ATS Policies & Procedures (Handbook)

ATS Policies & Procedures Manual 1

ATHLETICTRAININGSTUDENTPolicies&ProceduresManual

ProfessionalMaster’sProgram

(ExhibitA:ForClinicalAffiliationAgreement)Revised3/29/2021

2 ATS Policies & Procedures Manual

TableofContentsTableofContents page2-3SectionIProgrammaticIntroductionWelcome page4MSATPolicies&ProceduresAcknowledgementForm page5MSATProgramFaculty page6MSATProgramOverview page7MerrimackCollegeMissionpage8MerrimackCommunityStandards page9MerrimackCollegeNoticeofNon-Discrimination page9MSATMission/ProgramGoals page10MSATStudentLearningOutcomespage10AdmissionRequirementspage11TechnicalStandardspage12-14MedicalHistory/PhysicalExamination page15-16RequiredImmunizations page16MSATCurriculum page17SectionIIInstitutionalPoliciesGraduateAcademicRequirements page18-27GrievanceProcedures page28AcademicIntegrityPolicy page29-34FERPA(StudentPolicy) page35-37TitleXI page38-40DEIStatement page41AccessibilityServices page42-45SectionIIIClinicalEducation/ProgrammaticPoliciesClinicalEducationRequirements page46MSATProgrammaticCosts page47ClinicalEducationPoliciesandProcedures page48-49AthleticTrainingFacilityResponsibilities page50AffiliatedClinicalSites page51ClinicalAffiliationAgreement page52-55ClinicalPlacementAppealsProcess page56MSATTransportationPolicy page56InclementWeatherPolicy page56


BackgroundCheck(CORI) page57CastleBranch page58StatementofConfidentiality/HIPAA page59EmergencyCardiacCareCertification page60EmergencyProcedures page60Blood-BornePathogens/ExposurePlan page61-63HepatitisB page64CommunicableDiseasePolicy page65 ModalityCalibration page66RadiationPolicyMissing page66SectionIVProfessionalBehaviorsNATAFoundationalBehaviorsofProfessionalPractice page67-68MSATDressCode page69-70ProfessionalOrganizations(NATA)Membership page71NATACodeofEthics page72- 73 SectionVCOVID-19Addendum page74-79


AthleticTrainingStudents:WelcomeandcongratulationsonyourenrollmentintheCAATEaccreditedProfessionalProgramMaster’sDegreeinAthleticTrainingatMerrimackCollege.TheAthleticTrainingStudentsPoliciesandProceduresManualreflectstherequirementsandexpectationsassociatedwiththeMasterofScienceinAthleticTraining.ItisexpectedthatallAthleticTrainingStudentsreviewandacceptthepoliciesandproceduresassociatedwiththeMSATprogram.TheAthleticTrainingPoliciesandProceduresManualisanextensionofthepoliciescreatedbyMerrimackCollegeandtheSchoolofHealthSciences.ThishandbookisdesignedtoserveasaguidetoinformandassistathletictrainingstudentsenrolledintheAthleticTrainingProgram.Asanathletictrainingstudent,youareexpectedtounderstandtheseproceduresthoroughlyandabidebythemcompletelywhentheoccasionarises.Itisstronglyrecommendedthatyoureviewthismanualonaregularbasis.Yoursignatureonthefollowingpageacknowledgesthatyouhavereceivedacopyofthemanual,havebeenmadeawareofthecontentsofthemanualandagreetoabidebyallpoliciesandprocedures.Sincerely,BirgidHopkinsMSATLATCMSATProgramDirectorAssociateClinicalProfessorSchoolofHealthSciences


ATHLETICTRAININGSTUDENT

POLICIES&PROCEDURESMANUALAcknowledgementForm

Ihave:

1. ReceivedacopyoftheAthleticTrainingStudent(ATS)manual

2. ReviewedtheAthleticTrainingStudentManualwithanATPfacultymember

3. ReadandunderstandthecontentsoftheAthleticTrainingStudentManual

4. Hadanopportunitytoaskquestionsregardingthelistedcontentareaswithalloftheirindividualproperties

5. AgreedtoabidebyallthepoliciesandproceduresstatedintheAthleticTraining

StudentManual.

● IalsounderstandthatthepoliciesandproceduresstatedintheAthleticTrainingStudentPolicies&ProceduresManualmayberevisedandIwillbegiventheopportunitytoreadandreviewanyrevisionspriortotheirimplementation.

● ItismydesiretocontinueintheAthleticTrainingProgramaccordingtothe

policiesandproceduresoutlinedinthismanual.Bymysignature,IacknowledgethatIhavereceivedacopyoftheMerrimackCollegeAthleticTrainingStudentPolicies&ProceduresManualinitsentiretyandagreetoabidebythemanualaslongasIamenrolledintheProfessionalMaster’sDegreePrograminAthleticTrainingatMerrimackCollege.

_______________________________________ _____________

StudentSignature Date

________________________________________ ______________ PrintedStudentName Date


MerrimackCollegeMSATCoreFaculty

BirgidHopkinsMS,LAT,ATCAssociateClinicalProfessorMSATProgramDirectorO’ReillyHallRoom408OfficePhone(978)837–[email protected],LAT,ATCAssociateClinicalProfessorClinicalEducationCoordinatorO’ReillyHallRoom403OfficePhone(978)837–[email protected],LAT,ATC,CSCSAssistantClinicalProfessorO’ReillyHallRoom418OfficePhone(978)837–[email protected],LAT,ATC,CSCSAssistantClinicalProfessorO’ReillyHallRoom415OfficePhone(978)837–[email protected]/[email protected]


MSATProgramOverview

TheProfessionalMaster’sDegreePrograminAthleticTrainingatMerrimackCollegeisofferedbytheSchoolofHealthSciences.AlongwiththeacademicportionthestudentsacquireacertainbodyofpracticalknowledgeincompliancewithCAATE(CommitteeonAccreditationofAthleticTrainingEducationprograms)StandardsandGuidelines,NATA(NationalAthleticTrainersAssociation)EducationalCompetencies,andtheBOCRoleDelineationStudy.ThisAlliedHealthEducationprograminvolvesthestudyandimplementationofmedicalskillsusedinthetreatmentofinjuriesfortheactivepatientpopulation.ItincludesthefollowingeightcontentareasandCAATE2020CoreCompetencies:

ContentAreas:● EvidencedBasedPractice,● PreventionandHealthPromotion,● ClinicalExam/Diagnosis● AcuteCare● TherapeuticIntervention● PsychosocialStrategiesandReferral● HealthcareAdministration● ProfessionalDevelopment/Responsibility

2020CoreCompetencies● Patient-CenteredCare● InterprofessionalPractice&InterprofessionalEducation● EvidenceBasedPractice● QualityImprovement● HealthCareInformatics● Professionalism

Uponcompletionofthiscourseofstudy,studentsareeligibletositfortheBoardofCertificationExaminationadministeredbytheBOC.SuccessfulcompletionofthisexaminationwillallowtheapplicanttobeawardedCertificationpreparingtheindividualforacareerasaCertifiedAthleticTrainer.MerrimackCollege’sAthleticTrainingProgramwillalsopreparethosestudentswhomaychoosetocontinuetheireducationviaResidency,PostProfessional,DATorPhDprograms.SuccessfulcompletionoftheProfessionalMaster’sDegreePrograminAthleticTrainingandsubsequentpassingoftheBOCcertificationexaminationwillalsomeettherequirementsofeligibilityforstatelicensure.Athletictrainersarelicensedorotherwiseregulatedin49statesandtheDistrictofColumbia;effortscontinuetoaddlicensureinCalifornia.Ofthe49regulatedstates(plustheDistrictofColumbia),45ofthestateshavealicensurebill,fourhaveregistrationbillsandonehasacertificationbill.Pleaseseethelinkforthemostrecentstatebystateregulatoryboards.https://members.nata.org/gov/state/regulatory-boards/map.cfm


MerrimackCollegeMission

Ourmissionistoenlightenminds,engageheartsandempowerlives.InspiredbytheCatholicfaithandtheAugustiniantraditionofseekingtruththroughinquiryanddialogue,ourvisionisto:

● Preparestudentstoadaptcreativelytotomorrow’srealitiesthroughexcellenceintheliberalarts,sciencesandtheprofessions.

● Buildacommunityofscholarswelcomingandrespectingadiversityofbackgrounds,experiences,beliefsandperspectives.

● Cultivatetheintellectual,moral,spiritual,physicalandpersonalawarenessneededtomakewisechoicesforlife,careerandservice.

● Encourageandsupportscholarlyworkthatcontributestothewisdomonwhichsocietybasesitsdecisions.

● Engageothereducationalinstitutions,industryandagenciesofsocialchangeincollaborativeeffortsfosteringajust,peacefulandsustainableworld.

ARenewedMissionandVision

MerrimackCollegehasreneweditsmissionandvisionforthe21stcentury.InDecember2008,theboardoftrusteesapprovedamoreclearandcompellingmissionstatementthatguidesusinourstrategicplanning.

ChairedbytheRev.RayDlugos,O.S.A.,vicepresidentofmissionandministry,a20-membercommitteecomposedoffaculty,students,staffandadministrationworkedtoelicitinvolvementandinputfromtheentirecollegecommunity.TheywerechargedwithrefiningthemissionofMerrimackCollegetobetterexpressthetruespiritofthecollege.

OurentirecommunityhashadtheopportunitytoprovidetheirthoughtsandtohelpshapethefutureofMerrimackCollege.Thiswillcontinuetobeveryimportantasweembarkonourstrategic-planningprocess.Thismissionandvisionstatementisourguidingbeaconforthefuture.


STATEMENTOFCOMMUNITYSTANDARDSBeforeallelse,thestudents,faculty,staff,andadministrationofMerrimackCollegeformanAugustiniancommunitythatsupportsandchallengesitsmembersinthepursuitoftruth.Wedeclareandcelebrateourcommonpurpose,andcommitourselves:

● toseriousstudy,generousserviceandcourageousleadership● toacademicintegrityandpersonalgrowth● tocivilizeddiscourseintheexchangeofideas● tofriendship,diversity,andmutualrespect● toprimacyofconscienceandthespirituallife● toresponsibilityforthecommongood,and● toprideinourschoolandourselves.

NOTICEOFNONDISCRIMINATIONMerrimackCollegeisfirmlycommittedtothepracticeofequalopportunityandprohibitsdiscriminationofanykind.Everystudentisentitledanenvironmentfreeofdiscrimination,whicherodesdignityandmorale.DiscriminationconstitutesaseriousinfractionofCollegepolicy,aswellasaviolationofstateandfederallaw.AnymemberoftheMerrimackCollegecommunity,whodiscriminatesagainst,excludes,degrades,orotherwisedevaluesanotheronbasisofrace,color,religion,nationalorigin,ancestry,sex,sexualorientation,gender,genderidentity,age,mentalorphysicaldisability,orotherlawfullyprotectedcategories,willbedisciplinedaccordingly,uptoandincludingdismissal.

ItispolicyofMerrimackCollegetoadministeralldecisionswithoutregardtorace,color,religion,nationalorigin,ancestry,gender,genderidentity,sexualorientation,age,mentalorphysicaldisability,orotherlawfullyprotectedcategories.

SCHOOLOFHEALTHSCIENCESOVERVIEWTheSchoolofHealthSciencesoffersastrongfoundationinthebasicsciences,andtechnology,enhancedbydiverseexperientiallearningopportunities.Studentsarementoredinthedevelopmentofcareer-relatedskillsinastudent-centeredcurriculumthatfostersanactivelearningenvironmentandpracticalexperienceinthehealthcareandhumanperformancefields.


MSATMission&GoalsMission:Theathletictrainingprogramprovidesstudentswithasuperiorathletictrainingeducationintegratedwithdynamicexperientiallearningopportunitiesthatpromoteandcultivatehealthcareprofessionalswhoareabletoprovidepatientcenteredcare.Theprogramemphasizesinterprofessionalcollaborationsandprovidesrealworldexperiencesinthedevelopmentofathletictrainerswhoarelifelonglearnersadvocatingfortheprofession. AthleticTrainingProgramGoals:

1. Topreparegraduatestobecomecompetentandsuccessfulathletictrainersworkinginadynamichealthcareindustry

2. Toprovidestudentswithacomprehensivedidacticcurriculumwithafocusonevidence-basedpractice/medicine

3. Toprovidestudentswithqualityclinicaleducationopportunitiesthatwillaffordinter-professionalcollaborationandculturalcompetenceinthedevelopmentofentry-levelathletictrainers

4. Topreparegraduatestoconductthemselveswithasenseofintegrity,professionalismandethicalunderstandingbyfollowingtheNATACodeofEthicsandBOCStandardforProfessionalPractice

5. Todevelopentry-levelathletictrainerswhoareanalyticalproblemsolverswhoutilizecurrentresearchtoanswerclinicalquestions,guidingclinicalpractice

StudentLearningOutcomes:

1. Studentswillexhibittheapplicationandmasteryofknowledge,skillsandabilitiestopracticeinter-professionallyinthehealthcarefield

2. Studentswilldevelopanunderstandingoftheimportanceforcontinuedprofessionaldevelopmentandmaturationwhileembodyingthesignificanceofprofessionalbehaviors

3. Studentswilldemonstrateskillincriticalthinkingandanalysisnecessaryinbecominganeffectiveathletictrainer

4. StudentswillobtainBOCcertification5. Studentswilldemonstrateoral,writtenandvisualcommunicationthatis

organized,coherent,accurateandprofessionallypreparedanddelivered


AdmissionRequirements

AdmissionRequirementsfortwo-yearpost-baccalaureateprogram:

● ABachelor’sdegreefromanaccreditedinstitution● PreferredGPA:3.0● Pre-requisitecourses:

PreferredC+orbetter:Anatomy&PhysiologyIandII;Biology;Nutrition;PsychologyPreferredCorbetter:ChemistryI&II;Physics;Statistics

Pleasenote:ThosewithaBachelor’sDegreeinAthleticTrainingarenoteligibletoapply.

AdmissionRequirementsforAccelerated3+2:StudentswillformallyapplytotheMSATprogramearlyinthespringoftheir3rdpre-professionalyear.Studentsinthe3+2Acceleratedtrackwhomeetallrequirementsaregivenpriorityoverpost-baccalaureateandotherapplicantschoosing3+2atMerrimackCollege.Studentsinothermajorsinterestedinapplyingintothe3+2(fiveyearacceleratedprogram)mayapplyalthoughadditionalcourseworkmaybeneededtostayontrack.StudentswhodonotmatriculateintotheMSATwillusetheir4thyearofstudytocompletetheirundergraduatedegreeinExerciseScienceorHealthSciences.

Studentsinthe3+2acceleratedprogramwillberequiredtoachieve/maintain:

● PreferredC+orbetter:● Anatomy&PhysiologyIandII;Biology;Nutrition;Psychology● PreferredCorbetter:● ChemistryI&II;Physics;Statistics


TECHNICALSTANDARDS:TheAthleticTrainingProgramatMerrimackCollegeisarigorousandintenseprogramthatplacesspecificrequirementsanddemandsonthestudentsenrolledintheprogram.Anobjectiveofthisprogramistopreparestudentstoenteravarietyofemploymentsettingsinathletictrainingandtorendercaretoawidespectrumofindividualsengagedinphysicalactivity.ThetechnicalstandardssetforthbytheAthleticTrainingProgram,establishtheessentialqualitiesconsiderednecessaryforstudentsadmittedtothisprogramtoachievetheknowledge,skillsandcompetenciesofanentry-levelathletictrainer,aswellasmeettheexpectationsoftheprogram’saccreditingagency(CommissiononAccreditationofAthleticTrainingEducation(CAATE).ThefollowingabilitiesandexpectationsmustbemetbyallstudentsadmittedtotheAthleticTrainingProgram.Intheeventastudentisunabletofulfillthesetechnicalstandards,withorwithoutreasonableaccommodation,thestudentwillnotbeadmittedintotheprogram.Compliancewiththeprogram’stechnicalstandardsdoesnotguaranteeastudent’seligibilityforBOCcertificationexam.CandidatesforselectiontotheAthleticTrainingProgrammustdemonstratethefollowingtechnicalstandardsandguidelineswithorwithoutreasonableaccommodations:

1. Theabilitytolearnthroughobservation.Observationrequiresthefunctionaluseofvision,hearingandsomaticsenses.Thestudentmustbeabletoparticipateinlectures,aswellaslaboratoryandpracticumdemonstrations.He/sheshouldbeableto:

• Observeclinicalsignsthroughvisualandtactileassessment(swelling,deformity),palpateapatientaccuratelytodeterminevariationsfromthenorm(throughpalpationofanatomicalstructures)

• Observeoutputreadingstodetermineapatient’sconditionandstatusoftreatment(bloodpressure,rangeofmotion,lossoffunction)

• Abilitytolistentoapatientdescribetheirmedicalhistoryandsymptoms

2. Thestudentmustpossesstheabilitytocommunicateeffectivelyandsensitively.

• Withpatients:toobtaininformationregardingthepatients’healthcomplaintsanddisposition.

• Withcolleaguesandothermembersofthehealthcarecommunity:toconveyessentialinformationforsafeandeffectivecare.

• Studentsmustbeabletoread,communicateinwritinganddemonstratecomputerliteracyassignments.ThestudentmustalsobeabletounderstandandspeaktheEnglishlanguageatalevelconsistentwithcompetentprofessionalpractice.


3. Thestudentmusthavesufficientneuromuscularcontrol,sensoryfunctionandcoordinationtoperformphysicalexaminationsusingacceptedmethods.Accuratelyandsafelyutilizeequipmentandmaterialsduringtheassessmentandtreatmentofpatients.

4. Thestudentmustpossesstheintellectualabilitiestoeffectivelysolveproblems

andcriticallythink.Theymustbeabletomeasure,calculate,reason,analyze,integrateandsynthesizeinformationinatimelymanner.(Thestudentmustbeabletosynthesizeknowledgeandintegratetherelevantaspectsofapatient’shistoryandexaminationfindingstodevelopaneffectivetreatmentplan).

5. Studentsmustpossessthepsychologicalabilityrequiredforthefulluseoftheirintellectualabilities,fortheexerciseofgoodjudgment,forthepromptcompletionofallresponsibilitiesinherenttoassessmentandcareofpatients,andforthedevelopmentofmature,sensitiveandeffectiverelationshipswithpatients.Studentsshouldbeabletotoleratephysicallyandmentallytaxingworkloadsandfunctioneffectivelyunderstress.Theymustbeabletoadapttoachangingenvironment,andfunctioninthefaceofuncertaintiesinherentinthesettingofathletictraining.Studentsmustdemonstrateethicalbehavior,bothintheclassroomandduringtheirclinicalexperience.

Reasonableaccommodations:Astudentmustdemonstratetheaboveskillsandabilities,butmaydosowithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation.TheAthleticTrainingProgramDirectorincombinationwiththeDirectorofAccessibilityServiceswillprovidereasonableaccommodationstoqualifiedstudentstoenablethemtomeetthesetechnicalguidelines.Whetherornotanaccommodationisreasonablewillbedeterminedonanindividualbasis.StudentsseekingacademicaccommodationsmustprovidemedicaldocumentationoftheirdisabilityandcomplywiththeproceduresoftheMerrimackCollegeOfficeofAccessibilityServices.Onceastudent’seligibilityisestablishedtheDirectorofAccessibilityServiceswillforwardasetofrecommendedaccommodationstoeachofthestudent’sprofessorswhoreviewstheserecommendationstoensurethattheaccommodationsrequestedarereasonable,takingintoaccountwhethertheaccommodationwouldjeopardizeclinician/patientsafety,ortheeducationalprocessofthestudentortheinstitution,includingallcoursework,clinicalexperiencesandinternshipsdeemedessentialtograduation.Astudentwhoisadmittedtothemajorbutunabletofulfillthesetechnicalstandards,withorwithoutreasonableaccommodation,willnotbeabletocompletethemajor.DeclineAccommodations:IcertifythatIhavereadandunderstandthetechnicalstandardsforselectionlistedabove,andIbelievetothebestofmyknowledgethatImeeteachofthesestandards


withoutaccommodation.IunderstandthatifIamunabletomeetthesestandardsIwillnotbeadmittedintotheprogram.RequestAccommodations.IcertifythatIhavereadandunderstandthetechnicalstandardsofselectionlistedaboveandIbelievetothebestofmyknowledgethatIcanmeeteachofthesestandardswithcertainaccommodations.IwillcontacttheDirectorofAccessibilityServicesandtheAthleticTrainingProgramDirectortodeterminewhataccommodationsmaybeavailable.IunderstandthatifIamunabletomeetthesestandardswithorwithoutaccommodations,Iwillnotbeadmittedintotheprogram. ____________________________________________ ____________________NameofApplicant(Print) Date____________________________________________SignatureofApplicant


AthleticTrainingProgramMedicalHistoryandPhysicalExaminationForm

Instructions:1.Amedicalhistoryandphysicalexamisrequired.2.Thestudentmustprovideallinformationrequested3.Immunizationandtuberculinskintestsmustbecompletedand/orupdatedasnecessary4.ProofofimmunizationsmustbepresentedtotheStudentHealthCenterperMassachusettsStateLaw.

Name:___________________________________ Date:__________________________Address:_________________________________ Phone:__________________________DateofBirth:_____________ Gender:_________

MedicalHistoryCondition DescriptionAllergy Yes No EmotionalDisorders Yes NoHearing/VisionImpairment Yes NoMigraine Yes NoHeartProblems Yes NoDiabetesMellitus Yes NoKidneyDisease Yes NoTuberculosis Yes NoOther(PleaseExplain)

PhysicalExam(CompletedbyMD,DO,PAorNP)Height_________ Weight_________BP______________Pulse________ VisionScreen__________(Indicateanyabnormalfindings)HEENTCardiacPulmonaryBreast/GenitaliaAbdomenGUMusculoskeletalNeurologicalDoesthisstudentrequireanyfollow-uphealthsupervision?Yes_____________ No____________Ifso,recommendations:____________________________________________________________________________________ClearedforClinical Yes_________________ No_______________________________HealthcareProviderSignature:____________________________________________________________________________


MerrimackCollegeAthleticTrainingTechnicalStandards

Thestudentdemonstrates:1.Thementalcapacitytoassimilate,analyze,synthesize,integrateconceptsandproblemsolvetoformulateassessmentinatimelymannerandabletodistinguishdeviationsfromthenorm.2.Sufficientposturalandneuromuscularcontrol,sensoryfunctionandcoordinationtoperformappropriatephysicalexaminationsusingacceptedtechniques,andaccurately,safelyandefficientlyuseequipmentandmaterialsduringtheassessmentandtreatmentofpatients3.AbilitytocommunicateeffectivelyandsensitivelywithpatientsandcolleaguesandspeaktheEnglishlanguageatalevelthatisconsistentwithcompetentprofessionalpractice4.Abilitytocommunicateinwriting:reportthephysicalexaminationresults,andtreatmentplansclearlyandaccurately5.Capacitytomaintaincomposureandcontinuetofunctionwellduringperiodsofhighstress6.Flexibilityandtheabilitytoadjusttochangingsituationsanduncertaintyinclinicalsituations7.AffectiveskillsandappropriatedemeanorandrapporttorelatetootherhealthcareprofessionalsandpatientsinadministeringqualitypatientcareBasedontheresultsofthisexam,thisstudentdemonstratestheobservation,communication,motor,intellectualandsocialabilitiestoperformintheATPatMerrimackCollege.______Yes ________No______Yes,withaccommodations(explain):__________________________________________________________________HealthcareProviderSignature:______________________________________Date:________________ImmunizationForm:https://www.merrimack.edu/about/offices_services/hamel-health-center/health-forms-requirements/


MSATCURRICULUM

SummerI.ATR5100FunctionalClinicalAnatomy(4cr)ATR5200FundamentalSkillsforAthleticTraining(4cr)ATR5150EmergencyManagementandPrevention(4cr)ATR5300ClinicalDecisionMakingI(4cr)

Year1:Fall SpringHSC5320ChronDiseasePrev(4cr) ATR6550ConceptsTher.Interven.(4cr)ATR5400ClinicalExam/DiagnosisI(4cr)ATR6400ClinicalExam/DiagII(4cr)ATR5500Phys.Agents&M.Modals(4cr)ATR6450ClinPath&MedInterven.(4cr)ATR5301ClinDecisionMakingII(4cr) ATR6300ClinDecisionMakingIII(4cr)

Year2:

ATR6350CCinHCAdmin.(4cr) ATR6750CMH5090BehavH-Care(4cr) ATR6600ResMtdsinClinPractice(4cr) HSC6200SportsNutrition(4cr)ATR6650IntrotoMedicalImaging(4cr) ATR6700SpecialTopicsHealthcare(4cr)ATR6301ClinDecisionMakingIV (4cr) ATR6302ClinDecisionMakingV(4cr)


GraduateAcademicPolicies

GraduateGradingPolicies

Althoughthegraduategradingpolicyissimilartotheundergraduatepolicy,itshouldbenotedthattheexpectationsforgraduatestudentsaremuchhigherandthereforethegradingismorerigorous.Candidatesforanygraduate-leveldegreeorcertificatemustattainafinalcumulativegradepointaverageof3.0beforethedegreeorcertificatewillbeconferred.

LetterandSpecialGradeDefinitionThefollowingletterandspecialgradesareusedacrossallgraduateprograms.PleasenotethatthisdocumentsetstheminimumstandardsfortheCollege.IndividualdegreeprogramsmayhavestricterGPAandcoursegraderequirements.

● ∙A:“A”indicatesoutstandingwork● ∙B:“B”meansthattheworkissatisfactory● ∙C:“C”(2.0)isdeemedunsatisfactoryatthegraduatelevel.Nomorethantwo

coursesattheClevel(2.0orhigher)willbecountedasacceptabletowardagraduatedegree.Studentsmaybepermittedtorepeatonlytwocourses,andmayrepeateachcourseonlyonetime.ThosewhoreceivemorethantwoClevelgradeswillbeautomaticallydismissedfromtheirprogramofstudy.“SeeRepeatPolicy”tounderstandhowtorepeatacourse.

● AnygradelowerthanaC-willnotbeacceptableforgraduate-levelworkandcannotbecountedascredittowardsthedegree.However,thegradewillbecountedtowardthegraduatestudent’sGPA.IfastudentreceivesagradelowerthanaCinarequiredcourse,thestudentwillberequiredtoretakethecourse.Acoursemayonlyberetakenonetime.Themostrecentgradewillreplacethefirstgradeandwillbefactoredintothestudent’sGPA.

● “N”indicatesanincompletecourseastheresultoffailuretocompleteallcourseworkwithinthetimeframeofthecourse.Withtheapprovalofthecourseinstructor,thestudentmaybealloweduptofourweeksfromtheendofthetermtofinishtheirwork.Uponcompletion,thegradewillbeconverted.IftheinstructorhasnotinformedtheRegistrarofanewgradebytheendofthefour-weekperiod,an“N”willconverttoan“F”(SeeIncompleteGrade).

● “H”indicatesthatthestudenthasauditedthecourseandthereforewillnothavecompletedanycourseworkandwillnotreceiveagrade

● “W”meansthatthestudenthaswithdrawnfromthecourseorthecollege● Pass/Failcoursesarenotpermissible.


GradePoints

Whilegrading,policiesmaydifferacrossprograms,thecalculationofacademicaveragesforallscholasticpurposesandpointsforeachcredithourareassignedasfollows:

A 4.0 A- 3.7 B+ 3.3

B 3.0 B- 2.7 C+ 2.3C 2.0 C- 1.7 F 0.0

CourseListingonGraduateTranscript

Thegraduatetranscriptwilllistallgraduatecoursesattemptedaswellascompleted,includingrepeatedcourses.Thetranscriptwillincludearecordofeverygraduatecoursetakenandthelettergradereceived.Whenacourseisrepeated,themostrecentgradeearnedistheoneusedtocalculateastudent’sgradepointaverage.Undergraduatecoursestakentofulfillprerequisitesbeforeorduringmatriculationinagraduateprogramwillbelistedontheundergraduatetranscriptandwillnotbecalculatedinthestudent’sGPAaverageforthegraduatedegreenorwillthecreditsbecountedtowardsthedegree.

IncompleteGrade

Occasionally,extenuatingcircumstancesleadtoaninabilitytocompleteacoursesuccessfullyduringtheregularlyscheduledtimeinwhichitisoffered.Atthediscretionoftheinstructorforthecourse,studentsmaybeabletotakeanincomplete,andcompletethecourseafterthesemesterhasended.Anincompleteisnotusedtoextendthetimeforcompletionofgeneralcourserequirements,butisrestrictedtothecompletionofalimitedrequirement,suchasafinalexaminationorpaper.(See“N”gradeabove)

RepeatPolicy

GraduatestudentsmaybepermittedtorepeatonlytwocoursesthatweretakenatMerrimackCollegeforgraduatecredit(i.e.,appliedtowardsagraduatedegree)andmayonlyrepeateachcourseonce.Beforeregisteringtoretakeacourse,studentsmustgetthewrittenapprovaloftheirprogramdirector.Bothgradeswillappearonthetranscript,butonlythemostrecentgrade,whetheritishigherorlowerthantheoriginalgrade,


willbeusedtocalculatethestudent’sgraduateGPA.AllrepeatedcoursesmustbetakenatMerrimackCollege.

ChangeofGrade

Ifthestudentthinksthatthegradingcriteriawerenotproperlyappliedorthegradeisinaccurate,thestudentmustfirstappealdirectlytothecourseinstructorassoonaspossible,butwithinsevendaysatthelatestofreceivingthedisputedgradeeitherinpersonorthroughcomputermediatedmeans(e.g.,email,anduploadingthegradetothecoursemanagementsystem).Iftheinstructoragreestoachangeingrade,theinstructormustsubmita“GradeChange”formtotheRegistrar’sOffice.Theformmustbedatedandsignedbytheinstructoraswellasthedeanoftheschoolthroughwhichthestudent’sprogramofstudyisoffered.

If,afterthatconsultation,theinstructordoesnotagreetochangethegradeandthestudentstillwishestoappealfurther,theymustfollowthegradeappealprocessdescribedinAppendixKoftheFacultyHandbook(AAUPPolicyonTheAssignmentOfcourseGradesandStudentAppeals).

GradeAppeal

(AppendixKintheFacultyHandbook)

1. Astudentwhowishestocomplainaboutagradewouldbeexpectedtodiscussthematterfirstwiththecourseinstructor,doingsoassoonaspossibleafterreceivingthegrade.

2. Theinstructorshouldbewillingtolisten,toprovideexplanation,andtobereceptivetochangingthegradeifthestudentprovidesaconvincingargumentfordoingso.(Inmostcasesthediscussionbetweenthestudentandtheinstructorshouldsufficeandthemattershouldnotneedtobecarriedfurther.)

3. If,afterthediscussionwiththeinstructor,thestudent’sconcernsremainunresolved,thestudentmightthenapproachtheinstructor’sdepartmentchairoranothermemberofthefacultywhoistheinstructor’simmediateadministrativesuperior.Thatperson,ifheorshebelievesthatthecomplaintmayhavemerit,wouldbeexpectedtodiscussitwiththeinstructor.Ifthematterstillremainsunresolved,itshouldbereferredtoanadhocfacultycommittee.

4. Theadhoccommitteewouldordinarilybecomposedoffacultymembersintheinstructor’sdepartmentorincloselyalliedfields.Thecommitteewouldexamineavailablewritteninformationonthedispute,wouldbeavailableformeetingswiththestudentandwiththeinstructor,andwouldmeetwithothersasitseesfit.

5. Ifthefacultycommittee,throughitsinquiriesanddeliberations,determinesthatcompellingreasonsexisttochangethegrade,itwouldrequestthattheinstructormakethechange,providingtheinstructorwithawrittenexplanation


ofitsreasons.Shouldtheinstructordecline,heorsheshouldprovideanexplanationforrefusing.

6. Thefacultycommittee,afterconsideringtheinstructor’sexplanation,anduponconcludingthatitwouldbeunjusttoallowtheoriginalgradetostand,maythenrecommendtothedepartmentheadortotheinstructor’simmediateadministrativesuperiorthatthegradebechanged.Thatindividualwillprovidetheinstructorwithacopyoftherecommendationandwillasktheinstructortoimplementit.Iftheinstructorcontinuestodecline,thatindividualmaythenchangethegrade,notifyingtheinstructorandthestudentofthisaction.Onlythatindividual,uponthewrittenrecommendationofthefacultycommittee,shouldhavetheauthoritytoaffectachangeingradeovertheobjectionoftheinstructorwhoassignedtheoriginalgrade.

AcademicStandardsFull-timeStatus

Agraduatestudentisconsideredafull-timestudentwhenenrolledineightormorecreditsinasingleterm.

Part-timeStatus

Agraduatestudentisconsideredapart-timestudentwhenenrolledinfewerthaneightcreditsinasingleterm.

GoodStanding

Thenecessarygradepointaverage(GPA)forastudenttobeconsideredingoodstandingforallgraduateprogramsisa3.0.Inaddition,allstudentsmusthaveallbillspaidandimmunizationsuptodateinordertocontinueingoodstanding.GraduatestudentsmustmeetthisminimumGPAinordertohavethedegreeconferredandtograduate.ThedirectorofeachgraduateprogrammonitorstheminimumprogramcumulativeGPA,andfailuretomeetthisrequirementinanytermwillresultinthestudentbeingplacedonprobation.(SeeProbationbelow.)

GraduateSatisfactoryAcademicProgressStandards

FederalregulationsrequirethatMerrimackCollegemeasureastudent’sprogresstowardsthecompletionoftheirdegreeprogram,whichiscalledSatisfactoryAcademicProgress.ThestandardsofSatisfactoryAcademicProgressapplytoallTitleIV,state,andsomeinstitutionalfunding.Youmustmeetboththequalitativeandquantitativestandardsbelow.

QualitativeStandards:SatisfactoryacademicprogressrequiresacumulativeGPAof3.0orbetterbytheendofeachsemester.


QuantitativeStandards:Studentsmustsuccessfullyearn50%oftheircumulativeattemptedcredits.Inaddition,youwillnotbeeligibletoreceivefederalfinancialaidonceyouhaveattemptedmorethan150%ofthenormalcreditsrequiredforyourdegree.Forfull-timestudentsthismeansthestudentmustcompletetheirdegreewithin1.5years.Forinstance,ifyourdegreerequires30credithours,youmaynotattemptmorethan45creditstoachievethisdegree.

Note:

● Alltransfer,summer,andwintercreditsarecalculatedtowardthesatisfactoryacademicprogressstandardwhethertakenatMerrimackCollegeoranyotherinstitution.

● GradesofF,W(includingmedical),unofficialwithdrawalorNareconsideredattempted,butnotearnedcredits.

● Studentscanrepeatcoursesasmanytimesasrequiredtopassthecourse.However,ifastudentwishestorepeatacoursetoimprovetheirgrade,theycanonlyreceiveaidforcoursesrepeatedonetime.

ReviewofSatisfactoryAcademicProgress

SatisfactoryAcademicProgressforfederalandstatefinancialaidwillbereviewedforgraduatestudentsattheendofeachsemester.Ifthecumulativegradepointaveragefallsbelowtheminimumstandardand/orthestudentfallsbehindinearnedcredits,thestudentwillbenotifiedbytheOfficeofFinancialAid,andmayappealinwritingbycompletingtherequiredprocessbelow.Oncetheappealisreceived,theOfficeofFinancialAidwillnotifystudentsoffutureeligibility.

Note:ThereviewofSatisfactoryAcademicProgressforfinancialaidpurposesisbasedonastudent’sentiregraduaterecord,evenifthestudentdidnotreceivefinancialaidduringprevioussemestersofenrollment.Thisincludesallpriorcoursework(includingremedialcourses)takenatMerrimackasanon-matriculatedstudent.

Thesecourseswillbecalculatedaspartofthequalitativeandquantitativecalculations.Ifastudentisplacedonsuspension,andwishestoappeal,theymayprovidedocumentationofcourseworkthatisnotapplicabletotheirdegreeprogram,orisaresultofchangingtheirmajor,andthesecoursesmaybeexcludedfromtheSAPcalculation.

Warning

GraduatestudentswhodonotmeettheminimumSatisfactoryAcademicProgressrequirementsforfinancialaidwillbeplacedinaWarningstatusforonesemester.StudentsareeligibletoreceivefinancialaidduringtheirWarningterm.StudentswhodonotmeetminimumSatisfactoryAcademicProgressstandardsattheendoftheirWarningtermwillbeplacedonFinancialAidSuspension.


Suspension

AfteratermonFinancialAidWarning,studentswhofailtomeetSatisfactoryAcademicProgress,asdescribedabove,willlosealleligibilityforfederalfinancialaid.StudentswillbenotifiedinwritingbytheOfficeofFinancialAidiftheyhavelosteligibility.

Appeal

StudentswhodonotmeettheminimumSatisfactoryAcademicProgressrequirementsforfinancialaidhavetheopportunitytoappealwhenspecialcircumstancesexist.Conditionswhenastudentmayappealincludedeathofarelative,injuryorillnessofthestudentorotherextenuatingcircumstances.

Inordertoappeal,astudentmustsubmitacompletedSatisfactoryAcademicProgressappealform,includingpersonalstatementandsupportingdocumentation.Inaddition,thestudentmustmeetwithTheCenterforAcademicEnrichmentortheirDean’sOfficetodevelopanacademicplan,outliningthestepsrequiredtomeetSatisfactoryAcademicProgressstandards.

Ifastudent’sappealisapproved,theywillbeplacedonfinancialaidprobation,andwillcontinuetoreceivefinancialaidwhileonprobation.Attheendofthisprobationperiod,thestudent’sacademicrecordwillbereviewedtoevaluateprogressanddeterminecontinuedeligibility.

DeniedappealswillresultinthestudentbeingineligibleforfinancialaiduntilminimumSatisfactoryAcademicProgressstandardsaremet.

AppealswillbegrantedonlyonetimeduringyourenrollmentatMerrimack.

Afteranappealisgranted,ifthestudentfailstomeetthetermsoutlinedintheiracademicplan,theywillbecomeineligibleforfinancialaiduntiltheminimumstandardsforSatisfactoryAcademicProgressaremet.Allcourses,includingsummerandtransfercourses,arecalculatedtowardSatisfactoryAcademicProgresswhethertheyaretakenatMerrimackCollegeoranyotherinstitution.

Re-establishingFinancialAidEligibility

Astudentmayregainfinancialaideligibilitybysuccessfullymeetingthecollege’sSAPpolicyrequirementsorsuccessfullymeetingtherequirementsofanestablishedacademicplan.


Probation

StudentswhofallbelowacumulativeGPAof3.0attheendofanygiventermwillbenotifiedinwritingthattheyhavebeenplacedonprobation.Acopyofthenotificationwillalsobesenttotheirdean,totheOfficeofGraduateStudies,theOfficeofFinancialAid,andtheRegistrar’sOffice.Studentswhohavebeenplacedonacademicprobationmustmeetwiththeirprogramdirectortodevelopawritten“AcademicImprovementPlan”whichspecifieshowthestudentwilladdresswhateverissueshaveledtothedeclineinGPA;theplanmustbesignedbyboththestudentandtheprogramdirector.Studentswhoarenotinaone-yearprogrammustbringtheirGPAupto3.0bytheendofthesecondtermaftertheterminwhichtheirGPAhasfallenbelow3.0andtheyhavebeenplacedonprobation.Attheendofthefirsttermafterbeingplacedonprobation,thestudentmustachieveatleasta2.5GPA;attheendofthesecondtermafterbeingplacedonprobation,thestudentmustachievethe3.0.Thus,ifattheendofthefirsttermfollowingprobationastudenthasnotyetachieveda3.0cumulativeGPAbuthasobtainedaminimumcumulativeGPAof2.5,thestudentmayremainonprobationforoneadditionalterm.Ifthestudentdoesnotachievea2.5GPAbytheendofthefirsttermfollowingprobation,thestudentwillbedismissed(seebelow).Ifattheendofthesecondtermfollowingprobationthestudentdoesnotachievea3.0.GPA,thestudentwillbedismissed.Beingonprobationmayaffectthestatusofastudent’sfellowship,internship,orassistantship.Itmayalsoaffectastudent’sfinancialaideligibility.Studentsinoneyearprogramswhofallbelowa3.0areallowedonlyonetermonprobationtobringtheirGPAupto3.0giventheacceleratednatureoftheirprogram.Studentsonprobationcantakeupto16creditsduringthesemestertheyareonprobation.

LowGradeinRequiredCourses

IfagraduatestudentreceiveslowerthanaC(2.0GPA)inacoursethatisrequiredbytheirprogram,theymustretakethecourse.IfthestudentreceivesaC(2.0GPA)orlowerforasecondtimeinthatcourse,theywillberequiredtomeetwiththeiracademicadvisorandwillbeplacedonacademicprobation.

AcademicDismissal

Ifastudent’scumulativeGPAisbelowa2.5inthetermfollowingtheassignmentofacademicprobation,thestudentwillautomaticallybedismissed.Astudentwhohascontinuedonprobationfortwoconsecutivetermsduringwhichthestudentisenrolledinclasses,butwhodoesnotattainaminimumcumulativeGPAof3.0attheendofthesecondtermofenrollmentaftertheinstitutionoftheprobationaryperiod,willbeautomaticallydismissed.Studentsmayalsobedismissedundertheacademicintegritypolicy(seebelow).


ReadmissionafterAcademicDismissal

Astudentwhoisdismissedforfailingtoremaininacademicgoodstandingmayapplyforreadmissionattheearliestafterthelapseofonetermandatthelatestafterfourconsecutiveterms.Tobereadmitted,thestudentmustpresentapetitiontotheprogramdirectorexplainingindetailhowthecausesoflowachievementhavebeencorrectedandwhatplansareinplacetoensurefutureacademicsuccess.Theprogramdirectorwillconveneanacademicboardofrepresentativesincludingatleasttwoadditionalmembersfromtheschoolinwhichtheprogramishousedtoreviewtheappeal;interdisciplinaryprogramappealswillbereviewedbyaninterdisciplinarycommittee.Astudentmaybedismissedandreadmittedonlyonetime.Aseconddismissalmaynotbeappealed.

TimeLimits/StatuteofLimitations

Degreecandidatesmustfulfillalltherequirementsforthegraduatedegreewithinsixconsecutiveyearsofthedateofmatriculation,unlesstheirprogramspecifiesamorerestrictivetimelimit.Thistimelimitensuresthatthedegreeconferredrepresentsawell-sequenced,cohesivebodyofcurrentknowledge.Alltheprogramrequirements,includingcoursework,transfercredits,independentstudies,andinternshipsmustbecompletedwithinthesix-yeartimelimit.Exceptionsmayberequestedforcasesinwhichtheprogresstodegreeisinterruptedbycircumstancesthatarebeyondcontrolofthestudentbywrittenappealtotheprogramdirectorexplaininganddocumentingthecircumstances.Finalapprovalofanyexceptionrestswiththedeanoftheschoolthroughwhichtheprogramisoffered.

WithdrawalfromtheProgram

Withdrawalisinitiatedbythestudent(exceptasnotedbelow),usuallyinconsultationwiththeiracademicadvisor.Studentsmaynotwithdrawsimplybecauseoflowgrades.Withdrawalfromtheprogramimplieswithdrawalfromallcourses,andthegraduateregulationsconcerninggradesareapplicable.Merenon-attendancedoesnotconstituteofficialwithdrawalfromtheprogram.ItisnecessarytocompleteanofficialwithdrawalformandfileitwiththeRegistrar.Theseformsareavailablefromtheprogramdirector.

Non-Attendance

Matriculatedstudentswhohavenotenrolledintwoconsecutivetermsinwhichtheytakeatleastfourcreditseachtermwillbeautomaticallywithdrawnfromtheprogramwithoutnotice;whiletheymayappealtotheprogramdirectorinwritingtobere-activated,dependingoncircumstances,theymayberequiredtoreapplywithnoguaranteeofadmission.


InternationalstudentsmustadheretotheStudentandExchangeVisitorProgram(SEVP)regulationsregardingtakingtimeoffandshouldconsultwiththeOfficeofInternationalProgramswithanyquestions.

LeaveofAbsence

Aleaveofabsenceisaperiodduringwhichthestudentmaintainstheirstatus(i.e.,isstillconsideredactiveintheprogram),butisentitledtononeoftheservicesoftheCollegethatareprovidedinreturnforthepaymentoftuitionorfees.Anapplicationforaleaveofabsencemaybefiledatanytimeduringtheacademicyearforthefollowingterm(s).Aleaveofabsencemaybeginduringaterm,providedthecompletedapplicationforleaveisfiledwiththeprogramdirectorbeforetheendofthefourth-classsession.Inthiscase,theentiretermiscountedtowardtheleave.Norefundoftuitionwillbegivenexceptasprovidedbyotherexistingregulations.

Thetotalleaveallowedastudentduringhis/hergraduateprogramistwosemesterswhichneednotbetakenconsecutively.Studentsdesiringaleaveofabsencemustcompletea“LeaveofAbsence”formavailablefromtheappropriateprogramdirectortocompletearrangementsforaleave.AdateofreturnwillbeagreeduponinadvanceandstatedontheLeaveofAbsenceform.AstudentwhofailstoreturnontheagreeddatewillbeconsideredtohavewithdrawnfromtheCollege.

AleaveofabsencemaybegrantedtoanystudentcomplyingwiththeCollegeregulations.Suchaleaveofabsencewillberevokedifthestudentincursanacademicdismissalsubsequenttothegrantingoftheleave.Studentsonleavearefullyresponsibleforreturningontheagreeddate.Noreminderswillbesenttothestudent.Aleaveofabsencedoesnotwaivethemandatorysix-yeartimelimitrequirement.Thatis,allstudentsrequestingaleaveofabsencestillmustcompletetheirprogramwithinsixyearsofthedateofmatriculation.

InternationalstudentsmustadheretotheStudentandExchangeVisitorProgram(SEVP)regulationsregardingtakingtimeoffandshouldconsultwiththeOfficeofInternationalProgramswithanyquestions.

CommencementParticipation

StudentswhohavecompletedalldegreerequirementsfortheirprogrammayparticipateintheCollege’sannualCommencementexercises.DiplomaswillbeawardedifandwhenthestudenthasbeencertifiedbytheirprogramdirectorashavingcompletedallacademicrequirementsandhasbeencertifiedbytheBursarashavingmetallfinancialobligationstotheCollege.


FinancialAidforGraduateStudentsScholarshipopportunitiesareavailableforgraduatestudentsatMerrimackCollege.Graduatestudentsenrolledatleasthalf-time(aminimumoffourcreditspersemester)mayqualifyforfinancialaidintheformofUnsubsidizedFederalDirectloans.

Forthe2019-20academicyear,GraduateDirectUnsubsidizedloanscarryafixedinterestrateof6.08percentandanoriginationfeeof1.066percent,priortoOct.1,2018and1.062percentafterOct1,2018.

Repaymentdoesnotbeginuntilafterastudentfallsbelowhalf-timeorgraduates.Graduatestudentsareeligibletoborrowamaximumof$20,500peracademicyear,oruptotheiryearlyfinancialaidcostofattendance.

StudentsmayapplyforfinancialaidbycompletingaFreeApplicationforFederalStudentAid(FAFSA)onlineatwww.fafsa.gov.

Toensureefficientprocessing,pleasecompleteyourFAFSApriortothestartofthefallsemester.PleasebesuretoaddMerrimack’sschoolcode,002120,toensureyourFAFSAisreceived.

Ifyouhaveanyquestionsontheapplicationprocessoryoureligibility,pleasecontacttheOfficeofFinancialAid:JoyceBuckley,Asst.Director.978-837-5126(P);978-837-5067(F)email:[email protected]

OpportunitiesforInternationalGraduateStudents

Internationalapplicantsmaybeeligibleforscholarships,dependingonthestrengthoftheirapplicationandthegraduateprogramforwhichtheyareapplying.Inaddition,somegraduateprogramsoffergraduatefellowshipoptions,whichhelptoabsorbthecostoftuition.Internationalstudentsarenoteligibleforfederalfinancialaid,buthavetheoptionofobtainingprivateloansand/orenrollinginaninstitutionalpaymentplan.StudentscanaccesstheGraduateStudentHandbookinitsentiretyonATrackormyMack.


COLLEGEGRIEVANCEPROCEDURES

1. Toresolveanacademicgrievance,thestudentshoulddiscussthegrievanceimmediatelywiththefacultymember(s)directlyinvolvedandattempttosettletheissue.

2. Ifresolutionisnotachieved,thestudentshouldtakethegrievancetotheChairof

theDepartmentofExerciseandRehabilitationScienceswhoshallattempttoresolvethegrievance.

3. Ifresolutionisnotachieved,thestudentshouldtakethegrievancetotheDeanof

theSchoolofHealthScienceswhoshallattempttoresolvethegrievance.4. Ifresolutionisnotachieved,thestudentcanpetitiontotheAcademicBoard,in

writingforresolutionofthegrievance.5. IfthestudentwishestoappealthedecisionoftheAcademicBoard,s/hemaydoso

bywritingtotheVicePresidentforAcademicAffairs/Provost.ThedecisionoftheVicePresidentforAcademicAffairs/Provostisfinal.

6. Throughouttheprocess,thestudentshouldconsultwithhis/heradvisorandthe

OfficeofAcademicSupportServicesforassistance.


MerrimackCollegeAcademicIntegrityPolicy

AcademicIntegrityReviewProceduresTheseprocedurescoverallcaseswherestudentsareallegedtohavecommittedinfractionsoftheacademicintegritycode.Materialsonacademicintegrityviolationswillbeconsideredaninternalandconfidentialrecord.ThesematerialswillberetainedinthefilesoftheProvost/VPAAuntilthestudentgraduatesorwithdrawsfromthecollege.Atthatpoint,thefileswillberemovedanddestroyed.Note:Allreferencesto“dean”inthefollowingproceduresaretotheinstructor’sacademicdeanunlessotherwiseindicated.ReportingtheViolationTheAcademicIntegrityCodehelpsstudentsunderstandwhatispermissibleandwhatisnotregardingacademiccourseconduct.Anyadditionalrequirementsaninstructorseekstoimposemustbespecificallypublishedandaccessibletostudentsoneitheraninstructor’scoursesyllabusand/orcoursewebsite.1.Ifaninstructorbelievesthatastudenthasviolatedtheacademicintegritycode,theinstructorwill,undernormalcircumstances,notifythestudent,allowingthestudentanopportunitytorespond.Dependingonthecircumstances,theinstructormaychoosetonotifythestudentorallyorinwriting.Athisorhersolediscretion,theinstructormaytakeavarietyofactions,includingtakingnoaction,requiringthestudenttoredotheworkorcompleteanalternativepieceofwork,givingthestudentafailinggradefortheassignmentinquestion,orgivingthestudentafailinggradeforthecourse,whichrequireswrittennotificationtothestudent.2.Whenaninstructorassignsaspenaltyafailinggradeforthecourse,theinstructormustalsoreportthematterinwritingtotheinstructor’sdepartmentchair.Ifthedepartmentchairhasquestions,thechairmayreferthematterbacktotheinstructorforfurtherdiscussionorclarification.Unlesstheinstructorwishestowithdrawtheaction,thedepartmentchairwillreportthemattertothedean.ThedeanwillnotifytheProvost/VPAA’sofficeoftheinstructor’saction.Ifthedeandecidestoimposeacollegepenalty,thensuchapenaltycanincludesuspensionorexpulsionfromthecollege.Thedeanmayrequestfurtherconsultationwiththeinstructor,thedepartmentchair,orthestudentbeforeimposingsuchapenalty3.Studentswhobelieveanacademicintegrityviolationbyothershasoccurredshouldreportthesuspectedviolationtotheinstructor.Iftheinstructordoesnotactonthereport,studentsmayalsoreportthemattertotheinstructor’sdepartmentchair,theinstructor’sacademicdean,ortotheirownacademicdeanwhowillreportthecomplainttotheinstructor’sacademicdean.Theinstructor’sdepartmentchairoracademicdeanwillinvestigateanddeterminehowtoproceed.


Appeals1.AppealingtheCourseGradePenaltyIfastudentbelievesthecoursegradepenaltyimposedbytheinstructorisinappropriate,thestudentcanappealthecoursegradethroughthenormalcollegeprocedureforresolvinggradedisputes.2.AppealingtheCollegePenalty,ifastudentbelievesthecollegepenaltyimposedbythedeanisinappropriate,thestudentmayappealthecollegepenaltytotheProvost/AcademicVicePresident.3.AppealingtheAllegation,ifastudentdeniesthatanacademicintegrityviolationhasoccurred,thedeanwillreferthemattertotheAcademicIntegrityBoard(AIB).AstudentmayalsoappealdirectlytotheAIB.Uponreceivingnoticefromthedeanthatanallegedacademicintegrityviolationhasoccurredandthestudent(s)involvedhavedeniedtheallegation,theProvost/VPAAwilldirecttheChairoftheAIBtoassembleahearingpanelconsistingoffacultyandstudentmembersoftheAIB(see“CompositionandProceduresoftheAcademicIntegrityBoard”inAppendixA).Ifseveralstudentsareinvolvedinonecase,thedeanmayrequestthatthepanelconsiderthesituationofallinvolvedstudents,evenifoneormoredonotdenyhavingcommittedanacademicintegrityoffense.Thepanelwillmakeadeterminationregardingwhetheracademicdishonestyhasoccurredandconveyitsfindingstothedean,whowilladvisethestudentandtheinstructoroftheirrightsofappeal.Thesolepurposeofthehearingpanelistodeterminewhetheranacademicintegrityviolationhasoccurred.Ifthehearingpaneldeterminesthataviolationhasoccurred,theoriginalactionoftheinstructorwillstand,subjecttodecisiononanyappealoftheboard’sfindings(see#4below,“AppealingtheFindingsoftheAcademicIntegrityBoard”).TheChairoftheAIBwillnotifyinwritingatthesametimetheinstructor’sacademicdeanandallpartiesofthehearingpanel’sfindings.Ifthestudentbelieves,nonetheless,thattheinstructor’sactionisinappropriate,thestudentmayappealthegradethroughthenormalcollegeprocedureforresolvinggradedisputes.Thegradeappealprocesswillonlyconsiderthegradeandnotreconsiderorreviewthedecisionthatanacademicintegrityviolationhasoccurred.Ifthehearingpaneldeterminesthataviolationhasoccurred,thedeanmayimposeonthestudentacollegepenalty.If,inthedean’sjudgment,therearenoextenuatingormitigatingcircumstancesandthepenaltyfortheacademicintegrityviolationassignedisexpulsionfromthecollege,thedismissalandthereasonforthedismissalmaybenotedonthestudent’stranscript.8IfthehearingpaneldeterminesthataviolationhasNOToccurred,theChairoftheAIBnotifiesinwritingtheinstructor’sdeanandallparties,atthesametime,ofthehearingpanel’sfindings.Theinstructor’sdepartmentchairwillthenrequestthattheinstructorre-gradethestudent’sworkbasedonthepremisethatnoviolationhasoccurred.Iftheinstructorrefuses,theinstructor’sdepartmentchairwillfollowthenormalcollegeprocedureforresolvinggradedisputestoresolvethematter.


4.AppealingtheFindingsoftheAcademicIntegrityBoardFindingsofthehearingpaneloftheAcademicIntegrityBoard(AIB)canbeappealedinwritingtothedeanbyeitherthestudent(s)ortheinstructorwithinfive(5)businessdays.Thereareonlytwogroundsforanappeal:(1)therewasamaterialproceduralerrorinthepanel’sreviewofthecase;(2)newevidencenotreasonablyavailabletothepanelatthetimeofitsdeliberationshascometolight.Afterreviewingtherecordsofthehearingpanel,writtenmaterialssubmittedwiththerequestforanappealofthepanel’sfindings,andtheresultsofanyfurtherconsultationswiththeparties,thedeanmayeitheraffirmthefindingofthehearingpanelorremandthecasetothehearingpanelonthebasisofeitherorbothgroundsforappeal.Ifthecaseisremandedtothehearingpanel,thepanelwillreviewandcorrectanysubstantiatedviolationofprocedureandexamineanynewevidence;itwillonceagainforwarditsfindingstothedean.Atthispoint,thedeanwillreviewthefindingstobesurethegroundsfortheappealofthehearingpanel’soriginalfindingshavebeenaddressed.Ifso,thefindingsoftheboardwillstand.RequiredEducationalProgramOncethedeterminationhasbeenmadethatanacademicintegrityviolationhasoccurred,eitherbyadmissionofthestudent(s)orfindingsofthehearingpaneloftheAcademicIntegrityBoard(AIB)andthepenaltyisnotexpulsionfromthecollege,thestudent’sacademicdean,inconsultationwiththeAIBChair,willrequirethestudenttocompleteaprogramofeducationandreflectiononthemeaningandimportanceofacademicintegrity.ThisprogramwillbedesignedbytheofficeoftheProvost/VPAAandmayincludewrittenexercises,communityservice,and/orparticipationinanintegrityeducationalprogramsupervisedbythecollege.Iftheeducationalprogramisnotcompletedinatimelyandsatisfactorymannerasdeterminedbythestudent’sacademicdean,thestudent’sdeanwillimposeaholdonthestudent’sacademicrecords,thuspreventingthestudentfromregisteringforfurthercourses,transferringcourseworktoanotherinstitution,orgraduatinguntiltheconditionsoftheeducationalprogramhavebeenmet.(AppendixACompositionandProceduresoftheAcademicIntegrityBoard)TheAcademicIntegrityBoard(AIB)istheappealsmechanismforallegationsofacademicintegritycodeviolations.Itconsistsoffacultymembersandstudents.Fromitsrankscomethemembersofahearingpanelforanycaseofallegedacademicdishonesty.Thesolepurposeofthehearingpanelistodeterminewhetheranacademicintegrityviolationhasoccurred.Thehearingprocessisaninternalcommunity-basedproceduregovernedbythepoliciesofMerrimackCollegeandislimitedtomembersoftheMerrimackCollegecommunityasdefinedbelow.MembershiptheProvost/VicePresidentforAcademicAffairs(VPAA)willconstitutethemembershipoftheAIBaccordingtotherequirementsbelow.ExceptfortheChairoftheAIB,whoisamemberoftheProvost/VPAA’sstaff,AIBmemberswillnormallyservethree-yeartermstoprovideexperienceandcontinuitytothehearingpanels.


1.AChairoftheAIBfromtheProvost/VPAA’sofficewhowillhavefacultystatus,asdefinedintheFacultySenateConstitutionandBylaws.ThejoboftheChairwillbetooverseetheacademicintegritypolicyatthecollege,includingensuringthatincomingstudentsareawareofthecode,thatthecodeiswidelydisseminatedandregularlycommunicated,workingwithfacultyandacademicsupportstaffindevisingwaysthatpromoteandsupportacademicintegrity,devisinganeducationalprogramtoaidunderstandingofacademicintegritybystudentswhohaveviolatedthecode,andoverseeingallproceduresoftheAIB,includingthetrainingofboardmembersonissuessuchasconflictsofinterest,theimportanceofconfidentiality,andhowtoassessevidence.2.Atleastfive(5)fulltimefacultywithatleastonefacultypersonfromeachofthecollege’sdisciplinarydivisions(business,humanities,scienceandengineering,socialscience)chosenbytheFacultySenate.Thefacultywillnormallyserveforthree-yearterms.3.Atleastfour(4)undergraduatestudentschosenbytheStudentGovernmentAssociationaredrawnfromeachofthecollege’sdisciplinarydivisions(business,humanities,scienceandengineering,socialscience)whohaveatleastsophomorestatus.Studentswillserveforthedurationoftheirtenureatthecollegeoruptothreeyears.Ifavacancyintheboardoccurs,theProvost/VPAAwillasktheFacultySenateand/ortheStudentGovernmentAssociationtofilltherespectivevacancy.TheHearingPanel:AhearingpanelwillbeformedfromthemembershipoftheAIBtohearcasesinvolvinganallegedbreachoftheacademicintegritycode.AnewpanelforeachcasewillbeformedbytheChairoftheAIBonthebasisofavailabilityandimpartiality.Apanelwillconsistofsix(6)membersfromthefollowingAIBmembershipcategories:theChairoftheAIB,whowillbeanon-votingmember,whowillprovidecontinuityamongthevarioushearingpanels,conveneandpresideovertheproceedings,andassurecompliancewiththerequirementsofreviewingthecomplaintatalllevelsincludingthehearingprocess;onefacultymember,preferablyfromtheschoolofthecourseinvolvedintheallegedviolation;two(2)otherfacultymembers,preferablyonefromthestudent’sschoolifdifferentfromthatofthecourseinstructor;two(2)students.TheHearingPanelReviewProcess1.WhenacaseisreferredtotheAIB,theProvost/VPAA’sofficewillasktheChairoftheAIBtoconveneahearingpaneltodetermineifaviolationhasoccurred.Normallythepanelwillbeconvenedwithinthirty(30)daysofreceiptofnotification.Iftheviolationoccurredpriortothefinalexaminthecourse,thehearingpanelwill,ifpossible,beconvenedpriortothescheduledtimeofthefinalexam.Iftheviolationisreportedduringtheexaminationperiodorbetweensemesters,thehearingpanelwill,if


possible,beconvenedwithinthirty(30)daysafterthebeginningofthenextfallorspringsemester.2.TheChairoftheAIBwillinforminwritingthestudent(s),theinstructor,theinstructor’sdepartmentchair,theinstructor’sdeanandthestudent’sdean(and,ifappropriate,anyadditionalorothercomplainant)ofthetime,place,andmembershipofthehearingpanel.TheAIBChairwilldosowithinareasonabletimetopermitadequatepreparationforthehearing.Thehearingwillnotbedelayedifastudentcannotbereachedforlackofacorrectaddressinthecollege’sstudentrecordsystem.Ifthestudentfailstoappearforthehearing,thehearingpanelwillmakeitsjudgmentonthebasisoftheevidencepresentedatthehearing,andthestudentwillforfeitanyrighttoafurtherhearingorappeal.3.Membersofthehearingpanelwilldisqualifythemselvesfromhearingacaseiftheyfeelthereisaconflictofinterestoraperceivedconflictofinterest.Adisqualifiedmemberwillbereplacedbyanothermemberofthesamemembershipcategory,ifpossible(see“TheHearingPanel”aboveforthedefinitionofcategories).Ifanothermemberofthesamemembershipcategoryisnotavailable,theChairoftheAIBwillselectanothermemberoftheAIBtofillthevacancy.Innocase,however,willthenumberofstudentsonthehearingpanelexceedtwo.IftheAIBChaircannotperformtheresponsibilitiesofchairingthehearingpaneleitherbecausethereisarealorperceivedconflictofinterestorotherspecialcircumstancethatpreventsit,thentheProvost/VPAAwillprovide11apersontoserveashearingpanelchair,preferablyapastorpresentmemberoftheAIB.Anaccusedstudentoracomplainantmayobjecttoanysinglepanelmemberassignedtothecase.TheobjectionmustbewrittenandreceivedbytheAIBChairatleasttwo(2)businessdaysbeforethehearing.Uponrulingthatachallengeisvalid,theAIBChair,afternotifyingthestudentandcomplainant,willreplacethechallengedmemberwithanotherfromthesamecategoryifpossible.Ifanothermemberofthesamecategoryisnotavailable,theAIBChairwillselectanothermemberoftheAIBtofillthevacancy.4.Thestudent(s),theinstructor,andtheinstructor’schairmayattendthehearing.Eachmay,withtheapprovaloftheAIBChair,addressthepanel.Anymemberofthepanelmayquestionthestudent(s)ortheinstructor.Thestudentmaypresentrelevantevidence,includingwitnesses,insupportofhisorherposition.Thehearingwillbeconductedatthecollegeandisclosedtothepublic(includingparents,legalguardians,andlegalcounsel).TheAIBChairwillpresidebutnotvote.Formalrulesofevidencewillnotapply.TheAIBChairmayadmitorexcludewitnessesduringthetestimonyofotherwitnessesandmayexcludeanypersonwho,intheChair’sjudgment,disruptstheproceeding.Thestudentorinstructormayeachbeaccompaniedbyastudentorfacultymemberwhoseroleislimitedtoadvisingthestudentorinstructor.Thisadvisermaynotmakestatements,examinewitnesses,orotherwiseintervene.Adviserscannotbeattorneysinanycase.


5.Thehearingpanelwilldeliberateamongthemselveswithnootherpersonspresentandmakeitsdeterminationbyconfidentialmajorityvotebasedontheevidence.Thesolepurposeofthepanelistoconsiderwhetheranacademicintegrityviolationhasoccurred.Thepaneldoesnotmakerecommendationsonissuessuchasmitigatingcircumstancesortheseverityofthepunishment.AllmaterialsanddiscussionswithrespecttoanycaseareconsideredconfidentialeducationalrecordsandareprotectedbytheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA),andanyreleaseofcasematerialsisguidedbythecollege’sFERPAguidelines.AllcommunicationsfollowtheofficialMerrimackCollegecommunicationpolicyasoutlinedintheStudentHandbook.TheminutesofthehearingorhearingsaretheresponsibilityoftheAIBChairandwillbepartoftheofficialconfidentialfiletobekeptbytheChairoftheAIBintheProvost/VPAA’soffice.Theminutesshouldincludethenamesofthestudent(s),thefacultymember,thepanelmembers,andanywitnesses,advisers,orotherindividualswhoattendedthehearing,andshouldtelltheresultofthepanel’sdecision.Theminutesshouldnotincludetheactualvotecount.TheChairmay,athisorhersolediscretion,alsosummarizeinformationthatwasbroughtupinthehearingbutthatdoesnotappearintherecord.6.TheChairoftheAcademicIntegrityBoardwillnotifyinwritingtheinstructor’sdeanandallparties,atthesametime,ofthehearingpanel’sfindings.AppendixBAcademicDishonestySanctionGuidelines(adaptedfromtheUniversityofSouthernCalifornia,http://www.usc.edu/studentaffairs/SJACS/forms/sjacs_appa.pdf).CopyinganswersfromotherstudentsonexamFforthecourse.(quiz,test,othercoursework).OnepersonallowinganothertocheatfromhisFforthecourse.orherexam(quiz,test,othercoursework).Possessingorusingmaterialduringexam(cribFforthecourse.sheets,notes,books,etc.)whichisnotexpresslypermittedbytheinstructor.TakinganexamfromroomandlaterclaimingFforthecourseandthattheinstructorlostit.furtherdisciplinaryaction.FailingtosubmitanassignmentandlaterFforthecourseand.claimingthattheinstructorlostit.furtherdisciplinaryaction.Changinganswersafteranexam(quiz,test,Fforthecourseandothercoursework)hasbeenreturned.furtherdisciplinaryaction.FraudulentpossessionofexampriortoFforthecourseandadministration.furtherdisciplinaryaction.ObtainingacopyofanexamoranswerkeyFforthecourseandpriortoadministration.furtherdisciplinaryaction.Havingsomeoneelsetakeanexam.Fforthecourseandfurtherdisciplinaryactionforbothstudents.Plagiarism.Fforthecourse.SubmissionofpurchasedtermpapersorpapersFforthecourseandwrittenbyothers.furtherdisciplinaryaction.SubmissionofthesametermpaperstomoreFforthecourseandtheoneinstructor,wherenopreviousfurtherdisciplinaryaction.approvalhasbeengiven.Unauthorizedcollaborationonanassignment.Fforthecourseforbothstudents.


STUDENTPRIVACYRIGHTS-FERPA

TheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA)(20U.S.C.§1232g;34CFRPart99)isaFederallawthatprotectstheprivacyofstudenteducationrecords.ThelawappliestoallschoolsthatreceivefundsunderanapplicableprogramoftheU.S.DepartmentofEducation.

FERPAgivesparentscertainrightswithrespecttotheirchildren’seducationrecords.Theserightstransfertothestudentwhentheyreachtheageof18orattendsaschoolbeyondthehighschoollevel.Studentstowhomtherightshavetransferredare“eligiblestudents.”Theserightsinclude:

● Studentshavetherighttoinspectandreviewthestudent’seducationrecordsmaintainedbytheschool.Schoolsarenotrequiredtoprovidecopiesofrecordsunless,forreasonssuchasgreatdistance,itisimpossibleforparentsoreligiblestudentstoreviewtherecords.Schoolsmaychargeafeeforcopies.

Astudentshouldsubmittotheregistrar,dean,headoftheacademicdepartment,orotherappropriateofficial,awrittenrequestthatidentifiestherecord(s)thestudentwishestoinspect.TheCollegeofficialwillmakearrangementsforaccessandnotifythestudentofthetimeandplacewheretherecordsmaybeinspected.IftherecordsarenotmaintainedbytheCollegeofficialtowhomtherequestwassubmitted,thatofficialshalladvisethestudentofthecorrectofficialtowhomtherequestshouldbeaddressed.

● Studentshavetherighttorequestthataschoolcorrectrecordswhichtheybelievetobeinaccurateormisleading.Iftheschooldecidesnottoamendtherecord,theparentoreligiblestudentthenhastherighttoaformalhearing.Afterthehearing,iftheschoolstilldecidesnottoamendtherecord,theparentoreligiblestudenthastherighttoplaceastatementwiththerecordsettingforththeirviewaboutthecontestedinformation.

AstudentwhowishestoasktheCollegetoamendarecordshouldwritetotheCollegeofficialresponsiblefortherecord,clearlyidentifythepartoftherecordthestudentwantschanged,andspecifywhyitshouldbechanged.IftheCollegedecidesnottoamendtherecordasrequested,theCollegewillnotifythestudentinwritingofthedecisionandthestudent’srighttoahearingre-gardingtherequestforamendment.Additionalinformationregardingthehearingprocedureswillbeprovidedtothestudentwhennotifiedoftherighttoahearing.


● Generally,schoolsmusthavewrittenpermissionfromthestudentinordertoreleaseanyinformationfromastudent’seducationrecord.However,FERPAallowsschoolstodisclosethoserecords,withoutconsent,tothefollowingpartiesorunderthefollowingconditions(34CFR§99.31):

○ Schoolofficialswithlegitimateeducationalinterest;○ Otherschoolstowhichastudentistransferring;○ Specifiedofficialsforauditorevaluationpurposes;○ Appropriatepartiesinconnectionwithfinancialaidtoastudent;○ Organizationsconductingcertainstudiesfororonbehalfoftheschool;○ Accreditingorganizations;○ Tocomplywithajudicialorderorlawfullyissuedsubpoena;○ Appropriateofficialsincasesofhealthandsafetyemergencies;and○ Stateandlocalauthorities,withinajuvenilejusticesystem,pursuantto

specificStatelaw.

TheCollegediscloseseducationrecordswithoutastudent’spriorwrittenconsentundertheFERPAexceptionfordisclosuretoschoolofficialswithlegitimateeducationalinterests.AschoolofficialisapersonemployedbytheCollegeinanadministrative,supervisory,academicorresearch,orsupportstaffposition(includinglawen-forcementunitpersonnelandhealthstaff);apersonorcompanywithwhomtheCollegehascontractedasitsagenttoprovideaserviceinsteadofusingCollegeemployeesorofficials(suchasanattorney,auditor,orcollectionagent);apersonservingontheBoardofTrustees;orastudentservingonanofficialcommittee,suchasadisciplinaryorgrievancecom-mittee,orassistinganotherschoolofficialinperformingtheirtasks.Aschoolofficialhasalegitimateeducationalinterestiftheofficialneedstoreviewaneduca-tionrecordinordertofulfilltheirprofessionalresponsibilitiesfortheCollege.

● Schoolsmaydisclose,withoutconsent,“directory”informationsuchasastudent’sname,address,telephonenumber,dateandplaceofbirth,honorsandawards,anddatesofattendance.However,schoolsmusttellstudentsaboutdirectoryinformationandallowparentsandeligiblestudentsareasonableamountoftimetorequestthattheschoolnotdisclosedirectoryinformationaboutthem.SchoolsmustnotifyparentsandeligiblestudentsannuallyoftheirrightsunderFERPA.Theactualmeansofnotification(specialletter,inclusioninaPTAbulletin,studenthandbook,ornewspaperarticle)islefttothediscretionofeachschool.


Ingeneral,theCollegewillnotreleaseinformationfromstudents’recordstoagenciesoutsidetheCollegewithoutthepriorwrittenconsentorrequestofthestudent.However,theCollegemayreleasethefollowingdirectoryinformation,withoutthepriorconsentofthestudent:

● name,address,telephonenumber,emailaddress,film,videoandelectronicimages

● dateandplaceofbirth● fieldsofstudy,academiclevelandenrollmentstatus● participationinofficiallyrecognizedactivitiesandsports,weightandheightof

membersofathleticteams● datesofattendance● degrees,honorsandawardsreceived● themostrecentpreviouseducationalagencyorinstitutionattendedbythe

student● othersimilarinformation

ThosestudentswhodonotdesirethereleaseofdirectoryinformationshouldnotifytheRegistrarinwriting.FormoreinformationonFERPA,pleasecontacttheOfficeoftheRegistrar.


TITLEIXSEXUALHARASSMENTPOLICY

MerrimackCollegeisacommunityintheAugustiniantraditionandwestrivetomaintainanenvironmentthatisconsistentwithourmissionandrespectfuloftherightsofallindividualswithintheCollegecommunity.TheCollegeaffirmsthatallmembersofthiscommunityarefreelyunitedbythisagreementinthepursuitofscholarshipandintellectualgrowth.TheCollegeandthestudentsacceptresponsibilitytowardeachotherwithinthiscommunity.Sexualmisconduct,includingsexualharassment,violatesthesacrednessofthehumanbodyandspiritandwillnotbetoleratedwithinourcommunity.Campussanctions,uptoandincludingexpulsion,mayresultfromaresponsiblefindingdeterminedthroughtheTitleIXSexualHarassmentProcess.Sexualmisconduct,includingsexualharassment,isconsideredoneofthemostseriousviolationsoftheCommunityStandardsofMerrimackCollege.ThisTitleIXSexualHarassmentPolicyisbasedondefinitionssetforthinregulationspromulgatedbytheU.S.DepartmentofEducationunderTitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsActof1972,whichalsolimitthescopeofTitleIXto,amongotherthings,conductthatoccurswithintheUnitedStatesandconductthatoccurswithintheCollege’seducationprogramoractivity.InordertoaddressincidentsofsexualmisconductthatdonotfallwithinthedefinitionofTitleIXSexualHarassment,theCollegehastwopoliciesthataddresssexualmisconduct:(1)thisTitleIXSexualHarassmentPolicy(“TitleIXPolicy”)and(2)theSexualMisconduct,RelationshipViolenceandStalkingPolicy(“SexualMisconductPolicy”)(http://catalog.merrimack.edu/content.php?catoid=5&navoid=99#Sexual_Misconduct)Thesepoliciesareinterrelatedandmustbereadtogether.TheSexualMisconductPolicyappliesonlytocertainconduct,asdefinedunderthatpolicy.Specifically,theSexualMisconductPolicyappliestoformsofsexualmisconductthatdonotfallunderthescopeoftheTitleIXPolicy,includingSexualExploitationandNon-TitleIXSexualHarassment.TheSexualMisconductPolicyalsoappliestocertaincontactthatwouldotherwisebeprohibitedundertheTitleIXPolicy(e.g.,SexualAssault,RelationshipViolence,andStalkingundertheTitleIXPolicy),butwhichmustbedismissedundertheTitleIXPolicybecausetheydonotmeetthejurisdictionalrequirements. DEFINITIONSThefollowingdefinitionsclarifykeyterminologyasusedinthisPolicy.ActualKnowledgeorNotice:TheCollegehasactualnoticeofallegedTitleIXprohibitedconductonlyifareportconcerningtheconductismadetotheCollege’sTitleIX.


Coordinator,aDeputyTitleIXCoordinator,ortooneofthefollowingCollegeofficialswhohaveauthoritytoinstitutecorrectivemeasuresontheCollege’sbehalf:TheDirectorofHumanResourcesandtheDeanofStudents.Advisorisapersonchosenbyaparty,whomaybutneednotbeanattorney,whoprovidessupportandadvicetothepartyduringanystageoftheprocesssetforthinthePolicy.Anypersonservingasaparty’sadvisorisprohibitedfrompubliclydisclosingprivateinformationlearnedduringthisprocess,includinginformationprotectedundertheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(“FERPA”)orotherstateorfederallaws.

Partiesandadvisorsareexpectedtomaintaintheprivacyandrespecttheprivacyconcernsofallpartiesandwitnessestothegreatestextentpossible.Ifanyadvisorisconcernedaboutviolatingthisassuranceofprivacytogatherevidence,theyshouldraisesuchconcernswiththeTitleIXCoordinatorimmediatelysothatitcanbeappropriatelyaddressedtoprotectthesensitivityoftheinformationwithoutlimitingtheabilityofeitherpartytofindandpresentrelevantevidence.Coercionistheuseorattempteduseofpressureand/oroppressivebehavior,includingexpressorimpliedthreats,intimidation,orphysicalforce,whichplacesapersoninfearofimmediateharmorphysicalinjuryorcausesapersontoengageinunwelcomesexualactivity.Aperson’swordsorconductcannotamounttocoercionunlesstheywrongfullyimpairtheother’sfreedomofwillandabilitytochoosewhetherornottoengageinsexualactivity.Coercionalsoincludesadministeringorpressuringanothertoconsumeadrug,intoxicant,orsimilarsubstancewiththeintenttoimpairthatperson’sabilitytoconsentpriortoengaginginsexualactivity.EducationalProgramorActivity:Locations,events,orcircumstancesinwhichtheCollegeexercisessubstantialcontrol,aswellasinanybuildingownedorcontrolledbyastudentorganizationthatisofficiallyrecognizedbytheCollege.FormalcomplaintreferstoadocumentfiledbyaReportingParty(meaningadocumentorelectronicsubmissionsuchasbyelectronicmail)thatcontainstheReportingParty’sphysicalordigitalsignature,orotherwiseindicatesthattheReportingPartyistheindividualfilingtheformalcomplaintallegingthataRespondingPartycommittedsomeformofprohibitedconductunderthisPolicy.Atthetimeoffilingaformalcomplaint,aReportingPartymustbeparticipatinginorattemptingtoparticipateintheeducationprogramoractivityoftheCollege.AformalcomplaintmaybefiledwiththeTitleIXCoordinatorinperson,bymail,orbyelectronicmail.


InlimitedcircumstanceswhereaReportingPartyisreluctanttofileacomplaint,theTitleIXCoordinatormaysubmitandsignaformalcomplaintifthecircumstanceswarrantit,butneithertheCollegenortheTitleIXCoordinatorareapartytotheprocessandboththeReportingPartyandtheRespondingPartywillbeprovidednoticeoftheallegations,assetforthbelow.Incapacitationisdefinedastheinability,temporarilyorpermanently,togiveconsent,becauseanindividualismentallyand/orphysicallyhelpless,unconscious,orunawarethatthesexualactivityisoccurring.Thismayormaynotbeduetoalcoholorotherdrugs.PartyorpartiesrefertotheReportingPartyandtheRespondingParty.PreponderanceoftheEvidence:TheCollegeusesthepreponderanceoftheevidencestandard(i.e.,itismorelikelythannotthatthereportedincidentand/orbehaviorviolatedCollege


Merrimack’sCommitmenttoDiversity,EquityandInclusion

MerrimackCollege’sfoundingvaluesofteaching,learningandservinginformtheinstitution’sunwaveringcommitmenttodiversity,equityandinclusion.Weworkonbuildingandnurturingaculturally,raciallydiversecommunity,anchoredinintersectionaljusticeandrespectforallidentitiesanddifferences.Itisourduty,asaninstitutionofhigherlearningandfaith,tocontinuouslyaskourselveshowwewillmaketheworldabetterplaceandhowwillwebetterthelivesofothers.Todothis,wemustlisten.Wemustlearn.Wemustpursueprogress.Andmostofall,wemustopenourheartsandminds.

Diversity,EquityandInclusionGoals

● Tointegratediversity,equityandinclusion(DEI)intoallaspectsofcampuslife● Tofacilitatecoordinationandcollaborationamongallperspectivesoncampus● Toprovideongoingeducationandtrainingforfaculty,staffandstudents● TofocusonDEIinrecruiting,hiringandretentionoffaculty,staffandstudents● Toenhancesupportforstudents,facultyandstafffromunderrepresentedgroup

● ProgramsandInitiatives● Merrimackhasbeenfocusedonadvancingdiversity,equityandinclusionformore

thanadecade.Oureffortshaveledtothecreationofparticularprogramsandinitiativestailoredtoincreaseaccessandtopromotediversityandinclusion.


AcademicAccommodationsThefirststeptorequestingacademicaccommodationsis

tocompleteouronlineform:

REQUESTINGACADEMICACCOMMODATIONSNextSteps

Whathappensinmyfirstmeeting?

ThismeetingisacollaborativeconversationbetweenyouandanAccessibilityServicesstaffmember.Themaingoalsaretodevelopyourpersonalizedaccommodationplan,learnabouthowtoutilizeyouraccommodationsatMerrimack,beintroducedto

technologythatmightbehelpful,andhavetheopportunitytobeconnectedtooneofusasyoursuccesscoach.

OnceIamregistered,amIallsetforallfouryearsatMerrimack?

● YouonlyneedtoregisterandhaveanintakemeetingoncewithAccessibilityServices

● You’reresponsibletorequestyouraccommodationplanthroughoursoftwareeachnewsemester.

● Accommodationplanscanbeupdatedatanypointinyouracademiccareer.YoucanmeetwithanAccessibilityServicesstaffmembertodiscussyourconcerns.

Someexamplesofpotentialaccommodationsinclude:

● Testingaccommodations● Alternativeformattextandinformationaboutassistivetechnology● Note-takingsupportandaudiorecording


EligibilityandDocumentationTobeeligibleforservices,studentsmusthaveadisabilityasdefinedbytheSection504oftheRehabilitationActof1973,theAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990andthe

ADAAmendmentsActof2008.

WhatisthedefinitionofdisabilityundertheADA?

ItisimportanttorememberthatinthecontextoftheADA,“disability”isalegaltermratherthanamedicalone.Becauseithasalegaldefinition,theADA’sdefinitionofdisabilityisdifferentfromhowdisabilitymaybedefinedundersomeotherlaws.

TheADAdefinesapersonwithadisabilityasapersonwhohasaphysicalormentalimpairmentthatsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivities.Thisincludespeoplewhohavearecordofsuchanimpairment,eveniftheydonotcurrentlyhavea

disability.

WhatfactorsdoestheAccessibilityServicesOfficeconsiderinitsdeterminationofaccommodations?

Thereisnoone-to-onecorrespondenceofdisabilitytoaccommodation.Thisisaninteractiveprocesswhichevolvesthroughaseriesofconversationsandreviewof

documentation.

Weconsideryourdisability,history,experience,requestandtheuniquecharacteristicsofMerrimack’scourses,programsandrequirementsinordertodeterminereasonable

accommodations.

Iamlookingforacademicaccommodations.WhatarethegeneralguidelinesfordocumentationthatIshouldprovide?

● Documentationshouldbesignedanddatedfromalicensedand/orcredentialedprofessionalandonletterhead.

● Documentationmustbecurrent(testingissuggestedtobewithinthepastthreeyearsandpsychologicaldocumentationwithinthepastoneyear).

● Documentationistypicallyintheformofanassessment(eitherneuropsychologicaltestingoracademicachievementtesting).Theassessmentshouldincludethefollowing:

● Acleardiagnosticstatementidentifyingthedisabilityandaclinicalsummaryofstrengthsandfunctionallimitations.

● ArecentIndividualizedEducationalProgram,a504Planand/oranyotherevaluationsandreportsarewelcomebutareofteninsufficientasstandalonedocumentation.


Whatifmydisabilityisnotbestsupportedbyneuropsychologicaltestingand/oranIEP/504?

HowcanIregisterwithAccessibilityServices?

● Documentationshouldbesignedanddatedfromalicensedand/orcredentialedprofessionalandonletterhead.Thismustbeamulti-paragraphlettertoourofficeincludingthefollowinginformation:

○ Howlongandinwhatcapacitytheyknowyou○ Yourdiagnosis○ Yoursymptoms○ Howitimpactsacademics○ Recommendationsforaccommodationsincollege○ Anyotherrelevantinformation

I’venevertakenaforeignlanguageorIamveryconcernedabouttakingalanguageatMerrimack.

Isthereanaccommodationforalanguagewaiver?

● HavinganaccommodationthatallowsastudenttotakeasubstitutioncourseinsteadofaforeignlanguageisveryrareinhighereducationasitisamodificationofcurriculumwhichismoreakintotheIDEAlawinelementaryandsecondaryeducationthantheADAlawinhighereducation.Wewillconsidereachstudentindividuallybutpleaseunderstanditisratherunlikelytobeapprovedforthisasareasonableaccommodation.

● Pleaseindicateifyouwouldliketobeputontherequestlist.RequestsforthisrareaccommodationarereviewedsemesterlyviatheForeignLanguageSubstitutionCommittee,beforethenextroundofregistration.Yourdocumentationwillbereviewedthoroughlyaswellashighschoolrecordsprovidedtoadmissions.Wewouldletyouknowifthereismoredocumentationneededtocompletethereview.

● RegardingPlacementExams:Ifyouwishtobeconsideredforthisaccommodation,youshouldstilltaketheplacementexamifyoutookanypartofalanguagebefore.Ifyou’venevertakenalanguagebefore,youshouldbeabletoindicatethatorskipthetest.Ifyouarenotapprovedandskippedthetest,youwillbeexpectedtotaketheplacementtestbeforeyousignupforalanguage.


GrievanceProcedureAnystudentwhobelievestheservicesthathavebeenreceivedareunsatisfactoryhastherighttofileacomplaintwithMerrimack’sADAComplianceOfficer,JodiRachins.IfthecomplaintinvolvesJodiRachins,pleaseforwardyourcomplainttoPeterEllard,

DeanofStudentSuccessandAcademicSupport.

Additionaldocumentationmayberequestedonceacomplainthasbeenfiled.Acommitteewillreviewthereportandreachadecision.If,atthattime,thestudentremainsdissatisfied,thestudentmayfileacomplaintwiththeU.S.Departmentof

Education,OfficeforCivilRights.


CLINICALEDUCATIONREQUIREMENTS

GoalsoftheAthleticTrainingClinicalExperience:TheAthleticTrainingProgramatMerrimackCollegeisdesignedtoeducatestudentsinthedevelopmentofessentialdutiesandresponsibilitiesoftheAthleticTrainer.TheprimarypurposeofthefieldexperienceistoprovideappropriatesettingsfortheprogressiveadvancementofAthleticTrainingknowledgeandskillsincooperationwithCAATE2020StandardsandGuidelines.ThesecompetencieswilldevelopthroughobservationandcoactiveworkwithAthleticTrainers,physicians,andotherAlliedHealthCareproviders.ItisimportanttobefamiliarwithallNATAperformancedomainsandcompetencies(asdelineatedintheBOCRoleDelineationStudy).DomainofAthleticTraining1.Injury/illnesspreventionandwellnessprotection–Educatingparticipantsandmanagingriskforsafeperformanceandfunction.2.Clinicalevaluationanddiagnosis–Implementingstandardevaluationtechniquesandformulatingaclinicalimpressionforthedeterminationofacourseofaction.3.Immediateandemergencycare–Employingstandardcareproceduresandcommunicatingoutcomesforefficientandappropriatecareoftheinjured.4.Treatmentandrehabilitation–Reconditioningparticipantsforoptimalperformanceandfunction.5.Organizationalandprofessionalhealthandwell-being–Understandingandadheringtoapprovedorganizationalandprofessionalpracticesandguidelinestoensureindividualandorganizationalwell-being.NATAAthleticTrainingEducationCompetencies5thEd:ContentAreas1.EvidenceBasedPractice2.PreventionandHealthPromotion3.ClinicalExam/Diagnosis4.AcuteCare5.TherapeuticIntervention6.PsychosocialStrategiesandReferral7.HealthcareAdministration8.ProfessionalDevelopmentandResponsibility


ProgrammaticCosts:StudentsintheAthleticTrainingProgramatMerrimackCollegemayincuradditionalcostsassociatedwithhis/herclinicaleducationexperience.Additionalexpensesmayincludecostsassociatedwithtraveltooff-campusaffiliatedclinicalsites,dresscoderequirements,andCriminalBackgroundChecks.

MSATProgramSpecificCosts

NATAMembership $85.00yearlyfee

ATrackMembership $90.00lifetimefee

CriminalBackgroundChecks(CORI) $75.00-$100.00

Transportation/ParkingClinicalSites Variesbasedonsite

Immunizations Varies

BOCExamination/ApplicationFee $35.00

BOCExamination/ExaminationFee $300.00

CPRCertification $5.00


CLINICALEDUCATIONEXPERIENCEPOLICIESANDPROCEDURES:

ThefollowingliststhepoliciesandproceduresallAthleticTrainingStudentsmustadhereto:1.AllclinicalhoursmustbeappropriatelydocumentedonATrack.StudentsarerequiredtoobtainhoursperclinicalexperiencecoursesasstipulatedonClinicalDecision-Makingcoursesyllabi(ATR5301,ATR6300,ATR6301,&ATR6302)A.StudentResponsibility:Itistheresponsibilityofthestudenttokeepaccuraterecordsofhoursaccumulated.HoursshouldberecordedonadailybasisandapprovedbythepreceptorviaATrack.Forgingofhoursisanexampleofacademicdishonestyandissubjecttodisciplinaryaction.(Pleaseseetheacademicintegritypolicy)B.Preceptor’sResponsibility:Preceptor’sareresponsibletoreviewATrackandverify/approvestudent’sclinicalhoursbytheendofeachweek.2.AllpatientexposureswillberecordedanddocumentedinATrackasoutlinedinallClinicalDecisionMakingcoursesyllabi(ATR5301,ATR6300,ATR6301,&ATR6302).Studentsareresponsibleforcompletingpatientexposureseachweekwhenattheirassignedclinicalsite.C.Hourstobe“counted”towardclinicalexperience/fieldexperience:1.TimespentintheAthleticTrainingFacility/ClinicalSite2.Timespentprovidinghealthcaretoathletes/patients3.Timespentpreparingforandprovidinghealthcareatathleticcontests/practices4.Timespentdevelopingskillsandproficiencies 3.AthleticTrainingStudentsshouldreporttotheAthleticTrainingFacilityonehourpriortopracticeinordertopreparetheathletesforeachpracticesession.Forgames,theAthleticTrainerwilldesignatethetimeinwhichstudentsmustreporttotheAthleticTrainingFacility.Itistheresponsibilityoftheathletictrainingstudent,tomakesurethattheathletictrainingkitsarestockedandthattheyarefamiliarwiththelocationofsuppliesineachkit.4.AthleticTrainingStudentsareexpectedtoarrivepromptlyattheirclinicalsitebytheassignedtime.Allathletictrainingstudentswhoarriveattheirclinicalassignmentmorethan10minuteslateareconsideredtardy.Eachepisodeoftardinessisconsideredanoffenseandissubjecttothedisciplinaryactiondescribedin#105.WhileprovidingmedicalcareatpracticesandgamestheAthleticTrainingStudentmustbeattentiveandalertatalltimes.TheAthleticTrainingStudentisresponsibleforsupplyingiceandwater,andprovidingcareandtreatmenttoathletesunderthedirectsupervisionoftheirpreceptor.


HOMEWORKSHOULDNOTBEDONEDURINGPRACTICEORGAMES.6.AthleticTrainingStudentsareexpectedtocompleteaninjuryevaluationformforeachinjuryassessed.ItisalsoexpectedthattheAthleticTrainingStudentwillfilloutallpertinentformsandinformationrelatedtotherehabilitationoftheinjuredathleteonadailybasisincombination/undertheguidanceoftheAthleticTrainer.7.IntheeventofCollegeorNCAADrugTestingofthestudentathletes,AthleticTrainingStudentsmaybeaskedtoassistthemedicalstaff.8.TheAthleticTrainingStudentassignedtoapreceptor/sportforaspecificseasonisexpectedtoattendpracticesandgamesaspermissiblebyclassschedule.TheAthleticTrainingStudentwillonlybeabletotravelwiththeathleticteamwhenaccompanyinganAthleticTrainer.Onroadtrips,teamrulesfortheathletesalsoapplytotheAthleticTrainingStudent.Theserulesmayincludepoliciesregardingconduct,dresscode,curfews,etc.9.Clinicalassignmentswillbemadeapproximatelyfourweekspriortothestartoftherotation.Itistheresponsibilityofthestudenttomakearrangementsintheiracademicandoutsideemploymentschedules,aswellastransportationtooff-campussiteswhennecessary.AllATSARERESPONSIBLEFORTHEIROWNTRANSPORTATION.10.AthleticTrainingstudentswillbeformallyevaluatedbytheirPreceptoratthemid-termandendofsemesterforeachclinicalexperienceviaATrack.11.AllAthleticTrainingStudentsarerequiredtostrictlyfollowallpoliciesandprocedurespresentedinthismanualandasspecifiedbytheirpreceptor.AnyviolationofthesepolicieswillresultindisciplinaryactionfromtheAthleticTrainingStaffand/ortheClinicalEducationCoordinatorasfollows:FirstOffense:VerbalwarningSecondOffense:WrittenwarningtotheAthleticTrainingStudent(thiswillincludethebehaviortobecorrected)ThirdOffense:Gradedroppedafulllettergradew/documentationintheStudent’sfileFourthOffense:AthleticTrainingStudentwillberemovedfromtheclinicalassignmentandawardedafailinggrade*AthleticTrainingStudentsareallowedthreeexcusedabsencesfromtheirclinicalassignment.Morethanthreeexcusedabsencesorotherinfractionswillresultindisciplinaryactionasdescribedabove.AthleticTrainingStudentsmayberemovedfromtheirclinicalassignmentatanytimeatthediscretionoftheAthleticTrainingFaculty.


ATHLETICTRAININGFACILITYRESPONSIBILITIES

AthleticTrainingStudentsareexpectedtobeaccountablefortheirclinicalrotation.Thismeansadheringtoascheduleandnotifyingyourpreceptorifyouwillnotbepresentinadvanceforyourabsence.NotonlyisyourclinicalexperienceintheAthleticTrainingFacility/ClinicalSiteimportantforyoureducation,butalsothestudent-athletes,patientsandpreceptorsthataredependingonyoutobepresentincoordinatingtheappropriatelearningopportunities.GeneralDuties/Responsibilities:1.Communicationwiththepreceptoronadailybasis.2.Arrivedailybeforestudentathletetreatmenttimeandstayuntiltreatmentsarecomplete.

● Treatmentsshouldnotbealteredunlessdirectedtodosobyacertifiedathletictrainerorphysician

● Absolutelynoself-treatmentsbyapatient/athleteareallowed3.LearnandunderstandtheAdministrativesideofAthleticTraining:Makerecordkeepingapriority.Thisincludes:

● Documentinginjuries,evaluations,progressnotesandtreatments● Completinginsuranceclaimformsasneeded

4.Takecareofallstudentathletesregardlessoftheteamintheorderoftheirarrivalintotheathletictrainingfacility.Ifoneofyourathletesarriveslate,he/shemustwaithis/herturn.5.AlwaysworktobecomeskillfulinallcompetenciesandproficienciesfromClinicalDecisionMakingandLaboratoryCourses

● Usefreetimetoworkonskillsandcompetencies.(Hands-On)● Nohomeworkfromanyclassshouldbeperformedintheathletictraining

facility.6.Cellphoneuseisstrictlyprohibitedunlessinanemergencysituation.Cellphonesshouldbestowedawayandnotbeusedwhileatyourclinicalsite.7.Confidentialityofstudentathletes/patientsandinjuriesisoftheutmostimportance.Undernocircumstanceshouldtheirinjuriesbediscussedoutsidethehealthcarefacility.8.Noathletictrainingstudentispermittedtoadministermedicationuntilreceivingapprovalfromapreceptor.9.Helptokeeptheathletictrainingfacilitystockedandclean


ClinicalFieldExperienceVariousclinicalaffiliationshavebeensetupandestablishedbyMerrimack’sAthleticTrainingProgramtoexposeATStothemanyrolesandareasofemploymentfortheCertifiedAthleticTrainer.ThesesettingswillintroducetheATStoawidevarietyofAlliedHealthCareProfessionals.PleaseseethemostcurrentlistingofapprovedclinicalsitesandtheclinicaleducationplanontheMSATwebpageorfromtheClinicalEducationCoordinator.ClinicalSites:https://www.merrimack.edu/academics/health-sciences/graduate/athletic-training/clinical-affiliations.phpClinicalEducationPlan:https://www.merrimack.edu/academics/health-sciences/graduate/athletic-training/clinical-education-plan.phpClinicalSettings:BaptistOutpatientRehabilitationFacility,Dedham,MAMassachusettsGeneralHospital/HomeBaseFoundation,Watertown,MABostonChildren’sHospital/MicheliCenter,Waltham,MAExcelOrthopaedics,Woburn,MAPediatric/HighSchoolSetting:AndoverHighSchool,AndoverMABrooksSchool,NorthAndoverMAEssexTechnicalSchool,DanversMAHaverhillHighSchool,Haverhill,MALowellHighSchool,Lowell,MAReadingHighSchool,Reading,MASalemHighSchool,SalemNHCollegiate/UniversitySettings:AssumptionCollege,Worcester,MABostonCollege,Chestnuthill,MACollegeoftheHolyCross,Worcester,MATuftsUniversity,Medford,MAHarvardUniversity,Cambridge,MAUMASSLowell,Lowell,MAUniversityofRhodeIsland,RI


ATHLETICTRAININGPROGRAMAFFILIATEDSITEAGREEMENT

ThisAgreementismadethis__________dayof_________,2020byandbetweenMerrimackCollege("Merrimack"),315TurnpikeStreet,NorthAndover,MA01845and______________(the“Facility”)(together,the"Parties")andiseffectiveuponexecutionbybothParties.WHEREAS,MerrimackandtheFacilitydesiretocooperateinthearrangementofaClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgramforMerrimackstudent(s)intheAthleticTrainingProgram,whoispreparingforpractice/certificationinthefieldofathletictraining(the“Student”);WHEREAS,theFacilityhasthefacilities,equipment,andpersonneltoprovidethenecessaryclinicalexperience;NOWTHEREFORE,forthemutualcovenantsandobligationsbelowandothergoodandvaluableconsideration,thereceiptofwhichherebyisacknowledged,thepartiesagreeasfollows:

1.ThetermoftheAgreementwillbeSeptember1st2019–August31st2020andwillterminateupontheStudent’scompletion,withdrawal,orexpulsionfromtheprogram.

2.TheStudenttakingpartintheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgramwillbeenrolledintheMastersofScienceinAthleticTrainingatMerrimack.

3.ClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgramhourswillbemutuallyagreeduponbyMerrimack,FacilityandStudent.

4.PriortothecommencementoftheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgram,Merrimack’sAthleticTrainingProgramDirectororClinicalEducationCoordinatorwillcontacttheFacility’sAthleticTrainerandpresentthisproposalfortheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgramwhichhasbeenapprovedbyMerrimackandwhichisinaccordancewithspecificguidelines.ThespecificresponsibilitiesoftheFacilityaredelineatedintheAthleticTrainingStudentsPoliciesandProceduresManual.


5.Merrimack,bystatute,hastheresponsibilityforawardingdegreesandthedeterminationofthecurriculumleadingthereto.MerrimackisresponsiblefortheadministrationofthecourseandwillprovidetheFacilitywiththewrittenguidelinesfortheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgram.TheFacilityagreesnottomakeanychangesinthecourseofstudyand/ortrainingwithoutconferringwithMerrimack.MerrimackshallinformtheFacilityoftheleveloftrainingthestudentshavereceivedpriortothisplacement.MerrimackshallprovidetheFacilitywithcurrentinformationaboutMerrimack’scurriculumandclinicaleducationgoals.

6.TheFacilityagreestoinformbothMerrimackandtheStudentconcerningtheStudent’slevelofclinicalgrowthandcompetenceandtocompleteoneormoreevaluationreportsonformsprovidedbyMerrimack.TheevaluationprocesswillbecompletedduringameetingbetweenthesupervisorandStudent.

7.TheFacilityhasbeenreviewedbyMerrimackandhasbeendeemedtohavethenecessaryfacilities,equipmentandmaterialsfortheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingprogramoftheStudent.AnychangesintheserequirementswillbepresentedtotheFacility.TheFacilitymaychoosetocomplywiththeadditionalrequirementsorterminatethisAgreementwithoutpenalty.

8.MerrimackandtheFacilitywilleachassignoneoftheirstaffmemberstocoordinatetheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgramandtoserveasaliaison.

9.MerrimackreservestherighttomakevisitationstotheFacilityattheconvenienceoftheAthleticTrainingProgramDirectorortheClinicalEducationCoordinatortomonitortheperformanceoftheStudentintheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgram.

10.WhileparticipatingintheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgram,theStudentwill:

a.ObserveallrulesandregulationswithintheFacility,whichpromotesthequalityofcareandwhichpertainstothewelfareandcomfortofthepatient.b.DressaccordingtoMerrimackandtheFacilitydresscode.c.Receivenomonetarycompensation.d.BeresponsibletotheAthleticTrainerinchargeofthedepartmenttowhichtheStudentisassigned.e.Maintainconfidentialityofallinformationcomingtohis/herattention.f.AbidebytheCharter,Bylaws,rulesregulationsandsupervisionofFacilitypersonnel.g.HavehealthinsuranceandprovideproofofcoveragetotheFacility.

11.Intheeventofinjuryorillness,anymedicaltreatmentnecessaryfortheStudent,whileparticipatingintheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgram,shallberenderedbytheFacilityorathirdparty,attherequestoftheStudentandtheStudent’shealthinsurershallbefinanciallyresponsibleforsuchtreatment,consistentwiththeterms


oftheStudent’shealthinsurancepolicy.TheFacilitywillnotifyMerrimackintheeventofaStudent’sinjuryorillness,butassumesnoliability.

12.ItisunderstoodthattheultimateresponsibilityofpatientcareisretainedbytheFacility.

13.MerrimackwillcarryprofessionalliabilityinsurancewhichcoverstheStudentparticipatingintheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgram.

14.TheFacilitywillprovideacertificateofinsuranceevidencingitsgeneralliabilitycoveragetoMerrimack.

15.EachPartyagreestoindemnifyandholdharmlesstheotherPartyanditssuccessors,assigns,directors,officers,trustees,employees,andanyotherpersonforwhomanyofthemmaybelegallyresponsible,totheextentpermittedbylaw,fromandagainstanyclaims,costs,actions,suits,judgments,damages,liabilities,losses,orexpensesincluding,withoutlimitation,reasonableattorneys’fees,expertwitnessfees,andotherconsultantfees,whichariseorareassertedagainstorimposeduponorincurredbythePartyseekingindemnificationasaconsequenceofanynegligentorwrongfulactoromissionbythePartyfromwhomindemnificationissought,exceptsuchclaimsresultingfromthegrossnegligenceandwillfulmisconductoftheotherParty.ThisSectionshallsurvivetheexpirationorterminationofthisAgreement.

16.TheFacilitywillensurethatallstudentsofMerrimackAthleticTrainingProgramwillreceivesupervisionfromtheFacilityCertifiedAthleticTrainer.SupervisionasdefinedbyCAATE’s2020StandardsandGuidelines:“Supervisionoccursalongadevelopmentalcontinuumthatallowsstudentstomovefrominterdependencetoindependencebasedonthestudent’sknowledgeandskillsaswellasthecontextofcare.Preceptorsmustbeon-siteandhavetheabilitytointerveneonbehalfoftheathletictrainingstudentandpatient.Supervisionalsomustoccurincompliancewiththestatepracticeactinwhichthestudentisengaginginclient/patientcare.

Furthermore,theFacilitywillnottreattheStudentasaCertifiedAthleticTrainerallowingtheStudenttoworkwithouttheFacility’sCertifiedAthleticTraineronthepremiseortraveltoawaycontestswithouttheFacility’sCertifiedAthleticTrainer.

17.EitherpartymayterminatethisAgreementuponninety(90)dayswrittennoticetotheotherprovidedthatanysuchterminationornotificationshallnotpreventaStudentthenintheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgramfromcompletingthecourseinstruction.

18.AnyStudentmaybeterminatedfromtheClinicalFieldWorkTrainingProgramifsupervisorypersonneloftheFacilitydeemtheStudent’sperformanceorconductnotbeinthebestinterestoftheFacility.


19.AllpartiestothisagreementunderstandthatalldecisionsregardingtheStudentwillbemadewithoutregardtorace,sex,color,gender,nationalorigin,religionorhandicaps.

20.StudenteducationalrecordsareprotectedbytheFamilyEducationRightsandPrivacyAct(“FERPA”).FacilityshalltakeallcommerciallyreasonablemeasurestoprotectthePersonalInformationofStudentsconsistentwithFERPA.Accordingly,FacilityagreestoensurethatwrittenpermissionisobtainedfromtheStudentbeforereleasingStudentdatatoanyoneotherthantoMerrimack.MerrimackshallprovideguidancetoFacilityasneededwithrespecttocomplyingwithFERPA.21.ForceMajeure:NopartyshallbeliableforanyfailuretoperformitsobligationsunderthisAgreementwheresuchfailureisproximatelycausedbycircumstancesoreventsnotreasonablyinthecontrolofeitherParty,including:Actsofnature(includingflood,fire,storm,tornado,earthquake,hurricaneandothernaturaldisasters),war,terrorism,riot,epidemic,pandemic,laborstrikeandotherindustrialdispute,orbyanylaw,regulation,order,orotheractionbyanypublicorregulatoryauthority.

Signed:______________________________________Date:___________________MerrimackCollegePresidentorrepresentativeSigned:______________________________________Date:__________________MerrimackCollegeAthleticTrainingProgramDirectororClinicalEducationCoordinatorSigned:______________________________________Date:___________________Facility’sPresident/SuperintendentorrepresentativeSigned:______________________________________Date:___________________Facility’sDirector/MedicalDirectorSigned:______________________________________Date:___________________FacilityAthleticTrainer(Preceptor)


APPEALPROCESSCLINICALPLACEMENT1.Ifanathletictrainingstudentisunabletofulfillthecommitmenttotheassignedrotation,theClinicalEducationCoordinatormustbenotifiedinwritingdetailingthereasonswithinoneweekoftheposting.TheAthleticTrainingProgramDirector,ClinicalEducationCoordinatorandtheappropriatePreceptorswillreviewtheappeal.Studentswithsoundreasonsforchangesintheirassignmentswillhavetheopportunitytobereassignedtoarotation,whichisnotinconflict.Studentswhosimplychoosenottoacceptanassignmentwillbedismissedfromtheprogram.2.StudentswishingtoappealanydisciplinaryactionsmustnotifytheAthleticTrainingProgramDirectorinwritingdetailingthereasonsfortheirbehavior.

Transportation

StudentTransportation:StudentswhoareintheMSATprogramaredirectlyresponsibleandmustprovidetheirownreliabletransportationtoandfromaffiliatedoffcampusclinicalsites.Studentsareresponsibleformileageandparkingfeesassociatedattheirclinicalsite.

StudentTraveltoClinicalSitesDuringInclementWeatherIntheeventthatMerrimackCollegeisclosedalloffcampus,responsibilitiesaresuspended.Intheeventofhazardousroadconditions,eachindividualATSmustdetermineiftheyfeeltheycansafelytraveltotheirclinicalsite.IfanATSdeterminesitisunsafe,theyaretocontacttheirpreceptorandinformthem.IftheATSisunsureoftheirsafety,thentheySHOULDNOTdrive.TheATSwillcallthepreceptortoinformthemtheywillnotbeabletoattend.ItistheATS’sresponsibilitytoreschedulethemissedassignmentifnecessary.IntheeventtheATS’sassignedclinicalsiteisclosedduetoinclementweather,theATSisNOTrequiredtoattend.


(CORI)CRIMINALBackgroundChecks/(SORI)SexOffenderRegistryInformationCRIMINALBACKGROUNDCHECKSCriminalbackgroundchecksarerequiredbythemajorityofclinicalsites.Inorderforastudenttobeeligibletoparticipateinclinicaleducationopportunitiesthatinvolvepotentialunsupervisedcontactwithchildren,thedisabled,ortheelderly,thestudent/staffmembermayberequiredtoundergoaCriminalOffenderRecordInformation(CORI)checkand/oraSexOffenderRegistryInformation(SORI)check.MSATStudentsfoundtohavecertaincriminalconvictionsorpendingcriminalactionswillbepresumedineligibletoparticipateinsuchactivities.MerrimackCollegehaspartneredwithCastleBranchtoofferComplianceTracker,BackgroundChecks,DrugTestingifrequestedbytheclinicalsite.


MerrimackCollege-AthleticTraining(Immunizations)

InstructionsforOrderPlacement

Whenyouplaceyourinitialorder,youwillbepromptedtocreateyoursecuremyCBaccount.FromwithinyourmyCB,youwillbeableto:

✔Viewyourorderresults✔Uploadandstoreimportantdocumentsandrecords

✔Managerequirementsspecifictoyourprograms✔Completetasksasdirectedtomeetdeadlines

✔Placeadditionalordersasneeded.

Toplaceanorder,gotomycb.castlebranch.com

Inthe“PlaceOrder”field,enterthefollowingpackagecodespecifictoyourorganization:IX80im:

ComplianceTracker

Duringorderplacementyouwillbeaskedforpersonalidentifyinginformationneededforsecurityorcompliancepurposes,includingyourPersonalIdentificationNumber(PIN).Supplyingaccurateandcomprehensiveinformationisimportanttothespeedinwhichyourorderiscompleted.

TheemailaddressyouusewhenplacingyourorderwillbecomeyourusernameforyourmyCBandwillbetheprimaryformofcommunicationforalertsand

messages.

YoucanrespondtoanyactivealertsorTo-DoListitemsnow,orreturnlaterbyloggingintoyourmyCB.Youwillreceivealertsif

information is needed to process your order. Access yourmyCB anytime to view order status and completed results.AuthorizedusersatyourorganizationwillhaveaccesstoviewyourcompliancestatusfromaseparateCastleBranchportal.


YourmyCBServiceDeskisavailabletoassistyouviaphone,chatandemail

Monday-Thursday8:00am-8:00pm&Friday8:00a.6:30p.m.&Sunday10am-6:30pmEST888-72STATEMENTOFCONFIDENTIALITY

I,__________________________,asastudentintheAthleticTrainingProgramatMerrimackCollegeagreetokeepanyandallinformationregardingtheinjuryand/orillnessofanystudentathleteoftheCollegeandorassociatedclinicalsiteandthemedicalrecordsofanyandallstudent-athletes/patientsstrictlyconfidential.Thisincludesbutisnotlimitedto,informationregardingthetypeofinjury/illnesssustained,therapeutictreatment,medicationsprescribed,statusforcompetitionandlimitationsregardingparticipation.Thisinformationisnottobediscussedwithindividualswhoarenotauthorizedbythestudent-athlete/patienttoreceivesuchinformation.Thediscussionofsuchinformationwillbelimitedtothestudent-athlete,athletictrainer,andathletictrainingstudent,andmaybeinitiatedonlyintheprocessofperformingone’sdutiesandresponsibilities.Questionsrelatedtoastudent-athlete’sinjury/illnessortheathlete’sstatusforparticipationistobedirectedtothefull-timeathletictrainingstaff.Informationregardingastudent-athlete’sinjury/illnessorstatusforparticipationisnottobediscussedorreleasedtootherathletes,membersofthepress,otherstudents,friends,orrelatives.Ialsoagreenottodiscloseanyofthefollowinginformationwithouttheconsentofthestudentathleteandtheapprovalofthesupervisingathletictrainer:name,telephonenumber,address,socialsecuritynumber,dateofbirth,majorfieldofstudy,andacademicclassification.Thereleaseofconfidentialinformationtounauthorizedpersonsisconsideredtobeaseverebreachoftrustwithrespecttotherelationshipbetweentheathletictrainingstaffandthestudent-athlete,aviolationoftheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyActof1974,asamended,andasviolationoftheHealthInsurancePortability&AccountabilityAct(HIPAA)of1996.Ifitisdiscoveredthatanathletictrainingstudenthasviolatedthispolicy,thenappropriatedisciplinaryactionwillbetaken.__________________________________ _____________AthleticTrainingStudentSignature Date__________________________________ _____________Witness Date


EmergencyCardiacCareCertification

AllMSATStudentswillbecertifiedinCPR/AEDfortheHealthcareProviderthroughtheEmergencyCareSafetyInstitute(ECSI)duringATR5150EmergencyCare&Prevention.AthleticTrainingStudentswillbecertifiedinCPRfortheHealthcareProviderduringthesummertermIpriortoparticipatinginanyclinicaleducationexperiences.Studentsareresponsibleforthecost($5.00)ofthecompletioncards.Recertificationcourseswillbeofferedthroughtheprogramforthecostofacompletioncertificate($5.00).

EMERGENCYPROCEDURESATSshouldreceiveawrittencopyoftheirclinicalsitesEmergencyActionPlan(EAP).ThepreceptorandATSshoulddiscusstheATS’srolesandresponsibilitiesintheeventthatanemergencysituationarises.AllclinicalaffiliatedsitesEAP’scanbefoundonATrack.TheEAPshouldbereadilyaccessibleattheclinicalsite.ProcedurestobediscussedInjuriesinvolvinganyoftheconditionslistedbelowareconsideredpotentiallyseriousandneedimmediatemedicalattention:● cessationofbreathingand/orpulse● severebleeding● severefractureordislocation(compound)● headorspinalinjury● heatstroke● severeasthmaattack● severeallergyattack


PREVENTIONOFTRANSMISSIONOFBLOOD-BORNEPATHOGENS(OSHA)

Asahealthcareprofessional,youareexposedtoinfectiousdiseasesthatarebornebybloodandotherbodilyfluids.TheCentersforDiseaseControlrecommendthat“UniversalPrecautions”befollowedbyallhealthcareprofessionals.UniversalPrecautionsarethestandardizedproceduresthatarecarriedoutwhendealingwithpotentiallyinfectiousmaterial(blood,bodilyfluids,cerebrospinalfluids,etc.).Itisimportantthatyoubecomeknowledgeableaboutprotectionandadheretothefollowingrules.1.Routineuseofbarrierprecautionstopreventskinandmucousmembraneexposurewhencontactwithbloodandotherbodilyfluidsisanticipated.Glovesmustbewornfortouchinganypotentiallyinfectiousmaterial,non-intactskin(i.e.,abrasions,dermatitis),andforhandlingitemsorsurfacessoiledwithbloodorbodilyfluids.Glovesmustbechangedaftercontactwitheachstudent/athlete.Allsoileditems(gauze,Band-Aids,gloves,etc.)mustbeplacedintheredbiohazardwastebags/trashbin.2.Handsandotherskinsurfacesshouldbewashedimmediatelyandthoroughlyifcontaminatedwithbloodorotherbodilyfluids.Handsshouldbewashedafterglovesareremoved.Ifanyathletictrainingstudentisexposedtoanypotentiallyinfectiousmaterial,he/sheshouldreporttheincidenttoastaffathletictrainerimmediately.3.SurfacescontaminatedwithbloodshouldbecleanedwithCavicideorasolutionmadefromonetotendilutionofhouseholdbleach.4.Precautionsshouldbetakentopreventinjuriescausedbyneedles,scalpelsandothersharpinstrumentsordevices.Topreventneedlestickinjuries,needlesshouldnotberecapped,purposelybentorbrokenbyhand,removedfromdisposablesyringesorotherwisemanipulatedbyhand.Allneedles,scalpelsandothersharpinstrumentsaretobeplacedintheredsharpscontainerimmediatelyafteruse.5.AlthoughsalivahasnotbeenimplicatedinHIVtransmission,theathletictrainingstudentshoulduseaCPRshieldfoundineachkittoperformmouth-to-mouthresuscitation.6.Athletictrainingstudentswhohaveexudativelesionsorweepingdermatitisshouldrefrainfromalldirectpatientcareuntiltheconditionresolves.7.Soiledlinen(towels,wraps,slings,etc.)mustbeplacedinredbiohazardbags.8.Donoteat,drinkorhandlecontactlensesinenvironmentsinwhichexposuretobloodorpotentiallyinfectiousmaterialmayoccur.


9.Intheathleticsetting,UniversalGuidelinesshouldbeconsideredintheimmediatecontrolofbleedingandwhenhandlingbloodydressings,scalpelsandotherarticlescontainingbodilyfluids.AllathletictrainingstudentsarerequiredtocomplywiththeseproceduresatMerrimackCollege,atahostsite,andateachclinicalsite.10.Intheeventofanexposuretoabloodbornepathogentheathletictrainingstudentshouldinformtheirpreceptorimmediatelyoftheexposure.TheMSATstudentshouldalsomaketheClinicalEducationCoordinatorawareoftheexposure. (All exposures should be documented utilizing the “Blood borne pathogens exposure report form).11.AthletictrainingstudentswillbetrainedannuallyonOSHAguidelinesandregulationsinATR5150&ATR6301.Copiesoftrainingdates/programswillbemaintainedintheAthleticTrainingProgramDirector’sofficeineachindividual’sfile.


Blood borne pathogens Exposure Report Form

Name: _________________________ DOB: ______________________ Date of Incident: ___________________ Time: _____________________ Location of Incident: ___________________________________________________________ Name(s) of injured person(s): __________________________________ Name(s) of designated first aid responders who rendered assistance: Did an exposure occur? Yes: _______________ No: __________________ Briefly describe the incident: _________________________________________________ Type and source of blood borne pathogen: ___________________________ Type of care (if any) received (ie., vaccination): _______________________


REGULATIONSREGARDINGHEPATITIS-BVACCINATION

Hepatitisisaninfectionoftheliver,whichmaybecausedbyanumberofdifferentviruses,includinghepatitisB.HepatitisBcanbefoundinalmostallbodyfluidsincludingblood,saliva,tearsandurineofsomeoneinfectedwiththevirus.Therefore,itcanbetransmittedthroughcuts,scrapes,orbreaksintheskinormucousmembrane.ThoseinfectedwiththehepatitisBvirusmayshownosignsofliverdisease,butcanstilltransmitittoothers.TherearenotreatmentsordrugstokillthevirusandthehepatitisBvaccineisrecommendedforhealthcareproviderssuchasathletictrainers.Thevaccineisaseriesofthreeinjectionsoveraperiodof6months.AsrequiredbyMassachusettsStateLaw,MerrimackCollegemandatesthateachstudentintheHealthScienceProgramsobtainaHepatitis-Bvaccination.


STUDENTILLNESSPOLICYONCOMMUNICABLEDISEASESMerrimackCollegerecognizestheimportanceofminimizingtheexposureofathletesorpatientsinaclinicalsettingtocommunicablediseases.Therefore,itisrecommendedthatathletictrainingstudentsnotreporttotheirclinicalsiteiftheyhaveactivesignsorsymptomsofacommunicabledisease.(Acommunicablediseaseisdefinedasadiseasethatmaybetransmitteddirectlyorindirectlyfromoneindividualtoanother.Diseasessuchasstreptococcal(sorethroat)andinfluenzacanbespreadbydischargefromthenoseorthroat,eitherbyadropletthroughairorbycontactwithobjectscontaminatedbythesedischarges.Theycanbespreadbycasualcontactthatoccursintheschoolorclinicalenvironment.)AthleticTrainingStudentsaretoimmediatelynotifytheirPreceptoroftheirstatusandanestimateofhowlongtheywillneedtobeabsentfromtheirclinicalassignment.Itistheoptionoftheathletictrainingstudentwhetherornottoseekmedicalattentionwhentheyhavecommunicablediseasesymptoms,butseekingsuchattentionisstronglyrecommended.AthleticTrainingstudentsarestronglyadvisedtoreporttotheHamelHealthCentertobeseenbyaphysicianorthestudentmayusetheirownfamilyphysicianiftheysodesire.Oncethestudentseeksmedicalattention,thatstudentisrequiredtofollowtherecommendationsandguidelinesofthatphysician(bringingwrittendocumentationtotheirPreceptor).Asamatterofpolicy,studentswithactivecommunicablediseasesarenotallowedintheclinicalsettinguntiltheirhealthhasbeenrestored.

Handwashing/HygieneSanitationprecautionsinthehealthcaresettingiscriticalinreducingthespreadofgerms,infections,diseasesandillnesses.Thefirstlineofdefenseagainstandthesinglemosteffectivewaytopreventthespreadofinfections,diseases,andillnessesishandwashing.Allstudentsareexpectedtotakeappropriatesanitationprecautionswhenintheclinicalsetting.Allclinicalsettingswillprovidethestudents,staff,andpreceptorstheabilitytocleantheirhandsbeforeandafterpatientencounters.AllMSATstudentsshouldhabituallywashtheirhandsbetweenpatientencounters.Whenasinkisimmediatelyunavailablestudentsshoulduseanappropriatehandsanitizerconsistingof70%ofethylalcohol.PleaseseethelinkprovidedfromtheCDConappropriatehandwashing.https://www.cdc.gov/cdctv/healthyliving/hygiene/fight-germs-wash-hands.html


Calibration&EquipmentMaintenance/InspectionAthleticTrainingStudentswillbeexposedtoavarietyoftherapeuticinterventionslocatedintheSportsMedicineLab(301)aswellasavarietyofclinicalaffiliatedsites.Studentsshouldnotusethesemodalitiesonactualpatientsuntiltheyhavereceivedformalinstructiononthemodality’sapplicationduringclassorwiththeirassignedpreceptor.AthleticTrainingstudentsshouldonlyusetherapeuticmodalitiesthathavebeenappropriatecalibratedandinspected.Studentsshouldlookforavalidcalibrationsticker/tagpriortousingthesemodalities.IntheeventthatthemodalityhasnotbeencalibratedorinspectedATSshouldrefrainfromusingthemodalityanddiscusswiththeirpreceptorregardingthesafetyandefficacyofthemodality.

RadiationPolicy

BasedonthenatureoftheclinicalsiteorsupplementalexperienceMSATstudentsmightbeatriskforpotentialradiationexposure.Exposuremayoccurinathletictraining/healthcarefacilitiesthathaveaccesstofluoroscopy,x-rayorotherdiagnosticimagingdevices.AllMSATstudentswillhaveaccesstoleadvestsuponrequestaswellasradiationmonitoringtools.Riskcanbefurtherminimizedbymaintainingadistanceof6feetwhileanimagingunitisoperational.AllMSATstudentsshouldfollowthedirectionsoftheirpreceptor/healthcareproviderinminimizingtheirexposuretoradiation.


NATIONALATHLETICTRAINERSASSOCIATIONFoundationalBehaviorsofProfessionalPracticeThesebasicbehaviorspermeateprofessionalpracticeandshouldbeincorporatedintoinstructionandassessedthroughouttheeducationalprogram.PrimacyofthePatient

⬥Recognizesourcesofconflictofinterestthatcanimpacttheclient’s/patient’shealth⬥Knowandapplythecommonlyacceptedstandardsforpatientconfidentiality.⬥Providethebesthealthcareavailablefortheclient/patient.⬥Advocatefortheneedsoftheclient/patient.TeamApproachtoPractice⬥Recognizetheuniqueskillsandabilitiesofotherhealthcareprofessionals.⬥Understandthescopeofpracticeofotherhealthcareprofessionals.⬥Executedutieswithintheidentifiedscopeofpracticeforathletictrainers.⬥Includethepatient(andfamily,whereappropriate)inthedecision-makingprocess.⬥Workwithothersineffectingpositivepatientoutcomes.LegalPractice⬥Practiceathletictraininginalegallycompetentmanner.⬥Identifyandconformtothelawsthatgovernathletictraining.⬥Understandtheconsequencesofviolatingthelawsthatgovernathletictraining.EthicalPractice⬥ComplywiththeNATA’sCodeofEthicsandtheBOC’sStandardsofProfessionalPractice.⬥UnderstandtheconsequencesofviolatingtheNATA’sCodeofEthicsandBOC’sStandardsofProfessionalPractice.⬥Complywithothercodesofethics,asapplicable.AdvancingKnowledge⬥Criticallyexaminethebodyofknowledgeinathletictrainingandrelatedfields.⬥Useevidence-basedpracticeasafoundationforthedeliveryofcare.⬥Appreciatetheconnectionbetweencontinuingeducationandtheimprovementofathletictrainingpractice.⬥Promotethevalueofresearchandscholarshipinathletictraining.


⬥Disseminatenewknowledgeinathletictrainingtofellowathletictrainers,clients/patients,otherhealthcareprofessionals,andothersasnecessary.CulturalCompetence⬥Demonstrateawarenessoftheimpactthatclients’/patients’culturaldifferenceshaveontheirattitudesandbehaviorstowardhealthcare.⬥Demonstrateknowledge,attitudes,behaviors,andskillsnecessarytoachieveoptimalhealthoutcomesfordiversepatientpopulations.⬥Workrespectfullyandeffectivelywithdiversepopulationsandinadiverseworkenvironment.Professionalism

⬥Advocatefortheprofession.⬥Demonstratehonestyandintegrity.⬥Exhibitcompassionandempathy.⬥Demonstrateeffectiveinterpersonalcommunicationskills.


ATHLETICTRAININGSTUDENTDRESSCODE:

AthleticTrainingisahealthcareprofessionandthemannerinwhichyoudressshouldexpressthis.Thisincludesappropriateattire(listedbelow),maintenanceofgoodhygiene.Itisalsoimportantyourclothingchoicebefunctionalaswell.Studentsshoulddressinaprofessionalmannerandcommunicatewiththeirpreceptortounderstandtheappropriateexpectationsbasedontheirspecificclinicalsite.Thefollowingservesasageneralguidelineforallstudents.StandardAttire(Yoursite/preceptorwilldetermineappropriateattireforthesite): Polo,t-shirtorsweatshirtwithMCgraphicsorblank Sweater,buttondownshirtorblouse Dresspants/Chinos Dressshorts/Chinos(minimum5”inseam) Sneakersoraclosedtoecasualshoe NametagAllstudentswillreceiveaMerrimackCollegeAthleticTrainingNameTag.Ifanametagislostitisthestudent’sresponsibilitytopurchaseanewoneatacostof$12.50.Replacementnametagscanbepurchasedfrom:ReadingTrophyandShirt660MainStreet,Reading,MA(781)944-7171Inorderforpatients/clientstodifferentiatestudentsfromcredentialedhealthcareproviders,studentsmustweartheirassignednametagsatalltimeswhileattheirclinicalsite.ThenametagwillidentifythestudentasaMasterofAthleticTrainingStudentatMerrimackCollege.InappropriateAttire Jeansorjeanshorts Shortshortsorgymshorts Yogaorspandexpants Opentoeshoesor“high-heels” Clothingwithripsortears Clothingpromotingalcohol,druguseorinappropriatelanguage Hats(outdooruseonly)Ifstudentsdonotwearappropriateattire,theywillbesenthometochange.


GameDay(indoors)Checkwiththepreceptorpriortogamesforwhatisappropriategamedayattire. Basketball: Men:DressShirtandslacks Women:SlackswithsweaterorblouseGameDay(outdoors)FunctionalclothingasstatedaboveTravelCheckwiththeassignedpreceptorforwhatisappropriatetravelattireaseachteammaybedifferent.


PROFESSIONALORGANIZATIONS

NATAPROFESSIONALORGANIZATION

Membershipsinprofessionalorganizationsinstillsasenseofprofessionalism,aidsininteractionwithpeersandmedical&healthcareprovidersandprovidestheAthleticTrainingStudentwithauniqueopportunitytolearnaboutcurrentissuesandresearchpertainingtoathletictraining.Allstudentsareencouragedtoattendconferencesandseminars/lectures,particularlyeventssponsoredbytheNationalAthleticTrainersAssociation(NATA),AthleticTrainersofMassachusetts(ATOM)andtheEasternAthleticTrainersAssociation(EATA).NationalAthleticTrainersAssociation.TheNATAwasformedin1950.Ithasgrowntremendouslyoverthepastseveralyears.TheNATApromotescontinuingeducationthroughthepublicationofaquarterlyjournal,TheJournalofAthleticTraining,aswellas,annualnationalconventionsandregionaleducationalforums.TheNATAMissionStatementisasfollows:ThemissionoftheNationalAthleticTrainers’Associationistoenhancethequalityhealthcareforthephysicallyactiveandadvancetheprofessionofathletictrainingthrougheducationandresearchintheprevention,evaluation,managementandrehabilitationofinjuries.Scholarshipsareavailableyearlytoqualifiedstudentmembersoftheorganization.*AllAthleticTrainingStudentsenrolledintheprofessionalMaster’sDegreeProgramarerequiredtobecomeactivestudentmembersoftheNATA.https://www.nata.org/membership/about-membership/join-or-renew*AllAthleticTrainingStudentsarerequiredtosubscribetoATrackandmaintainavalidsubscriptionthroughouttheirtenureintheMSATProgram.https://www.atrackonline.com/site/indexAthleticTrainersofMassachusetts.Studentsarealsoencouragedtobecomemembersofthestateorganization,ATOM.,Inc.thismembershipfeeprovidesaquarterlynewsletterwithinformationonworkshopsandconferencesofinteresttoathletictrainers.


NationalAthleticTrainers’AssociationCodeofEthicsPrinciple1:Membersshallrespecttherights,welfareanddignityofallindividuals.1.1Membersshallnotdiscriminateagainstanylegallyprotectedclass.1.2Membersshallbecommittedtoprovidingcompetentcareconsistentwithboththerequirementsandthelimitationsoftheirprofession.1.3Membersshallpreservetheconfidentialityofprivilegedinformationandshallnotreleasesuchinformationtoathirdpartynotinvolvedinthepatient'scareunlessthepersonconsentstosuchreleaseorreleaseispermittedorrequiredbylaw.Principle2:Membersshallcomplywiththelawsandregulationsgoverningthepracticeofathletictraining.2.1Membersshallcomplywithapplicablelocal,state,andfederallawsandinstitutionalguidelines.2.2MembersshallbefamiliarwithandadheretoallNationalAthleticTrainers'Associationguidelinesandethicalstandards.2.3Membersareencouragedtoreportillegalorunethicalpracticepertainingtoathletictrainingtotheappropriatepersonorauthority.2.4Membersshallavoidsubstanceabuseand,whennecessary,seekrehabilitationforchemicaldependency.Principle3:Membersshallacceptresponsibilityfortheexerciseofsoundjudgment.3.1Membersshallnotmisrepresentinanymanner,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,theirskills,training,professionalcredentials,identityorservices.3.2Membersshallprovideonlythoseservicesforwhichtheyarequalifiedviaeducationand/orexperienceandbypertinentlegalregulatoryprocess.3.3Membersshallprovideservices,makereferrals,andseekcompensationonlyforthoseservicesthatarenecessary.Principle4:Membersshallmaintainandpromotehighstandardsintheprovisionofservices.


4.1Membersshallrecognizetheneedforcontinuingeducationandparticipateinvarioustypesofeducationalactivitiesthatenhancetheirskillsandknowledge.4.2Memberswhohavetheresponsibilityforemployingandevaluatingtheperformanceofotherstaffmembersshallfulfillsuchresponsibilityinafair,considerate,andequitablemanner,onthebasisofclearlyenunciatedcriteria.4.3Memberswhohavetheresponsibilityforevaluatingtheperformanceofemployees,supervisees,orstudentsareencouragedtoshareevaluationswiththemandallowthemtheopportunitytorespondtothoseevaluations.4.4MembersshalleducatethosewhomtheysuperviseinthepracticeofathletictrainingwithregardtotheCodeofEthicsandencouragetheiradherencetoit.4.5Wheneverpossible,membersareencouragedtoparticipateandsupportothersintheconductandcommunicationofresearchandeducationalactivitiesthatmaycontributeknowledgeforimprovedpatientcare,patientorstudenteducation,andthegrowthofathletictrainingasaprofession.4.6Whenmembersareresearchersoreducators,theyareresponsibleformaintainingandpromotingethicalconductinresearchandeducationalactivities.Principle5:Membersshallnotengageinanyformofconductthatconstitutesaconflictofinterestorthatadverselyreflectsontheprofession.5.1Theprivateconductofthememberisapersonalmattertothesamedegreeasisanyotherperson'sexceptwhensuchconductcompromisesthefulfillmentofprofessionalresponsibilities.5.2MembersoftheNationalAthleticTrainers'AssociationandothersservingontheAssociation'scommitteesoractingasconsultantsshallnotuse,directlyorbyimplication,theAssociation'snameorlogoortheiraffiliationwiththeAssociationintheendorsementofproductsorservices.5.3Membersshallnotplacefinancialgainabovethewelfareofthepatientbeingtreatedandshallnotparticipateinanyarrangementthatexploitsthepatient.5.4Membersmayseekremunerationfortheirservicesthatiscommensuratewiththeirservicesandincompliancewithapplicablelaw.


AddendumA

COVID-19Policies&Procedures

COVID-19Policies&Procedures

AllMSATstudentsareexpectedtofollowallMerrimackCollegePoliciesandProceduresregardingCOVID-19whenoncampus.ThemostrecentCOVID-19handbook(Spring2021canbeaccessedusingthefollowinghyperlink.https://www.merrimack.edu/live/files/3822-return-to-campus-handbook

AllquestionsrelatedtoCOVID-19shouldbedirectedtothefollowingemailaddresstaskforce@merrimack.edu.MSATstudentsshouldcomplywithallpoliciesandproceduresregardingCOVID-19whenintheclassroom&laboratorysettingsinO’ReillyHall.MSATstudentsaretofollowallCOVID-19policiesandproceduresoutlinedattheirclinicalsiteandshouldfollowalldirectionsfromtheirpreceptors.MSATstudentsarestronglyencouragedtokeepasparefacecoveringandhandsanitizerintheirfannypacksatalltimes.StudentsshoulduseappropriatePPEandutilizeappropriatehygienemeasurestomitigatetheriskofexposure.


COVID19ClassroomProcedures

SectionIEnteringtheClassroom● TheclassroomdoorsinO’ReillyHallwillbeproppedopenpriortothestartof

eachclassperiod.● AllstudentsmustadheretoMerrimack’sFaceCoveringPolicywhileoncampus.

Studentswhodon’thave/wearafacecoveringwillnotbepermittedintheclassroom.

● Studentswillsanitizehandsuponentering&reenteringtheclassroom.● Studentswilldisinfecttheirpersonalspace(desk,table,chair)etc.priortothe

startofeachclass.

SectionIISelection/AssignmentofLaboratoryPartners● Allhands-onskillslimitedtoonelabpartnerinfixedpairs;onetriadif

necessary.● Whenpossible,preferenceistokeeppairstoroommatesorotherswhowould

normallyhaveclosesocialcontactwhen/wherepossible.Studentswillhavethesamelaboratorypartnerforthedurationofthecourse.

SectionIIIGeneralLaboratoryRules● Alltrashshouldbedisposedofintheappropriatereceptacles● NoFoodorDrinkwillbepermittedinthelab● Allindividualsplayakeyroleinmaintainingthecleanliness&sanitizationofthe

labs.● Cleansealllabsurfaces,instruments,equipment,doorhandlesandlightswitches

atthestartandconclusionofalllabsessionswithappropriatesanitizingwipes.● Limitingpersonalitems(backpacks,waterbottles,lunchboxes)–limitedsizing

toa‘carryon’conceptwhichmusthangoffthebackofastandarddeskchair.● Identifyacheck-instation/tableintheclassroomfordailylabmaterials(needed

forcleaningpreandpostlabusage)


SectionIVInstructorResponsibilities

● WheninO’Reilly201and210Onlyinstructorsorteachingassistantswillnavigatetheanatomagetables

● WheninO’Reilly301OnlyinstructorsorteachingassistantswillnavigatetheSIMULATION-Mannequin

● Priortothestartofeachcoursetheinstructorwillwipedownthecomputerconsole,podiumetc.(personalspace)withtheappropriatesanitizingwipes

● Onlynecessaryequipmentshouldbemadeavailable;allothermaterialsandequipmentshouldbeappropriatelystored.

● Allanatomicalmodels,skeletons,labequipmentetc.(includinganatomage,SIMULATORSand/orotherlargeequipment)willbecleansedwiththeappropriatedisinfectantaftereachuse.

● Aftersanitizing,instructorsshouldturnoffthelightsandlocktheclassroomdoorsattheconclusionofeachclass.

SectionVStudentResponsibilities● Priortothestartofeachclassstudentswillcleantheirareas/personalspace

(desk,table,chair)withtheappropriatedisinfectantwipes.● Studentswillweargloveswhenworkingwithanatomicalmodels.● Gloveswillbewornwhenpalpatingbonylandmarksandsurfaceanatomyon

laboratorypartners.● Allanatomicalmodels,skeletonsand/orlabequipmentetc.willbewipedwith

theappropriatedisinfectantaftereachuse.● Studentswillwashhands/usehandsanitizerattheendofeachofsession

SectionVITeachingAssistantResponsibilities

● Allanatomicalmodels,skeletons,labequipmentetc.willbewipedwiththeappropriatedisinfectantaftereachuse.

● Cleansealllabsurfaces,instruments,equipment,doorhandlesandlightswitchesatthestartandconclusionofalllabsessionswithappropriatesanitizingwipes

● AttheconclusionofeachlaboratorysessiontheTAwillmoveallmodelstothedesignatedstagingareaforappropriatesterilization

● Equipmentusedthroughoutdaywillremaininthestagingareaforelectrostaticspray(atendofday)


SectionVIICleaningMaterials/PPE

● AlllabswillbestockedwiththefollowingdisinfectantsuppliesandPPE: Sink HandSoapDispenser PaperTowelDispenser SanitizingWipeDispenser RollingPlexiglassInstructorBarriers


Revised6/24/2020

LaboratoryChecklist

DepartmentalProcedureTitle

MerrimackCollegeSHSLaboratorySpaces“Opening”orSet-upandClosingChecklist

Procedure

KeyWords Checklist,openingandsetupoflabspaces,closingoflabspaces,cleaning,disinfecting,sanitizing,equipmentandsupplymanagement,trainingevents,learningexperiences.

PurposeoftheProcedure/ProcedureStatement:Thisprocedureguidesthestepsrequiredforthe“opening”orset-up,andclosingprocedureforlearningexperiencesfacilitatedinthelaboratoryspacesoftheSHS.ItappliestoSHSFacultymembersanddesignatedTeachingAssistants(TA)facilitatingorassistingtofacilitatelearningexperiencesintheLaboratoryspacesoftheSHS.“Opening”orSet-up

�Opendoorsandturnonlights.

�Ensurethereareenoughpapertowelsatthesinks,andsetoutthegloves

�Anyequipmentthathasbeenleftoutinthe“stagingarea”aspartofthepreviouslaboratorysanitizingeffortsistobeputawaypriortothesetupandstartofthenextlaboratory.

�Onlyequipmentneededforthescheduledlaboratoryexperiencewillbeavailableforusebylearnersandfaculty.

�Setup“stagingarea”fornextlaboratoryinadditiontolabsuppliesrequiredforscheduledevent.

🗇Confirmavailabilityofcleaning,disinfecting,and/orsanitizingsolutions/productsforuseduringandafterthelab.Closing


�Alltrashistobedisposedofintheappropriatereceptacles,

�Allunusedsuppliesaretobeleftattheendoftheexamtable,workstation,orbedsidetable(nursingcenter)attheendofeachtraining.�Environmentalsurfacesandobjectsthataretouchedoften,suchaschairs,desks,countertops,doorknobs,lightswitches,computerkeyboards/monitors,hands-onlearningitems,faucethandles,phonesaretobesanitizedattheendofeachsession.�Workstations,examtablesand/orbeds/siderailsandbedsidetables(nursingcenter)aretobewipeddownwithsanitizingproductsprovidedineachlaboratoryspace.Chairsaretobereplacedagainstthetablesineachroom.�Labequipment,manikins,models,andtheanatomagetablearetobecleansedaccordingtomanufacturer'sguidelines.Theaboveequipmentistobethendisinfectedandsanitizedandlefttoairdryinthestagingareaattheendofthetraining.Monday–Fridayintheevenings,labstaffand/orinstructorsmaydesignateanareawherelabequipmentcanbeplacedsothatcustodialstaffmayspraywithelectrostaticsanitizingsprayers.Allsuchareasshouldbeclearlylabeledforspraying.Ifnotlabeled,sanitizingsprayingwillnotbeperformed.

�Whenleaving,thedoortothelaboratoryspaceshouldbeclosedwiththelightsturnedoffanddoorslocked.

Documents

ATS Policies & Procedures (Handbook)