General Information and Policies

Academic Freedom

Academic freedom is a cherished principle in higher education. At the University, academic freedom is the right of faculty members to express their professional opinions regarding the content of the courses they are teaching, as long as they are measured against the intellectual standards of relevant professional disciplines. It should be remembered that the content of courses often builds upon itself and this course content is coordinated to achieve the desired goal of meeting professional accreditation and national licensure subject matter. Faculty have the freedom in the classroom to discuss academic subjects, selecting instructional materials, and determining grades. Likewise, students should have the opportunity to study a wide spectrum of ideas so they may acquire critical thinking skills. We must never lose sight that our students are seeking guidance, not confusion. While they wish to know what to do in every single circumstance, we know they are better prepared if we teach them the skills and give them the content that will enable them to personally find answers. In the development of knowledge and creative activities, the faculty and student body are free to cultivate a spirit of inquiry and scholarly criticism and to examine ideas in an atmosphere of freedom and confidence.

However, there are limits to academic freedom. The courts have decided that free speech does not extend to shouting “fire” in a crowded theater. Likewise, academic freedom, the right to express one’s personal views, has its limits and carries with it a measure of responsibility. By all means, faculty may express a different viewpoint about a professional topic, but it should be clearly expressed as a personal viewpoint. Faculty may not subject students to personal views and opinions concerning matters not related to the course of instruction itself. It is necessary that faculty conduct themselves accordingly, with due respect to the welfare of this University and the professions we represent. It is also necessary to ensure consistency within an integrated curriculum and when teaching various sections of the same course/seminar. The philosophy, programs, faculty, and administration of the University are not perfect, and helpful suggestions and constructive criticism can assist all; but public displeasure of University philosophies or practices has no place in our organization.

If a faculty member, staff, or student perceives an infringement on his or her academic freedom, the individual should follow the complaint policy and refer the issue to the appropriate Program Director, supervisor, and/or Dean. If the issue is not resolved in a satisfactory manner, the individual may submit a written grievance to the University’s Grievance Committee at 1 University Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32086, where the issue will be handled according to established time lines and processes.

Attendance

Class Attendance

Students are expected to be (1) in the classroom or lab on time, (2) prepared to begin class/lab, and (3) wearing the appropriate attire by the designated starting time for that instructional period.

Students who are going to be late or absent from class/lab due to an unexpected situation should contact their course instructor; see course syllabus for contact information.

Occasionally, students may be required as part of a course to attend an evening lecture by a distinguished person in the field. Such an event will be considered mandatory as if it were a regularly scheduled class.

Absences

In the event of a planned absence, the student must speak to each faculty member whose course will be missed and request that the absence be excused.

• Excused Absences
  Excused absences include (but may not be limited to) the following:
  • Illness (after 3 days must be supported by physician’s note)
  • Attendance at a professional conference approved by the Program Director
  • Attendance at special services for a member of the immediate family (spouse, parent, child, sibling; spouse’s parent, child, or sibling; child’s spouse, grandparents, or grandchildren).
• Unexcused Absences
  Unexcused absences are considered to be unprofessional behavior. With any unexcused absence, students forfeit the right to review with the instructor all or any part of the material, including test reviews, covered during that class or lab session. A first offense will result in a warning letter issued to the student with a copy of that letter placed in the student’s file. A second offense and each subsequent offense will result in a 5% reduction per offense from a final course grade. This represents the University’s minimal standard; individual faculty may outline additional consequences in their course syllabi.
• Tardiness
  Tardiness is considered to be unprofessional behavior. It is expected that if a student is tardy for any class, the student will apologize to the instructor immediately after that class. If a student is tardy twice (two times), the student will receive a warning letter with a copy of that letter placed in his or her file. After the second time, each subsequent event will result in a 5% reduction per tardiness from a final course grade. This represents the University’s minimal standard; individual faculty may outline additional consequences in their course syllabi.
• Clinical fieldwork/internship students should refer to the Clinical Education Handbook.
• Laboratory Attendance

Online Education Attendance

If enrolled in a course that is purely online (no face-to-face lab associated with it) then a student may be moving through his or her coursework with a cohort group. This means the student will have weekly attendance and assignments due along with fellow classmates. Check the syllabus for a schedule of due dates or refer to the course map within the course platform for specific information on each assignment.

In the online environment, attendance equates to signing into the course and interacting in some meaningful way, either via an assignment, bulletin board discussion, or test. No other student/course facilitator contact (e.g., telephone calls, faxes, email) satisfies the attendance requirement.

Course faculty are required to report student absences (lack of online course interaction) in an online course. However, it is the prerogative of the faculty member to determine if work submitted after the day of deadline will or will not receive any points or credit. Be advised that course facilitators are discouraged from awarding points for late student work that is designed to contribute to the overall class community (e.g., bulletin board threads, group work).

Flex Program Additional Information

• Excused Absences
  • Planned absences must be approved in advance by the Program Administrator.
  • In the event of an occurrence or emergency that necessitates missing any part of a Flex weekend lab, the procedure is as follows:
    • First contact should be the Program Director, coordinator, or manager. If the director, coordinator, or manager gives approval to proceed, the student next contacts the course online instructor to seek permission for an excused absence. If the course online instructor approves, the student must then contact the lab instructor to request approval for the absence. If all three (program coordinator/manager, online instructor, and lab instructor) agree, the student will be granted an excused absence. Failure to follow this sequence will result in an unexcused absence, which results in forfeiture of the right to review with the instructor all or any part of the material. This also includes taking written or practical exams. Unexcused absences are considered to be unprofessional behavior which could result in the final course grade being reduced by 5% to 10% and/or a referral to the Professional Misconduct Committee.
• Unexcused Absences
  • Students are expected to make travel arrangements that permit them to attend the full lab sessions on each scheduled lab weekend. Arriving late or leaving early for travel is considered an unexcused absence except in cases of unavoidable conflicts or when approved in advance by the program coordinator.

Clinical Education

Please refer to the Clinical Education Handbook on myUSA.

Institutional Review Board

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a University committee that reviews all research proposals involving the use of human subjects. The purpose of the IRB is to protect the human rights of those subjects and keep them from harmful procedures. All students participating in research projects that involve human subjects (including Case Reports) are required to submit the appropriate IRB documentation. The IRB committee meets once each month. Dates are posted on the USAHS website for each campus. For IRB policies, procedures, and forms see the Student Services tab on myUSA.

Privacy Policy

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is committed to respecting students’ privacy. The Privacy Policy located at http://www.usa.edu/privacy.aspx describes what information we collect from students and how USAHS uses this information. The University reserves the right to change this privacy policy at any time and without notice by posting such changes to the university website. Any such change will be effective immediately upon posting.

Questions regarding this policy, or comments concerning the website, should be directed to the University by sending an email to marketing@usa.edu.

Professional Conference Attendance

All DPT, MOT, OTD and MSSLP students are required to attend a minimum of 2 full days of one professional conference or 1 full day of two professional conferences during their program enrollment. The value of this required attendance is greater if full-time students wait until they are in the third trimester or later, and if Flex students wait until they are in the fifth trimester or later. Dual-degree seeking students are required to attend one physical therapy (PT) and one occupational therapy (OT) professional conference during their curriculum: an OT conference while in the MOT or OTD program and a PT conference while in the DPT program. Full-time DPT students should complete the conference requirement before the seventh trimester due to full time attendance required while on internships. Flex students should attend conferences that do not conflict with weekend lab schedules. Program Directors may modify the conference attendance requirements as necessary.

Students will notify their Program Director or an assigned Faculty Advisor of their intent to attend a particular conference. The student will then be granted an excused absence for the date(s) missed. This will not exceed 2 days (usually a Friday or a Thursday and Friday excused absence). It is at the discretion of each faculty member on how to disseminate the information from the missed class session(s). The student is responsible for all missed class material and assignments. Students are also responsible for conference costs, including registration, hotel, and transportation expenses. Upon their return, students are required to provide proof of attendance at the conference to the Program Director or the assigned Faculty Advisor.

Students attending a conference located more than 400 miles one way from campus may speak with their Program Director to request an excused absence for travel time. Program Directors will make the decision about additional excused time for conference attendance on a case-by-case basis and inform faculty of the decision. The student is responsible for all missed class material and assignments.

Professional conferences may include state or national meetings or others as approved by the Program Director.

Religious Accommodation

It is the policy of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences that an instructor will make a reasonable attempt to accommodate student needs in the case of serious incompatibility between a student’s religious creed and a scheduled test or examination. This requirement will not apply in the event that administering the test or examination at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship which could not reasonably have been avoided. Undue hardship occurs when granting a requested accommodation would require significant expense or difficulty for the University or other students in the class, or would result in the inability of the student to perform the essential functions of his or her course/program of study. The determination of undue hardship is dependent on the facts of each individual situation.

Accommodation for alternative examination dates will be worked out directly and on an individual basis between the student and the instructor involved.

Students must provide reasonable notice of their need for an accommodation by making such requests of the instructor during the first 2 weeks of an academic term, or as soon as possible after a particular examination date is announced by the instructor. The timing of the request may be considered in determining whether the accommodation would create an undue hardship.

For all degree programs, there will be times when students will be required to attend weekend and/or evening activities. A student should contact the instructor to request a religious accommodation if testing will occur during these times.

If the student and instructor are unable to come to a resolution, the student should bring the matter to the Program Director, who will make a final determination.

Transfer Credit Policy—All Programs

Transfer Credit Policy—All Programs

Transfer of graduate credits previously earned from another accredited, degree-granting institution is limited to 25% of the total number of academic credits for the degree. Transfer of credits within the University is determined on a case by case basis. Transfer credit will in most cases be approved for graduate coursework awarded by schools, colleges, or universities that have recognition from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and the U.S. Department of Education.

Transfer of Credits from Another Accredited Institution

Acceptance or rejection of transfer credits is subject to the following provisions:

• The course(s) should have been completed within 5 years* preceding admission to the program, but the applicant may petition to the Program Director for an exception to this time limit.
• *Some programs may be more restrictive than others and will expect a maximum of 3 years preceding admission (see First Professional Division reenrollment timelines below).
• The course should have been completed with a grade of B or better. Courses having a B- or below will not be transferred.
• The course must be listed on an official transcript sent directly to the Registrar by the issuing institution.
• Graduate-level courses taken at accredited institutions can be used for credit transfer provided that the course work meets the corresponding requirements of the program and the course being substituted by transfer.
• The course number and name of the course requested for transfer should reflect the content of the course it is replacing. Additionally, if the course requested for transfer will replace an elective, the content should be closely aligned with that of the curriculum and its potential electives.
• Undergraduate work is not accepted for transfer.
• In general, credit can be transferred if the requested substitute course is at the same course level or lower than the course being substituted (e.g., 7000 level courses would transfer for a 7000-level course or 5000 or 6000 level). In cases where a course from a master’s program is being requested for transfer into a doctoral program, consideration will be given to rigor and content and further documentation may be requested.
• Final approval for a transfer request is based upon review and authorization by the Program Director and will be based on assessment of whether a transfer of credit will allow the student to meet all program and course learning outcomes.
• If students are utilizing a variety of methods in transferring credits (from outside institutions, from another USAHS program, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or from advanced standing, a maximum of 50% of the degree program total credits can be awarded. The remaining 50% of the total credits needs to be completed within the desired USAHS program.

The Registrar is responsible for ensuring consistency of transfer credit practice and procedure between the different campus locations.

Post Graduate Nursing Certificate Transfer of Credits

• The School of Nursing follows the provisions listed above with the following additions:
• For course(s) that have been completed greater than 5 years preceding admission to the program or courses with a population specific focus different from the population of the focus of the certificate, Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) examination may be administered to ‘test out’ of Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, or Advanced Physical Assessment. A minimum score of 750 on the HESI examination is required. Testing and proctoring will be at the expense of the applicant or student requesting the transfer credit.

The process for requesting transfer credits is as follows:

• The student completes a Transfer Credit Form found on the myUSA portal, Student Services tab (or obtains from the advisor) and submits to the Program Director for initial review. A course syllabus is required. It is the responsibility of the student to provide sufficient documentation to show equivalency to USAHS coursework.
• The Program Director, in consultation with the appropriate course instructor(s) as needed, will review the transfer course syllabus to verify that its contents match those of the program’s course, considering the nature, content, quality, appropriateness, and applicability of the credit earned. The Program Director will then notify the Registrar of the decision.
• If necessary, the student and Program Director will meet and discuss the feasibility of the transfer and additional requests for documentation may take place at this time.
• All documents will then be sent to the Registrar for final review and request for payment (if approved).
• Once payment is confirmed by Bursar, the Registrar post the transfer credit to the permanent academic record at that time.

Transfer of Credits from One USAHS Program to Another USAHS Program

Transfer of credits may take place from one USAHS program to another. Should a student wish to transfer credits from one program to another, the following guidelines will apply:

• Students may request transfer of credits from another program for up to 50% of the total credits in the program toward which the credits will be applied.
• If electives are to be transferred, the Program Director will determine if those credits meet the program learning outcomes for the intended degree.
• Courses taught in a master’s level program that include outcomes and assessment measures designed for the doctoral level may be considered for transfer into doctoral-level programs if they have been approved for such and according to Program Director approval.
• The Program Director, in conjunction with the Registrar, will give final approval to the transfer plan.

The process for requesting transfer credits is as follows:

• The student completes a Request for Acceptance of Transfer Credit Form found on the myUSA portal Student Services tab and submits this to the Program Director.
• Requests for approval of transfer credits should be submitted 2 months before the start of classes for the trimester.
• The Registrar will notify the student if the request for transfer credit is approved or denied and will post any transferred credit to the permanent academic record at that time.

Trimesters/Terms

University coursework is posted in student records according to the term (usually a trimester) in which all requirements for the course are completed. Academic-credit coursework (cohort based) is generally scheduled on a trimester basis. Trimester periods consist of approximately 8–15 weeks (based on the course) and begin the first part of January, May, and September.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Assistance for Students with Disabilities

In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to any student with a disability. The University has developed a list of essential functions that a student should possess in order to successfully complete some programs. This list is provided to prospective students as part of the application packet and to newly admitted students as part of the acceptance process. Each student must endorse that he or she has reviewed and understands the list of essential functions.

To request reasonable accommodations, a student must complete the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form available through myUSA. New MOT, OTD, DPT and SLP students receive this form along with instructions for making a request once they have submitted their tuition deposits.

Students should submit the completed form and appropriate documentation to disability@usa.edu no later than the first Friday after classes begin so that approved accommodations may be put in place as early as possible. A delay in submitting the request may result in not having approved accommodations for the first assignments/tests of the term. Students may ask the Academic Advisor for clarification of the process. Disability Services will review the request and inform the student in writing of the decision. The student will be asked to sign a form indicating his or her understanding of and agreement to the accommodations.

Faculty are to adhere to the approved accommodations as provided by the student and are encouraged to seek clarification from Disability Services should there be a question about the provision of an accommodation. Should a student request something different than what is approved, the faculty member, advisor, and/or Program Director should inform the student that only the approved accommodations will be provided. Should the student wish to alter the accommodation, he or she should contact Disability Services via disability@usa.edu.

Students with a disability should expect to maintain the standards that apply to all University students and request only the accommodations approved by this process. Being penalized for having a disability is unacceptable as is expecting more than reasonable accommodations.

Any discrepancy encountered by the student or faculty in the written accommodation plan should be brought to Disability Services for review and action. Student progress may be reviewed as to their ability to perform safely and appropriately in a clinical situation. Students will be advised in writing of concerns regarding clinical performance.

Disability Policy and Grievance Procedure

It is the policy of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences not to discriminate on the basis of disability. USAHS has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794).

Any person who believes she or he has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability may file a grievance under this procedure. It is against the law for USAHS to retaliate against anyone who files a grievance or cooperates in the investigation of a grievance.

Procedure:

1. Grievances must be submitted to Disability Services and/or the Executive Director of Student Administration within 30 days of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.
2. A complaint must be in writing, containing the name and contact information (including address) of the person filing it. The complaint must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought.
3. The Disability Services (or designee) shall conduct an investigation of the complaint. This investigation may be informal, but it must be thorough, affording all interested persons an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint. Disability Services (or designee) will maintain the files and records of USAHS relating to such grievances. If the complaint is against another USAHS student and alleges a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the matter will be referred to the Grievance Committee as outlined in the Student Handbook.
4. Disability Services (or designee) will issue a written decision on the grievance no later than 30 days after its filing, unless more time is needed. In cases where more time is needed, a written update of progress and actions taken will be provided no later than 30 days after its filing.
5. The person filing the grievance may appeal the decision of Disability Services (or designee) by writing to the President/Chief Academic Officer within 5 days of receiving the Disability Services’ decision. The President/Chief Academic Officer shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 30 days after its filing.
6. The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of disability with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

USAHS will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that disabled persons are provided other accommodations, if needed, to participate in this grievance process. Such arrangements may include, but are not limited to, providing interpreters for the deaf, providing taped cassettes of material for the blind, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings. Disability Services (or designee) will be responsible for such arrangements.

Pets and Service Animals

USAHS prohibits pets (including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, pigs, rodents, and reptiles) from all campus buildings and grounds.  When campus security or facility personnel observe or become aware of a dog or pet on campus, they will ask the owner to immediately remove the animal from the premises. 

Service Animals

USAHS’s policy on service animals is written in compliance with ADA laws, regulations, and guidance provided by the Department of Justice.  

• To learn more about service animals and the ADA see https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
• To review FAQs see https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.pdf

Service animals are welcome in USAHS buildings and on university grounds.  Service animals may attend any class, meeting, or university event. 

Service animals may be prohibited if the presence of the animal fundamentally alters the nature of a service or program or where the animal’s presence may compromise a sterile environment.  In addition, if a service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or if it is not housebroken, that animal may be excluded.    

USAHS has the authority to require that a service animal be removed from the premises if the service animal becomes unruly or disruptive, unclean, or unhealthy to the extent that the animal’s behavior or condition poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others. If such behavior persists, the owner may be directed not to bring the animal onto USAHS grounds and facilities until the issue is resolved.

Definition of Service Animal

Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.  The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.  Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

Examples of service animal work includes guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, or calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder during an anxiety attack.  Service animals are working animals, not pets. 

Comfort Animals

USAHS does not allow the use of emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals.  Exceptions to this rule may be handled on a case by case basis.   

Service Animals and Clinical Placement

Students requiring a service animal may experience limitations in the number of clinical sites available to them and their desired geographic location.  

Responsibility of Service Animal Owners/Handlers

The owner/handler is responsible for cleaning up after their service animal and is expected to properly dispose of all animal waste. 

The owner/handler is responsible for the cleanliness of their service animal. Daily grooming and regular baths should be performed to keep animal odor to a minimum. Flea control is essential, and preventative measures should be taken. In the event a flea problem develops, it should be dealt with immediately and effectively. Consideration of others must be taken into account when providing maintenance and hygiene of service animals.

Building Hours

Students may access campus buildings from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time, except during holidays and term breaks as defined on the Academic Calendar. Business offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time.

Austin campus weekend hours are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time.

Business Days

The University offers classes 7 days per week. Students should refer to the course syllabus regarding due dates.

A business day refers to Administrative Offices that operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in each respective time zone.

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.

Copyright Policy

Credit Hour Policy

Definition of Credit Hour

It is the policy of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences to establish credit hour definitions and policies for calculation. Guidelines by the Department of Education and WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) suggest that a school measure credit hours in terms of the amount of time in which a student is engaged in academic activity. A credit hour should be defined as an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency and reasonably approximates the following criteria:

1. One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction or student engagement and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work (preparation) each week for approximately 15 weeks for 1 semester or trimester of credit, or at least an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time [Note: For example, a 2 credit hour course over a 15-week term would require at least 30 hours of direct academic engagement (2 hours/week) and 60 hours of student preparation time (4 hours/week) for the average student. If this same course was offered over 8 weeks, the same number of hours would be required for the term, but the weekly hours would change to 4 hours/week of academic engagement and 8 hours/week of out of class (preparation) work
2. Formal laboratory instruction is also direct faculty instruction and equates to 2–3 contact hours per week per credit over a 15-week term, with documentation maintained on lab experiences and supported by the course outline/syllabus.
3. When determining online and/or face-to-face academic engagement time (excluding student preparation time), the courses should fall within certain allowable contact hours over the semester according to the number of credit hours. Courses with labs will have larger contact hours than non-lab courses.
4. A credit hour may also be an equivalent amount of work (measured in contact hours) for other academic activities established by the institution, including internships, fieldwork, practice, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.
5. Fieldwork/Internships and Clinical Rotations are calculated at 45 hours = 1 credit hour.

Per the above, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences further defines “other academic activities” as practice of lab techniques (usually a range of 2-3 contact hours per credit), practicum, shadowing, studying, reading, preparing for assignments, group work, service learning, or other academic activities related to a specific course.

• An institution should be able to demonstrate its measurements of time allocated for learning experiences and that the learning outcomes are accomplished.
• Review of course credit content will be performed on a regular basis by way of student course evaluations, time studies within a course and curriculum, annual reports and programmatic reviews.
• All new courses should be reviewed for the above as part of the curriculum review process.
• All courses should have a descriptive table of how contact hours are spent in both instruction and academic activities in the course syllabus 

Certain types of courses cannot and will not be measured in this manner, primarily due to the subjective nature of personal study/work time of each student. These types of courses include exit exams, practicums, clinical rotation, clinical integration, independent study, directed reading, capstone courses, products demonstrating excellence, scholarly projects, comprehensive project and dissertation.

Diversity

Diversity at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is defined in three ways:

1. Representation of the student, faculty, and staff across all campuses
2. Allowing for diverse thought, leadership styles, and work environments
3. Encouraging diverse ways to teach, to promote student cultural awareness, and to engage in scholarly pursuits

Representation of the student, faculty, and staff across all campuses: The University aims to support diversity by recruiting and retaining students and employees at all levels by

• recognizing that continued success in meeting the needs of our students requires the full and active participation of talented and committed employees who represent a variety of religions, disabilities, ages, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, and genders. Diversity of employees also includes personal and work history, education, functional ability, personality, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, geographic origin, longevity with the organization, degree-program matriculation, and level of employment within the organization;
• supporting admission to students regardless of gender, race, ethnic origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation; and
• offering educational support to all students, but especially to those with identified special needs.

Diverse thought, leadership styles, and work environment: The University believes that diversity encompasses the way we work, the work environment, and respect for people and ideas. It also encompasses varying management styles and ways of thinking, leadership abilities, skill levels, experiences, viewpoints, expression of thoughts, and differing ways of delivering services, provided there is consistency in the values we share. By fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and support, we value and appreciate the strengths afforded by the differences, styles, ideas, and organizational contributions of each person. For it is through diversity that our institutional core values and mission can best be met.

Encouraging diverse ways to teach, to promote student cultural awareness, and to engage in scholarly pursuits: The University supports faculty who offer diverse clinical expertise and approaches to patient management as a way to promote health science professional curricula that allows graduates to work with a diverse client population. Efforts are made to support cultural competence throughout the curricula and meet expected student learning outcomes in this area. Faculty are encouraged to promote diverse scholarly endeavors that involve various clinical, patient management, health promotion, and education research topics, with careful attention to the safety, confidentiality, and privacy of all research subjects.

Diversity is inclusion. It stresses equal opportunity, recognizes and respects the multitude of differences that employees and students bring to our workplace and classrooms, and acknowledges the changing face of the community we serve. The affirmation of diversity and full cooperation by all managers, supervisors, employees, and students is expected.

Parking

The University is an independent organization, and as such, the property and parking lots are private property. The operation and/or parking of any vehicle on University of St. Augustine property is a privilege, not a right. The University has the right to regulate the use of motor vehicles on its property for the good and safety of everyone. Carpooling is strongly encouraged whenever possible.

The University is not liable for break-ins or other damage to any vehicle, including student vehicles. Every effort will be made by University staff and personnel to ensure student safety whenever possible. Reports of damage to vehicles should be filed with local authorities, with a copy to the University Student Services Office.

Vehicles parked in violation of University regulations are subject to being booted or towed without notice by the University. The student is required to pay the boot fee or to contact the towing company to make arrangements for retrieving his or her vehicle and paying the towing fee.

Commuter Alternatives Program

USAHS is focused on providing its students, staff and faculty with options to enhance the experiences on campus. USAHS is conscious of the carbon footprint and the impact the university has on the local environment. In an effort to balance both, the university offers the Commuter Alternatives Program (CAP). 

Through CAP, the university will provide participants with incentives for carpooling, bicycling, walking or taking public transportation to and from campus.

Students, faculty and staff can participate in one of the following options:

1. Carpooling - Two or more participants who wish to ride together may enroll in CAP under the carpool option. Participants who choose this option will each receive a $50 Amazon gift card each term and one CAP Parking Permit hang tag to be shared among the carpool team members. Carpool teams must register together and complete the CAP form with the carpool box checked. Participants who choose to sign up for this option for the first time will be required to turn in the originally issued USAHS Student or Staff/Faculty parking permit at the time of registration. Participants who were signed up under this option from the previous term will be required to exchange their expired CAP Parking Permit for a current permit.
2. Bike, Public Transportation or Walk - Participants who rely on alternate methods of transportation may enroll in CAP under the Bike, Public Transportation or Walk option. Participants who choose this option will receive a $50 Amazon gift card each term, in lieu of a parking permit to park on campus. Participants who choose to sign up for this option for the first time will be required to turn in the originally issued USAHS Student or Staff/Faculty parking permit at the time of registration. Participants who were signed up under this option from the previous term will be required to confirms their enrollment for the current period. In addition to the $50 gift card, participants will be entered into a drawing each month to receive a $100 gift card.

Due to demand, CAP Permits are limited and will be handed out on a first come - first serve basis. CAP registration for incoming students will take place during orientation. CAP enrollment and re-enrollment will take place at the front reception desk Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

As a reminder, only vehicles that display a USAHS Student Parking Permit, a CAP Parking Permit or a USAHS Staff/Faculty Permit are authorized to park on campus property. Please note, at most campuses, local ordinances restrict off-campus parking on local city streets, at local businesses and in residential neighborhoods. Vehicles that fail to properly display the required permit will be subject to citation and/or impound.

For questions about the CAP, contact Luis James at ljames@usa.edu. 

St. Augustine Campus

Students are not permitted to park in the north, west, and south patient/visitor/staff/faculty parking lots from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Students who are parked in these lots will be issued a parking citation of $25.00. The parking citation money will go to the students’ professional organization. (Note: After 5:00 p.m. students may park in the west and south visitor/staff/faculty parking lots). Students may park in front of the main entrance for a maximum of 15 minutes to deliver items to faculty/staff or pick up items. This policy is subject to change.

When resident classes are not in session, but the University is otherwise open, students are required to use only the student parking lot so as not to interfere with regular business operations of the University.

Additional provisions of the University parking policy are as follows:

• No parking is permitted along the curbs of the student parking lot.
• No parking is permitted adjacent to University property—that is, access and side roads and other business’ parking lots.
• No parking is permitted on the extreme northern facing parking spots “carved” into the Orthopaedic Associates space.
• No double-parking is permitted.
• Excessive speed in the student parking lot or in accessing University roadways is prohibited.
• All automobiles must be locked while on University property.
• All stop signs and stop bars are to be observed.
• Parking in the gravel lot is permitted but may be limited due to other University functions.
• Students are not permitted to park in the parking spots on the driveway entering and exiting the University.
• Access to the student parking lot is via San Bartolo Avenue. Access through the Flagler Hospital Emergency Room entrance road is prohibited.

Flex St. Augustine, Florida Campus

Flex students may use the permanent University student parking lot on weekends. (Note: After 5:00 p.m. students may park in the west and south visitor/staff/faculty parking lots).

San Marcos Campus

Students are not permitted to park in any of the parking spots on the perimeter of the two buildings excluding designated visitor, handicapped, or car pool spots unless the appropriate parking permit is displayed.

Currently there is no charge for parking, but the University reserves the right to begin charging for parking in the future if it is deemed necessary.

Students are responsible for any parking tickets received from the city for improperly parking on the street.

Any students who are parked in unapproved spots in the parking lot will be issued a parking citation of $50.00 by the University. The parking citation money will go to the respective student professional association.

Additional provisions of the University parking policy include the following:

• No parking is permitted along the curbs of Windy Point Drive, Borden Road, or streets within defined neighborhoods.
• No parking is permitted at the red curbs or in handicapped or visitor spots (unless you have the necessary designation).
• No double-parking is permitted.
• Excessive speed in the parking lot is prohibited.
• All automobiles must be locked while on University property.
• All stop signs are to be observed.
• No overnight parking is allowed.

Because of city ordinances and traffic plans, alternative transportation is encouraged. These options include the following:

• Carpooling: Carpooling is strongly encouraged whenever possible. To encourage this activity, premium parking spots between the two buildings are reserved for registered carpoolers. Registration for carpooling will be announced, and a special sticker must be displayed on all vehicles used on campus. Car pool groups must re-register at the beginning of each term with the University receptionist.
• Bike to school: Bike racks are available for individuals biking to school. Always secure your bike with an appropriately applied chain and lock.
• Public transportation: North County Transit offers a public transportation system called the Sprinter. The closest station to the campus is San Marcos Civic Center Station (#12). It is about three quarters of a mile from this station to the campus. There are currently no public bus options to the campus. Students can ride the Sprinter and bike/walk to the campus. For more information about light rail visit http://www.gonctd.com/sprinter-stations.htm.

Austin Campus

Students are not permitted to park in any of the parking spots on the perimeter of the two buildings, excluding designated visitor, handicapped, or car pool spots unless the appropriate parking permit is displayed. All University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences students are responsible for any parking tickets received for improperly parking on the street. Any students who are parked in unapproved spots in the parking lot will be issued a parking citation of $25.00 by the University. The parking citation money will go to the respective student professional association.

Additional provisions of the University parking policy are as follows:

• No parking is permitted at any time along the curbs of the student parking lot.
• No parking is permitted in handicapped or visitor spots without the appropriate designation.
• Students should not park on the streets surrounding the campus. It is important to be considerate and avoid causing problems for surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.
• No parking is permitted behind construction areas.
• No double-parking is permitted.
• Excessive speed in the student parking lot or in accessing University roadways is prohibited.
• All automobiles must be locked while on University property.
• All stop signs are to be observed.

Flex Austin, Texas Campus

Students are permitted to park in any of the parking spots on the perimeter of the three buildings, excluding designated visitor or handicapped spots, unless the appropriate parking permit is displayed.

Miami Campus

Priority for parking access will be given to students who enroll in one of the Commuter Alternatives Program (CAP) options.

Students with a valid parking access card are permitted to park in the Douglas Entrance Parking Garage, on the 10th to 12th floors from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. EST. This policy is subject to change.

Additional provisions of the University parking policy are as follows:

• No parking is permitted in the surrounding residential vicinity.
• No double-parking is permitted.
• Excessive speed in the Douglas Entrance parking garage is prohibited.
• All automobiles must be locked while in Douglas Entrance parking garage property.
• All stop signs and stop bars are to be observed.

Dallas Campus

Parking is available on the premises. All cars must display the USAHS hanging tag.

Parking policies may differ by program. For more information, students should refer to their program section of the Handbook.

Textbooks

Textbooks are the responsibility of the learner. Not all courses require textbooks (refer to the course syllabus). To access book lists, students should sign into myUSA, click on the Campus tab, then on the appropriate campus. Student Services provides a booklist to incoming, first-term MOT, OTD, DPT and SLP students prior to the start of classes.

Transferability of Course Credit

The transferability of credits students earn at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is at the complete discretion of an institution to which the student may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the degree earned at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which the student may seek to transfer. If the degree earned at this institution is not accepted at the institution to which the student seeks to transfer, the student may be required to repeat some or all of his or her coursework at that institution. For this reason, the student should make certain that his or her attendance at this institution will meet his or her educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which the student may seek transfer after attending the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences to determine if the degree will transfer. The University actively pursues a policy of requesting other graduate programs to accept our credits for transfer. However, the University has not entered into an articulation or transfer agreement with any other college or university.