2 - GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE GRADUATE PROGRAM

The Department and Faculty promote the following philosophies as a means of effectively providing advanced education in the area of nutritional sciences:

1. It is the student's responsibility to ultimately define the educational needs and experi­ences desired as an outcome of graduation; hence the student must assume both initiative and responsibility for learning and must do so in a less-directed manner than is typically available at the undergraduate level;
2. Faculty is present to guide the dedicated student in pursuit of knowledge and to open doors and avenues along which the student may travel;
3. Faculty and students must share an obligation to achieve greater knowledge in nutri­tional sciences and to present such to the scholarly community;
4. Faculty ascribe to providing individualized learning experiences to meet the needs of students seeking to attain advanced education in nutritional sciences;
5. While any advanced degree implies a research degree, a non-thesis track is available to those students seeking advanced education without a written thesis component; however, even in the non-thesis track, the student must master the basic knowledge and skills involved in scientific inquiry;
6. Faculty are interested in assisting students who are having difficulty maintaining program standards and will aid the student upon solicitation; and
7. Ethical behavior is an absolute prerequisite for student and faculty action and attitude.

The Department of Nutritional Sciences seeks to accomplish several purposes in providing a graduate program:

• To provide Registered Dietitians an opportunity for advanced education, training and  research; and
• To provide interested professionals from other areas an opportunity to augment their knowledge and expertise in nutrition

The Graduate Program of the Department of Nutritional Sciences seeks to accomplish the following goals:

1. To provide a variety of courses, which allow for advanced learning;
2. To provide research experiences which allow the student to:
   1. engage in scholarly creative endeavors, under the direction of faculty, which contrib­utes to the development of new knowledge;
   2. develop and apply those skills required in scientific inquiry via resolution of a research problem/idea;
   3. gain competencies necessary to utilize research results in career experiences;
3. To provide individualized learning experiences, both in the didactic and clinical settings, which allow for the acquisition of in-depth knowledge specifically desired by the student; and
4. To provide an academic setting which fosters the student's development of:
   1. ethical behaviors
   2. individual potential and interest
   3. open-mindedness
   4. independent thought

The Master of Science (MS) Program in Nutritional Sciences originally was offered on the Norman campus.  In the fall of 1989, the MS Program began to undergo a transfer to the Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, which became official in 1991.  Beginning in Fall 2011 the MS degree began to be offered through distance education by taking a combination of courses by distance education on the Schusterman Center in Tulsa and online coursework.  The curriculum and all other aspects of the program are virtually identical whether completed in the traditional format or by distance.  The MS degree in Nutritional Sciences remains a traditional graduate degree with an emphasis on advanced training and research methodologies. The MS Program in Nutritional Sciences (1228M) requires a minimum of 34 credit hours beyond the BS degree and may be taken as either a thesis or non-thesis option.  The MS program does not meet requirements to become a Registered Dietitian (RD), so students applying for the MS program should already be a dietitian or should not have the goal of becoming a dietitian.  Students in the Master of Arts program may also apply for and be admitted into the MS program.  In other words, duel enrollment is possible, and this option should be discussed with your academic advisor. 

When a student is accepted into the MS program, either the thesis or non-thesis option should be selected.  The thesis option will have a stronger research emphasis, and would be especially important to those intending to go on to apply for a PhD program in the future.  These options should be discussed with the academic advisor.  If interested in research and pursuing a thesis, the student should also meet and discuss research options with the various research faculty members in the Department.  Rest assured that students can change program options during their program, so do not feel “locked in” by an initial option selection.

The Graduate Program Director assigns each student an academic advisor.  This individual will assist the student with matriculating through the program as well as enrollment each semester.  If a student wishes to do a thesis project, then the student assumes the responsibility for selection of a possible project via discussions with individual faculty members.  The student and the faculty member must both agree to work together on a thesis project.  The faculty member will then become the thesis advisor for the student.  The student may request a change of academic advisor at any time, which will be considered by the Graduate Program Director.  It is common for students to ask that their thesis advisor also assume the duty of academic advisor.   

As stated previously in this document, as well as in the College of Allied Health Student

Handbook, the responsibility for meeting graduation requirements rests with the student.  However, faculty within the Department feels a responsibility to provide accurate and appropriate academic counseling in order to assist the student in ensuring an optimum graduation date.  For this reason, each student should assume responsibility for meeting with the advisor at least once per semester and more frequently as necessary.

At the initial advisement session, it recommended that the Graduation Plan be completed.  This will be then be the basis for filling out the “Outline of Graduate Work” form, which will be filed with the Graduate College during the first semester of graduate work, and can be amended as needed during a student’s program.

Please seek out your advisor as questions arise and/or as you encounter difficulties with which you need assistance.  If utilized appropriately your advisor will play a key role in guiding you efficiently through the academic processes associated with earning an advanced degree.

Students are strongly urged to seek help from their advisors as soon as academic problems develop.

Students will be officially notified via email that they may begin enrolling for the next semester.

When enrolling, students are asked to adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Make an appointment to meet with your advisor (at times only a telephone/email discussion may be necessary to receive adequate advisement);
2. During the enrollment meeting, review your matriculation checklist and Graduation Plan to update, revise, etc. as needed;
3. If enrolling in a course outside of the Department on the OUHSC Campus, approval must be obtained from the respective department; the student is to take the enrollment form to the respective department and obtain either a stamped or initialed approval that the course may be taken; the enrollment form is then to be submitted to NS Department Staff, who will forward it to the Office of Student Services;
4. If enrolling in a course outside of the Department on the Norman Campus, the student should identify the course on the HSC printed enrollment form and submit it to NS Department Staff;
5. Students may enroll in independent study type courses (directed reading and special studies). If enrolling in an independent study type course under a faculty member different from the advisor, the student must obtain the respective faculty members initials on the enrollment form.   A brief description of the course requirements and grading format, initialed by both faculty and student, should be put in writing and filed with the Department Staff to avoid misunderstandings. Each student may earn a maximum of six hours of credit from directed readings and a maximum of six hours of credit from special studies;
6. The student is to verify that all information on the enrollment form is accurate before signing; and
7. All enrollment forms, when completed and signed, are to be submitted to Department Staff.Students may also phone or email their enrollment requests to Department Staff, if that is more convenient.

Students engage in a variety of evaluation activities designed to continually remodel and strengthen the Graduate Program and Department.  These may include, but are not limited to:

• Evaluation of courses prior to completion of each course
• Evaluation of the Graduate Program while a student
• Evaluation of the Graduate Program after graduation

Evaluations are confidential and students are not to place their names on any evaluation instrument.  Evaluation is a time-consuming process yet one that is critical to student development and Program quality.  All NS graduate students are expected to participate fully in the evaluation process as part of their personal and professional responsibility.

The Department of Nutritional Sciences upholds these standards relative to grades for graduate students:

1. Students are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of > 3.00 in all coursework completed, and
2. A "D" is considered failing insofar as credit toward a degree is concerned; a student who has earned a "D" must enroll in the respective course the next time that it is offered to receive academic credit.

Each department within the College of Allied Health meets upon receipt of semester grade reports to evaluate student progress and make recommendations regarding each student's academic status within the department.  Recommendations and sanctions are carefully delineated in the College of Allied Health Student Handbook and the student is obligated to be familiar with this information.

Departments must conduct a review and evaluation of each student's progress in meeting degree requirements at the end of each semester.  All NS faculty act as the NS Academic Progress Committee.

Areas that may be considered (but not limited to) include:

• performance in coursework taken that semester
• completion of "I's"
• completion of core course requirements
• progress made in completing research requirements
• timely filing of prospectus
• cumulative GPA
• completion of thesis
• may also encompass broader scholarly capabilities and professional development

Students are notified in writing of their progress and performance toward satisfying degree requirements.  If there are deficient areas, the Department will clearly specify what each student should do to satisfactorily address the deficiency.

If a student is not notified by June 1 regarding academic progress, it is the student's responsibility to request in writing that the Department provides such an evaluation; the request must be received by the Department prior to August 1 of the same year.

If the student is placed on probation by the Department based on the semester evaluation, the student will have a second review at the end of the next semester or designated time period.  In this second review, the Department will determine:

• if the student is making satisfactory progress;
• if the student's level of performance is unsatisfactory and thus he/she is ineligible for further enrollment; or
• if the Department feels the student's progress is still unsatisfactory but wishes to petition the Dean to continue the student on probation another semester.

The student and the Graduate College are notified in writing of the outcome of this second review.  The Graduate College will either:

• remove the student from probation;
• deny further enrollment to the student; or
• continue the student's probation for an additional semester.

A third probation is not allowed.

The student is responsible for:

1. Discussing at least once per semester with the academic advisor to review academic progress toward graduation;
2. Completing Department and Graduate College deadlines relative to academic progress and graduation; and,
3. Ensuring that all requirements for graduation are met.

Much information, plus a variety of forms, is available to assist the student with accomplishing the above responsibilities:

• the Graduate College Bulletin (posted on Graduate College website)
• the College of Allied Health Student Handbook (posted on College website)
• the Department of Nutritional Sciences Graduate Student Handbook (posted on Departmental website)
• the "Matriculation Checklist" which provides a tool for helping the student maintain a record of completion of required tasks relating to academic progress and graduation
• the "Graduation Plan” which provides a tool for recording progress toward meeting specific required coursework.

Upon admission to the Nutrition Sciences graduate program, an academic advisor will be assigned to each student.  Students will need to meet with their academic advisor before their initial enrollment to discuss their program of study (also known as outline of graduate work).  Prior to enrollment each semester, students will need to meet with their advisor and have their enrollment form signed. If it is difficult to meet in person with your advisor, students can scan or take a picture of the enrollment sheet and send to the advisor for signature.

Once a student identifies a thesis or non-thesis project mentor, ideally in their first semester of graduate work, the project mentor will assume academic advising responsibilities. The “new” advisor is responsible to inform the old advisor, the administrative assistant responsible for enrollment, and graduate program director of this change.  The student should be copied so they are aware.

A graduate student within the Department of Nutritional Sciences is subject to disciplinary action if:

1. The student engages in conduct that is deliberately unbecoming to the Department, a practice setting, or the Profession, or is unethical in nature; and/or
2. The student engages in dishonest work as described in the OUHSC Student Handbook.  The Department describes academic misconduct as including, but not limited to:
   1. cheating (using unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise or on national board examinations)
   2. plagiarism
   3. falsification of records
   4. unauthorized possession of examinations
   5. intimidation and any and all other actions that may improperly affect the evaluation of academic performance or achievement
   6. assisting others in any of the above acts
   7. attempts to engage in such acts

The above guidelines also include being dishonest about following Departmental policies and any other acts which involve unethical or dishonest behavior.

A variety of sanctions may be imposed upon a student engaging in inappropriate acts/behaviors, including warning, censure, probation, suspension, expulsion, and/or restitution.  The OUHSC Student Handbook, along with the College of Allied Health Student Handbook describes student rights and responsibilities in detail and all students are required to know these documents.

Students who have received a disciplinary sanction of any kind are subject to possible dismissal pending review by the Departmental Academic Progress Committee.

A student has the right to appeal any:

• academic course grade or evaluation (through the College of Allied Health)
• action construed as discriminatory or harassment (through the College of Allied Health)
• disciplinary action
• evaluation relative to a comprehensive final exam, thesis defense, or thesis (through the Graduate College)

The University has well-established procedures that allow for student appeal and/or grievance.  A student who desires information or guidance regarding the appeals process, or how to initiate the appeals process, should contact the Department Chairperson or the Director of the Office of Academic and Student Services (room 1009, College of Allied Health).  The student should refer to the OUHSC Student Handbook along with the College of Allied Health Student Handbook and the Graduate College Bulletin for specific information.

Students may request a leave of absence from their graduate studies for up to but not to exceed 12 consecutive months (three consecutive academic terms). Leave of absence has no effect on time limits for expected graduation. The student should complete the ‘Student Leave Request’ form found on the Admissions and Records website. The request must be approved by the student’s graduate advisor, department chair, and Graduate dean. Students on probationary status, if granted a leave of absence, will resume their probationary status upon return from their leave. Students receiving financial aid may be required to return a portion of the aid. They must check with their financial aid officer.

Student expenses encompass tuition, fees, and a variety of activities, all of which are subject to change during the student's course of study.  For current costs please visit the Bursar’s website.

Any full-time student who has been accepted for enrollment at the Health Sciences Center, who is in good standing, may apply for financial assistance.  An entering student should obtain the necessary application packet as early as possible from the Office of Financial Aids.

For additional information about financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aids, P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, OK 73190.  The office is located in Room 301, David L. Boren Student Union; telephone (405) 271-2118; website.

Scholarships are available from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) and the Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (OkAND) on a yearly basis.  Applications for Academy scholarships are typically distributed in December and due in February.  Applications for OkAND scholarships are made available in the Spring of each year.  The Department will notify students as information becomes available.

The Department sponsors scholarships through funds made available through the generosity of Shirley Enders Smith and alumni gifts.  Application for these scholarships is made available to the students on a yearly basis each fall.  Graduate students are eligible after completion of 6 hours of graded graduate coursework.

As indicated in a separate section of this document, students may apply for the honor of earning several scholarships.  In addition, graduate students have the opportunity to apply for, or be nominated for, other University awards, including:

• Students have the opportunity, through academic excellence, to be eligible for Alpha Eta, the allied health honor society.  Additional information regarding Alpha Eta is available in the College of Allied Health Student Handbook.

Faculty and staff are employed for the express purpose of providing the professional education required by the Program.  The primary objective of the faculty is to guide the student in the pursuit of advanced knowledge.  Professional faculty members teaching at the doctoral level must have a record of recognized scholarship, creative endeavor, or achievement in practice commensurate to doctoral expectations.  Each faculty member is interested in you as an individual and looks forward to assisting you in your professional growth.

Office hours may vary among faculty.  Students should make appointments with faculty through the individual faculty member.  A student who repeatedly has difficulty contacting a faculty member may notify the Chairperson.

Faculty and students are not to fraternize outside of working hours unless the entire group of students and faculty are present.

Students are not to use faculty or staff as a "sounding board" to complain about other individuals.  A student who has a complaint should meet with the individual in question to discuss the concerns.  If concerns addressed are not dealt with satisfactorily, the student should then contact the Graduate Program Director (and Chairperson) to discuss this situation.

Services of the Departmental staff are to be used by faculty only.  Students are not to make personal requests of the staff, such as xeroxing, typing, transmitting personal incoming calls (except in emergencies), etc.  Staff will not communicate personal phone calls.

The Department of NS occupies suite 3057 in the College of Allied Health Building located at 1200 Stonewall. The suite includes offices for each of the faculty members and staff. In addition, a food sciences laboratory (room 3055) and nutrition labs are located in the building.

Student mailboxes are located on the first floor of the building near the atrium.  Keys are distributed by Department Staff upon request and depending on availability.  Messages for faculty may be given to the Department staff to be placed in respective faculty mailboxes.

The telephones in the Department Office and foods lab are business phones and not for student use, except in case of emergency.  Faculty phones are not to be used by students without direct authorization from the respective faculty member.

The Department maintains several pieces of equipment, which can be utilized by the students when needed for class presentations, review of A-V materials, etc.  All such equipment should be checked out from the Departmental staff.

Student lockers are available on a first-come-first-served basis and are checked out through the Office of Academic and Student Services (first floor). Students are responsible for any items placed in their lockers.

The Graduate Student Room (AHB 3154) has desks and lockable filing cabinets for use by graduate students, with priority given to students working on research projects.  Access to this space is requested by filling out a form which is available from the Department office.  Space is limited and access is not guaranteed.

Graduate teaching assistants are needed to assist with a number of courses taught in the Department.  A graduate assistant is also needed to see patients in the College of Allied Health Clinic as well as serve as a teaching assistant.  Faculty with research grants may have funds to hire research assistants. Should such an opening occur, notification will be given by email.  Interested students then should contact the respective faculty member for further information.

Whether on campus or in a clinical environment, the student should project the best image possible since each student now represents both the Department and College, as well as the profession of nutrition/dietetics.  Although structured guidelines are identified only for dress in the clinical setting, it is the desire of faculty that students appear neat, clean and well groomed at all times.

Should a student complete any portion of their academic work in a clinical facility, both dress and identification guidelines must be observed.

• Nametags -- Upon request, the Department arranges for official nametags, which are purchased by the student.  Nametags must be worn in all practice settings and students will not be allowed to participate in a practice activity without some type of official identification.  It is important that the student be easily identified by both name and discipline, particularly in a setting where students and professionals from many different disciplines are engaged in the delivery of health care.  You should ask faculty teaching your coursework whether a nametag will be required during a course.
• Dress -- Dress in the clinical facilities depends upon the requirements of the particular institution or agency to which the student is assigned.  Outside the clinical setting, it is recommended that the student use their best judgment.

Please try to remember that appearance is a major way in which to instill confidence in others and earn respect from peers, staff, and other health professionals with whom you come in contact.  If unable to command respect, a student may receive little assistance/cooperation when it is most needed.

All students in the College of Allied are required to have health insurance coverage.  Students may purchase health insurance through the Office of Academic and Student Services in the College of Health Building. All College of Allied Health students having patient contact are required to carry general liability insurance.  Please refer to the College of Allied Health Student Handbook (see web address below) for additional information.

All graduate students provide evidence which documents results of various tests and immunizations prior to enrollment.  It is extremely important that this information is on file in the Department.  The form is sent to newly accepted students plus additional copies may be obtained from Department Staff.

It is a requirement that the student have a safe and reliable mode of transportation to ensure arrival at any class or practice setting at the designated time in a healthy condition.  There may be times when the student may be required to travel outside of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area in order to complete a rotation or assignment.  It is the student's responsibility to provide transportation and assume the costs of travel.

The University assumes no liability for accident or injury in travel to and from a practice or academic setting.

Any accident on University property or in a practice setting should be reported immediately to the Department Chairperson.

The position of University Legal Counsel and the College of Allied Health is that no State funds may be used to purchase alcohol, that a cash bar may be utilized if it is run by non-University parties, and that at private gatherings, the owner of the site is liable should an individual who has been drinking have an accident while driving home from a gathering.  Thus, Department faculty has established the following alcohol policy for the Department:  no alcohol will be served at any Department-sponsored, student-attended function or gathering at either faculty homes or on Campus.  If a Department-sponsored, student-attended event is held at a site other than a faculty home or on Campus, the individual is obligated to be very aware of the liability issue.

The Department desires to maintain a current address and telephone number for each student.  Thus, if a student changes residence, etc., this information should be communicated to Department Staff as soon as possible.  Communication of a name change must be made via an official form ("Student Information Change Request" form) obtainable from Department Staff or from the CAH Office of Academic and Student Services in room 1009 of the College of Allied Health Building.

The Department will not provide birth dates, social security numbers, addresses, or phone numbers to other students without consent of the respective individual.

Students are urged to assist with program development and student governance by volunteering for those committees and activities available:

• College of Allied Health Student Association
• Departmental Committees
• Student Dietetic Association
• Graduate Student Association (campus-wide)
• Nutritional Sciences Graduate Student Association

A Student Association exists within the College of Allied Health and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.  Students may volunteer to be a CAH Student Association representative from the Department of Nutritional Sciences.  Should more students volunteer than there are available vacancies, the Graduate Program Director will administer a run-off election.  Forms to volunteer for both the CAH Student Association and other Department committees are distributed at the beginning of each fall semester.

A Nutritional Sciences Graduate Student Association (NSGSA) exists within the Department for those students desiring to participate in an organization that celebrates and promotes the Profession of Nutrition and addresses issues specific to graduate students.  Sponsorship of the NSGSA rotates among faculty and information relative to membership is circulated at the beginning of each fall semester and is available at all times from Departmental Staff or Faculty.  Dues, by-laws, activities, etc., are established by the organization.  A campus-wide GSA also functions to support graduate students, and information regarding this group can be found by contacting the Graduate College.

Graduate students may have access to the building to utilize the building facilities.  Access is available through the student's “OneCard”.  The OneCard is used as an ID and building/room/lab access card.  Graduate students can request a cubicle to be assigned in the graduate student study room. Cubicles are available on a first come-first served basis. Please contact Department administrative staff for the cubicle request form.

The cost of the OneCard is $10.00 for students.  Cost of replacement cards for lost or stolen ID’s is $15.00.  Payment may be made by cash or check.  OneCard services are located in the Service Center Building, Room 114.

The faculty believes in providing opportunities which develop and enhance the professional growth of the student.  Thus, as a matter of policy, students are highly encouraged to participate in professional meetings, conventions, projects, etc.  The following activities are encouraged: (1) student memberships in local, state, and national professional organizations; (2) preparation, display, and presentation of professional-related exhibits, posters, etc.; (3) participation in National Nutrition Month activities; (4) attendance and participation at any function in which new knowledge or the quality of professionalism is enhanced; and 5) presentations to community groups as a professional experience and community service.

In promoting the above philosophy, students are encouraged to attend certain professional meetings when possible:

• Oklahoma City District Dietetic Association meetings and
• Conventions of the Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (The Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics meets twice annually, in the fall and the spring.)
• GREAT Symposium (see Graduate College website)
• College of Allied Health Research Day

The faculty encourages students to also attend other nutrition-related meetings and seminars, which are offered at times other than class time or clinical experiences.  Approval to attend conferences, seminars, etc., which conflict with routine academic schedules is to be arranged through the course instructor.

Public law 93-380 (also known as the Buckley Amendment, also known as the Privacy Rights of Parents and Students Section 438 of the General Education Provisions Act) permits the release of "directory information" about students without the student's written consent.  "Directory information" includes:

• Student's name, local and permanent addresses, telephone number, college, major, classification, current enrollment status, participation in recognized student activities, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received and dates of receipt, posting of individual student's grades and interim class evaluations by code number or ID number, and anticipated date of graduation based on completed hours.

The Law provides that any student may upon written request restrict the printing of such personal information relating to him/her as is provided in "directory information."  Forms for withholding student "directory information" are available in the Office of Admissions and Records, located in room 204 of the Basic Sciences Education Building.

The Law requires the written consent of the student for the release to anyone (including parents) of other than "directory information" with the following exceptions: (a) other school officials within the educational institution who have legitimate educational interest; (b) officials of schools to which the students seek to transfer; c) the Comptroller General of the United States, the HEW Secretary, the administrative head of an education agency, or State educational authorities; (d) in connection with a student's application for, or receipt of, financial aid; (e) State and local officials or authorities to which such information is specifically required to be reported under State statute and adopted prior to November 19, 1974; (f) organizations or educational agencies conducting legitimate research, provided no personal identifiable information about the student is made public; (g) accrediting organizations; (h) parents of a dependent student upon proof of dependency (exclusive of international students); (i) in connection with an emergency when such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons; and (j) to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.

Personal information shall only be transferred to a third party, however, on the condition that such party will not permit any other party to have access to the information without the written consent of the student.

Under the Law, any student has the right to inspect and challenge his or her own educational file with the exception of letters of recommendations or other material when the author was guaranteed confidentiality prior to January 1, 1975.  Positive identification of the student shall be required prior to such examination and the student is not guaranteed the right of privacy in examining the records or the right to remove them.

Each educational institution is required by the Law to maintain a record, kept with the educational records of each student, which will indicate all individuals, agencies, or organizations (other than those specified as having access without the student's written consent) having obtained access to the student's record  (AMENDED AND REISSUED August 1, 1983).

Student records are maintained in the Departmental Office (as well as some in the Office of Student Affairs of the College of Allied Health).  A student may review his Departmental file/records at any time in the presence of either his/her advisor, the Graduate Program Director or Departmental Chairperson.  In very busy times, the student may be asked to wait 24 hours before an appropriate time may be found for such a review.  It is never the intent to withhold any information from the student.

Refer to the Academy website below for details on the code of ethics.

All graduate students accepted into the Graduate College starting Spring semester 2009 must receive training in Responsible Conduct of Research. For thesis master’s students this training must occur prior to their enrolling in master’s thesis research. For non-thesis master’s students this training must occur prior to their approval to take the comprehensive examination. The Department of Nutritional Sciences requires that these requirements be met during the first year of enrollment in the program.

Students will 1) take the online CITI web based course "Biomedical Course in Responsible Conduct of Research" and “Social and Behavioral Research” (details found on Graduate College website) and 2) have a group discussion of cases on Responsible Conduct of Research pertinent to the program as part of an NS course.  A memo must be sent by the Department to the Graduate College verifying completion of the group discussion of cases.  The Graduate College automatically receives notification of completion of the CITI course.

To take the course required for the Graduate College please go to here.  At the Main Menu page you must select “Affiliate with another institution”; select “Graduate College of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center” in this order.  Complete the requested registration information, then select either the Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research, Basic Course, which is required for those students who will be handling blood or other bio-specimens or doing clinical research, or the Social and Behavioral Research Course, which is recommended for those doing community research.   

In order to promote professionalism and protect privacy, students shall not post information, comments, photos, or other material of OU faculty, students, clinical personnel, research participants or patients to web based social media sites such as, but not limited to Facebook, Myspace, Twitter or blog sites, without the person’s written permission.  In addition, no student shall supply or forward information, comments, photos, or other material to anyone for posting on any web based communication sites, without that person’s written consent. All documents granting written permission from said persons must be filed with the Department.  Students should be especially careful about discussing any information protected by HIPAA. Any student found to have posted, supplied or forwarded materials for postings used on web based communication sites without written permission of said persons may be dismissed from the program.

The University of Oklahoma is committed to the goal of achieving equal educational opportunity and full participation for students with disabilities. Consistent with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, The University of Oklahoma ensures that no “qualified individual with a disability” will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination solely on the basis of disability under any program or activity offered by The University of Oklahoma.

Accommodations on the basis of disability are available by contacting the Disability Resource Center(DRC) by email, drc@ou.edu,  or by calling (405) 325-3852 Voice or (405) 325-4173 TDD. Students requesting disability-related services or accommodations are required to submit appropriate documentation to substantiate the disability. DRC staff will review the documentation and send an e-mail to the student's university e-mail account that explains the eligibility determination. Students can expect to receive an initial response within 15 University business days of the Center's receipt of the documentation. Students with disabilities will then schedule an appointment for an initial intake procedure with the Disability Resource Center staff.  During this appointment DRC staff and the student will engage in an interactive process  and discuss any history of accommodation, strengths and limitations,  and review policies/procedures.

Information on policies and registration with DRC may be found on the DRC website.