Department of Food Science and Nutrition Eckles Avenue, 225 FScN Bldg St. Paul, MN Tel: (612) , Fax (612)

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1 DIDACTIC PROGRAM IN DIETETICS STUDENT HANDBOOK Department of Food Science and Nutrition 1334 Eckles Avenue, 225 FScN Bldg St. Paul, MN Tel: (612) , Fax (612) fscn.cfans.umn.edu 0

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction Equal Opportunity Accreditation Statement Planning Guide for Opportunities in Nutrition Program Descriptions Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Information DPD Mission, Goals, Objectives and Graduate Outcomes DPD Application and Admission Process Requirements for Registered Dietitians Information about Applying for a Post Baccalaureate Dietetic Internship How to Increase your Competitiveness for a Dietetic Internship Applying for an Internship Assessment of Student Learning DPD Requirements for Non-Degree Seeking Students UMN DPD Recency of Coursework Policy Student Information Resources and Links for Student-Related Policies and Procedures Admission Requirements Computer Resources University-Wide Resources College Resources Academic Advising Scholarships Organizations and Activities Publications Job, Internships and Career Opportunities Graduation Requirements Conflict/Problem Resolution

3 INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)! Our Department offers three tracks for the Nutrition major: a) Nutrition Studies; b) Nutritional Science; c) Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). This handbook is devoted specifically to the DPD track. Students in the Nutrition Sciences or Nutritional Science tracks are invited to check out the Nutrition Undergraduate Program website and address specific questions to their academic advisor. The University of Minnesota offers many opportunities and resources at the University, College, and Department levels. It is vital that each student seek out all relevant information and not rely solely on this handbook. The purpose of this handbook is to help you navigate these resources as you make efficient and productive progress through the program. Admission to the Bachelor of Science degree program in Nutrition is handled as follows: Freshman Transfer Students: University of Minnesota Office of Admissions - Transfer Students either from another program within the University or from outside the University: College of Food Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) - Equal Opportunity The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation. Accreditation Statement The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is currently granted Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL , Phone: , Website: Disclaimer This student handbook will serve as a guide to students. Official University publications/ bulletins take precedence over this information. 2

4 PLANNING GUIDE FOR OPPORTUNITIES IN NUTRITION Academic Plans Develop a long-term course completion plan - be sure to plan according to course prerequisites and offerings. Be aware that most FScN courses required for the Nutrition major are offered only one semester a year To graduate in four years without going to summer school, you must average 15 credits per semester and follow the correct course series Consult and stay in touch with your academic advisor. Follow the 3-to-1 Rule: For every 1 credit you take, expect to spend 3 hours studying each week. That means a 15 credit semester will require 45 hours of study time each week. Self Awareness and Goals What type of work environments interest you? How can your personality traits and interests contribute to the field of Nutrition? What are your short and long-term academic and professional goals? Prepare Yourself for a Variety of Options and Experiences While academics are critical components of success, non-academic experiences also play an important role as you make progress. Be sure you begin meeting with a Career Counselor at the Career and Internship Services as early as your sophomore year for help on the following: Explore a variety of careers and opportunities in nutrition and general leadership development. Understand the requirements and expectations of various employers. Get work and/or volunteer experience in one or more areas of nutrition Develop relationships with professionals in your field of interest ( networking ). Join one or more professional organizations and remain active in their activities as a participant and volunteer. Develop a professional portfolio with examples of your academic and non-academic experiences and achievements Consult and stay in touch with the Career and Internship Services beginning your sophomore year To Become A Registered Dietitian You must be accepted to and complete a post baccalaureate dietetic internship. They are very competitive and usually require: A GPA of 3.0 or higher; Work/volunteer experience in nutrition such as a hospital, nursing home, WIC clinic or foodservice industry; and Recommendation letters that reflect your strong talents, academic performance, and personal characteristics from at least three people who will strongly recommend you. REMEMBER THE VALUE OF BALANCING YOUR LIFE, SCHOOL, WORK, PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 3

5 PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS Nutrition is an undergraduate major offered by the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) through the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FScN). There are three tracks in the major; coursework depends on the followed track. However, all students will follow essentially the same coursework plan for the first 60 credits in the major. You should work closely with your advisor as you plan your coursework to ensure you will meet the requirements for the desired track. Nutrition Studies The Nutrition Studies track is for students who have a strong interest in nutrition but do not want to become a Registered Dietitian (DPD track) or do not want to take the additional science requirements for the Nutritional Science track. Students who choose to follow this track will have more flexibility in coursework choices. You should work closely with your advisor and discuss future career goals in order to determine what classes you will elect for your coursework plan. This track does not meet all of the academic requirements to become a Registered Dietitian. See for more information. Students may opt into the Nutrition Studies sub-plan AT ANY TIME, and complete a self-designed area of emphasis. Nutritional Science The Nutritional Science track is for students planning to pursue a professional program (ie. medical school, dentistry, pharmacy, etc.) or graduate school. It covers in-depth studies of the advanced math and science courses required for various professional programs and their corresponding entrance exams (such as the MCAT or GRE). It does not meet all of the academic requirements to become a Registered Dietitian. See more information. After 60 credits, students may apply for the Nutritional Science sub-plan. Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) This track offers preparation in the basic sciences and liberal education, a background in food science, and a focus on human needs related to nutrition. The curriculum is based on the Foundation Knowledge Requirements and Learning Outcomes defined for an entry-level dietitian by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. See the following pages for more information about the DPD and becoming a Registered Dietitian. After 60 credits, students may apply for the DPD sub-plan. The curriculum meets accreditation standards for a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Therefore, students who plan to become Registered Dietitians will be eligible to apply for a post-baccalaureate Dietetic Internship upon graduation. Graduates of the program who do not obtain a Dietetic Internship in their first application round or decide not to become Registered Dietitians will be qualified for positions in various food-related fields, including nutrition, industry, and community programs; see ndex.htmfor more information about career options. 4

6 DIDACTIC PROGRAM IN DIETETICS (DPD) The DPD provides a rigorous University-based liberal education and an equally rigorous dietetics curriculum. The DPD faculty believe that the University s status as a major, land-grant university effectively packages the resources and strengths of its arts and sciences. This, combined with the strengths and expertise within the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, provides excellent undergraduate preparation to meet the core knowledge (listed on pages 11-12) delineated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for entry-level dietitians. The DPD training includes a strong science component of biological sciences, chemistry, and biochemistry courses appropriate for admission to graduate school. A liberal arts core and specialized courses in nutrition, nutritional biochemistry, clinical nutrition, food science, menu planning, and foodservice management provide depth and breadth. As a program within a land-grant institution, its philosophy includes meeting the needs of a wide variety of students, some who follow non-traditional routes and some who select career paths other than becoming Registered Dietitians. For Nutrition major requirements and a sample plan for the Didactic Program in Dietetics see: Mission of the DPD The mission of the University of Minnesota DPD is to prepare students for entry into and successful completion of a Dietetic Internship, a variety of employment opportunities related to food and nutrition, or graduate/professional programs. Goals and Objectives of the DPD 1. Provide a high quality undergraduate university education and advising support that facilitates entry into a Dietetic Internship, post-baccalaureate graduate/professional programs and/or the workforce in food, nutrition or health related fields. a. Over a five year period, 60% of the DPD graduates will apply to dietetic internship within 12 months of graduation b. Over a five year period, the pass rate for DPD graduates taking the registration examination for the first time will be at least 90% c. 50% of survey respondents, who do not apply or are not accepted into a dietetic internship, indicate that they have a post-graduate plan for entering into a graduate/professional school or the workforce within months of graduation d. 85% of students are expected to complete the program requirements within 3 semesters after completion of FSCN 4664/4667 course 2. Provide the education and guidance to create graduates who are successful in their future endeavors. a. Internship directors/employers who respond to our surveys will state agree or strongly agree to greater than 50% of questions regarding the high level of preparation of our graduates b. 75% of DPD respondents to the DPD alumni survey will indicate that their education at the U of MN prepared them somewhat or extremely well for their current position c. Over a five year period, 50% of those who apply to a dietetic internship within 12 months of graduation will be accepted 5

7 Graduate Outcomes 1. Pass rate on the RD exam for first time test takers has been consistently greater than 90%. 2. DPD graduates who complete a Dietetic Internship and pass the RD exam typically obtain work as a Registered Dietitian within one year of graduation. 3. The DPD graduates are highly regarded by employers in the Twin Cities metropolitan area; the majority of the DPD graduates obtain employment in the nutrition field within one year of graduation. Places of employment generally include hospitals, long term care facilities, WIC clinics, and food and pharmaceutical companies. 4. Many of the DPD graduates are successful in competing for placement in graduate and professional programs. NOTE: Additional outcome data available upon request by contacting dpd@umn.edu. 6

8 DPD APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCESS An application and admission process for the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is in place for students interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian. All enrolled nutrition students (freshmen and transfers) must apply and be accepted into the DPD and have the DPD sub-plan listed on their record in order to receive a Verification Statement upon graduation, which is needed to enter into a Dietetic Internship. DPD Applications are required to be submitted either by October 15 or by March 15 after students have met or are in the process of meeting the criteria below. Criteria for DPD Admission: Completion of 60 or more credits by the end of the semester in which you apply (approximately sophomore year for traditional students) C- or better in the following courses or the approved substitution, and their prerequisites (as required by CFANS graduation policy) o CHEM 2301 Organic Chemistry o FSCN 1112 Principles of Nutrition o MATH 1031 College Algebra o ANSC 3301 Animal and Human Physiology Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 Completion of the DPD Application Form Fall Application: Students who meet the criteria above for DPD entrance requirements will be notified of the results of their application prior to registration. Those who are still completing a required course and/or have a GPA less than 3.2 will receive final notification of their application status in early January, after review of Fall semester grades to ensure that the student has met the above criteria. Spring Application: Students who meet the criteria above for DPD entrance requirements will be notified of the results of their application prior to registration. Those who are still completing a required course and/or have a GPA less than 3.2 will receive final notification of their application status in early June, after review of Spring semester grades to ensure that the student has met the above criteria. If a student is taking a required course during the summer, they will also be initially notified before registration and will receive final acceptance after the grade is posted and reviewed in July or August. Click here to download the DPD Application and to get additional information about this process. Students are allowed to apply to the DPD only 2 times; therefore, they should not apply until they are quite sure they have met or can meet the DPD admission criteria by the end of the semester in which they apply. Admitted DPD students must obtain a student membership to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics after receiving acceptance, which is a requirement for their Senior Seminar (FSCN 4667) or Senior Capstone (FSCN 4664) course. Academy membership begins June 1, is one-year long, and is $50 for students. See for more information. Please contact Corrie Marion at dpd@umn.edu if you have questions about applying to the DPD. 7

9 REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTERED DIETITIANS Registered dietitians (RDs) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following educational and professional criteria to earn and maintain the RD credential: 1. Academic Complete a minimum of a bachelors degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college and identified dietetics coursework approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This is referred to as the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). The DPD is a composite of courses selected to meet the Core Knowledge for entry-level dietitians which is listed on pages Traditional students enroll in an accredited program and complete the DPD as a part of their baccalaureate degree. For Nutrition major requirements and a sample plan for the Didactic Program in Dietetics see: Students who already have their baccalaureate degree and then decide to complete the DPD may either complete a second baccalaureate degree or have their transcript evaluated by the DPD director to determine what additional dietetics courses are needed and enroll as a non-degree seeking student. At least 18 credits from the list of requirements must be taken at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus. All requirements must be taken on an A-F basis with satisfactory completion (grade C- or higher). See DPD Requirements for Non-Degree Seeking Students on page 13. Students are awarded a Verification Statement after they have completed the DPD coursework. Students will need a Verification Statement in order to enter a Dietetic Internship. The signed Verification Statement indicates that the student has completed the requirements of an accredited DPD. 2. Dietetic Internship Program Obtain an internship in a post-baccalaureate accredited program averaging 9 to 12 months in length. There are over 250 programs in the U.S. Appointments to Dietetic Internships are awarded on a very competitive basis through a computer matching process. Computer matching occurs in November and April of each year. Prospective applicants must review internship websites carefully for current information, including application deadlines, program requirements and tuition. Refer to the Applicant Guide to Supervised Practice ( plicantguide/index.htm) or the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for more information about Dietetic Internships. Read all information carefully. 3. Registration Examination Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Application to take the examination is made to the Commission of Dietetic Registration following verification of completion of the academic (DPD program) and supervised practice (Dietetic Internship program) requirements. The Dietetic Internship director will provide details regarding the application process. 4. Continuing Education Complete 75 clock hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every 5 years to maintain registration status as a Registered Dietitian. Continuing professional education is essential for lifelong development to maintain and improve knowledge and skills for competent dietetics practice. 8

10 INFORMATION ABOUT APPLYING FOR A POST BACCALAUREATE DIETETIC INTERNSHIP Supervised practice in an accredited Dietetic Internship program is required, along with academic coursework, to become a Registered Dietitian. There is a national application process that is made available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Currently there are more applicants than positions available and nationally about 50% of the applicants are placed. It is essential that, beginning early in their dietetics coursework, students plan for developing a strong record of academic progress, experiences and relationships that will support a successful application. How to increase your competitiveness for a Dietetic Internship Investigate programs early to identify their admission criteria o Applicant Guide to Supervised Practice - o American Dietetic Association website - Follow good business etiquette in writing, ing and calling for information and in all professionally-related activities. You cannot predict when a program director or potential employer will form an opinion about you. Good business practices suggest that all written communications be error-free, grammatically correct, well organized, and the request clearly stated. All correspondence should be dated, correct name, title and address information used, and one s own name, complete address and telephone number included. What information do you need, to whom are you writing and what do you expect to receive? Good oral communication follows similar patterns. Maintain a GPA over Most programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher for consideration for admission. In light of this, individuals with a GPA less than 3.0 are strongly discouraged from applying to Dietetic Internships and cannot be guaranteed faculty letters of recommendation. Although acceptance into the DPD requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 (which is also the minimum GPA required for most internships), the Dietetic Internship application process is highly competitive and recent experience suggests that you should maintain a GPA of at least 3.3 or higher to be most competitive for placement. Internship programs have more applicants than internship spots nationwide and currently, approximately 50% of applicants are accepted into a Dietetic Internship. While a strong GPA is important, it is also essential that students develop a strong and balanced portfolio of experiences during their academic years. Just having a GPA of 3.8 or higher will not assure acceptance into a program if a student has a weak portfolio (please visit the Professional Portfolio page for more info). All higher education grades are reviewed, but particular consideration is given to most recent academic experience and to the grades in courses required to meet the DPD requirements. Participate in opportunities that demonstrate leadership Start building relationships with professors, employers, coaches, advisors, supervisors, etc. early in order to assure you will receive strong reference letters. 9

11 Obtain dietetics-related work or volunteer experience (see here for more information) o Clinical Contact a hospital or clinic near you, and ask for the nutrition department or Director of Nutrition or Dietary Services to look for paid and volunteer opportunities If possible, it is optimal to work as a Dietetic Technician or Diet Clerk If no paid positions, inquire about volunteering Contact the Director at a long-term care facility Inquire about paid positions in dietary department If no paid positions, contact the RD on staff to see if you might be able to assist as a volunteer; for example, to assist with meal rounds Shadow a dietitian in different settings o o Community WIC Volunteer for the Farmer s Market Voucher program during the summer Possible volunteer opportunities during the school year Feeding America Hunger relief organization in St. Paul Many different types of volunteer opportunities Head Start Government-funded child feeding program serving preschoolers Develop lessons/activities for kids Food shelves Cook evening meals at Dorothy Day Houses, Loaves and Fishes, etc. Home-Delivered Meals Meals-on-Wheels; Open Arms Food service Contact the Nutrition Department or Food Service Director at a hospital, longterm care facility, or college or university near you to see if they are hiring dietary aides or foodservice staff, including foodservice supervisors National Association of College and University Food Services: For summer internships Shadow a foodservice director at a local school or university For more information about increasing your competitiveness for a Dietetic Internship see here. Applying for an Internship FSCN 4667: Senior Seminar for the Didactic Program in Dietetics or FScN 4664 Senior Capstone: Becoming a Registered Dietitian. All DPD students are required to take this class, offered fall semester, within 2-3 semesters of graduation. This course will primarily focus on preparing an application packet for a Dietetic Internship. Applications due in early February with notification in late April are for programs that start late summer or early fall. A few programs have a fall timetable and January/February starting date. See application timetable from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For more information about applying to a Dietetic Internship, please review the information provided on the DPD website: 10

12 ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics has determined that a DPD should provide students with specific knowledge, which is outlined below: Core Knowledge for the RD* 1. Scientific and Evidence Base of Practice: integration of scientific information and research into practice Knowledge KRD 1.1 The curriculum must reflect the scientific basis of the dietetics profession and must include research methodology, interpretation of research literature and integration of research principles into evidence-based practice. 2. Professional Practice Expectations: beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviors for the professional dietitian level of practice. Knowledge KRD 2.1 KRD 2.2 KRD 2.3 The curriculum must include opportunities to develop a variety of communication skills sufficient for entry into pre-professional practice. The curriculum must provide principles and techniques of effective counseling methods. The curriculum must include opportunities to understand governance of dietetics practice, such as the Scope of Dietetics Practice and the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics; and interdisciplinary relationships in various practice settings. 3. Clinical and Customer Services: development and delivery of information, products and services to individuals, groups and populations Knowledge KRD 3.1 KRD 3.2 KRD 3.3 The curriculum must reflect the principles of Medical Nutrition Therapy and the practice of the nutrition care process, including principles and methods of assessment, diagnosis, identification and implementation of interventions and strategies for monitoring and evaluation. The curriculum must include the role of environment, food, nutrition and lifestyle choices in health promotion and disease prevention. The curriculum must include education and behavior change theories and techniques. 11

13 4. Practice Management and Use of Resources: strategic application of principles of management and systems in the provision of services to individuals and organizations Knowledge KRD 4.1 KRD 4.2 KRD 4.3 KRD 4.4 KRD 4.5 The curriculum must include management and business theories and principles required to deliver programs and services. The curriculum must include content related to quality management of food and nutrition services. The curriculum must include the fundamentals of public policy, including the legislative and regulatory basis of dietetics practice. The curriculum must include content related to health care systems. The curriculum must include content related to coding and billing of dietetics/nutrition services to obtain reimbursement for services from public or private insurers. 5: Support Knowledge: knowledge underlying the requirements specified above. KRD 5.1 KRD 5.2 KRD 5.3 The food and food systems foundation of the dietetics profession must be evident in the curriculum. Course content must include the principles of food science and food systems, techniques of food preparation and application to the development, modification and evaluation of recipes, menus and food products acceptable to diverse groups. The physical and biological science foundation of the dietetics profession must be evident in the curriculum. Course content must include organic chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, statistics, nutrient metabolism, and nutrition across the lifespan. The behavioral and social science foundation of the dietetics profession must be evident in the curriculum. Course content must include concepts of human behavior and diversity, such as psychology, sociology or anthropology. *Source: ACEND Accreditation Standards for Didactic Program in Nutrition & Dietetics Leading to Supervised Practice February 2012 Update Version 1.01 of the 2008 DPD Standards 12

14 DPD REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-DEGREE SEEKING STUDENTS If you already have an undergraduate degree and plan to take DPD courses as a non-degree seeking student, you will need a transcript evaluation done in order to determine if any of your previous coursework meets the requirements below. Please contact Corrie Marion (dpd@umn.edu) for information about this process. To receive a verification statement from the University of Minnesota Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), the following guidelines must be met: a) At least 18 credits from the list of requirements must be taken at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities campus and must include FScN 4665 and FScN 4666 Medical Nutrition Therapy I/II, a food service management course, and a nutrition or community nutrition course. b) All requirements must be taken on an A-F basis and satisfactory completion will be a grade of C- or higher. c) To assure a strong academic foundation in the areas pertinent to the program, past coursework must meet our recency of coursework policy (see below). The Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics reserves the right to make final decisions regarding recency of coursework. University of MN Didactic Program in Dietetics Recency of Coursework Policy Coursework completed within the past 3 years FScN 4665 Medical Nutrition Therapy I FScN 4666 Medical Nutrition Therapy II Coursework completed in the past 5 years FScN 1102 Food: Safety, Risks and Tech. FScN 1112 Principles of Nutrition FScN 3102 Intro to Food Science FScN 3612 Life Cycle Nutrition FScN 3614 Nutrition Education & Counseling FScN 3615 Sociocultural Aspects of Food, Nutrition, and Health FScN 3731 Food Operations Management Lab FScN 3732 Food Operations Management FScN 4612 Advanced Human Nutrition FScN 4613 Experimental Nutrition FScN 4614 Community Nutrition FScN 4621W Nutrition and Metabolism FSCN 4667 Senior Seminar for the DPD FScN 4732 Food and Nutrition Management FScN or NUTR Elective: Additional 3 credits (4000 level or higher) Coursework completed in the past 10 years Math 1031 College Algebra Chem 1061/1065 Chemical Principles I Lecture and Lab Chem 1062/1066 Chemical Principles II Lecture and Lab Chem 2301 Organic Chemistry I Lec BioC 3021 Biochemistry Lec Biol 1009 General Biology with lab AnSc 3301 Human and Animal Physiology FScN 2021 Introductory Microbiology Stat 3011 Statistical Analysis 13

15 STUDENT INFORMATION The University has an extensive and complex system of services and opportunities. Students are strongly encouraged to learn of the services available, to ask questions of their advisor, faculty members, and the Student Services Undergraduate Coordinator in seeking out opportunities and appropriate solutions to problems. To learn more about policy and procedure information pertaining to students, please read the relevant sections in the University Undergraduate Catalog. Also, you can find the majority of student-related information at One Stop ( Resources and Links for Student-related Policies and Procedures Academic calendar: Tuition and fee information: In addition to tuition and fees, $300 or less will be needed for items such as transportation to field trips or volunteer experiences, extra supplies or materials for class projects, and student membership to the American Dietetic Association (required for all DPD students). The University of Minnesota Undergraduate catalog ( contains much of the information that students will need. A few specific items are listed below: Graduation requirements page 37 Equal Opportunity policy page 25 Access to personal files and protection of privacy to student information page 4 Retention and remediation procedures page 47 Student grievance and complaint policy page 40 Financial aid information: Withdrawal and refund of tuition: Policies and procedures regarding student conduct and academic integrity: Admission Requirements For information about the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities admission requirements visit: Computer Resources Both the Student Learning Center (220 FScN) and Student Computer Room (260 FScN) are available for your use. University-wide Resources Academic Support SMART Learning Commons: (612)

16 Bookstores General Information: (612) Coffman Store: (612) Ground level of Coffman Union St Paul Store: (612) St Paul Student Center Career Services Career and Internship Services: (612) Community Service-Learning Center: (612) Emergency Numbers 911: Medical, accident, bomb threat, fire, explosion, hazardous, chemical or biological emergency Sexual Violence: 24-Hour Crisis Line University Police: Health and Wellness Boynton Health: (612) University Counseling & Consulting: (612) University Recreational Sports & Fitness: (612) Libraries General Info and Reference Search: Bio-Medical Library: (612) Magrath Library: (612) Wilson Library: (612) OneStop Student Services / Office of the Registrar General Information: (612) helpingu@umn.edu East Bank: 200 Fraser Hall St. Paul: 130 Coffey Hall West Bank: 130 West Bank Skyway College Resources College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences College Student Services Office 190 Coffey Hall ( ) cfanssso@umn.edu Department of Food Science and Nutrition 225 FScN Bldg St. Paul Campus (general) (Student Services) Academic Advising Academic advisors are assigned to all students entering Nutrition. While the student is responsible for planning the course schedule through completion of the degree, they should do so in consultation with the academic advisor. The advisor can review your plan, provide assistance, and make suggestions. If you need to change your academic advisor, contact the Undergraduate Student Services Coordinator in 225 FSCN. 15

17 Scholarships The Department of Food Science and Nutrition is committed to making scholarships available to its students. The department offers numerous undergraduate awards, over $30,000 yearly, available to students in either Food Science or Nutrition. In addition, our students qualify for scholarships available from the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), as well as scholarships given by food science and nutrition professional organizations and industries. Further details, such as deadlines, can be obtained from the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSCN) web site, from CFANS, and from the Undergraduate Student Services Administrator in 225 FSCN. Organizations and Activities University and community activities are strongly encouraged. Participation in a variety of activities and a clear, identified leadership role in one or more groups is an essential part of your preparation as a professional. It will enhance your opportunities for scholarships and awards, placement in supervised practice in dietetics, and in future employment. Please see below for a partial list of opportunities: 1. Student Organization of Nutrition and Dietetics (SOND) SOND is an organization made up of undergraduates majoring in Nutrition and any interested person at the University of Minnesota. The group meets once a month and hosts invited speakers from a variety of nutritional backgrounds. Participation is open to any student interested in nutrition and is not limited to majors in nutrition. All dietetics students are strongly encouraged to participate in SOND. For information, see the website at 2. Food Science and Nutrition Club This club is made up of undergraduate and graduate students of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. Meetings, events and activities address membership education, preparation for a job after graduation and promote social interactions. For information, see the website at 3. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Member ( Nutrition students are strongly encouraged to become student members. Application forms and membership information are available from the didactic program director or online at The current cost is $ Students are also encouraged to participate in professional meetings such as the meetings of the Twin Cities District Dietetic Association (September, November, January, April and June) and the spring conference of the Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Academy of Nutrition and Education Foundation awards scholarships to students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate nutrition programs who are Academy student members. Eligibility information is available on the Academy web site at The scholarship application form is available at the site above or by mail each year between August and mid-january. The annual deadline for submitting applications is in mid-february. Scholarships are awarded for the following academic or program year. 4. Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND) ( membership in the national association results in automatic membership in the state association. Students will receive a periodic newsletter and are strongly encouraged to be knowledgeable about association issues and concerns. MAND has an annual statewide spring conference at selected sites around the state. Students are strongly encouraged to attend one or more spring meetings while they are undergraduates. Check with your college office regarding scholarship opportunities that support part of the cost of participation in professional meetings. 16

18 5. Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Twin Cities A local association of dietitians that meets five times during the year. Student membership is free. You are highly encouraged to attend and participate in meetings, to learn about practice-related issues and to network with area dietitians. You might also consider volunteering to work on a committee. The Minnesota Academy and Twin Cities District maintain an office in Bloomington, and are found at the same website: Minnesota Acadamy of Nutrition and Dietetics 8100 Penn Ave. S, Suite 137 Bloomington, MN mand@eatrightmn.org Job Line: Access at the following website: 6. Society for Nutrition Education (SNE) ( SNE is a national organization in support of nutrition education. The organization has an annual meeting in the summer and a refereed journal. Student membership is $60 per year, and require faculty signature. Membership applications are online at 7. American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) AAFCS is a professional association dedicated to family and consumer sciences, professionals, students, and community leaders. Applications and other information is available online at Student membership is $ Ambassadors is an activity open to students enrolled in the College of Agricultural, Food and Natural Resource Sciences. Ambassadors serve in a variety of roles to recruit and retain students and serve as hosts to students visiting the campus. Information and applications are available in the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences Student Services Office ( ) or on the website: dex.htm. Students are selected for participation based on their qualifications and interest. 9. Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) Program available to all Twin Cities campus undergraduates. Intent is for a student to work with a faculty member on a research project or activity. Applications are competitive and open in early fall and early winter. See the college office for the timetable, application forms and procedures. Before applying, a student needs to have a faculty mentor interested in working with him/her on a project that is related to the research being done by the faculty member. Publications 1. University of Minnesota Undergraduate Catalog ( The University of Minnesota has an undergraduate catalog, usually published and in use for two years. It is only available online. The catalog describes all of the majors offered at the University and lists all requirements for degree completion. Nutrition courses are listed in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition section. Requirements for graduation are generally based on the requirements in the bulletin in effect at the time of admission to the major. Be sure to consult with your advisor before making course decisions and selections based on the catalog. The 17

19 catalog also outlines policy and procedures for graduation, petitions, grades, class attendance, grievances, and other information needed by the student. Students are expected to be knowledgeable about the information in the catalog and to follow procedures described. 2. An Undergraduate Student Handbook is given to incoming students during orientation. This handbook contains a directory of University services, colleges, and programs on the Twin Cities campus and includes everything from admissions to resident halls, to an overview and directory of every degree available at the University. There is also a section on various activities, events, and recreation. 3. The Class Schedule available online at Students need to review and be responsible for the procedures involved in scheduling, testing, grading, changes in registration, tuition and fees, and other procedures delineated in the class schedule. 4. A Course Guide is available on the University Catalogs website A printed version can be downloaded through this site. Jobs, Internships and Career Opportunities Please see the Jobs and Opportunities webpage for extensive information on this topic and also for information regarding volunteering. Graduation Requirements The University of Minnesota requires a minimum of 120 credits to graduate including the University s Liberal Education Requirements. To graduate in four years, students are advised to complete a course load of credits each semester, coordinate liberal education courses with courses in their major, and to seek help if they are having difficulties. Conflict/Problem Resolution The following are recommended procedures for problem resolution for Food Science and Nutrition personnel and students. The first step in any resolution should be at the source of the problem, which is between the parties involved, or the parties and an immediate supervisor. Documentation of a student complaint will be maintained according to where the complaint was made (Department Head, DPD Director/Assistant Director, student file, etc.). Student Academic Issues for Undergraduates Undergraduate students majoring in nutrition or taking an FScN class who have concerns about an academic situation are encouraged to contact their academic advisor, Dave Smith, (major coordinator) ( or desmith@umn.edu), or Francisco Diez-Gonzalez, Department Head ( or fdiez@umn.edu). If no solution is found, resolution should be sought through the college grievance committee/officer or the Student Conflict Resolution Center (SCRC) at or For Issues specific to the DPD and the ACEND Accreditation Standards: DPD students should direct concerns to the DPD Director and/or the DPD Assistant Director. If no solution can be made, concerns should then be directed to the Department Head. In the event that a complaint remains unresolved, students may submit their complaint in writing directly to ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL ). Undergraduate Student Employment Issues Undergraduate students may wish to contact SCRC or the Office of Conflict Resolution ( or ) if the steps stated above do not bring resolution. 18