly. If any student does not change their password at least annually, the system will require a change of password prior to continuing use of the system. There is no additional charge to the student associated with this process of verification of identity.

Withdrawal

Students must obtain written approval from the Department of Physical Therapy to withdraw from physical therapy courses.

H Arris D Epartment Of P Hysician A Ssistant S Tudies

Program Director: David Weil

Associate Professors: Rebecca Boeschel, Taylor Fischer, Elizabeth Maupin, Rebecca McClough, David Weil

Assistant Professors: Nicole Drake, Lavette Shirley Elee, Jennifer Grant, John Huse, Chrystyna Senkel, Michael Sulewski, Sarah Wolff

M Ission S Tatement

The Wingate University Department of PA Studies is dedicated to developing educated, productive, and ethical PAs to serve the health care needs of the communities in which they practice.

1. Provide comprehensive education that ensures graduates possess core knowledge in established and evolving biomedical and clinical sciences and can apply this knowledge to decision-making in clinical practice.

2. Provide a range of didactic and clinical experiences to best prepare graduates to care for a diverse patient population.

3. Provide graduates with a strong foundation in health information technology, evidence-based medicine, and quality improvement practices that allow them to successfully demonstrate being an “Agent of Change” entering the healthcare workforce.

4. Provide instruction and experiences that allow students to demonstrate collaboration as part of an interprofessional, patientcentered team.

Physician assistants provide such services as:

• Taking medical histories and performing physical examinations

• Diagnosing and treating common illnesses

• Ordering and interpreting laboratory and special tests

• Assisting in the operating room

• Performing minor surgery and special procedures

• Counseling patients in the treatment of disease and health maintenance

A Ccreditation

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Wingate University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Wingate University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be September 2024. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-wingate-university/.

Wingate University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters and doctorate degrees. More information about the University’s accreditation can be viewed at https://www.wingate.edu/about/accreditation.

A Dmissions

The Wingate University Physician Assistant Studies program uses Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) as our admissions application for the programs in Wingate and Hendersonville, NC. As an applicant, you will be asked to choose a campus before submitting the application to CASPA. Please note that you can be considered for admission to the program for only one campus.

The Hendersonville campus offers an educational experience in the mountains of western North Carolina with all of its natural beauty and diversity. Opportunities are offered in this area to work in a variety of environments, including under-served populations as well as distinguished healthcare providers in state-of-the-art facilities. Class sizes will vary from year to year, but the maximum class size of 60 students is generally split with 20 seats on the Hendersonville campus and 40 seats on the Wingate campus accepts 40 students.

There is no supplemental application for this program.

There are no waivers or exceptions to any of these requirements except for those published in this document. Wingate University PA program offers no advanced placement and does not accept transfer credit from any prior enrollment in any health science, medical, or related program. No advanced placement is offered for health science work or study experience. Each student accepted in the PA program at Wingate University must satisfy all requirements of the didactic and clinical years of study.

A qualified applicant who was previously enrolled in another PA program will be considered for admission only after consultation with the director of the former PA program. Qualified applicants who are graduates of Wingate University will be given preference in the admission process over other similarly qualified applicants.

An applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university located within the United States (see Definition of Accredited Institutions under Graduate Policies and Procedures). Each applicant must complete 9 prerequisite courses. Online courses and virtual labs from accredited institutions are acceptable. All nine prerequisite courses must be completed within seven years of your planned matriculation.

Prerequisite Courses

Human Anatomy and Human Physiology* (8 credit hours minimum) This requirement may be met by taking either: (a) one Human Anatomy with Lab course and one Human Physiology with Lab course; or (b) two Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab courses (Human A&P I and Human A&P II). These two tracks cannot be combined. For example, Human Anatomy cannot be paired with Human Anatomy & Physiology II. If labs are taken separately from lectures, two of the eight credit hours must be lab. Comparative, mammalian, or invertebrate anatomy or physiology are not accepted.

Genetics* (3 credit hours minimum, lecture only)

Microbiology with Lab* (4 credit hours minimum)

Organic Chemistry with Lab* (4 credit hours minimum)

Biochemistry* (3 credit hours minimum, lecture only; combination courses of organic/biochemistry or similar will not fulfill this prerequisite)

General Psychology (3 credit hours minimum; AP and other advanced coursework taken in high school for college credit is accepted, provided that credit is reflected on the applicant’s transcript)

Statistics (3 credit hours minimum; AP credit accepted)

Medical Terminology (No minimum credit hours; can be credit hour course completed at an accredited institution (see Definition of Accredited Institutions under Graduate Policies and Procedures) or continuing education course in the U.S.; documentation of successful completion, if not reflected on college or university transcript, must be submitted directly to the PA program)

*Each applicant must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher on the six courses notated above with an asterisk to be eligible for admission consideration; no grade below C will be accepted regardless of the calculated GPA

Additional admission requirements can be found on our program website at https://www.wingate.edu/academics/graduate/physicianassistant-studies/pa-admissions

T ECHNICAL S TANDARDS

Preface To Technical Standards

WUDPA believes a diverse class supports greater learning, enhances student experiences, prepares Pas to work with and care for individuals from many backgrounds and cultures, and encourages self-reflection and growth.

WUDPA, in compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and its amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other disability rights legislation, does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. Candidates/students must meet the academic standards and, with or without reasonable accommodation, meet the program’s technical standards to be eligible to matriculate. Candidates/students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Disability Support Services early in the application process to confidentially discuss potential accommodations needed to meet the technical standards below. Accommodations are never retroactive; requests should be timely as some may need time and resources to be able to implement.

The Department of PA Studies uses independent sites for supervised clinical practical experiences (SCPE), these sites may or may not be able to offer reasonable accommodations made available by the University. Additionally, fulfillment of programmatic requirements does not guarantee a graduate will be able to fulfill technical standards for employment or taking the PANCE.

T Echnical S Tandards

The student must be able to perform each of the technical standards listed below:

Observation And Sensory Integration

• Be able to acquire and synthesize information in all didactic and clinical settings through various sources including, but not limited to, in-person and virtual presentations, written material, visual media, and small groups.

• Gather essential and accurate information about patients through history-taking, physical examination, use of laboratory data, imaging, and other methods.

Communication

• Be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, at a level consistent with graduate-level work, through the use of proper English grammar, spelling, and vocabulary to professionally communicate efficiently and effectively with patients, families, members of the healthcare team, and completion of course assignments.

• Develop and maintain interprofessional working relationships as a healthcare team member.

• Demonstrate Communicate clearly and effectively with patients and families considering health literacy, differences in culture, socioeconomics, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, disability, and religious beliefs.

Motor Coordination and Function

• Perform routine physical examinations and diagnostic maneuvers (e.g. auscultate, palpate, inspection, physically maneuver patients, and utilize diagnostic equipment). Must provide general care and emergency treatment for patients and respond to emergency situations in a timely manner.

• Must be able to meet applicable safety standards for the setting and follow universal precautions procedures.

Intellectual/Conceptual Abilities

• Be able to think critically and with sound judgment in order to understand, assess, and solve complex clinical problems. This includes collecting, organizing, prioritizing, reasoning, analyzing, integrating, learning, and retaining information, often in a limited time frame.

• Be able to apply basic principles of the scientific method in reading and interpreting professional literature, integrate data, and develop appropriate differential diagnoses.

• Effectively participate in individual, small-group, and lecture learning modalities in the classroom, clinical, and community settings.

• Learn, participate, collaborate, and contribute as part of a team.

• Interpret causal connections and make accurate, fact-based conclusions based on available data and information.

• Formulate hypotheses and investigate potential answers and outcomes; and reach appropriate and accurate conclusions.

Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Abilities

• Be Function effectively under high stress, and be adaptive to change in both the classroom and clinic setting. Maintain professionalism during times of uncertainty. Proactively make use of available resources to help maintain both physical and mental health.

• Exercise good judgment and integrity in educational and professional settings.

• Accept and apply feedback in both didactic and clinical settings.

• Understand, and function within the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of medicine.

• Behave in a manner fitting the ethical and moral behavior appropriate for the PA profession in both educational and professional settings.

*Some components adapted from Keza L, Kirschner, K, Clinchot D, Laird-Metke E, Zazove P, Curry R. (2019) Leading practices and future directions for technical standards in medical education. Academic Medicine. 94:520-527. doi: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000002517

Students With Disabilities

Any student who, because of disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the curriculum requirements, is expected to obtain approval for accommodations through the Executive Director of Wingate University in the Academic Resource Center. Once accommodations are approved, the student must meet with the Program Director. Accommodations are for present and future activities and are not retroactive. Students will not receive special arrangements unless accommodations are approved by the University’s Office of Disability Support Services.

Ms. Kristin Wharton, Executive Director of the Academic Resource Center | kwharton@wingate.edu; 704.233.8366

A Cademic C Alendar

Fall 2023 PA1 PA2 PA3

First Day for Students Aug. 18

Orientation Aug. 18/21

Classes Begin Aug. 28 Aug. 28

Clinical Rotations Begin Aug. 21

Clinical Orientation Week 1 Aug. 28Sep. 1

Labor Day Holiday Sep. 4 Sep. 4

Transitions Course Sep. 5 –Nov. 3

Fall Break – No Classes Oct. 9-10

Clinical Orientation Week 2 Nov. 6-8

Clinical Bootcamp/Olympics

White Coat Ceremony Nov. 10

Thanksgiving Holiday Nov. 22-24

Clinical Rotation 1 Nov. 13Dec. 8

Classes End Dec. 1

Clinical Rotations End Dec. 11 Dec. 8

Final Exams Dec. 4-8

Fall Commencement Dec. 9

Spring 2024 PA1 PA2 PA3

Classes Begin Jan. 8

Clinical Rotations Begin Jan. 1

Martin Luther King Holiday Jan. 15

Spring Break – No Classes Mar. 7-8

Easter Holiday Mar. 29Apr. 1

One Day One Dog – No Classes Apr. 11

Classes End Apr. 19

Final Exams Apr 22-26

Clinical Rotations End Apr 23

Summer 2024 PA1 PA2 PA3

Classes Begin May 6

Memorial Day Holiday May 27

Juneteenth Holiday Jun. 19

Independence Day Holiday Jul 4

Clinical Rotations Begin May 6

Clinical Rotations End Jul 3

Classes End Jul 12

Final Exams Jul 15-19

C Urriculum

The required physician assistant curriculum for the master’s degree is designed to be completed in 27 months (7 semesters) with a total of 116 credit hours. Whether you enroll in the Hendersonville or Wingate program, you’ll follow the same PA curriculum as you study and learn from the faculty and other students at both locations at the same time. This is the physician assistant curriculum you can expect to follow:

A Cademic And P Rofessional P Rogression

Due to the sequential nature of the curriculum, students must successfully complete all courses in a given semester before becoming eligible to take courses in the subsequent semester. At the conclusion of each semester, the Progression Committee reviews each student’s academic and professional performance. Students must be recommended for progression by the Progression Committee to be eligible to take courses in the subsequent semester. In the event that a student is remediating a course component, they may progress to the subsequent semester at the discretion of the Progression Committee and Program Director.

Academic Standing

All students begin the program in good academic standing. In order to remain in good standing, a student must:

• Receive a passing score of “C” or higher in all courses

• Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher

A student whose academic performance falls below the acceptable standards will be placed on academic probation and is no longer in good standing.

Students not in good academic standing risk the loss of financial aid and scholarship funding.

Students must be in good standing in order to hold elected or appointed student leadership positions and to participate in program, state, or national events/activities.

Academic standing may impact student’s clinical rotation placement including the need to repeat a clinical rotation and/or limiting elective opportunities.

Academic Standards For Progression Course Grades

A = 90-100% 4.0 grade points

B = 80-89.99% 3.0 grade points

C = 70-79.99% 2.0 grade points

F = Below 70% 0 grade points

Grades on exams, projects, assignments, and final course grades are not rounded. For individual assignments and activities, students should achieve a grade of ≥70% in both the didactic and clinical phases. Assignment grades below this standard will trigger the remediation process. Please refer to the remediation policy for details. Final examinations will not be remediated.

Students must receive a passing score of “C” or higher in all courses throughout the program. Any final course grade below “C” in any portion of the program will result in dismissal from the program. See dismissal policy.

CUMULATIVE GPA (3.0 RULE)

Both didactic and clinical students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in order to remain in good standing. If at the end of any given semester a student’s overall GPA falls below 3.0, they will be placed on academic probation and given one semester to raise their overall GPA to 3.0 or greater. If a student fails to raise their overall GPA to ≥3.0 within one semester, they will be dismissed from the program. A student may be dismissed by the program if it is mathematically impossible to improve their GPA to ≥3.0 within one semester.

A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of ≥3.0 is required to graduate from the program.

3 C Rule

Students are allowed to obtain no more than three final course grades of C throughout the entire program. If a student obtains a fourth final grade of C, they will be dismissed from the program. Additionally, students are allowed no more than two final course grades of C within a single semester. If a student obtains three or more final course grades of C within a single semester, they will be dismissed from the program.

Academic Probation

A student whose academic performance falls below the acceptable standards will be placed on academic probation and is no longer in good standing. The Program Director will notify the student of the probation in writing once the semester GPA and cumulative GPA have been confirmed. If/when the student improves their academic performance and meets the minimal standard, they will again be notified in writing informing them that they are no longer on academic probation.

Progression To Graduation

A student who does not meet the minimum cumulative GPA of ≥3.0 at the completion of the final (7th) semester will meet with the Progression Committee and be required to remediate deficiencies prior to graduation from the program. This may include, but is not limited to, enrolling for an 8th semester. Additional tuition charges are the responsibility of the student. Failure to complete remediation successfully may result in dismissal from the Program.

Progression Committee

The Progression Committee is charged with the maintenance of the academic and professional standards of the WUDPAS and is composed of the PA program’s principal faculty members. The Medical Director will serve as Chair of the committee. All formal meetings of the Progression Committee will result in a recommendation to the Program Director.

Students in the PA Program are expected to make satisfactory academic and professional progress toward completion of the degree requirements. Any student not making satisfactory progress is referred to the Progression Committee to determine appropriate actions to further support the student’s success. At times, circumstances may warrant a recommendation of dismissal. A student appearance before the committee will be arranged by the chair and, when possible, confirmed in writing prior to the meeting. Students will be notified of the final decision of the Program Director in writing within 5 business days after the meeting.

The committee may recommend to the Program Director any of the following:

• Recommendations for academic progress

• Academic Warning

• Professionalism Warning

• Academic Probation/Deceleration

• Academic Dismissal

• Disciplinary/Professionalism Probation

• Disciplinary/Professionalism Dismissal

• Voluntary Withdrawal

• Leave of Absence

• Remediation Plans

Deceleration

Deceleration of a student is defined as a student leaving their current cohort to join a cohort following behind with the goal to satisfactorily complete the program with the new cohort. Deceleration will only be offered in rare instances and in most cases not offered to students who are not meeting academic standards.

L Eave Of A Bsence

The Department of PA Studies recognizes that there may be circumstances other than academic that require a student to alter his or her course of study during the didactic year. A student in good academic standing who experiences a significant interruption in the full-time plan of study may submit a written request to the Program Director to decelerate. The letter must have sufficient information to explain the request. Deceleration may also be recommended by the Progression Committee. In either instance, if deceleration is approved, the Program Director will convey recommendations and expectations to the student in writing in the form of a Deceleration Contract outlining said plan and requiring student agreement and signature.

The student will return to the program as a full-time student at the beginning of the semester in which he/she decelerated during the following year unless otherwise stated in the Deceleration Contract. For example, a student leaving the didactic portion of the program in the middle of the spring semester will return to the program at the beginning of the following spring semester. Due to didactic courses only being offered once per year, there is no option for a shorter absence in the didactic year.

The student may be required to demonstrate competencies prior to returning to the program by taking written competency examinations and/or practical clinical skills assessment. The student must achieve a score of 70% or higher on competency exams in order to return to the program. On return, the student is subject to the policies and procedures of the Handbook in effect at the time of return.

Leave Of Absence In The Didactic Year

On the rare occasion that a didactic student requires a temporary leave of absence, the student must be in academic good standing and submit a written request for leave of absence to the Program Director.

The letter must have sufficient information to explain the request. If the leave of absence is approved, the student will return to the program as a full-time student at a time agreed upon by the Associate Program Director or Program Director.

Leave Of Absence In The Clinical Year

The Department of PA Studies recognizes that there may be circumstances other than academics that require a student to alter his or her course of study during the clinical year. A student in academic good standing may submit a written request for leave of absence to the Program Director

The letter must have sufficient information to explain the request. If the leave of absence is approved, the student will return to the program as a full-time student at a time agreed upon by the Director of Clinical Education and the Program Director.

The student may be required to demonstrate competencies prior to returning to the program by taking written competency examinations and/or practical clinical skills assessments. The student must achieve a score of 70% or higher on competency exams in order to return to the program. On return, the student may be subject to revisions or additions to the program curriculum or policies.

A leave of absence in the clinical year may not exceed one calendar year.

W

Ithdrawal

Program withdrawal is defined as a voluntary action of student withdrawal from all PA program courses and the PA program with no opportunity for readmission. Students are not permitted to withdraw selectively from courses in the PA program. A student who wishes to voluntarily withdraw from the program must notify the Program Director in writing. The Program Director will provide a signed acknowledgement of the student’s desire to withdraw and the student will present the acknowledgement to the Registrar office for processing. A student will not be automatically withdrawn from the program if he/she stops attending class. It is the student’s responsibility to follow the appropriate procedures to withdraw from the program. No refunds will be provided upon withdrawal from the program. Students are required to withdraw from the program prior to the final two weeks of all courses in order to obtain a “W” on their transcript. Later withdrawals will result in final course grades being submitted to the registrar.

A DVISORS – F ACULTY M EMBERS

Upon matriculation, each student is assigned a faculty advisor to assist with issues involving curriculum, academic progression, professional growth, and career decisions. Students are encouraged to meet with faculty advisors regularly.

Appointments with advisors or course instructors should be requested by email. All students, even with a scheduled appointment, must check in with the department’s administrative assistant who will notify the faculty member of the student’s arrival.

While every effort is made to respond quickly and appropriately to students’ phone calls and emails, this happens more routinely during the business day. Calls or emails sent after office hours will likely have a response on the next business day.

Due to the intensity and rapid pace of the PA curriculum, attendance for all classes and required activities is mandatory. Students are expected to be on time for class and should plan their schedules accordingly. Medical and other personal appointments should be scheduled during semester breaks, evenings, or weekends as much as possible.

During the didactic year, all absences due to illness, accident, or other unexpected personal or family emergency must be reported via email or telephone to the Associate Program Director as soon as the student is aware that he/she will miss class time. These absences will be excused on a case-by-case basis and appropriate faculty will be notified. Students will be responsible for any missed content or assignments on these days. Clinical year students will report any missed days due to illness, accident, or other unexpected personal or family emergency to the Clinical Director via email or telephone as soon as possible. The student is also responsible for communicating with their rotation site the absence. The Clinical Director will determine when clinical hours have satisfied completion of a rotation and students may be required to “make up” missed days. Any unreported absence will be considered unexcused. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may be considered unprofessional and treated as such at the discretion of program faculty. While the program has a 100% attendance policy, each student is allowed three (3) discretionary personal days during the year. The days can only be used one day at a time, once during each semester: fall (September-December), spring (January-April), and summer (MayJuly). The days cannot be used in increments or carried over to the next semester. Personal days must be approved in advance by the Associate Program Director during didactic year and Clinical Director during clinical year. Students are responsible for any missed content or assignments on these days. Personal days cannot occur on days when there are group presentations, exams, quizzes, procedures or skills check-offs, or on days that involve specialized instruction in areas such as male/female exam training, and OR orientation classes.

Request forms should be submitted during the business week and at least 48 hours prior to the absence. Forms must be submitted electronically or in person and should not be left at the front desk. Sample forms are found in Appendix J and can be downloaded from the Didactic Year or Clinical Year Home Page on Canvas.

Saturday And Evening Class Sessions

On the rare occurrence that Saturday or evening class sessions must be scheduled, attendance is mandatory. Students will be notified of such class sessions with as much advance notice as possible.

Children

Parents should plan their schedules such that their children are not attending classes, labs, or clinical rotations. Students with children are expected to make child care arrangements to avoid conflicts with the educational experience.

S UPERVISED C LINICAL P RACTICE E XPERIENCE (SCPE)

Supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPE) are not sequential but all must be successfully completed to graduate. Clinical year curriculum will be delivered in affiliated sites such as hospitals, medical practices, and other health care related facilities. The PA program has established clinical rotation affiliations in the greater Charlotte and Hendersonville areas as well as other communities. It is the student’s responsibility to plan in advance for transportation costs such as gas and a reliable vehicle. A student can expect to incur additional housing costs if a clinical rotation site is outside a reasonable commuting distance. Students may request consideration for placement at specific approved practice sites but the PA program reserves the right to place students as necessary. Students may not solicit preceptors or sites without the permission of a Clinical Coordinator.

Following completion of each rotation, students will return to campus, take an end of rotation examination and participate in one or more days of medical or administrative education. Students who relocate after the didactic year are responsible for housing for these campus sessions. Students are provided a SCPE manual at the beginning of the clinical year.

E Lectronic T Echnology

PA program news, information, and course updates are communicated through either email or Canvas announcements. Students should check both regularly. Use of your wingate.edu address is required for all program related correspondence.

Zoom Session Login

Students must login to program-related zoom sessions/meetings using their Wingate credentials. Details of login will be provided by IT.

Online Learning Management System

The PA program uses Canvas learning platform for all courses. Course updates, syllabi, information and general announcements related to a specific course will be posted on Canvas. Students are responsible for regularly checking individual course pages and didactic/clinical year home base pages.

LAPTOP COMPUTERS/NOTEBOOKS/IPADS

• Each student in the PA Program is required to have a laptop computer. ∙ Laptop computers, notebooks, tablets, and iPads are permitted to view course materials and take notes. Accessing other forms of information (i.e. email, internet search, g-chat, etc.) is strictly prohibited during class sessions and seminars.

• Most tablets, including iPads and Chromebooks, are not supported by the exam testing software and cannot be used for taking exams. Devices MUST support the latest Windows or MAC operating systems to function with testing software. Technology specifications will be distributed to each student prior to orientation.

• It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that laptops are fully operational within the Wingate network. Personal data/apps on a computer may interfere with effective use of the computer for educational purposes. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure his/her computer is operable prior to the class and each exam.

• Course assignments are often required to be submitted via computer. A malfunctioning computer, internet connection failure, inability to upload, etc. is the responsibility of the student and not an acceptable excuse for late submissions.

Personal Electronic Devices

In classroom and seminars, unless specifically instructed otherwise by the instructor, cell phones must be turned off (not on vibrate) and off desks/tabletops.

• Video recording by students is strictly prohibited

• Students must ask permission from faculty or instructors for audio recording of lectures prior to the start of the semester. Any such recordings are for personal use only and not to be shared under any circumstances unless permission is sought and granted.

Students experiencing difficulty with email accounts or Canvas should contact the Information Technology Facilitators for assistance. Improperly functioning accounts are not acceptable excuses for missed information or announcements

Daniel Meadows (Levine College of Health Sciences, Wingate campus) d.meadows@wingate.edu

704.233.8986

Andrew Hutchison (Hendersonville Health Sciences Center) a.hutchison@wingate.edu

828.697.0105

Social Media

Electronic media are internet-based applications which support and promote the exchange of user developed content. Posting or transmitting personal images, experiences, and information using services of this type poses a set of unique challenges for all members of the medical community, including employees, faculty members, volunteers, and students.

The Wingate University PA program is committed to supporting your right to interact knowledgeably and socially; however, these electronic interactions have a potential impact on colleagues, patients, your professional reputation, and future employers’ opinions of you.

Incorporated within this PA Student Handbook is “Electronic Media Guidelines” and its “Addendum.” The principal aim of the guidelines is to identify your responsibilities in relation to electronic media and to help you represent yourself in a responsible and professional manner.

E XAMINATIONS /E LECTRONIC T ESTING

The following applies to all students taking examinations on campus:

• Have a working laptop computer compatible with ExamSoft testing software (iPad and Chromebooks are not supported)

• Download appropriate exam the night before the testing session

• Arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the exam to set up laptop computers ∙ Backpacks, notes, cell phones, smart watches, bluetooth earbuds, and items other than the laptop computer must be turned off, removed from the desk or table, and placed on the floor at the side of the room prior to the start of the exam

• White boards and dry erase markers are allowed and will be provided if requested ∙ If computer problems occur during the exam, the student should notify the proctor by raising their hand

• Exam proctors will not interpret exam questions or otherwise speak with students during the testing

• All personal items including laptop must remain in the classroom if a student is granted permission to leave for any reason before finishing the exam

Upon completion of the exam, students will submit the exam, show the successful submission screen to the proctor, and immediately exit the classroom

The following applies to all students taking examinations off campus:

• Have a working laptop computer compatible with ExamSoft testing software (iPad and Chromebooks are not supported) AND have a charged phone or other camera enabled device connected to Zoom

• Download appropriate exam the night before the testing session

• Log into Zoom (using Wingate credentials) 15 minutes before the exam start time. Be prepared to provide a brief ‘tour’ of your desktop or table area and, if using a white board, show the blank board to the proctor upon request.

• Backpacks, notes, cell phones, smart watches, Bluetooth ear buds, and items other than the laptop computer must be removed from the desk or table prior to the start of the exam. During testing, your camera should remain on and audio is muted; communication with the proctor is via the chat feature

• If computer problems occur during the exam, the student should notify the proctor by chat. If you should lose the Zoom monitor connection during the exam, don't take more than 1-2 minutes attempting to reconnect. Do not leave the room. Continue with the exam, be sure it uploads, then email/call your proctor to let them know what happened. The proctor will see the disconnect as well and will notify IT. Remember to focus on the exam and not panic about the lost Zoom connection.

• Exam proctors will not interpret exam questions or otherwise speak aloud with students during testing.

• All personal items including laptop must remain in the testing area if a student has permission to leave the room for any reason before finishing the exam

• Upon completion of the exam, students will submit the exam, show the successful submission screen to the proctor and sign off zoom when given the OK.

While graded exams are not returned, each student receives his/her individual scores, a class average and an analysis of individual performance. The Strength and Opportunities report identifies areas/categories of strength and weakness on a particular assessment

P Rofessional D Evelopment

Students in the PA program are expected to demonstrate high standards of professional behavior in all educational settings including the classroom and laboratories, professional and clinical sites and in noneducational settings. Professional development (professionalism) is considered and evaluated on an individual basis each semester or as needed.

Components of professional behavior include:

• Honesty and integrity

• Reliability and responsibility

• Respect

• Self-improvement

• Self-awareness/knowledge of limits

• Adaptability

The Progression Committee completes a Professional Development Evaluation for all students at the end of each of the first three semesters or as needed. When a student receives a “needs improvement” or “unacceptable” on the evaluation, the student is required to meet with his/her advisor. Failure of the student to modify/correct behavior based on advisor feedback, or continuing to exhibit unprofessional behavior will result in the student being referred to the Program Director. The Program Director will meet with the student in question and may impose remediation requirements and/or sanctions up to and including, but not limited to, Professional Probation or dismissal from the Program. A student may be immediately dismissed from the PA Program, without probation, if his or her actions are deemed dangerous, illegal, unethical, or otherwise egregious.

Professional Probation issues may be referenced in applications for licensure and the credentialing process as well as in program reference letters. Completed evaluations, letters of notification, and any recommendations for the corrective behavior are placed in the student file.

A student dismissed from the Program for any reason may appeal the dismissal in writing to the University Provost within five calendar days of receipt of written notification of the dismissal. The Provost’s decision on any such appeal will be final and will not be subject to further appeal.

R Equirements For P Rogram G Raduation

A student must successfully complete all requirements for the first, second, and third year of the Program in good standing and fulfill financial obligations to the University to graduate. Graduates will receive a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.

DEGREE CONFERRED

Graduates will receive a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.

TIME TO COMPLETION

Students are allowed 39 months to complete the program (standard 27 months plus a maximum of 12 months of approved extension)

D Epartment Of P Ublic H Ealth

Program Director: Suzanne Wolf

Professor: Shanta Dube

Associate Professors: Suzanne Wolf

Assistant Professors: Oyindamola Akinso Soremekun, Katherine Knop

Director, Master of Public Health Program: Shanta Dube

The Master of Public Health (MPH) was developed and established by Wingate University in December 2020. This program is designed for students who have earned an undergraduate degree in any field and aspire to work in the public health sector. MPH program graduates will learn and develop skills in the principles and practice of public health that include assessment, epidemiology, community engagement, program planning and evaluation, health promotion and education. Program graduates will be prepared for various public health sector professional roles.

The MPH program is a 42 credit-hour program with an integrative curriculum focused on health education and promotion. Through the online format, course work is flexible and includes live synchronous classes and asynchronous self-driven modules Applied practice experience (APE) and integrated learning experience (ILE) are an essential component of the curriculum providing students the opportunity to engage with community partners. Students also engage interprofessionally with students from other disciplines, through Wingate University’s Health Sciences Interprofessional Education (IPE) and through Health Administration in the Business Program. The MPH program includes two required business courses as part of the MPH curriculum, as well as an MBA course elective.

V ISION

The vision of Wingate University’s Department of Public Health is to attain the highest level of health and well-being for all.

M ISSIO N

Our mission is to cultivate skilled and ethical public health professionals committed to achieving health equity and improving health outcomes for ALL populations.

D EPARTMENT G OALS

KNOWLEDGE: To provide high-quality student-centered education that increases public health knowledge and skills to address population health outcomes and achieve health equity.

SERVICE: To provide experiential learning that engages students in public health advocacy, leadership and partnerships to achieve health and well-being of all populations

SCHOLARSHIP: To contribute to advancing public health knowledge and best practices through student and faculty scholarship

V ALUES

• Collaboration & Teamwork

• Student-Centered

• Diversity & Inclusion

• Integrity & Ethical

• Innovation & Academic Excellence

• Professionalism

• Empathy

A CCREDITATION

Wingate University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SCASCOC). It is the body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. It serves as the common denominator of shared values and practices primarily among the diverse institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia for those institutions of higher education that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degrees (see www.sacscoc.org). Questions about the status of the University’s accreditation may be obtained from the Commission on Colleges by calling 404-679-4500 or by writing to the SACSCOC home office, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033. Wingate University is accredited by SACSCOC to award the bachelor’s, master’s, and professional degrees.

FALL

A Dmissions R Equirements

Wingate University’s MPH program uses a rolling admissions process Multiple entry points are available for fall, spring, and summer. A student is admitted with full acceptance if he/she has submitted and satisfactorily met the requirements for admission to the program. In order to be considered for admission to the Master of Public Health program, an applicant must:

• Complete the online application.

• Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university located within the United States. Official transcripts must be received directly from all post-secondary colleges or universities attended.

• Official GRE test scores, if applicable (not required for 20222023 due to COVID19)

• Provide curriculum vitae or resume

• Provide two (2) recommendations from academic or professional references.

• Provide a personal statement of intent describing experience and goals for pursuing an MPH degree.

All transcripts should be mailed to:

Wingate University

Levine College of Health Sciences

Attn: Randy Taylor

515 N Main St. Wingate, NC 28174

Admissions Criteria For International Students

International Students: F1 visa international students, per federal regulations, cannot be granted visas for online degrees and consequently will no longer be able to complete a course of study. International students who are NOT seeking entry into the U.S. on an F1 student visa may apply to the ONLINE program.

Coursework taken at foreign institutions must be evaluated for U.S. institution equivalence by an approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) organization used by Wingate University such as World Education Services, Inc. & SpanTran for evaluation and University Language Services for translation. Note that translated and evaluated official final transcripts are also required for enrollment.

English proficiency may be demonstrated by an applicant whose native language is not English or has graduated from an institution of higher education where English is not the primary language by any of the following:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• Successful completion of a degree at an approved U.S. institution of higher education.

A list of countries exempt from English proficiency requirements can be found in the section on International Students at the beginning of Part 3 of this Academic Catalog.

ADMISSION FOR THE 4+1 BSPH-MPH DEGREE

Students currently enrolled in Wingate’s University’s BSPH program are eligible to apply to the 4+1 program the semester before starting their senior year (typically spring of junior year). Students should express interest with their undergraduate advisor in their sophomore year. Eligible students who intend to apply for the 4+1 program must exhibit the following: (a) completed a minimum of 90 credit hours by end of junior year (b) GPA of 3.25 or higher on public health major coursework (core courses) as identified in the Academic Catalog, and (c) able to articulate personal intentions for enrolling in this academic program of study. The GRE is not required for this admissions process. Students will begin MPH course work in the final semester of their senior year.

Transfer Credit

Admitted students of MPH program may petition for transfer of a maximum of 9 semester hours of elective or core courses toward their MPH degree from an accredited graduate program (see Definition of Accredited Institutions under Graduate Policies and Procedures). Requests for transfer credits must be submitted prior to enrolling in the MPH Program. Transfer application will not be accepted after the start of the first semester.

CRITERIA:

• Students enrolled in the MPH program who want to transfer credit from another academic program or institution must have prior approval from the MPH Program Director.

• All courses considered for transfer into the program must have been successfully completed with a grade of B or better and must not have been applied to another awarded degree.

• Transfer course grades are not calculated toward the student’s grade point average.

• The program does not give course credits for prior work experience nor can it be counted towards the program’s Applied practice/integrated learning experience (AP/ILE).

PROCEDURE FOR REQUESTING TRANSFER CREDITS:

The applicant must submit a completed request form to the MPH Program Director. Appropriate verification of documents including 1) official transcripts; 2) course syllabus of the requested transfer credits.

P Rogram R Equirements

The MPH program plan of study includes public health coursework and two courses from the business school. Students must work to meet all course requirements when enrolled in the below course including any scheduled synchronous meeting times. All students will complete the following:

PH 602: Determinants of Health

PH 603: Advocate for Health

PH 604: Principles in Public Health Leadership

PH 610: Principles of Public Health Practice

PH 611: Applied Public Health Practice

PH 620: Principle of Public Health Methods

PH 621: Applied Public Health Methods

BUS 612: Organizational Management

Care Systems Management

PH 670: Applied Practice Experience/ Integrative Learning Experience I

PH

A PPLIED P RACTICE E XPERIENCE (APE) AND I NTEGRATIVE L EARNING E XPERIENCES (ILE)

The student’s applied practice experience and integrative learning experiences (APE/ILE) are an essential and integral part of the entire MPH graduate education experience. Students have the opportunity to apply the content learned in the classroom, gain practical work experience, learn new skills, and develop professional contacts in the public health field.

Some clinical and community partner affiliations for the applied practice experience/ integrative learning experience may require specific medical/ immunizations, background checks, and/or drug screenings. As a member of the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Department of Public health recommends students to be compliant with the Medical/ Immunization requirements noted in the Graduate Academic Catalog. Additionally, some clinical and community partner affiliations for the applied practice experience/ integrative learning experience may require specific proof of insurance such as health or automobile.

Applied Practice Experience

The APE must comprise at minimum 250 total clock hours over the course of the semester enrolled. The 250 hours will include actual activities for the site, as well as other assignments for the APE course. Required documentation (evaluations, corresponding coursework, and time-sheet reports) must be submitted by the deadline dates. As part of the APE requirement, students are expected to provide two deliverables identified by the preceptor at the APE site. Students will also be required to submit a poster presentation as part of the MPH program requirement.

To begin the process of identifying an APE, students will attend an APE seminar led by MPH advisors as an orientation. During the seminar, advisors will discuss the student’s responsibilities, review all the required documentation, explain how the APE should meet the learning competencies, and explore the options for the student APE placement. Students work closely with the advisor throughout the APE, from identifying a site to completing the APE project. Once a site and preceptor are identified, students must complete an APE proposal that is signed by the advisor, student, and preceptor. The proposal is a first step to ensuring a site and APE project has been identified. An affiliation agreement/Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and learning contract are also required. The learning contract must be approved by the faculty advisor and the Director of the MPH program. Every effort is made to secure an APE site that fits each student’s interest, defined program competencies, and career goals. Students may secure their own APE – however, regardless of how it is secured, it must be approved and all appropriate procedures and student forms completed before the student can enroll in the APE course. The preceptor, course director(s) will supervise the student while enrolled in the APE course and the Faculty Advisor(s) will serve to support and guide the student through the APE process.

If students are not able to finish the 250 hours within the first semester, then they may be required to register for the APE course again in the second semester. All cases will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, it is not uncommon for students in a MPH program to complete more than one APE towards the total 250 hours. A student may be allowed to complete a second APE with the approval of the Director of the Master of Public Health program to meet the required hours. All other requirements, as outlined above, must also be completed in order to enroll in the APE course a second time. APE may only be completed AFTER all required coursework has been completed satisfactorily or specific program approval has been granted.

Integrated Learning Experience

Communicable

Students are expected to identify a public health topic and develop an ILE proposal for an ILE project. The ILE proposal must be approved before the student can begin. The ILE must result in a written scholarly product. Examples of ILE projects include: short and defined research project, program evaluation, development of survey instrument and its rationale, etc. Faculty Advisor and course directors will provide guidance.

The main purpose of the ILE course is to provide a culminating, integrative learning experience for Master of Public Health program students during their final semester(s) prior to graduation. As such, the course draws on students' prior training in the MPH Foundational Public Health Knowledge and Competencies from the MPH core coursework, the Health Promotion and Education Concentration Competencies and skills gained in the field through the APE and other field-based coursework. The ILE is designed to challenge students to reflect and integrate their training and experience with the goal of demonstrating synthesis of foundational and concentration-specific public health competencies as they prepare to enter the public health workforce. The ILE results in a high-quality written product, which is ideally developed and delivered in a manner that is useful to external stakeholders, such as non-profit or governmental organizations. The Course Director(s) review(s) and assesses each student's performance in the ILE and ensures that the experience addresses the foundational and Health Education and Promotion concentration-specific competencies.

The ILE is meant to be an individual scholarly undertaking with guidance and mentorship from the Faculty Advisor and Course Director. The MPH Director has overall oversight on the ILE and all signed proposals must be submitted to the MPH Director.

D UAL - D EGREE P ROGRAM : D OCTOR OF P HARMACY (P HARM D) AND MPH

Students enrolled in the Wingate University School of Pharmacy now have the opportunity to work toward completing an MPH degree alongside the PharmD degree. Interested pharmacy students should contact the Director of the MPH program for additional information regarding the application process and specific program requirements. A plan of study was developed with the School of Pharmacy to take into consideration specific core MPH courses that will be required. All MPH courses are online asynchronous courses and students will have flexibility to complete weekly modules.

For financial aid purposes, the PharmD/MPH curriculum at Wingate is not considered a dual-degree program. As a result, students are not eligible to receive financial aid for the MPH coursework. Students wishing to pursue a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) degree simultaneously with the Doctorate of Pharmacy are awarded financial aid based upon their enrollment in the Doctorate of Pharmacy Program. These two programs are not integrated as one degree and therefore aid is awarded to the higher degree level program, providing the most benefit to the student. Additional tuition information can be found on the PharmD/MPH dual degree website.

Admissions

Admissions requirements for the PharmD/MPH include the following: (1) a completed application that includes an updated resume, personal statement, and use of the prior PharmCAS application; current Wingate University SOP transcripts; (2) indication that a minimum of 90 credit hours will be completed prior to enrolling in MPH program. When applying to the dual degree program, applicants waive the right for the admissions committees to review both their prior PharmCAS application and current WU transcripts as a part of the admissions review. Applicants are reviewed by both the MPH program and School of Pharmacy prior to admissions into the PharmD/MPH program. If a student discontinues enrollment in the PharmD program but would like to continue in the MPH standalone program the student must either have 1) a prior bachelor’s degree or 2) a total of 120 credit hours (bachelor’s equivalency) completed outside of the MPH coursework to continue in the standalone MPH program and subsequently graduate with the MPH degree. Students who do not have 120 credit hours outside of the MPH coursework completed, they will not be eligible to continue in the standalone MPH program. Students who do not earn 120 credits cannot use the standalone MPH credits towards meeting the 120 credits.

P Rogram C Ompletion

Candidates for the Master of Public Health must complete a minimum of 42 credit hours of coursework in accordance with the prescribed program of study with a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00. No more than one (1) course with a grade of "C" will be applied toward graduation requirements. Students must complete an exit survey upon graduation. Students are allowed up to five (5) years from her/his start date to complete the program.

P Rogram E Valuation And R Eview

All aspects of the Master of Public Health program are continuously evaluated in an effort to maintain a high-quality curriculum which meets the standards of excellence set forth by the University and appropriate accrediting agencies. Review and evaluation of the Master of Public Health program include the following:

Course Syllabi: All graduate course syllabi are updated annually to help improve course quality and to ensure that program objectives are being met.

Course Evaluation: Every graduate course must receive evaluations. from students enrolled in the course. The standard University Course Evaluation form is used. The evaluations are shared with the Department of Public Health Program Director and the MPH Program Director as well as the instructor for the course. Student evaluations are used by the Public Health Program to inform improvements to the course and program overall.

Program Exit Survey: A “Program Exit Survey” is sent to students after graduating with the MPH degree. The Program Exit Survey includes an assessment to evaluate the program in terms of its value to them both personally and professionally. The Program Exit Survey also asks MPH graduates to provide the strengths and weaknesses of the Wingate University Master of Public Health program.

Wingate University Graduate Alumni Program Evaluation: Three years after being conferred the Master’s degree, Graduate alumni are mailed a Wingate University Graduate Alumni Program Evaluation form that they are asked to complete and return. Responses on this form are carefully reviewed by the Department of Public Health Program Director, and the MPH Program Director as well as the graduate faculty to determine areas of improvement.

P Rogram P Olicies

Right Of The Program To Make Changes

The Wingate University MPH Program curriculum plan, policies, procedures, regulations, and codes are subject to ongoing evaluation and subsequent modification by the collective faculty. While the information and regulations detailed within this catalog were believed to be accurate at the time of publication, the Department reserves the right to make modifications to any area described without advance notice, and will provide notice to all current students of the changes made. Changes may be enforced following the date of notification of change.

Advising

Wingate University’s Department of Public Health is committed to providing academic advice and personal guidance for its students. Each student has an advisor who helps plan the student’s academic program and meets with him/her throughout the program. For students admitted into the PharmD/MPH program, a School of Pharmacy faculty will serve as advisor, who will work closely with faculty advisors from the Department of Public Health.

After the MPH orientation at the start of the program, students are expected to meet periodically with their advisor, with a recommended frequency of twice per semester. These meetings are held to obtain assistance with scheduling, progress through the program, and in the planning for the applied practice experience/ integrative learning experience. It is the student’s responsibility to contact his/her academic advisor when needed.

Wingate University values student input and during advising meetings will integrate any feedback from students towards our ongoing evaluation and assessment of the MPH program.

Directed Study

The MPH program will offer directed study options on a case-by-case basis as part of PH 640, Special Topics (3 credits). Students must discuss with their advisor and approval is required by the Director of the MPH Program and the Department of Public Health Program Director.

Registration

All official transcripts are required from newly admitted students in order to be “fully admitted” into the MPH program. Once fully admitted, students will receive registration materials. Class registration for new students is processed by Wingate University staff.

Students cannot be enrolled for more than 4 courses (12 credit hours) in any semester unless special permission is granted by the Director of the MPH program and Department of Public Health Program Director.

A student may register to audit a course with the permission from the Director of the MPH program, Department of Public Health Program Director, and the course instructor.

Wingate University reserves the right to close registration when maximum enrollment for a course has been met and to cancel any course when circumstances warrant.

Incidental Costs Associated With Mph Program

The student is responsible for any and all costs associated with coursework, including those involving applied practice education experiences. Costs to each student may include transportation, room and board, purchase of personal laptop, data management and analysis software, criminal background checks, drug screens, uniforms, health insurance, and other expenses. Students may be required by some community partner affiliates to successfully pass a specific Criminal Background Check and/or Drug Screening in order to participate in an applied practice experience at their facility. Students are expected to adhere to all safety and professional requirements imposed by the facility at which they are affiliating. Additionally, students may be offered opportunities to earn advanced certifications or attend enrichment workshops that may be an added personal expense outside of tuition costs. Tuition cost of attendance can be found at https://www.wingate.edu/academics/graduate/master-of-publichealth.

Informed Consent

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Wingate University, through its Department of Public Health, requests that all entering students provide their written informed consent to the sharing of personal information with Wingate’s educational partners (e.g., community partner and clinical affiliates, applied practice sites) strictly on a need-to-know basis.

This sharing of personal information may include the following (i) social security numbers; (ii) immunization records; (iii) e-mail addresses and telephone numbers; (iv) results of health care tests; (v) criminal records known to Wingate University; (vi) background and/ or credit checks. Additionally, notice is hereby given that random drug screening or additional criminal background checks may be requested of the student for placement in certain clinical or community partner sites as a matter of standard operating procedures for those sites. The student may be responsible for the cost of drug screening or additional criminal background checks.

Students who are not willing to allow the release of the required personal information may not be able to be placed in an affiliated public health practice site. In such cases, the student cannot meet the requirements for graduation.

The clinical or community partner sites with whom the department partners for affiliation has a sincere interest in detecting and preventing drug use among its students for protection of the public. The department values the partnership it has developed with these clinical and community partner sites and works collectively to ensure the supply of quality student interns meets their individual requirements. Therefore, if ever the drug testing/random drug screening required of any particular clinical or community affiliation site for the purpose of internship reveals a positive result, the first violation will result in an immediate, significant sanction and possible dismissal from the Department of Public Health. A second offense will result in dismissal from the program.

Laptop And Technology Requirement

All Wingate University public health students are required to have a personal laptop that includes a Microsoft Office software package (e.g. MS Word, Excel), at the student’s expense. Wingate University works off the Google platform including the email system. Therefore, it is critically important for students to ensure they have an up to date Chrome browser installed. Students are expected to use their laptops to access class information required for each class. Laptops will be used extensively and there may be a requirement for students to purchase specific data management and analysis software. Wingate University student credentials provide wireless connection to the medical library system, allowing students to retrieve not only class-related materials, but also other health care related materials. A printer station is made available for on-campus student printing needs (a fee may be assessed for printing services), but many students find it beneficial to have a personal printer/scanner.

Each student is assigned a unique login and password following registration for courses within the department. The login information is used for electronic mail, the Canvas learning platform access, grade reports, and business office accounts. Each student is responsible for his/her own data and accounts, and must NOT share or allow another to know or to use their personal account or password. It is the student’s responsibility to protect the account information by changing the password regularly. If any student does not change their password at least annually, the system will require a change of password prior to continuing use of the system. There is no additional charge to the student associated with this process of verification of identity.

Personal Health Insurance

As an online program, the Master of Public Health program does not require students to maintain personal health insurance coverage during their enrollment, but it is recommended. Students are responsible for all health care costs associated with an illness or injury that results from any activity on campus or at an affiliated training site. Neither the University nor its practice experience partners bear any responsibility for healthcare costs of the student.

Rules Related To Disclosure And Release Of Student Information

Wingate University generally may not release to any third party any personally identifiable information in a student's education record without the student’s informed consent. In those instances, the release may be made to (i) officials of other educational institutions in which the student seeks to enroll, provided that the student is notified of the transfer of such information, receives a copy of the information if requested in writing, and has an opportunity to challenge the contents of the record; (ii) certain state and federal government officials stipulated by law; (iii) persons or agencies directly related to a student’s application for, or receipt of, financial assistance; (iv) accrediting organizations; (v) parents of dependent students; (vi) any source if required to do so in compliance with judicial order or subpoena, provided that the student is notified of all such orders or subpoenas; (vii) health authorities, if, in the event of any emergency, knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or other persons; or (viii) University officials (those carrying out official University business, whether paid or unpaid) who have a legitimate educational purpose in consulting the record (based on the need to access the record to perform the University business). Or, the information to be released is exclusively “directory information,” defined as (i) the student's name, address (including e-mail), telephone listing, and photograph; (ii) the student's date and place of birth; (iii) the student's major field of study; (iv) the student's participation in official activities; (v) the height and weight of members of athletic teams; (vi) dates of attendance; (vii) degrees and awards received; and (viii) the most recent previous school attended by the student. Any student may object to the designation of “directory information.”

To do so, he or she must file within 20 days after the first day of classes in each semester a signed notice informing the University that any or all of the information described above should not be considered directory information about that specific student. The requests must be filed in the Office of the Registrar. Such requests for nondisclosure will only be honored by the University for the current enrollment period; therefore, a new request must be submitted each semester or term.

Each University official responsible for any type of educational record shall maintain a record of the persons or parties, other than those University personnel authorized (as specified above) requesting or obtaining access to a student’s educational records. The record of requested access is available only to the student, to the University official responsible for the custody of such records, and to that official's assistants.

The University may disclose to the parent or legal guardian of a student under the age of 21, without the prior written consent of the student, information regarding any violation by the student of any federal, state, or local law or any rule or policy of the University governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the University has determined that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession. The University may disclose, without prior written consent of the student, final results of disciplinary proceedings against the student who is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence (18 U.S.C. § 16) or a non-forcible sex offense if the University finds the student committed a violation of the University’s rules or policies with respect to such crime or offense. The information shall include only the name of the student, the violation committed, and any sanctions imposed by the University on the student. The University may include the name of any other student such as a victim or witness, only with the written consent of that other student.

Student Responsibilities

All financial obligations associated with the student’s public health education lie with the student including transportation, textbooks, course materials, data management and analysis software, and other incidental costs such as any needed background checks or drug screenings to engage with university-affiliated sites. Students are expected to attend each activity of the course and actively participate in the discussions and assignments. Please see “online class attendance” noted in the Graduate Academic Catalog.

Grading Policy

No more than one (1) course with a grade of “C” will be applied toward graduation requirements. Students have the option of repeating a course for which a grade of “C” or lower was received. The maximum number of repeats for a single course is two (2). The repeated grade supersedes the previous grade. Any student who receives an “F” for coursework will be subject to dismissal from the program.

Students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA in the graduate program. Students who fall below a 3.0 GPA are placed on academic probation. Students on probation are evaluated each semester by the Department of Public Health Program Director and the MPH Program Director. Maintaining a “B” or better in all subsequent coursework ensures continuation in the program. If the student on probation fails to meet the specified grade requirement, he/she will not be permitted to register for classes for the next term. To continue in the program after that time, he/she must submit a written appeal to the Director of the MPH program, who presents the matter to the Department of Public Health Program Director for decision. The appeal must be received at least one month (30 days) prior to the term for which the student is seeking enrollment. A student may request special readmission consideration only one time.

The Department of Public Health Program Director has the authority to deny or approve a student’s appeal for readmission. If the student is reinstated academically and meets specified grade requirements, the student will be removed from academic probation and permitted to continue in the program. Any course for which a student has received a “D” or “F” must be repeated, and such a course must be taken in the Wingate University Graduate Program. A student may repeat a course on which a grade of “C” has been earned. Only the credit hours and grades for the repeated courses are used in calculating the student’s overall GPA, although all grades are recorded on the transcript. Individual concerns regarding a course should be directed to the course director first. Any grievances and appeals must be made in writing and submitted to the Director of the MPH Program at least one month before a decision on the matter may be expected. The Director of the MPH Program will bring the student appeal to the Department Appeals Committee for review. The student will be informed in writing of the committee’s decision by the Department of Public Health Program Director.

Reports of progress are kept by the University on all students. Updated grade reports are available online via WinLINK one week after exams have ended.

Honor Code

Students must adhere to the Wingate University Student Honor Code noted in the Graduate Academic Catalog.

Code Of Conduct

It is expected that all students will adhere to the Department of Public Health Code of Personal and Academic Conduct as outlined below. Possible violations to the Code of Personal and Academic Conduct should be reported to the faculty member supervising the course or activity OR the Director of the MPH program in writing. The Director of MPH program and Department of the Public Health Program Director are responsible for further investigating the validity of the possible violation. (Allegations of disability-related harassment or discrimination, however, should be reported in accordance with, and will be investigated in accordance with, the University’s Student Disability Grievance Procedure.) The charges and any preliminary findings will be communicated, in writing, to the accused along with potential academic and program implications as they relate to the student’s progression in the program.

Personal Conduct

Personal conduct on University property, at affiliated clinical or community partner sites, or Department/University sponsored events is subject to disciplinary jurisdiction of the Department of Public Health. The Department of Public Health may also enforce its own disciplinary policy and procedures when personal/professional conduct, regardless of where it occurs, is deemed incompatible with the overall mission, program, or other functions of the Department of Public Health. Any action which represents a violation of civil and criminal law will be addressed by the appropriate non-university agencies in accordance with their policies and regulations. Action of non-university authorities in response to any violation of statutes shall not preclude nor replace the right and responsibility of the Department of Public Health to review the student independently for that violation. If, at the time of graduation, unresolved criminal charges or proceedings are pending against a student, conferral of the degree may be withheld until such time the matter is resolved. In the event the candidate for graduation is exonerated, the degree will be conferred.

The following are examples of conduct for which disciplinary action may be taken. These are merely examples and are not to be considered allinclusive.

• Alcoholic beverages - inappropriate use of alcoholic beverages during university activities or while engaging with universityaffiliated sites or functions (except as expressly permitted).

• Drugs - illegal use, possession, sale, or distribution of any drug. Students found guilty of violating this section will be subject to immediate expulsion from the Department of Public Health.

• Drugs – testing positive or refusing to be tested in the prescribed manner.

• Weapons and dangerous items while engaging with universityaffiliated sites or functions.

• Theft or damage while engaging with university-affiliated sites or functions.

• Disorderly conduct – hostile behavior, disorderly conduct, indecent conduct, harassment, inappropriate intimidation, excessive pressure, humiliation, coercion, stalking, hazing, overtly reckless behavior, false alarms, failure to comply with lawful directions of university officials, unauthorized entry of use of university or university-affiliated property, unauthorized use of university name, logo, or symbols.

• Inappropriate social networking that is considered unprofessional for a public health student.

• Unprofessional conduct – conduct falling below the standard expectations of the faculty and fellow classmates, including noncompliance with reasonable requests of the faculty, staff, and administrators.

• Professional and financial irresponsibility - failure to meet program requirements such as completing any requested background checks, drug screens, or meeting financial responsibilities.

• Failure to respond to notification - failure by a student or organization to respond to notification to appear before the Program Director during any stage of a disciplinary proceeding. Failure to appear will not prevent the Program Director from proceeding with disciplinary action in the absence of the candidate.

• Misuse or abuse of university equipment, programs, or data; unauthorized access to or copying/distributing of data, records, or programs; attempting to alter or modify records, data, or programs. Failure to schedule and attend advising sessions per the advising policy guidelines.

Academic Conduct

All students matriculating into the Department of Public Health implicitly and personally subscribe to the Code of Personal and Academic Conduct in accepting admission. Each student is responsible for his/her own integrity, and is likewise responsible for reporting possible violations of the Code by others. The faculty shall take all reasonable steps to prevent violations of the Code of Personal and Academic Conduct, and each faculty member likewise is responsible for reporting possible violations.

The following are examples of conduct for which disciplinary action may be taken. These are merely examples and are not to be considered allinclusive.

• Dishonesty which includes, but is not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to an examination or to obtain unfair advantage, using unauthorized sources of information during an examination, assisting a fellow student in committing an act of cheating, collaborating on assignments without explicit permission of the instructor, entering an office or building to obtain unfair advantage, taking an examination for another candidate, or altering grade reports. Fabrication of information, data, or citations is also considered academic dishonesty.

• Plagiarism, which is using, stating, offering, or reporting as one’s own, an idea, expression, or product of another without the proper credit to its source. A direct quote should be cited and placed in quotation marks. However, the student should also know that if the ideas of others are used, these must be cited and referenced per American Psychological Association (APA) 7th edition guidelines or the student is guilty of an act of plagiarism. A student who witnesses any of the above or who is approached with an offer to gain unfair advantage is obligated by the Code of Professional and Academic Conduct to report that violation to the appropriate authority. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. It is the policy of the Department that acts of plagiarism or any other acts of academic dishonesty, on any assignment, quiz, or examination, will first be reviewed by the instructor and the Director of the MPH Program to determine the seriousness of the violation and may result in an assignment grade of zero (0), and in some circumstances in a failing course grade and/or other sanctions up to and including dismissal from the University.

Student Grievances And Appeals

Students may appeal any misconduct hearings to the Graduate Affairs Committee within seven (7) days of notification of the outcome of the misconduct proceeding. A panel of three people will consider the appeal. Appellate review be limited to (1) bias by appeal panel, (2) newly discovered evidence that was not reasonably available at the time of the initial determination, or (3) a procedural mistake.

** “This Policy adopts and incorporates by reference the Wingate University Code of Community Standards policies and procedures. In the event the Wingate University Code of Community Standards policies and procedures are inconsistent with, or conflict with, any applicable accreditation standards or any other policies herein, the policies herein shall supersede the Wingate University Code of Community Standards policies and procedures.”

WITHDRAWAL

Students may voluntarily withdraw from the MPH program and will subsequently surrender all rights and privileges as a student enrolled in the program. A student must submit a written request to withdraw from the program to the Director of the MPH program which will be reviewed by the Director of the MPH program and the Program Director of the Public Health Program for approval.

Lloyd And Georgia Thayer School Of Education

Interim Dean: Charlesa Hann

Assistant Dean: Janet Jenkins

Professor: Sarah Harrison-Burns

Associate Professors: Edward Case, Tarra Ellis, Melanie Keel, Rebekah Kelleher, Darrel Staat

Assistant Professors: Danielle Edwards, Janet Jenkins, Charlesa Hann, Brianne Johnson

Graduate Education Department Chair: Danielle Edwards

The graduate education programs at Wingate University are guided by the conceptual framework of The Effective Facilitator of Learning. This conceptual framework is consistent with the mission of Wingate University and with the motto of “Faith, Knowledge, Service.” Teacher Education Programs are conceived in the context of a well-rounded liberal arts education and integrated with the principles of a Christian institution.

G Raduate E Ducation A Cademic C Alendar

FALL 2023 MASTER’S DOCTORATE

SPRING

SUMMER LONG SESSION 2024 MASTER’S DOCTORATE

P Rogram P Urpose

Our graduates will assume positions as principals, superintendents, and central office administrators. The program is directed to the preparation of practicing school leaders. It is important to emphasize that the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Wingate University leading to the superintendent certification will provide a means for candidates to gain content knowledge, pedagogical/andragogical professional knowledge, and skills and dispositions specified by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council as well as the North Carolina Standards for School Executives

Based upon the premises established above, the conceptual framework of Effective Facilitators of Learning for future school and school system leaders will be for individuals who understand and are able to facilitate learning communities that support active learning. We are striving to create graduates who are competent at facilitating the learning process in multiple settings and particularly at the executive level.

C Ohort E Xperience

The Wingate University program in Educational Leadership emphasizes the development of Effective Facilitators of Learning, a goal which demands collaborative decision-making in diverse settings. For this reason, the University has adopted a cohort model for the Ed.S. and Ed.D. concurrent programs. This organizational plan encourages students to develop skills within a learning community that offers support and encouragement. As students develop their knowledge, engage in research, and participate in class discussions, they develop support systems and professional relationships which may be helpful throughout their professional careers. Student enrollment begin the fall semester of each year.

E D .D. AND E D .S. R EQUIREMENTS

The Wingate University Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership is a 63-credit hour program with 21 hours for coursework/dissertation after completion of the Educational Specialist degree. The Educational Specialist degree itself is a 42-credit hour program within the Ed.D. progression. The program is experiential and requires application of knowledge and skills obtained through varied experiences. The program is based on clinical practice, problem solving and promoting institutional effectiveness in schools, school districts, and educational service agencies.

The Ed.S. is based on the successful completion of both the 42 hours of course work and the leadership portfolio. Students interested in a continued pursuit of the Doctor of Education program will complete 9 hours in research methods, quantitative analysis, and writing for publication, and 12 hours in the dissertation seminar. A Portfolio Review of Leadership Competencies will be required for approval to begin the problem-centered dissertation research project The dissertation defense may not be held until the summer semester of the third year of coursework.

D Egree R Equirements

Curriculum

EL 7010: Information Management Systems

EL 7032: Communications and Community Relations

EL 7061: Systematic Inquiry and Decision Analysis

EL 7067: Curriculum and Instructional Leadership

EL 7095: Diversity and Global Development

EL 7109: Managing Human and Fiscal Resources

EL 7127: Education Law, Policy and Ethics

EL 7134: Educational Leadership: Theory and Practice

EL 7151: Principals in the 21st Century

EL 7156: Comprehensive Planning & Program Eval

EL 7189: Organizational Development and Change

EL 7211: Data Driven Leadership

EL 7234: Economics and Education

EL 7512: Superintendents and Executive leadership

ER 7311: Measurement Techniques in Education

Curriculum Credits

ER 7423: Research Design and Data Analysis

ER 7433: Seminar in Professional Research & Publication

ER 7950: Doctoral Dissertation Project – I, II, and III

A Dmissions P Olicies And R Equirements

Students must submit:

• Wingate University Online Application for Admissions to the Doctoral Program

• One (1) official transcript from each institution attended (post high school)

• TOEFL for International students whose first language is not English

• Brief vitae (not to exceed 2 pages)

• Three (3) letters of professional recommendation describing applicant’s leadership skills (Two letters must come from supervisory or administrative personnel who have had direct experience with the candidate.)

• One (1) page letter of intent stating personal professional goals

• Copy of professional license(s)

Finalists will be invited to participate in the following:

• An oral interview with faculty committee

• Completion of a writing sample

Admissions Selection

To be considered for admission, all candidates must be licensed, practicing administrators/school leaders. Candidates will be selected in a competitive admissions process. A committee of the Wingate Graduate Education faculty will review all applications and will consider each application based on a variety of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, professional work experience, grade point average, and performance in the interview and on the writing sample.

For additional information please visit our website at: https://www.wingate.edu/academics/graduate/education

D Issertation P Roject And P Rogram C Ompletion

Once a Wingate University doctoral student becomes eligible to enter the dissertation project process, they continue as a candidate into the third year of study. During the following three semesters, each candidate will enroll in a series of research courses and three semesters of doctoral dissertation seminars. The initial semester seminar will be directed, in general, by the Dissertation Chair Dissertation seminar hours will aid the candidates in focusing their research, completing key sections of the dissertation project, and collaborating with their professional writing group, where applicable. Once a candidate has been approved to continue into the dissertation year, they must remain continuously enrolled in the dissertation course(s). This enrollment ensures that the candidate has full access to research materials and faculty expertise. Candidates should complete and defend by the end of the third semester. However, should a candidate require more time, the candidate must apply for Extended Dissertation Project Status The Dissertation Committee will monitor the status of any project in this situation. The Graduate Education Department reserves the right to reassign or realign any project which enters an extended status to ensure that the project and data remain timely and relevant.

If a candidate continues their research past the three semesters allotted and does not enroll in three (3) hours of extended dissertation seminar each semester, the candidate will be dropped from the program.

Candidates must complete their Ed.D degree within five years of initial program enrollment. This ensures that a candidate's experiences and research are timely and relevant.

P Rogram P Urpose

The Wingate Ed.D. program in Higher Education Executive Leadership is a part-time program for working professionals. Graduates will be prepared for positions as Deans, Vice Presidents and Presidents in institutions of higher education. The program provides both the theoretical and practical applications needed for higher education leaders in the 21st century. The curriculum focuses on four broad areas that will prepare individuals to be successful as university and community college leaders. These are: leadership and organizational development; effective programs and services in higher education; traits of highly successful universities and community colleges; research and a locally developed dissertation project. The Wingate University Doctoral Program in Higher Education Executive Leadership is a 63credit hour program with 21 hours for coursework/Dissertation after completion of the Educational Specialist degree. The Educational Specialist degree itself is a 42-credit hour program.

C Ohort E Xperience

The Wingate University program in Higher Education Executive Leadership has adopted a cohort model. This organizational plan encourages students to develop skills within a learning community that offers support and encouragement. As students develop their knowledge, engage in research, participate in class discussions, they develop support systems and professional relationships which may be helpful throughout their professional careers.

The Ed.S. is based on the successful completion of both the 42 hours of coursework and the leadership portfolio. Students interested in a continued pursuit of the Doctor of Education program will complete 9 hours in research methods, quantitative analysis, and writing for publication, and 12 hours in the dissertation seminar. A Portfolio Review of Leadership Competencies will be required for approval to begin the problem-centered dissertation research project. The dissertation defense may not be held until the summer semester of the third year of coursework.

required for approval to begin the problem-centered dissertation research project in the third year of coursework.

A Dmissions P Olicies And R Equirements

Students must submit:

• Wingate University Online Application for Admissions to the Doctoral Program

• One (1) official transcript from each institution attended (post high school)

• A Master's degree from an accredited institution (see Definition of Accredited Institutions under Graduate Policies and Procedures).

• TOEFL for International students whose first language is not English

• Brief vitae (not to exceed 2 pages)

• One (1) page letter of intent stating personal and professional goals

Finalists will be invited to participate in the following:

• An oral interview with faculty committee

• Completion of a writing sample

Admissions Selection

The admission process is a competitive one. Many factors are considered by a committee of the Graduate Education Faculty. The factors include, but are not limited to, professional work experience, grade point average, future professional goals, personal interviews, and quality of writing sample. For additional information please visit our website at: https://www.wingate.edu/academics/graduate/education

D I Ssertation P Roject And P Rogram C Ompletion

Once a Wingate University doctoral candidate becomes eligible to enter the dissertation project process, the candidate may continue into the third year of study. During the following three semesters, each candidate will enroll in a series of research courses and three semesters of doctoral dissertation seminars. The initial semester seminar will be directed, in general, by the Dissertation Chair Dissertation seminar hours will aid the candidates in focusing their research, completing key sections of the dissertation project, and collaborating with their professional writing group, where applicable.

Once a candidate has been approved to continue into the dissertation year, they must remain continuously enrolled in the dissertation course(s). This enrollment ensures that the candidate has full access to research materials and faculty expertise. Candidates may complete and defend by the end of the third semester. However, should a candidate require more time, the candidate must apply for Extended Dissertation Project Status. The Dissertation Committee will monitor the status of any project in this situation. The Graduate Education Department reserves the right to reassign or realign any project which enters an extended status to ensure that the project and data remain timely and relevant.

If a candidate continues their research past the three semesters allotted and does not enroll in three (3) hours of extended dissertation seminar each semester, the candidate will be dropped from the program

Candidates must complete their Ed.D. degree within five years of initial program enrollment. This ensures that a candidate's experiences and research are timely and relevant.

M Aster Of A Rts In E Ducation In E Ducational L Eadership

Students will complete 14 courses (3 hours each) for a total of 42 semester hours. The final 21 semester hours will be earned through a culminating experience called the Doctoral Dissertation Project for a total of 63 hours. A Portfolio Review of Leadership Competencies will be

In 2001 the North Carolina Board of Education and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction began to look at the skills and abilities needed by public school children to be successful citizens and workers in an emerging global economy and the skills needed by educators as well. Since that time, a new set of standards for 21st-century learners has evolved and been adopted by the state of North Carolina. All institutions of higher education who offer this program have been mandated to have their coursework reflect the newly approved 21st-century standards. Wingate established its Master of Arts in Education in Educational

Leadership program in 2006 and its revised program was approved by the NCDPI in October 2010. Points of emphasis in the revised program are defined as the following six evidences: positive impact on student learning; teacher empowerment and leadership; community involvement and engagement; organizational management; school culture and safety; and school improvement. These evidences are integrated into the coursework requirements and are manifested throughout the course of study. The previous program portfolio was replaced with a Standards-Based Program Portfolio that reflects an understanding of the current NC Standards for School Executives. Students work with their internship supervisors to complete evidences for this Standards-Based Portfolio. This program qualifies one to earn a North Carolina Class “M” license as a K -12 Master’s competencies’ level regular teacher or supervisor and be eligible to apply for the “P” principal/school administrator license.

A Dmission R Equirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts in Education in Educational Leadership (K–12) program, an applicant must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

• Have an undergraduate major in Education or a NCDPI class “A” license (or equivalent) to teach in public schools (three to four years of classroom experience is preferred)

• Have a 3.00 (“B”) GPA or higher during the last two years of undergraduate work or a 3.00 GPA or higher in the education major

• Submit an online Graduate Education application form

• Provide an essay or statement of intent for the MAEd in Educational Leadership program

• Submit official transcripts of all previous academic work beyond high school. (It is the applicant’s responsibility to have all transcripts sent directly from each institution attended.)

• Submit copy of teaching license(s)

P Rogram R Equirements

The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership degree consists of 37 semester hours of 500 and 600 level courses. Field experiences and internships totaling 475 hours are also expectations for successful completion of the MAEd in Educational Leadership program of study. The internships take place after 80 percent of the coursework is completed. The vision of principal as instructional leader incorporates all essential roles as leader, master teacher, and researcher. As such, the program is organized around these courses:

P Rogram C Ompletion

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership degree must complete 37 semester hours of coursework in accordance with the overall prescribed program of study with an overall grade-point average of 3.00 (“B”) or higher and no grade below a “B.” A leadership portfolio must be prepared, presented and approved reflecting the cumulative research and coursework experiences of the program. The portfolio is submitted and approved prior to matriculation. Receiving an "F" in any course will result in the student being dropped from the program. Students are allowed up to five years from the date of official acceptance to complete the program.

M ASTER OF A RTS IN E DUCATION (K - 6)

The Master of Arts in Education program was established in June 1985 and is designed for the student who has an undergraduate degree in education or license to teach in the public schools. In 1999, Wingate University worked with elementary teachers and an experienced principal to redesign the master’s program. Following the adoption of the new Standards for Graduate Teacher Candidates the program was revised during 2010 – 2011 to focus on the following standards: Teacher Leadership, Respectful Educational Environments, Content and Curriculum Expertise, Student Learning, and Reflection. Key changes include the provision for an elective course, the division of the research course into two courses, allowing for more extensive application of research skills and greater emphasis on action research, and replacement of the Program Portfolio with a Standards-Based Project. The program consists of 30 semester hours leading to the Master of Arts in Education degree with graduate-level (“M”) licensure in Elementary Education (K–6). A DMISSION R

Equirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts in Education in Elementary Education program, an applicant must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

• Hold an undergraduate major in education or Class “A” licensure to teach in public school; license appropriate for proposed area of graduate study

• Have a 3.00 (“B”) GPA or higher during last two years of undergraduate or a 3.0 GPA or higher in the education major

• Submit an online Graduate Education application

• Submit official transcripts of all previous academic work beyond high school

• Submit a copy of teaching license

EDLD 605: Teacher Leadership

EDLD 610: The Principalship - Part I

EDLD 615: The Principalship - Part II

EDLD 620: School Finance and Budgeting

EDLD 625: Technology in the 21st Century School

EDLD 630: School Law

EDLD 634: Measurement and Assessment

EDLD 640: Supervision of Instruction

I EDLD

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Note: ED 697 portfolio must be submitted electronically when completing one's final internship. If the portfolio is not completed simultaneously or successfully with the final course, then EDLD 697 must be repeated. This portfolio will reflect an understanding and application of the 21st-century standards through a Standards-Based Project and will demonstrate the attributes of a School Executive up to three (3)

*ED 597 will be taken at the same time as the final course in the program at no additional charge. The portfolio is submitted electronically and serves as evidence of the student’s understanding and application of 21stcentury competencies. If the portfolio is not completed simultaneously or successfully with the final course, then ED 597 must be repeated.

Rogram C Ompletion

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Education degree must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework in accordance with the prescribed program of study with an overall grade-point average of 3.00 (“B”) or higher. This program leads to the Master of Arts in Education degree with eligibility to apply for graduate level Class “M” licensure in Elementary Education (K–6.) The standards-based Program Portfolio must be submitted and approved to complete the degree program. Receiving an "F" in any course will result in the student being dropped from the program.

Students have up to five years from initial acceptance into the program to complete the program.

M AS TER OF A RTS IN T EACHING (K - 6)

In 1996, the graduate program in education was extended to include a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree at Wingate University and was revised in 2009 to meet the State of North Carolina’s 21st Century standards for teaching K–6. The program consists of 36-39 semester hours leading to the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree with Class "M" licensure in Elementary Education (K–6). It is designed especially for college graduates with degrees in areas other than education who wish to pursue a career in teaching. Before licensure can occur, students must meet the minimum score requirements for North Carolina on the following required tests:

• Pearson’s Foundations of Reading (090)

• Pearson’s Mathematics Subtest (203) OR Praxis CKT Math Subtest (7803)

An official copy of the test scores must be provided to Wingate University. All coursework including practicum and portfolio must be completed prior to licensure. The graduate program focuses on a model of “an effective facilitator of learning.”

The 21st century MAT program focuses on the creation of the 21st century educator. In Part 1, this cohort-based program allows the successful candidate to master the initial licensure competencies in a scheduled three semesters of coursework, plus the practicum semester. The practicum should be completed in an accredited public school.

The classes in the program require a regular clinical component, which works to help students apply academic knowledge to real classroom situations. ED 500 (a, b, c) must be successfully completed in the first three semesters in order to continue each semester in the Part 1 program. There is no cost for ED 500 as it is graded on a pass/fail basis.

Once students have completed the Practicum and the required licensure tests they will be eligible to apply for a North Carolina NCDPI initial "A" license to teach K–6. Then they may continue (with a minimum 3.0 GPA in Part 1) into Part 2 where they work toward mastery of the graduate or ‘M’ level competencies in collaboration with working professionals.

At the end of the program, students will complete a portfolio and, if successful, be eligible to apply for a graduate or 'M' license in North Carolina.

P ROGRAM R EQUIREMENTS

Curriculum

ED 500 (a, b, and c): Clinical Field Experiences in Schools (Pass/Fail)

ED 501: Foundations of Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century

ED 502: Literacy in the 21st Century

ED 531: Research in Educational Trends, Issues, and Best Practices

ED 532: Curriculum Decision-Making

ED 535: Action Research

ED 540: Communication within the Language Arts Curriculum

ED 542: Teaching Problem-Solving and Quantitative Reasoning

ED 544: Teaching Inquiry, Scientific Literacy, and Healthful

Curriculum Credits

ED 546: Teaching Global Social Studies and Humanities

ED 552: Assessment and Instructional Intervention

ED 560: Developing and Demonstrating Teacher Leadership

ED 595: Practicum

ED 597: Program Portfolio* (Pass/Fail) *

Total

*ED 597 is taken at the same time as the final course in the program at no additional charge. If the portfolio is not completed simultaneously or successfully with the final course, then ED 597 must be repeated. ED 597 may be taken up to three (3) times and must be electronically submitted using Canvas. Emphasis will be on developing a StandardsBased Project.

P ROGRAM C OMPLETION

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree must complete a minimum of 36-39 semester hours of coursework (PLUS any specified co-requisites), including the Practicum, in accordance with the prescribed program of study with an overall grade-point average of 3.00 (“B”) or higher. (See Grading Policy for information on “C” grades and Academic Probation). A professional portfolio that reflects representative experiences and activities in all coursework must be submitted electronically and approved to complete the program. Receiving an "F" in any course will result in the student being dropped from the program.

Students are allowed up to five years from the date of official acceptance to complete the program.

For Licensure, students are required to take and pass the licensure tests (see above), and any other requirements of NCDPI

A Dmission R Equirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching Program in Elementary Education (K–6), an applicant must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

• Submit an online Graduate Education Application form

• Submit official transcripts of all previous academic work beyond high school. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have all transcripts sent directly from each institution attended.

• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or higher on a 4.00 scale on all post-secondary academic coursework

• Be accepted by the Graduate Education Programs Admissions Committee

P Ract Icum And L Icensure

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree must complete Education 595, a supervised practicum experience in an assigned K–6 classroom (analogous to student teaching in traditional undergraduate teacher education program). The practicum is designed to provide an indepth internship to graduate students who have minimal to moderate teaching experiences but do not hold a teaching license. The student teaching practicum is a state requirement for initial licensure in North Carolina. Students will have scheduled meetings with their professor. Students will complete their Practicum after completion of the first six courses. The remaining five courses will be taken after the Practicum has been completed. This allows students to apply for a NCDPI “A” license (making one eligible for a teaching position) while completing the requirements for a master’s degree. This practicum allows the graduate student to complete the licensure process. All MAT students must successfully complete the practicum and submit scores on the Pearson tests Foundations of Reading (SA090), Pearson’s Mathematics Subtest (203) OR Praxis CKT Math Subtest (7803) before they will be eligible for licensure. All candidates seeking licensure must submit electronic evidences of the completion of the standards for initial licensure as specified in the teacher education handbook. (Specific details and expectations are outlined in the Student Teacher Practicum Handbook).