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Student Handbook specific to program of Nutrition & Dietetics

 
   
 
   

female on exercise bicycle, with another female standing beside and holding a folder, as if providing instruction
                             photo by Sheryl Hagan-Booth
 
 
 
  Handbook contents

  • Program mission
  • Program goals
  • Student learning objectives
  • Becoming a registered dietitian
  • Program costs
  • Transportation
  • What is an internship?
  • Preparation for an internship
  • Application packets for internships
  • Policies protecting student rights
  • Student support services
  • Evaluation of student learning and progress


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Two people sitting at a table that has a plate of food. On the plate are a hamburger with a bun, green peas, and corn on the cob. The female is pictured to be a registered dietitian providing dietary advice to a male.
                                     photo by Sheryl Hagan-Booth
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Three people are in the lobby of a hotel with a restaurant. Two of the people are looking at menu selections, and a male is standing behind a counter in a suit.
                                    photo by Sheryl Hagan-Booth
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Two female students are pictured in cap and gowns at a WKU graduation ceremony.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Mission of the Nutrition & Dietetics Program

  • The primary mission of the nutrition and dietetics program is to prepare students to compete for internships accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association that lead to eligibility for the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association Registration Examination and, thus, to “Registered Dietitian” designation.  Students are provided educational experiences to prepare them to effectively fulfill duties of entry-level dietetics positions and to manage others who provide dietetic-related services.  Students emerge from the program with information and management skills which enable them to creatively solve problems in the delivery of dietetic services.
  • The Nutrition and Dietetics Program at WKU is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (1-800-877-1600 ext 5400; American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995).  The most recent program review date began in September, 2004 and resulted in initial accreditation of the program in February, 2005.

Program Goals

  • The program will prepare students to effectively fulfill duties of entry-level dietetics positions and to manage others who provide dietetic-related services.
  • The program will prepare students to successfully compete for supervised practice experiences that lead to eligibility for The American Dietetic Association Registration Examination.
  • The program faculty will use and/or demonstrate relevant technologies and equipment for the purpose of instruction.
  • The program will improve the quality of student support/information related to the major, career options, and related resources.
Outcome Measures related to each program goal may be found at the following link for outcome measures.  

Student Learning Objectives

  • Students will have knowledge and demonstrated abilities in commercial and noncommercial foodservice operations.
  • Students will have knowledge and demonstrated abilities in managerial functions.
  • Students completing the program in nutrition and dietetics at WKU will be able to communicate effectively.
  • Students will have knowledge and demonstrated abilities in nutrient metabolism, nutrition, and medical nutrition therapy.

To become a Registered Dietitian, three requirements must be completed:

  • Complete at least a bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university in the United States AND complete course work approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Dietetics Accreditation of the American Dietetic Association.  A major in nutrition and dietetics at Western Kentucky University allows for the completion of the bachelor's degree AND the necessary course work.
  • Complete an internship that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Dietetic Association.  Students apply to these programs in their last year at Western Kentucky University and complete the programs after graduating from the University.  Entrance into internships is competitive.  An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 and relevant work experience aid in the preparation for an internship.
  • Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association.
  • After gaining status as a registered dietitian, continuing professional education is needed to maintain registration status.

Program Costs

  • Lab coat to be used in  CFS 151, CFS 251 and CFS 464 - $25 to $40
  • Lab fees for CFS 151 and 251- $100 ($50 per lab)
  • Student liability insurance for CFS 464 - $15 to $20
  • TB skin test series - $20
  • State police background check for CFS 464 - $10
  • Tuition – Kentucky Resident, Fall 2006 and Spring 2007 = $2,976; Non-resident, Fall 2006 = $7,200 and Spring 2007 = $7,200.  Additional information concerning tuition may be found through the WKU Office of Admissions.
  • Other expenses and fees per semester, such as for meals ($900-$1200), books ($15-$30 per credit hour), and more may be found through the WKU Office of Admissions.

Transportation

  • Students are responsible for transportation to any off-campus venues required for classes.

What is an Internship?

  • Internships are the second step to becoming a registered dietitian.  An internship is completed after the undergraduate degree is obtained.
  • Internships are located in many universities, colleges and hospitals across the United States.
  • A list of all internships is available on the website of the Commission on Accreditation of the American Dietetic Association,  and from the undergraduate program director, Dr. Kelley, at WKU.
  • In the third year of the nutrition and dietetics curriculum, students develop a list of supervised practice programs that may be of interest.
  • In the last year of the program, students may wish to visit an internship.  To learn about scheduling a visit and/or attending an open house for an internship check out the website of the program of interest and this link on open house dates.

Preparation for an Internship

  • Internships each set application standards and guidelines.  Thus, criteria for selection into different programs may vary from internship to internship.
  • Earn good grades.  An undergraduate grade point average of at least a 3.0 is probably needed to be competitive for a supervised practice program.  Having a 3.0 GPA will not ensure that entrance into an internship is received, but it will probably increase the chance of acceptance.  The higher the GPA, the better chance a student may have of gaining entrance into an internship.
  • Gain relevant work experience.  Positions as dietary aides or diet assistants in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities provide valuable experience.  In these facilities, students also gain work experience as cooks and diet supervisors.  Other work experience in the food service industry, such as server positions or cashiers in fast food restaurants, can be beneficial; however, the degree of importance placed on these types of work experience may vary from internship to internship. 
  • Gain dietetic-related volunteer experiences, as available.  Examples of volunteer experiences include assisting with events sponsored by the health department, assisting with health and recruitment fairs at WKU or off-campus, and shadowing dietitians in the workplace.  Other opportunities based on personal motivation and interest can also be completed.
  • Get involved in extracurricular activities.  Membership in the Hospitality & Dietetic Association, in Phi Upsilon Omicron Honor Society, and/or other on- and off-campus activities can be of benefit.  Participation in such organizations and holding an office can increase your leadership and interpersonal skills and can provide volunteer opportunities.
  • Manage your time and prioritize.
  • Be a respectful, conscientious student and employee.  When applying to supervised practice programs, you will need letters of recommendation.  Practice good interpersonal skills and work hard in classes and on the job.  Be on time and have a positive attitude.

Information needed when preparing application packets for dietetic internship programs

  • Obtain current information (within past three to six months) from programs of interest.
  • Follow program directions very carefully.
  • Apply to at least 5 or 6 programs.  You only have as many options as you create for yourself.  Do NOT apply to programs that you will not really be willing to attend.
  • Talk to your program director at WKU about the application process and attend meetings concerning the application process.
  • Read the complete information about the computer matching policy and procedures used to apply to most dietetic internships at the website of The American Dietetic Association.
  • Verification Statements versus Declarations of Intent:  If you have graduated, you will receive a Verification Statement.  If you have NOT graduated, you will receive a Declaration of Intent, that identifies the courses needed to complete program and graduation requirements.  After graduating and before attending an internship, you should receive a Verification Statement.  The verification statement will be mailed to you following completion of program requirements and graduation.  Thus, you will need to provide the program director at WKU with a mailing address that the verification statement can be sent to you.
  • To be eligible to receive a Verification Statement, all program and university requirements at WKU must be completed.  These requirements are specified in this website and the WKU undergraduate catalog.
  • D&D Digital Systems Computer Matching:  Most supervised practice programs participate in computer matching.  An applicant rank orders his or her choices for an internship.  A single fee for computer matching is charged.  Computer matching forms may be obtained from the WKU didactic director, Dr. Kelley, or may be requested directly from D&D Digital.
  • Other information concerning transcripts, letters of reference, and letters of application may be obtained by clicking on this link.

Policies protecting the rights of students

  • Information concerning withdrawal and refund of tuition and fees may be found in the undergraduate catalog.
  • Information concerning the student academic calendar at WKU may be found on WKU's webpages.
  • Information concerning the privacy of information, access to personal files, liability for travel required for any courses, student grievance procedures, and other student rights and responsibilities, such as potential causes for disciplinary actions or termination from the university may be found in the undergraduate catalog and the  WKU student handbook. 
  • Basic guidelines regarding access to student files/educational records are found in the undergraduate catalog and are based on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
  • The basic WKU policy on Academic Dishonesty (WKU Catalog, 2005-2007, p. 26.) is that  “Students who commit any act of academic dishonesty may receive from the instructor a failing grade in that portion of the course work in which the act is detected or a failing grade in the course without possibility of withdrawal. The faculty member may also present the case to the Office of the Dean of Student Life for disciplinary sanctions."
  • The general contents of the WKU student handbook include:
      • Student Rights and Responsibilities
      • Disciplinary Actions/ Procedures Followed in Disciplinary Cases/ Procedures for Appeal Through the President to the Board of Regents
      • Policy on Parental Notification, regarding drug and alcohol use/Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention and Intervention Sessioon
      • Policies for Dealing with Students with Disruptive Behavior Due to Emotional Disturbance
      • Academic Offenses
      • Sexual Assault
      • Sexual Harassment Policy
      • Procedures for Investigation and Resolution of Sexual Harassment Complaint
      • Appeal of Formal Complaint Resolution/Disciplinary Action Procedures
      • Student Grievance Procedures
      • Regulations Governing Time, Place and Manner of Meetings, Assemblies or Demonstrations
      • Policies and Guidelines Regarding Student Organizations
      • Policy Guidelines and Procedures for Non-University Speakers
      • Statement of Financial Delinquency
      • Statement of Policy and Principles for Residence Hall Living
      • Room Entry-Inspection-Search and Seizure
      • Vehicle Parking and Traffic Regulations
      • World Wide Web Publishing Policy
      • Computing Ethics Policy
  • Although not required to have health insurance, all students at WKU are advised to do so.  When in off-campus facilites for required learning experiences, neither the facility or WKU is responsible for any costs related to student illness or injury.  More information regarding health services available at WKU may be found in the undergraduate catalog.

Student support services

  • Relevant information regarding student support services is provided in the undergraduate catalog and includes:
      • Student Disability Services
      • Student Health Service
      • Office of Diversity Programs
      • Counseling and Testing Services
      • Department of Financial Assistance

Evaluation of Student Learning and Progress

  • Within each course for the Nutrition & Dietetics program, students will receive feedback following the completion of assignments, quizzes and/or exams; this feedback will occur during the course and consist of comments and grades written on assignments and exams by instructor. 
  • Final course feedback will occur with receipt of the overall course grade, which may be viewed online through the TOPNET system at WKU. 
  • Evaluation of student learning and progress in CFS 464 (summer practicum), may be found in the practicum handbook. 
  • A grade of C or better is required for all nutrition and dietetics specific courses.
  • Review of student progress by the academic advisor will occur in advising sessions held prior to the scheduling of courses each semester.