Nutrition and Dietetics /
Program Handbook /

8/15/2017 /


Table of Contents

Introduction

Faculty

Code of Ethics

Professional Characteristics and Dispositions

Credentialing and Careers

Credentialing Requirements

Successful Placement in an Internship Program

Career Outlook

Further Information

Accreditation

MISSION

GOALS

OUTCOME MEASURES

Cost and Financial Aid

Academic Calendar

Admission and Progression Requirements

Remediation

Verification Statements

Assessment of Prior Learning

Academic Advising

Student Input and Concerns

Application Process for Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics

RD Resources Site

University Student Policies

Academic Integrity

Standards of Student Conduct

Non-Discrimination Policies

Academic Policies

Resources for Student Support

Student Support

Academic Support

Disability Support

Mental Health Support

Substance Abuse and Violence Education Support Services

Student Health Services

Technology Support

Teaching Resources Center

Student Membership in Professional Associations

Student Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (SAND@RU)

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

State and Local Affiliates of the Academy:

Curriculum

Program of Study Check Sheet/ Sample 4 Year Plan- next page

Dear new student,

Welcome to the challenging and rewarding world of dietetics! On behalf of the faculty and staff, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Nutrition and Dietetics Program in the Department of Health and Human Performance. We are delighted that you have chosen Radford University (RU) to pursue your educational goals. It is our sincere wish that you find personal and career satisfaction and growth as a dietetics student at RU. It is equally important that you have chosen to study in a dietetics program that has been granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.

This program provides academic preparation for graduates to pursue supervised practice programs, to enter graduate schools and complete professional requirements to become a Registered Dietitian, or to gain employment in a related field. We are prepared to provide you with the educational foundation necessary to support your personal objectives and your lifelong journey of professional development. Our graduates have exciting careers in the many diverse areas of dietetics, from providing patient care in hospitals to managing complex food services and owning consulting businesses.

The purpose of this handbook is to guide your academic and professional development decisions. The information presented here outlines the regulations and policies above and beyond those presented in the RU Catalog. This handbook will not only provide answers to your questions about the major and the profession, but also delineate program requirements and your responsibilities as a student in the program. It should assist you in planning your course schedule and in preparing for graduation and post-graduation. However, it is not intended to replace advisement by the program faculty or information in the RU Catalog.

The faculty and staff of the program are here to help you attain your goals as you begin your career in dietetics. The time you spend with us is sure to provide you with many opportunities. We invite you to use them to firmly establish your career in dietetics and prepare you for the challenges that await you. Learn, explore, and achieve! It’s our goal to support you every step of the way. The faculty look forward to working with you.

You may contact me for any questions, further clarification or information. I encourage you to share the information in this handbook with your family and friends who are also interested in your success.

I look forward to meeting with you.

Jyotsna Sharman, PhD, MBA, RDN, FAND

Director and Associate Professor

Nutrition and Dietetics

Introduction

The Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD) is designed to prepare students for careers as Registered Dietitians working in wellness, disease prevention and nutrition therapy settings. Alternative career paths include healthcare foodservice management, public health and the medical food industry. Through a program committed to continual review, evaluation and improvement, the DPD provides the learning opportunities to achieve the core knowledge requirements defined by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Faculty

Faculty Member / Email / Office Location / Phone
Laurie Bianchi, RD, PhD / / B145 Peters Hall / 540-831-7677 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Mary Jean Miller, MS, RD / / B144 Peters Hall / 540-831-7680 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Jyotsna Sharman, PhD, MBA, RD, FAND / / B141 Peters Hall / 540-831-6572
Christa Kuhn, MS, RD / / 540-831-5305

Code of Ethics

The Nutrition and Dietetics Program has adopted the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics, as published in the 2009Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, pages 1461-1467. All students and faculty are expected to abide by this code including the fundamental principles: 1) the dietetics practitioner conducts himself/herself with honesty, integrity, and fairness, 2) the dietetics practitioner supports and promotes high standards of professional practice.

Professional Characteristics and Dispositions

We commend you for pursuing a career in which you will be serving others. Professions in which candidates are directly involved with others carry additional responsibilities. As a candidate in a professional program, you will be expected to practice and demonstrate professional dispositions in your classes as well as in your field experiences and interactions with professors, peers/colleagues. Basic expectations for candidates who will be engaged in professional preparation programs are outlined below. Students will be evaluated on these while pursuing their major in Nutrition and Dietetics.

  1. Oral Communication Skills

Expresses self clearly and uses Standard English with no or very few grammatical/mechanical errors.

  1. Written Communication Skills

Writing is error-free and is very clear, organized and highly developed.

  1. Attendance and Punctuality

Perfect attendance; never or rarely tardy; never or rarely leaves class early.

  1. Quality of Work

Consistently submits work on time; able to independently follow directions provided in creating/completing assignments; reaches beyond the minimum and turns in excellent work.

  1. Professional Appearance

Consistently dresses appropriately for class; neat and well groomed; professional.

  1. Quality of Interactions and Participation

Consistently participates and interacts in discussions and activities, often as a leader; demonstrates collaborative skills; comes to class or experiential learning placement well-prepared with assignments and materials; avoids inappropriate activities such as sleeping, using laptop to read email or “surf” the internet, using cell phone for texting friends.

  1. Critical Thinking Skills

Consistently synthesizes and applies concepts learned in the course or through the experience.

  1. Quality of interactions with Others and Respect for Others

Consistently applies critical perspective appropriately; is sensitive to the feelings and needs of others; courteous; demonstrates that he or she values the ideas of others; abides by rules and common etiquette; acts in the interests of others; demonstrates self-control in interactions.

  1. Responsive to Constructive Feedback

Consistently receptive; subsequent performances consistently show productive changes.

  1. Taking Initiative and Managing Workload

Consistently demonstrates resourcefulness; self-directed; manages the demands/workload associated with courses and experiential learning opportunities.

  1. Commitment to Diversity and Equity

Consistently demonstrates a willingness to understand and explore diversity issues and multiple perspectives; values differing viewpoints.

  1. Leadership Skills

Consistently demonstrates responsibility, gladly leadsteam activities, shows a strong commitment to and enthusiasm about his or her work, engages in self-reflection, brings new ideas to fruition, and shows an interest in mentoring others.

Credentialing and Careers

In order to practice as a Registered Dietitian, professionals must be credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The process to become a Registered Dietitian is outlined below:

Credentialing Requirements

  1. Completion of a baccalaureate degree with a Verification Statement granted by a DPD program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND);
  2. Completion of an ACEND accredited post-baccalaureate Internship Program in Nutrition (IPND) and Dietetics which includes a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised practice experience. Refer to Radford University’s Policy for issuing Verification Statements.
  3. Passing score on the Registration Exam for Dietitians administered by theCommission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Successful Placement in an Internship Program

Competition for openings in IPNDs is robust. Refer to the Student Guidance Document Suggestions to Improve Your Chances at Getting a Dietetic-Internship Position from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Strong candidates for IPND typically have:

  1. 3.0 GPA or better
  2. Competitive GRE scores (some programs require these)
  3. Quality References from faculty and dietitians
  4. Excellent Communication Skills
  5. Distinguishing Characteristics
  6. Volunteer experiences related to health and nutrition
  7. Paid work experiences, especially in areas related to your desired area(s) of practice
  8. Active involvement in professional organizations at student, local, state, and national level
  9. Presentations, poster sessions, and community talks

Career Outlook

Refer to the Academy’s Career Center and fact sheet “Careers in Nutrition and Dietetics: Becoming an RD” for detailed information about employment opportunities, salaries and job outlook.

Further Information

For detailed information about the path to becoming a Registered Dietitian visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Center.

Accreditation

Through a commitment to continual review, evaluation and improvement, Radford University’s Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD) meets the accreditation standards defined by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). RU’s Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics is fully accredited until 2013.

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitians (RD) or dietetic technicians, registered (DTR). ACEND serves and protects students and the public by assuring the quality and continued improvement of nutrition and dietetics education programs.

ACEND is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a Title IV gatekeeper. This recognition affirms that ACEND meets national standards and is a reliable authority on the quality of nutrition and dietetics education programs. ACEND is also a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA) and abides by its code of good practice.

Contact ACEND:

120 S. Riverside Plaza

Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606
800-877-1600 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting ext. 5400

MISSION

The mission of the Nutrition and Dietetics Program extends the missions of the University, College and Department by preparing professionals to serve the public through the promotion of optimal nutrition, health and well-being. The Nutrition and Dietetics Program is designed to prepare students for careers as Registered Dietitians working in wellness, disease prevention and nutrition therapy settings. Alternative career paths include healthcare foodservice management, public health and the medical food industry.

GOALS

1.0The Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD) will attract, prepare, and graduate students who will become competent entry level nutrition and dietetics practitioners.

2.0Graduates of the DPD will be actively engaged in the practice of nutrition and dietetics and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.

OUTCOME MEASURES

1.1 Application rates to Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics (IPNDs)

1.2 Placement rates in Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics (IPNDs)

1.3 Pass rates for the RD Exam

1.4 Timely program completion rates

1.5 SatisfactoryDPDpreparation as described by graduates

1.6 SatisfactoryDPDpreparation as described by IPND directors

2.1 Graduate membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

2.2 Graduate attainment of advanced education and certification

Results of program outcome measures are available upon request.

Cost and Financial Aid

  • Visit the Admissions Office website for information on Paying for College.
  • Visit the Everything Financial Aid page sponsored by the Financial Aid Office to learn about options for assistance.
  • The Student Accounts Office at Radford University provides a currentschedule of tuition and fees, as well as meal plan options.
  • Text book costs vary depending on the course and can be found at the RU Bookstore. Lab supplies include purchase of a chef’s coat. There are no additional lab fees.
  • Student Membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is strongly recommended. Visit the Joining the Academy page of AND’s Students Center for fees and benefits.
  • Scholarships are available for student members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Information regarding these scholarships can be found at the Academy Foundation Student Scholarship and Financial Aid Informationpage.

Academic Calendar

The Academic Calendar provides key dates and deadlines for the academic year.

Admission and Progression Requirements

  1. Admission Criteria for Nutrition and Dietetics upper division coursework:
  2. Official transcripts reflecting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better from all post-secondary schools attended, including RU.
  3. Completion of the following prerequisites with a grade of C- or better:
  4. NUTR 214 Introduction to Nutrition
  5. CHEM 101 General Chemistry
  6. BIOL 105 Biology for Health Sciences
  7. BIOL 310 and BIOL 311Human Structure & Function
  8. BIOL 334 Microbiology
  9. PSYC 121 Introductory Psychology
  10. MATH 137 College Algebra
  11. STAT 200 Introduction to Statistics
  12. Complete the Online Application and submit transcripts to the Advising Center by March 31st for fall enrollment for current students and before fall registration for new students.
  13. Progression Criteria: Students are required to maintain a cumulativeGPA of 3.0 or higher to continue, complete and graduate in this major.

Full Completion Criteria may be found in the Radford University Undergraduate Catalog

Remediation

Students admitted to upper division who have fallen below the required GPA of 3.0 will have one semester to remediate and bring their GPA up to standards. Faculty are available for assistance as well as university resources designated for student support. See the Resources for Student Support section of the Handbook.

Verification Statements

Students are required to achieve and maintain a cumulative as well as in-major GPAof 3.0 or higher to complete and graduate in this major. Verification Statements will be awarded only to students completing degree requirementsfor the Nutrition and Dietetics major at Radford University and earning C- or better in all NUTR classes. For computing the GPA, all Nutrition and Dietetics courses, whether taken at RU or at other ACEND-accredited institutions will be used.If a course is repeated, its second grade will be used.

Students are encouraged to seek guidance from the program faculty for maintaining or improving their GPA, however, it is the responsibility of the studentsultimately to check their degree-audit at the end of each semester, and keep a track of their cumulative and as well in-major GPA to graduate from the program successfully and earn the Verification Statement in a timely manner.

Students will be issued six copies of their Verification Statement within two weeks after the registrar has cleared the student for graduation indicating that all degree requirements have been satisfied. Failure to earn a Verification Statement will prohibit the alumna from entering the IPND Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics or sitting for the certification exam for the NDTR/DTR (Nutrition/Dietetic Technician, Registered) credential.

The following stipulations apply:

  1. Courses that are required for the DPD may be taken at other ACEND-accredited institutions if they are accepted as equivalent to the RU course. Preauthorization to take a course for transfer credit is recommended. This is completed through the Center for Academic Advising and Student Support.
  1. There is a limit on the amount of transfer credit that can be awarded for major courses. Seventy-five percent (75%) of Nutrition and Dietetics (NUTR) courses must be completed at RU. This surpasses the Radford University policy which states that fifty percent (50%) of the semester hours required for a major must be taken at RU. Students may thus receive transfer credit for a maximum of 15 NUTR credits.
  1. Transfer and post baccalaureate students who have satisfied the Core Curriculum requirement are still required to meet all prerequisites for the DPD.
  1. The DPD curriculum will be revised periodically to meet accreditation standards, RD Exam test specifications and advances in the discipline. Majors who have not yet been admitted to upper division will be required to comply with those changes in order to receive a Verification Statement even though the change may not be required by the University to graduate.
  1. Major (NUTR) courses must have been completed within 5 years of the verification date. At the discretion of the student’s advisor and the DPD Coordinator, Core Curriculum and Additional Requirements may also need to have been completed within 5 years of the verification date.

Further information on Verification Statements is available from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Assessment of Prior Learning

Credit for transfer courses is evaluated by the Office of Admissions and certain stipulations apply as stated in the Policy for Issuing Verification Statements.

Academic Advising

Students are assigned a faculty advisor upon declaration of the major. Students meet with their advisor at least once per semester to discuss academic progress and career planning. A “Major’s Meeting” is convened each semester specifically for Freshman, Sophomores and new transfer students prior to registration to present information about the program, strategies for success and career paths.

The Center for Academic Advising & Student Support is available to provide guidance and services for issues related to the university Core Curriculum, transfer credit, and course registration. The Center is located in Peters Hall A104.

Student Input and Concerns

There is a student representative designated for the junior and senior classes. The representative will meet with faculty each semester to bring forward student concerns or suggestions regarding classes or the program. Students are encouraged to share their concerns with the class representatives. The names of the representatives will be announced in class.