Technology

Distance/Online Education

Purpose of Distance/Online Education

It is the intention of this University to offer online coursework that will parallel the mission and philosophies of the University’s programs. USAHS aims to provide a program that is unique to the health care education while at the same time maintaining uniformity in content and presentation.

Philosophy of Distance/Online Education

The University intends to provide a delivery method of education that not only excels in quality but is unique in performance. USAHS aims to provide an education that facilitates rich learning environments and that includes opportunities for acquiring basic and advanced skills, knowledge, conceptual understanding, and relevance to the health and clinical sciences. The education provided should not function as an isolated dimension of intellectual activity but as a contribution to learners’ development of strong identities as individual learners and participants in meaningful social and educational practice.

Methods for Delivery of Online Education Courses

The University will offer a variety of formats in educational delivery. Below is a summary of such offerings:

• Pure Online Course - This course format offers content that is delivered purely online. Most often the student will have scheduled interaction with an experienced faculty member as well as other classmates. Occasionally a pure online course may offer the opportunity to work self-paced and interact only with the assigned faculty member.
• Combination Laboratory/Online Course - This course format offers lecture-type materials in an online format with weekend laboratory sessions in a face-to-face (traditional) format. In many cases the online course materials will be reviewed prior to attending the weekend laboratory sessions.
• Traditional Lecture/Laboratory - A course may be delivered in an exclusively live format (not online).
• Seminar/Online - The student will need to first attend a seminar. The most up-to-date seminar calendar is available under Continuing Education on the University’s website, www.usa.edu. Students will be able to see when and where seminars are being provided. After attending the seminar, students will need to complete the online course that corresponds with the seminar attended. These courses are 10 weeks long.
• Residency - These courses require the student to be on site.
• Blended Learning - This format offers materials in both online and face to face (traditional) format.

Cell Phone Use on Campus

• Ringer should be turned off during class or labs.
• No text messaging is allowed during class or labs.
• Cell phone/tablet camera, audio, or video recording may not be used during class or labs unless permission is given by the instructor.
• Cell phones and cameras are to be stored in book bags or other secure locations during exams or exam review sessions, and should be either turned off or placed on vibrate. Cell phones are not allowed to be in pockets or attached to pants or lying on tables.
• If a student must make an important call, or receive an important call during class or lab hours, the student should inform and get permission from the instructor. Phones should be either turned off or placed on vibrate.
• When talking on cell phones in hallways, students should be courteous and keep voices down or move to a quiet area.
• No cell phone conversations are permitted and phones should be placed on silent when in the library or quiet-study-zone areas.

Email Account

Each USAHS student will be provided a University email address. Students will use email to stay connected with faculty, support staff, and other students at USAHS. Students should begin monitoring the account as soon as possible but no later than the first day of classes. The University will frequently use email to send important announcements and information. Students will be expected to be able to reply and interact in a timely manner. Students must use USAHS email for all school related business. USAHS departments will only communicate with students using the USAHS email address.

All students should identify the program in which they are enrolled in their email signature. Students who are enrolled in a first-professional program should use only the appropriate designator for a student (SPT, OTS, etc.) as determined by their profession and program in their USAHS related communications. Students should not use the student designator in work situations and should not use other designations (licensure, certification, advanced degrees, etc.) in their USAHS signature. For example:

Students may wish to use the organizational features of the email software (folders, contacts, etc.) to facilitate email management. Plan on checking email frequently and set up an electronic filing system for messages. Delete messages that have already been dealt with, and save attachments to a designated area on a hard drive.

Remember to frequently check the spam or junk mailboxes. Sometimes University emails (.edu addresses) are identified as spam and important information is missed because the email message is not in the usual inbox.

ID Badges

MOT, MS-SLP, DPT, OTD

Students will receive a student identification badge that includes the student’s photograph, name, and year of enrollment. Photographs may be taken on interview day or during new student orientation. Identification badges must be worn where it is visible while on University property or while engaged in any University related event. The University charges a fee for all replacement badges. All badges will remain active for 30 days after degrees are conferred to enable students to utilize the library and the Wellness Center.

MHA, MHS, MSN, DNP, EdD, tDPT, PP OTD

Students on campus for a seminar/residency will receive a temporary name badge on the first day of the seminar/residency that will provide access to the campus for those days only. Students may request a student identification badge that includes the student’s photograph and name. To request a badge, please email the program coordinator along with a passport-type photo. Please note: badges will only enable students to access the University’s library. When the badge is complete and ready for pick up, the program coordinator will contact the student by email. Once complete, the badge will be available in the Wellness Center during business hours or can be mailed. The student must provide a photo ID for verification. Identification badges must be worn while on University property or while engaged in any University-related event. There is a fee for a replacement badge. The badge will remain active for 30 days after degrees are conferred to enable students to utilize the library. Students visiting a campus that are not attending a seminar/residency or do not have a student identification badge will need to stop at the lobby and sign in as a visitor.

Internet Acceptable Use

The University is required to have a policy that explains fair use of the network (Internet/computers/phone) and to hold it harmless should a virus or other event occur as a result of using the network. This is normal and customary and protects the University, employees, and the student against frivolous litigation and claims. Computer viruses and other events are unfortunately all too common.

The University of St. Augustine reserves the right to modify its Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) at any time, effective upon either the posting of the modified AUP to www.usa.edu or notification of the modified AUP via the Student Handbook or written notice. By using the services, and thereby accepting the terms and conditions of the AUP, you agree to abide by the AUP as modified from time to time. Any violation of the AUP may result in the suspension or termination of your account.

The user (defined as anyone using computers, hardware, phones, wireless access, or Internet services) is responsible for any breaches of security affecting servers, routers, workstations, or other systems under user control. If a user’s system is involved in an attack on another network or system, it will be shut down and an immediate investigation will be launched to determine the cause/source of the attack. In such event, the user is responsible for the cost to rectify any damage done to their computer and any other requirement affected by the security breach.

If the user is accessing the wireless Internet via a personally owned computer, it is the user’s responsibility to maintain current virus definitions, operating system updates, and a firewall on his or her computer. The university takes no responsibility in any type of damage that may occur to a user’s computer, while accessing university services (wireless or other).

All users of the Internet at the University of St. Augustine are expected to use this resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and to follow all Internet-related rules, regulations, and procedures established for its use.

The University provides users with access to the Internet. The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information. However, not all sources provide accurate, complete, or current information.

The University makes no warranty, expressed or implied, for the timeliness, accuracy, or usefulness for a particular purpose of information accessed via the Internet. The University cannot regulate the nature or content of the information accessed nor the availability of any given Internet site. The University network/services may only be used for lawful purposes. Transmission, distribution, or storage of any information, data, or material in violation of United States or state regulation or law, or by the common law, is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, material protected by copyright, trademark, trade secret, or other intellectual property rights.

Storage of personal items (items that are not work-related) such as music, videos, pictures, emails, and documents on the University server or individual computers is not acceptable use of University resources.

Responsible use of the Internet at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences includes:

• Using the University’s Internet resources for educational and informational purposes only.
• Respecting intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data residing on the Internet.
• Refraining from attempts to codify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others, and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.
• Refraining from illegal or unethical use of the Internet.
• Refraining from damaging or altering the configuration of the equipment used to access the Internet at the University.
• Refraining from altering or damaging software or data residing on the Internet.
• Refraining from the deliberate propagation of computer worms and viruses.

Guidelines for Internet Use

The University provides individual Internet email accounts for all degree seeking students. All University communication will be through the University email address.

Failure to use the Internet appropriately, legally and responsibly will result in

• suspension or termination of a student’s University account,
• a hearing before the Professional Misconduct Committee or Human Resources for harassment, or
• referral to the respective Program Director for further disciplinary action.

Use of File Transfer Between Home and Work Computers

The Internet has become more dangerous than ever. Virus applications and malware are now easily hidden on commonly used web pages. Internet criminals have devised methods for infecting computers when users visit a URL they may have found to be safe previously. For this reason, it has become necessary to require those who transfer files from home to work (via email, USB drive, CD, etc.) to have a good anti-virus/anti-malware application installed on their home computers. That software must be kept up-to-date.

The IT department also strongly recommends students allow Windows updates to occur on a regular basis, turn on their firewall, and check frequently to insure all anti-virus updates are occurring on a regular basis.

Wireless Internet Access Policy

Wireless access is available in certain areas of the campus, though coverage and up-time is not guaranteed. If students have a laptop computer, tablet, or smart phone with a mobile-ready processor, they will be able to access the Internet while on campus. The university wireless network operates in the same fashion as any commercial wireless access point; it is not secure.

It is a user’s responsibility to keep his or her operating system up to date with all security patches and service packs. Firewall software is also recommended. Prevention is better than cure, and by following these simple guidelines, the wireless network can remain safe for fellow users.

When users sign on to the wireless network, they are accepting the rules and regulations of the University AUP. Additionally, they are accepting responsibility for all security breaches or virus damage that may occur to their computer while accessing the University wireless network. The technical help desk and personnel at the University are not available to evaluate or fix student computers.

Social Networking—Acceptable Use

Social networking online tools and services, as defined below, make it very easy to create accounts for these services, upload content, and then tag the content. The tagging makes the networking possibilities very powerful, which may draw many viewers.

Many students, educators, employees, and administrators are aware of the great potential these social networking services may provide; however, they also recognize the potential dangers of such services. The following are guidelines for use of social networking tools.

Students should limit use of social networking to their personal computers as most sites are known to have malicious software associated with at least part of the website.

NOTE: Please be sure to review Privacy Settings for Facebook accounts to make sure that personal and private information is not shared with the general public. To get to privacy settings, click the account menu at the top right of the Facebook page, and choose Privacy Settings. This page contains a group of general controls for the Facebook account, such as who can send friend requests and messages. For everything else that is shared on Facebook, the audience can be chosen when posting. Use this link for more information: http://www.facebook.com/help/privacy

Definition

For the purpose of this policy, social media can take many different forms, including Internet forums, blogs and microblogs, online profiles, wikis, podcasts, pictures and videos, email, instant messaging, music-sharing, and voice over IP, to name just a few. Examples of social media applications are LinkedIn, Facebook, Myspace, Wikipedia, YouTube, Twitter, Yelp, Flickr, Second Life, Yahoo groups, WordPress, ZoomInfo—the list is endlessly growing.

Policy on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) File Sharing

The University of St. Augustine is committed to avoiding misuse of its computer network, including use of the computer network to violate the Copyright Law of the United States. All students, faculty, and staff should have a basic understanding of the Copyright Law. Please refer to employee, faculty, and student handbooks for more information on the University copyright policy.

Campus computer networks have been popular sources of reproduction and distribution of illegal music, movies, television shows, pictures, and software through the use of peer-to-peer (P2) networks. When the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences receives a formal complaint from a copyright holder, the University notifies the individual involved and passes along any information received from the copyright holder to that individual. The University does not supply any information to the copyright holder about the individual involved unless a valid subpoena is presented.

Active efforts are in place to prohibit the use of illegal file sharing and the University of St. Augustine employs Open DNS filtering, which blocks access to all known file distributions sites.

Technology Requirements 

Each USAHS residential student is required to have a laptop computer which can access the University’s wireless network for course notes, exams, and the online course platform. Post professional students are required to have daily access to a computer with reliable high-speed internet and video camera.

Most new or recently manufactured computers will easily meet or exceed the requirements.

Laptop/Computer Requirements

Microsoft Office is the preferred office suite. Students can access Microsoft Office Online apps and Microsoft OneDrive using their USA email login. Students can quickly create and save new Office documents when signed into Office 365.

The campus supports 802.11g/n/ac wireless standards. In order to successfully connect to the wireless network while on campus, the computer or tablet will need to conform to the 802.11g/n/ac standards.

Students must be sure the computer has reliable anti-virus software installed. Microsoft Security Essentials (free), Norton and Trend Micro (paid) are some common offerings, but there are many excellent free anti-virus solutions also available on the internet. Please be aware that sharing files or just surfing the net is bound to get the computer infected without an anti-virus solution!

If a student is buying a new computer, he or she should consider getting one with a 3-year factory (not a third-party) warranty. Laptop parts are fragile and many are brand-specific. They often need factory servicing because of their proprietary parts. That warranty will get last through much of the degree program and the computer will be technically obsolete by the time the warranty runs out. 

• Upon returning from an LOA, a student who has been receiving reasonable accommodations must reapply to the Director of Disability Services to have accommodations reinstated.

myUSA Portal

myUSA is a web portal for the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences community. It is accessible through the home page of the University website, www.usa.edu. Click on myUSA in the upper right-hand corner of the home page. Certain tabs (sections) of the portal are accessible to all, while some require a username (student ID #) and password.

Students will use the myUSA portal to access grades and forms, update personal information, view schedules and financial account information, utilize library resources, register for distance education courses, order transcripts, and much more.

If a student has forgotten his or her password (he or she will need to know the username) he or she must follow the instructions below:

1. Click on myUSA (upper left-hand corner of www.usa.edu).
2. Enter the username and click the “I forgot my password” link.
3. Click on “Send new password.”
   1. A new password will be sent to the email address the University has on file. If the student does not receive the password, he or she will need to verify the email address with the Registrar’s Office.
4. After receiving the new password, log on to the myUSA portal and click on “Personal Info.” Click on the Password tab and then reset the password to something secure that is easily remembered.
5. Log in one more time to verify that the new password is working.

Please note that students should have two sets of usernames and passwords:

1. Student information myUSA (portal) username and password allow students to access their online courses, printable financial information for tax purposes, grade reports, unofficial transcripts, etc.
2. University of St. Augustine online library catalog username and password enables access to the library catalog only, not the online resources like full text journal articles, eBooks, and databases. Please see the information about these resources on the myUSA portal Library tab for details on how to access them.

If a student has misplaced his or her library catalog username and password that was issued by the library, please email library@usa.edu for assistance.

Photocopying/Printers

All campuses of the University of St. Augustine Library offer photocopiers, scanners, and printers for student use at a cost of $0.10 per black and white page and $0.35 per color page. Scanning is free. For the specific rules and procedures at your campus, please ask in the library or see the Campus Resources page on the myUSA portal Library tab. Refer to the University’s copyright policy to avoid printing materials inappropriately.