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Distance Education & Students With Field Placement
College of Dentistry
SUPPORT FOR ONLINE STUDENTS
Communication Practices for Online Courses and Directed Practice Experiences
Email is the primary mode of communication for instructor and student interactions. Email, web-conferences, and phone conference are the primary modes of communication for instructor and students enrolled in online courses. Email is conducted using the official UTHSC email system. Courses that are taught online provide course instruction through a Blackboard Platform managed by UTHSC. To ensure online privacy, students must use their unique login and NetID to access their email accounts and the Blackboard site. Student’s personal information is not shared with anyone outside of the college unless specified by the student in accordance with all FERPA guidelines. Students can only access courses in which they are enrolled. Within the Blackboard course site, students access the course syllabus, link to campus resources, and access course assignments including readings, recorded lectures, videostreaming, tests and assessments, grades and other classroom materials. Students participate in discussion boards and chats through Blackboard. Students submit assignments and email faculty through the Blackboard system. Additional modes of communication among faculty and students include Adobe Connect and video chat.
Directed practice experiences are scheduled to be in proximity to the student’s residence. Each student is expected to maintain regular communication with the course director during practice experiences.
College of Graduate Health Sciences
DISTANCE EDUCATION AND ONLINE INSTRUCTION
All distance education/online instruction communication will take place through BlackboardTM, UTHSC email, UTHSC websites, UTHSC video conferencing, and other UTHSC-supported educational technologies. Students and instructors may communicate by these means for one-on-one or group discussions, dissemination of course materials, and testing services. Students will also have web, phone, and special needs access to academic and support services (Registrar, Bursar, SASSI, Financial Aid), health and behavioral health services, IT support services, and the library.
Distance education students will be required to perform class activities through the secure systems (e.g., BlackboardTM, XythosTM, email) used by the institution. Use of these systems requires a NetID and password. Sharing passwords or misrepresentation of the identity of the individual performing class activities is cause for dismissal. Student privacy is maintained by using the secure system, as only the instructor will have access to secure information. All online courses and activities will be evaluated in the same manner as other courses ( http://grad.uthsc.edu/CourseInfo/CoursEval/index.php?page=CoursEvalInfo ). There are no additional fees for distance education students.
College of Health Professions
Electronic communication (email, video, voice) is the primary mode of communication between the student, advisor, program director, and college. Students are expected to maintain regular, scheduled contact. Students who will not be able to make a scheduled contact must notify their advisor and receive prior permission.
Communication Practices for Online Courses and Directed Practice Experiences
Email is the primary mode of communication for instructor and student interactions. Email, web-conferences, and phone conference are the primary modes of communication for instructor and students enrolled in online courses. Email is conducted using the official UTHSC email system and can be access via the UTHSC “Office 365” WebPortal. Courses that are taught online provide course instruction through a Blackboard Platform managed by UTHSC. To ensure online privacy, students must use their unique login and NetID to access their email accounts, the Blackboard site and a robust compilation of UTHSC online resources. Student’s personal information is not shared with anyone outside of the college unless specified by the student in accordance with all FERPA guidelines. Students can only access courses in which they are enrolled. Within the Blackboard course site, students access the course syllabus and links to campus resources. Enrolled students can access course assignments including required readings, recorded lectures, video-streaming content, tests, required assessments, grades and other classroom materials. Students participate in discussion boards and chats through Blackboard. Students submit assignments and email faculty through the Blackboard system. Additional modes of communication among faculty and students include Zoom Video Conferencing and other common formats of internet communication conducive to knowledge sharing.
Students that participate in “off-site” clinical rotations will have access to the UTHSC Website, Blackboard, UTHSC library resources and other locations via remote access, in some cases VPN access using their unique login credentials (subject to acceptance of all policies, standards and procedures of the UTHSC VPN access) or via remote network access at the perspective “off-site” clinics. Each student is expected to maintain regular communication with the course director during practice experiences.
College of Medicine
DISTANCE EDUCATION
Students on clinical rotations in Knoxville, Chattanooga, or Nashville retain all student access privileges to the UTHSC website. This provides access to common course materials through the learning management system used by the College of Medicine. Network access also allows students from any COM campus or on elective rotations at other institutions to continue to use the Health Sciences library, ITS help desk, and SASSI. In addition, these entities have robust email, telephone, and in some instances Skype, services for students. University Health Services maintains a UTHSC website with emergency contact information for all students. In addition, the Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Nashville campuses provide on-site health services for rotating students.
College of Nursing
ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND ONLINE INSTRUCTION
Students on clinical rotations retain access privileges to the College and campus websites including the resources noted above. All students must adhere to the course policies and procedures noted in the course syllabus.
College of Pharmacy
DISTANCE EDUCATION AND OFF-CAMPUS INSTRUCTION
The College is committed to providing a quality educational experience for its students regardless of their geographic location or mode of curricular delivery. Students also have access to the full range of support services and resources necessary to successfully complete their education.
The College uses live synchronous two-way interactive video to deliver educational content to its three campuses and has allocated the necessary resources ensuring that a high quality, distance education program is delivered seamlessly without problems. Lectures that are video captured using MediaSiteTM are released within 24-hours to students who wish to review content. The videoconference technology has become an integral part of the College’s communication strategy and is used for faculty advising as well as student organizational and committee meetings. Students use additional technology (MediaSiteTM; SkypeTM; Adobe ConnectTM) to facilitate individual meetings and tutoring sessions. The Blackboard platform provides students access to the course syllabus, link to campus resources, access course assignments including readings, recorded lectures, tests and assessments, grades and other classroom materials. Students may also participate in discussion boards and chats through Blackboard.
Faculty may also interact with students using UTHSC email or via web-conferencing, video chat, or telephone conferences. Policies and procedures are followed to assure that the online privacy of all students is maintained regardless of geographic location. Students must use their unique login and NetID to access their email accounts as well as the Blackboard site.
The College uses computerized wireless examinations that are administered via ExamSoftTM. Although this software is housed on the ExamSoftTM server, UTHSC IT staff ensures that the computers are properly imaged and operational. Regardless of campus assignment, IT staff at the UTHSC HelpDesk are available to assist with issues related to software.
Students on clinical rotations retain access privileges to the College and campus websites and continue to have access to the resources noted above.
Distance Education Students
Definitions
Access to Academic Resources for Distance Education Students
Access to Student Support Services for Distance Education Students
Access to Academic Support Services for Distance Education Students
Access to Accommodations for Distance Education Students
Access to Health Care and Behavioral Health for Distance Education Students
Technology, Requirements and Assistance for Distance Education Students
Distance Education Student Complaint Procedures (NC-SARA)
UTHSC is committed to providing a quality educational experience for all students regardless of geographic location or mode of delivery. Students enrolled in online programs or participating in distance education instruction at campus’ other than Memphis have access to the range of academic , personal and career based support services and resources necessary for student success. Likewise, necessary and sufficient practices are followed to assure the privacy of all students regardless of geographic location or mode of delivery.
What follows is a summary of resources, and services that are of particular to distance education students. The distance education policies and program requirements are described in the Bulletin. Distance education students are strongly encouraged to review the information below as well as the Distance Education section of the Bulletin.
Definitions
UTHSC uses the definition for distance education as set forth by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS):
“… distance education is a formal educational process in which the majority of the instruction (interaction between students and instructors and among students) in a course occurs when students and instructors are not in the same place. Instruction may be synchronous or asynchronous. A distance education course may use internet; one-way or two-way transmission through open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite, or wireless communications devices; audioconferencing; or videocassettes, DVDs, and CD-ROMs if used as part of the distance learning course or program.” (Distance and Correspondence Education Policy Statement, January 2012).
Thus, distance education courses and programs include those offered online (relying primarily on the internet for the delivery of course material) as well as relying on videoconference capacity to allow synchronous interaction between students and instructors who are geographically separated. UTHSC uses the following definitions when differentiating between online and hybrid programs:
1. Online program: An online educational program is defined as any program where 50% or more of the program content is delivered through electronic means (either synchronous or asynchronous, though not including the use of videoconference technology to deliver a course or program to an off-campus instructional site).
2. Hybrid program: A hybrid educational program is defined as any program where 20 - 49% of the program content is delivered through electronic means (either synchronous or asynchronous, though not including the use of videoconference technology to deliver a course or program to an off-campus instructional site).
All online and hybrid programs offered at the UTHSC are clearly designated as such throughout the bulletin. Similarly, all online and hybrid courses are cleared noted as such based on the following definitions:
1. Online course: An online course is defined as any course where 50% or more of the course content is delivered through electronic means (either synchronous or asynchronous, though not including the use of videoconference technology).
2. Hybrid course: A hybrid course is defined as any course where 20 - 49% of the course content is delivered through electronic means (either synchronous or asynchronous, though not including the use of videoconference technology).
Access to Academic Resources for Distance Education Students
The UTHSC is committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of geographic location, have access to sufficient academic resources while enrolled in any of the programs offered through the institution. Throughout the duration of a course/curriculum, students will have access to training and information required to access databases, interlibrary loans, government archives, news and other services.
Distance education students should remotely access to the UTHSC library resources and support services through electronic means. The gateway to all library and learning resources and services is the UTHSC library web site home page (http://library.uthsc.edu/). At this website, students can access all paper and electronic resources, services, staff, policies, contact information, directions, and Ask a Librarian (available to students by instant message, text, phone, or email).
For guidance on the services and resources for Distance Students at the UTHSC library, visit lib guide https://libguides.uthsc.edu/fordistance
In addition to the remote and physical access to UTHSC library resources described above, students studying in Knoxville and Chattanooga have access to two local facilities. Please note there is no remote access to the library resources at these facilities.
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville John C. Hodges Library - Students studying in Knoxville have access to the John C. Hodges Library on the campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This library provides research assistance and access to study space 24 hours a day.
• Preston Medical Library at UT Medical Center - Students studying in Knoxville also have access to the Preston Medical Library on the University Hospital campus. In addition to an extensive collection of medical journals and books, this facility provides study space, nineteen common use computers and wireless internet access. UTHSC students, faculty and staff can access Preston Medical Library holdings during normal hours of operation; access afterhours can also be arranged.
• University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Lupton Library - As in Knoxville, students studying in Chattanooga have access to the Lupton Library on the campus of the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. This library provides research assistance and access to study space during regular hours.
• Erlanger Medical Library - UTHSC students studying in Chattanooga also have access to the Erlanger Medical Library at Erlanger Medical Center. This library provides a wide range of textbooks as well as print journals, many of which are also available electronically.
For additional information about Knoxville and Chattanooga library facilities, refer to Centerscope http://catalog.uthsc.edu/content.php?catoid=20&navoid=1718 , Student Facilities.
Access to Student Support Services for Distance Education Students
- One Stop Shop: All students can access the services of the One Stop Shop via phone, Skype videoconferencing, or email at onestop@uthsc.edu. Information on enrollment related services can also be accessed through the One Stop Shop website. The One Stop Shop provides a centralized source for information related to Financial Aid, Bursar and Registrar functions such as (but not limited to) financial aid awarding, transcript and degree verification requests, setting up direct deposit, questions related to student health insurance, Banner login issues, and self-service registration concerns. One Stop Shop: http://www.uthsc.edu/oss; 901-448-7703 (CST)
- Financial Aid: All students can access Financial Aid services through web links, or by communicating with appropriate staff using email, phone, and videoconferencing through Adobe Connect and/or Skype. Financial Literacy sessions are provided face-to-face at regular intervals in Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga with a video archive of live presentations available to all students regardless of geographic location. Students with additional questions can set up appointments by email, phone, video-conferencing through Adobe Connect and Skype.
- Bursar: Bills are delivered to students on a secured web site provided by the online servicer TouchNet. Distance education students access their bills electronically through this system using the self-service function of Banner (the UTHSC Student Information System) that links to TouchNet.
- Registrar: All students register for courses online using the self-service function of Banner using a secure login and password
- Bookstore - VolShop - The UTHSC VolShop is located in the 930 Madison Building on the Plaza Level. The VolShop is an Apple Authorized Campus Store offering a number of Apple products as well as many other computer and software brands to meet your technology needs. Additionally, the store offers a wide array of UT gift items and clothing, as well as a variety of snacks, candy, beverages and health & beauty items. Regalia rentals are supplied to all graduating students and participating faculty members. The store provides all required texts in digital format; faculty members are permitted to use departmental accounts for work related orders on physical copies. You can order online at shop.uthsc.edu. The bookstore accepts cash, check (with state ID), credit cards (American Express, Discover, Master Card, and Visa), and approved department charge accounts.
Access to Academic Support Services for Distance Education Students
Student Academic Support Services and Inclusion (SASSI) provides a variety of services to facilitate learning and enhance student performance. Educational coaching/consultations and counselling sessions are provides. Services include a tutoring program along with one-on-one coaching targeting areas such as test taking, board preparation, learning preferences applied to curricula, time management, reading rate and comprehension, note taking, stress and test anxiety management and critical thinking. All meetings with SASSI staff are completely confidential, and all services provided by SASSI staff are free of charge to students. The SASSI office maintains a library available for student use and checkout. Counselling appointments are held via web conferencing or Skype.
For more information about SASSI resources, visit https://www.uthsc.edu/sassi/.
To schedule an appointment with educational counselors in the Student Academic Support Services and Inclusion (SASSI) phone (901-448-5056), or online (http://www.uthsc.edu/sassi/).
Access to Accommodations for Distance Education Students
Academic support and accommodations for all students with diagnosed disabilities, regardless of geographic location, is provided through SASSI in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Students disclosing a diagnosed disability with evidence of a functional limitation that impacts the individual in the academic setting will be provided with reasonable accommodations.
Access to materials, webinars, and information related to applying for accommodations is available at http://www.uthsc.edu/sassi/about/index.php . SASSI may be contacted and appointments scheduled online, by phone at 901-448-5056 or through e-mail at SASSI@uthsc.edu.
Access to Health Care and Behavioral Health for Distance Education Students
For ALL students, on or off the UT Health Science Center (UTHSC) Memphis campus, a University Health Services (UHS) on-call provider is available 24/7 for any urgent issue (medical or behavioral health; 901-541-5654). In case of an emergency, distance education students are advised to call 911 to access immediate help in the community in which they are located. To reach a provider at UHS, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30, call 901- 448-5630.
Behavioral health services are available to all students 24/7 via phone (800-327-2255, option 3) through the Student Assistance Program (SAP). Through SAP, students are referred to counselors in their region or seen by Memphis-based providers via Telepsychiatric services.
Students located on other clinical campuses of UTHSC (e.g. Knoxville, Chattanooga or Nashville) visit http://catalog.uthsc.edu/content.php?catoid=20&navoid=1716#otherlocations for the most current information as to how best to access medical services in these locations.
All students, regardless of geographic location or program, are required to obtain basic health care and medical care insurance. Students who fail to furnish proof of current insurance coverage will be prevented from completing their registration for that academic term.
For more information regarding access to health care and behavioral health assistance, refer to CenterScope, Student Services.
Technologies, Requirements and Assistance for Distance Education Students
Each curricula and course deploys technologies to support learning outcomes and student success. Most colleges and programs have identified technology requirements or recommendations that are outlined in the college and/or program specific sections in this bulletin below. The privacy and accessibility statements for the deployed technology is addressed for each course offering. UTHSC Information Technology and Teaching and Learning Center provide support - assistance with technologies . Tutorials, training, FAQs, and support resources are made available to students in each course, during student orientation and by UTHSC IT and UTHSC TLC. Student questions, problems, and complaints about technologies can be addressed to UTHSC IT or UTHSC TLC https://bbhelp.uthsc.edu/sims/helpcenter/common/layout/SelfHelpHome.seam?inst_name=UTHSC , https://www.uthsc.edu/helpdesk/ , https://uthsc.edu/tlc/academic-technologies.php
Technologies provided by UTHSC and used in Distance Education:
- Learning Management System: Blackboard (Bb) is the UTHSC learning management system. Students gain access to the learning materials, activities and the learning community, using a secure logon and password. Students and instructors interact, turn in assignments, and receive feedback using the tools and feature functionality.
- Text Matching Software: A web-based application is used in some courses to check for originality and/or analyze student papers and other written work. Students will be notified of its use.
- Exam Proctoring: ProctorU is a live online proctoring service for students taking exams online. The proctors use a process to replicate the face-to-face proctoring experience over the internet.
- Examination Software: A web-based application, Exam Soft, is used in some courses for high stakes testing.
- Interactive Polling: TurningPoint is engagement and assessment solution that allows for participation in real-time. Courses that are taught synchronously at distant by use Turning Point.
- Real Time Interaction and Webconferencing: A web-based application, Zoom, allows faculty, staff and students to have high-quality interaction in real time from their computers and mobile devices. Zoom is accessible on MacOS, Windows, iOS and Android mobile devices.
For Best Practices and Helpful Hints visit the Teaching and Learning Center section of the CenterScope http://catalog.uthsc.edu/content.php?catoid=20&navoid=1716#Educational_Technology
The UTHSC ITS Help and Blackboard (BB) support: The University’s HELP DESK may be assessed by phone: 901-448-2222; Toll-free:1-800-413-7830; Fax:901-448-8199 or http://www.uthsc.edu/helpdesk/; BB Support http://courses.uthsc.edu/
Distance education students, particularly students enrolled in online programs, are expected to have reviewed and met all technology requirements prior to matriculation into the program given the significant reliance on such technology for the delivery of course material.
Distance Education Student Complaint Procedures (NC-SARA)
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establishes comparable national standards for inter-state offering of post-secondary distance education. Complaint resolution policies and procedures for non-Tennessee resident students in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements states, commonly known as SARA.
Student complaints relating to consumer protection laws that involve distance learning education offered under the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), must first be filed with the institution to seek resolution. See Student Complaint Procedure (https://uthsc.policymedical.net/policymed/anonymous/docViewer?stoken=de47aa28-16aa-408b-9c96-cb04f232964f&dtoken=56981af8-29c0-4a43-bb34-bc9092b25f4b).
Complainants not satisfied with the outcome of the Institution’s internal process may appeal to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission within two years of the incident. (https://www.tn.gov/thec/bureaus/student-aid-and-compliance/postsecondary-state-authorization/request-for-complaint-review.html).
For purposes of this process, a complaint shall be defined as a formal assertion in writing that the terms of SARA or the laws, standards or regulations incorporated by the SARA Policies and Standards (http://www.nc-sara.org/content/sara-manual) have been violated by the institution operating under the terms of SARA.
For a list of SARA member States, please visit the NC-SARA website (http://nc-sara.org/sara-states-institutions). Students residing in non-SARA states should consult their respective State of residence for further instruction for filing a complaint.
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