Curriculum Philosophy, Key Elements, Goals & Objectives

Curriculum Philosophy

The curriculum prepares graduates to enter the doctoring profession of physical therapy for initial practice as generalist practitioners within primary physical therapy care. Primary physical therapy care is: 1) centered on the patient/client as well as family members and other caregivers, 2) culturally competent, 3) evidence-based and outcome oriented, 4) focused around movement for participation, and 5) implemented across the lifespan. The curriculum prepares graduates to promote, maintain, and improve the health of individuals, communities, and patient populations.  To provide this care, the curriculum prepares graduates to partner with the patient/client/family/caregivers and to collaborate with other health care professionals. The curriculum also emphasizes the future roles of graduates as leaders in the profession.

Knowledge: Clinical Decisions are Based on Critical Thinking, Clinical Reasoning, and Current Best Evidence

Clinical decisions begin with a focus that guides the student to consciously adopt the patient/client and family/caregiver perspectives. Decisions are based on knowledge that includes the realms of foundational sciences, behavioral sciences, clinical sciences, and clinical practice. Decisions are shaped by an understanding of movement across the lifespan and perspectives of disablement and enablement. Decisions are patient-centered, guided by moral and ethical reasoning, and are based on current best evidence.

Values and Attitudes: Professional and Ethical Values and Attitudes

Professional and ethical values and attitudes result in behaviors that are consistent with the doctoring profession and the core values of physical therapist practice.

Ethical behaviors include the ability to reflect, address, and resolve competently the ethical issues confronted during clinical practice and research. These values and attitudes provide the basis for interacting with individuals and communities and are the stimulus for lifelong learning and contribution to the physical therapy profession.

Skills: Professional Clinical Skills

Professional clinical skills are needed for physical therapy screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, intervention, and assessment of outcomes. These skills reflect the integration of critical thinking, evidence-based practice, psychomotor skills, and interpersonal skills needed for the delivery of physical therapy care, including advocacy, social responsibility, and consultation.

The learning environment should facilitate the development of knowledge, values and attitudes and skills that will serve students during their educational experience and in addition will facilitate their development as self-directed and life-long learners. To this end, the body of knowledge is presented within a format that emphasizes active engagement in the classroom and laboratories, experiential learning, self-reflection, and self-assessment.

Curricular Key Elements

Throughout the curricular plan, key elements of trans-curricular processes and content are interwoven to prepare students to assume multifaceted roles in patient-centered care. These key elements are:

•           Patient centered care

•           Evidence based practice and clinical reasoning

•           Movement for participation

•           Teamwork and collaboration

•           Quality improvement and safety

Curriculum

Oversight of the Curriculum

The Physical Therapy Faculty as a whole is responsible for the overall design, implementation, evaluation, and ongoing reform of the curriculum that is consistent with previously established goals, objectives, and learning principles of the Physical Therapy Program.

The Curriculum Committee is responsible for curriculum development, ongoing curriculum assessment, and oversight to the entry-level curriculum. This committee is comprised of a faculty member who serves as the chair, the Director of Clinical Education, additional faculty members representative of each of the three major clinical tracks (medicine, neurological, and musculoskeletal physical therapy), other faculty at the discretion of the Program Director, and student members. The committee meets at least bi-monthly (but generally monthly) to address curricular issues and courses within the PT Program, including workload, schedules, and content integration. This committee oversees all Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) criteria related to delivery of content within a DPT program.

Semester Schedule of Classes and Registration

A schedule of class meeting dates and times will be provided by the PT Program to all students approximately six weeks before the beginning of each semester. While this schedule is intended to be accurate and complete, there are occasionally changes that must be made as the semester progresses. Any modifications to the schedule of class meetings will be posted on the Outlook Calendar. Every effort will be made to avoid changes in the length of the semester, examination times, or scheduled university holidays or breaks once students have received the schedule.

Course Registration

The Office of Admissions and Records registers students online under the direction of the Physical Therapy Program. The Program provides details regarding course registration. All students must complete the prerequisites before they can be registered for any course. Prerequisites are listed in the course catalog. If a student needs to drop or add a course, s/he is responsible to communicate with the Program prior to the deadline, which is listed in the Academic Year Calendar on the program website. The student must follow the process from the Office of Admissions and Records, which may include completion of a drop/add form. The student is responsible for all tuition and fees, including any late drop/add fees.

Course and Course Coordinator Evaluations

Summative Evaluations

Students evaluate each course and each instructor at the end of every semester using a web-based on-line evaluation system. The Office of Technology Support Services (TSS) administers the campus-wide evaluation system, and student confidentiality is strictly maintained. Student names are confidential and are not shared with the Program Director or Course Coordinator. The information obtained from the feedback is used by the Course Coordinator and Program Director to guide changes in a particular course and teaching methodology. Evaluation results are also used to guide curricular decisions and faculty promotions.

It is a program expectation that students complete end of semester course evaluations before attending lectures and labs in the subsequent semester.

Formative Evaluations

Individual faculty members may informally ask students for feedback at any time while a course is in progress, in order to assist the faculty member in evaluating course effectiveness and making revisions if needed.

Credit Program Requirements

All Physical Therapy Program degree core courses and electives are listed on the PT Program website and in Canvas.

Non-Credit Program Requirements

All students are required to complete several program requirements including:

1)         2 modules: HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), Academic Integrity

2)         4 Humanities sessions

3)         2 Center for Advancing Professional Excellence (CAPE) teaching/assessment activities

4)         3 phases of Interprofessional Education (IPE) 2 didactic, 1 in CAPE

Completion means attending designated sessions, completion of any assigned work, and/or attainment of a certain level performance designated by the session coordinator.

HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

A federal law, known as “HIPAA” (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996), requires that each institution establish and implement policies and procedures to ensure patient confidentiality. The HIPAA Privacy Rule regulates the use and disbursement of individually identifiable health information and gives individuals the right to determine and restrict access to their health information. Compliance with HIPAA’s privacy regulations has been required as of April 14, 2003. There are substantial penalties, both civil and criminal, for non-compliance.

To learn more about HIPAA at the University of Colorado, go to http://www.ucdenver.edu/research/ORC/HIPAA/Pages/default.aspx or contact the CU HIPAA Compliance Office at (303) 724-0983.

Students must complete a HIPAA module, accessed in Canvas, prior to the first week of Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE) I.

Medical Terminology

Health care professionals need a working knowledge of medical terminology for effective communication and optimal patient care. Students are responsible for learning medical terminology throughout the Doctoral of Physical Therapy Curriculum. Students should self-assess their knowledge of medical terminology and use additional resources to improve their understanding of medical terminology.

Academic Integrity

All matriculated students must complete four modules related to academic integrity. These modules include: 1) Plagiarism, 2) Cheating, 3) Other forms of academic dishonesty, and 4) Academic Integrity.

Humanities

Each humanities session exposes the student to stories of illness, disability, and accident, as a way to provide an exploration and analysis using imaginative materials such as film, poetry and fiction that represent the vagaries of the human condition across the lifespan.

Center for Advancing Professional Excellence (CAPE)

CAPE is a full-service assessment and education center specializing in the use of standardized patients and simulators. A Standardized Patient (SP) is an individual who is carefully trained to portray or simulate all aspects of a real patient as part of a case scenario in order to provide an opportunity for a student to learn or be evaluated on their clinical skills. Simulations involve the use of mannequins who are complex computerized machines that accurately depict a human experiencing various kinds of events from heart palpitations to distressed breathing, to urination, vomiting, and bleeding. There are three CAPE experiences throughout the curriculum: two assessment encounters with standardized patients and one teaching encounter with a mannequin.

Interprofessional Education (IPE)

Each student will be assigned to a team of students, which may include some or all of the following disciplines: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Physician Assistant (PA), Medicine (MD), Dentistry (DDM), Pharmacy (PharmD), Nursing (RN). The interprofessional teams will meet in the classroom on several occasions in the curriculum including a) half-day orientation in year 1, fall semester; b) seven, two-hour sessions in year 1, spring semester; eight, two-hour sessions in year 2, fall semester. In year two and three, students will meet as an ad hoc team in the Center for Advancing Professional Excellence (CAPE) for one half day and will be part of a team project during their final clinical education experiences in the program.

Promotion and Graduation Processes

Student Promotions Committee (SPC)

The Student Promotions Committee (SPC) is charged by the Director of the Physical Therapy Program (Director) and the faculty with upholding the standards of the Physical Therapy Program and the profession. The Student Promotions Committee is composed of: Chairperson, Director of Clinical Education and appointed faculty members.  SPC meetings involving individual students may include the addition of the student’s faculty advisor, and a Course Coordinator if deemed appropriate.

The deliberations of the Student Promotions Committee are intended to be positive in approach and intended to be helpful to the student. The SPC recognizes that each student, despite adversity, must be able to meet minimum academic and clinical performance as well as, professionalism standards.

When evaluating student performance, the SPC takes into account such matters as extent of knowledge, ability to organize and logically present information, understanding and judgment. Also, when evaluating student performance, the SPC takes into account such qualities as cognitive ability, communication skills, behavioral and social skills, humanistic traits, physical ability, and professional behavior. All of these personal qualities are essential to the practice of physical therapy.

The Student Promotions Committee faculty members provide recommendations to the Director of the Physical Therapy Program regarding: promotion, probation, remediation, withdrawal, leave of absence (LOA) or dismissal from the Program (see section under “Process of tracking academic, clinical, and professional behavior and Process of Disciplinary Action”).

Physical Therapy Program Minimum Grade Standards and Remediation

Course Completion and Program Progression

Students must successfully complete and pass all required courses and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be in good academic standing and to progress through the program. Students complete all coursework including clinical education in sequence.  Students must successfully pass all required courses and clinical education experiences to graduate from the Program. Additionally, students must meet standards of professional behavior throughout the Program (refer to section and Appendix on Professional Behaviors) and complete all additional program requirements.

Course Grade

The minimum satisfactory grade in any course is a C (73-76%). Students must receive a satisfactory grade in each course and must complete course requirements as outlined in the course syllabus. If the student receives an unsatisfactory grade (below 73% = course failure) in a course, the student will meet with the course coordinator and their faculty advisor. The Student Promotions Committee (SPC) will be notified, and the student will meet with one or more members of the committee. The SPC will make one of the following recommendations to the PT Program Director: (1) dismissal from the Program, (2) remediation of course content followed by successful re-examination that would allow the student to continue to progress in the Program. If additional costs are associated with remediation of a course, based on the extent of the remediation required, these costs become the responsibility of the student.  When remediation and re-examination must be completed for continuation in the next consecutive semester, this process may need to occur during a scheduled break and must be completed.  The timeframe will be determined in conjunction with the SPC and the course coordinator. If a student fails a second course at any time while in the PT Program, the student will be dismissed from the Program, irrespective of the cumulative GPA.

Practical Examination Assessments

Students must pass the practical examination in any course with a practical exam requirement in order to successfully pass the course. A student who does not pass a practical examination will have the opportunity to repeat the examination one time. If the student passes the practical examination on the second try, the lowest passing grade is given for the practical examination (i.e., 73%). If the student fails to pass the practical examination on the second try, the student will fail the course and the policy for course grades will apply.

Policy Regarding Requests to Change Course Assessment Time

Course assessments, including any written/computer examinations, competency-based assessments (comps) and practical lab exams, are given only at the assigned and scheduled times. Assessment times are not altered, and any student arriving late will only have the remainder of the allotted time to complete the assessment. If the assessment involves classmates as a comp or practical partner, the course instructor may reassign late students at their discretion. Any request to modify an assessment schedule must be approved ahead of the scheduled date and time through a formal written request to the Absences Committee.

Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements

First Semester (Summer 1)

At the end of the first semester (Summer 1), students must have a semester GPA of a 2.75 or above to progress to the second semester in the program. A student with a first semester GPA between 2.75-2.99 will be placed on probation (see below) and referred to the SPC. A student with a first semester GPA below 2.75 will be referred to the SPC and dismissal will be recommended. The final decision to dismiss a student from the program is made by the Program Director. Refer to section on Dismissal from the Program below.

Second Semester (Fall 1)

In the second semester (Fall 1), a student must achieve BOTH a semester and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above to remain in good academic standing. A student with a semester or cumulative GPA below 3.0 in Fall 1 will be placed on probation (see Probationary Status below) and referred to the SPC. A student who was on probation entering Fall 1 must exhibit a positive trajectory towards a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the end of Fall 1 semester. If a student fails to exhibit a positive trajectory at the end of Fall 1 and is unable to raise their semester and cumulative GPA to a 3.0, the SPC will make a recommendation to the Program Director to dismiss the student from the Program The final decision is made by the Program Director. Refer to section on Dismissal from the Program below.

All Subsequent Semesters (Spring I and Beyond)

In all subsequent semesters (Spring I and beyond), a student must achieve BOTH a semester and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. A student with a semester or cumulative GPA below 3.0 will be placed on probation (see Probationary Status below) and referred to the SPC. Additional criteria for receiving passing grades on practical exams and in courses also apply.  

Clinical Education

If a student does not receive a passing grade for a clinical education course, the Director of Clinical Education (DCE) will notify the Chair of the Student Promotions Committee. The SPC will make a recommendation to the PT Program Director of either: (1) dismissal from the Program or (2) remediation followed by additional clinical education with possible delayed graduation. The student is responsible for any additional costs associated with remediation, and/or additional clinical education placement. The final decision is made by the PT Program Director and the student has the right to appeal. This includes students who complete a clinical education experience, but do not meet all of the Program’s criteria for successful completion of the course.

Additional information about clinical education policies can be found in the Student Clinical Education Handbook.

Calculation of Grade Point Average

The University of Colorado has had a uniform grading policy since 1974: https://www.cu.edu/ope/aps/1025. The Physical Therapy Program calculates GPA as follows:

Posting of Grades

The Family Policy Compliance Office within the US Department of Education has determined that using any part of the Social Security number, or any other institutionally assigned student identifier, as well as posting a list of student grades alphabetically, is in violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Therefore, the Physical Therapy Program faculty does not post any grades using any of these systems. Instead, the faculty uses the Student ID that is issued to the student during the application season.

https://portal.cusys.edu/UCDAccessFedAuthLogin.html

Grade Appeals Policy

Grade Appeals Policy

The Physical Therapy Program is committed to the ideal of academic freedom and so recognizes that the assignment of grades is a faculty responsibility. It is recognized that students have the right to appeal a final grade and the Physical Therapy Program has a responsibility to respond to such an appeal in a judicious and timely manner.

Criteria for Appealing a Grade

A student may appeal a final course grade on the grounds that the methods or criteria for evaluating academic or clinical performance, as stated in the syllabus or clinical manual, were not applied in determining the final grade.

Procedures

Any student wishing to appeal a grade must initiate the process within 30 days of receiving the disputed grade. Students are encouraged to discuss the appeal informally with the Course Coordinator before submitting a formal appeal.

In the event that a student wishes to initiate a formal appeal, an appeal letter should be sent to the Course Coordinator and the Director of the Physical Therapy Program, stating the reason(s) for the appeal and specifying the requested change.

The Course Coordinator will meet with the student to discuss the appeal within 15 business days of receipt of the appeals letter. Before the meeting, the student should provide the Course Coordinator with copies of all materials pertinent to the appeal, such as the course syllabus, papers, tests, write-ups, etc.

If, after the meeting, the student and consulting faculty responsible for assigning the grade determine a change of grade is warranted, then the Course Coordinator will change the grade. If the Course Coordinator determines that a change of grade is not warranted, s/he must notify the student within 5 business days. The student may then appeal the decision of the Course Coordinator to the Director of the Physical Therapy Program. The Director may meet with the student and Course Coordinator before making the ruling. The decision of the Director of the Physical Therapy Program is final.

Professionalism and Academic Honor Conduct Code

Relationship of Honor and Conduct Code to Local, State, and Federal Laws

The University adheres to all appropriate local, state, and federal laws, and cooperates with law officials in all matters. Any alleged violation of local, state, or federal laws will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency and such laws have precedence over the provisions of this policy. The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, its educational programs and activities. The University takes action to increase ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity, to employ qualified individuals with disability and to provide equal opportunity to all students and employees. The CU Physical Therapy Program upholds an Equal Opportunity Practice. If any student or employee of the University has concerns about discrimination or to report discrimination, they are encouraged to utilize the resources provided to ensure due process, as is described in the Nondiscrimination Procedures of the University.

https://www.cu.edu/regents/laws-and-policies/regent-laws/article-10-nondiscrimination

Professionalism

Professional behavior is required of CU Physical Therapy students throughout the physical therapy curriculum. Professionalism is guided by and assessed through the APTA Core Values and Professional Behaviors of the 21st Century. The expectation for professional behavior increases as the physical therapy student progresses through the curriculum and as s/he/they moves into his/her/their final clinical education experiences and assumes responsibility for patient care. Students are expected to attain entry-level professional behaviors at the time of graduation as described in the Professional Behaviors of the 21st Century.

As future health professionals, students should adhere to the highest standards of professionalism. In addition to the PT Program policies and procedures, the School of Medicine and the Anschutz Medical Campus have additional expectations for professionalism. See Drug and Alcohol Policy and PT Program Procedures for Ensuring A Safe Environment below.

Professional behavior may be considered when grades are assigned by Course Coordinators in all program courses, although students may be held accountable (including probation or dismissal) for lapses in professional behavior, even if such unprofessional behavior did not affect the student’s grade.

Academic Honor Conduct Code

Education at the University of Colorado is conducted under the honor system. All students who have entered health professional programs are expected to demonstrate the qualities of honesty and integrity, and each student should apply these principles to his/her academic, clinical and subsequent professional career. The Physical Therapy Program expects all physical therapy students to conduct themselves according to the Academic Honor Conduct Code.

The Honor Code is both a philosophy and a standard that requires physical therapy students and their peers to hold each other accountable for their actions. Its aims are to instill and to maintain the highest standards of academic and behavioral integrity amongst physical therapy students. Four modules related to academic integrity must be completed by all matriculated students. These modules include: 1) Plagiarism, 2) Cheating, 3) Other forms of academic dishonesty, and 4) Academic Integrity.

A copy of the Honor Code is signed by each physical therapy student at his/her matriculation as an indication of acceptance and understanding of his/her responsibilities. In addition to complying with the Honor Code, physical therapy students are expected not to share instructional materials provided to them by the Physical Therapy Program outside of the Program or between class cohorts without the specific permission of the instructor. These materials include, but are not limited to lab recordings, content posted on Canvas such as lectures, recordings of Standardized Patient encounters, case studies, etc. The Honor Code can be referenced at the back of the Student Handbook.

If a student is suspected of an Honor Code violation, the first and most important step is for the observer to meet face to face with the suspected student. This gives the student an opportunity to explain his/her behavior. If the explanation is adequate to support that there was no violation of the Honor Code, no other action needs to take place and the matter is concluded. If the explanation is not satisfactory, then letting the student know that a report will be made to the Class Honor Code Student Representative and/or the Student Promotions Committee (SPC) is in order. The meeting should be performed as soon as possible and the SPC should be notified soon thereafter (no later than two weeks). The process of meeting face to face with a student on difficult and sensitive matters requires a skillful approach, a skill that is not typically comfortable or proficient. Therefore, a student reporting academic dishonesty may intentionally choose to confer with a physical therapy faculty member or other identified mentor within the University system, in order to explore a dialogue that reflects thoughtfulness, fairness and represents the core values of our profession.

Policy Regarding Assignments and Assessments

Faculty use a variety of learning assessment formats including quizzes, for course assignments ranging from situations in which students work entirely on their own to situations in which students work collaboratively in pairs or in small groups, with a range of options in between. Students operate under the Academic Honor Conduct Code in all courses and for all assignments. Students should carefully review course expectations with regard to each specific assignment/assessment and the work requirements.

The following guidelines help to clarify expectations related to assignments and assessments:

1.         “work entirely on your own”:

The student completes the assignment without consultation or discussion with any classmates. The student may be permitted to refer to texts or other resources as directed by the Course Coordinator(s).

2.         “collaborate with colleagues but complete the product independently”: Students may work in pairs or groups while gathering and processing information, but each student must complete the actual assignment independently, in their own words.

3.         “work in groups (of 2 or more students) and turn in a single product”:

Students work collaboratively together on the entire project and each assigned group must turn in a single, unique product (paper) or participate in a single presentation. Each student in the small group receives the same grade.

Students are responsible for paying close attention to the guidelines given by the Course Coordinator(s). In the event of uncertainty, students should err on the side of working independently and ask for clarification.

Policies Regarding Absences and Missing Classes

Policies Regarding Absences

Students are expected to attend all classes (including clinical education) indicated as mandatory on the class schedule. Assessments are given only at the scheduled time.

Policy Regarding Missing Classes

Failure to attend a mandatory session, without approval from the Course Coordinator, will be considered a violation of professionalism and may have grading consequences for the course in which the session was missed.

Committee for Student Absence

The Committee for Student Absence addresses requests for assessments or other mandatory class absences. The Committee for Student Absence is comprised of four faculty members including a committee chair and a representative from the Clinical Education team and meets on an as-needed basis to process student requests. The Committee for Student Absence will typically respond to the student requests within two weeks of receipt of the request (see below and see Appendices for form). Requests should be submitted at least 6 weeks in advance of the anticipated absence.

Anticipated and Unanticipated Life Events

Anticipated Live Events

Professional Opportunities

It is recognized that unique professional opportunities (e.g., presentation at a national conference) arise for which students may request an exception to this policy. Exceptions to this policy for professional opportunities may be granted according to the procedure below.

Personal Events

It is recognized that in rare circumstances, personal events (e.g., weddings, family reunions) may arise for which students may request an exception to this policy. Exceptions to this policy for personal events may be granted according to the procedure below.

Jury Duty

If a student is called upon to serve as a juror, it is the student’s responsibility to make reasoned decisions regarding whether the timing of the jury duty conflicts with academic or professional obligations (clinical education experiences, exams, comps, etc.). If a conflict exists, then it is the student’s responsibility to request a change of date through the court. The student must be conscientious in requesting alternate dates in order to ensure that the new dates are not academically/professionally conflicting. The student is responsible to communicate with the Course Coordinator of each class that will be missed and make arrangements to make up missed assignments, according to the policies below.

Unanticipated Life Events

It is recognized that unanticipated life events of an emergent nature do occur. In the event of unavoidable and personal or serious family issues (e.g., family illness or death) the student should contact both the Program Director and the Course Coordinator. If the student is unable to reach either person, the student should leave them a voice message and email. As appropriate, the Program Director will notify the faculty as a whole that the student will be absent over a certain time period. With consent from the student, the Program Director will inform the faculty of the reason for absence. Upon the student’s return, arrangements will be made to make up missed time and content. Students who incur a serious injury or hospitalization that limits their ability to participate in curricular activities should provide written communication from a treating physician or other healthcare provider detailing restrictions and notification of clearance prior to returning to class/laboratory activity.

Procedure

1.         Student shall complete and email the Request for Absences due to Personal Circumstances or Professional Opportunities form (not the student leave of absence form) and submit it to The Student Absences Committee Chair in advance of making any plans (e.g., purchasing plane tickets). It is highly recommended that the student completes a form immediately upon determining that he/she may miss a scheduled mandatory event (including assessments). In addition, it is recommended that the student attach a professionally written letter of rationale to the short form. Students are asked to submit their request a minimum of six weeks in advance of the event in order for the committee to meet and complete the process.

2.         In order to come to an informed decision, the Committee will review the request, consult with the Course Coordinator and may decide to meet with the student.

3.         A decision will be made by the Committee and the student will be notified of the decision, which is final.

If the decision of the Committee is not followed, the student will be referred to the Student Promotions Committee.

Please see the Clinical Education Manual for the most up to date information on specific ClinEd policies.

Policy Regarding Requests to Change Examination Time or Absence from a Mandatory Class

Program policy is to give assessments (written, competency, practical, and standardized patient assessments or mandatory presentations) only at the scheduled time and attend all classes that are indicated as mandatory on the class schedule.

Clinical Education Course Absences

Attendance in clinical education (CE) falls under mandatory coursework and is an essential part of the DPT curriculum. Students should plan to be in attendance on all required days and recognize that making up time in clinic can be challenging for several reasons, including time-constraints in the curriculum, burden on the site and clinical instructor (CI), and variable clinic schedules. Please refer to the “Time in Clinic Policy” located in the Clinical Education Manual and posted on canvas for the complete policy and procedures regarding absences from clinic.

Committee for Student Absences

The Committee for Student Absences will address requests for absence from a clinical education experience. The Committee for Student Absence is comprised of three faculty members including a committee chair and meets on an as-needed basis to process student requests.  The Committee for Student Absence will typically respond to the student requests within two weeks of receipt of the request (see below).

Anticipated Life Events

Professional Opportunities

Opportunities for professional development may arise while you are in clinic. While the Program supports exposure to professional development opportunities, these events should not distract from clinic learning experiences.  Exceptions to this policy for professional opportunities may be granted according to the procedure below. If approved, students will be expected to make up any time missed for professional development. Students are welcome to attend any professional development activities that occur outside of their normal clinic hours.

Personal Events

The Program understands that important personal and milestone family events may occur during clinical education rotations. Attendance during clinical education is considered mandatory but we recognize that in rare circumstances students may request an exception to this policy. Exceptions to this policy for professional opportunities may be granted according to the procedure below. Students should not assume that requests for personal time off will be approved, so please do not make any formal plans (e.g. purchase plane tickets) until time off has been formally approved. IF approved, students will be expected to make up this time.

Unanticipated Life Events

It is recognized that unanticipated life events of an emergent nature do occur. In the event of unavoidable and personal or serious family issues (e.g., family illness or death) during clinical education, the student should contact their Clinical Instructor and Clinical Education Faculty Advisor. If the student is unable to reach these individuals, the student should leave them a voice message and an email message. As appropriate Director of Clinical Education will notify the faculty as a whole that the student will be absent over a certain time period. With consent from the student, the Director of Clinical Education will inform the faculty of the reason for absence.  Upon the student’s return, arrangements will be made to assist the student to make up missed time and content. Students who incur a serious injury or hospitalization that limits his/her ability to participate in curricular activities should provide written communication from a physician detailing restrictions and notification of clearance prior to returning to the clinical education site.

Procedure

Do NOT contact your CI with requests for time off and do NOT make travel or activity arrangements until all steps below are completed. Any absence request that is approved is provisional, pending student performance during the clinical experience.

1.         Student will complete the “Request for Absences due to Personal Circumstances or Professional Opportunities (Clinical Education)” form and submit to the Student Absences Committee Chair in advance of making any plans (e.g. purchasing plane tickets). It is highly recommended that the student completes the form immediately upon determining that they may miss clinic time. Students are asked to submit a request a minimum of 6 weeks in advance of an event in order for the committee to meet and complete the process.

2.         The Chair will respond to the student’s request acknowledging that the request has been received and is being reviewed.

3.         In order to come to an informed decision, the Student Absences Committee will review the request and consult with the Clinical Education faculty advisor. If the Student Absences Committee and the CE faculty advisor agree that the time off request meets the criteria outlined in “Time in Clinic/Attendance Policy”, the approval process will proceed to the following step.

4.         The CE faculty advisor will communicate directly with the CI and/or SCCE to discuss the absence request and to confirm that time off can be approved and/or required time can be made-up. The CE faculty advisor, CI/SCCE, and student will develop a plan regarding make-up time as needed. Please remember, any absence request that is approved is provisional, pending student performance during the clinical experience.  Students should understand that plans may need to be modified or canceled if the CI/SCCE and CE faculty advisor feels that missed clinic time will impact successful completion of the clinical experience.

5.         The Student Absences Committee will come to a decision, which is final. The decision will be communicated to the student via electronic or written communication.

If a denial decision from the Student Absences Committee is not followed, the student will be referred to the Student Promotions Committee.

Process of Tracking Academic, Professional, and Clinical Behavior and Process of Disciplinary Action

A Student Tracking System is used to observe trends per student throughout their time in the PT Program. Academic, professional, and clinical behavior, achievements and/or concerns are submitted by faculty and discussed confidentially by faculty during the bi-monthly faculty meetings. These are culminated into a confidential document along with the GPA of each student.

Academic, Clinical, and Professional Issues

When students’ academic, clinical, or professional issues arise, the issue is recorded as stated above on a confidential student tracking form. The issue is first attempted to be resolved informally between the faculty member and the student. If the issue cannot be resolved informally, the issue is then brought to the course coordinator and/or faculty advisor. If not resolved the issue may be brought to the faculty during a faculty meeting for discussion. Faculty may refer the issue to the Student Promotions Committee (SPC). The SPC will review and evaluate the issue and make a recommendation for action to the Program Director. Recommendations may include referral for resources, remediation, probation, or dismissal from the program The Committee does not impose withdrawal from the Program but determines students’ academic, clinical, and professional status at the time of withdrawal. The student is responsible to complete the appropriate process as determined by the Program Director.

Probation

Probation may be imposed for unsatisfactory progress in academic or clinical education or lapses in professional behavior. At the end of each semester, a degree audit (review of all grades and a calculated GPA) is conducted for each student in the PT Program. This audit occurs within two weeks after the submission of grades. Any student who does not pass a course or meet minimum GPA requirements will be informed by email with an attached formal letter from the Chairperson of the SPC or the Program Director no later than the end of the first week of the subsequent semester or within three weeks of the end of the semester. A copy of the letter will be placed in the student’s file and submitted to the Program Director and the student’s faculty advisor.

Students on probation must achieve a semester GPA of 3.0 or greater in subsequent semesters and demonstrate a positive trajectory towards improvement of their cumulative GPA if it is below 3.0.  Students must reach a cumulative 3.0 GPA by the end of the second of two semesters on probation. At this point the student will come off probation and continue in good academic standing. Failure to achieve a semester GPA of 3.0 or greater and demonstrate this trajectory of improvement to reach the minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 after two semesters will result in dismissal. Probationary status is only allowed one time during progression through the program.  Probationary status is considered when determining whether or not a student may proceed to clinical education. Students may not progress to the terminal clinical experience if on probation.

Students on probation are subject to immediate dismissal if they incur additional academic, clinical, or professionalism deficiencies while on probation.

Remedial Action

Any student on probation, as well as students not on probation but experiencing challenges in academic, clinical or professional behaviors may be presented to the faculty by an individual Course Coordinator and/or may be referred to the SPC.  As such, the SPC may recommend remedial action, including but not limited to additional clinical experiences; completing additional academic or clinical assignments; designing and implementing a professional behavior plan of action; or remediation at the Center for Academic and Professional Excellence (CAPE), which would be at the student’s expense.  Remedial action may also include a mental health assessment, substance use assessment or consideration of other reasons for unsatisfactory performance.  Any additional evaluations or appointments are the responsibility of the student. The Student Promotions Committee may also recommend to the Director of the Program: 1) placing the student on probation separately or in combination with a remedial action or 2) dismissal from the Program. The Director of the Program will make the final decision with regards to any of the above recommendations.

A student who does not successfully complete the remedial action or does not meet the conditions of his/her probation may be subject to dismissal from the Program.

Withdrawal from the Program/University

A student may withdraw from the Physical Therapy Program at any time. A student who decides to withdraw from the Program must report this decision to the Director of the Program. A meeting will be arranged to ensure that the student is satisfactorily informed and is making the decision to withdraw with adequate information. A student who withdraws from the Program must complete the withdrawal form and have the form signed by the Director of the Physical Therapy Program.

http://www.ucdenver.edu/anschutz/studentresources/Registrar/Documents/FormStorage/withdrawal%20form_official%20university.pdf

Failure to withdraw without completing the appropriate forms and processes may result in unresolved financial aid or account issues, failing grades on the transcript, or the inability to earn a degree from the University in the future.

A student’s academic or clinical status at the time of withdrawal will be determined by the Student Promotions Committee and the Director of the Program. Withdrawal will be characterized as “withdrawal in good standing” (GPA of 3.0 or above, no unsatisfactory grades, and no professional behavior deficiencies) or “withdrawal not in good standing” (GPA below 3.0, unsatisfactory grades, or professional behavior deficiencies). 

Dismissal from the Program

A student may be dismissed from the Program for poor performance in meeting academic or clinical education requirements, or in professional behavior. This includes failure to meet the requirements of probation. Specific details related to academic, clinical and professional expectations have been described in earlier sections of this Handbook. In the event of a pending program dismissal, the student will be notified as soon as possible. The Program Director receives the recommendation from the SPC and makes the final decision.  The student may appeal this decision to the Senior Associate Dean for Education in the School of Medicine (see process of appeal below).

Appeal Process

The first step in the appeal process is for the student to notify the Chair of the SPC in writing of their desire to appeal and the reason for the appeal. The Chair of the SPC will initiate contact with the Senior Associate Dean for Education in the School of Medicine to begin the process. The student will be offered the assistance of a Student Advocate from the School of Medicine to assist with the appeal. Appeals will progress in a timely manner without undue delay from the Program or the student.

After notifying the Chair of the SPC, the student must file an official appeal in writing, addressed to the Senior Associate Dean of Education in the School of Medicine.  This written document must be sent by email or hand-delivered to the Office of the Senior Associate Dean of Education in the School of Medicine. The appeal letter must include all supporting facts and arguments and must be submitted no later than seven (7) calendar days after the notification of dismissal has been delivered verbally or in writing to the student. The appeal letter must include the following:

1.         It must cite the basis of the appeal; and

2.         It must provide sufficient and detailed information to support the student’s appeal.

Failure to meet either of these conditions shall be sufficient cause to deny an appeal, in which case the original dismissal letter from the Physical Therapy Program Director shall be final. The Senior Associate Dean of Education shall make the determination as to whether both conditions have been met.

In the event that an appeals process commences, new evidence may not be presented during the appeals process unless the student can prove the evidence was unavailable during the period in question. The Senior Associate Dean of Education shall determine whether the student may submit new evidence on that basis.

The Senior Associate Dean of Education may request a meeting with the Physical Therapy Program Student Promotions Committee for any reason and may request any additional information related to the student’s academic, clinical or professional performance throughout the program.

Grounds for an appeal include the potential that the decision of the Program Director is not supported by substantial evidence; or the actions taken by the Program Director are not consistent with the nature of the violation or lapse in performance based on the circumstances surrounding the event and the prior record of the student.

Burden of Proof

During the appeals process: the burden of proof rests with the student. The student must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that his/her dismissal was incorrect or unsubstantiated by evidence of failure to meet the academic, clinical, or professional standards of the Program or violation of any of the academic or professional rules of the Program.

The decision of the Senior Associate Dean is response to the appeal is final. In the event the appeal is not granted, the student will follow the process to withdrawal from the University as outlined above.

Leave of Absence

Continuous registration is a requirement for active status in the PT Program. A student leave of absence (LOA) is a period of non-enrollment during which the student is not formally working toward the DPT degree. Students in good standing who have extenuating personal or life circumstances that are interfering with their learning may petition the Program Director to take a leave of absence for this purpose and with the intention of returning to the PT Program after the LOA. A LOA is granted for one academic year. Due to the nature and design of PT Program curriculum, LOAs for shorter than a year will not be considered.  The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Policy on LOA will be followed for a LOA that is related to physical or mental health.

When a LOA is necessitated by physical or mental health needs, the student is responsible to:

1.         Contact the Campus Assessment, Response & Evaluation (CARE) Team and work with this office to complete a required Leave of Absence Request Form, provide any additional reports, forms or other information as required. Students must submit the LOA Request form to the Program Director or designee.

2.         Remain in communication with the SPC, their faculty advisor, and/or the Program Director according to the Leave of Absence approval letter from the PT Program.

3.         Complete all requirements set forth by the Anschutz Medical Campus Policy on LOA before return to campus and to the PT program.

When a LOA is necessitated for reasons other than physical or mental health needs (e.g. personal, financial, military, etc) the student is responsible to:

1.         Contact the Student Promotions committee to complete a required Leave of Absence Request Form, provide any additional reports, forms or other information as required. Students must submit the LOA Request form to the Program Director or designee.

2.         Remain in communication with the SPC, their faculty advisor, and/or the Program Director according to the Leave of Absence approval letter from the PT Program.

3.         Complete all requirements set forth by the PT Program as stipulated in LOA approval letter from the PT Program before return to campus.

To re-enter the program following a LOA, students are required to summarize in writing and/or discuss in the form of a meeting with the SPC, what they have done during their time away to prepare for re-entry into the Program as well as how they have addressed any required elements as outlined in their LOA approval letter.  An assessment of readiness to return will be made by the SPC. This could include assessment of didactic knowledge, clinical skill, and professional development related to the professional behaviors, and proof that other health related, or personal issues have been adequately addressed. The SPC will make a recommendation to the Program Director who will make the decision about re-entry to the program. As a part of re-entry, a student will be required to attest, in writing, their ability to meet the Technical Standards.  The Technical Standards for Admission, Promotion and Graduation apply to all students throughout the program and upon re-entry after a leave of absence. If the student is unable to meet the Technical Standards at any time while enrolled in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the program within five days. This is for the safety of the student and those with whom the students may interact.

A LOA may be extended for up to one additional academic year, on a case-to-case basis after review by the Program Director. The student is responsible to apply for the extension using the same request form and process. If an extended LOA is approved, the entire LOA will be limited to a maximum of two academic years. A student has five years from the time of initial matriculation to complete the program. If a student has not met requirements within this time period, the student will be withdrawn from the program.

An approved LOA request will interrupt and delay the student’s progression in the Program for one or more years.  Revisions to the curriculum are not common but may occur on a case by case basis as recommended by the SPC and based on the approval from Course Coordinators and the Program Director.  Revisions to the curriculum may impact course requirements and progression. Upon the student’s return, additional courses/credits may be necessary to meet current curricular requirements.  Additionally, financial aid and scholarships may be impacted by a LOA depending on the student’s circumstances.  The student will work with the Office of Financial Aid to determine the impact of LOA on their personal situation.

Risk Management

Disclosure of Student Activity Limitations

Physical Therapy is an intellectually, physically, and psychologically demanding profession. Those abilities that physical therapists must possess to practice safely are reflected in the technical standards document. Students must be able to meet these minimum standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, for successful completion of degree requirements. Accommodations for disability may apply if known or disclosed. Additionally, Physical Therapy education and practice requires activities that can expose a student to risk of physical injury if the student’s joints, ligaments, tendons, or other tissues contain weaknesses, known or unknown, or previous injuries.

Throughout their enrollment in the Program, students are expected to know their own existing physical limitations, or obtain an appropriate physical screening examination, and to withhold themselves from participation in any activity that they feel might aggravate the condition or exceed physical abilities, or accept any and all risk of participating in the activity. Any general liability incidents (on campus “non-medical treatment” injuries such as slip and falls) should be reported on the following website, https://www.cu.edu/risk/ under the general liability claim section. If students practice outside of class time, neither students nor participants would qualify for university workers’ comp, nor is there any accidental medical payment coverage that applies.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for notifying instructors about any physical or other conditions that limit their ability to participate in any curricular activity. Students with such conditions should either withhold themselves from participating in any curricular activity that they feel might aggravate the condition or exceed their physical abilities, or assume full responsibility for their participation. Students with limiting conditions who choose to let an instructor use them to illustrate a condition or demonstrate an intervention technique assume full responsibility for their participation.

Immunization Requirement

Pursuant to University Policy, all students enrolled in clinic-based health care training programs must submit evidence of immunization prior to placement in a clinical setting. Failure to submit evidence of required immunizations may result in the inability to place the student in a clinical setting, delay in progression, or inability to progress.

Injury During Class Time

A student who is injured in a class will notify the instructor within 24 hours of the incident, and a report will be completed and filed. Report forms can be found online at https://www.cu.edu/risk/ (see the link, “File a Claim.”)

Students who are employees of the University of Colorado are to report all work related injuries to University Risk Management (URM) within 4 days of the accident https://www.cu.edu/risk/incident-procedure

Student Employment Handbook: http://www.ucdenver.edu/student-services/resources/CostsAndFinancing/FASO/Do/StudentEmployment/Pages/StudentEmploymentHandbooks.aspx

Note: A basic first aid kit and an AED (defibrillator) are located on the pillar in the PT Program Lab ED1-3300.

Policy on Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information in an Emergency Situation

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (http://www.ucdenver.edu/policy/Pages/PrivacyPolicy.aspx) and implementing regulations, the Physical Therapy Program will assess whether or not a given situation is truly an emergency and if it is necessary to the health and safety of the student to disclose information contained in his/her record.

Section 99.36 of the FERPA regulations reads: “An educational agency or institution may disclose personally identifiable information from an education record to appropriate parties in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.” General policy guidelines and additional information may be viewed at https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

Student Advocacy

Grievances

The Associate Dean for Student Advocacy can advocate on behalf of students at meetings of the Student Promotions Committee, provide advice, assist in presenting a student’s point of view, and propose solutions to academic and nonacademic issues http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/education/studentaff  airs/studentresources/Pages/StudentAdvocacy.aspx . In addition, the campus Ombuds Office is available to listen to complaints, problems, or concerns. The Ombuds person can help a student evaluate options and may offer referral to other appropriate resources for assistance. The Ombuds Office is located in Room 7005C in Building 500 of the School of Medicine and can be reached by phone at (303) 724-2950. The Ombuds Office maintains a policy of strict confidentiality and does not keep written records. The only time an exception may be made to this policy is when the Ombuds Office believes that there is an “imminent threat of serious harm.”

The University is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working and living environment. The University will not tolerate acts of sexual harassment, Protected Class discrimination or harassment, or related retaliation against or by any student, faculty, or administration. Individuals who violate the University Policy on Discrimination and Harassment, the University of Colorado Sexual Harassment Policy, the University of Colorado Conflict of Interest in Cases of Amorous Relationships Policy, may be disciplined or subjected to corrective action, up to and including termination, suspension or expulsion.

Sexual Harassment

As a place of work and study, the University must be free of inappropriate and unwanted conduct and communication of a sexual nature, of sexual harassment, and of all forms of sexual intimidation and exploitation. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, living conditions and/or academic evaluation; when submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis of employment or academic decisions affecting such individual; or when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment.

The CU Sexual Harassment Policy that governs grievances related to sexual harassment is available at: https://www.cu.edu/ope/efficiency-and-  effectiveness/presidents-task-force-efficiency/aps-5014-sexual-harassment-policy. The University of Colorado Denver and Anschutz Medical Campus has adopted firm policies against sexual misconduct and discrimination. If you feel you have been the subject of sexual misconduct or discrimination, or you have witnessed/become aware of incidents of sexual misconduct or discrimination, please make a report to the Office of Equity. Reports can be made by phone (303-315-2567), via email (equity@ucdenver.edu), or on the Office’s webpage found here: https://equity.ucdenver.edu/.

Any concern regarding faculty-student interactions should be addressed to the Associate Dean for Student Advocacy, located in Room 8118 in RC-1. Student contacts with the office are confidential. The office is staffed by the Associate Dean for Student Advocacy and Counseling, and the Administrative Program Specialist. The phone number is (303) 724-8036 or (303) 917-4257. More information can be found at: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/education/studentaff  airs/studentresources/Pages/StudentAdvocacy.aspx.

General Information and Resources

Communication

The Physical Therapy Program uses several different methods of sharing information with students, depending on what is most appropriate to the circumstances. Students are responsible for developing and maintaining the professional habit of checking daily for information and announcements that may be posted via e-mail, on their class website, placed in student mailboxes, posted to Canvas, or by other means. It is expected that students will take responsibility for staying up to date on information made available to them.

Student Contact Information

Students are responsible to keep their contact information (address and phone numbers, including emergency contact information) up to date with the university system. It is recommended to update information at the beginning of each semester and more frequently as needed.

To update the university system, go to: https://portal.prod.cu.edu/UCDAccessFedAuthLogin.html. Click on the CU Denver Anschutz. Enter login and password. Click on the Student Center, the All Student Functions. In the window that opens, scroll toward the bottom and lick on the links in the Personal Information to update information.

Mailboxes

Student mailboxes are located in the Education 1 Building – Room 3300. Students are expected to check their mailboxes daily.

E-mail

The University of Colorado provides an e-mail account and anti-virus software for each student at no cost. E-mail addresses are typically set up as firstname.lastname@CU Anschutz.edu. The CU e-mail account is set up automatically by the University as each student matriculates with 25 GB of storage space allotted per student. Students receive an introduction to e-mail prior to orientation. Any computer with a web browser and internet access may access this account by navigating to http://myemail.ucdenver.edu. An introduction in the Canvas Learning Management System is provided to students prior to orientation. Faculty will use both e-mail and Canvas to post course materials as adjuncts to on-ground classes and to provide updates.

E-mail communication to students from faculty and staff will be sent to the student’s CUAnschutz.edu e-mail address. Students are responsible for checking their university e-mail daily. Students have the responsibility to become comfortable using these systems. If problems arise when using e-mail, students should contact the student e- mail help desk at (303) 724-2171or refer to https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/office-of-information-technology/software/how-do-i-use/email-and-webmail Proper e-mail etiquette should be used for all communication.

Bulletin Boards

Two bulletin boards are provided in the Education 1-3300 lab; one is for posting of job opportunities and the other is for current campus lectures and activities.

Learning Management System (Canvas)

Canvas is the learning management system used by the University of Colorado for online posting of courses and supplemental course materials.

To access Canvas use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to login: https://passport.ucdenver.edu/login.php. Username and password is the same as what is used to access CUAnschutz email.

If assistance is needed in accessing or utilizing Canvas, the student should contact the Canvas HELP desk Monday-Friday from 7am-7pm at (303) 724-4357 cuonline@ucdenver.edu. If they are unable to resolve the problem, or if the student needs an exam reset, he/she should contact the Program Technology liaison.

Technology

Although students are not required to purchase a computer during their enrollment in the Program, purchasing a computer is strongly recommended as daily announcements are distributed via email and Canvas, and many assignments require computer access. Computers are available for student use in multiple locations throughout the AMC Campus including; the Health Sciences Library, Education Building 1-Rm. 1501, Education Building 2N-Rm. 2201 and Research Building 1N- Rm.1309. In addition, there are 5 computers located in the PT Program teaching labs, on the third floor of the Education 1 Building.

The University of Colorado and the PT Program support the transmittal of information using Microsoft products. All students are expected to know or learn the basics of using the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

The University provides access to computers, which are outfitted with Microsoft Office Suite and the Visible Human Dissection and also have CD writing capabilities. Black and white printing is available in the library, via a dedicated access card, available at the Reference Desk. Printing in all other student computer labs is available via an access card, which is available at the AMC Bookstore, on the first floor of Building 500.

Free wireless Internet access is available across the entire AMC campus. The name of the wireless networks are CU ANSCHUTZ GUEST or CU ANSCHUTZ. CU Anschutz Guest is a lower-security network that does not require credentials to log into. CU Anschutz is a higher-security network that only students, faculty, and staff have access to. To connect, select the CU Anschutz network and, when prompted, enter your university credentials (the same ones you use to log into Canvas and UCD Access).

Students should not store their documents on the hard drives of any university-owned computers. Assignments or other files left on these computers are deleted on a periodic basis. It is the student’s responsibility to save assignments, data, and documents on their own removable disks or jump drives. The Program recommends that students purchase a USB flash drive to store, transport, and share electronic files. Also, backup all of data on a regular basis to ensure data does not become corrupted.

Students may not download music files or any programs from the Internet to University-owned computers. Students should also refrain from using the Internet to access websites with inappropriate content, as these sites may leave “cookies,” which can generate offensive content or advertising. IT Services will research the computer address of any inappropriate content found. If there is reasonable certainty of the computer user’s identity from the computer address, the information will be provided to the appropriate review board and/or department administrator for further action, as well as the CU System Legal Office. Under no circumstances will the University provide any identifying information directly to the RIAA or any other artist association unless validly subpoenaed. Students should be aware that any use of UC Denver computers and/or networks for illegal music/movie downloads or sharing is in violation of UC Denver computing policy. In addition to corrective and/or disciplinary action issued by the University, individuals could be found personally liable to an artist association and be subject to applicable civil and criminal penalties.

University employees and students are responsible for understanding and adhering to copyright law in creating scholarly and artistic works. Individuals who violate copyright law may be personally liable for such violations. For more information about securing copyright protection and avoiding copyright violations, see the resources available at: http://hslibraryguides.ucdenver.edu/Copyright

Fire Response and Emergency Procedures for the Anschutz Medical Campus

The campus fire alarm system has an audible and visible notification (horns and strobes,) as well as a public address system. Students should familiarize themselves with alarm pull-stations, extinguisher locations and exits in all buildings they are routinely in. All students must evacuate the building when a fire alarm is sounded.

The Fire Plan for AMC includes mandatory evacuation, following the A-RACE actions as follows: (A building evacuation plan is posted in the lobby area in each building.)

• Activate: Pull the nearest fire alarm pull-box.
• Rescue: Assist any injured or disabled persons out of the area, if safe. Do not put anyone, including oneself, in danger.
• Alert: Notify others in the immediate area. From a safe location, call 911. Give the exact location of the fire (campus, building and room number), what is burning, and your name.
• Contain: Close doors as you exit the fire area.
• Evacuate: Follow the EXIT signs to the shortest or safest route to safety. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS! Reassemble in a safe area with other students and coworkers to do a head count.

Use of Fire Extinguishers – Fighting fires is always a difficult decision. Extinguishers are intended to be used immediately, before the fire becomes larger. EVEN SMALL FIRES ARE DANGEROUS! Prior to fighting a fire, students must understand the use and limitations of the equipment. Fight small fires with the proper extinguisher only if you are trained to do so and you have an escape path. Consider whether it is a better choice to follow the above procedures.

Blue Light Emergency Stations are located on outside walkways throughout the campus. Press the call button to reach Campus Security from any of these stations. Red telephones are also located on each floor of campus buildings. Dial 911 for Emergency or 4-4444 for non-emergencies.

The University of Colorado also offers an Emergency Notification System, to alert you of any campus-wide threats, snow closures or other urgent information. You are strongly encouraged to subscribe to this free service, which can provide text message alerts to your cell phone or other options. Contact information for the Campus Emergency Notification System:

University Police: https://www.cuanschutz.edu/police/

How to respond to a campus emergency: https://www.cuanschutz.edu/police/alerts

To receive emergency alerts: https://www.cuanschutz.edu/police/cu-alerts/anschutz-alerts

Email: Emer@cuanschutz.edu          

Phone (303) 724-4444

Many of the rooms in Education I and II buildings have security features that include reinforced caulking and protective film on door windows, a panic button, that when pushed, and an emergency trauma kit. Step-by-step instructional signs are near the panic buttons for quick reference.

When the panic button is pressed, the following events will occur:

1.         University Police are notified immediately;

2.         Blue strobe will activate inside of all rooms equipped with strobe;

3.         Blue strobe will activate outside (in hallway) of the room where the button was pushed;

4.         Doors will lock on all rooms equipped with security project door locks in the building; and,

5.         Occupants of the room may leave the room, however, only University Police will have access to enter the room.

Anyone with specific details regarding the incident should contact University police immediately by calling (303) 724-4444. Occupants should access the emergency trauma kit for severe bleeding control, if necessary.

Reminders:

• Only push the panic button if there is an imminent threat.
• Only open the emergency trauma kit if there is a serious injury that needs to be treated.
• Only call (303) 724-4444 IF you have information related to the imminent threat.
• The film on the door windows is intended to block the view of a threat outside of the room. Do not remove or damage security film on windows.
• Do not prop doors. Propped doors defeat the enhanced security system. 

Process for Filing a Complaint

If a situation should arise wherein a student believes that the CU PT Program is incompliant with the APTA’s accrediting guidelines, students are requested to bring the concern to the attention of the Program Director. If the concern is not satisfactorily addressed, the student may contact the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), according to the APTA policy and procedure, which http://www.capteonline.org/Complaints/.

Course, Curricular, Lab and Facilities Related Items

Tuition and Fees

All Physical Therapy students are responsible to pay for all tuition and student fees imposed by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus for courses in which students are enrolled. Occasionally there may be an outstanding student balance with an entity within the university (i.e., tuition, books). The system will automatically block a student from registration if his/her tuition and fees are unpaid. A financial hold may be placed upon a student that would prohibit him/her from continuing education, whether it would be for registration or graduation, until payment is made.

Lab Groups

Students are assigned to specific lab groups with the main purposes of (1) designating equal numbers of students per quadrant and (2) allowing students to have a broader experience. Each semester lab groups are reassigned for reasons of space, equipment, faculty instruction, and attention. Therefore, permission is required for any lab group changes. If there are circumstances that necessitate a student to change lab groups for a single day, the student must receive permission to do so from the individual Course Coordinator. If there are circumstances which necessitate that a student change lab groups for the entire semester, the student must discuss this change with, and receive permission from, the Administrative Staff Member who created the lab groups for the requested semester. PT Program faculty members are not required to facilitate lab group changes or to require one student to change lab groups for the benefit of another. Students are offered the opportunity to submit carpool requests and an attempt will be made to honor them, but this may not always be possible.

Syllabi, Course Packets, Books, Journals

Course syllabi and course packets may be available on Canvas and/or purchased at the discretion of each Course Coordinator. Books may be purchased at the campus bookstore or through online vendors. Many books and journal articles are placed on reserve in the Health Sciences Library and course materials are frequently posted on Canvas for student access. Students are responsible to retain their syllabi and curriculum information for post-graduate education verifications.

Use of Facilities and Equipment

Whenever facilities and/or equipment are used, it is the responsibility of the user to restore them to a quality as good as they were found. Users are expected to be respectful of previously scheduled events and the needs of others, realizing that these are shared resources.

Identification Cards, Building and Parking Access

Identification Cards are issued during orientation and should be worn at all times when on campus. Students must have an ID card to access the PT Program Labs, student computer labs, building access from 6pm-6am and on weekends, and library privileges. If students choose to pay for on-campus parking, ID card also controls access to the campus parking lots. The PT Program Labs, Student Lounges and Computer Labs are available 24/7. ID Cards must be returned when the student withdraws or graduates. The Security Badging Office issues original cards and will replace lost cards or those with defective magnetic strips. Replacement fees are subject to change; contact the ID Access Office at (303) 724-0399 for more information.

PT Program Labs Access and Use

Students may use the PT Program labs for study and practice during the week when classes are not taking place, after hours or during weekends with ID badge access. Audio/visual equipment is not to be used after hours or during weekends, unless authorized by the Program Technology liaison. All PT lab equipment, supplies, and materials are for the exclusive use of current students as part of their physical therapy educational curriculum. Therefore, all school equipment and materials, including but not limited to anatomical models, stethoscopes, BP cuffs, goniometers, stopwatches, wheelchairs, and DVDs, are for educational purposes only and should be left available for all students. Students who borrow any item must sign it out according to the instructions provided by Physical Therapy Program faculty and administrative staff members.

PT Lab doors must be closed and latched for security purposes. Doors to the hallway cannot be propped open for more than 90 seconds or Campus Security is called. If Campus Security is called to respond to an unlocked door, students who last accessed the lab through the open door will be responsible for paying the fees charged to the Program for a breach of security.

Courtesy clean-up

All students: take responsibility for the following after each class in the ED1-3rd floor labs and/or following practice or lab activities:

•           Place all dirty linen into red or blue hanging linen bags.

•           Throw out any garbage (drinks, paper, etc).

•           Place chairs and plinths in standard configuration (displayed on screen and posted in labs).

•           Return equipment or supplies to cabinets/ correct storage location

•           Plug in hi-lo tables and replace outlet covers.

•           Wipe table head/ face rests after use with disinfectant. All users should use a sheet or clean with disinfectant after every use and should drape face hole with towel to protect equipment from facial oils.

•           Tidy kitchen in room 3300. Wipe counters, put/throw away items after use.

•           Close windows.

Students should complete courtesy cleanup after each time they use labs on their own (e.g.: when practicing skills outside of class time or practice labs, evenings and weekends) as well as after each scheduled lab session.

Student employee cleanup: Duties to be completed by student employees include, but are not limited to the following:

•           Return equipment to cabinets/ correct storage location (weekly)

•           Plinths

o          clean with disinfectant (weekly)

o          clean with bucket of hot, soapy water (biweekly)

•           Laundry:

•           consolidate linens into bin for pick up (Mondays)

•           Chairs: clean with disinfectant and/or fabric cleaner (monthly)

•           Check Hydroculator water level in 3300 – top off as needed (weekly)

•           Exercise equipment: clean with disinfectant (monthly)

•           Mirrors in all labs: clean with glass cleaner & newspaper (monthly)

•           Wipe off surfaces for dust (monthly), e.g. computer tables, podium, etc.

•           Kitchen and Refrigerator: clean and disinfect (monthly)

•           Computer maintenance (between semesters)

A/V student employee cleanup: A/V student employee’s complete duties to be completed daily include, but are not limited to the following:

•           Turn off projectors

•           Clean white boards

•           Tidy up podium (microphones in chargers and cords neatly coiled, remotes stored under

•           podium)

•           Check supplies (markers, erasers, batteries, DVDs)

•           Report any operational problems to student employee’s supervisor.

Information for Locker Use

Lockers are available for use during the semester; select one in the Education Building 1, Education Building 2 North or Education Building 2 South. Email information including name, school of enrollment, locker number, building in which the locker is located, e-mail address, and phone number to: ess.amcstudentlockers@ucdenver.edu Locks are not provided. Educational Support Services will conduct random checks of lockers to determine if lockers are being used that have not been registered. If one fails to register their lock with ESS, the lock may be removed and contents disposed. Lockers must be cleaned out by the end of the spring semester. All locks left on after the end of the spring semester will be removed and contents disposed. For questions contact the Educational Support Services Department in Education Building 2N, Room L501.

CDs/DVDs

Faculty may choose to place specific CDs or DVDs to be accessed in the Health Sciences Library. These materials may not be checked out or copied, but can be viewed at the Library.

Students will sign a videotape/photography release form during orientation for the Program to use videotapes or photographs produced during classroom and laboratory instruction for educational or promotional purposes.

Copy Machine

Only faculty and staff may use the PT Program Office copy machine. Students may not use the machine. All work requests must go through administrative staff and a work request form must be completed. Only work authorized by the Program will be copied.

Use of Equipment

Equipment made available for student use in the PT Program Laboratories (ED1- 3200, 3300, 3400) may not be removed from these areas without permission from faculty. All equipment must be signed out by the student. Specific courses require use of some equipment (for example, wheelchairs) outside of the laboratories (for example, on outdoor terrain). Please handle equipment in the appropriate manner to prevent malfunction or damage. Please notify supervisor or PT administrative staff members of any equipment malfunction or disrepair.

Telephone Access

A campus phone for student use is available in the PT Lab 3300. Dial 9 and then the number to reach non-campus numbers.

Professional Standards

APTA Membership

In support of physical therapy as a profession, and the Program’s desire to promote professional responsibility, all students and faculty are strongly encouraged to be members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Students are also encouraged to seek opportunities for professional growth and attend APTA conferences and meetings held at local, state, and national levels. http://www.apta.org/

Program Dress Code

As a doctoral profession, Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT) are members of a team interacting with patients and other professionals in many healthcare settings. There are considerations that must be given to ensure that physical therapy constituents are presented in a professional manner both on campus and externally. The following issues/concerns have been addressed in designing this document:

•           The physical therapy learning process requires both academic learning and hands on contact with simulated and actual patients.

•           The practice of physical therapy requires professional communication and consultation, as well as physical contact with patients.

•           The lab setting has its own unique set of clothing requirements for students to learn and practice skills.

•           When students enter the clinical setting, they are interacting with a variety of persons of all ages, cultural backgrounds and sensitivities and are representatives of the University of Colorado PT Program.

•           Professionalism and professional attire are expected nationwide amongst our colleagues.

Considering these issues, there is a dress code for the CU PT Program. This dress code is sensitive to the needs of the students, the location of the program, the clinical sites receiving our students and also takes into account the issues of professionalism noted above.

Lab Attire: Lab attire must allow exposure of any area of the body necessary for lab activities. Frequently, areas of the body need to be observed even if they are outside the primary focus of the lab. Therefore, all students must come to every lab prepared to appropriately expose any area, with the exception of genitals and female breasts, while continuing to maintain a sense of modesty at all times. Towels and sheets should be used during lab to cover or drape areas of the body that may be at-risk for exposure when demonstrating, practicing, or otherwise carrying out procedures that move or place the extremities in various positions.

It is appropriate, at the student’s discretion, to wear covering clothing such as t-shirts, sweatshirts or sweatpants that can easily be removed as needed during the lab session. Class instructors may at times email the class to let them know a particular lab will not require lab attire on a given day. At all other times, lab clothes are mandatory unless cleared by the instructor.

Examples of Appropriate Lab Attire:

All:

•           Sports bra

•           Halter top

•           Tank top with built in bra

•           Bathing suit top

•           Lycra or bike shorts (may be used as appropriate attire or beneath regular shorts for coverage of the pelvic area)

•           Shorts of moderate length (adequately covering undergarments) ideally loose enough or with elastic waist to expose upper pelvis-can wear these over lycra bike shorts

Students have the responsibility to use towels, sheets, or other appropriate draping to maintain proper coverage when working together with other students and instructors in the lab. Students must properly drape themselves and remind fellow students to do the same in order to avoid unnecessary or unforeseen exposure. This is especially important when lower extremities are moved or placed in certain positions during lab activities.

Regular Class Attire: The CU Program is located on a multi-disciplinary academic medical campus. It is not unusual to encounter patients or other professionals in hallways and open areas. Therefore, care should be taken to dress in an appropriate manner for contact with the public when outside of the PT labs. General attire is appropriate such as denim, moderate length shorts, sleeved or conservative sleeveless tops.

The Following are NOT Appropriate for Regular Class Dress:

•           Midriff baring tops or other tops/bottoms with torso exposure.

•           Low cut tops allowing exposure of breasts or bras.

•           Tank tops that have thin straps or wide arm openings and do not allow for adequate coverage of bras or other undergarments.

•           Tank/camisoles are not appropriate unless worn in combination with another shirt or blouse.

•           Shorts shorter than “moderate” length.

•           Bare feet. (Shoes must be worn at all times outside of lab)

•           Low rise pants exposing undergarments.

Student Employees: Due to the frequent contact with prospective students, faculty from other programs, and the public, student employees are asked to pay particularly close attention to their attire while working on campus.

Clinical Professional Attire:

When entering the clinic, certain standards are raised due to contact with patients/clients and the general public. In addition, dressing professionally automatically commands a higher level of respect from those with whom the physical therapist comes into contact with. The dress expectation is for professional appearance that allows for patient treatment. Exceptions to the professional clinical attire standards, due to specifics of an individual clinic setting, must be cleared by the student with both the clinical instructor and CU PT Program Director of Clinical Education. For instance, in a setting where exposure to body fluids is common (e.g. severe neurological trauma), scrubs may be required or worn as the dress code in that facility.

In any facility where a more formal dress code exists, this code will supersede the CU PT Program dress code.

Some facilities maintain a very liberal dress code. Although not mandatory, it is suggested that students maintain the CU Clinical Professional Attire dress code in those settings as well. By doing so, the student will be presenting a professional image to the community and patient population, as well as setting an example as a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

It is the student’s responsibility to determine the minimum facility requirements prior to the first day of clinical. Dressing more formally on the first day of clinical until dress code is clarified is suggested.

Guidelines for /Examples of Appropriate General Clinical Attire:

Top

•           Collared shirt (short or long sleeved)

•           Dress shirt with or without tie

•           Normal dress shirt or blouse

•           Sweaters or jacket

Bottom/shoe wear

•           Pleated, flat-front, khakis or similar dress style pants

•           Skirts of sufficient length and looseness to cover when squatting or working on a mat table with a patient

•           Clean, closed toe shoes with socks.

•           Relatively low heels are recommended

The Following Items are Not Appropriate for Clinical Professional Dress:

All:

•           T-shirt or similar style shirt

•           Midriff baring tops or other tops/bottoms with torso exposure

•           Low cut tops that could potentially expose breast/chest when leaning over a patient

•           Shorts unless specifically cleared by clinical site

•           Low cut pants that may expose undergarments when working with patients (i.e. squatting to floor)

•           Informal pants such as jeans or cargo style/painter’s pants

•           Skirts of insufficient length and looseness to cover undergarments and thighs when squatting or working on a mat table with a patient

•           Open toed or heel shoes (such as sandals) unless specifically cleared by clinical site

•           Shoes without socks or nylons (exception is made if wearing a skirt)

•           Athletic shoes unless specifically cleared by clinical site

•           Denim or ripped clothing

•           Tight pants and/or shirts that are revealing or suggestive clothing that exposes a tattoo while working with a patient

•           Hair dyed in unnatural colors or in extreme cuts or styles

•           Facial, tongue piercing

•           Excessive ear piercings

•           Excessively wrinkled or dirty clothing

Guest Speakers:

When guest speakers present lectures, it is respectful to dress in attire similar to professional clinical attire. There are certain dress items that are appropriate for guest speakers, but not for clinicals, such as open toe/heel shoes. The student must use discretion and remember that s/he is representing the PT Program to the guests. Each class instructor is responsible for educating his/her class as to dates to expect guest speakers and appropriate attire.

Professional Meeting Attire (i.e. State or National APTA Meetings):

When attending professional meetings, students represent the profession of physical therapy and the CU PT Program in particular. Therefore, a minimum of professional clinical attire is required while the participant is a student at the school. Due to the community-wide exposure, it is recommended but not required that a more formal level of dress is worn at these events.

Upgraded attire recommendations are below:

All:

•           Shirt and tie

•           Dress pants

•           Dress or skirt

•           Business-style suit with pants

•           Dress shoes with socks or nylons

Other Considerations:

•           Jewelry: The nature of physical therapy involves extensive use of the hands and wrists. Wearing multiple rings, bracelets etc. can lead to discomfort for both the patient and therapist. Many therapists, especially those performing hands on work or “manual therapy”, choose to minimize jewelry. Students may want to consider minimizing use of jewelry both in lab and clinic to reduce likelihood of discomfort to the patient or lab partner. In pediatric settings, or other settings where patients may have impaired cognition, only modest jewelry, especially earrings and necklaces should be worn to avoid injury to the therapist (i.e., grabbing of dangling earrings by a child or confused adult).

•           Fingernails: The nature of physical therapy involves extensive use of the hands in contact with the patient. At times, such as in performance of “manual therapy,” longer nails may push into the skin of the patient and cause discomfort. Additionally, dry hands and cuticles due to frequent hand washing are common in all settings. Due to these risks, it is recommended that students maintain their nails at a conservative, shorter length when they will be contacting either patients or lab partners. In the clinical setting, if polish is used, it should be a conservative shade without nail jewelry or nail art.

•           Hairstyle: Frequently, physical therapists are in close contact with patients and are required to lean over patients to provide care. A hairstyle is recommended for clinic and lab that is either short or able to be pulled back so it does not obstruct contact and view of patient.

•           Hats: Some instructors may be opposed to wearing of hats in their classes. If so, they will announce this objection at the beginning of the semester or speak with students on an individual basis. Students are expected to adhere to instructor requests unless they have religious or medical reasons that require a head covering. In such cases, the student should communicate that information with the course coordinators at the beginning of the semester.

•           Compliance: Students are expected to comply with the stated dress code. If the code is violated, each instructor is responsible for directly discussing the issue with the student. If repeated violations occur, the student will be referred to the Student Promotions Committee for further disciplinary action.

Professional Titles

As a courtesy, on the CU campus, students should use appropriate professional (doctor), academic (professor), or courtesy titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms.) when addressing an individual, unless they have been invited to move to a first name basis.

Within the Physical Therapy Program individual faculty will designate how they prefer to be addressed in lecture or laboratory settings.

In the clinic, always use a courtesy title and surname unless the patient/client, therapist, staff, or other health care professional gives permission to use his/her first name. As a general guideline, it is safer to err in the direction of formality than to assume everyone prefers informality.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

CU complies with the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act. The University of Colorado does not allow the unlawful manufacture, dispensation, possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance (illicit drugs and alcohol) of any kind and of any amount. These prohibitions cover any individual's actions, which are part of University activities, including those occurring while on University property or in the conduct of University business away from the campus http://www.ucdenver.edu/about/departments/HR/Documents/Drug%20and%20Alcoh  ol%20Info.pdf. University funds, including those raised as part of class fundraising efforts, cannot be used for the purchase of alcohol.

The passage in Colorado of Amendment 64 does not change existing University of Colorado campus policies that prohibit the possession, use and distribution of the drug by students, employees and all other visitors on university properties. The use or possession of marijuana is still not allowed on campus, or in the conduct of university business away from campus. http://catalog.ucdenver.edu/content.php?catoid=1&navoid=24

PT Program Policy and Procedure for Drug Screening

University of Colorado School of Medicine Drug Screening Policy

Policy Statement:

The University of Colorado School of Medicine requires that all students submit to a drug screen prior to starting the clinical experiences portion of their program or sooner if designated by the program. A negative drug screen is required for participation in any clinical experience. This policy applies to all enrolled students in the MD, PT, and PA degree programs.

Rationale:

All health care providers are entrusted with the health, safety and welfare of patients, have access to controlled substances and confidential information and operate in settings that require the exercise of good judgment and ethical behavior. Thus, an assessment of a student’s possible impairment that could diminish the student’s capacity to function in such a setting is imperative to promote the highest level of integrity in patient care.

Clinical facilities that serve as educational and training sites for students increasingly require drug screening for individuals who provide services within the facility and particularly for those individuals who provide patient care. Clinical experiences are an essential element of all curricula and are required of School of Medicine Students in the MD, PT and PA degree programs. In addition, many licensing agencies require that individuals pass a drug screen as a condition of licensure and/or employment. It is thus in the interests of both students and the School of Medicine to identify and resolve potential issues where a student may not be allowed to participate in a clinical experience due to use of controlled or illegal substances. For purposes of this policy, “illegal substances” means illegal use of controlled or illegal (i.e. prohibited) substances. It does not mean prescription drugs that are lawfully being taken by a student prescribed by a licensed health care professional; the student must be under the direct medical care of the licensed health care professional. Although marijuana is legal in the State of Colorado, marijuana is a Schedule 1 substance under federal law and continues to be an illegal substance for purposes of this policy. In addition to other illegal drugs as described above, the overuse and/or abuse of alcohol in the learning environment is also prohibited under this policy.

The University of Colorado School of Medicine has the responsibility to attend to factors that may adversely affect the security of the clinical environment and thus increase liability exposure. As a result, the school seeks to enhance its scrutiny of students involved in patient care activities and who are in clinical settings.

Drug Screening Process:

•           Students enrolled in the MD, PT, and PA programs will receive information about the requirement for drug screening, deadlines for compliance, results reporting and associated fees from their respective educational program representatives. Students will be responsible for the cost of the required drug screening, either individually or through a student fee as determined by each program.

•           Students will receive specific instructions from their program representatives regarding the location of the designated vendor drug screen sites and a Drug Screen Authorization document to submit to the vendor including authorization for results to be released to the designated individual in their educational program.

•           Results of the student drug screen will be reported electronically to the designated individual in the appropriate educational program, typically within 2 business days. Review of drug screen results will be conducted by the Medical Director of the designated vendor to determine a passing or failing level. The information will be conveyed to the designated individual within the education program. Students who receive a positive screen will be reviewed by the individual program either by a designated individual or a committee and any consequences will be communicated to the student in writing.

•           The student has the right to review the information reported by the designated vendor for accuracy and completeness and to request that the designated vendor verify that the drug screen results are correct. Prior to making a final determination that may adversely affect the student, the program will inform the student of his/her rights, how to contact the designated vendor to challenge the accuracy of the report, and the role of the designated vendor in any decisions made by the program.

•           Drug screening results will be recorded in an internal database within each educational program and maintained only for the duration of enrollment for each student.

•           Drug screen results may be reported to clinical experience sites for clinical placements in compliance with contractual agreements.

•           If required by a specific clinical site, a student may be required to submit to additional drug screening based on the contractual agreements with those clinical sites.

•           A student whose test results in a Negative Dilute or an insufficient sample may be required to retest immediately. Costs of any retesting are the responsibility of the student. Multiple retests resulting in a negative dilute may be considered a failed test.

•           Any individual student may be required at any time to submit to immediate drug screening for cause. This may occur through the designated vendor or it is possible that a contract with a specific clinical training site may have specific requirements dictating the process, handling, and reporting of “for cause” drug screening of an individual student while the student is participating in a clinical experience.

Students who refuse to submit to any required drug screen will be dismissed from their education program.

Positive Drug Screening Results

Students who do not pass a required drug screen may face disciplinary action, including administrative withdrawal from courses, placement on a leave of absence, or dismissal from the program. Students may be referred for evaluation and treatment through the Colorado Physicians Health Program (CPHP), Peer Assistance Services, or another designated program as a condition for remaining in the program at the student’s expense. Students found to have a substance abuse problem that that will likely pose a danger to patient care, as determined through the drug screening evaluation process, will be referred for independent evaluation and treatment at the student’s expense.

Additional Policy/Procedure Information

The School of Medicine takes patient safety very seriously. The Technical Standards for students require that all students be able to meet the physical and cognitive demands of the clinical setting as well as exhibit sound judgment at all times. Students who are seriously ill, injured or taking medication that impairs judgment (including, but not limited to, lawfully prescribed medications and Medical Marijuana) may not be able to meet the Technical Standards, and therefore may not be suitable for the clinical environment where patient safety is the topmost concern. A determination of any conditions on a student’s ability to participate in clinical experiences or to otherwise proceed in the program will be handled through a committee as determined by each program (MD, PT and PA).

Additionally, the School of Medicine is very concerned about alcohol and drug abuse. A student may be required to undergo evaluation and treatment through the Colorado Physicians Health Program (CPHP), Peer Assistance Services, or by another designated evaluation source in order to remain in the program.

Accepted by PT Faculty: January 2016; Approved by University Counsel May 2016

PT Program Procedures for Ensuring a Safe Environment

Respect of the Rights and Property of Others

Students should conduct themselves in a manner that recognizes the rights and property of others. Examples of inappropriate behavior include theft, damage to University or personal property of others, disruption of educational or other activities on campus, illegal use of University facilities, harassment or physical assault, and any conduct that threatens the health or safety of others. Reason for Policy: Assists in maintaining a safe environment for all students, faculty and staff.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this policy is to establish minimum standards related to the consideration of applicant criminal history in admissions decisions to the PT Program.

POLICY STATEMENT

The PT Program at the University of Colorado is committed to ensuring a safe environment. The procedures outlined in this policy apply to admissions decisions for the PT Program.

RELATED POLICIES, PROCEDURES, FORMS, GUIDELINES, AND OTHER RESOURCES

Procedures

1.         Criminal history information and criminal background checks are part of the application process. Applicants are notified of this as part of the application process and at the time of application in Physical Therapy Common Application System (PTCAS). PTCAS facilitates a centralized background check (CBC) process for accepted applicants. The purpose of the check process is, in part, to ascertain the ability of a student to meet the requirements of clinical education sites and to become licensed physical therapists. The University of Colorado PT Program has chosen to use the PTCAS background check vendor, Certiphi Screening, Inc. Certiphi Screening contacts the applicant after accepting our offer of admission. The applicant is responsible for using the email link provided by PTCAS to complete all necessary information in the Certiphi system and paying the required fee for the background check.

A description of checks completed by Certiphi Screening can be viewed at: https://portal.ptcas.org/applicants2013/instruction/ptcas_cbc.htm Results are typically completed within one week. Once the report is complete, Certiphi Screening, Inc. will give the applicant an opportunity to review the results before they are released to the PT Program. The applicant has ten (10) calendar days to verify the accuracy of their report before it is made available to the PT Program.

2.         If an applicant indicates that he/she has been convicted of a crime, the applicant shall be permitted to provide an explanatory statement regarding the criminal conviction or charge. The Recruitment and Admissions Committee (RAC) in the PT Program will review the results of the background search and any other documentation provided by the applicant on an individual basis.

3.         The PT Program will evaluate criminal history according to the following:

I.          The clinical education administrative assistant will be responsible for receiving and scanning all background search reports from Certiphi Screening. Any concerns, questions or issues will be brought to the Director of Admissions who will review the concern. If additional input is required, the Chair of RAC will meet with the Director of Admissions to discuss the results.

II.         The review of background searches will be completed during the time period between accepting our offer of admission and prior to program orientation. If the applicant is found to have a criminal history and after a review of the factors listed in #4 below, the PT program determines that the applicant’s offer of admission should be rescinded, the determination shall be given in writing.

III.        Additional background checks are occasionally required by specific clinical education sites. These must be completed prior to the start of the assigned clinical experience. If the student passed the initial background search, but then is later found to have a criminal history after a review of the factors listed in #4 below, and the PT program determines that the applicant’s student status should be rescinded, the determination shall be given in writing.

4.         The following factors may be considered in determining how criminal history affects an admissions decision.

•           Number of criminal convictions;

•           Nature and severity of the offense(s);

•           Length of time since arrest and conviction;

•           Whether the crime involved violence against persons or property;

•           Terms or conditions of any plea, penalty, punishment, sentence, probation, or parole, and the applicant’s compliance with those terms;

•           Any mitigating information provided by the applicant, and any information provided by the applicant about his/her activities since the conviction; and

•           The applicant’s ability to comply with any program requirements for clinical experiences, externships, or similar external placements, if this can be determined in advance.

•           The applicant’s ability to comply with any requirements for licensure as a PT following graduation.

5.         Admission may be conditioned on reasonable requirements as to conduct or performance.

6.         The applicant will be notified in writing of the admission decision.

DEFINITIONS

Criminal history includes in-state, out-of-state and international criminal history reflecting misdemeanor or felony convictions. Criminal history does not include:

•           A minor traffic offense;

•           An arrest; or

•           A record that has been sealed by court order.

A “conviction” is defined as a guilty verdict, a guilty plea, or a Nolo Contendere (“No Contest”) plea.

Policy for Student Community Volunteer and Service Opportunities

The Physical Therapy program views volunteer and service opportunities in the community as valuable experiences and as an important role and responsibility for Doctors of Physical Therapy. However, there are different types of volunteer and service opportunities that need to be defined by the extent to which they are within our PT scope of practice and part of the PT Program curriculum. Some experiences are supported by the program and supervised by licensed PTs, while other volunteer and service opportunities are outside of PT Program involvement.

This policy provides additional clarification and guidelines to students participating in experiences that are part of the PT Program curriculum (item #1) or outside the curriculum (items #2 and #3). The type of experience affects the risks involved and who is responsible (university, student or the organization/agency) for insurance coverage. There are 3 “types” of volunteer experiences and relationships to the PT Program as described below:

1.         Part of PT Program: Volunteer experiences at an organization/agency that are part of, or an extension of the PT Program, and supported through the PT Program (e.g., CU days at the 9News Health Fair, Stout Street, posture screens at senior centers). Students are participating in volunteer experiences that are arranged through and approved by the PT Program with faculty input and support, and the student will be supervised by a licensed physical therapist.

•           If these experiences fall within the course and scope of the student’s responsibilities, the student would be covered by the University for professional liability (malpractice) insurance and workers compensation insurance; or the organization/agency may have additional insurance for volunteers.

•           The organization/agency should provide some level of training for the volunteers and should have some policies and procedures in place to support their volunteer program.

•           Students may want to have their own malpractice insurance to cover any potential claim, but they are not required to do so. Further, if a student were injured while providing volunteer care, there is workers compensation coverage to cover any potential injury.

2.         Communication through PT Program: Volunteer or paid opportunity, through an organization/agency or to an individual/family, that has been communicated to students by email or other form of communication from PT Program faculty, staff, alumni, or current students. This experience is external to the university and is NOT part of clinical education, supervised physical therapy or otherwise supported by the PT Program (e.g., Night Owls, paid personal attendant). Students can pursue an arrangement and proceed independently without expectation that the PT Program will provide support.

•           The organization/agency should provide some level of training for the student and should have some policies and procedures to support their volunteer program or paid opportunity. An organization may also have insurance for volunteers.

•           Students are not covered by the University for professional liability (malpractice) insurance. Students should make sure they have their own malpractice insurance to cover any potential claim, or ask whether insurance is needed or recommended. If a malpractice claim was filed by the organization/agency or by an individual/family, the student could be named in the claim and would have to provide their own defense.

•           Students are not covered by the University for workers’ compensation insurance. Students should have their own health insurance coverage to cover any potential injury. If a student were injured during the experience, the student would be responsible for any medical costs.

•           Students assume liability and need to be very clear about what the scope of the volunteer or paid opportunity should be, since they are not licensed to provide physical therapy.

•           Students should be aware of additional safety concerns when going into an individual’s home for a volunteer or paid opportunity.

3.         External to PT Program: Volunteer experience through an organization/agency, or to an individual/family, that is external to the university and outside the scope of physical therapy. These are experiences and opportunities that the student finds and secures on their own (e.g., volunteering at a charitable, athletic or similar event). This is only different from #2 (above) in that there has not been any communication shared by the PT Program faculty, staff, alumni, or current students. Students are volunteering on their own, and not as part of an approved educational experience through the PT Program.

•           The organization/agency should provide some level of training for the student volunteers and should have some policies and procedures to support their volunteer program. The organization may also have insurance for volunteers.

•           Students are not covered by the University for professional liability (malpractice) insurance. Students should make sure they have their own malpractice insurance to cover any potential claim, or ask whether insurance is needed or recommended. If a malpractice claim was filed by the organization/agency or by an individual/family, the student could be named in the claim and would have to provide their own defense.

•           Students are not covered by the University for workers’ compensation insurance. Students should have their own health insurance coverage to cover any potential injury. If a student were injured during the experience, the student would be responsible for any medical costs.

•           Students assume liability and need to be very clear about what the scope of the volunteer experience or personal assistance should be, since they are not licensed to provide physical therapy.

•           Students should be aware of additional safety concerns when going into an individual’s home for a volunteer opportunity.

When students are unsure about what type of volunteer experience applies, they can consult with PT Program faculty or the Program Administrator, who may seek additional clarification from University Legal Counsel.

Student Resources

This information changes frequently. Refer to campus student services for the most current information. Main website: http://www.ucdenver.edu/anschutz/studentresources/student-assistance/Pages/default.aspx

Tutoring and Writing Center

Tutoring for Anatomy in the first semester may be available through the PT Program and provided by a course TA or lab assistant is a student is demonstrating unsatisfactory performance and has attempted other strategies offered by the course instructor, lab assistants and peer tutors.

A writing center is available to assist students with their writing skills through the Student Assistance Office https://clas.ucdenver.edu/writing-center/locations/writing-center-cu-anschutz. Students are responsible to be familiar with the Guidelines for Submitting Papers and the Written Paper Grading Rubric.

If faculty identify that a student would benefit from writing center services, the student will be expected to utilize the writing center services to adhere with academic and professional behavior standards.

Counseling

Personal Counseling

If a student experiences personal problems with associated distress, the following services are available:

•           Call the Office of Campus Student Services regardless of whether the student does or does not have student health insurance.

•           One of the associates at the Student Mental Health Service 303-724-4716 will see the student for his/her initial evaluation and will then refer the student for further counseling with an appropriate practitioner, if needed.

•           The Student Health Insurance Plan may offer up to 15 counseling sessions per year; there is no co-pay.

•           The student’s advisor can assist him/her in obtaining counseling, if needed.

Students with Testing Anxiety

Call the Student Mental Health Service at 303-724-4716 and ask for an appointment. After the initial appointment the student will be referred to further counseling with an appropriate practitioner, if needed. The student is encouraged to have Student Health Insurance to be seen for testing anxiety but the Student Mental Health Service will work to assist the student to see what their insurance will cover.

Student Health

Any student enrolled in the PT Program is eligible for, and must purchase or waive Student Health Insurance. A waiver may only be obtained if the student can demonstrate comparable health insurance coverage. Waiver forms may be obtained at the student health office, located in Education 2 North Building, Room 3208 or online at http://ucdenver.edu/life/services/student-health/Pages/default.aspx Students registered for fewer than 4.9 hours must actively enroll in the insurance plan if they wish to have coverage.

Prior to matriculation all students must complete a student health immunization form and have it signed by health practitioners. This form must be submitted to the Director of Admissions. Annually while enrolled, each student must have current TB testing, provide evidence of a current hepatitis B vaccination (or arrange to obtain one at student’s expense), annual flu vaccinations, and be fitted for a respiratory mask (student’s expense) before s/he may participate in clinical education. Additional immunizations or procedures may be recommended or required for certain clinical sites (such as rubella in a pediatric environment, drug screens, fingerprinting etc.). It is the student’s responsibility to harbor costs for these additional procedures. Students should discuss this with their Clinical Instructors prior to the start of a new clinical education experience

Students are required to have medical documentation on file for the flu vaccination no later than November 1st of each year, effective fall 2011.

Campus Health Center

Services:         Behavioral/mental health care and physical health care

Hours: Mental health providers are available Monday through Friday – 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (on a trial basis; check the website for current hours); walk-in hours have been specifically dedicated for student mental health care during hours of greater demand, i.e., Monday through Friday 10:00-11:00 a.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Appts:              Schedule appointments at 303-724-6242; drop-ins are also welcome.

Providers:       Staffed by a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a licensed clinical social worker

Location:         Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Montview and Racine, 2nd floor

Website:          https://nursing.cuanschutz.edu/patient-care/campus-health-center

After hours, holidays, weekends: Students may call the Campus Health Center 303-724-6242, which goes directly to the Metro Nurseline after hours to help with chronic or immediate mental health issues and to facilitate a phone call to the on-call psychiatrist, if needed.

Student Behavioral and Mental Health

The CU Student Wellness and Mental Health service provides comprehensive and confidential mental health services for all Anschutz Medical Campus students.

Evaluation is free regardless of insurance. The current school-sponsored insurance covers unlimited visits, which are free to students. Students with outside insurance are referred to an appropriate provider.

Student mental health services treat a variety of conditions including but not limited to: depression, anxiety/stress, bipolar disorder, drug and alcohol dependence, eating disorders, marital difficulties, family crises, and post-traumatic stress disorder are seen. Treatment may include individual psychotherapy, couples counseling, and/or medication. Students have the option of choosing on-going treatment with professionals on the Anschutz Campus or private practitioners in the local community.

All visits and referrals are entirely confidential. Faculty members do not know whether students have sought or received assistance unless students chose to disclose.

Students do not have to wait long for an appointment – initial visits are usually made within a few days after the student calls. Same day and emergency appointments are also available. 24/7 emergency coverage is available: For emergencies after-hours and on weekends/holidays call 720-848-0000, identify yourself as an Anschutz Medical Campus student, and ask for the psychiatrist on-call.

For questions, or to make an appointment, call 303-724-4716. You can also contact SMHservice@ucdenver.edu to request an appointment. Main office: Building 500 https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/psychiatry/PatientCare/amc-student-mental-health

Behavioral/Mental Health Services for Students

Mental and behavioral health resources for CU Anschutz students are available at the Campus Health Center and Student Mental Health. Students are welcome to use either service to receive behavioral/mental health care.

Student health insurance and many other insurance plans are accepted for:

•           Acute stress management (including anxiety or depression)

•           Counseling or triage, assessment, treatment or referral of mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder, drug, alcohol or eating disorders, post- traumatic stress disorder

•           Medication prescription, monitoring and support

•           Domestic violence, sexual assault, trauma (in coordination with the Advocacy and Support Center)

•           Mindfulness, testing anxiety, and time management

•           On-site psychological testing for learning issues by Student Mental Health

•           Options for referral to community providers if preferred by student or covered by certain insurance plans

RESOURCES

Campus Health Center

Services:         Behavioral/mental health care and physical health care

Hours:             Mental health providers are available Monday through Friday – 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (on a trial basis; check the website for current hours); walk-in hours have been specifically dedicated for student mental health care during hours of greater demand, i.e., Monday through Friday 10:00-11:00 a.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Appts:              Schedule appointments at 303-724-6242; drop-ins are also welcome.

Providers:       Staffed by a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a licensed clinical social worker

Location:          Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Montview and Racine, 2nd floor

Website:          https://nursing.cuanschutz.edu/patient-care/campus-health-center

After hours, holidays, weekends: Students may call the Campus Health Center (303-724-6242), which goes directly to the Metro Nurseline after hours to help with chronic or immediate mental health issues and to facilitate a phone call to the on-call psychiatrist, if needed.

Student Mental Health Service

Services:         Behavioral/mental health care

Hours: Mental health providers are available Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Appts.:             Schedule appointments at 303-724-4716.

Providers:       Staffed by two psychiatrists, a nurse practitioner, a licensed clinical social worker, and a psychologist (for psychoeducational testing)

Location:         Building 500, 17th Avenue and Aurora Court, 2nd floor, #E2343

Website:        https://nursing.cuanschutz.edu/patient-care/campus-health-center

After-hours, holidays, weekends: Students may call the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) operator at 720-848-0000 directly, identify yourself as a CU Anschutz student and ask to speak with the on-call psychiatrist, or go to the UCH ER.

Campus Assessment, Response and Evaluation Team (CARE Team)

Services:         Behavioral/crisis situations/student safety

Hours: Mental health providers are available Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Appts.: Report non-urgent behaviors/concerns at www.ucdenver.edu/CARE or call 303-352-3579; or email shareaconcern@ucdenver.edu

Providers:       Staffed by a Student Behavior Case Manager, Conduct Representative, Law Enforcement Representative and Mental Health Expert

Website:         https://nursing.cuanschutz.edu/patient-care/campus-health-center

After-hours, holidays, weekends: To report a student in immediate distress, who is threatening or appears to be exhibiting unusual behaviors call 911 or campus police at 303-724-4444.

EMERGENCIES: Call 911 or go to your closest Emergency Department.

Safety and Security

University Police Department: Safety and Security Information

The University Police Department for CU provides security and access control over AMC. For emergencies, call 911 from any campus phone or 303-724-4444. The main telephone number for the Police Department is 303-724-2000.

Blue Light Poles

Blue Light poles are located outdoors throughout the AMC and may be used to summon assistance. The push button on the pole dials directly to the AMC University Police Department. The dispatcher will answer on the speaker and you must respond to the dispatcher. Unless circumstances prevent it, stay by the pole. The goal is to ensure that there are two Blue Light poles in view from anywhere on the campus.

Emergency Service Telephones

At elevators on the AMC are red telephones. The AMC police department is available from any of these devices by pressing the call button, dialing 911 or 44444.

These red phones can be used to contact the police at 911 or 44444, dial any extension on the campuses and (after dialing 9) outside calls. They will not call long distance and will not receive incoming calls.

Elevator Call Buttons

Every elevator has a call button on the control panel. These buttons are actually direct lines to the University Police Department. The dispatcher will answer you through the speaker inside the elevator.

The University Police Department provides additional information, safety classes, workplace violence, R.A.D. training (self-defense for men and women), workplace security assessment and more. They can be reached at 303-724-2000 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Additional information is available at: https://www.cuanschutz.edu/police

Physical Therapy Service for Students as Patients

In order to assure fair and equitable assessment of students, neither physical therapy faculty members nor consultants who may be involved in grading are allowed to provide physical therapy examination/intervention to students as patients. Students may choose to consult with faculty members regarding recommendations for providers of service that meet their needs.

Adverse Incidents Involving Students

The mission of risk management/loss avoidance programs is to save lives, prevent injuries and protect the health and safety of all employees, students, and visitors. While students must use their own health insurance if injured while not on clinical experience, they are nonetheless encouraged to complete an incident report if an injury occurs within class or on the premises of the Anschutz Medical Campus.

Report forms can be found online at https://www.cu.edu/risk/. If an incident occurs during clinic, refer to the Student Clinical Education manual.

Student Officers and Class Governance

PT Program, University and Professional Committees (See appendix for committees and officers including descriptions)

Student Officers Elections

During the first summer semester, the faculty class advisor will review the descriptions of class offices with the class. Each class will hold annual elections, monitored by their respective faculty class advisor. Elections will be held before finals week of summer semester or within the first two weeks of fall semester if there is a reason for the delay. If an officer role includes the need to handle cash on behalf of the class, s/he must also be a student employee.

Physical Therapy Program Awards

Awards and scholarships are available for students:

https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/physical-therapy-program/education-programs/doctor-of-physical-therapy/scholarships

Graduation-Related Considerations

Exit Interviews

An exit survey is distributed to all students prior to graduation.  An option for students to participate in a small group exit interview is also conducted prior to graduation. It is a program expectation that students participate in the survey as they are instrumental to the Program.

Graduation Registration

Students are responsible to respond in a timely manner to email communications regarding graduation registrations and activities.

Pre-Graduation Information

Prior to graduation, graduate candidates must complete a form to advise the Program of new mailing addresses and places of employment. This information is used for the Program’s accreditation processes, to help with alumni tracking, as well as to contact alumni with upcoming events. It is greatly appreciated for alumni to update contact information, post-graduation.

Preparation to Take the National Physical Therapy Licensing Examination

The National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). All students are registered with FSBPT by the PT Program in their first summer semester.  The student is responsible for claiming their account through FSBPT.  All instructions to apply for an initial state license and to register for the NPTE can be found at: https://www.fsbpt.org/Secondary-Pages/Exam-Candidates

Exam processes and dates can be found at: https://www.fsbpt.org/Secondary-Pages/Exam-Candidates/National-Exam-NPTE

A full list of all states and the requirements for licensure is available on the FSBPT website: https://www.fsbpt.net/lrg/Home/LicensureByExamRequirement

This tool defines the process towards licensure: https://pt.fsbpt.net/UserJourneyMap

Students who are seeking initial licensure in Colorado will find the application information at: https://dpo.colorado.gov/PhysicalTherapy/Applications

Students are responsible for requesting official transcripts from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Registrar: http://www.ucdenver.edu/anschutz/studentresources/Registrar/PlanYourDegree/Pages/Transcripts.aspx 

Information on the licensure Compact can be found at: https://www.fsbpt.org/Free-Resources/Physical-Therapy-Licensure-Compact