Polices and Procedures of the DT Program

HCC 2012-2013 Catalog

Withdrawal and refund of tuition and fees:

Students may officially withdraw from one or all courses without academic penalty. There is an official withdrawal deadline date for each semester. The withdrawal deadlines are listed in the college’s operational calendar and the HCC website. For classes that meet on a non-traditional calendar/schedule, the deadline to withdraw is at sixty percent of the class. Students who officially withdraw before that deadline but after the drop/add period are given a “W” grade. IMPORTANT: Withdrawing from a course or courses may affect enrollment status and eligibility for athletics, financial assistance, veteran’s benefits, international student visas, and benefits received from other federal agencies. If students do not officially withdraw by the deadline, the instructor must assign a letter grade other than “W” to the grade report. If students have serious extenuating circumstances, they may petition the appropriate campus dean of student services for a late withdrawal. Students who officially withdraw from a class may not continue attending that class. Students are permitted to withdraw from a course only twice. If they register for a course a third time, they will not be permitted to withdraw, and will receive a grade for the course. Instructors can recommend to the office of admissions, registration, and records that students be withdrawn from a class for disciplinary reasons or for non-attendance. The college will notify students whom the faculty has recommended, and the students will be given an opportunity to appeal the instructor-initiated withdrawal. Students may attempt a course only three times (including original grades, repeat grades, and withdrawals). Through the academic appeals process, students with significant extenuating circumstances may petition for a fourth attempt. To begin the academic appeals process, students must contact the appropriate campus dean of student services. All grades from the third and any sub- sequent attempts will be included in the grade point average calculation. Students must pay the full cost of instruction (equal to out-of-state fees) for credit classes they attempt a third time and any additional times. If students have serious extenuating circumstances, they may petition the appropriate campus dean of student services for a one-time exemption from paying the full cost of instruction. Tuition and fees are refunded to students who drop courses during the registration drop/add periods. The drop/add periods are located on HCC’s website and published under “My HCC.” Both regular registration and drop/add periods are listed in the operational calendar for the current year. Students enrolled for courses that do not follow a regular term will receive a refund if they drop courses according to the identified drop/add date. This information is available on the HCC website.   Outstanding financial obligations to HCC are deducted from refunds.

Scheduling and program calendar, including vacation and holidays:

The DTP complies with the approved HCC College & Academic Calendar as well as the FUSA union contract.

Protection of privacy of student or intern information:

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) govern the confidentiality of student records (Records are defined as all records, files and data directly related to students that are created, maintained, and used by HCC.)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) protects the privacy of educational records and gives students the right to review their educational records. Hillsborough Community College does not release any personally identifiable information about any student to a third party without the student’s written consent. 

Access to personal files:

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) govern the confidentiality of student records (Records are defined as all records, files and data directly related to students that are created, maintained, and used by HCC.)

The Student’s files are kept in locked cabinets inside his faculty office.  Faculty offices are private and secured.  The College’s administration provides procedures and regulations to safeguard the security of each employee’s office and files.  The faculty member has sole access to his desk and office files.  If the faculty member’s office is entered for emergency purposes, the faculty member will be notified.

Access to student/intern support services, including health services, counseling and testing and financial aid resources:

As an institution focused on student learning, Hillsborough Community College offers a variety of learning options to enhance its’ strong traditional college programs.

Insurance requirements, including those for professional liability:

Dietetic students will be required to purchase health insurance coverage in order to participate in practicums. Health insurance may be with the carrier of the student’s choice.  Professional liability insurance is recommended and may be obtained from the carrier working with members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Students should obtain $1,000,000/$3,000,000 malpractice coverage and $1,000,000 personal coverage.

Liability for safety in travel to or from assigned areas:

Transportation to and from HCC and the various curriculum sites will be the responsibility of each student.  Since public transportation is very limited in the Bay area, it is necessary for the dietetic technician student to have use of an automobile.  In addition, dietetic technician students are liable for safety in travel to or from assigned areas.

Injury or illness while in a facility for supervised practice:

In the event of illness, the dietetic technician student will be responsible for notifying the practicum coordinator and preceptor prior to the beginning of the rotation of duty. In the event of illness in excess of 2 days, a doctor’s certification verifying the illness and specifying clearance to return to rotation duty will be required. In the event that an absence interferes with successful completion of any experience objective, that time and any missed assignments must be rescheduled and completed at the discretion of the practicum instructor and the staff preceptor. Absences due to illness greater than 2 days must be made up. In the event of an injury at a practicum site, notify immediately the FACILITY host preceptor or supervisor on duty and the Practicum Coordinator to determine the best course of action. 

Drug testing and criminal background checks if required by the supervised practice facilities:

A background check will be required of all students who will participate in field experiences (practicums) as part of their educational program.  Background checks are necessary for learning experiences involving children, elderly, patients, or other vulnerable populations. A Level II background check will be performed on students in the DIE 2000 class. The background  check is at the student’s expense and is required to pass DIE 2000.  Additional background checks may be conducted at any time during matriculation in the program.  Students, who are convicted of felony offenses, as referenced in the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics, cannot participate in the program, and they must withdraw from the class and the program. Please be advised that some affiliates may require a student to submit to a drug test.  Failure to submit to the affiliate’s required drug test will not result in program dismissal unless refusal results in the student's inability to complete the Program's terminal competencies for practicum performance.

Educational purpose of supervised practice to prevent the use of students to replace employees:

It is the policy of the Hillsborough Community College Dietetic Technician Program that dietetic technician students will not replace dietitians or staff at practicum sites; however, students may provide staff relief as part of the learning outcome process.

Filing and handling complaints from students and preceptors that includes recourse to an administrator other than the Program Manager and prevents retaliation:

The DTP complies with college policies and procedures regarding the protection of student privacy and civil rights, access to student support services, and the process for student grievances.

Assessment of prior learning and credit toward program requirements (coursework and/or experiential):

Hillsborough Community College Dietetic Technician Program does not accept prior work experience as credit toward practicum requirements. As such, no assessment of prior learning is necessary. If transfer credit for previous college experience is requested, it is the student’s responsibility to arrange for an official transcript to be sent to the Admissions Department at HCC. This process should be initiated as early as possible so that advisement can facilitate successful completion of degree requirements.

Formal assessment of student learning and regular reports of performance and progress at specified intervals throughout the program, such as within and at the conclusion of any given course, unit, segment or rotation of a planned learning experience:

Dietetic technician students will be formally assessed within their coursework through evaluation of tests, quizzes, worksheets and projects.  The evaluation of course requirements will culminate in a final course grade.  Dietetic technician students are required to achieve a “C” or better in all major dietetic core coursework.  The Program Manager will monitor student grades each semester and counsel students as needed. The following courses are considered major dietetic core classes:

Program retention and remediation procedures when student performance does not meet criteria for progressing in the program:

All HCC students can apply and enroll in the DT program and will be retained in the program as long as they adhere to all the policies as stated in the college catalog (pages 35-38), student handbook (pages 176-191) and DT program student handbook.

Disciplinary/termination procedures:

All HCC students can apply and enroll in the DT program and will be retained in the program as long as they adhere to the polices as stated on pages 35-38 in the most current college catalog and pages 176-191 in the most current student handbook and academic planner and the DT program handbook. 

Graduation and/or program completion requirements for all options including maximum amount of time allowed to complete program requirements in place at the time student enrolls:

Students need to complete the Dietetic Technician Program in no more than five (5) years.  Program completion is reached when the dietetic technician student has completed all AS degree requirements. Students may complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis. If a student wishes to take a leave of absence from the program, they must notify the Program Director.

Verification statement procedures ensuring that all students completing requirements as established by the program receive verification statements and their names are submitted to CDR for eligibility for the DTR examination:

Within the last two weeks of program completion, the Program Manager and practicum coordinator will provide you with some forms that are to be completed and returned to the Program Manager so they can complete the eligibility application process for submission to CDR (Commission on Dietetics Registration). The Program Manager will provide each student with the Student Exit Packet which has instructions on the examination application process. Upon completion and verification of all program/degree requirements, the Program Manager will submit the graduate’s data electronically to the CDR. About 2-3 weeks after the graduate data is sent to CDR, the graduate should receive information from CDR on how to make an appointment to take the national DTR exam. In addition, students will be provided 3 original Verification Statements for their records to provide, upon request, to prospective employers, the licensure board and to the AND for membership if asked.

Additional Practicum Policies and Guidelines

Dress Code

In order to promote a professional image, the Dietetic Technician Student is required to wear professional attire.  Students must purchase wear HCC Dietetic Technician Student patches at all times within practicum sites.  These can be purchased at the HCC bookstore.  Food Practicum sites may require additional uniform supplies and footwear. Clinical practicum sites will require the purchase of a white lab coat with the HCC student patch attached.  All uniform and supplies are the responsibility of the student.  Students should wear closed-toe, comfortable footwear, professional dress, with the moderate use of makeup, jewelry, and perfume. 

Practicum Evaluation 

Successful completion of practicums requires:

1. Completion of all scheduled hours.

2. Completion of all objectives and assignments within established levels of performance.

3. Satisfactory evaluation from facility preceptor and supervising faculty member. 

Performance is formally assessed during and at the conclusion of each practicum by the preceptor, Program Manager and clinical Practicum Coordinator. The evaluation and unit assignments will then be given to the Program Manager who will review all material when turned in with the portfolio.  The Program Manager will review any major areas in need of attention with the student.  Informal assessment and feedback will be given to students by preceptors throughout the practicum and by the practicum coordinator as needed. Further practicum instructions are given to students upon enrollment in such practicum.

Practicum Schedule

It is the responsibility of the Program Manager and Clinical Practicum Coordinator to develop the master schedule for practicums with consideration of preceptor’s schedule, student academic schedule and holidays. The master schedule is subject to change.

Unless otherwise scheduled or determined by the practicum instructor, the dietetic technician practicum will consist of a two, 6-hour days each week.  This provides a total of 180 hours of supervised practice per practicum and 540 hours total.

1. In the event of illness, the dietetic technician student will be responsible for notifying the practicum coordinator and preceptor prior to the beginning of the rotation of duty. 
2. In the event of illness in excess of 2 days, a doctor’s certification verifying the illness and specifying clearance to return to rotation duty will be required. 
3. In the event that an absence interferes with successful completion of any experience objective, that time and any missed assignments must be rescheduled and completed at the discretion of the practicum instructor and the staff preceptor. Absences due to illness greater than 2 days must be made up.
4. Tardiness is not acceptable and may lead to disciplinary action. 

ServSafe®

All Dietetic Technician Students must be Servsafe Certified in order to enroll in practicums. This certificate is obtained in FOS 1201 (Sanitation & Safety Management).

Facility/Preceptor Evaluation 

At the end of each practicum rotation, the dietetic student will complete a practicum and preceptor evaluation.  This process evaluates the preceptor’s and practicum site’s ability to meet the prescribed competencies for the unit.  Results from the faculty/rotation evaluations are kept confidential.  Information from this evaluation is used by the Dietetic Technician Program Manager to make positive changes in the program. Students will also be evaluated by the facility and this will count towards their grade and completion of their practicum obligations.

Other Policies and Guidelines

Student Acadamey of Nutrition & Dietetics membership

All students who enroll in DIE 2000 must join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as a Student, and the cost is the student’s responsibility. Information pertaining to this will be distributed in DIE 2000. Proof of membership will be collected in DIE 2000 according to the class schedule. After the 1 year of membership, it is the student’s choice as to continue membership or not.

Nutrition & Dietetics Club

All students who enroll in DIE 2000 must join the Student Government Association club for Dietetics. A one-time membership fee of $10.00 will be the students’ responsibility, and information pertaining to this will be distributed in DIE 2000. Students must maintain good standing membership during their tenure as a Dietetic Technician student. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.

Attendance and Grading Policy

Students are required to attend class regularly and punctually.  If students miss classes, regardless of the cause, their opportunities for learning and academic success will be adversely affected.  The syllabus for each course contains the instructor’s attendance and grading requirements.  It is the student’s responsibility to read the syllabus, comply with the instructor’s policies, and arrange to make up work missed because of absence or lateness.  If students stop attending class, they will be assigned a letter grade unless they complete and submit a withdrawal form by the deadline published in the current catalog and credit course schedule.  Students receiving financial aid are advised to discuss the impact of not attending classes on their financial aid or veterans benefits.

Grade Appeals

This procedure establishes guidelines by which a student can dispute the process in which a grade was determined, if the student believes that the grade has been awarded in error or if the student believes that the grade was prejudicially or capriciously awarded.

Student Code of Conduct and Student Discipline

The student codes of conduct and student disciplines are covered in the Student Handbook. This covers college policy on violations of law, the disciplinary action under this code with the measures and procedures for violations. A college code of conduct committee shall be organized to hear cases referred to it by the Dean of Student Services or the Campus President at the campus where the infraction occurred or brought before it by the student facing charges.

Equal Access/Equal Opportunity and Educational Equity

Hillsborough Community College is an equal access/equal opportunity employer that makes employment and education-related decisions without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other bias that is or may be prohibited by laws. In addition, the college does not discriminate in employment practices or in the admission and treatment of students. HCC is committed to equitable treatment for all students and employees and for a learning and working environment free of discrimination and harassment for current as well as future students and employees. The college provides equal educational opportunities for qualified individuals with disabilities and complies with, as well as, supports the Americans with Disabilities Act.

HCC’s Equity Officer ensures compliance with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and sexual harassment. The Equity Office values and responds to equity-related complaints in a very confidential and timely manner.

Employees and students who believe they have been a victim of discrimination or sexual harassment should contact:

Dr. Joan B. Holmes

Special Assistant to the President for Equity and Special Programs

Dr. Gwendolyn W. Stephenson District Administrative Center

39 Columbia Drive, Room 716

Tampa, FL 33606

Telephone: 813-253-7037

Email: www.hccfl.edu/gwsc/equity--diversity-office.aspx  jholmes16@hccfl.edu

This page was last updated - October 17, 2011 by Eugene Broda