Student Guide produced by the. Division of Student Services

Transcription

1 Student Guide 2012 produced by the Division of Student Services

2 Disclaimer This Student Guide is a general information publication only. It is not a statement of official policy of the Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC). The provisions of this Student Guide do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, between any applicant, student, or faculty member and The Texas A&M University System. The TAMHSC reserves the right to change course offerings, fees, tuition, academic calendars, curricula, degree requirements, graduation procedures and any other requirement affecting students. Changes will become effective whenever the proper authorities so determine and will apply to both prospective students and those already enrolled. Updates and changes are made annually to the guide. Anyone with suggestions for amending or changing any of the information in this guide should make those suggestions in writing to the Division of Student Services office. The TAMHSC reserves the right to make changes to policies and procedures without notice as necessitated by governing authorities or administrative needs. Detailed instructions on processes related to the Offices of the Registrar, International Services, Student Business Services and Student Financial Aid can be obtained by contacting the respective office. Again, this guide is meant to be a quick reference tool to assist you with general processing information.

3 Welcome to Student Services Welcome to Texas A&M Health Science (TAMHSC) Center Division of Student Services. It is our goal to provide you with all the information you need to help you succeed in your academic endeavors and prepare you for a professional health-related career. This Student Guide does not replace the official school Catalog, which contains policies and regulations pertaining to admission, progressing, grading and curriculum. This Guide should be used only as a supplement to other Health Science Center publications, such as the: Texas A&M Health Science Center Catalog Available at Baylor College of Dentistry Student Handbook (only available through the TAMHSC s intranet, myhsc) College of Medicine Student Handbook Available at College of Nursing Student Handbook Available at Rangel College of Pharmacy Student Handbook Available at School of Graduate Studies Student Handbook Available at School of Rural Public Health Student Handbook (only available through the TAMHSC s intranet, myhsc)

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5 Division of Student Services Contact Information: Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC) Health Professions Education Building (HPEB) 8447 State Highway 47 Bryan, TX (979) (979) Fax Office of the Associate Vice President for Student Services Office of International Services Office of the Registrar Office of Student Business Services Office of Student Financial Aid

6 The Texas A&M Health Science Center is a premier assembly of colleges and schools devoted to educating health professionals and researchers who possess extraordinary competence and integrity. As we become the most significant and energetic agent for health care, science and research in Texas, we dedicate ourselves to the principle that all people, regardless of geography, economics or culture, deserve the benefits of compassionate care, superior science and exceptional health education. Our students are our most valuable assets. As you undertake your studies at the Health Science Center, you bring us new ideas, challenges, and prospects for the future. The Student Guide has been provided so that the day-to-day details and processes for students are more easily understood. The Division of Student Services and the Student Affairs Offices of all the TAMHSC academic components stand ready to prepare you for success. I urge you to seek those services as you encounter difficulties with the variety of issues all students face. We are pleased to have you with us and wish you the best in your academic endeavor. Roderick E. McCallum, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs

7 On behalf of the Division of Student Services (DSS), I would like to welcome you to the Texas A&M Health Science Center. Your education and wellbeing are important to us, and we strive to provide the best student services possible to assist you in achieving your academic and personal goals. The DSS falls under the direction of Dr. Roderick E. McCallum, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and serves all students at the TAMHSC. Dr. McCallum and I have formed a collaborative, successful partnership with the student affairs personnel from each TAMHSC component to ensure seamless support services for all students, regardless of location and/or degree program. The primary goal of the DSS is to serve you our students! Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions on how we could improve our services. Linda S. Brannon Associate Vice President for Student Services

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9 TABLE OF CONTENTS Administration... 1 Accreditation... 1 The texas A&M university System Board of Regents... 1 A&M System Administration... 2 Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC) Administration... 2 TAMHSC Mission/Vision... 3 Colleges/SchoolS... 5 Baylor College of Dentistry... 5 College of Medicine... 5 College of Nursing... 6 School of Graduate Studies... 6 Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy... 7 School of Rural Public Health... 7 Centers and Institutes... 8 Coastal Bend Health Education Center... 8 Institute of Biosciences and Technology... 9 Rural and Community Health Institute... 9 National Center for Emergency Medical Preparedness and Response Cardiovascular Research Institute (COM) Center for Community Health Development (SRPH) Center for Craniofacial Research & Diagnosis (BCD) Center for Health Organization Transformation (SRPH) Center for Microencapsulation & Drug Delivery (COM) Institute of Ocular Pharmacology (COM) Southwest Rural Health Research Center (SRPH) USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness (SRPH) Locations Division of Student Services Offices Associate Vice President for Student Services (AVPSS) International Services... 19

10 Registrar Student Business Services Student Financial Aid Academic Life Enrollment/Registration Equal Educational & Employment Opportunity Financial Aid Cost of Attendance Disbursement of Financial Aid Extenuating/Special Circumstances Financial Aid Eligibility Consortium Agreement Withdrawals and Leave of Absence Financial Literacy General Academic Information Attendance Expectations Calendars Change of Address Change of Degree Level Conduct & Discipline/Classroom Behavior courses Transfers/Degree Programs Replacement Diploma Dismissal Procedure Examinations (Preliminary and Final) and Other Graduate Requirements Grading Graduation Rings Leave of Absence (LOA) Remediation, Withdrawal and Remedial Courses Suspension and Expulsion Procedure Transcripts, Request Procedures Withdrawal Procedure... 46

11 Identification Policies Affecting Students Records, Student Technology Services Access Supported Software, Hardware and Mobile Devices Textbooks Tuition and Fees Veteran s Services Waivers/Exemptions Student Life Counseling Services by Location Disability Services Emergencies Health Services Librarys Parking and Transportation Recreation Center Safety and Campus Security Fire Safety Student Government Association (SGA) Teaching Learning Resource Center (TLRC) International Students Certificate of Eligibility: Form I-20 or DS Dependents Employment English Proficiency Requirements Enrollment Financial Requirements Health Insurance Immigration Acronyms Immigration Advisement Income Taxes... 84

12 Maintaining Lawful Student Status in the United States National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) Proof of Continued Attendance Re-entering the United States after Travelling Renewing an F-1 / J-1 Visa Departure from the TAMHSC Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Travel Violations of Immigration Status Other Resources List of Acronyms Directory Financial Aid College/School Handbooks Telephone Guide INDEX... 95

13 ADMINISTRATION ACCREDITATION The Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC) provides the state with health education, outreach and research through campuses in Bryan/College Station, Dallas, Temple, Houston, Round Rock, Kingsville, Corpus Christi and McAllen. Its six colleges are the Baylor College of Dentistry, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, School of Graduate Studies, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy and the School of Rural Public Health. Other units include the Institute of Biosciences and Technology and the Coastal Bend Health Education Center. The TAMHSC is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, masters, doctoral and professional degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia or call for questions about the accreditation of TAMHSC. In addition, the TAMHSC colleges and schools are accredited by accrediting organizations specific to their disciplines. THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM BOARD OF REGENTS The A&M System Board of Regents consists of nine regular voting members and one non-voting student member who are appointed by the governor. The nine voting members are confirmed by the senate and their terms are scheduled for six years and staggered so three members terms usually expire on February 1 of odd-numbered years. At that time, regents scheduled to go off the board serve until the governor selects their replacements. The student member is chosen through an application process and appointed June 1 of each year by the governor serving a one-year term. Student members must be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in either a general academic teaching institution or a medical or dental unit in the university system at the time of appointment and throughout his or her term. The responsibilities of The A&M System Board of Regents are to: Oversee the administration and set policy direction for the System s 11 universities, seven state agencies and health science center; Ensure a quality undergraduate and graduate education experience for all students; Promote academic research and technology to benefit the state of Texas and the nation; Disseminate programs of the A&M System across the state through outreach and public service efforts; and Support the state legislative and higher education leadership to position Texas at the forefront of higher education nationally. Current Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) Board of Regents members include: Phil Adams, Bryan/College Station, (term expires 02/01/15) Anthony G. Buzbee, Friendswood (term expires 2/1/19) P a g e 1

14 Morris E. Foster, Austin (term expires 02/1/19) Elaine Mendoza, San Antonio (term expires 02/01/17) Judy Morgan, Texarkana (term expires 02/01/17) Charles W. Schwartz, Houston (term expires 2/1/19) Jim Schwertner, Austin (term expires 02/01/15) Cliff Thomas, Victoria (term expires 02/01/17) John D. White, Houston (term expires 02/01/15) John Quinten Womack, Student Regent, Mission (term expires 05/31/13) A&M SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION John S. Sharp, Chancellor Frank B. Ashley III, Ed.D, Vice Chancellor of Recruitment and Diversity Brett P. Giroir, M.D., Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives James Hallmark, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Steven B. Moore, Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Communications TEXAS A&M HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER (TAMHSC) ADMINISTRATION E.J. Jere Pederson, Interim President and Interim Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs James N. Burdine, Dr.P.H., Interim Dean, School of Rural Public Health David S. Carlson, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies Debbie Field, M.A., Associate Vice President for Marketing & Communications Russ A. Gibbs, D.Min., CFRE, Vice President for Institutional Advancement & Communications Jenny E. Jones, M.A., Vice President for Governmental Affairs Barry C. Nelson, Ph.D., Vice President for Finance and Administration Lee Ann Ray, Ed.D., Chief of Staff and Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Indra K. Reddy, Ph.D., Dean, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy Thomas (Sam) Shomaker, M.D., J.D., Dean of Medicine and Vice President for Clinical Affairs Vernon L. Tesh, Ph.D., Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Sharon A. Wilkerson, Ph.D., R.N., Dean, College of Nursing Lawrence Wolinsky, Dean, Baylor College of Dentistry P a g e 2

15 TAMHSC MISSION/VISION In all we do, we dedicate the full measure of our resources and abilities to advancing the knowledge and technologies of our professions, and to bringing Texans the finest in health education, promotion and care. Because of our work, people s lives are changed across our state, around the nation and throughout the world. Our university is a premier assembly of colleges devoted to educating health professionals and researchers of extraordinary competence and integrity. Our faculty, staff and students are united by a belief that all people, regardless of geography, economics or culture, deserve the benefits of compassionate care, superior science and exceptional health education. P a g e 3

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17 COLLEGES/SCHOOLS BAYLOR COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY The Baylor College of Dentistry (BCD) has been a distinguished resource for dental education in Texas for more than 100 years and is dedicated to combining higher education and research with community service. Known internationally for producing excellent clinicians, the college opened in Since then, it has graduated nearly 8,000 dentists and dental hygienists. Nearly one-third of all dentists in Texas are Baylor College of Dentistry graduates. The college also graduates the largest number of dental hygienists with bachelor s degrees in the state. In addition to a doctor of dental surgery and bachelor s degree in dental hygiene, BCD also offers postdoctoral certificate and degree programs. Today, the college works toward innovative treatments, leading-edge technology and better ways to deliver care. It not only ensures that Texas has qualified generations of dentists, dental hygienists and scientists, but also provides care for patients who have no other access to oral health care. COLLEGE OF MEDICINE Established to meet the needs of the medically underserved populations, the College of Medicine (COM) was founded in The college has expanded from a basic science campus in College Station and a clinical campus in Temple to four-year campuses in Bryan/College Station and Temple and clinical campuses in Round Rock and clinical affiliates in Houston. Currently enrolling approximately 540 medical students, it is the only Texas medical school with two four-year campuses. The college pairs medical education and research opportunities through clinical affiliations with private, state and federal health care organizations and community-based hospitals and clinics. In addition to an M.D. degree, the college offers a combined M.D./Ph.D. degree in clinical medicine and biomedical science, an M.D./M.B.A. degree and an M.D./M.P.H. degree. Throughout the college and its centers, research programs are currently underway in biochemistry, cancer, integrated biology, cell and molecular biology, pathogenesis, and neuroscience. P a g e 5

18 COLLEGE OF NURSING The College of Nursing (CON) provides muchneeded education to increase the nursing work force. The college offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree through three educational tracks: Generic, Accelerated and RN-to-B.S.N. The generic (B.S.N.) track accepts the first two years of education requirements from an accredited college or university, then requires completion of upper-division nursing courses at the College of Nursing. The Accelerated B.S.N. accepts a completed bachelor s degree in studies related to nursing then requires the completion of nursing coursework. The college also offers the opportunity for those with a registered nursing (RN) diploma or associate s degree in nursing to complete their nursing coursework to obtain a B.S.N. degree. The first 19 graduates in the accelerated program received their B.S.N. degrees in December 2009, and the first graduates of the generic program received their B.S.N. degrees in May SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES Since its inception in 1999, the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) has prepared future faculty and researchers to improve the health of Texans through scientific discovery and education. The school offers master s and doctoral programs in biomedical, clinical and public health sciences through the College of Medicine, School of Rural Public Health, Institute of Biosciences and Technology and Baylor College of Dentistry. In support of research and training initiatives, the school works with each Texas A&M Health Science Center academic unit as well as other academic, clinical, private, and community-based health and research institutions. P a g e 6

19 IRMA LERMA RANGEL COLLEGE OF PHARMACY The Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy (COP), located on the Texas A&M University-Kingsville campus, was established in August 2006 in response to the shortage of pharmacists in South Texas. As the first health-related professional school in South Texas, the college offers the Doctor of Pharmacy program leading to the Pharm.D. degree. Students in this program are exposed to a core professional curriculum including biomedical sciences; pharmaceutical sciences; social, behavioral and administrative pharmacy sciences; and pharmacy practice. The college is the first Texas pharmacy school to implement Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences early in the professional program. These experiences include more than 650 pharmacy preceptors (mentors) who help students apply knowledge learned in the classroom while evaluating each student s progress. The college is dedicated to producing quality graduates who are highly competent in dealing with the daily demands, challenges and rewards of contemporary pharmacy practice. SCHOOL OF RURAL PUBLIC HEALTH Founded in 1998 as the first public health school in the nation with a focus on rural and underserved communities, the School of Rural Public Health (SRPH) developed into a nationally ranked, fully accredited public health research, service and training program. After only nine years, U.S. News and World Report ranked the school as a Top 25 Graduate School in Public Health. Offering classes at the College Station campus as well as other Texas locations through distance education, the school provides public health master s and/or doctoral programs in several public health disciplines: epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, health administration, social and behavioral health, policy and management as well as border health. In addition to core public health curriculum, the school is home to several centers of research excellence. Providing a forum for future public health leaders, the school builds an array of research strengths and practice skills for rural and urban settings. P a g e 7

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21 CENTERS AND INSTITUTES COASTAL BEND HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER The Coastal Bend Health Education Center (CBHEC), located in Corpus Christi, provides health education for medical professionals and the greater Coastal Bend community. The center maximizes state funds by collaborating with private organizations and sharing community resources. In delivering health education programs, CBHEC has been successful in regionalizing programs and resources by partnering with colleges, universities and hospital systems. CBHEC s initiatives address recruitment into health careers, health education and public health issues. In order to alleviate the nursing shortage, CBHEC initiated the Coastal Bend Nursing Recruitment Consortium and has developed Future Nurses Clubs in area high schools. Also successful in recruitment efforts is the Partnership for Primary Care program. This program encourages exceptional high school students to pursue a career in rural medicine by offering early admission to the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. The Continuing Medical Education Program provides medical education to both urban and rural physicians. This program is a result of collaboration among hospitals and the Port Industries of Corpus Christi. In partnership with the TAMHSC School of Rural Public Health, CBHEC offers a Master of Public Health degree through a distance learning initiative. CBHEC s programs address the area's high priority health care issues such as diabetes, asthma and geriatric care. CBHEC s Diabetes Education program provides intensive two-day curriculum designed to educate health care professionals and the community on reducing the occurrence of Type 2 diabetes. The Asthma Education program provides peer-to-peer training to primary care physicians. The center, in conjunction with medical residency programs, has developed clinical training experiences that prepare physicians in the management of diabetes and geriatrics care. A clinical rural site has been developed to encourage physicians to pursue a career in rural medicine. CBHEC was established in 1999 through Senate Bill 590. The service region of the center is the Greater Coastal Bend area of Texas with special emphasis on the medically underserved and rural communities, which includes 19 counties. It has ongoing programs in nine counties in the Coastal Bend Region. P a g e 8

22 INSTITUTE OF BIOSCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY The Texas A&M Health Science Center Institute of Biosciences and Technology (IBT) is committed to improving the quality of health care through education and advanced and innovative molecular research in bioscience and medicine. Located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, the institute focuses its research on developing cures and treatments for cancer, heart failure, stroke, birth defects, bacterial infections and hereditary diseases. Graduate and postdoctoral education is conducted at IBT as part of the School of Graduate Studies. Graduate students pursue a Ph.D. in the medical sciences program. The Institute of Biosciences and Technology provides a bridge between health science center investigators and scientists across the Texas Medical Center as well as to the growing biotechnology sector in Houston. It encourages its scientists to transfer discoveries made in their laboratories to the marketplace so the institute s research results can help people. Faculty members work with biotech companies. Many licensing agreements are based on the institute s research, and several new companies have been established. RURAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH INSTITUTE In 2003, The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents gave the Texas A&M Health Science Center the authorization to create a powerful new resource for physicians and health care facilities. This resource has been designated the Rural and Community Health Institute (RCHI). Since its inception, RCHI has grown into a robust health extension service that extends across the state of Texas. RCHI has particularly focused on improving the quality and safety of health care in small and rural communities by creating fruitful partnerships with rural and community hospitals, physicians and clinics. As a support center, RCHI provides assistance through the following programs and services: Health care delivery services, including: Strategic planning Surveys Peer review: physician and nursing Utilization management P a g e 9

23 Patient safety organization Adoption, implementation and meaningful use of electronic health records Continuing education Data management, data analysis and serving as a data repository Health care policy research Medical staff affairs Practice Based Research Network (PBRN) More information on the Rural and Community Health Institute is available online. NATIONAL CENTER FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE The National Center for Emergency Medical Preparedness and Response (NCEMPR) is a unique national asset that combines the best practices of health sciences and emergency management. The center provides training and technical assistance to the health sector. NCEMPR aligns the strengths of the TAMHSC, the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) to provide the best program capacities in academia. This inaugural configuration of health sciences and engineering programs will capitalize on and service the increasing need for large-scale training and exercise activities at the state and local level. CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE (COM) The major objective of the Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) in the College of Medicine is to discover and disseminate new knowledge about the heart and blood vessels in normal and disease states. Discovery with an emphasis on human health requires basic and clinical research; therefore, the research team consists of basic scientists and physician/scientists from a wide variety of fields and disciplines. To facilitate research today and for future generations, the CVRI provides an environment for the training of undergraduates, medical students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and residents. CVRI scientists have made significant discoveries in the areas of blood vessel and heart function, angiogenesis, exercise biology, heart failure, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. P a g e 10

24 CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (SRPH) Established in 2001 and subsequently designated as a regents approved center in 2005, the Center for Community Health Development (CCHD) is a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded Prevention Research Center that supports prevention research and training on methods for improving population health status. Building upon community-based participatory research methods and a strategy of community health development, the CCHD goal is to help increase local communities capacity to meet the health needs of their residents. The center works with local community organizations through the Brazos Valley Health Partnership to address specific community health issues, such as diabetes self-management and the prevention of obesity. Through its systematic examination and evaluation of community health development strategies, the CCHD contributes to the national research agenda related to population health status improvement, with specific focus on minorities, rural and border residents, and the working poor emphasizing the translation and dissemination of established prevention strategies. CENTER FOR CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH & DIAGNOSIS (BCD) The Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis in the Baylor College of Dentistry serves patients with orthodontic, dentofacial orthopedic and craniofacial anomalies. The diagnoses and treatment of these problems are enhanced by a body of knowledge acquired through a network of clinicians and scientists dedicated to research in this field. Together this team effort guides optimal care. The clinical facility of the center is housed within the Department of Orthodontics. It collaborates with other Baylor College of Dentistry clinics, scientists, private practitioners and health professionals and researchers at Dallas medical centers such as Baylor, Children s, Medical City and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Through clinical and basic laboratory research, use of current technology and conventional patient care, the center endeavors to establish appropriate reference standards for use in accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions. Measuring the results of treatment and evaluating the effect of treatment on function is another way the center serves as a resource for the practicing community. CENTER FOR HEALTH ORGANIZATION TRANSFORMATION (SRPH) The School of Rural Public Health and the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology are university sites for a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and health system supported Center for Health Organizational Transformation (CHOT). A number of progressive health systems from Texas and the Southeast are currently participating. P a g e 11

25 TAMHSC expertise in health care management and information technology combined with industrial engineering and information technology expertise at Texas A&M s and Georgia Tech s Colleges of Engineering are at the core of research work with the health systems. The CHOT addresses implementation of information technology, Six Sigma, Toyota s LEAN, Studer s Hardwiring Excellence, cultural change, quality and safety, chronic disease management, and possibly other evidence-based management and/or major clinical change initiatives. The universities' research faculty and graduate students team with health system professionals to pursue research projects selected each year by the CHOT health system members who serve as the health transformation leaders on the CHOT advisory board. CENTER FOR MICROENCAPSULATION & DRUG DELIVERY (COM) The Center for Microencapsulation and Drug Delivery (CMDD) in the College of Medicine is a multidisciplinary faculty group from five colleges with the capability to design and test delivery of pharmaceuticals. Ongoing research includes basic and applied microencapsulation technologies for biomedical use, controlled release drug delivery systems, non-biomedical applications in nanotechnology, molecular biology assay systems, and microcapsule products for petrochemical, agricultural and environmental control industries. Associate members of the CMDD include researchers from other universities; the Institute for Research, Inc., Houston, Texas; and NASA. INSTITUTE OF OCULAR PHARMACOLOGY (COM) The Institute of Ocular Pharmacology (IOP) in the College of Medicine is a sole institute that differentiates itself from other eye institutes in the nation and in the world. The major functions of the IOP are to invent new drugs for eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataract, ischemic retinopathy, uveitis, dry eyes, myopia and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The IOP also publishes the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, which was the official journal of the Association of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics in 1985 through 2004 and Ophthalmic Toxicology in 1992 and The IOP is very active in research, inventing new drugs, elucidating drug action mechanisms, improving formulations for better bioavailability of new and old drugs and researching the safety of effective eye drugs. New drugs developed in the IOP include Timolol, dopamine antagonists, serotonin antagonists, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and cholinergic drugs for glaucoma treatment, synthetic CK-compounds, as well as natural compounds, such as osthole, matrine, etc., for uveitis and various types of inflammation. The IOP also is developing new drugs for the treatment of dry-amd, which lacks any drugs available for the treatment at the present time. SOUTHWEST RURAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER (SRPH) The Southwest Rural Health Research Center was established in 2000 as one of only six federally funded research centers by the Health Resources and Services Administration s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. The center focuses on conducting policy relevant research on meeting the needs of special rural populations, minority populations and health disparities (including border populations), and rural systems building. Research projects have focused on P a g e 12

26 chronic disease management, mental health and substance abuse services, community health workers (promotora), medical policy, quality differences in rural and urban nursing homes and assisted living centers, professional shortages, mental health and substance abuse services, and the development of Rural Healthy People 2010, a companion document to Healthy People USA CENTER FOR RURAL PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS (SRPH) Established in July 2005, the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness is one of 27 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded Centers for Public Health Preparedness. The CDC programs are designed to ensure public health professionals are able to respond to threats to the nation s public health. The USA Center at the School of Rural Public Health is the only center with a specific rural focus and is charged with supporting and developing the skills and competencies of emergency responders in rural areas of the United States. The USA Center is one of a number of programs under the Office of Special Programs at the School of Rural Public Health aimed at translating the school s mission of improving the health of underserved and rural populations into practice by cultivating long-term relationships with public health agencies, communities, and other universities. Specifically, the Office of Special Programs focuses on improving the rural public health infrastructure via building relationships at the local, regional, state, and national level and improving competencies in the public health workforce via training and development. P a g e 13

27 LOCATIONS The Texas A&M Health Science Center provides health education, outreach and research through its colleges and campuses in Bryan/College Station, Dallas, Temple, Houston, Round Rock, Kingsville, Corpus Christi and McAllen. Visit us online for maps and driving directions. P a g e 14

28 Bryan/College Station Home to the Texas A&M Health Science Center s headquarters, the Bryan-College Station (B-CS) location offers the best of both worlds. With about 170,000 residents, it s small enough to offer safe and affordable living and just a short drive to three major Texas cities Houston, Austin and Dallas. Its regional airport provides commercial flights to neighboring cities. TAMHSC units include central administration, College of Medicine, College of Nursing and School of Rural Public Health. Corpus Christi Corpus Christi s location on the Gulf of Mexico makes it a vacation destination for many while providing recreational opportunities such as windsurfing, fishing and boating. Positioned between Houston and Brownsville, the campus is conveniently located near several major Texas cities. The Coastal Bend Health Education Center administrative offices are located on the beautiful island campus of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in the Carlos F. Truan Natural Resource Center. Dallas The eighth-largest city and part of the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the nation, Dallas covers approximately 343 square miles and has a population of about 1,279,910. Dallas is home to the Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas' second oldest dental school. The ultra-modern and sophisticated city attracts worldwide travelers, making the area the No. 1 visitor and leisure destination in Texas. Houston Houston is the nation s fourth largest city and an international destination bursting with energy. Known as the energy capital of the world, the city is home to the world's largest medical center, where the Institute of Biosciences and Technology is located. Kingsville Kingsville is a great place to visit anytime of the year. The average temperature is 72 Fahrenheit, and the winters are extremely moderate, making this a favorite home for many wintering Texans. Kingsville is a predominantly Hispanic community from which Texas first Mexican-American female legislator, Irma Lerma Rangel, was elected. The College of Pharmacy, on the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, is named in her honor. McAllen On the Texas-Mexico border, McAllen is one of the major gateways into the United States from Mexico. That fast growth is one of the reasons the Texas A&M Health Science Center decided to open its McAllen Campus in At this campus, part of the School of Rural Public Health, the P a g e 15

29 TAMHSC provides comprehensive, accessible health education programs and services to residents of the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Round Rock Located north of Austin, Round Rock is the second-fastest growing city in the nation. This growth is what led Texas legislators to provide the funding for the Texas A&M Health Science Center Round Rock Campus. The campus, which opened in 2009, lends itself to helping maintain a high quality of life while contributing to economic growth in Central Texas and adding to the established industry clusters of clean energy, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and computer/software development in the area. Temple Originally founded in 1881 as a railroad town, Temple was named in honor of Bernard Moore Temple, a railroad employee. This thriving, prosperous community continues to draw families and progressive commercial enterprises with its economic freshness and strong undercurrent of values, ethics and spirit. Temple is the site of one of two major campuses for the College of Medicine, since it is known for its strength as a regional medical center. The TAMHSC is in partnership with Scott & White, the area s largest employer and hospital. Temple is home to more physicians per capita than any other community in the nation. P a g e 16

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31 DIVISION OF STUDENT SERVICES OFFICES ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT SERVICES (AVPSS) The Division of Student Services encompasses the offices of the AVPSS, International Services, Registrar, Student Business Services, and Student Financial Aid. Our staff currently numbers 22 individuals dedicated to providing you with an array of student-centered support services and programs that optimize your learning environment and enhance your educational experience. The Associate Vice President is here to serve and advocate for all TAMHSC students, regardless of college/school or location. Division of Student Services Office Locations Open Monday thru Friday; 8 AM to 5 PM (except where otherwise noted) Main Office Health Professions Education Building 8447 State Highway 47 Bryan, Texas (979) (888) (979) (FAX) Baylor College of Dentistry 3302 Gaston Avenue, 5 th Floor Dallas, TX (214) (214) (FAX) Monday Friday; 8 AM to 5 PM Satellite Offices TAMHSC Round Rock Campus 3950 North A.W. Grimes Blvd. Room N403B Round Rock, Texas (512) Fridays 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Alkek Building 2121 W. Holcombe Boulevard, Room 214J Houston, Texas (713) Fridays 8 AM to 5 PM P a g e 18

32 Mission Our mission is to serve as a partner in the educational process and promote student success by providing an array of student-centered support services and programs that facilitate academic progression, optimize the environment for learning and enhance student development. Vision The vision of the Division of Student Services is to be recognized as a leader in the delivery of personalized and innovative student services that promote an atmosphere conducive to the maturation and success of tomorrow s leaders in health care and the biomedical sciences. INTERNATIONAL SERVICES The Office of International Services (OIS) is committed to providing an environment in which each individual international student and scholar is able to share his/her own culture with the rest of the TAMHSC community, and through the same process learn to value and respect all cultures of the world. Their presence and integration into academic, community and student life is essential in helping meet the overall mission of the Health Science Center of advancing the knowledge and technologies of TAMHSC professions, and to bringing Texans the finest in health education, promotion and care. Moreover, the OIS strives to ensure that all international students have the opportunity to experience a rich and meaningful experience by providing them with: comprehensive information regarding federal government regulations that affect their status in the United States coordination and administration of programs designed to meet those special needs that are not specifically within the province of students academic advisor or department staff socio-cultural and educational opportunities that will ease the adjustment process as well as enhance their learning experience at the TAMHSC an environment conducive to the scholastic and cultural wellbeing of our international community opportunities to advance internationalization of the TAMHSC through international events, services and programs P a g e 19

33 REGISTRAR The Office of the Registrar supports student learning and development, and supports the TAMHSC mission by existing to serve students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni and the public by preservation of the integrity of academic records. The Office of the Registrar also supports the mission of the TAMHSC by providing educational services and information regarding academic policies, grading, registration, transcript processing and student data management to all of our constituencies. The Office of the Registrar is committed to upholding the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Statement of Professional Ethics and Practice. STUDENT BUSINESS SERVICES The Office of Student Business Services (SBS) is committed to providing quality financial services to all TAMHSC students. Students should contact SBS for information such as: student billing inquiries online bill payment instructions student tuition and fee rates internal Revenue Service Form 1098-T Tuition Statement third party sponsor billing instructions student refund status installment plan enrollment (fall/spring only) Please visit in person or online. STUDENT FINANCIAL AID The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) serves current and prospective students at TAMHSC locations statewide. Counselors are available for walk-in service and appointments during regular business hours, or by appointment outside normal business hours. OSFA staff acknowledges and abides by the standards set forth in the Texas A&M University System Ethics policy and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators P a g e 20

34 (NASFAA) Statement of Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct for Institutional Financial Aid Professionals. This Guide, in conjunction with the information on our website will provide you with consumer information and financial aid options, resources, regulations and processes, to help you make informed decisions about financing your education. In addition, our staff are here to assist you. P a g e 21

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36 ACADEMIC LIFE Note: This Student Guide is a general information publication only. It is not a statement of official policy of the TAMHSC, nor does it replace information provided to you by your specific college/school. ENROLLMENT/REGISTRATION Registration Process Register via myhsc for classes in the College of Nursing, School of Rural Public Health, School of Graduate Studies and the Institute of Biosciences and Technology. For the remainder of the colleges, registration is coordinated by the Office of the Registrar in cooperation with the college/school in which the student enrolls. You must pay all tuition and fees in full at the time you register, unless you have made arrangements with the Office of Student Business Services to accept installment payments. Students (except for continuing students) may not register until they have been officially admitted as a new student and have satisfied all admissions requirements. Any student deemed ineligible due to an academic, administrative or disciplinary sanction or hold is blocked from registration until all sanctions are removed. Only the unit that placed the hold may lift the hold. Students participating in web registration must meet with their advisor in order to plan their schedule. Failure to do so may result in taking unnecessary courses, thus delaying graduation. Once advised, the student should access myhsc in order to register. To avoid late fees, be sure to complete your registration before the registration period closes. The Office of the Registrar registers en masse Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry students. These students will receive an from the Office of the Registrar once registration is complete. P a g e 22

37 Student Business Services notifies the Office of the Registrar to drop for non-payment students who have not paid all tuition and fees by the due date. Students dropped from the rolls for nonpayment must apply for reinstatement before they can be posted to class rolls and grade sheets, and receive course credit. Failure to pay by the Census Day (12 th class day) causes students to be dropped from the rolls again and they may not re-enroll until they complete a Non-Funded Registration form that is approved by the Associate Vice President for Student Services, Dean, and Department Head, and pay the unfunded-registrant fee. As stated above, the Registrar s office registers COM students on an annual basis. COM students may also register for electives at no additional charge. However, you must complete and submit an elective registration form prior to the Census Day of the semester that you will take the elective. Students concurrently enrolled at TAMU and TAMHSC may find pertinent information online. Additionally, students receiving financial aid may need to complete a consortium agreement. Registering Late Late registration is only permitted on publicized late registration dates (see academic calendar for your specific college/school), subject to payment of the appropriate late fee. SBS lists these fees on their website. Students registered at Texas A&M University, Baylor College of Medicine, and the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston are not registered for courses at the TAMHSC until they complete the TAMHSC registration process. Note: A student registering for TAMHSC classes that also plans to take classes at TAMU must register with TAMU according to its requirements, and likewise for TAMU students registering at the TAMHSC. In other words, completing registration at one institution does not automatically complete the registration process with the neighbor institution. This rule applies to all concurrently enrolled students except those in the Neuroscience joint degree program. Registration Cancellation Students wishing to cancel registration may do so through the Office of the Registrar without financial penalty as long as they do so before the official first class day. In these situations, it is as if a student never registered. Important note: Students receiving Title IV financial aid must advise the Office of Financial Aid if they cancel their registration. Add/Drop Procedures A currently enrolled student who wishes to add a course (register for an additional class) or drop a course (cancel a class after the first day of class) after web registration has closed must obtain an Add/Drop form from the college/school in which enrolled. After completing the form, the student is responsible for securing the required signatures and submitting the form to the Office of the Registrar. Once this form is processed, the appropriate adjustment will be made to the student s bill for that semester. If a student drops a course prior to the census date for the term, no record of the course is produced. P a g e 23

38 The Office of the Registrar must receive add/drop request forms by the date listed on the TAMHSC Academic Calendar as the last day to add new courses or the last day to drop courses (whichever is applicable). This process can continue up to the 12 th class day. Classes added to the student s schedule will result in additional charges that are due immediately. Classes dropped prior to the 12 th class day will be credited back to the student s account. Students will not receive a refund for classes dropped after the 12 th class day. International students must check with the Office of International Services before adding or dropping classes, as these actions may adversely affect a student s legal immigration status in the United States. Deferment/Verification Request Procedures Deferment is defined as the period of time when a borrower, who meets certain criteria, can postpone his or her loan payments. Guidelines for students who wish to defer repayment of student loans vary. The Office of the Registrar processes all deferment requests and verifies that students are eligible for deferment. Students wishing to defer repayment of a loan need to complete a Deferment and Verification request, available on-line. Please note that deferment eligibility cannot be certified until the official Census day of each semester. The Office of Student Financial Aid is notified of all requests for deferment of Perkins loans. Attendance Status A graduate student is considered full-time if he or she is registered a minimum of: 9 semester credit hours during a fall or spring semester; 6 semester credit hours in a 10-week summer semester; or a combination thereof; or 4 semester credit hours in a seven-week summer semester; or 3 semester credit hours in consecutive five-week summer semesters or a six-week summer semester. A graduate student is considered half-time if he or she is registered for a minimum of: 5 semester credit hours during a fall or spring semester; 3 semester credit hours in a 10-week summer semester; or 2 semester credit hours in a seven-week, six-week, or five-week consecutive summer semester. An undergraduate student is considered full-time if he or she is registered for a minimum of: 12 semester credit hours during a fall or spring semester; 12 semester credit hours in a 10-week summer semester; or 6 semester credit hours in consecutive five-week summer semesters or a six-week summer semester. P a g e 24