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ATS Policies & Procedures Manual 1
ATHLETICTRAININGSTUDENTPolicies&ProceduresManual
ProfessionalMaster’sProgram
(ExhibitA:ForClinicalAffiliationAgreement)Revised3/29/2021
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TableofContentsTableofContents page2-3SectionIProgrammaticIntroductionWelcome page4MSATPolicies&ProceduresAcknowledgementForm page5MSATProgramFaculty page6MSATProgramOverview page7MerrimackCollegeMissionpage8MerrimackCommunityStandards page9MerrimackCollegeNoticeofNon-Discrimination page9MSATMission/ProgramGoals page10MSATStudentLearningOutcomespage10AdmissionRequirementspage11TechnicalStandardspage12-14MedicalHistory/PhysicalExamination page15-16RequiredImmunizations page16MSATCurriculum page17SectionIIInstitutionalPoliciesGraduateAcademicRequirements page18-27GrievanceProcedures page28AcademicIntegrityPolicy page29-34FERPA(StudentPolicy) page35-37TitleXI page38-40DEIStatement page41AccessibilityServices page42-45SectionIIIClinicalEducation/ProgrammaticPoliciesClinicalEducationRequirements page46MSATProgrammaticCosts page47ClinicalEducationPoliciesandProcedures page48-49AthleticTrainingFacilityResponsibilities page50AffiliatedClinicalSites page51ClinicalAffiliationAgreement page52-55ClinicalPlacementAppealsProcess page56MSATTransportationPolicy page56InclementWeatherPolicy page56
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BackgroundCheck(CORI) page57CastleBranch page58StatementofConfidentiality/HIPAA page59EmergencyCardiacCareCertification page60EmergencyProcedures page60Blood-BornePathogens/ExposurePlan page61-63HepatitisB page64CommunicableDiseasePolicy page65 ModalityCalibration page66RadiationPolicyMissing page66SectionIVProfessionalBehaviorsNATAFoundationalBehaviorsofProfessionalPractice page67-68MSATDressCode page69-70ProfessionalOrganizations(NATA)Membership page71NATACodeofEthics page72- 73 SectionVCOVID-19Addendum page74-79
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AthleticTrainingStudents:WelcomeandcongratulationsonyourenrollmentintheCAATEaccreditedProfessionalProgramMaster’sDegreeinAthleticTrainingatMerrimackCollege.TheAthleticTrainingStudentsPoliciesandProceduresManualreflectstherequirementsandexpectationsassociatedwiththeMasterofScienceinAthleticTraining.ItisexpectedthatallAthleticTrainingStudentsreviewandacceptthepoliciesandproceduresassociatedwiththeMSATprogram.TheAthleticTrainingPoliciesandProceduresManualisanextensionofthepoliciescreatedbyMerrimackCollegeandtheSchoolofHealthSciences.ThishandbookisdesignedtoserveasaguidetoinformandassistathletictrainingstudentsenrolledintheAthleticTrainingProgram.Asanathletictrainingstudent,youareexpectedtounderstandtheseproceduresthoroughlyandabidebythemcompletelywhentheoccasionarises.Itisstronglyrecommendedthatyoureviewthismanualonaregularbasis.Yoursignatureonthefollowingpageacknowledgesthatyouhavereceivedacopyofthemanual,havebeenmadeawareofthecontentsofthemanualandagreetoabidebyallpoliciesandprocedures.Sincerely,BirgidHopkinsMSATLATCMSATProgramDirectorAssociateClinicalProfessorSchoolofHealthSciences
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ATHLETICTRAININGSTUDENT
POLICIES&PROCEDURESMANUALAcknowledgementForm
Ihave:
1. ReceivedacopyoftheAthleticTrainingStudent(ATS)manual
2. ReviewedtheAthleticTrainingStudentManualwithanATPfacultymember
3. ReadandunderstandthecontentsoftheAthleticTrainingStudentManual
4. Hadanopportunitytoaskquestionsregardingthelistedcontentareaswithalloftheirindividualproperties
5. AgreedtoabidebyallthepoliciesandproceduresstatedintheAthleticTraining
StudentManual.
● IalsounderstandthatthepoliciesandproceduresstatedintheAthleticTrainingStudentPolicies&ProceduresManualmayberevisedandIwillbegiventheopportunitytoreadandreviewanyrevisionspriortotheirimplementation.
● ItismydesiretocontinueintheAthleticTrainingProgramaccordingtothe
policiesandproceduresoutlinedinthismanual.Bymysignature,IacknowledgethatIhavereceivedacopyoftheMerrimackCollegeAthleticTrainingStudentPolicies&ProceduresManualinitsentiretyandagreetoabidebythemanualaslongasIamenrolledintheProfessionalMaster’sDegreePrograminAthleticTrainingatMerrimackCollege.
_______________________________________ _____________
StudentSignature Date
________________________________________ ______________ PrintedStudentName Date
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MerrimackCollegeMSATCoreFaculty
BirgidHopkinsMS,LAT,ATCAssociateClinicalProfessorMSATProgramDirectorO’ReillyHallRoom408OfficePhone(978)837–[email protected],LAT,ATCAssociateClinicalProfessorClinicalEducationCoordinatorO’ReillyHallRoom403OfficePhone(978)837–[email protected],LAT,ATC,CSCSAssistantClinicalProfessorO’ReillyHallRoom418OfficePhone(978)837–[email protected],LAT,ATC,CSCSAssistantClinicalProfessorO’ReillyHallRoom415OfficePhone(978)837–[email protected]/[email protected]
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MSATProgramOverview
TheProfessionalMaster’sDegreePrograminAthleticTrainingatMerrimackCollegeisofferedbytheSchoolofHealthSciences.AlongwiththeacademicportionthestudentsacquireacertainbodyofpracticalknowledgeincompliancewithCAATE(CommitteeonAccreditationofAthleticTrainingEducationprograms)StandardsandGuidelines,NATA(NationalAthleticTrainersAssociation)EducationalCompetencies,andtheBOCRoleDelineationStudy.ThisAlliedHealthEducationprograminvolvesthestudyandimplementationofmedicalskillsusedinthetreatmentofinjuriesfortheactivepatientpopulation.ItincludesthefollowingeightcontentareasandCAATE2020CoreCompetencies:
ContentAreas:● EvidencedBasedPractice,● PreventionandHealthPromotion,● ClinicalExam/Diagnosis● AcuteCare● TherapeuticIntervention● PsychosocialStrategiesandReferral● HealthcareAdministration● ProfessionalDevelopment/Responsibility
2020CoreCompetencies● Patient-CenteredCare● InterprofessionalPractice&InterprofessionalEducation● EvidenceBasedPractice● QualityImprovement● HealthCareInformatics● Professionalism
Uponcompletionofthiscourseofstudy,studentsareeligibletositfortheBoardofCertificationExaminationadministeredbytheBOC.SuccessfulcompletionofthisexaminationwillallowtheapplicanttobeawardedCertificationpreparingtheindividualforacareerasaCertifiedAthleticTrainer.MerrimackCollege’sAthleticTrainingProgramwillalsopreparethosestudentswhomaychoosetocontinuetheireducationviaResidency,PostProfessional,DATorPhDprograms.SuccessfulcompletionoftheProfessionalMaster’sDegreePrograminAthleticTrainingandsubsequentpassingoftheBOCcertificationexaminationwillalsomeettherequirementsofeligibilityforstatelicensure.Athletictrainersarelicensedorotherwiseregulatedin49statesandtheDistrictofColumbia;effortscontinuetoaddlicensureinCalifornia.Ofthe49regulatedstates(plustheDistrictofColumbia),45ofthestateshavealicensurebill,fourhaveregistrationbillsandonehasacertificationbill.Pleaseseethelinkforthemostrecentstatebystateregulatoryboards.https://members.nata.org/gov/state/regulatory-boards/map.cfm
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MerrimackCollegeMission
Ourmissionistoenlightenminds,engageheartsandempowerlives.InspiredbytheCatholicfaithandtheAugustiniantraditionofseekingtruththroughinquiryanddialogue,ourvisionisto:
● Preparestudentstoadaptcreativelytotomorrow’srealitiesthroughexcellenceintheliberalarts,sciencesandtheprofessions.
● Buildacommunityofscholarswelcomingandrespectingadiversityofbackgrounds,experiences,beliefsandperspectives.
● Cultivatetheintellectual,moral,spiritual,physicalandpersonalawarenessneededtomakewisechoicesforlife,careerandservice.
● Encourageandsupportscholarlyworkthatcontributestothewisdomonwhichsocietybasesitsdecisions.
● Engageothereducationalinstitutions,industryandagenciesofsocialchangeincollaborativeeffortsfosteringajust,peacefulandsustainableworld.
ARenewedMissionandVision
MerrimackCollegehasreneweditsmissionandvisionforthe21stcentury.InDecember2008,theboardoftrusteesapprovedamoreclearandcompellingmissionstatementthatguidesusinourstrategicplanning.
ChairedbytheRev.RayDlugos,O.S.A.,vicepresidentofmissionandministry,a20-membercommitteecomposedoffaculty,students,staffandadministrationworkedtoelicitinvolvementandinputfromtheentirecollegecommunity.TheywerechargedwithrefiningthemissionofMerrimackCollegetobetterexpressthetruespiritofthecollege.
OurentirecommunityhashadtheopportunitytoprovidetheirthoughtsandtohelpshapethefutureofMerrimackCollege.Thiswillcontinuetobeveryimportantasweembarkonourstrategic-planningprocess.Thismissionandvisionstatementisourguidingbeaconforthefuture.
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STATEMENTOFCOMMUNITYSTANDARDSBeforeallelse,thestudents,faculty,staff,andadministrationofMerrimackCollegeformanAugustiniancommunitythatsupportsandchallengesitsmembersinthepursuitoftruth.Wedeclareandcelebrateourcommonpurpose,andcommitourselves:
● toseriousstudy,generousserviceandcourageousleadership● toacademicintegrityandpersonalgrowth● tocivilizeddiscourseintheexchangeofideas● tofriendship,diversity,andmutualrespect● toprimacyofconscienceandthespirituallife● toresponsibilityforthecommongood,and● toprideinourschoolandourselves.
NOTICEOFNONDISCRIMINATIONMerrimackCollegeisfirmlycommittedtothepracticeofequalopportunityandprohibitsdiscriminationofanykind.Everystudentisentitledanenvironmentfreeofdiscrimination,whicherodesdignityandmorale.DiscriminationconstitutesaseriousinfractionofCollegepolicy,aswellasaviolationofstateandfederallaw.AnymemberoftheMerrimackCollegecommunity,whodiscriminatesagainst,excludes,degrades,orotherwisedevaluesanotheronbasisofrace,color,religion,nationalorigin,ancestry,sex,sexualorientation,gender,genderidentity,age,mentalorphysicaldisability,orotherlawfullyprotectedcategories,willbedisciplinedaccordingly,uptoandincludingdismissal.
ItispolicyofMerrimackCollegetoadministeralldecisionswithoutregardtorace,color,religion,nationalorigin,ancestry,gender,genderidentity,sexualorientation,age,mentalorphysicaldisability,orotherlawfullyprotectedcategories.
SCHOOLOFHEALTHSCIENCESOVERVIEWTheSchoolofHealthSciencesoffersastrongfoundationinthebasicsciences,andtechnology,enhancedbydiverseexperientiallearningopportunities.Studentsarementoredinthedevelopmentofcareer-relatedskillsinastudent-centeredcurriculumthatfostersanactivelearningenvironmentandpracticalexperienceinthehealthcareandhumanperformancefields.
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MSATMission&GoalsMission:Theathletictrainingprogramprovidesstudentswithasuperiorathletictrainingeducationintegratedwithdynamicexperientiallearningopportunitiesthatpromoteandcultivatehealthcareprofessionalswhoareabletoprovidepatientcenteredcare.Theprogramemphasizesinterprofessionalcollaborationsandprovidesrealworldexperiencesinthedevelopmentofathletictrainerswhoarelifelonglearnersadvocatingfortheprofession. AthleticTrainingProgramGoals:
1. Topreparegraduatestobecomecompetentandsuccessfulathletictrainersworkinginadynamichealthcareindustry
2. Toprovidestudentswithacomprehensivedidacticcurriculumwithafocusonevidence-basedpractice/medicine
3. Toprovidestudentswithqualityclinicaleducationopportunitiesthatwillaffordinter-professionalcollaborationandculturalcompetenceinthedevelopmentofentry-levelathletictrainers
4. Topreparegraduatestoconductthemselveswithasenseofintegrity,professionalismandethicalunderstandingbyfollowingtheNATACodeofEthicsandBOCStandardforProfessionalPractice
5. Todevelopentry-levelathletictrainerswhoareanalyticalproblemsolverswhoutilizecurrentresearchtoanswerclinicalquestions,guidingclinicalpractice
StudentLearningOutcomes:
1. Studentswillexhibittheapplicationandmasteryofknowledge,skillsandabilitiestopracticeinter-professionallyinthehealthcarefield
2. Studentswilldevelopanunderstandingoftheimportanceforcontinuedprofessionaldevelopmentandmaturationwhileembodyingthesignificanceofprofessionalbehaviors
3. Studentswilldemonstrateskillincriticalthinkingandanalysisnecessaryinbecominganeffectiveathletictrainer
4. StudentswillobtainBOCcertification5. Studentswilldemonstrateoral,writtenandvisualcommunicationthatis
organized,coherent,accurateandprofessionallypreparedanddelivered
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AdmissionRequirements
AdmissionRequirementsfortwo-yearpost-baccalaureateprogram:
● ABachelor’sdegreefromanaccreditedinstitution● PreferredGPA:3.0● Pre-requisitecourses:
PreferredC+orbetter:Anatomy&PhysiologyIandII;Biology;Nutrition;PsychologyPreferredCorbetter:ChemistryIⅈPhysics;Statistics
Pleasenote:ThosewithaBachelor’sDegreeinAthleticTrainingarenoteligibletoapply.
AdmissionRequirementsforAccelerated3+2:StudentswillformallyapplytotheMSATprogramearlyinthespringoftheir3rdpre-professionalyear.Studentsinthe3+2Acceleratedtrackwhomeetallrequirementsaregivenpriorityoverpost-baccalaureateandotherapplicantschoosing3+2atMerrimackCollege.Studentsinothermajorsinterestedinapplyingintothe3+2(fiveyearacceleratedprogram)mayapplyalthoughadditionalcourseworkmaybeneededtostayontrack.StudentswhodonotmatriculateintotheMSATwillusetheir4thyearofstudytocompletetheirundergraduatedegreeinExerciseScienceorHealthSciences.
Studentsinthe3+2acceleratedprogramwillberequiredtoachieve/maintain:
● PreferredC+orbetter:● Anatomy&PhysiologyIandII;Biology;Nutrition;Psychology● PreferredCorbetter:● ChemistryIⅈPhysics;Statistics
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TECHNICALSTANDARDS:TheAthleticTrainingProgramatMerrimackCollegeisarigorousandintenseprogramthatplacesspecificrequirementsanddemandsonthestudentsenrolledintheprogram.Anobjectiveofthisprogramistopreparestudentstoenteravarietyofemploymentsettingsinathletictrainingandtorendercaretoawidespectrumofindividualsengagedinphysicalactivity.ThetechnicalstandardssetforthbytheAthleticTrainingProgram,establishtheessentialqualitiesconsiderednecessaryforstudentsadmittedtothisprogramtoachievetheknowledge,skillsandcompetenciesofanentry-levelathletictrainer,aswellasmeettheexpectationsoftheprogram’saccreditingagency(CommissiononAccreditationofAthleticTrainingEducation(CAATE).ThefollowingabilitiesandexpectationsmustbemetbyallstudentsadmittedtotheAthleticTrainingProgram.Intheeventastudentisunabletofulfillthesetechnicalstandards,withorwithoutreasonableaccommodation,thestudentwillnotbeadmittedintotheprogram.Compliancewiththeprogram’stechnicalstandardsdoesnotguaranteeastudent’seligibilityforBOCcertificationexam.CandidatesforselectiontotheAthleticTrainingProgrammustdemonstratethefollowingtechnicalstandardsandguidelineswithorwithoutreasonableaccommodations:
1. Theabilitytolearnthroughobservation.Observationrequiresthefunctionaluseofvision,hearingandsomaticsenses.Thestudentmustbeabletoparticipateinlectures,aswellaslaboratoryandpracticumdemonstrations.He/sheshouldbeableto:
• Observeclinicalsignsthroughvisualandtactileassessment(swelling,deformity),palpateapatientaccuratelytodeterminevariationsfromthenorm(throughpalpationofanatomicalstructures)
• Observeoutputreadingstodetermineapatient’sconditionandstatusoftreatment(bloodpressure,rangeofmotion,lossoffunction)
• Abilitytolistentoapatientdescribetheirmedicalhistoryandsymptoms
2. Thestudentmustpossesstheabilitytocommunicateeffectivelyandsensitively.
• Withpatients:toobtaininformationregardingthepatients’healthcomplaintsanddisposition.
• Withcolleaguesandothermembersofthehealthcarecommunity:toconveyessentialinformationforsafeandeffectivecare.
• Studentsmustbeabletoread,communicateinwritinganddemonstratecomputerliteracyassignments.ThestudentmustalsobeabletounderstandandspeaktheEnglishlanguageatalevelconsistentwithcompetentprofessionalpractice.
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3. Thestudentmusthavesufficientneuromuscularcontrol,sensoryfunctionandcoordinationtoperformphysicalexaminationsusingacceptedmethods.Accuratelyandsafelyutilizeequipmentandmaterialsduringtheassessmentandtreatmentofpatients.
4. Thestudentmustpossesstheintellectualabilitiestoeffectivelysolveproblems
andcriticallythink.Theymustbeabletomeasure,calculate,reason,analyze,integrateandsynthesizeinformationinatimelymanner.(Thestudentmustbeabletosynthesizeknowledgeandintegratetherelevantaspectsofapatient’shistoryandexaminationfindingstodevelopaneffectivetreatmentplan).
5. Studentsmustpossessthepsychologicalabilityrequiredforthefulluseoftheirintellectualabilities,fortheexerciseofgoodjudgment,forthepromptcompletionofallresponsibilitiesinherenttoassessmentandcareofpatients,andforthedevelopmentofmature,sensitiveandeffectiverelationshipswithpatients.Studentsshouldbeabletotoleratephysicallyandmentallytaxingworkloadsandfunctioneffectivelyunderstress.Theymustbeabletoadapttoachangingenvironment,andfunctioninthefaceofuncertaintiesinherentinthesettingofathletictraining.Studentsmustdemonstrateethicalbehavior,bothintheclassroomandduringtheirclinicalexperience.
Reasonableaccommodations:Astudentmustdemonstratetheaboveskillsandabilities,butmaydosowithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation.TheAthleticTrainingProgramDirectorincombinationwiththeDirectorofAccessibilityServiceswillprovidereasonableaccommodationstoqualifiedstudentstoenablethemtomeetthesetechnicalguidelines.Whetherornotanaccommodationisreasonablewillbedeterminedonanindividualbasis.StudentsseekingacademicaccommodationsmustprovidemedicaldocumentationoftheirdisabilityandcomplywiththeproceduresoftheMerrimackCollegeOfficeofAccessibilityServices.Onceastudent’seligibilityisestablishedtheDirectorofAccessibilityServiceswillforwardasetofrecommendedaccommodationstoeachofthestudent’sprofessorswhoreviewstheserecommendationstoensurethattheaccommodationsrequestedarereasonable,takingintoaccountwhethertheaccommodationwouldjeopardizeclinician/patientsafety,ortheeducationalprocessofthestudentortheinstitution,includingallcoursework,clinicalexperiencesandinternshipsdeemedessentialtograduation.Astudentwhoisadmittedtothemajorbutunabletofulfillthesetechnicalstandards,withorwithoutreasonableaccommodation,willnotbeabletocompletethemajor.DeclineAccommodations:IcertifythatIhavereadandunderstandthetechnicalstandardsforselectionlistedabove,andIbelievetothebestofmyknowledgethatImeeteachofthesestandards
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withoutaccommodation.IunderstandthatifIamunabletomeetthesestandardsIwillnotbeadmittedintotheprogram.RequestAccommodations.IcertifythatIhavereadandunderstandthetechnicalstandardsofselectionlistedaboveandIbelievetothebestofmyknowledgethatIcanmeeteachofthesestandardswithcertainaccommodations.IwillcontacttheDirectorofAccessibilityServicesandtheAthleticTrainingProgramDirectortodeterminewhataccommodationsmaybeavailable.IunderstandthatifIamunabletomeetthesestandardswithorwithoutaccommodations,Iwillnotbeadmittedintotheprogram. ____________________________________________ ____________________NameofApplicant(Print) Date____________________________________________SignatureofApplicant
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AthleticTrainingProgramMedicalHistoryandPhysicalExaminationForm
Instructions:1.Amedicalhistoryandphysicalexamisrequired.2.Thestudentmustprovideallinformationrequested3.Immunizationandtuberculinskintestsmustbecompletedand/orupdatedasnecessary4.ProofofimmunizationsmustbepresentedtotheStudentHealthCenterperMassachusettsStateLaw.
Name:___________________________________ Date:__________________________Address:_________________________________ Phone:__________________________DateofBirth:_____________ Gender:_________
MedicalHistoryCondition DescriptionAllergy Yes No EmotionalDisorders Yes NoHearing/VisionImpairment Yes NoMigraine Yes NoHeartProblems Yes NoDiabetesMellitus Yes NoKidneyDisease Yes NoTuberculosis Yes NoOther(PleaseExplain)
PhysicalExam(CompletedbyMD,DO,PAorNP)Height_________ Weight_________BP______________Pulse________ VisionScreen__________(Indicateanyabnormalfindings)HEENTCardiacPulmonaryBreast/GenitaliaAbdomenGUMusculoskeletalNeurologicalDoesthisstudentrequireanyfollow-uphealthsupervision?Yes_____________ No____________Ifso,recommendations:____________________________________________________________________________________ClearedforClinical Yes_________________ No_______________________________HealthcareProviderSignature:____________________________________________________________________________
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MerrimackCollegeAthleticTrainingTechnicalStandards
Thestudentdemonstrates:1.Thementalcapacitytoassimilate,analyze,synthesize,integrateconceptsandproblemsolvetoformulateassessmentinatimelymannerandabletodistinguishdeviationsfromthenorm.2.Sufficientposturalandneuromuscularcontrol,sensoryfunctionandcoordinationtoperformappropriatephysicalexaminationsusingacceptedtechniques,andaccurately,safelyandefficientlyuseequipmentandmaterialsduringtheassessmentandtreatmentofpatients3.AbilitytocommunicateeffectivelyandsensitivelywithpatientsandcolleaguesandspeaktheEnglishlanguageatalevelthatisconsistentwithcompetentprofessionalpractice4.Abilitytocommunicateinwriting:reportthephysicalexaminationresults,andtreatmentplansclearlyandaccurately5.Capacitytomaintaincomposureandcontinuetofunctionwellduringperiodsofhighstress6.Flexibilityandtheabilitytoadjusttochangingsituationsanduncertaintyinclinicalsituations7.AffectiveskillsandappropriatedemeanorandrapporttorelatetootherhealthcareprofessionalsandpatientsinadministeringqualitypatientcareBasedontheresultsofthisexam,thisstudentdemonstratestheobservation,communication,motor,intellectualandsocialabilitiestoperformintheATPatMerrimackCollege.______Yes ________No______Yes,withaccommodations(explain):__________________________________________________________________HealthcareProviderSignature:______________________________________Date:________________ImmunizationForm:https://www.merrimack.edu/about/offices_services/hamel-health-center/health-forms-requirements/
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MSATCURRICULUM
SummerI.ATR5100FunctionalClinicalAnatomy(4cr)ATR5200FundamentalSkillsforAthleticTraining(4cr)ATR5150EmergencyManagementandPrevention(4cr)ATR5300ClinicalDecisionMakingI(4cr)
Year1:Fall SpringHSC5320ChronDiseasePrev(4cr) ATR6550ConceptsTher.Interven.(4cr)ATR5400ClinicalExam/DiagnosisI(4cr)ATR6400ClinicalExam/DiagII(4cr)ATR5500Phys.Agents&M.Modals(4cr)ATR6450ClinPath&MedInterven.(4cr)ATR5301ClinDecisionMakingII(4cr) ATR6300ClinDecisionMakingIII(4cr)
Year2:
ATR6350CCinHCAdmin.(4cr) ATR6750CMH5090BehavH-Care(4cr) ATR6600ResMtdsinClinPractice(4cr) HSC6200SportsNutrition(4cr)ATR6650IntrotoMedicalImaging(4cr) ATR6700SpecialTopicsHealthcare(4cr)ATR6301ClinDecisionMakingIV (4cr) ATR6302ClinDecisionMakingV(4cr)
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GraduateAcademicPolicies
GraduateGradingPolicies
Althoughthegraduategradingpolicyissimilartotheundergraduatepolicy,itshouldbenotedthattheexpectationsforgraduatestudentsaremuchhigherandthereforethegradingismorerigorous.Candidatesforanygraduate-leveldegreeorcertificatemustattainafinalcumulativegradepointaverageof3.0beforethedegreeorcertificatewillbeconferred.
LetterandSpecialGradeDefinitionThefollowingletterandspecialgradesareusedacrossallgraduateprograms.PleasenotethatthisdocumentsetstheminimumstandardsfortheCollege.IndividualdegreeprogramsmayhavestricterGPAandcoursegraderequirements.
● ∙A:“A”indicatesoutstandingwork● ∙B:“B”meansthattheworkissatisfactory● ∙C:“C”(2.0)isdeemedunsatisfactoryatthegraduatelevel.Nomorethantwo
coursesattheClevel(2.0orhigher)willbecountedasacceptabletowardagraduatedegree.Studentsmaybepermittedtorepeatonlytwocourses,andmayrepeateachcourseonlyonetime.ThosewhoreceivemorethantwoClevelgradeswillbeautomaticallydismissedfromtheirprogramofstudy.“SeeRepeatPolicy”tounderstandhowtorepeatacourse.
● AnygradelowerthanaC-willnotbeacceptableforgraduate-levelworkandcannotbecountedascredittowardsthedegree.However,thegradewillbecountedtowardthegraduatestudent’sGPA.IfastudentreceivesagradelowerthanaCinarequiredcourse,thestudentwillberequiredtoretakethecourse.Acoursemayonlyberetakenonetime.Themostrecentgradewillreplacethefirstgradeandwillbefactoredintothestudent’sGPA.
● “N”indicatesanincompletecourseastheresultoffailuretocompleteallcourseworkwithinthetimeframeofthecourse.Withtheapprovalofthecourseinstructor,thestudentmaybealloweduptofourweeksfromtheendofthetermtofinishtheirwork.Uponcompletion,thegradewillbeconverted.IftheinstructorhasnotinformedtheRegistrarofanewgradebytheendofthefour-weekperiod,an“N”willconverttoan“F”(SeeIncompleteGrade).
● “H”indicatesthatthestudenthasauditedthecourseandthereforewillnothavecompletedanycourseworkandwillnotreceiveagrade
● “W”meansthatthestudenthaswithdrawnfromthecourseorthecollege● Pass/Failcoursesarenotpermissible.
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GradePoints
Whilegrading,policiesmaydifferacrossprograms,thecalculationofacademicaveragesforallscholasticpurposesandpointsforeachcredithourareassignedasfollows:
A 4.0 A- 3.7 B+ 3.3
B 3.0 B- 2.7 C+ 2.3C 2.0 C- 1.7 F 0.0
CourseListingonGraduateTranscript
Thegraduatetranscriptwilllistallgraduatecoursesattemptedaswellascompleted,includingrepeatedcourses.Thetranscriptwillincludearecordofeverygraduatecoursetakenandthelettergradereceived.Whenacourseisrepeated,themostrecentgradeearnedistheoneusedtocalculateastudent’sgradepointaverage.Undergraduatecoursestakentofulfillprerequisitesbeforeorduringmatriculationinagraduateprogramwillbelistedontheundergraduatetranscriptandwillnotbecalculatedinthestudent’sGPAaverageforthegraduatedegreenorwillthecreditsbecountedtowardsthedegree.
IncompleteGrade
Occasionally,extenuatingcircumstancesleadtoaninabilitytocompleteacoursesuccessfullyduringtheregularlyscheduledtimeinwhichitisoffered.Atthediscretionoftheinstructorforthecourse,studentsmaybeabletotakeanincomplete,andcompletethecourseafterthesemesterhasended.Anincompleteisnotusedtoextendthetimeforcompletionofgeneralcourserequirements,butisrestrictedtothecompletionofalimitedrequirement,suchasafinalexaminationorpaper.(See“N”gradeabove)
RepeatPolicy
GraduatestudentsmaybepermittedtorepeatonlytwocoursesthatweretakenatMerrimackCollegeforgraduatecredit(i.e.,appliedtowardsagraduatedegree)andmayonlyrepeateachcourseonce.Beforeregisteringtoretakeacourse,studentsmustgetthewrittenapprovaloftheirprogramdirector.Bothgradeswillappearonthetranscript,butonlythemostrecentgrade,whetheritishigherorlowerthantheoriginalgrade,
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willbeusedtocalculatethestudent’sgraduateGPA.AllrepeatedcoursesmustbetakenatMerrimackCollege.
ChangeofGrade
Ifthestudentthinksthatthegradingcriteriawerenotproperlyappliedorthegradeisinaccurate,thestudentmustfirstappealdirectlytothecourseinstructorassoonaspossible,butwithinsevendaysatthelatestofreceivingthedisputedgradeeitherinpersonorthroughcomputermediatedmeans(e.g.,email,anduploadingthegradetothecoursemanagementsystem).Iftheinstructoragreestoachangeingrade,theinstructormustsubmita“GradeChange”formtotheRegistrar’sOffice.Theformmustbedatedandsignedbytheinstructoraswellasthedeanoftheschoolthroughwhichthestudent’sprogramofstudyisoffered.
If,afterthatconsultation,theinstructordoesnotagreetochangethegradeandthestudentstillwishestoappealfurther,theymustfollowthegradeappealprocessdescribedinAppendixKoftheFacultyHandbook(AAUPPolicyonTheAssignmentOfcourseGradesandStudentAppeals).
GradeAppeal
(AppendixKintheFacultyHandbook)
1. Astudentwhowishestocomplainaboutagradewouldbeexpectedtodiscussthematterfirstwiththecourseinstructor,doingsoassoonaspossibleafterreceivingthegrade.
2. Theinstructorshouldbewillingtolisten,toprovideexplanation,andtobereceptivetochangingthegradeifthestudentprovidesaconvincingargumentfordoingso.(Inmostcasesthediscussionbetweenthestudentandtheinstructorshouldsufficeandthemattershouldnotneedtobecarriedfurther.)
3. If,afterthediscussionwiththeinstructor,thestudent’sconcernsremainunresolved,thestudentmightthenapproachtheinstructor’sdepartmentchairoranothermemberofthefacultywhoistheinstructor’simmediateadministrativesuperior.Thatperson,ifheorshebelievesthatthecomplaintmayhavemerit,wouldbeexpectedtodiscussitwiththeinstructor.Ifthematterstillremainsunresolved,itshouldbereferredtoanadhocfacultycommittee.
4. Theadhoccommitteewouldordinarilybecomposedoffacultymembersintheinstructor’sdepartmentorincloselyalliedfields.Thecommitteewouldexamineavailablewritteninformationonthedispute,wouldbeavailableformeetingswiththestudentandwiththeinstructor,andwouldmeetwithothersasitseesfit.
5. Ifthefacultycommittee,throughitsinquiriesanddeliberations,determinesthatcompellingreasonsexisttochangethegrade,itwouldrequestthattheinstructormakethechange,providingtheinstructorwithawrittenexplanation
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ofitsreasons.Shouldtheinstructordecline,heorsheshouldprovideanexplanationforrefusing.
6. Thefacultycommittee,afterconsideringtheinstructor’sexplanation,anduponconcludingthatitwouldbeunjusttoallowtheoriginalgradetostand,maythenrecommendtothedepartmentheadortotheinstructor’simmediateadministrativesuperiorthatthegradebechanged.Thatindividualwillprovidetheinstructorwithacopyoftherecommendationandwillasktheinstructortoimplementit.Iftheinstructorcontinuestodecline,thatindividualmaythenchangethegrade,notifyingtheinstructorandthestudentofthisaction.Onlythatindividual,uponthewrittenrecommendationofthefacultycommittee,shouldhavetheauthoritytoaffectachangeingradeovertheobjectionoftheinstructorwhoassignedtheoriginalgrade.
AcademicStandardsFull-timeStatus
Agraduatestudentisconsideredafull-timestudentwhenenrolledineightormorecreditsinasingleterm.
Part-timeStatus
Agraduatestudentisconsideredapart-timestudentwhenenrolledinfewerthaneightcreditsinasingleterm.
GoodStanding
Thenecessarygradepointaverage(GPA)forastudenttobeconsideredingoodstandingforallgraduateprogramsisa3.0.Inaddition,allstudentsmusthaveallbillspaidandimmunizationsuptodateinordertocontinueingoodstanding.GraduatestudentsmustmeetthisminimumGPAinordertohavethedegreeconferredandtograduate.ThedirectorofeachgraduateprogrammonitorstheminimumprogramcumulativeGPA,andfailuretomeetthisrequirementinanytermwillresultinthestudentbeingplacedonprobation.(SeeProbationbelow.)
GraduateSatisfactoryAcademicProgressStandards
FederalregulationsrequirethatMerrimackCollegemeasureastudent’sprogresstowardsthecompletionoftheirdegreeprogram,whichiscalledSatisfactoryAcademicProgress.ThestandardsofSatisfactoryAcademicProgressapplytoallTitleIV,state,andsomeinstitutionalfunding.Youmustmeetboththequalitativeandquantitativestandardsbelow.
QualitativeStandards:SatisfactoryacademicprogressrequiresacumulativeGPAof3.0orbetterbytheendofeachsemester.
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QuantitativeStandards:Studentsmustsuccessfullyearn50%oftheircumulativeattemptedcredits.Inaddition,youwillnotbeeligibletoreceivefederalfinancialaidonceyouhaveattemptedmorethan150%ofthenormalcreditsrequiredforyourdegree.Forfull-timestudentsthismeansthestudentmustcompletetheirdegreewithin1.5years.Forinstance,ifyourdegreerequires30credithours,youmaynotattemptmorethan45creditstoachievethisdegree.
Note:
● Alltransfer,summer,andwintercreditsarecalculatedtowardthesatisfactoryacademicprogressstandardwhethertakenatMerrimackCollegeoranyotherinstitution.
● GradesofF,W(includingmedical),unofficialwithdrawalorNareconsideredattempted,butnotearnedcredits.
● Studentscanrepeatcoursesasmanytimesasrequiredtopassthecourse.However,ifastudentwishestorepeatacoursetoimprovetheirgrade,theycanonlyreceiveaidforcoursesrepeatedonetime.
ReviewofSatisfactoryAcademicProgress
SatisfactoryAcademicProgressforfederalandstatefinancialaidwillbereviewedforgraduatestudentsattheendofeachsemester.Ifthecumulativegradepointaveragefallsbelowtheminimumstandardand/orthestudentfallsbehindinearnedcredits,thestudentwillbenotifiedbytheOfficeofFinancialAid,andmayappealinwritingbycompletingtherequiredprocessbelow.Oncetheappealisreceived,theOfficeofFinancialAidwillnotifystudentsoffutureeligibility.
Note:ThereviewofSatisfactoryAcademicProgressforfinancialaidpurposesisbasedonastudent’sentiregraduaterecord,evenifthestudentdidnotreceivefinancialaidduringprevioussemestersofenrollment.Thisincludesallpriorcoursework(includingremedialcourses)takenatMerrimackasanon-matriculatedstudent.
Thesecourseswillbecalculatedaspartofthequalitativeandquantitativecalculations.Ifastudentisplacedonsuspension,andwishestoappeal,theymayprovidedocumentationofcourseworkthatisnotapplicabletotheirdegreeprogram,orisaresultofchangingtheirmajor,andthesecoursesmaybeexcludedfromtheSAPcalculation.
Warning
GraduatestudentswhodonotmeettheminimumSatisfactoryAcademicProgressrequirementsforfinancialaidwillbeplacedinaWarningstatusforonesemester.StudentsareeligibletoreceivefinancialaidduringtheirWarningterm.StudentswhodonotmeetminimumSatisfactoryAcademicProgressstandardsattheendoftheirWarningtermwillbeplacedonFinancialAidSuspension.
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Suspension
AfteratermonFinancialAidWarning,studentswhofailtomeetSatisfactoryAcademicProgress,asdescribedabove,willlosealleligibilityforfederalfinancialaid.StudentswillbenotifiedinwritingbytheOfficeofFinancialAidiftheyhavelosteligibility.
Appeal
StudentswhodonotmeettheminimumSatisfactoryAcademicProgressrequirementsforfinancialaidhavetheopportunitytoappealwhenspecialcircumstancesexist.Conditionswhenastudentmayappealincludedeathofarelative,injuryorillnessofthestudentorotherextenuatingcircumstances.
Inordertoappeal,astudentmustsubmitacompletedSatisfactoryAcademicProgressappealform,includingpersonalstatementandsupportingdocumentation.Inaddition,thestudentmustmeetwithTheCenterforAcademicEnrichmentortheirDean’sOfficetodevelopanacademicplan,outliningthestepsrequiredtomeetSatisfactoryAcademicProgressstandards.
Ifastudent’sappealisapproved,theywillbeplacedonfinancialaidprobation,andwillcontinuetoreceivefinancialaidwhileonprobation.Attheendofthisprobationperiod,thestudent’sacademicrecordwillbereviewedtoevaluateprogressanddeterminecontinuedeligibility.
DeniedappealswillresultinthestudentbeingineligibleforfinancialaiduntilminimumSatisfactoryAcademicProgressstandardsaremet.
AppealswillbegrantedonlyonetimeduringyourenrollmentatMerrimack.
Afteranappealisgranted,ifthestudentfailstomeetthetermsoutlinedintheiracademicplan,theywillbecomeineligibleforfinancialaiduntiltheminimumstandardsforSatisfactoryAcademicProgressaremet.Allcourses,includingsummerandtransfercourses,arecalculatedtowardSatisfactoryAcademicProgresswhethertheyaretakenatMerrimackCollegeoranyotherinstitution.
Re-establishingFinancialAidEligibility
Astudentmayregainfinancialaideligibilitybysuccessfullymeetingthecollege’sSAPpolicyrequirementsorsuccessfullymeetingtherequirementsofanestablishedacademicplan.
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Probation
StudentswhofallbelowacumulativeGPAof3.0attheendofanygiventermwillbenotifiedinwritingthattheyhavebeenplacedonprobation.Acopyofthenotificationwillalsobesenttotheirdean,totheOfficeofGraduateStudies,theOfficeofFinancialAid,andtheRegistrar’sOffice.Studentswhohavebeenplacedonacademicprobationmustmeetwiththeirprogramdirectortodevelopawritten“AcademicImprovementPlan”whichspecifieshowthestudentwilladdresswhateverissueshaveledtothedeclineinGPA;theplanmustbesignedbyboththestudentandtheprogramdirector.Studentswhoarenotinaone-yearprogrammustbringtheirGPAupto3.0bytheendofthesecondtermaftertheterminwhichtheirGPAhasfallenbelow3.0andtheyhavebeenplacedonprobation.Attheendofthefirsttermafterbeingplacedonprobation,thestudentmustachieveatleasta2.5GPA;attheendofthesecondtermafterbeingplacedonprobation,thestudentmustachievethe3.0.Thus,ifattheendofthefirsttermfollowingprobationastudenthasnotyetachieveda3.0cumulativeGPAbuthasobtainedaminimumcumulativeGPAof2.5,thestudentmayremainonprobationforoneadditionalterm.Ifthestudentdoesnotachievea2.5GPAbytheendofthefirsttermfollowingprobation,thestudentwillbedismissed(seebelow).Ifattheendofthesecondtermfollowingprobationthestudentdoesnotachievea3.0.GPA,thestudentwillbedismissed.Beingonprobationmayaffectthestatusofastudent’sfellowship,internship,orassistantship.Itmayalsoaffectastudent’sfinancialaideligibility.Studentsinoneyearprogramswhofallbelowa3.0areallowedonlyonetermonprobationtobringtheirGPAupto3.0giventheacceleratednatureoftheirprogram.Studentsonprobationcantakeupto16creditsduringthesemestertheyareonprobation.
LowGradeinRequiredCourses
IfagraduatestudentreceiveslowerthanaC(2.0GPA)inacoursethatisrequiredbytheirprogram,theymustretakethecourse.IfthestudentreceivesaC(2.0GPA)orlowerforasecondtimeinthatcourse,theywillberequiredtomeetwiththeiracademicadvisorandwillbeplacedonacademicprobation.
AcademicDismissal
Ifastudent’scumulativeGPAisbelowa2.5inthetermfollowingtheassignmentofacademicprobation,thestudentwillautomaticallybedismissed.Astudentwhohascontinuedonprobationfortwoconsecutivetermsduringwhichthestudentisenrolledinclasses,butwhodoesnotattainaminimumcumulativeGPAof3.0attheendofthesecondtermofenrollmentaftertheinstitutionoftheprobationaryperiod,willbeautomaticallydismissed.Studentsmayalsobedismissedundertheacademicintegritypolicy(seebelow).
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ReadmissionafterAcademicDismissal
Astudentwhoisdismissedforfailingtoremaininacademicgoodstandingmayapplyforreadmissionattheearliestafterthelapseofonetermandatthelatestafterfourconsecutiveterms.Tobereadmitted,thestudentmustpresentapetitiontotheprogramdirectorexplainingindetailhowthecausesoflowachievementhavebeencorrectedandwhatplansareinplacetoensurefutureacademicsuccess.Theprogramdirectorwillconveneanacademicboardofrepresentativesincludingatleasttwoadditionalmembersfromtheschoolinwhichtheprogramishousedtoreviewtheappeal;interdisciplinaryprogramappealswillbereviewedbyaninterdisciplinarycommittee.Astudentmaybedismissedandreadmittedonlyonetime.Aseconddismissalmaynotbeappealed.
TimeLimits/StatuteofLimitations
Degreecandidatesmustfulfillalltherequirementsforthegraduatedegreewithinsixconsecutiveyearsofthedateofmatriculation,unlesstheirprogramspecifiesamorerestrictivetimelimit.Thistimelimitensuresthatthedegreeconferredrepresentsawell-sequenced,cohesivebodyofcurrentknowledge.Alltheprogramrequirements,includingcoursework,transfercredits,independentstudies,andinternshipsmustbecompletedwithinthesix-yeartimelimit.Exceptionsmayberequestedforcasesinwhichtheprogresstodegreeisinterruptedbycircumstancesthatarebeyondcontrolofthestudentbywrittenappealtotheprogramdirectorexplaininganddocumentingthecircumstances.Finalapprovalofanyexceptionrestswiththedeanoftheschoolthroughwhichtheprogramisoffered.
WithdrawalfromtheProgram
Withdrawalisinitiatedbythestudent(exceptasnotedbelow),usuallyinconsultationwiththeiracademicadvisor.Studentsmaynotwithdrawsimplybecauseoflowgrades.Withdrawalfromtheprogramimplieswithdrawalfromallcourses,andthegraduateregulationsconcerninggradesareapplicable.Merenon-attendancedoesnotconstituteofficialwithdrawalfromtheprogram.ItisnecessarytocompleteanofficialwithdrawalformandfileitwiththeRegistrar.Theseformsareavailablefromtheprogramdirector.
Non-Attendance
Matriculatedstudentswhohavenotenrolledintwoconsecutivetermsinwhichtheytakeatleastfourcreditseachtermwillbeautomaticallywithdrawnfromtheprogramwithoutnotice;whiletheymayappealtotheprogramdirectorinwritingtobere-activated,dependingoncircumstances,theymayberequiredtoreapplywithnoguaranteeofadmission.
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InternationalstudentsmustadheretotheStudentandExchangeVisitorProgram(SEVP)regulationsregardingtakingtimeoffandshouldconsultwiththeOfficeofInternationalProgramswithanyquestions.
LeaveofAbsence
Aleaveofabsenceisaperiodduringwhichthestudentmaintainstheirstatus(i.e.,isstillconsideredactiveintheprogram),butisentitledtononeoftheservicesoftheCollegethatareprovidedinreturnforthepaymentoftuitionorfees.Anapplicationforaleaveofabsencemaybefiledatanytimeduringtheacademicyearforthefollowingterm(s).Aleaveofabsencemaybeginduringaterm,providedthecompletedapplicationforleaveisfiledwiththeprogramdirectorbeforetheendofthefourth-classsession.Inthiscase,theentiretermiscountedtowardtheleave.Norefundoftuitionwillbegivenexceptasprovidedbyotherexistingregulations.
Thetotalleaveallowedastudentduringhis/hergraduateprogramistwosemesterswhichneednotbetakenconsecutively.Studentsdesiringaleaveofabsencemustcompletea“LeaveofAbsence”formavailablefromtheappropriateprogramdirectortocompletearrangementsforaleave.AdateofreturnwillbeagreeduponinadvanceandstatedontheLeaveofAbsenceform.AstudentwhofailstoreturnontheagreeddatewillbeconsideredtohavewithdrawnfromtheCollege.
AleaveofabsencemaybegrantedtoanystudentcomplyingwiththeCollegeregulations.Suchaleaveofabsencewillberevokedifthestudentincursanacademicdismissalsubsequenttothegrantingoftheleave.Studentsonleavearefullyresponsibleforreturningontheagreeddate.Noreminderswillbesenttothestudent.Aleaveofabsencedoesnotwaivethemandatorysix-yeartimelimitrequirement.Thatis,allstudentsrequestingaleaveofabsencestillmustcompletetheirprogramwithinsixyearsofthedateofmatriculation.
InternationalstudentsmustadheretotheStudentandExchangeVisitorProgram(SEVP)regulationsregardingtakingtimeoffandshouldconsultwiththeOfficeofInternationalProgramswithanyquestions.
CommencementParticipation
StudentswhohavecompletedalldegreerequirementsfortheirprogrammayparticipateintheCollege’sannualCommencementexercises.DiplomaswillbeawardedifandwhenthestudenthasbeencertifiedbytheirprogramdirectorashavingcompletedallacademicrequirementsandhasbeencertifiedbytheBursarashavingmetallfinancialobligationstotheCollege.
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FinancialAidforGraduateStudentsScholarshipopportunitiesareavailableforgraduatestudentsatMerrimackCollege.Graduatestudentsenrolledatleasthalf-time(aminimumoffourcreditspersemester)mayqualifyforfinancialaidintheformofUnsubsidizedFederalDirectloans.
Forthe2019-20academicyear,GraduateDirectUnsubsidizedloanscarryafixedinterestrateof6.08percentandanoriginationfeeof1.066percent,priortoOct.1,2018and1.062percentafterOct1,2018.
Repaymentdoesnotbeginuntilafterastudentfallsbelowhalf-timeorgraduates.Graduatestudentsareeligibletoborrowamaximumof$20,500peracademicyear,oruptotheiryearlyfinancialaidcostofattendance.
StudentsmayapplyforfinancialaidbycompletingaFreeApplicationforFederalStudentAid(FAFSA)onlineatwww.fafsa.gov.
Toensureefficientprocessing,pleasecompleteyourFAFSApriortothestartofthefallsemester.PleasebesuretoaddMerrimack’sschoolcode,002120,toensureyourFAFSAisreceived.
Ifyouhaveanyquestionsontheapplicationprocessoryoureligibility,pleasecontacttheOfficeofFinancialAid:JoyceBuckley,Asst.Director.978-837-5126(P);978-837-5067(F)email:[email protected]
OpportunitiesforInternationalGraduateStudents
Internationalapplicantsmaybeeligibleforscholarships,dependingonthestrengthoftheirapplicationandthegraduateprogramforwhichtheyareapplying.Inaddition,somegraduateprogramsoffergraduatefellowshipoptions,whichhelptoabsorbthecostoftuition.Internationalstudentsarenoteligibleforfederalfinancialaid,buthavetheoptionofobtainingprivateloansand/orenrollinginaninstitutionalpaymentplan.StudentscanaccesstheGraduateStudentHandbookinitsentiretyonATrackormyMack.
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COLLEGEGRIEVANCEPROCEDURES
1. Toresolveanacademicgrievance,thestudentshoulddiscussthegrievanceimmediatelywiththefacultymember(s)directlyinvolvedandattempttosettletheissue.
2. Ifresolutionisnotachieved,thestudentshouldtakethegrievancetotheChairof
theDepartmentofExerciseandRehabilitationScienceswhoshallattempttoresolvethegrievance.
3. Ifresolutionisnotachieved,thestudentshouldtakethegrievancetotheDeanof
theSchoolofHealthScienceswhoshallattempttoresolvethegrievance.4. Ifresolutionisnotachieved,thestudentcanpetitiontotheAcademicBoard,in
writingforresolutionofthegrievance.5. IfthestudentwishestoappealthedecisionoftheAcademicBoard,s/hemaydoso
bywritingtotheVicePresidentforAcademicAffairs/Provost.ThedecisionoftheVicePresidentforAcademicAffairs/Provostisfinal.
6. Throughouttheprocess,thestudentshouldconsultwithhis/heradvisorandthe
OfficeofAcademicSupportServicesforassistance.
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MerrimackCollegeAcademicIntegrityPolicy
AcademicIntegrityReviewProceduresTheseprocedurescoverallcaseswherestudentsareallegedtohavecommittedinfractionsoftheacademicintegritycode.Materialsonacademicintegrityviolationswillbeconsideredaninternalandconfidentialrecord.ThesematerialswillberetainedinthefilesoftheProvost/VPAAuntilthestudentgraduatesorwithdrawsfromthecollege.Atthatpoint,thefileswillberemovedanddestroyed.Note:Allreferencesto“dean”inthefollowingproceduresaretotheinstructor’sacademicdeanunlessotherwiseindicated.ReportingtheViolationTheAcademicIntegrityCodehelpsstudentsunderstandwhatispermissibleandwhatisnotregardingacademiccourseconduct.Anyadditionalrequirementsaninstructorseekstoimposemustbespecificallypublishedandaccessibletostudentsoneitheraninstructor’scoursesyllabusand/orcoursewebsite.1.Ifaninstructorbelievesthatastudenthasviolatedtheacademicintegritycode,theinstructorwill,undernormalcircumstances,notifythestudent,allowingthestudentanopportunitytorespond.Dependingonthecircumstances,theinstructormaychoosetonotifythestudentorallyorinwriting.Athisorhersolediscretion,theinstructormaytakeavarietyofactions,includingtakingnoaction,requiringthestudenttoredotheworkorcompleteanalternativepieceofwork,givingthestudentafailinggradefortheassignmentinquestion,orgivingthestudentafailinggradeforthecourse,whichrequireswrittennotificationtothestudent.2.Whenaninstructorassignsaspenaltyafailinggradeforthecourse,theinstructormustalsoreportthematterinwritingtotheinstructor’sdepartmentchair.Ifthedepartmentchairhasquestions,thechairmayreferthematterbacktotheinstructorforfurtherdiscussionorclarification.Unlesstheinstructorwishestowithdrawtheaction,thedepartmentchairwillreportthemattertothedean.ThedeanwillnotifytheProvost/VPAA’sofficeoftheinstructor’saction.Ifthedeandecidestoimposeacollegepenalty,thensuchapenaltycanincludesuspensionorexpulsionfromthecollege.Thedeanmayrequestfurtherconsultationwiththeinstructor,thedepartmentchair,orthestudentbeforeimposingsuchapenalty3.Studentswhobelieveanacademicintegrityviolationbyothershasoccurredshouldreportthesuspectedviolationtotheinstructor.Iftheinstructordoesnotactonthereport,studentsmayalsoreportthemattertotheinstructor’sdepartmentchair,theinstructor’sacademicdean,ortotheirownacademicdeanwhowillreportthecomplainttotheinstructor’sacademicdean.Theinstructor’sdepartmentchairoracademicdeanwillinvestigateanddeterminehowtoproceed.
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Appeals1.AppealingtheCourseGradePenaltyIfastudentbelievesthecoursegradepenaltyimposedbytheinstructorisinappropriate,thestudentcanappealthecoursegradethroughthenormalcollegeprocedureforresolvinggradedisputes.2.AppealingtheCollegePenalty,ifastudentbelievesthecollegepenaltyimposedbythedeanisinappropriate,thestudentmayappealthecollegepenaltytotheProvost/AcademicVicePresident.3.AppealingtheAllegation,ifastudentdeniesthatanacademicintegrityviolationhasoccurred,thedeanwillreferthemattertotheAcademicIntegrityBoard(AIB).AstudentmayalsoappealdirectlytotheAIB.Uponreceivingnoticefromthedeanthatanallegedacademicintegrityviolationhasoccurredandthestudent(s)involvedhavedeniedtheallegation,theProvost/VPAAwilldirecttheChairoftheAIBtoassembleahearingpanelconsistingoffacultyandstudentmembersoftheAIB(see“CompositionandProceduresoftheAcademicIntegrityBoard”inAppendixA).Ifseveralstudentsareinvolvedinonecase,thedeanmayrequestthatthepanelconsiderthesituationofallinvolvedstudents,evenifoneormoredonotdenyhavingcommittedanacademicintegrityoffense.Thepanelwillmakeadeterminationregardingwhetheracademicdishonestyhasoccurredandconveyitsfindingstothedean,whowilladvisethestudentandtheinstructoroftheirrightsofappeal.Thesolepurposeofthehearingpanelistodeterminewhetheranacademicintegrityviolationhasoccurred.Ifthehearingpaneldeterminesthataviolationhasoccurred,theoriginalactionoftheinstructorwillstand,subjecttodecisiononanyappealoftheboard’sfindings(see#4below,“AppealingtheFindingsoftheAcademicIntegrityBoard”).TheChairoftheAIBwillnotifyinwritingatthesametimetheinstructor’sacademicdeanandallpartiesofthehearingpanel’sfindings.Ifthestudentbelieves,nonetheless,thattheinstructor’sactionisinappropriate,thestudentmayappealthegradethroughthenormalcollegeprocedureforresolvinggradedisputes.Thegradeappealprocesswillonlyconsiderthegradeandnotreconsiderorreviewthedecisionthatanacademicintegrityviolationhasoccurred.Ifthehearingpaneldeterminesthataviolationhasoccurred,thedeanmayimposeonthestudentacollegepenalty.If,inthedean’sjudgment,therearenoextenuatingormitigatingcircumstancesandthepenaltyfortheacademicintegrityviolationassignedisexpulsionfromthecollege,thedismissalandthereasonforthedismissalmaybenotedonthestudent’stranscript.8IfthehearingpaneldeterminesthataviolationhasNOToccurred,theChairoftheAIBnotifiesinwritingtheinstructor’sdeanandallparties,atthesametime,ofthehearingpanel’sfindings.Theinstructor’sdepartmentchairwillthenrequestthattheinstructorre-gradethestudent’sworkbasedonthepremisethatnoviolationhasoccurred.Iftheinstructorrefuses,theinstructor’sdepartmentchairwillfollowthenormalcollegeprocedureforresolvinggradedisputestoresolvethematter.
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4.AppealingtheFindingsoftheAcademicIntegrityBoardFindingsofthehearingpaneloftheAcademicIntegrityBoard(AIB)canbeappealedinwritingtothedeanbyeitherthestudent(s)ortheinstructorwithinfive(5)businessdays.Thereareonlytwogroundsforanappeal:(1)therewasamaterialproceduralerrorinthepanel’sreviewofthecase;(2)newevidencenotreasonablyavailabletothepanelatthetimeofitsdeliberationshascometolight.Afterreviewingtherecordsofthehearingpanel,writtenmaterialssubmittedwiththerequestforanappealofthepanel’sfindings,andtheresultsofanyfurtherconsultationswiththeparties,thedeanmayeitheraffirmthefindingofthehearingpanelorremandthecasetothehearingpanelonthebasisofeitherorbothgroundsforappeal.Ifthecaseisremandedtothehearingpanel,thepanelwillreviewandcorrectanysubstantiatedviolationofprocedureandexamineanynewevidence;itwillonceagainforwarditsfindingstothedean.Atthispoint,thedeanwillreviewthefindingstobesurethegroundsfortheappealofthehearingpanel’soriginalfindingshavebeenaddressed.Ifso,thefindingsoftheboardwillstand.RequiredEducationalProgramOncethedeterminationhasbeenmadethatanacademicintegrityviolationhasoccurred,eitherbyadmissionofthestudent(s)orfindingsofthehearingpaneloftheAcademicIntegrityBoard(AIB)andthepenaltyisnotexpulsionfromthecollege,thestudent’sacademicdean,inconsultationwiththeAIBChair,willrequirethestudenttocompleteaprogramofeducationandreflectiononthemeaningandimportanceofacademicintegrity.ThisprogramwillbedesignedbytheofficeoftheProvost/VPAAandmayincludewrittenexercises,communityservice,and/orparticipationinanintegrityeducationalprogramsupervisedbythecollege.Iftheeducationalprogramisnotcompletedinatimelyandsatisfactorymannerasdeterminedbythestudent’sacademicdean,thestudent’sdeanwillimposeaholdonthestudent’sacademicrecords,thuspreventingthestudentfromregisteringforfurthercourses,transferringcourseworktoanotherinstitution,orgraduatinguntiltheconditionsoftheeducationalprogramhavebeenmet.(AppendixACompositionandProceduresoftheAcademicIntegrityBoard)TheAcademicIntegrityBoard(AIB)istheappealsmechanismforallegationsofacademicintegritycodeviolations.Itconsistsoffacultymembersandstudents.Fromitsrankscomethemembersofahearingpanelforanycaseofallegedacademicdishonesty.Thesolepurposeofthehearingpanelistodeterminewhetheranacademicintegrityviolationhasoccurred.Thehearingprocessisaninternalcommunity-basedproceduregovernedbythepoliciesofMerrimackCollegeandislimitedtomembersoftheMerrimackCollegecommunityasdefinedbelow.MembershiptheProvost/VicePresidentforAcademicAffairs(VPAA)willconstitutethemembershipoftheAIBaccordingtotherequirementsbelow.ExceptfortheChairoftheAIB,whoisamemberoftheProvost/VPAA’sstaff,AIBmemberswillnormallyservethree-yeartermstoprovideexperienceandcontinuitytothehearingpanels.
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1.AChairoftheAIBfromtheProvost/VPAA’sofficewhowillhavefacultystatus,asdefinedintheFacultySenateConstitutionandBylaws.ThejoboftheChairwillbetooverseetheacademicintegritypolicyatthecollege,includingensuringthatincomingstudentsareawareofthecode,thatthecodeiswidelydisseminatedandregularlycommunicated,workingwithfacultyandacademicsupportstaffindevisingwaysthatpromoteandsupportacademicintegrity,devisinganeducationalprogramtoaidunderstandingofacademicintegritybystudentswhohaveviolatedthecode,andoverseeingallproceduresoftheAIB,includingthetrainingofboardmembersonissuessuchasconflictsofinterest,theimportanceofconfidentiality,andhowtoassessevidence.2.Atleastfive(5)fulltimefacultywithatleastonefacultypersonfromeachofthecollege’sdisciplinarydivisions(business,humanities,scienceandengineering,socialscience)chosenbytheFacultySenate.Thefacultywillnormallyserveforthree-yearterms.3.Atleastfour(4)undergraduatestudentschosenbytheStudentGovernmentAssociationaredrawnfromeachofthecollege’sdisciplinarydivisions(business,humanities,scienceandengineering,socialscience)whohaveatleastsophomorestatus.Studentswillserveforthedurationoftheirtenureatthecollegeoruptothreeyears.Ifavacancyintheboardoccurs,theProvost/VPAAwillasktheFacultySenateand/ortheStudentGovernmentAssociationtofilltherespectivevacancy.TheHearingPanel:AhearingpanelwillbeformedfromthemembershipoftheAIBtohearcasesinvolvinganallegedbreachoftheacademicintegritycode.AnewpanelforeachcasewillbeformedbytheChairoftheAIBonthebasisofavailabilityandimpartiality.Apanelwillconsistofsix(6)membersfromthefollowingAIBmembershipcategories:theChairoftheAIB,whowillbeanon-votingmember,whowillprovidecontinuityamongthevarioushearingpanels,conveneandpresideovertheproceedings,andassurecompliancewiththerequirementsofreviewingthecomplaintatalllevelsincludingthehearingprocess;onefacultymember,preferablyfromtheschoolofthecourseinvolvedintheallegedviolation;two(2)otherfacultymembers,preferablyonefromthestudent’sschoolifdifferentfromthatofthecourseinstructor;two(2)students.TheHearingPanelReviewProcess1.WhenacaseisreferredtotheAIB,theProvost/VPAA’sofficewillasktheChairoftheAIBtoconveneahearingpaneltodetermineifaviolationhasoccurred.Normallythepanelwillbeconvenedwithinthirty(30)daysofreceiptofnotification.Iftheviolationoccurredpriortothefinalexaminthecourse,thehearingpanelwill,ifpossible,beconvenedpriortothescheduledtimeofthefinalexam.Iftheviolationisreportedduringtheexaminationperiodorbetweensemesters,thehearingpanelwill,if
ATS Policies & Procedures Manual 33
possible,beconvenedwithinthirty(30)daysafterthebeginningofthenextfallorspringsemester.2.TheChairoftheAIBwillinforminwritingthestudent(s),theinstructor,theinstructor’sdepartmentchair,theinstructor’sdeanandthestudent’sdean(and,ifappropriate,anyadditionalorothercomplainant)ofthetime,place,andmembershipofthehearingpanel.TheAIBChairwilldosowithinareasonabletimetopermitadequatepreparationforthehearing.Thehearingwillnotbedelayedifastudentcannotbereachedforlackofacorrectaddressinthecollege’sstudentrecordsystem.Ifthestudentfailstoappearforthehearing,thehearingpanelwillmakeitsjudgmentonthebasisoftheevidencepresentedatthehearing,andthestudentwillforfeitanyrighttoafurtherhearingorappeal.3.Membersofthehearingpanelwilldisqualifythemselvesfromhearingacaseiftheyfeelthereisaconflictofinterestoraperceivedconflictofinterest.Adisqualifiedmemberwillbereplacedbyanothermemberofthesamemembershipcategory,ifpossible(see“TheHearingPanel”aboveforthedefinitionofcategories).Ifanothermemberofthesamemembershipcategoryisnotavailable,theChairoftheAIBwillselectanothermemberoftheAIBtofillthevacancy.Innocase,however,willthenumberofstudentsonthehearingpanelexceedtwo.IftheAIBChaircannotperformtheresponsibilitiesofchairingthehearingpaneleitherbecausethereisarealorperceivedconflictofinterestorotherspecialcircumstancethatpreventsit,thentheProvost/VPAAwillprovide11apersontoserveashearingpanelchair,preferablyapastorpresentmemberoftheAIB.Anaccusedstudentoracomplainantmayobjecttoanysinglepanelmemberassignedtothecase.TheobjectionmustbewrittenandreceivedbytheAIBChairatleasttwo(2)businessdaysbeforethehearing.Uponrulingthatachallengeisvalid,theAIBChair,afternotifyingthestudentandcomplainant,willreplacethechallengedmemberwithanotherfromthesamecategoryifpossible.Ifanothermemberofthesamecategoryisnotavailable,theAIBChairwillselectanothermemberoftheAIBtofillthevacancy.4.Thestudent(s),theinstructor,andtheinstructor’schairmayattendthehearing.Eachmay,withtheapprovaloftheAIBChair,addressthepanel.Anymemberofthepanelmayquestionthestudent(s)ortheinstructor.Thestudentmaypresentrelevantevidence,includingwitnesses,insupportofhisorherposition.Thehearingwillbeconductedatthecollegeandisclosedtothepublic(includingparents,legalguardians,andlegalcounsel).TheAIBChairwillpresidebutnotvote.Formalrulesofevidencewillnotapply.TheAIBChairmayadmitorexcludewitnessesduringthetestimonyofotherwitnessesandmayexcludeanypersonwho,intheChair’sjudgment,disruptstheproceeding.Thestudentorinstructormayeachbeaccompaniedbyastudentorfacultymemberwhoseroleislimitedtoadvisingthestudentorinstructor.Thisadvisermaynotmakestatements,examinewitnesses,orotherwiseintervene.Adviserscannotbeattorneysinanycase.
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5.Thehearingpanelwilldeliberateamongthemselveswithnootherpersonspresentandmakeitsdeterminationbyconfidentialmajorityvotebasedontheevidence.Thesolepurposeofthepanelistoconsiderwhetheranacademicintegrityviolationhasoccurred.Thepaneldoesnotmakerecommendationsonissuessuchasmitigatingcircumstancesortheseverityofthepunishment.AllmaterialsanddiscussionswithrespecttoanycaseareconsideredconfidentialeducationalrecordsandareprotectedbytheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA),andanyreleaseofcasematerialsisguidedbythecollege’sFERPAguidelines.AllcommunicationsfollowtheofficialMerrimackCollegecommunicationpolicyasoutlinedintheStudentHandbook.TheminutesofthehearingorhearingsaretheresponsibilityoftheAIBChairandwillbepartoftheofficialconfidentialfiletobekeptbytheChairoftheAIBintheProvost/VPAA’soffice.Theminutesshouldincludethenamesofthestudent(s),thefacultymember,thepanelmembers,andanywitnesses,advisers,orotherindividualswhoattendedthehearing,andshouldtelltheresultofthepanel’sdecision.Theminutesshouldnotincludetheactualvotecount.TheChairmay,athisorhersolediscretion,alsosummarizeinformationthatwasbroughtupinthehearingbutthatdoesnotappearintherecord.6.TheChairoftheAcademicIntegrityBoardwillnotifyinwritingtheinstructor’sdeanandallparties,atthesametime,ofthehearingpanel’sfindings.AppendixBAcademicDishonestySanctionGuidelines(adaptedfromtheUniversityofSouthernCalifornia,http://www.usc.edu/studentaffairs/SJACS/forms/sjacs_appa.pdf).CopyinganswersfromotherstudentsonexamFforthecourse.(quiz,test,othercoursework).OnepersonallowinganothertocheatfromhisFforthecourse.orherexam(quiz,test,othercoursework).Possessingorusingmaterialduringexam(cribFforthecourse.sheets,notes,books,etc.)whichisnotexpresslypermittedbytheinstructor.TakinganexamfromroomandlaterclaimingFforthecourseandthattheinstructorlostit.furtherdisciplinaryaction.FailingtosubmitanassignmentandlaterFforthecourseand.claimingthattheinstructorlostit.furtherdisciplinaryaction.Changinganswersafteranexam(quiz,test,Fforthecourseandothercoursework)hasbeenreturned.furtherdisciplinaryaction.FraudulentpossessionofexampriortoFforthecourseandadministration.furtherdisciplinaryaction.ObtainingacopyofanexamoranswerkeyFforthecourseandpriortoadministration.furtherdisciplinaryaction.Havingsomeoneelsetakeanexam.Fforthecourseandfurtherdisciplinaryactionforbothstudents.Plagiarism.Fforthecourse.SubmissionofpurchasedtermpapersorpapersFforthecourseandwrittenbyothers.furtherdisciplinaryaction.SubmissionofthesametermpaperstomoreFforthecourseandtheoneinstructor,wherenopreviousfurtherdisciplinaryaction.approvalhasbeengiven.Unauthorizedcollaborationonanassignment.Fforthecourseforbothstudents.
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STUDENTPRIVACYRIGHTS-FERPA
TheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA)(20U.S.C.§1232g;34CFRPart99)isaFederallawthatprotectstheprivacyofstudenteducationrecords.ThelawappliestoallschoolsthatreceivefundsunderanapplicableprogramoftheU.S.DepartmentofEducation.
FERPAgivesparentscertainrightswithrespecttotheirchildren’seducationrecords.Theserightstransfertothestudentwhentheyreachtheageof18orattendsaschoolbeyondthehighschoollevel.Studentstowhomtherightshavetransferredare“eligiblestudents.”Theserightsinclude:
● Studentshavetherighttoinspectandreviewthestudent’seducationrecordsmaintainedbytheschool.Schoolsarenotrequiredtoprovidecopiesofrecordsunless,forreasonssuchasgreatdistance,itisimpossibleforparentsoreligiblestudentstoreviewtherecords.Schoolsmaychargeafeeforcopies.
Astudentshouldsubmittotheregistrar,dean,headoftheacademicdepartment,orotherappropriateofficial,awrittenrequestthatidentifiestherecord(s)thestudentwishestoinspect.TheCollegeofficialwillmakearrangementsforaccessandnotifythestudentofthetimeandplacewheretherecordsmaybeinspected.IftherecordsarenotmaintainedbytheCollegeofficialtowhomtherequestwassubmitted,thatofficialshalladvisethestudentofthecorrectofficialtowhomtherequestshouldbeaddressed.
● Studentshavetherighttorequestthataschoolcorrectrecordswhichtheybelievetobeinaccurateormisleading.Iftheschooldecidesnottoamendtherecord,theparentoreligiblestudentthenhastherighttoaformalhearing.Afterthehearing,iftheschoolstilldecidesnottoamendtherecord,theparentoreligiblestudenthastherighttoplaceastatementwiththerecordsettingforththeirviewaboutthecontestedinformation.
AstudentwhowishestoasktheCollegetoamendarecordshouldwritetotheCollegeofficialresponsiblefortherecord,clearlyidentifythepartoftherecordthestudentwantschanged,andspecifywhyitshouldbechanged.IftheCollegedecidesnottoamendtherecordasrequested,theCollegewillnotifythestudentinwritingofthedecisionandthestudent’srighttoahearingre-gardingtherequestforamendment.Additionalinformationregardingthehearingprocedureswillbeprovidedtothestudentwhennotifiedoftherighttoahearing.
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● Generally,schoolsmusthavewrittenpermissionfromthestudentinordertoreleaseanyinformationfromastudent’seducationrecord.However,FERPAallowsschoolstodisclosethoserecords,withoutconsent,tothefollowingpartiesorunderthefollowingconditions(34CFR§99.31):
○ Schoolofficialswithlegitimateeducationalinterest;○ Otherschoolstowhichastudentistransferring;○ Specifiedofficialsforauditorevaluationpurposes;○ Appropriatepartiesinconnectionwithfinancialaidtoastudent;○ Organizationsconductingcertainstudiesfororonbehalfoftheschool;○ Accreditingorganizations;○ Tocomplywithajudicialorderorlawfullyissuedsubpoena;○ Appropriateofficialsincasesofhealthandsafetyemergencies;and○ Stateandlocalauthorities,withinajuvenilejusticesystem,pursuantto
specificStatelaw.
TheCollegediscloseseducationrecordswithoutastudent’spriorwrittenconsentundertheFERPAexceptionfordisclosuretoschoolofficialswithlegitimateeducationalinterests.AschoolofficialisapersonemployedbytheCollegeinanadministrative,supervisory,academicorresearch,orsupportstaffposition(includinglawen-forcementunitpersonnelandhealthstaff);apersonorcompanywithwhomtheCollegehascontractedasitsagenttoprovideaserviceinsteadofusingCollegeemployeesorofficials(suchasanattorney,auditor,orcollectionagent);apersonservingontheBoardofTrustees;orastudentservingonanofficialcommittee,suchasadisciplinaryorgrievancecom-mittee,orassistinganotherschoolofficialinperformingtheirtasks.Aschoolofficialhasalegitimateeducationalinterestiftheofficialneedstoreviewaneduca-tionrecordinordertofulfilltheirprofessionalresponsibilitiesfortheCollege.
● Schoolsmaydisclose,withoutconsent,“directory”informationsuchasastudent’sname,address,telephonenumber,dateandplaceofbirth,honorsandawards,anddatesofattendance.However,schoolsmusttellstudentsaboutdirectoryinformationandallowparentsandeligiblestudentsareasonableamountoftimetorequestthattheschoolnotdisclosedirectoryinformationaboutthem.SchoolsmustnotifyparentsandeligiblestudentsannuallyoftheirrightsunderFERPA.Theactualmeansofnotification(specialletter,inclusioninaPTAbulletin,studenthandbook,ornewspaperarticle)islefttothediscretionofeachschool.
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Ingeneral,theCollegewillnotreleaseinformationfromstudents’recordstoagenciesoutsidetheCollegewithoutthepriorwrittenconsentorrequestofthestudent.However,theCollegemayreleasethefollowingdirectoryinformation,withoutthepriorconsentofthestudent:
● name,address,telephonenumber,emailaddress,film,videoandelectronicimages
● dateandplaceofbirth● fieldsofstudy,academiclevelandenrollmentstatus● participationinofficiallyrecognizedactivitiesandsports,weightandheightof
membersofathleticteams● datesofattendance● degrees,honorsandawardsreceived● themostrecentpreviouseducationalagencyorinstitutionattendedbythe
student● othersimilarinformation
ThosestudentswhodonotdesirethereleaseofdirectoryinformationshouldnotifytheRegistrarinwriting.FormoreinformationonFERPA,pleasecontacttheOfficeoftheRegistrar.
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TITLEIXSEXUALHARASSMENTPOLICY
MerrimackCollegeisacommunityintheAugustiniantraditionandwestrivetomaintainanenvironmentthatisconsistentwithourmissionandrespectfuloftherightsofallindividualswithintheCollegecommunity.TheCollegeaffirmsthatallmembersofthiscommunityarefreelyunitedbythisagreementinthepursuitofscholarshipandintellectualgrowth.TheCollegeandthestudentsacceptresponsibilitytowardeachotherwithinthiscommunity.Sexualmisconduct,includingsexualharassment,violatesthesacrednessofthehumanbodyandspiritandwillnotbetoleratedwithinourcommunity.Campussanctions,uptoandincludingexpulsion,mayresultfromaresponsiblefindingdeterminedthroughtheTitleIXSexualHarassmentProcess.Sexualmisconduct,includingsexualharassment,isconsideredoneofthemostseriousviolationsoftheCommunityStandardsofMerrimackCollege.ThisTitleIXSexualHarassmentPolicyisbasedondefinitionssetforthinregulationspromulgatedbytheU.S.DepartmentofEducationunderTitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsActof1972,whichalsolimitthescopeofTitleIXto,amongotherthings,conductthatoccurswithintheUnitedStatesandconductthatoccurswithintheCollege’seducationprogramoractivity.InordertoaddressincidentsofsexualmisconductthatdonotfallwithinthedefinitionofTitleIXSexualHarassment,theCollegehastwopoliciesthataddresssexualmisconduct:(1)thisTitleIXSexualHarassmentPolicy(“TitleIXPolicy”)and(2)theSexualMisconduct,RelationshipViolenceandStalkingPolicy(“SexualMisconductPolicy”)(http://catalog.merrimack.edu/content.php?catoid=5&navoid=99#Sexual_Misconduct)Thesepoliciesareinterrelatedandmustbereadtogether.TheSexualMisconductPolicyappliesonlytocertainconduct,asdefinedunderthatpolicy.Specifically,theSexualMisconductPolicyappliestoformsofsexualmisconductthatdonotfallunderthescopeoftheTitleIXPolicy,includingSexualExploitationandNon-TitleIXSexualHarassment.TheSexualMisconductPolicyalsoappliestocertaincontactthatwouldotherwisebeprohibitedundertheTitleIXPolicy(e.g.,SexualAssault,RelationshipViolence,andStalkingundertheTitleIXPolicy),butwhichmustbedismissedundertheTitleIXPolicybecausetheydonotmeetthejurisdictionalrequirements. DEFINITIONSThefollowingdefinitionsclarifykeyterminologyasusedinthisPolicy.ActualKnowledgeorNotice:TheCollegehasactualnoticeofallegedTitleIXprohibitedconductonlyifareportconcerningtheconductismadetotheCollege’sTitleIX.
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Coordinator,aDeputyTitleIXCoordinator,ortooneofthefollowingCollegeofficialswhohaveauthoritytoinstitutecorrectivemeasuresontheCollege’sbehalf:TheDirectorofHumanResourcesandtheDeanofStudents.Advisorisapersonchosenbyaparty,whomaybutneednotbeanattorney,whoprovidessupportandadvicetothepartyduringanystageoftheprocesssetforthinthePolicy.Anypersonservingasaparty’sadvisorisprohibitedfrompubliclydisclosingprivateinformationlearnedduringthisprocess,includinginformationprotectedundertheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(“FERPA”)orotherstateorfederallaws.
Partiesandadvisorsareexpectedtomaintaintheprivacyandrespecttheprivacyconcernsofallpartiesandwitnessestothegreatestextentpossible.Ifanyadvisorisconcernedaboutviolatingthisassuranceofprivacytogatherevidence,theyshouldraisesuchconcernswiththeTitleIXCoordinatorimmediatelysothatitcanbeappropriatelyaddressedtoprotectthesensitivityoftheinformationwithoutlimitingtheabilityofeitherpartytofindandpresentrelevantevidence.Coercionistheuseorattempteduseofpressureand/oroppressivebehavior,includingexpressorimpliedthreats,intimidation,orphysicalforce,whichplacesapersoninfearofimmediateharmorphysicalinjuryorcausesapersontoengageinunwelcomesexualactivity.Aperson’swordsorconductcannotamounttocoercionunlesstheywrongfullyimpairtheother’sfreedomofwillandabilitytochoosewhetherornottoengageinsexualactivity.Coercionalsoincludesadministeringorpressuringanothertoconsumeadrug,intoxicant,orsimilarsubstancewiththeintenttoimpairthatperson’sabilitytoconsentpriortoengaginginsexualactivity.EducationalProgramorActivity:Locations,events,orcircumstancesinwhichtheCollegeexercisessubstantialcontrol,aswellasinanybuildingownedorcontrolledbyastudentorganizationthatisofficiallyrecognizedbytheCollege.FormalcomplaintreferstoadocumentfiledbyaReportingParty(meaningadocumentorelectronicsubmissionsuchasbyelectronicmail)thatcontainstheReportingParty’sphysicalordigitalsignature,orotherwiseindicatesthattheReportingPartyistheindividualfilingtheformalcomplaintallegingthataRespondingPartycommittedsomeformofprohibitedconductunderthisPolicy.Atthetimeoffilingaformalcomplaint,aReportingPartymustbeparticipatinginorattemptingtoparticipateintheeducationprogramoractivityoftheCollege.AformalcomplaintmaybefiledwiththeTitleIXCoordinatorinperson,bymail,orbyelectronicmail.
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InlimitedcircumstanceswhereaReportingPartyisreluctanttofileacomplaint,theTitleIXCoordinatormaysubmitandsignaformalcomplaintifthecircumstanceswarrantit,butneithertheCollegenortheTitleIXCoordinatorareapartytotheprocessandboththeReportingPartyandtheRespondingPartywillbeprovidednoticeoftheallegations,assetforthbelow.Incapacitationisdefinedastheinability,temporarilyorpermanently,togiveconsent,becauseanindividualismentallyand/orphysicallyhelpless,unconscious,orunawarethatthesexualactivityisoccurring.Thismayormaynotbeduetoalcoholorotherdrugs.PartyorpartiesrefertotheReportingPartyandtheRespondingParty.PreponderanceoftheEvidence:TheCollegeusesthepreponderanceoftheevidencestandard(i.e.,itismorelikelythannotthatthereportedincidentand/orbehaviorviolatedCollege
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Merrimack’sCommitmenttoDiversity,EquityandInclusion
MerrimackCollege’sfoundingvaluesofteaching,learningandservinginformtheinstitution’sunwaveringcommitmenttodiversity,equityandinclusion.Weworkonbuildingandnurturingaculturally,raciallydiversecommunity,anchoredinintersectionaljusticeandrespectforallidentitiesanddifferences.Itisourduty,asaninstitutionofhigherlearningandfaith,tocontinuouslyaskourselveshowwewillmaketheworldabetterplaceandhowwillwebetterthelivesofothers.Todothis,wemustlisten.Wemustlearn.Wemustpursueprogress.Andmostofall,wemustopenourheartsandminds.
Diversity,EquityandInclusionGoals
● Tointegratediversity,equityandinclusion(DEI)intoallaspectsofcampuslife● Tofacilitatecoordinationandcollaborationamongallperspectivesoncampus● Toprovideongoingeducationandtrainingforfaculty,staffandstudents● TofocusonDEIinrecruiting,hiringandretentionoffaculty,staffandstudents● Toenhancesupportforstudents,facultyandstafffromunderrepresentedgroup
● ProgramsandInitiatives● Merrimackhasbeenfocusedonadvancingdiversity,equityandinclusionformore
thanadecade.Oureffortshaveledtothecreationofparticularprogramsandinitiativestailoredtoincreaseaccessandtopromotediversityandinclusion.
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AcademicAccommodationsThefirststeptorequestingacademicaccommodationsis
tocompleteouronlineform:
REQUESTINGACADEMICACCOMMODATIONSNextSteps
Whathappensinmyfirstmeeting?
ThismeetingisacollaborativeconversationbetweenyouandanAccessibilityServicesstaffmember.Themaingoalsaretodevelopyourpersonalizedaccommodationplan,learnabouthowtoutilizeyouraccommodationsatMerrimack,beintroducedto
technologythatmightbehelpful,andhavetheopportunitytobeconnectedtooneofusasyoursuccesscoach.
OnceIamregistered,amIallsetforallfouryearsatMerrimack?
● YouonlyneedtoregisterandhaveanintakemeetingoncewithAccessibilityServices
● You’reresponsibletorequestyouraccommodationplanthroughoursoftwareeachnewsemester.
● Accommodationplanscanbeupdatedatanypointinyouracademiccareer.YoucanmeetwithanAccessibilityServicesstaffmembertodiscussyourconcerns.
Someexamplesofpotentialaccommodationsinclude:
● Testingaccommodations● Alternativeformattextandinformationaboutassistivetechnology● Note-takingsupportandaudiorecording
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EligibilityandDocumentationTobeeligibleforservices,studentsmusthaveadisabilityasdefinedbytheSection504oftheRehabilitationActof1973,theAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990andthe
ADAAmendmentsActof2008.
WhatisthedefinitionofdisabilityundertheADA?
ItisimportanttorememberthatinthecontextoftheADA,“disability”isalegaltermratherthanamedicalone.Becauseithasalegaldefinition,theADA’sdefinitionofdisabilityisdifferentfromhowdisabilitymaybedefinedundersomeotherlaws.
TheADAdefinesapersonwithadisabilityasapersonwhohasaphysicalormentalimpairmentthatsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivities.Thisincludespeoplewhohavearecordofsuchanimpairment,eveniftheydonotcurrentlyhavea
disability.
WhatfactorsdoestheAccessibilityServicesOfficeconsiderinitsdeterminationofaccommodations?
Thereisnoone-to-onecorrespondenceofdisabilitytoaccommodation.Thisisaninteractiveprocesswhichevolvesthroughaseriesofconversationsandreviewof
documentation.
Weconsideryourdisability,history,experience,requestandtheuniquecharacteristicsofMerrimack’scourses,programsandrequirementsinordertodeterminereasonable
accommodations.
Iamlookingforacademicaccommodations.WhatarethegeneralguidelinesfordocumentationthatIshouldprovide?
● Documentationshouldbesignedanddatedfromalicensedand/orcredentialedprofessionalandonletterhead.
● Documentationmustbecurrent(testingissuggestedtobewithinthepastthreeyearsandpsychologicaldocumentationwithinthepastoneyear).
● Documentationistypicallyintheformofanassessment(eitherneuropsychologicaltestingoracademicachievementtesting).Theassessmentshouldincludethefollowing:
● Acleardiagnosticstatementidentifyingthedisabilityandaclinicalsummaryofstrengthsandfunctionallimitations.
● ArecentIndividualizedEducationalProgram,a504Planand/oranyotherevaluationsandreportsarewelcomebutareofteninsufficientasstandalonedocumentation.
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Whatifmydisabilityisnotbestsupportedbyneuropsychologicaltestingand/oranIEP/504?
HowcanIregisterwithAccessibilityServices?
● Documentationshouldbesignedanddatedfromalicensedand/orcredentialedprofessionalandonletterhead.Thismustbeamulti-paragraphlettertoourofficeincludingthefollowinginformation:
○ Howlongandinwhatcapacitytheyknowyou○ Yourdiagnosis○ Yoursymptoms○ Howitimpactsacademics○ Recommendationsforaccommodationsincollege○ Anyotherrelevantinformation
I’venevertakenaforeignlanguageorIamveryconcernedabouttakingalanguageatMerrimack.
Isthereanaccommodationforalanguagewaiver?
● HavinganaccommodationthatallowsastudenttotakeasubstitutioncourseinsteadofaforeignlanguageisveryrareinhighereducationasitisamodificationofcurriculumwhichismoreakintotheIDEAlawinelementaryandsecondaryeducationthantheADAlawinhighereducation.Wewillconsidereachstudentindividuallybutpleaseunderstanditisratherunlikelytobeapprovedforthisasareasonableaccommodation.
● Pleaseindicateifyouwouldliketobeputontherequestlist.RequestsforthisrareaccommodationarereviewedsemesterlyviatheForeignLanguageSubstitutionCommittee,beforethenextroundofregistration.Yourdocumentationwillbereviewedthoroughlyaswellashighschoolrecordsprovidedtoadmissions.Wewouldletyouknowifthereismoredocumentationneededtocompletethereview.
● RegardingPlacementExams:Ifyouwishtobeconsideredforthisaccommodation,youshouldstilltaketheplacementexamifyoutookanypartofalanguagebefore.Ifyou’venevertakenalanguagebefore,youshouldbeabletoindicatethatorskipthetest.Ifyouarenotapprovedandskippedthetest,youwillbeexpectedtotaketheplacementtestbeforeyousignupforalanguage.
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GrievanceProcedureAnystudentwhobelievestheservicesthathavebeenreceivedareunsatisfactoryhastherighttofileacomplaintwithMerrimack’sADAComplianceOfficer,JodiRachins.IfthecomplaintinvolvesJodiRachins,pleaseforwardyourcomplainttoPeterEllard,
DeanofStudentSuccessandAcademicSupport.
Additionaldocumentationmayberequestedonceacomplainthasbeenfiled.Acommitteewillreviewthereportandreachadecision.If,atthattime,thestudentremainsdissatisfied,thestudentmayfileacomplaintwiththeU.S.Departmentof
Education,OfficeforCivilRights.
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CLINICALEDUCATIONREQUIREMENTS
GoalsoftheAthleticTrainingClinicalExperience:TheAthleticTrainingProgramatMerrimackCollegeisdesignedtoeducatestudentsinthedevelopmentofessentialdutiesandresponsibilitiesoftheAthleticTrainer.TheprimarypurposeofthefieldexperienceistoprovideappropriatesettingsfortheprogressiveadvancementofAthleticTrainingknowledgeandskillsincooperationwithCAATE2020StandardsandGuidelines.ThesecompetencieswilldevelopthroughobservationandcoactiveworkwithAthleticTrainers,physicians,andotherAlliedHealthCareproviders.ItisimportanttobefamiliarwithallNATAperformancedomainsandcompetencies(asdelineatedintheBOCRoleDelineationStudy).DomainofAthleticTraining1.Injury/illnesspreventionandwellnessprotection–Educatingparticipantsandmanagingriskforsafeperformanceandfunction.2.Clinicalevaluationanddiagnosis–Implementingstandardevaluationtechniquesandformulatingaclinicalimpressionforthedeterminationofacourseofaction.3.Immediateandemergencycare–Employingstandardcareproceduresandcommunicatingoutcomesforefficientandappropriatecareoftheinjured.4.Treatmentandrehabilitation–Reconditioningparticipantsforoptimalperformanceandfunction.5.Organizationalandprofessionalhealthandwell-being–Understandingandadheringtoapprovedorganizationalandprofessionalpracticesandguidelinestoensureindividualandorganizationalwell-being.NATAAthleticTrainingEducationCompetencies5thEd:ContentAreas1.EvidenceBasedPractice2.PreventionandHealthPromotion3.ClinicalExam/Diagnosis4.AcuteCare5.TherapeuticIntervention6.PsychosocialStrategiesandReferral7.HealthcareAdministration8.ProfessionalDevelopmentandResponsibility
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ProgrammaticCosts:StudentsintheAthleticTrainingProgramatMerrimackCollegemayincuradditionalcostsassociatedwithhis/herclinicaleducationexperience.Additionalexpensesmayincludecostsassociatedwithtraveltooff-campusaffiliatedclinicalsites,dresscoderequirements,andCriminalBackgroundChecks.
MSATProgramSpecificCosts
NATAMembership $85.00yearlyfee
ATrackMembership $90.00lifetimefee
CriminalBackgroundChecks(CORI) $75.00-$100.00
Transportation/ParkingClinicalSites Variesbasedonsite
Immunizations Varies
BOCExamination/ApplicationFee $35.00
BOCExamination/ExaminationFee $300.00
CPRCertification $5.00
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CLINICALEDUCATIONEXPERIENCEPOLICIESANDPROCEDURES:
ThefollowingliststhepoliciesandproceduresallAthleticTrainingStudentsmustadhereto:1.AllclinicalhoursmustbeappropriatelydocumentedonATrack.StudentsarerequiredtoobtainhoursperclinicalexperiencecoursesasstipulatedonClinicalDecision-Makingcoursesyllabi(ATR5301,ATR6300,ATR6301,&ATR6302)A.StudentResponsibility:Itistheresponsibilityofthestudenttokeepaccuraterecordsofhoursaccumulated.HoursshouldberecordedonadailybasisandapprovedbythepreceptorviaATrack.Forgingofhoursisanexampleofacademicdishonestyandissubjecttodisciplinaryaction.(Pleaseseetheacademicintegritypolicy)B.Preceptor’sResponsibility:Preceptor’sareresponsibletoreviewATrackandverify/approvestudent’sclinicalhoursbytheendofeachweek.2.AllpatientexposureswillberecordedanddocumentedinATrackasoutlinedinallClinicalDecisionMakingcoursesyllabi(ATR5301,ATR6300,ATR6301,&ATR6302).Studentsareresponsibleforcompletingpatientexposureseachweekwhenattheirassignedclinicalsite.C.Hourstobe“counted”towardclinicalexperience/fieldexperience:1.TimespentintheAthleticTrainingFacility/ClinicalSite2.Timespentprovidinghealthcaretoathletes/patients3.Timespentpreparingforandprovidinghealthcareatathleticcontests/practices4.Timespentdevelopingskillsandproficiencies 3.AthleticTrainingStudentsshouldreporttotheAthleticTrainingFacilityonehourpriortopracticeinordertopreparetheathletesforeachpracticesession.Forgames,theAthleticTrainerwilldesignatethetimeinwhichstudentsmustreporttotheAthleticTrainingFacility.Itistheresponsibilityoftheathletictrainingstudent,tomakesurethattheathletictrainingkitsarestockedandthattheyarefamiliarwiththelocationofsuppliesineachkit.4.AthleticTrainingStudentsareexpectedtoarrivepromptlyattheirclinicalsitebytheassignedtime.Allathletictrainingstudentswhoarriveattheirclinicalassignmentmorethan10minuteslateareconsideredtardy.Eachepisodeoftardinessisconsideredanoffenseandissubjecttothedisciplinaryactiondescribedin#105.WhileprovidingmedicalcareatpracticesandgamestheAthleticTrainingStudentmustbeattentiveandalertatalltimes.TheAthleticTrainingStudentisresponsibleforsupplyingiceandwater,andprovidingcareandtreatmenttoathletesunderthedirectsupervisionoftheirpreceptor.
ATS Policies & Procedures Manual 49
HOMEWORKSHOULDNOTBEDONEDURINGPRACTICEORGAMES.6.AthleticTrainingStudentsareexpectedtocompleteaninjuryevaluationformforeachinjuryassessed.ItisalsoexpectedthattheAthleticTrainingStudentwillfilloutallpertinentformsandinformationrelatedtotherehabilitationoftheinjuredathleteonadailybasisincombination/undertheguidanceoftheAthleticTrainer.7.IntheeventofCollegeorNCAADrugTestingofthestudentathletes,AthleticTrainingStudentsmaybeaskedtoassistthemedicalstaff.8.TheAthleticTrainingStudentassignedtoapreceptor/sportforaspecificseasonisexpectedtoattendpracticesandgamesaspermissiblebyclassschedule.TheAthleticTrainingStudentwillonlybeabletotravelwiththeathleticteamwhenaccompanyinganAthleticTrainer.Onroadtrips,teamrulesfortheathletesalsoapplytotheAthleticTrainingStudent.Theserulesmayincludepoliciesregardingconduct,dresscode,curfews,etc.9.Clinicalassignmentswillbemadeapproximatelyfourweekspriortothestartoftherotation.Itistheresponsibilityofthestudenttomakearrangementsintheiracademicandoutsideemploymentschedules,aswellastransportationtooff-campussiteswhennecessary.AllATSARERESPONSIBLEFORTHEIROWNTRANSPORTATION.10.AthleticTrainingstudentswillbeformallyevaluatedbytheirPreceptoratthemid-termandendofsemesterforeachclinicalexperienceviaATrack.11.AllAthleticTrainingStudentsarerequiredtostrictlyfollowallpoliciesandprocedurespresentedinthismanualandasspecifiedbytheirpreceptor.AnyviolationofthesepolicieswillresultindisciplinaryactionfromtheAthleticTrainingStaffand/ortheClinicalEducationCoordinatorasfollows:FirstOffense:VerbalwarningSecondOffense:WrittenwarningtotheAthleticTrainingStudent(thiswillincludethebehaviortobecorrected)ThirdOffense:Gradedroppedafulllettergradew/documentationintheStudent’sfileFourthOffense:AthleticTrainingStudentwillberemovedfromtheclinicalassignmentandawardedafailinggrade*AthleticTrainingStudentsareallowedthreeexcusedabsencesfromtheirclinicalassignment.Morethanthreeexcusedabsencesorotherinfractionswillresultindisciplinaryactionasdescribedabove.AthleticTrainingStudentsmayberemovedfromtheirclinicalassignmentatanytimeatthediscretionoftheAthleticTrainingFaculty.
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ATHLETICTRAININGFACILITYRESPONSIBILITIES
AthleticTrainingStudentsareexpectedtobeaccountablefortheirclinicalrotation.Thismeansadheringtoascheduleandnotifyingyourpreceptorifyouwillnotbepresentinadvanceforyourabsence.NotonlyisyourclinicalexperienceintheAthleticTrainingFacility/ClinicalSiteimportantforyoureducation,butalsothestudent-athletes,patientsandpreceptorsthataredependingonyoutobepresentincoordinatingtheappropriatelearningopportunities.GeneralDuties/Responsibilities:1.Communicationwiththepreceptoronadailybasis.2.Arrivedailybeforestudentathletetreatmenttimeandstayuntiltreatmentsarecomplete.
● Treatmentsshouldnotbealteredunlessdirectedtodosobyacertifiedathletictrainerorphysician
● Absolutelynoself-treatmentsbyapatient/athleteareallowed3.LearnandunderstandtheAdministrativesideofAthleticTraining:Makerecordkeepingapriority.Thisincludes:
● Documentinginjuries,evaluations,progressnotesandtreatments● Completinginsuranceclaimformsasneeded
4.Takecareofallstudentathletesregardlessoftheteamintheorderoftheirarrivalintotheathletictrainingfacility.Ifoneofyourathletesarriveslate,he/shemustwaithis/herturn.5.AlwaysworktobecomeskillfulinallcompetenciesandproficienciesfromClinicalDecisionMakingandLaboratoryCourses
● Usefreetimetoworkonskillsandcompetencies.(Hands-On)● Nohomeworkfromanyclassshouldbeperformedintheathletictraining
facility.6.Cellphoneuseisstrictlyprohibitedunlessinanemergencysituation.Cellphonesshouldbestowedawayandnotbeusedwhileatyourclinicalsite.7.Confidentialityofstudentathletes/patientsandinjuriesisoftheutmostimportance.Undernocircumstanceshouldtheirinjuriesbediscussedoutsidethehealthcarefacility.8.Noathletictrainingstudentispermittedtoadministermedicationuntilreceivingapprovalfromapreceptor.9.Helptokeeptheathletictrainingfacilitystockedandclean
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ClinicalFieldExperienceVariousclinicalaffiliationshavebeensetupandestablishedbyMerrimack’sAthleticTrainingProgramtoexposeATStothemanyrolesandareasofemploymentfortheCertifiedAthleticTrainer.ThesesettingswillintroducetheATStoawidevarietyofAlliedHealthCareProfessionals.PleaseseethemostcurrentlistingofapprovedclinicalsitesandtheclinicaleducationplanontheMSATwebpageorfromtheClinicalEducationCoordinator.ClinicalSites:https://www.merrimack.edu/academics/health-sciences/graduate/athletic-training/clinical-affiliations.phpClinicalEducationPlan:https://www.merrimack.edu/academics/health-sciences/graduate/athletic-training/clinical-education-plan.phpClinicalSettings:BaptistOutpatientRehabilitationFacility,Dedham,MAMassachusettsGeneralHospital/HomeBaseFoundation,Watertown,MABostonChildren’sHospital/MicheliCenter,Waltham,MAExcelOrthopaedics,Woburn,MAPediatric/HighSchoolSetting:AndoverHighSchool,AndoverMABrooksSchool,NorthAndoverMAEssexTechnicalSchool,DanversMAHaverhillHighSchool,Haverhill,MALowellHighSchool,Lowell,MAReadingHighSchool,Reading,MASalemHighSchool,SalemNHCollegiate/UniversitySettings:AssumptionCollege,Worcester,MABostonCollege,Chestnuthill,MACollegeoftheHolyCross,Worcester,MATuftsUniversity,Medford,MAHarvardUniversity,Cambridge,MAUMASSLowell,Lowell,MAUniversityofRhodeIsland,RI
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ATHLETICTRAININGPROGRAMAFFILIATEDSITEAGREEMENT
ThisAgreementismadethis__________dayof_________,2020byandbetweenMerrimackCollege("Merrimack"),315TurnpikeStreet,NorthAndover,MA01845and______________(the“Facility”)(together,the"Parties")andiseffectiveuponexecutionbybothParties.WHEREAS,MerrimackandtheFacilitydesiretocooperateinthearrangementofaClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgramforMerrimackstudent(s)intheAthleticTrainingProgram,whoispreparingforpractice/certificationinthefieldofathletictraining(the“Student”);WHEREAS,theFacilityhasthefacilities,equipment,andpersonneltoprovidethenecessaryclinicalexperience;NOWTHEREFORE,forthemutualcovenantsandobligationsbelowandothergoodandvaluableconsideration,thereceiptofwhichherebyisacknowledged,thepartiesagreeasfollows:
1.ThetermoftheAgreementwillbeSeptember1st2019–August31st2020andwillterminateupontheStudent’scompletion,withdrawal,orexpulsionfromtheprogram.
2.TheStudenttakingpartintheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgramwillbeenrolledintheMastersofScienceinAthleticTrainingatMerrimack.
3.ClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgramhourswillbemutuallyagreeduponbyMerrimack,FacilityandStudent.
4.PriortothecommencementoftheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgram,Merrimack’sAthleticTrainingProgramDirectororClinicalEducationCoordinatorwillcontacttheFacility’sAthleticTrainerandpresentthisproposalfortheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgramwhichhasbeenapprovedbyMerrimackandwhichisinaccordancewithspecificguidelines.ThespecificresponsibilitiesoftheFacilityaredelineatedintheAthleticTrainingStudentsPoliciesandProceduresManual.
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5.Merrimack,bystatute,hastheresponsibilityforawardingdegreesandthedeterminationofthecurriculumleadingthereto.MerrimackisresponsiblefortheadministrationofthecourseandwillprovidetheFacilitywiththewrittenguidelinesfortheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgram.TheFacilityagreesnottomakeanychangesinthecourseofstudyand/ortrainingwithoutconferringwithMerrimack.MerrimackshallinformtheFacilityoftheleveloftrainingthestudentshavereceivedpriortothisplacement.MerrimackshallprovidetheFacilitywithcurrentinformationaboutMerrimack’scurriculumandclinicaleducationgoals.
6.TheFacilityagreestoinformbothMerrimackandtheStudentconcerningtheStudent’slevelofclinicalgrowthandcompetenceandtocompleteoneormoreevaluationreportsonformsprovidedbyMerrimack.TheevaluationprocesswillbecompletedduringameetingbetweenthesupervisorandStudent.
7.TheFacilityhasbeenreviewedbyMerrimackandhasbeendeemedtohavethenecessaryfacilities,equipmentandmaterialsfortheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingprogramoftheStudent.AnychangesintheserequirementswillbepresentedtotheFacility.TheFacilitymaychoosetocomplywiththeadditionalrequirementsorterminatethisAgreementwithoutpenalty.
8.MerrimackandtheFacilitywilleachassignoneoftheirstaffmemberstocoordinatetheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgramandtoserveasaliaison.
9.MerrimackreservestherighttomakevisitationstotheFacilityattheconvenienceoftheAthleticTrainingProgramDirectorortheClinicalEducationCoordinatortomonitortheperformanceoftheStudentintheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgram.
10.WhileparticipatingintheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgram,theStudentwill:
a.ObserveallrulesandregulationswithintheFacility,whichpromotesthequalityofcareandwhichpertainstothewelfareandcomfortofthepatient.b.DressaccordingtoMerrimackandtheFacilitydresscode.c.Receivenomonetarycompensation.d.BeresponsibletotheAthleticTrainerinchargeofthedepartmenttowhichtheStudentisassigned.e.Maintainconfidentialityofallinformationcomingtohis/herattention.f.AbidebytheCharter,Bylaws,rulesregulationsandsupervisionofFacilitypersonnel.g.HavehealthinsuranceandprovideproofofcoveragetotheFacility.
11.Intheeventofinjuryorillness,anymedicaltreatmentnecessaryfortheStudent,whileparticipatingintheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgram,shallberenderedbytheFacilityorathirdparty,attherequestoftheStudentandtheStudent’shealthinsurershallbefinanciallyresponsibleforsuchtreatment,consistentwiththeterms
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oftheStudent’shealthinsurancepolicy.TheFacilitywillnotifyMerrimackintheeventofaStudent’sinjuryorillness,butassumesnoliability.
12.ItisunderstoodthattheultimateresponsibilityofpatientcareisretainedbytheFacility.
13.MerrimackwillcarryprofessionalliabilityinsurancewhichcoverstheStudentparticipatingintheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgram.
14.TheFacilitywillprovideacertificateofinsuranceevidencingitsgeneralliabilitycoveragetoMerrimack.
15.EachPartyagreestoindemnifyandholdharmlesstheotherPartyanditssuccessors,assigns,directors,officers,trustees,employees,andanyotherpersonforwhomanyofthemmaybelegallyresponsible,totheextentpermittedbylaw,fromandagainstanyclaims,costs,actions,suits,judgments,damages,liabilities,losses,orexpensesincluding,withoutlimitation,reasonableattorneys’fees,expertwitnessfees,andotherconsultantfees,whichariseorareassertedagainstorimposeduponorincurredbythePartyseekingindemnificationasaconsequenceofanynegligentorwrongfulactoromissionbythePartyfromwhomindemnificationissought,exceptsuchclaimsresultingfromthegrossnegligenceandwillfulmisconductoftheotherParty.ThisSectionshallsurvivetheexpirationorterminationofthisAgreement.
16.TheFacilitywillensurethatallstudentsofMerrimackAthleticTrainingProgramwillreceivesupervisionfromtheFacilityCertifiedAthleticTrainer.SupervisionasdefinedbyCAATE’s2020StandardsandGuidelines:“Supervisionoccursalongadevelopmentalcontinuumthatallowsstudentstomovefrominterdependencetoindependencebasedonthestudent’sknowledgeandskillsaswellasthecontextofcare.Preceptorsmustbeon-siteandhavetheabilitytointerveneonbehalfoftheathletictrainingstudentandpatient.Supervisionalsomustoccurincompliancewiththestatepracticeactinwhichthestudentisengaginginclient/patientcare.
Furthermore,theFacilitywillnottreattheStudentasaCertifiedAthleticTrainerallowingtheStudenttoworkwithouttheFacility’sCertifiedAthleticTraineronthepremiseortraveltoawaycontestswithouttheFacility’sCertifiedAthleticTrainer.
17.EitherpartymayterminatethisAgreementuponninety(90)dayswrittennoticetotheotherprovidedthatanysuchterminationornotificationshallnotpreventaStudentthenintheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgramfromcompletingthecourseinstruction.
18.AnyStudentmaybeterminatedfromtheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgramifsupervisorypersonneloftheFacilitydeemtheStudent’sperformanceorconductnotbeinthebestinterestoftheFacility.
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19.AllpartiestothisagreementunderstandthatalldecisionsregardingtheStudentwillbemadewithoutregardtorace,sex,color,gender,nationalorigin,religionorhandicaps.
20.StudenteducationalrecordsareprotectedbytheFamilyEducationRightsandPrivacyAct(“FERPA”).FacilityshalltakeallcommerciallyreasonablemeasurestoprotectthePersonalInformationofStudentsconsistentwithFERPA.Accordingly,FacilityagreestoensurethatwrittenpermissionisobtainedfromtheStudentbeforereleasingStudentdatatoanyoneotherthantoMerrimack.MerrimackshallprovideguidancetoFacilityasneededwithrespecttocomplyingwithFERPA.21.ForceMajeure:NopartyshallbeliableforanyfailuretoperformitsobligationsunderthisAgreementwheresuchfailureisproximatelycausedbycircumstancesoreventsnotreasonablyinthecontrolofeitherParty,including:Actsofnature(includingflood,fire,storm,tornado,earthquake,hurricaneandothernaturaldisasters),war,terrorism,riot,epidemic,pandemic,laborstrikeandotherindustrialdispute,orbyanylaw,regulation,order,orotheractionbyanypublicorregulatoryauthority.
Signed:______________________________________Date:___________________MerrimackCollegePresidentorrepresentativeSigned:______________________________________Date:__________________MerrimackCollegeAthleticTrainingProgramDirectororClinicalEducationCoordinatorSigned:______________________________________Date:___________________Facility’sPresident/SuperintendentorrepresentativeSigned:______________________________________Date:___________________Facility’sDirector/MedicalDirectorSigned:______________________________________Date:___________________FacilityAthleticTrainer(Preceptor)
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APPEALPROCESSCLINICALPLACEMENT1.Ifanathletictrainingstudentisunabletofulfillthecommitmenttotheassignedrotation,theClinicalEducationCoordinatormustbenotifiedinwritingdetailingthereasonswithinoneweekoftheposting.TheAthleticTrainingProgramDirector,ClinicalEducationCoordinatorandtheappropriatePreceptorswillreviewtheappeal.Studentswithsoundreasonsforchangesintheirassignmentswillhavetheopportunitytobereassignedtoarotation,whichisnotinconflict.Studentswhosimplychoosenottoacceptanassignmentwillbedismissedfromtheprogram.2.StudentswishingtoappealanydisciplinaryactionsmustnotifytheAthleticTrainingProgramDirectorinwritingdetailingthereasonsfortheirbehavior.
Transportation
StudentTransportation:StudentswhoareintheMSATprogramaredirectlyresponsibleandmustprovidetheirownreliabletransportationtoandfromaffiliatedoffcampusclinicalsites.Studentsareresponsibleformileageandparkingfeesassociatedattheirclinicalsite.
StudentTraveltoClinicalSitesDuringInclementWeatherIntheeventthatMerrimackCollegeisclosedalloffcampus,responsibilitiesaresuspended.Intheeventofhazardousroadconditions,eachindividualATSmustdetermineiftheyfeeltheycansafelytraveltotheirclinicalsite.IfanATSdeterminesitisunsafe,theyaretocontacttheirpreceptorandinformthem.IftheATSisunsureoftheirsafety,thentheySHOULDNOTdrive.TheATSwillcallthepreceptortoinformthemtheywillnotbeabletoattend.ItistheATS’sresponsibilitytoreschedulethemissedassignmentifnecessary.IntheeventtheATS’sassignedclinicalsiteisclosedduetoinclementweather,theATSisNOTrequiredtoattend.
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(CORI)CRIMINALBackgroundChecks/(SORI)SexOffenderRegistryInformationCRIMINALBACKGROUNDCHECKSCriminalbackgroundchecksarerequiredbythemajorityofclinicalsites.Inorderforastudenttobeeligibletoparticipateinclinicaleducationopportunitiesthatinvolvepotentialunsupervisedcontactwithchildren,thedisabled,ortheelderly,thestudent/staffmembermayberequiredtoundergoaCriminalOffenderRecordInformation(CORI)checkand/oraSexOffenderRegistryInformation(SORI)check.MSATStudentsfoundtohavecertaincriminalconvictionsorpendingcriminalactionswillbepresumedineligibletoparticipateinsuchactivities.MerrimackCollegehaspartneredwithCastleBranchtoofferComplianceTracker,BackgroundChecks,DrugTestingifrequestedbytheclinicalsite.
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MerrimackCollege-AthleticTraining(Immunizations)
InstructionsforOrderPlacement
Whenyouplaceyourinitialorder,youwillbepromptedtocreateyoursecuremyCBaccount.FromwithinyourmyCB,youwillbeableto:
✔Viewyourorderresults✔Uploadandstoreimportantdocumentsandrecords
✔Managerequirementsspecifictoyourprograms✔Completetasksasdirectedtomeetdeadlines
✔Placeadditionalordersasneeded.
Toplaceanorder,gotomycb.castlebranch.com
Inthe“PlaceOrder”field,enterthefollowingpackagecodespecifictoyourorganization:IX80im:
ComplianceTracker
Duringorderplacementyouwillbeaskedforpersonalidentifyinginformationneededforsecurityorcompliancepurposes,includingyourPersonalIdentificationNumber(PIN).Supplyingaccurateandcomprehensiveinformationisimportanttothespeedinwhichyourorderiscompleted.
TheemailaddressyouusewhenplacingyourorderwillbecomeyourusernameforyourmyCBandwillbetheprimaryformofcommunicationforalertsand
messages.
YoucanrespondtoanyactivealertsorTo-DoListitemsnow,orreturnlaterbyloggingintoyourmyCB.Youwillreceivealertsif
information is needed to process your order. Access yourmyCB anytime to view order status and completed results.AuthorizedusersatyourorganizationwillhaveaccesstoviewyourcompliancestatusfromaseparateCastleBranchportal.
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YourmyCBServiceDeskisavailabletoassistyouviaphone,chatandemail
Monday-Thursday8:00am-8:00pm&Friday8:00a.6:30p.m.&Sunday10am-6:30pmEST888-72STATEMENTOFCONFIDENTIALITY
I,__________________________,asastudentintheAthleticTrainingProgramatMerrimackCollegeagreetokeepanyandallinformationregardingtheinjuryand/orillnessofanystudentathleteoftheCollegeandorassociatedclinicalsiteandthemedicalrecordsofanyandallstudent-athletes/patientsstrictlyconfidential.Thisincludesbutisnotlimitedto,informationregardingthetypeofinjury/illnesssustained,therapeutictreatment,medicationsprescribed,statusforcompetitionandlimitationsregardingparticipation.Thisinformationisnottobediscussedwithindividualswhoarenotauthorizedbythestudent-athlete/patienttoreceivesuchinformation.Thediscussionofsuchinformationwillbelimitedtothestudent-athlete,athletictrainer,andathletictrainingstudent,andmaybeinitiatedonlyintheprocessofperformingone’sdutiesandresponsibilities.Questionsrelatedtoastudent-athlete’sinjury/illnessortheathlete’sstatusforparticipationistobedirectedtothefull-timeathletictrainingstaff.Informationregardingastudent-athlete’sinjury/illnessorstatusforparticipationisnottobediscussedorreleasedtootherathletes,membersofthepress,otherstudents,friends,orrelatives.Ialsoagreenottodiscloseanyofthefollowinginformationwithouttheconsentofthestudentathleteandtheapprovalofthesupervisingathletictrainer:name,telephonenumber,address,socialsecuritynumber,dateofbirth,majorfieldofstudy,andacademicclassification.Thereleaseofconfidentialinformationtounauthorizedpersonsisconsideredtobeaseverebreachoftrustwithrespecttotherelationshipbetweentheathletictrainingstaffandthestudent-athlete,aviolationoftheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyActof1974,asamended,andasviolationoftheHealthInsurancePortability&AccountabilityAct(HIPAA)of1996.Ifitisdiscoveredthatanathletictrainingstudenthasviolatedthispolicy,thenappropriatedisciplinaryactionwillbetaken.__________________________________ _____________AthleticTrainingStudentSignature Date__________________________________ _____________Witness Date
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EmergencyCardiacCareCertification
AllMSATStudentswillbecertifiedinCPR/AEDfortheHealthcareProviderthroughtheEmergencyCareSafetyInstitute(ECSI)duringATR5150EmergencyCare&Prevention.AthleticTrainingStudentswillbecertifiedinCPRfortheHealthcareProviderduringthesummertermIpriortoparticipatinginanyclinicaleducationexperiences.Studentsareresponsibleforthecost($5.00)ofthecompletioncards.Recertificationcourseswillbeofferedthroughtheprogramforthecostofacompletioncertificate($5.00).
EMERGENCYPROCEDURESATSshouldreceiveawrittencopyoftheirclinicalsitesEmergencyActionPlan(EAP).ThepreceptorandATSshoulddiscusstheATS’srolesandresponsibilitiesintheeventthatanemergencysituationarises.AllclinicalaffiliatedsitesEAP’scanbefoundonATrack.TheEAPshouldbereadilyaccessibleattheclinicalsite.ProcedurestobediscussedInjuriesinvolvinganyoftheconditionslistedbelowareconsideredpotentiallyseriousandneedimmediatemedicalattention:● cessationofbreathingand/orpulse● severebleeding● severefractureordislocation(compound)● headorspinalinjury● heatstroke● severeasthmaattack● severeallergyattack
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PREVENTIONOFTRANSMISSIONOFBLOOD-BORNEPATHOGENS(OSHA)
Asahealthcareprofessional,youareexposedtoinfectiousdiseasesthatarebornebybloodandotherbodilyfluids.TheCentersforDiseaseControlrecommendthat“UniversalPrecautions”befollowedbyallhealthcareprofessionals.UniversalPrecautionsarethestandardizedproceduresthatarecarriedoutwhendealingwithpotentiallyinfectiousmaterial(blood,bodilyfluids,cerebrospinalfluids,etc.).Itisimportantthatyoubecomeknowledgeableaboutprotectionandadheretothefollowingrules.1.Routineuseofbarrierprecautionstopreventskinandmucousmembraneexposurewhencontactwithbloodandotherbodilyfluidsisanticipated.Glovesmustbewornfortouchinganypotentiallyinfectiousmaterial,non-intactskin(i.e.,abrasions,dermatitis),andforhandlingitemsorsurfacessoiledwithbloodorbodilyfluids.Glovesmustbechangedaftercontactwitheachstudent/athlete.Allsoileditems(gauze,Band-Aids,gloves,etc.)mustbeplacedintheredbiohazardwastebags/trashbin.2.Handsandotherskinsurfacesshouldbewashedimmediatelyandthoroughlyifcontaminatedwithbloodorotherbodilyfluids.Handsshouldbewashedafterglovesareremoved.Ifanyathletictrainingstudentisexposedtoanypotentiallyinfectiousmaterial,he/sheshouldreporttheincidenttoastaffathletictrainerimmediately.3.SurfacescontaminatedwithbloodshouldbecleanedwithCavicideorasolutionmadefromonetotendilutionofhouseholdbleach.4.Precautionsshouldbetakentopreventinjuriescausedbyneedles,scalpelsandothersharpinstrumentsordevices.Topreventneedlestickinjuries,needlesshouldnotberecapped,purposelybentorbrokenbyhand,removedfromdisposablesyringesorotherwisemanipulatedbyhand.Allneedles,scalpelsandothersharpinstrumentsaretobeplacedintheredsharpscontainerimmediatelyafteruse.5.AlthoughsalivahasnotbeenimplicatedinHIVtransmission,theathletictrainingstudentshoulduseaCPRshieldfoundineachkittoperformmouth-to-mouthresuscitation.6.Athletictrainingstudentswhohaveexudativelesionsorweepingdermatitisshouldrefrainfromalldirectpatientcareuntiltheconditionresolves.7.Soiledlinen(towels,wraps,slings,etc.)mustbeplacedinredbiohazardbags.8.Donoteat,drinkorhandlecontactlensesinenvironmentsinwhichexposuretobloodorpotentiallyinfectiousmaterialmayoccur.
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9.Intheathleticsetting,UniversalGuidelinesshouldbeconsideredintheimmediatecontrolofbleedingandwhenhandlingbloodydressings,scalpelsandotherarticlescontainingbodilyfluids.AllathletictrainingstudentsarerequiredtocomplywiththeseproceduresatMerrimackCollege,atahostsite,andateachclinicalsite.10.Intheeventofanexposuretoabloodbornepathogentheathletictrainingstudentshouldinformtheirpreceptorimmediatelyoftheexposure.TheMSATstudentshouldalsomaketheClinicalEducationCoordinatorawareoftheexposure. (All exposures should be documented utilizing the “Blood borne pathogens exposure report form).11.AthletictrainingstudentswillbetrainedannuallyonOSHAguidelinesandregulationsinATR5150&ATR6301.Copiesoftrainingdates/programswillbemaintainedintheAthleticTrainingProgramDirector’sofficeineachindividual’sfile.
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Blood borne pathogens Exposure Report Form
Name: _________________________ DOB: ______________________ Date of Incident: ___________________ Time: _____________________ Location of Incident: ___________________________________________________________ Name(s) of injured person(s): __________________________________ Name(s) of designated first aid responders who rendered assistance: Did an exposure occur? Yes: _______________ No: __________________ Briefly describe the incident: _________________________________________________ Type and source of blood borne pathogen: ___________________________ Type of care (if any) received (ie., vaccination): _______________________
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REGULATIONSREGARDINGHEPATITIS-BVACCINATION
Hepatitisisaninfectionoftheliver,whichmaybecausedbyanumberofdifferentviruses,includinghepatitisB.HepatitisBcanbefoundinalmostallbodyfluidsincludingblood,saliva,tearsandurineofsomeoneinfectedwiththevirus.Therefore,itcanbetransmittedthroughcuts,scrapes,orbreaksintheskinormucousmembrane.ThoseinfectedwiththehepatitisBvirusmayshownosignsofliverdisease,butcanstilltransmitittoothers.TherearenotreatmentsordrugstokillthevirusandthehepatitisBvaccineisrecommendedforhealthcareproviderssuchasathletictrainers.Thevaccineisaseriesofthreeinjectionsoveraperiodof6months.AsrequiredbyMassachusettsStateLaw,MerrimackCollegemandatesthateachstudentintheHealthScienceProgramsobtainaHepatitis-Bvaccination.
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STUDENTILLNESSPOLICYONCOMMUNICABLEDISEASESMerrimackCollegerecognizestheimportanceofminimizingtheexposureofathletesorpatientsinaclinicalsettingtocommunicablediseases.Therefore,itisrecommendedthatathletictrainingstudentsnotreporttotheirclinicalsiteiftheyhaveactivesignsorsymptomsofacommunicabledisease.(Acommunicablediseaseisdefinedasadiseasethatmaybetransmitteddirectlyorindirectlyfromoneindividualtoanother.Diseasessuchasstreptococcal(sorethroat)andinfluenzacanbespreadbydischargefromthenoseorthroat,eitherbyadropletthroughairorbycontactwithobjectscontaminatedbythesedischarges.Theycanbespreadbycasualcontactthatoccursintheschoolorclinicalenvironment.)AthleticTrainingStudentsaretoimmediatelynotifytheirPreceptoroftheirstatusandanestimateofhowlongtheywillneedtobeabsentfromtheirclinicalassignment.Itistheoptionoftheathletictrainingstudentwhetherornottoseekmedicalattentionwhentheyhavecommunicablediseasesymptoms,butseekingsuchattentionisstronglyrecommended.AthleticTrainingstudentsarestronglyadvisedtoreporttotheHamelHealthCentertobeseenbyaphysicianorthestudentmayusetheirownfamilyphysicianiftheysodesire.Oncethestudentseeksmedicalattention,thatstudentisrequiredtofollowtherecommendationsandguidelinesofthatphysician(bringingwrittendocumentationtotheirPreceptor).Asamatterofpolicy,studentswithactivecommunicablediseasesarenotallowedintheclinicalsettinguntiltheirhealthhasbeenrestored.
Handwashing/HygieneSanitationprecautionsinthehealthcaresettingiscriticalinreducingthespreadofgerms,infections,diseasesandillnesses.Thefirstlineofdefenseagainstandthesinglemosteffectivewaytopreventthespreadofinfections,diseases,andillnessesishandwashing.Allstudentsareexpectedtotakeappropriatesanitationprecautionswhenintheclinicalsetting.Allclinicalsettingswillprovidethestudents,staff,andpreceptorstheabilitytocleantheirhandsbeforeandafterpatientencounters.AllMSATstudentsshouldhabituallywashtheirhandsbetweenpatientencounters.Whenasinkisimmediatelyunavailablestudentsshoulduseanappropriatehandsanitizerconsistingof70%ofethylalcohol.PleaseseethelinkprovidedfromtheCDConappropriatehandwashing.https://www.cdc.gov/cdctv/healthyliving/hygiene/fight-germs-wash-hands.html
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Calibration&EquipmentMaintenance/InspectionAthleticTrainingStudentswillbeexposedtoavarietyoftherapeuticinterventionslocatedintheSportsMedicineLab(301)aswellasavarietyofclinicalaffiliatedsites.Studentsshouldnotusethesemodalitiesonactualpatientsuntiltheyhavereceivedformalinstructiononthemodality’sapplicationduringclassorwiththeirassignedpreceptor.AthleticTrainingstudentsshouldonlyusetherapeuticmodalitiesthathavebeenappropriatecalibratedandinspected.Studentsshouldlookforavalidcalibrationsticker/tagpriortousingthesemodalities.IntheeventthatthemodalityhasnotbeencalibratedorinspectedATSshouldrefrainfromusingthemodalityanddiscusswiththeirpreceptorregardingthesafetyandefficacyofthemodality.
RadiationPolicy
BasedonthenatureoftheclinicalsiteorsupplementalexperienceMSATstudentsmightbeatriskforpotentialradiationexposure.Exposuremayoccurinathletictraining/healthcarefacilitiesthathaveaccesstofluoroscopy,x-rayorotherdiagnosticimagingdevices.AllMSATstudentswillhaveaccesstoleadvestsuponrequestaswellasradiationmonitoringtools.Riskcanbefurtherminimizedbymaintainingadistanceof6feetwhileanimagingunitisoperational.AllMSATstudentsshouldfollowthedirectionsoftheirpreceptor/healthcareproviderinminimizingtheirexposuretoradiation.
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NATIONALATHLETICTRAINERSASSOCIATIONFoundationalBehaviorsofProfessionalPracticeThesebasicbehaviorspermeateprofessionalpracticeandshouldbeincorporatedintoinstructionandassessedthroughouttheeducationalprogram.PrimacyofthePatient
⬥Recognizesourcesofconflictofinterestthatcanimpacttheclient’s/patient’shealth⬥Knowandapplythecommonlyacceptedstandardsforpatientconfidentiality.⬥Providethebesthealthcareavailablefortheclient/patient.⬥Advocatefortheneedsoftheclient/patient.TeamApproachtoPractice⬥Recognizetheuniqueskillsandabilitiesofotherhealthcareprofessionals.⬥Understandthescopeofpracticeofotherhealthcareprofessionals.⬥Executedutieswithintheidentifiedscopeofpracticeforathletictrainers.⬥Includethepatient(andfamily,whereappropriate)inthedecision-makingprocess.⬥Workwithothersineffectingpositivepatientoutcomes.LegalPractice⬥Practiceathletictraininginalegallycompetentmanner.⬥Identifyandconformtothelawsthatgovernathletictraining.⬥Understandtheconsequencesofviolatingthelawsthatgovernathletictraining.EthicalPractice⬥ComplywiththeNATA’sCodeofEthicsandtheBOC’sStandardsofProfessionalPractice.⬥UnderstandtheconsequencesofviolatingtheNATA’sCodeofEthicsandBOC’sStandardsofProfessionalPractice.⬥Complywithothercodesofethics,asapplicable.AdvancingKnowledge⬥Criticallyexaminethebodyofknowledgeinathletictrainingandrelatedfields.⬥Useevidence-basedpracticeasafoundationforthedeliveryofcare.⬥Appreciatetheconnectionbetweencontinuingeducationandtheimprovementofathletictrainingpractice.⬥Promotethevalueofresearchandscholarshipinathletictraining.
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⬥Disseminatenewknowledgeinathletictrainingtofellowathletictrainers,clients/patients,otherhealthcareprofessionals,andothersasnecessary.CulturalCompetence⬥Demonstrateawarenessoftheimpactthatclients’/patients’culturaldifferenceshaveontheirattitudesandbehaviorstowardhealthcare.⬥Demonstrateknowledge,attitudes,behaviors,andskillsnecessarytoachieveoptimalhealthoutcomesfordiversepatientpopulations.⬥Workrespectfullyandeffectivelywithdiversepopulationsandinadiverseworkenvironment.Professionalism
⬥Advocatefortheprofession.⬥Demonstratehonestyandintegrity.⬥Exhibitcompassionandempathy.⬥Demonstrateeffectiveinterpersonalcommunicationskills.
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ATHLETICTRAININGSTUDENTDRESSCODE:
AthleticTrainingisahealthcareprofessionandthemannerinwhichyoudressshouldexpressthis.Thisincludesappropriateattire(listedbelow),maintenanceofgoodhygiene.Itisalsoimportantyourclothingchoicebefunctionalaswell.Studentsshoulddressinaprofessionalmannerandcommunicatewiththeirpreceptortounderstandtheappropriateexpectationsbasedontheirspecificclinicalsite.Thefollowingservesasageneralguidelineforallstudents.StandardAttire(Yoursite/preceptorwilldetermineappropriateattireforthesite): Polo,t-shirtorsweatshirtwithMCgraphicsorblank Sweater,buttondownshirtorblouse Dresspants/Chinos Dressshorts/Chinos(minimum5”inseam) Sneakersoraclosedtoecasualshoe NametagAllstudentswillreceiveaMerrimackCollegeAthleticTrainingNameTag.Ifanametagislostitisthestudent’sresponsibilitytopurchaseanewoneatacostof$12.50.Replacementnametagscanbepurchasedfrom:ReadingTrophyandShirt660MainStreet,Reading,MA(781)944-7171Inorderforpatients/clientstodifferentiatestudentsfromcredentialedhealthcareproviders,studentsmustweartheirassignednametagsatalltimeswhileattheirclinicalsite.ThenametagwillidentifythestudentasaMasterofAthleticTrainingStudentatMerrimackCollege.InappropriateAttire Jeansorjeanshorts Shortshortsorgymshorts Yogaorspandexpants Opentoeshoesor“high-heels” Clothingwithripsortears Clothingpromotingalcohol,druguseorinappropriatelanguage Hats(outdooruseonly)Ifstudentsdonotwearappropriateattire,theywillbesenthometochange.
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GameDay(indoors)Checkwiththepreceptorpriortogamesforwhatisappropriategamedayattire. Basketball: Men:DressShirtandslacks Women:SlackswithsweaterorblouseGameDay(outdoors)FunctionalclothingasstatedaboveTravelCheckwiththeassignedpreceptorforwhatisappropriatetravelattireaseachteammaybedifferent.
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PROFESSIONALORGANIZATIONS
NATAPROFESSIONALORGANIZATION
Membershipsinprofessionalorganizationsinstillsasenseofprofessionalism,aidsininteractionwithpeersandmedical&healthcareprovidersandprovidestheAthleticTrainingStudentwithauniqueopportunitytolearnaboutcurrentissuesandresearchpertainingtoathletictraining.Allstudentsareencouragedtoattendconferencesandseminars/lectures,particularlyeventssponsoredbytheNationalAthleticTrainersAssociation(NATA),AthleticTrainersofMassachusetts(ATOM)andtheEasternAthleticTrainersAssociation(EATA).NationalAthleticTrainersAssociation.TheNATAwasformedin1950.Ithasgrowntremendouslyoverthepastseveralyears.TheNATApromotescontinuingeducationthroughthepublicationofaquarterlyjournal,TheJournalofAthleticTraining,aswellas,annualnationalconventionsandregionaleducationalforums.TheNATAMissionStatementisasfollows:ThemissionoftheNationalAthleticTrainers’Associationistoenhancethequalityhealthcareforthephysicallyactiveandadvancetheprofessionofathletictrainingthrougheducationandresearchintheprevention,evaluation,managementandrehabilitationofinjuries.Scholarshipsareavailableyearlytoqualifiedstudentmembersoftheorganization.*AllAthleticTrainingStudentsenrolledintheprofessionalMaster’sDegreeProgramarerequiredtobecomeactivestudentmembersoftheNATA.https://www.nata.org/membership/about-membership/join-or-renew*AllAthleticTrainingStudentsarerequiredtosubscribetoATrackandmaintainavalidsubscriptionthroughouttheirtenureintheMSATProgram.https://www.atrackonline.com/site/indexAthleticTrainersofMassachusetts.Studentsarealsoencouragedtobecomemembersofthestateorganization,ATOM.,Inc.thismembershipfeeprovidesaquarterlynewsletterwithinformationonworkshopsandconferencesofinteresttoathletictrainers.
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NationalAthleticTrainers’AssociationCodeofEthicsPrinciple1:Membersshallrespecttherights,welfareanddignityofallindividuals.1.1Membersshallnotdiscriminateagainstanylegallyprotectedclass.1.2Membersshallbecommittedtoprovidingcompetentcareconsistentwithboththerequirementsandthelimitationsoftheirprofession.1.3Membersshallpreservetheconfidentialityofprivilegedinformationandshallnotreleasesuchinformationtoathirdpartynotinvolvedinthepatient'scareunlessthepersonconsentstosuchreleaseorreleaseispermittedorrequiredbylaw.Principle2:Membersshallcomplywiththelawsandregulationsgoverningthepracticeofathletictraining.2.1Membersshallcomplywithapplicablelocal,state,andfederallawsandinstitutionalguidelines.2.2MembersshallbefamiliarwithandadheretoallNationalAthleticTrainers'Associationguidelinesandethicalstandards.2.3Membersareencouragedtoreportillegalorunethicalpracticepertainingtoathletictrainingtotheappropriatepersonorauthority.2.4Membersshallavoidsubstanceabuseand,whennecessary,seekrehabilitationforchemicaldependency.Principle3:Membersshallacceptresponsibilityfortheexerciseofsoundjudgment.3.1Membersshallnotmisrepresentinanymanner,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,theirskills,training,professionalcredentials,identityorservices.3.2Membersshallprovideonlythoseservicesforwhichtheyarequalifiedviaeducationand/orexperienceandbypertinentlegalregulatoryprocess.3.3Membersshallprovideservices,makereferrals,andseekcompensationonlyforthoseservicesthatarenecessary.Principle4:Membersshallmaintainandpromotehighstandardsintheprovisionofservices.
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4.1Membersshallrecognizetheneedforcontinuingeducationandparticipateinvarioustypesofeducationalactivitiesthatenhancetheirskillsandknowledge.4.2Memberswhohavetheresponsibilityforemployingandevaluatingtheperformanceofotherstaffmembersshallfulfillsuchresponsibilityinafair,considerate,andequitablemanner,onthebasisofclearlyenunciatedcriteria.4.3Memberswhohavetheresponsibilityforevaluatingtheperformanceofemployees,supervisees,orstudentsareencouragedtoshareevaluationswiththemandallowthemtheopportunitytorespondtothoseevaluations.4.4MembersshalleducatethosewhomtheysuperviseinthepracticeofathletictrainingwithregardtotheCodeofEthicsandencouragetheiradherencetoit.4.5Wheneverpossible,membersareencouragedtoparticipateandsupportothersintheconductandcommunicationofresearchandeducationalactivitiesthatmaycontributeknowledgeforimprovedpatientcare,patientorstudenteducation,andthegrowthofathletictrainingasaprofession.4.6Whenmembersareresearchersoreducators,theyareresponsibleformaintainingandpromotingethicalconductinresearchandeducationalactivities.Principle5:Membersshallnotengageinanyformofconductthatconstitutesaconflictofinterestorthatadverselyreflectsontheprofession.5.1Theprivateconductofthememberisapersonalmattertothesamedegreeasisanyotherperson'sexceptwhensuchconductcompromisesthefulfillmentofprofessionalresponsibilities.5.2MembersoftheNationalAthleticTrainers'AssociationandothersservingontheAssociation'scommitteesoractingasconsultantsshallnotuse,directlyorbyimplication,theAssociation'snameorlogoortheiraffiliationwiththeAssociationintheendorsementofproductsorservices.5.3Membersshallnotplacefinancialgainabovethewelfareofthepatientbeingtreatedandshallnotparticipateinanyarrangementthatexploitsthepatient.5.4Membersmayseekremunerationfortheirservicesthatiscommensuratewiththeirservicesandincompliancewithapplicablelaw.
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AddendumA
COVID-19Policies&Procedures
COVID-19Policies&Procedures
AllMSATstudentsareexpectedtofollowallMerrimackCollegePoliciesandProceduresregardingCOVID-19whenoncampus.ThemostrecentCOVID-19handbook(Spring2021canbeaccessedusingthefollowinghyperlink.https://www.merrimack.edu/live/files/3822-return-to-campus-handbook
AllquestionsrelatedtoCOVID-19shouldbedirectedtothefollowingemailaddresstaskforce@merrimack.edu.MSATstudentsshouldcomplywithallpoliciesandproceduresregardingCOVID-19whenintheclassroom&laboratorysettingsinO’ReillyHall.MSATstudentsaretofollowallCOVID-19policiesandproceduresoutlinedattheirclinicalsiteandshouldfollowalldirectionsfromtheirpreceptors.MSATstudentsarestronglyencouragedtokeepasparefacecoveringandhandsanitizerintheirfannypacksatalltimes.StudentsshoulduseappropriatePPEandutilizeappropriatehygienemeasurestomitigatetheriskofexposure.
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COVID19ClassroomProcedures
SectionIEnteringtheClassroom● TheclassroomdoorsinO’ReillyHallwillbeproppedopenpriortothestartof
eachclassperiod.● AllstudentsmustadheretoMerrimack’sFaceCoveringPolicywhileoncampus.
Studentswhodon’thave/wearafacecoveringwillnotbepermittedintheclassroom.
● Studentswillsanitizehandsuponentering&reenteringtheclassroom.● Studentswilldisinfecttheirpersonalspace(desk,table,chair)etc.priortothe
startofeachclass.
SectionIISelection/AssignmentofLaboratoryPartners● Allhands-onskillslimitedtoonelabpartnerinfixedpairs;onetriadif
necessary.● Whenpossible,preferenceistokeeppairstoroommatesorotherswhowould
normallyhaveclosesocialcontactwhen/wherepossible.Studentswillhavethesamelaboratorypartnerforthedurationofthecourse.
SectionIIIGeneralLaboratoryRules● Alltrashshouldbedisposedofintheappropriatereceptacles● NoFoodorDrinkwillbepermittedinthelab● Allindividualsplayakeyroleinmaintainingthecleanliness&sanitizationofthe
labs.● Cleansealllabsurfaces,instruments,equipment,doorhandlesandlightswitches
atthestartandconclusionofalllabsessionswithappropriatesanitizingwipes.● Limitingpersonalitems(backpacks,waterbottles,lunchboxes)–limitedsizing
toa‘carryon’conceptwhichmusthangoffthebackofastandarddeskchair.● Identifyacheck-instation/tableintheclassroomfordailylabmaterials(needed
forcleaningpreandpostlabusage)
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SectionIVInstructorResponsibilities
● WheninO’Reilly201and210Onlyinstructorsorteachingassistantswillnavigatetheanatomagetables
● WheninO’Reilly301OnlyinstructorsorteachingassistantswillnavigatetheSIMULATION-Mannequin
● Priortothestartofeachcoursetheinstructorwillwipedownthecomputerconsole,podiumetc.(personalspace)withtheappropriatesanitizingwipes
● Onlynecessaryequipmentshouldbemadeavailable;allothermaterialsandequipmentshouldbeappropriatelystored.
● Allanatomicalmodels,skeletons,labequipmentetc.(includinganatomage,SIMULATORSand/orotherlargeequipment)willbecleansedwiththeappropriatedisinfectantaftereachuse.
● Aftersanitizing,instructorsshouldturnoffthelightsandlocktheclassroomdoorsattheconclusionofeachclass.
SectionVStudentResponsibilities● Priortothestartofeachclassstudentswillcleantheirareas/personalspace
(desk,table,chair)withtheappropriatedisinfectantwipes.● Studentswillweargloveswhenworkingwithanatomicalmodels.● Gloveswillbewornwhenpalpatingbonylandmarksandsurfaceanatomyon
laboratorypartners.● Allanatomicalmodels,skeletonsand/orlabequipmentetc.willbewipedwith
theappropriatedisinfectantaftereachuse.● Studentswillwashhands/usehandsanitizerattheendofeachofsession
SectionVITeachingAssistantResponsibilities
● Allanatomicalmodels,skeletons,labequipmentetc.willbewipedwiththeappropriatedisinfectantaftereachuse.
● Cleansealllabsurfaces,instruments,equipment,doorhandlesandlightswitchesatthestartandconclusionofalllabsessionswithappropriatesanitizingwipes
● AttheconclusionofeachlaboratorysessiontheTAwillmoveallmodelstothedesignatedstagingareaforappropriatesterilization
● Equipmentusedthroughoutdaywillremaininthestagingareaforelectrostaticspray(atendofday)
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SectionVIICleaningMaterials/PPE
● AlllabswillbestockedwiththefollowingdisinfectantsuppliesandPPE: Sink HandSoapDispenser PaperTowelDispenser SanitizingWipeDispenser RollingPlexiglassInstructorBarriers
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Revised6/24/2020
LaboratoryChecklist
DepartmentalProcedureTitle
MerrimackCollegeSHSLaboratorySpaces“Opening”orSet-upandClosingChecklist
Procedure
KeyWords Checklist,openingandsetupoflabspaces,closingoflabspaces,cleaning,disinfecting,sanitizing,equipmentandsupplymanagement,trainingevents,learningexperiences.
PurposeoftheProcedure/ProcedureStatement:Thisprocedureguidesthestepsrequiredforthe“opening”orset-up,andclosingprocedureforlearningexperiencesfacilitatedinthelaboratoryspacesoftheSHS.ItappliestoSHSFacultymembersanddesignatedTeachingAssistants(TA)facilitatingorassistingtofacilitatelearningexperiencesintheLaboratoryspacesoftheSHS.“Opening”orSet-up
�Opendoorsandturnonlights.
�Ensurethereareenoughpapertowelsatthesinks,andsetoutthegloves
�Anyequipmentthathasbeenleftoutinthe“stagingarea”aspartofthepreviouslaboratorysanitizingeffortsistobeputawaypriortothesetupandstartofthenextlaboratory.
�Onlyequipmentneededforthescheduledlaboratoryexperiencewillbeavailableforusebylearnersandfaculty.
�Setup“stagingarea”fornextlaboratoryinadditiontolabsuppliesrequiredforscheduledevent.
🗇Confirmavailabilityofcleaning,disinfecting,and/orsanitizingsolutions/productsforuseduringandafterthelab.Closing
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�Alltrashistobedisposedofintheappropriatereceptacles,
�Allunusedsuppliesaretobeleftattheendoftheexamtable,workstation,orbedsidetable(nursingcenter)attheendofeachtraining.�Environmentalsurfacesandobjectsthataretouchedoften,suchaschairs,desks,countertops,doorknobs,lightswitches,computerkeyboards/monitors,hands-onlearningitems,faucethandles,phonesaretobesanitizedattheendofeachsession.�Workstations,examtablesand/orbeds/siderailsandbedsidetables(nursingcenter)aretobewipeddownwithsanitizingproductsprovidedineachlaboratoryspace.Chairsaretobereplacedagainstthetablesineachroom.�Labequipment,manikins,models,andtheanatomagetablearetobecleansedaccordingtomanufacturer'sguidelines.Theaboveequipmentistobethendisinfectedandsanitizedandlefttoairdryinthestagingareaattheendofthetraining.Monday–Fridayintheevenings,labstaffand/orinstructorsmaydesignateanareawherelabequipmentcanbeplacedsothatcustodialstaffmayspraywithelectrostaticsanitizingsprayers.Allsuchareasshouldbeclearlylabeledforspraying.Ifnotlabeled,sanitizingsprayingwillnotbeperformed.
�Whenleaving,thedoortothelaboratoryspaceshouldbeclosedwiththelightsturnedoffanddoorslocked.