Didactic Program in Dietetics
Student Handbook
Department of Human Ecology
Food and Nutrition Programs
Youngstown State University
Program Director: Zara C. Rowlands, PhD, RD
Phone: 330-941-2021
Email: zcshah@ysu.edu
Office : Cushwa 3042
Handbook Edition: 2013
DPD Student Handbook
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Resource
Introduction/Welcome
Mission & Goals
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Admission Requirements
 Grades
 Applying for Graduation
Path to RD Credential
Path to DTR Credential
Program Faculty
Programs of Study
 Estimated Program Costs
 Didactic Program in Dietetics Curriculum 2009-11
 Dietetics Courses and Pre-requisites
Page
3
4
Preparing for Advisement
Privacy – FERPA Laws
Retention & Remediation
Disciplinary & Termination
Reduction in Fees/Withdrawal
Student Health Insurance
Academic Grievances
Access to Personal Files/Academic Record
Scheduling & Program Calendar
Credit for Experiential Learning
19
21
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
5
7
8
10
11
12
15
16
18
APPENDICES
 DPD Accreditation
 Foundation Knowledge and Skills
 Verifications Statements
 Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics
 Dietetic Internships (DI)
 Dietetic Internship Shortage
 Student Memberships and Activities
 Links to Resources
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Youngstown State University
College of Health and Human Services
Department of Human Ecology
DIDACTIC PROGRAM IN DIETETICS (DPD)
May 2013
Dear DPD Student,
Welcome to the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services, the Department of Human
Ecology and the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Youngstown State University. Your acceptance
into the DPD indicates that you have successfully complete the DPD admission criteria as defined in the
Pre-Dietetics track in the Bitonte College of Health & Human Services.
The DPD program at YSU was established in 1975 and is currently accredited by the
Accreditation Council Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the branch of the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) that oversees educational programs preparing students for
careers in Food and Nutrition.
The DPD program curriculum, which you will follow, is based on ACEND’s 2012 Eligibility
Requirements and Accreditation Standards (ERAS) defined Foundation Knowledge, Skills, and
Competency Requirements for Entry-Level Dietitians. The DPD curriculum does not include a supervised
practice component. IN order to obtain supervised practice, you must either apply to the DPD sister
program, the Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD), or graduate from the DPD and then apply for an
accredited dietetic internship.
When you complete all DPD program requirements, you will be issued a Verification Statement
which certifies that you have met the academic requirements needed to apply to an ACEND-accredited
Dietetic Internship Program. A Dietetic Internship will provide the supervised practice element of dietetic
education which will make you eligible to take the Registration Examination for dietitians administered by
the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
This handbook is meant as a resource to help you navigate through the DPD program. It
addresses program requirements as well as some basic information about the program faculty, guidelines
for progressing through the program, and University Services which may prove useful.
Thank you for choosing the DPD Program at YSU and Welcome.
Zara C. Rowlands, Ph.D., R.D.
DPD Director
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MISSION
The mission of the Didactic Program in Dietetics is to prepare students for supervised
practice through an accredited Dietetic Internship and/or graduate studies. Further the
DPD seeks to initiate students into the culture of our profession and foster competence
in dealing with diverse populations, conducting scientific investigation about food and
health, and collaborating with other health professions in the provision of quality care for
clients.
GOALS
The DPD goals are in compliance with the mission of the College.
Goal #1: Over a 5-year period, DPD will prepare
graduates for supervised practice in an accredited
Dietetic Internship program (DI) and/or advanced
studies in a graduate program.
Goal #2: Over a 5-year period, The DPD will prepare
culturally-competent graduates who are capable of
serving diverse populations with sensitivity and
respect.
Goal #3: Over a 5-year period, The DPD will prepare
graduates who are technologically capable in their
profession.
DPD Student Handbook
O-1:Over a 5-year period, 80% of students enrolled in the
professional courses in the third year of a bachelor level
DPD are expected to complete program/degree
requirements within 150% of the time planned for
completion.
O-2: Over a 5-year period, 60% of DPD graduates will apply
to supervised practice programs in the year they complete
the program.
O-3: Over a 5-year period, 80% of graduates accepted into
Supervised Practice programs will receive a satisfactory
evaluation from the program director.
O-4: 80% of applicants will be accepted to Graduate School
in the specified 5 year period
O-5: Over a 5-year period, 80% of first-time takers will pass
the RD Exam
O-1: 80% of DPD students will get Final Course grades of “B”
or better for the Food and Culture Assignment – Cultural
Profile and Assimilation of Selected Immigrant Population
O-2: 80% of DPD students will get a “B” or better grades on
Case Study assignments for FNUT 3760 & 4860 - MNT 2 & 3
courses.
O-3: 70% of DPD graduates who practice in dietetics will
report providing interventions for diverse populations
O-1: 80% of DPD students will get a Final Grade of “B” or
better FNUT 4802 – Research Methods course – Proposal
development (literature review, reference manager,
statistical analyses, presentation media).
O-2: 80% of DPD students will get a Final Grade of “B” or
better FNUT 1552L Nutritional Assessment course labs
O-3:100% of DPD students will create an Electronic portfolio
of educational progression.
O-4: 80% of DPD graduates who practice in dietetics will
report successful use of technology in the performance of
their assigned duties.
O-5: 70% of employers of DPD graduates will report on
employees successful use of technology in assigned duties
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DPD Student Handbook
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Admission Requirements
You must meet the admission requirements for the university as set forth in the
Undergraduate Bulletin. They are as follows:
Youngstown State University offers broad access to education though open admission
for all Ohio high school graduates. Undergraduate admission is handled by the Office of
Undergraduate Admissions (OUA), located in Sweeney Welcome Center at the corner
of University Plaza and Bryson Street. You may contact the admissions office in any of
the following ways:
Phone: Toll free 877-GO-TO-YSU (877-468-6978) or 330-941-2000 or TDD: 330-941-1564
Fax: 330-941-3674
E-Mail: enroll@ysu.edu
Web Site: www.ysu.edu
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is open on weekdays and selected Saturdays.
Please call the numbers above or visit the website for times.
The DPD degree is a baccalaureate or 4-year degree. The admission requirements for
the DPD program at YSU are as follows:
College Preparatory
SAT
GED
Units
English
4
Composite
Passed all GED
Score ≥ 17
requirements
Mathematics
3
or
Science
3
Combined
Social Studies
3
Verbal and Math
Foreign
2
Score
Languages
≥ 820
Arts
1
TOTAL
16
Although not a requirement, it is recommended that College Preparatory units include
English Composition, Algebra 1 & 2 and Geometry. High school Chemistry and Biology,
although not necessary, are also helpful to those entering the health professions such
as Dietetics.
Developmental courses are available to assist in satisfying scholastic deficiencies.
Those students who lack high school subjects required may be admitted with the
understanding that these courses will be completed as soon as possible and not later
than the end of the college sophomore year.
Conditional Admission
Students will be admitted to YSU with conditions if their high school grade point average
is below 2.00 and their composite ACT is 17 or below (or SAT verbal and math
composite is 820 or below). For more information about conditional admission, please
see the Undergraduate Bulletin p. 13.
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Academic Standing
Four categories of academic standing are established: Good Standing, Warning,
Probation and Suspension. These are intended to signify a student’s progress toward
graduation or to provide an opportunity for making improvements and achieving
academic success. “Warning” and “Probation” indicate that grade standards consistent
with graduation requirements are not being met. An advisor’s approval of course load is
required prior to continuing studies at the University. “Suspension” means that a student
is separated from the University for a period of time. Recognizing that the transition from
high school to college may be a difficult one, the University has set the minimum levels
of academic achievement during the student's first year below the level required for
graduation. Academic standing is based on the total earned hours (TEH) completed,
including accepted transfer hours. The point averages (PA) required for good standing
are as follows:
Total Earned
Hours
1-31
32+
Point
Average
1.75
2.00
A student whose point average falls below the specified average for the number of
credit hours achieved will be given a warning. A student who has been on warning and
who fails to bring the average up to the minimum by the end of the following term will be
placed on probation for the next term. A probationary student who has failed to bring the
average up to the minimum by the end of the probationary term will be suspended;
however, a student who makes substantial improvement during a probationary term and
averages at least 2.00 for that term will be continued on probation even though the
student's cumulative average does not reach the desirable minimum. A student on
warning is permitted to participate in University activities. A second suspension will have
a duration of at least one full year before reinstatement on probation. Students should
not expect to be reinstated after two suspensions unless the dean agrees that
extraordinary conditions or circumstances have occurred. Additional suspensions will
have durations of at least two years. Reinstatement after any suspension is determined
by the dean (or designee) of the college from which the student was suspended, or, if
the student wishes to change colleges, by the dean of the new college. Exceptions to
the suspension policy may be granted by the dean. Transfer students admitted in good
standing or on probation must meet those point-average requirements indicated for
their total hours, including transfer hours accepted by Youngstown State University.
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DPD – Admission Requirements
In order to apply for admission to the DPD program at Youngstown State University, you
must complete the following courses with a grade of “C” or better. You must also
maintain a GPA ≥ 2.5
Catalog - Courses
HMEC 1550
ENGL 1550 &
ENGL 1551
BIOL 1551 & 1551L
BIOL 1552 & 1552L
FNUT 1551
CHEM 1505 & 1505L
Course Name
Sem.Hrs.
Intro to Human Ecology Professions
1
Writing 1
3
Writing 2
3
Anatomy & Physiology 1 & Lab
4
Anatomy & Physiology 2 & Lab
4
Normal Nutrition
3
Allied Health Chemistry 1 & Lab
3
DPD Program Grade Requirements
A grade of “C” or better is required in all Core Dietetics Curriculum courses (defined on
Program Curriculum sheet) and while a “C” or better is preferred in the General
Education Requirements and Elective courses, the minimum of a “D” is acceptable in
accordance with the Ohio Board of Regents transfer credit guidelines. The YSU
standards of grading are as follows:
Score
≥ 90 %
80 – 89 %
70 – 79 %
60 – 69 %
< 60 %
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
F
DPD Program GPA Requirements
A GPA of ≥ 2.5 is required to remain in the DPD program. Courses for which you
receive an unsatisfactory grade must be retaken as soon as possible and a “Repetition
Form” must be completed to replace the prior grade in the calculation of the GPA. You
may only apply for repetition for the same course once, per university policy. A student
who drops below the GPA requirement must meet with the program director to outline
strategies for improving course outcomes. If the decline in GPA continues, the student
will be placed on warning, then probation for continued decline. A student on probation
will not be allowed to register for the following semester per university policy, unless
reinstated by the Dean’s office in the College of Health & Human Services.
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Applying for Graduation
Candidacy for a Degree
To be eligible for candidacy for any degree, the following three requirements must be
fulfilled:
Application. You may file a Request for Graduation Evaluation form with the Dean
office in your college after the completion of 40 semester hours for the associate and
100 semester hours for the baccalaureate degree. It is recommended that you
complete this process a year in advance so you will have time to make up any
unforeseen deficiencies.
An Application for Graduation form must be filed with the Office of Student Accounts by
the deadline indicated in the University Academic Calendar published on the inside front
cover of the print Undergraduate Bulletin or the online bulletin. If the student does not
graduate at the commencement exercise for which the application has been filed, the
application must be reactivated for the appropriate commencement. It is the student’s
responsibility to make certain all degree requirements are complete. The student must
fulfill the: 1) University-wide, 2) college, and 3) departmental course requirements as
well as the minimum total credit hours and upper-division hours.
Residency. The last 30 semester hours leading to the DPD baccalaureate degree must
be completed at Youngstown State University. A minimum of 16 hours of credits
comprising the major in the baccalaureate degree must be earned in residence. A
minimum of 21 semester hours of upper-division credit for the baccalaureate degree
must be earned in residence. Exceptions must be approved by the Office of the Provost.
Grades. The cumulative point average must be at least 2.00 at the time candidacy is
approved and at the time the degree is granted.
The DPD Baccalaureate Degree. A minimum of 124 semester hours must be
successfully completed in order to earn a bachelor's degree. In addition to requirements
stated under Candidacy for a Degree, the following requirements must also be fulfilled
for a baccalaureate degree:
Course Levels. At least 60 semester hours must be completed in courses numbered
2600 or higher; at least 48 of these 60 hours must be in courses numbered 3700 or
higher.
Majors. Each student must complete a major. A department major consists of at least
30 semester hours of an approved set of courses. A combined major, in which courses
are given by more than one department, consists of at least 48 semester hours. All
grades in the major must be “C” or better. Responsibility for certifying that a student has
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completed a major rests with the DPD program coordinator and chairperson of the
major department. The DPD major must be declared by the time a student has
completed 63 semester hours. Early consultation with the DPD Program Coordinator is
strongly recommended, and freshmen and sophomores may not register for courses
without advisement by the DPD program coordinator or other Food and Nutrition fulltime faculty.
Minors. A minor is an intellectual venture that broadens and deepens the student's
intellectual growth. An intellectual framework and coherence are evident in the scope
and sequence of the minor course of study. A minor is intended to contrast with or
deepen the major or General Education and is to be taken in a discipline other than that
of the major. In approved interdisciplinary minors, courses from the student's major
discipline can be counted in the minor provided that the same courses are not counted
toward the major. Each student must complete a minor, unless the student has a
combined major or is enrolled in a professional or technical curriculum that does not
require a delineated minor. Check with an academic advisor for specific information. A
minor consists of at least 18 hours of an approved set of courses. All grades in the
minor must be "C" or better. Courses taken under the Credit/No Credit option may not
be counted toward the minor. Upper-division courses must comprise at least 1/3 of the
credit hours in the minor. An individualized minor may be developed and approved
through the Individualized Curriculum Process (ICP). Transfer students may also use
the ICP process for approval of a minor course of study. A minor is designated on the
student's transcript at the time the degree is awarded.
Each department develops the sequence of courses for any minor(s) it offers. However,
the department in which the student receives the major is responsible for certifying that
a student has completed a minor. Certification will be guided by the description of
minors published in the Undergraduate Bulletin. For a list of minors and their
requirements see Minor Areas of Study, p. 234.
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High School Diploma
Apply for Admission to YSU and
get accepted.
Enroll in the CADE-accredited
Didactic Program in Dietetics
DPD – Baccalaureate Option
Complete the DPD curriculum
 Year 1
 Year 2
 Year 3
 Year 4
YOUR PATH TO
THE RD
CREDENTIAL
Join the American Dietetic
Association as a Student
Member
At the end of Year 2, you may
apply for admission to the
Coordinated Program in
Dietetics (CPD).
Graduate from DPD Program
and receive a Verification
Statement
Apply to a CADE-accredited
Dietetic Internship
Complete the Dietetic Internship
receive a Verification Statement
Complete the CPD Program
Apply for Registration Eligibility
with the Commission on Dietetic
Registration (via Program
Director)
Take the RD Exam and Pass it.
Obtain State Licensure if
required in your state.
DPD Student Handbook
Change ADA
Membership Status
to Active
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High School Diploma
YOUR PATH TO THE DTR
CREDENTIAL
Apply for Admission to YSU and
get accepted.
Enroll in the CADE-accredited
Didactic Program in Dietetics
DPD – Baccalaureate Option
Enroll in the Dietetic Technician
Program - Associate Degree
Join the American Dietetic
Association as a Student
Member
Complete the DPD curriculum
 Year 1
 Year 2
 Year 3
 Year 4
Complete the DT curriculum
 Year 1
 Year 2
Graduate from DPD Program
and receive a Verification
Statement
Graduate from DT Program and
receive a Verification Statement
Apply for Registration Eligibility with the
Commission on Dietetic Registration (via
Program Director)
Take the DTR Exam and Pass it.
DPD Student Handbook
Change ADA
Membership Status
to Active
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PROGRAM FACULTY AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Zara Rowlands, PhD, RDN
Associate Professor, Food and Nutrition Programs
Didactic Program Director
Chair, Department of Human Ecology
Office: Cushwa Hall 3042
Phone: 330-941-2021
Email: zcshah@ysu.edu
Education & Qualifications:
Howard University: BS, Food and Nutrition, 1991.
Howard University: MS, Nutritional Sciences, 1995.
Dietetic Registration – October 1995.
Florida International University, PhD, Dietetics and Nutrition, 2003.
Course Responsibilities
FNUT 1551 – Normal Nutrition Lecture
FNUT 3735 – Nutritional Biochemistry
FNUT 3759 – Advanced Nutrition
FNUT 3760 – Medical Nutrition Therapy 2 Lecture
FNUT 3763/L – Food and Culture Lecture and Lab
FNUT 4860 – Medical Nutrition Therapy 3 Lecture
FNUT 4802 – Research Methods in Dietetics Lecture
FNUT 4802L – Research Methods in Dietetics Lab
HMEC 4865 – Directed Individual Study
Other Full-time Food and Nutrition Faculty
Sue Leson, PhD, RD, LD
Associate Professor, Food and Nutrition Programs
Director, Coordinated Program in Dietetics
Phone: 330-941-1823
Email: smleson@ysu.edu
Course Responsibilities
FNUT 1512 – Food Safety and Sanitation
FNUT 2612/L – Food Systems: Operations, Production and Service
FNUT 3720 – Nutrition, Health and Aging
FNUT 4858 – Food Service Systems Management
FNUT 4885 – Practicum in Dietetics
HMEC 4865 – Directed Individual Study
Jeanine Mincher PhD, RD, LD
Assistant Professor, Food and Nutrition Programs
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Director, Dietetic Technician Program
Phone: 330-941-3346
Email: jlmincher@ysu.edu
Course Responsibilities
FNUT 1543 – Personal Nutrition
FNUT 1553/L – Food Science and Management
FNUT 2650 – Seminar in Dietetic Technology
FNUT 4810/L – Experimental Nutrition & Lab
FNUT 4874/L – Community Nutrition and Wellness & Lab
FNUT 4895 – DPD Capstone
Rachael Pohle-Krauza, PhD, RD, LD
Phone: 330-941-2310
Email: rjpohle-krauza@ysu.edu
Course Responsibilities
FNUT 1551 – Normal Nutrition Lecture – Course Coordinator
FNUT 3760L – Medical Nutrition Therapy 2 Lab
FNUT 3761 – Science of Nutrition in Exercise – Course Consultant
FNUT 4860L – Medical Nutrition Therapy 3 Lab
HMEC 4865 – Directed Individual Study
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PROGRAM OF STUDY
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) provides classroom instruction to meet the ACEND
2012 required Foundation knowledge and skills for entry-level dietitians and leads to the
Bachelor of Applied Science (BSAS) degree.
 When students have completed the DPD they will have partially fulfilled requirements
needed to establish eligibility to sit for the examination to become a Registered Dietitian
(RD).
 Establishing eligibility to sit for the RD exam consists of two parts:
o first, the didactic or classroom work that leads to the Bachelor of Applied Science
(BS in AS) degree with a major in Food and Nutrition; and
o secondly, the supervised practice component where practical experience is
gained in areas such as clinical nutrition; foodservice management; the
community setting; and in business/entrepreneurial areas.
 By completing the first requirement, students prepare themselves to apply for a postgraduate Dietetic Internship (DI) that provides opportunities to gain the supervised
practice experience needed to finalize eligibility to sit for the RD exam.
 The YSU DPD curriculum is structured to include course work that will provide students
the opportunity to acquire foundation knowledge and skills upon which to build the
supervised component. See the YSU DPD Curriculum sheet, course sequencing
schedule, and CADE’s Foundation Knowledge and Skills for Didactic Component of EntryLevel Dietitian Education Programs (attached).
 After completion of the BSAS degree, students may apply to a Dietetic Internship.
o YSU also offers a Coordinated Program in Dietetics (the CPD) where upper
division Food and Nutrition classes, as well as supervised practice courses are
presented. Students may apply for admission and, if selected, enter the CPD
after completing the Pre-Dietetics Track.
 To complete the DPD, students are required to follow the prescribed curriculum with a
minimum GPA of 2.5 and earn no less than a “C” in core curriculum courses.
 By completing the four years of the DPD, graduates will: meet the requirements for
issuance of a verification statement for the DPD; be prepared to complete a Dietetic
Internship (DI); apply to a DI, or a graduate program.
 For more information contact the DPD Program Director in the Department of Human
Ecology at 330-941-2021.
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ESTIMATED PROGRAM COSTS
Tuition, which includes Instructional, general and informational fees, averages $3599 per
semester for full-time students (12-16 credit hours), plus a College fee of $78 per semester, as
published by the university for the 2010-11 academic year. Additional program associated costs
are detailed below.
JUNIOR YEAR
Books
AND membership -Annual
$$$
400
50
Mahoning Valley Dietetic Association Membership - Annual
Uniform & shoes – Food Service/Safety apparel for food labs
Software – Microsoft Office Suite Student Package (Optional)
10
80
63
SENIOR YEAR
Books
AND membership -Annual
Mahoning Valley Dietetic Association Membership – Annual
(recommended)
Ohio Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - Annual Conference


Registration
Transportation, lodging, meals
125
50
10
60
100
POST-GRADUATE
Dietetic Internship Application Fee – Initial Application
 Each additional application
40
Graduate School Application Fee – varies by Institution
YSU - 30
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DPD – BSAS CURRICULUM 2013-2014
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DPD Student Handbook
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DIETETICS COURSES & PRE-REQUISITES
Food and Nutrition Programs 2010-11
Courses highlighted are required in the DPD curriculum.
Sem
F,S,X
F, S
F, S
F, S
F, S
F, S
F, S
F, S
F, S
S
F
F
S
S
F
S
S
F
S
F
F, S
S
S
S
Course
Catalog
FNUT 1551
FNUT 1552L
FNUT 1553
FNUT1553L
FNUT 2603
FNUT 2603L
FNUT 2612
FNUT 2612L
CHFM 3731
FNUT 3735
FNUT 3759
FNUT 3760
FNUT 3761
FNUT 3763/L
FNUT 4802
FNUT 4810
FNUT 4810L
FNUT 4858
FNUT 4860
FNUT 4874
HMEC 4890
FNUT 4895
FNUT 4872
FNUT 4873
Course Name
Normal Nutrition
Nutr Assessmt. Lab (P)
Food Science & Mgmt. Prin.
Food Science & Mgmt. Prin. Lab (P)
Medical Nutrition Therapy 1 (P)
Medical Nutrition Therapy 1 Lab (P)
Food Systems (P)
Food Systems Lab (P)
Individual & Family Develop. (P, W)
Nutritional Biochemistry
Advanced Nutrition (P)
Medical Nutrition Therapy 2 (P)
Science of Nutrition In Exercise
Food and Culture & Lab
Research Methods in Dietetics (P)
Experimental Foods (P)
Experimental Foods Lab (P) (T)
Foodservice Systems Mgt. (P) (T)
Medical Nutrition Therapy 3 (P)
Community Nutrition & Wellness (P)
Comm. Contemporary Issues (O, P)
DPD Capstone (CA)
Maternal & Child Nutrition (P)
Nutrition & Aging. (P)
DPD Student Handbook
Pre-requisites
FNUT 1551 or concurrent
FNUT 1553 or concurrent
FNUT 1551L and BIOL 1552L or concurrent
Concurrent with FNUT 2603
FNUT 1553 and 1553L
concurrent w/FNUT 2612
PSYC 1560, FNUT 1551
CHEM 1506/L, FNUT 1551, BIOL 1552/L
FNUT 1551, BIOL 1552/L, FNUT 3735
FNUT2603, FNUT 3759 or concurrent
FNUT 1551, CHEM 1516 or 3706
SOC 1500
MATH 2623 or 2625, CHFM 3731
FNUT 1553, CHEM 1505/L
Concurrent with FNUT 4810
FNUT 2612, 20 hrs. of Human Ecol. credit
FNUT 3760
FNUT 3760 or concurrent
CMST 1545, HMEC 1550, junior standing
FNUT 4858, 4860, 4874, HMEC 4890 or concurrent
CHFM 3731 or special approval
FNUT 3760
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PREPARING FOR ADVISEMENT
You will be expected to participate fully in and manage your progression through the Didactic
Program in Dietetics in which you are currently enrolled, please do the following before scheduling your
advisement appointment for each semester. Although only freshmen and sophomores are required to
be advised prior to registration for their semester course loads, juniors and seniors should feel free to
seek approval for their slate of courses. Please note that although you may transfer into the DPD
program from other programs of study in which you have earned a significant number of credits, you
may still be considered a freshman or sophomore in the DPD program if few of your previously taken
credits count towards the DPD degree.
1. Select the courses you would like to take in the semester for which you are planning to register.
a. The back side of the DPD Curriculum sheet provides a guide for when courses should be
taken by semester and year in the program.
b. Students who transfer into the DPD program from other universities or other majors
may already have completed courses that count toward the DPD degree and at times
this makes selecting courses a little more challenging. Please have your transcripts
evaluated by the advisors in the BCHHS Dean’s Office so that you will know what credits
transfer.
2. Check the semester schedule on Banner to see what courses are being offered in the semester
for which you plan to register.
a. Bear in mind that all courses are not offered every semester, so for courses that have
specific pre-requisites, you must pay attention to when those pre-requisite courses are
offered.
b. You are not allowed to take a course and its Pre-requisite in the same semester.
c. Make sure that you have not only taken the pre-requisites, but also that you received
satisfactory grades for them.
3. Check the days and times that each course you plan to take will be offered and plot them out on
a weekly schedule to make sure that there are no day/time conflicts. As some courses may be
offered in several sections, please check all sections to see if there are alternative days and
times that would also fit your schedule in case one of the sections you prefer is closed.
a. Please note that while overrides may be offered for some lecture courses, that may not
also be true for labs or supervised practice courses where facilities are limited.
b. For some lecture courses, overrides may not be available because of the Fire Marshall
coding regarding the number of bodies that may safely be evacuated from a room in an
emergency.
c. Since some students add and drop between the advisement period and the start of
classes, you may want to periodically check for openings in courses previously listed as
filled.
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If you require assistance in finding information about course offerings and pre-requisites or need
help using Banner for registering, there are peer counselors available at the Center for Student Progress,
Kilcawley Center to assist you. You may reach them at (330) 941-3538 to schedule an appointment.
While we are happy to meet parents and significant others who may accompany you, please be
advised that Federal Regulations are specific about what information may be shared with them, even in
your presence. Without written authorization from you that allows them to sit in on and contribute to
meetings and advisement sessions between you and your instructors or advisors, those who accompany
you will need to remain in a separate waiting area. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA) of 1974 (next page) is meant to protect your right to privacy and confidentiality.
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FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)
http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a
Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that
receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the
student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to
whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students."
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Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records
maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such
as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may
charge a fee for copies.
Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to
be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student
then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the
record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his
or her view about the contested information.
Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release
any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those
records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
o School officials with legitimate educational interest;
o Other schools to which a student is transferring;
o Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
o Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
o Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
o Accrediting organizations;
o To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
o Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
o State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone
number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents
and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of
time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and
eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a
PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.
For additional information or technical assistance, you may call (202) 260-3887 (voice). Individuals who use TDD
may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339. You may also contact the Family Policy
Compliance Office at the following address: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400
Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920
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A sample of the Waiver which must be given to allow any individual
(other than the student) access to student information and records.
Student Name and Contact Information
Address
Telephone
Email
FERPA Waiver to Grant Access to my Confidential Student Information
I, _____________________, Banner ID #__Y00_____________ , enrolled in the
PRINT NAME
_____________________________________Program in the Department of Human
Ecology
grant the following individual(s)
1) ________________________________ ,(relationship to
me)______________________
2) ________________________________,(relationship to
me)______________________
3) ________________________________,(relationship to
me)______________________
access to:
□
Advisement appoints
□
Other (please specify)
____________________________________
For the period beginning on ______________________ and ending on
MM/DD/YYYY
_____________________
MM/DD/YYYY
Student Signature____________
Program Director Signature____
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RETENTION AND REMEDIATION POLICIES
DPD Retention and Remediation Procedures
In order to remain in “Good Standing” in the DPD program, students must obtain a grade of “C”
or above in all courses which constitute the core or major courses. These courses are listed as
major courses on DPD-BSAS curriculum sheet. Students must follow the established curriculum
for the year they first enrolled in the program. If the student fails to achieve at least a “C” in a
major course, the student must repeat the course and may not take more advanced courses in
the curriculum for which the course in question is a pre-requisite, until the desired grade
requirement is met. Upon satisfactory completion of the required coursework for the DPD
program and completion of required documentation of graduation, students will receive a
Verification statement that certifies program completion with appropriate instructions for its
usage.
Academic misconduct - Academic Honesty
The DPD program adheres to the following guidelines published in the YSU Undergraduate
Bulletin 2013-14:
“Academic honesty is essential to the educational process and serves to protect the integrity of
the University community. Therefore, all members of the University community have a
responsibility of maintaining high standards of honesty and ethical practice. Cheating,
plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty constitute a serious violation of University
conduct regulations.
Though instructors are responsible for taking all reasonable precautions to prevent cheating
and plagiarizing, students share a joint responsibility and should report any act of academic
dishonesty to the instructor. In cases involving academic dishonesty, the faculty member may
take one or more of the following actions:
• warn a student; no further action
• submit an “F” grade on the exam or paper
• submit an “F” grade for the course
• and/or request additional sanctions from the Student Academic Grievance Subcommittee.
The faculty member shall obtain from the Office of Student Life an Academic Dishonesty Report
to be completed and returned to the Office of Student Life.
The faculty member should discuss the circumstances of the incident with the student prior to
taking any action. The student may appeal any actions affecting the grade. The Student
Academic Grievance Subcommittee will handle such appeals. A report requesting additional
action will be forwarded to the Office of the Provost. Repeated incidents of academic
dishonesty or flagrant single offenses may warrant action beyond a failing grade in the course.
Procedures for reporting, investigating, and considering student conduct are found in The Code.
The Code is available online at the YSU homepage or may be obtained in the Office of Student
Life.”
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DISCIPLINARY/TERMINATION PROCEDURES
The YSU Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary procedures found in the undergraduate
bulletin and university web site at http://www.ysu.edu/studentlife/studentconduct.shtml.
When academic violations are reported, the involved student will be required to meet with the
DPD director, the panel of Dietetics Program directors, and or the Chairperson of the
Department of Human Ecology to determine the best course of action. If charges are filed with
the Student Conduct Office, the case will be heard by a Student Conduct Panel assigned by
Student Life.
Students found responsible for violation of the YSU Student Code of Conduct may expect
consequences ranging from required counseling and reflective exercises to suspension or
expulsion from the university on a temporary or permanent basis depending on the severity of
the violation, and/or repetition of violations.
Student who are found not responsible of violations will have no further consequences as a
result of the Student Conduct process.
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REDUCTION/REFUND OF FEES AND CHARGES UPON
WITHDRAWAL
To withdraw from a single course, or from all courses (complete withdrawal), it is necessary to access the
registration functions online via the MyYSU Portal – Registration. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm
that the withdrawal was correctly processed, and the course(s) is (are) deleted. Nonattendance of class, or
notification to the instructor or department, does not constitute official withdrawal. Effective Summer 2009,
if a student is permitted to withdraw from the University or if a student reduces his or her academic load, a
refund of the tuition charge, and the nonresident tuition surcharge, where applicable, shall be made in
conformity with the following schedule for regularly scheduled courses:
Length of Course
6 weeks or more
100% refund/reduction
thru the 14th day*
No reduction of charges 15th
day and later*
*Since access to registration/change of registration is now available online 24/7, every day of the week is
counted (including weekends and holidays) when calculating tuition refunds. Be advised that University
offices are not open most weekends and/or on holidays. Therefore, online withdrawal may be required.
Note: For a complete withdrawal from any term, all applicable fees, fines, and penalties will be deducted from
any refunds. If fees were paid by scholarship, loan or grant-in-aid, the appropriate credit will be issued to the
fund from which the initial payment was made. Student accounts paid with financial aid may be subject to a
financial aid repayment.
No refunds will be issued until after the 15th day of the term.
If the student withdraws after the prescribed time limits (as indicated above), all tuition and other applicable
fees and charges are forfeited.
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE
Enrollment in YSU’s student health insurance plan is mandatory for all international students (F
and J status) and for their nonimmigrant dependents.
An exception to this requirement is granted only to:
1. Students who have comprehensive group health insurance coverage through a parent or
spouse’s U.S. employer OR
2. Students whose sponsorship by the U.S. government, the student’s home government, or a
U.S.- recognized international organization includes comprehensive health insurance.
To request a waiver from enrollment in the YSU international student insurance plan, students
must, by the end of the first week of classes each semester:
Submit a completed YSU International Student Health Insurance Waiver Request Form to the
Center for International Studies and Programs with proof of insurance (including confirmation
of coverage dates and a description of covered expenses and exclusions) through a qualifying
relative’s employer or qualified sponsor.
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ACADEMIC GRIEVANCES
The Undergraduate Student Academic Grievance Procedure provides students with a formal
channel through which complaints concerning academic matters may be heard. A student must
attempt to resolve the complaint by first discussing the issue with the faculty member. If not
resolved at that level, the student should direct his or her complaint to the department chair
and, if the complaint is still not resolved, then to the dean of the college. Complaints not
resolved following a discussion with the dean will be considered by the associate provost for
Academic
Administration. Upon his or her review, the associate provost determines whether the
complaint is grievable. If so it is presented to the Student Academic Grievance Subcommittee.
This committee may mandate a grade change only in cases of academic dishonesty or when the
faculty member materially deviates from the course syllabus.
Students wishing to file a grievance should contact the secretary in the provost’s office for an
appropriate referral. Further information may be found in Article IX, Section B of The Code,
which is available online at the YSU homepage or may be obtained in the Office of Student Life.
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ACCESS TO PERSONAL FILES (ACADEMIC RECORD)
A DPD student may have access to view their personal file, which is kept in a locked filing
system in the Human Ecology Department front office. The student may not remove items
from the file, but may request copies of documentation therein. A student, who has concerns
about the contents of his/her file, should make an appointment with the DPD Program Director
to discuss the matter and seek resolution/clarification.
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SCHEDULING AND PROGRAM CALENDAR
The university posts the academic calendar, which includes deadlines for advisement,
registration, fee payments, withdrawing from courses, examination periods, and filing of
graduation intent. All official university holidays are also posted. As this material varies from
semester to semester, please visit myYSU Portal using your student Userid and password or
http://cfweb.cc.ysu.edu/calendar/intro.cfm to view the current year’s Fall, Spring and Summer
semester calendars.
The DPD program also observes the following annual events.
1. Sophomores
i. CP Applications available – Last week of November, annually
ii. CP Applications due – February 15th, Annually
iii. ASAP – complete a Repetition Form (Human Ecology office) to replace any
unsatisfactory grades for courses repeated. This will ensure they are not calculated
in your program GPA and influence your eligibility for CP.
2. Juniors
i. Last semester of Junior year - Schedule an appointment with the Program Director or
academic advisor to discuss your post-grad options.
ii. Attend a workshop on Applying for Internships or Graduate Studies.
3. Seniors
i. View DI internships & graduate school announcements in Director’s office. They are
available year round and updated as programs release their recruitment materials.
ii. Attend workshop to discuss Application process – Fall of Senior year or at least two
semesters before you graduate.
iii. Attend a workshop on Applying for Internships or Graduate Studies.
4. All Students - Apply for Scholarships – see the Human Ecology Website for
scholarships available to dietetics majors only or all majors. Deadlines vary.
5. Advisement - sign up for advisement on your assigned advisor’s door in:
i. April for the Fall semester
ii. November for the Spring Semester
iii. Make an appointment anytime to discuss your progression through the curriculum
and how well you are meeting program competencies.
6. Graduation Planning
A year before you plan to graduate:
i. Make an appointment with an academic advisor in the Dean’s office to obtain
clearance to graduate
ii. File your intent to graduate with the registrar’s office
Semester you will graduate
iii. Arrange to obtain your cap and gown from Alumni & Events Planning before the day
of commencement.
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CREDIT FOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING (CEL)
Youngstown State University
THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN ECOLOGY
CREDIT FOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING (CEL)
POLICY:
Students enrolled in the Department of Human Ecology may apply for Credit for Experiential
Learning (CEL). Credit/hours may be awarded to students who can demonstrate prior competence
in specific aspects of the curriculum. No credit will be awarded for courses already attempted
(passed or fail) under standard enrollment. No more than12 semester hours of credit can be granted
for courses in the Department of Human Ecology. Guidelines and criteria developed for the
individual programs in the department will take precedence over general departmental policy and
procedures.
PROCEDURES:
 Applicants with three or more years of full-time experience in the area for which credit is being
requested may apply for such credit in courses approved by the Program Coordinator. The work
performed during this experience must have been directly related to the content of the course(s)
where credit is being requested, and applicants must be able to demonstrate that this content has
actually been covered and mastered.
 Program Coordinators will provide applicants with a list of courses for which experiential
learning may be credited (see Program Coordinator Instructions).
 Applicants must complete the following:
o Cover Letter (to the Department of Human Ecology requesting credit and a summary of
the reasons it should be granted)
o Authorization and Waiver for Release of Information Form
o Request for Evaluation Form
o Register for HMEC XXXX Portfolio Development for 1sh.
o The applicant must prepare a portfolio which contains, at the minimum, a personal
mission statement; professional mission a statement and goals; resume; employment
verification; completed checklist of knowledge, skills and competencies that applicants
believe they possess and for which they are seeking credit; essay/narrative explaining
how specific prior learning relates to the requested credit and how it was acquired.
o Obtain any additional documents requested by the Program Coordinator.
o Discuss with the Program Coordinator to waive or receive credit on the transcript for
course(s).
 The completed application will be assessed by a committee of two full-time department faculty
members (or when necessary, part-time faculty preceptors); one member to include the Program
Coordinator. The committee will determine the amount of credit to be awarded (0-12sh). The
applicant will be notified in writing of the results. If the applicant requires credit on the
transcript, the applicant should complete the Credit by Exam form from Records.
 The process from application submission to the final decision on awarding of CEL credit may
take from several weeks to a full semester depending on faculty availability and other
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extenuating circumstances.
The department Chair will approve the request.
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APPENDICES
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DPD Accreditation
Foundation Knowledge and Skills
Verifications Statements
Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics
Dietetic Internships
Student Memberships and Activities
o Food and Nutrition Students (FANS)
o Kappa Omicron Nu National Honor Society
o Mahoning Valley Dietetic Association
o American Dietetic Association/Ohio Dietetic Association
Links to Resources
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ACCREDITATION
The DPD at YSU is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education
in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), a branch of the Academy of Nutrition and
Dietetics.
ACEND may be contacted as follows:
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
Phone: (312)899-0040 or 800/877-1600, ext. 5400
Fax: 312/899-4817
Web Address: http://www.eatright.org/ACEND/
Email: acend@eatright.org
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Foundation Knowledge and Learning Outcomes for the
Didactic Program in Dietetics
The ACEND published 2008 Foundation Knowledge and Learning Outcomes for the Didactic
Program in Dietetics. They are as follows:
Foundation Knowledge Requirements and Learning Outcomes for DPDs
1. Scientific and Evidence Base of Practice: integration of scientific information and research into
Practice
Knowledge Requirement
KR 1.1 The curriculum must reflect the scientific basis of the dietetics profession and must include
research methodology, interpretation of research literature and integration of research principles into
evidence-based practice.
KR 1.1.a Learning Outcome: Students are able to demonstrate how to locate, interpret, evaluate and
use professional literature to make ethical evidence-based practice decisions.
KR 1.1.b Learning Outcome: Students are able to use current information technologies to locate and
apply evidence-based guidelines and protocols, such as the AND Evidence Analysis Library,
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Guideline Clearinghouse Web
sites.
2. Professional Practice Expectations: beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviors for the professional
dietitian level of practice.
Knowledge Requirement
KR 2.1 The curriculum must include opportunities to develop a variety of communication skills
sufficient for entry into pre-professional practice.
KR 2.1.a Learning Outcome: Students are able to demonstrate effective and professional oral and
written communication and documentation and use of current information technologies when
communicating with individuals, groups and the public.
KR 2.1.b Learning Outcome: Students are able to demonstrate assertiveness, advocacy and
negotiation skills appropriate to the situation.
KR 2.2 The curriculum must provide principles and techniques of effective counseling methods.
KR 2.2.a Learning Outcome: Students are able to demonstrate counseling techniques to facilitate
behavior change.
KR 2.3 The curriculum must include opportunities to understand governance of dietetics practice,
such as the AND Scope of Dietetics Practice Framework, the Standards of Professional
Performance and the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics; and interdisciplinary
relationships in various practice settings.
KR 2.3.a Learning Outcome: Students are able to locate, understand and apply established
guidelines to a professional practice scenario.
KR 2.3.b Learning Outcome: Students are able to identify and describe the roles of others with
whom the Registered Dietitian collaborates in the delivery of food and nutrition services.
3. Clinical and Customer Services: development and delivery of information, products and
services to individuals, groups and populations
Knowledge Requirement
KR 3.1 The curriculum must reflect the nutrition care process and include the principles and methods
of assessment, diagnosis, identification and implementation of interventions and strategies for
monitoring and evaluation.
KR 3.1.a Learning Outcome: Students are able to use the nutrition care process to make decisions,
to identify nutrition-related problems and determine and evaluate nutrition interventions, including
medical nutrition therapy, disease prevention and health promotion.
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KR 3.2 The curriculum must include the role of environment, food, nutrition and lifestyle choices in
health promotion and disease prevention.
KR 3.2.a Learning Outcome: Students are able to apply knowledge of the role of environment, food
and lifestyle choices to develop interventions to affect change and enhance wellness in diverse
individuals and groups
KR 3.3 The curriculum must include education and behavior change theories and techniques.
KR 3.3.a Learning Outcome: Students are able to develop an educational session or
program/educational strategy for a target population.
4. Practice Management and Use of Resources: strategic application of principles of management
and systems in the provision of services to individuals and organizations
Knowledge Requirement
KR 4.1 The curriculum must include management and business theories and principles required to
deliver programs and services.
KR 4.1.a Learning Outcome: Students are able to apply management and business theories and
principles to the development, marketing and delivery of programs or services.
KR 4.1.b Learning Outcome: Students are able to determine costs of services or operations, prepare
a budget and interpret financial data.
KR 4.1.c Learning Outcome: Students are able to apply the principles of human resource
management to different situations
KR 4.2 The curriculum must include content related to quality management of food and nutrition
services.
KR 4.2.a Learning Outcome: Students are able to apply safety principles related to food, personnel
and consumers.
KR 4.2.b Learning Outcome: Students are able to develop outcome measures, use informatics
principles and technology to collect and analyze data for assessment and evaluate data to use in
decision-making
KR 4.3 The curriculum must include the fundamentals of public policy, including the legislative and
regulatory basis of dietetics practice.
KR 4.3.a Learning Outcome: Students are able to explain the impact of a public policy position on
dietetics practice.
KR 4.4 The curriculum must include content related to health care systems.
KR 4.4.a Learning Outcome: Students are able to explain the impact of health care policy and
administration, different health care delivery systems and current reimbursement issues, policies and
regulations on food and nutrition services
5. Support Knowledge: knowledge underlying the requirements specified above.
Knowledge Requirement
SK 5.1 The food and food systems foundation of the dietetics profession must be evident in the
curriculum. Course content must include the principles of food science and food systems, techniques
of food preparation and application to the development, modification and evaluation of recipes,
menus and food products acceptable to diverse groups.
SK 5.2 The physical and biological science foundation of the dietetics profession must be evident in
the curriculum. Course content must include organic chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, genetics,
microbiology, pharmacology, statistics, nutrient metabolism, and nutrition across the lifespan.
SK 5.3 The behavioral and social science foundation of the dietetics profession must be evident in
the curriculum. Course content must include concepts of human behavior and diversity, such as
psychology, sociology or anthropology.
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VERFICATION STATEMENTS
Upon completion of the Didactic Program in Dietetics BSAS and successfully filing all
requirements for graduation from Youngstown State University you will be issued a Verification
Statement by the DPD Program Director. You will receive 4 original copies of the statement,
one for your records, and three for use in applying for supervised practice, the dietetic
registration examination, and licensure. An original copy will be kept in DPD program records in
the Department of Human Ecology, Additional copies maybe requested if in the future by
contacting the Program Director if you are unable to locate or have used your initially issued
statements.
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Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics /Commission on Dietetic Registration Code of Ethics for
the Profession of Dietetics and Process for Consideration of Ethics Issues. (AND, 2009)
PREAMBLE
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and its credentialing agency, the Commission on Dietetic Registration
(CDR), believe it is in the best interest of the profession and the public it serves to have a Code of Ethics in place that
provides guidance to dietetics practitioners in their professional practice and conduct. Dietetics practitioners have
voluntarily adopted this Code of Ethics to reflect the values (Figure) and ethical principles guiding the dietetics profession
and to set forth commitments and obligations of the dietetics practitioner to the public, clients, the profession, colleagues,
and other professionals. The current Code of Ethics was approved on June 2, 2009, by the AND Board of Directors, House
of Delegates, and the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
APPLICATION
The Code of Ethics applies to the following practitioners:
(a) In its entirety to members of AND who are Registered Dietitians (RDs) or Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTRs);
(b) Except for sections dealing solely with the credential, to all members of AND who are not RDs or DTRs; and
(c) Except for aspects dealing solely with membership, to all RDs and DTRs who are not members of AND.
All individuals to whom the Code applies are referred to as “dietetics practitioners,” and all such individuals who are RDs
and DTRs shall be known as “credentialed practitioners.” By accepting membership in AND and/or accepting and
maintaining CDR credentials, all members of AND and credentialed dietetics practitioners agree to abide by the Code.
PRINCIPLES
Fundamental Principles
1. The dietetics practitioner conducts himself/herself with honesty, integrity, and fairness.
2. The dietetics practitioner supports and promotes high standards of professional practice.
The dietetics practitioner accepts the obligation to protect clients, the public, and the profession by upholding
the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics and by reporting perceived violations of the Code through the
processes established by AND and its credentialing agency, CDR.
Responsibilities to the Public
3. The dietetics practitioner considers the health, safety, and welfare of the public at all times.
The dietetics practitioner will report inappropriate behavior or treatment of a client by another dietetics practitioner or
other professionals.
4. The dietetics practitioner complies with all laws and regulations applicable or related to the profession or to
the practitioner’s ethical obligations as described in this Code.
a. The dietetics practitioner must not be convicted of a crime under the laws of the United States, whether a felony or a
misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty.
b. The dietetics practitioner must not be disciplined by a state for conduct that would violate one or more of these
principles.
c. The dietetics practitioner must not commit an act of misfeasance or malfeasance that is directly related to the practice
of
the profession as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, a licensing board, or an agency of a governmental body.
5. The dietetics practitioner provides professional services with objectivity and with respect for the unique needs
and values of individuals.
a. The dietetics practitioner does not, in professional practice, discriminate against others on the basis of race, ethnicity,
creed, religion, disability, gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, economic status, or any other
legally protected category.
b. The dietetics practitioner provides services in a manner that is sensitive to cultural differences.
c. The dietetics practitioner does not engage in sexual harassment in connection with professional practice.
6. The dietetics practitioner does not engage in false or misleading practices or communications.
a. The dietetics practitioner does not engage in false or deceptive advertising of his or her services.
b. The dietetics practitioner promotes or endorses specific goods or products only in a manner that is not false and
misleading.
c. The dietetics practitioner provides accurate and truthful information in communicating with the public.
7. The dietetics practitioner withdraws from professional practice when unable to fulfill his or her professional
duties and responsibilities to clients and others.
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a. The dietetics practitioner withdraws from practice when he/ she has engaged in abuse of a substance such that it could
affect his or her practice.
b. The dietetics practitioner ceases practice when he or she has been adjudged by a court to be mentally incompetent.
c. The dietetics practitioner will not engage in practice when he or she has a condition that substantially impairs his or her
ability to provide effective service to others.
AND values Principles
Alignment of American Dietetic Association (AND) Values to the Principles of the Code of Ethics for the Profession of
Dietetics.
Customer Focus: Meets the needs and exceeds expectations of internal and external
customers
Integrity: Acts ethically with accountability for life-long learning and commitment to
excellence
Innovation: Embraces change with creativity and strategic thinking
#5, #9
Social Responsibility: Makes decisions with consideration for inclusivity as well as
environmental, economic, and social implications
#3, #8, #9, #11, #13, #14, #15,
#16, #17, #18, #19
#1, #2, #4, #5, #6, #7,
#10, #11, #12, #13, #17, #18
Responsibilities to Clients
8. The dietetics practitioner recognizes and exercises professional judgment within the limits of his or her
qualifications and collaborates with others, seeks counsel, or makes referrals as appropriate.
9. The dietetics practitioner treats clients and patients with respect and consideration.
a. The dietetics practitioner provides sufficient information to enable clients and others to make their own informed
decisions.
b. The dietetics practitioner respects the client’s right to make decisions regarding the recommended plan of care,
including consent, modification, or refusal.
10. The dietetics practitioner protects confidential information and makes full disclosure about any limitations
on his or her ability to guarantee full confidentiality.
11. The dietetics practitioner, in dealing with and providing services to clients and others, complies with the
same principles set forth above in “Responsibilities to the Public” (Principles #3-7).
Responsibilities to the Profession
12. The dietetics practitioner practices dietetics based on evidence-based principles and current information.
13. The dietetics practitioner presents reliable and substantiated information and interprets controversial
information without personal bias, recognizing that legitimate differences of opinion exist.
14. The dietetics practitioner assumes a life-long responsibility and accountability for personal competence in
practice, consistent with accepted professional standards, continually striving to increase professional
knowledge and skills and to apply them in practice.
15. The dietetics practitioner is alert to the occurrence of a real or potential conflict of interest and takes
appropriate action whenever a conflict arises.
a. The dietetics practitioner makes full disclosure of any real or perceived conflict of interest.
b. When a conflict of interest cannot be resolved by disclosure, the dietetics practitioner takes such other action as may be
necessary to eliminate the conflict, including recusal from an office, position, or practice situation.
16. The dietetics practitioner permits the use of his or her name for the purpose of certifying that dietetics
services have
been rendered only if he or she has provided or supervised the provision of those services.
17. The dietetics practitioner accurately presents professional qualifications and credentials.
a. The dietetics practitioner, in seeking, maintaining, and using credentials provided by CDR, provides accurate
information and complies with all requirements imposed by CDR. The dietetics practitioner uses CDR-awarded
credentials (“RD” or “Registered Dietitian”; “DTR” or “Dietetic Technician, Registered”; “CS” or “Certified Specialist”; and
“FADA” or “Fellow of the American Dietetic Association”) only when the credential is current and authorized by CDR.
b. The dietetics practitioner does not aid any other person in violating any CDR requirements, or in representing himself
or
herself as CDR-credentialed when he or she is not.
18. The dietetics practitioner does not invite, accept, or offer gifts, monetary incentives, or other considerations
that affect or reasonably give an appearance of affecting his/her professional judgment.
Clarification of Principle:
a. Whether a gift, incentive, or other item of consideration shall be viewed to affect, or give the appearance of affecting, a
dietetics practitioner’s professional judgment is dependent on all factors relating to the transaction, including the amount
or value of the consideration, the likelihood that the practitioner’s judgment will or is intended to be affected, the position
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held by the practitioner, and whether the consideration is offered or generally available to persons other than the
practitioner.
b. It shall not be a violation of this principle for a dietetics practitioner to accept compensation as a consultant or
employee
or as part of a research grant or corporate sponsorship program, provided the relationship is openly disclosed and the
practitioner acts with integrity in performing the services or responsibilities.
c. This principle shall not preclude a dietetics practitioner from accepting gifts of nominal value, attendance at educational
programs, meals in connection with educational exchanges of information, free samples of products, or similar items, as
long as such items are not offered in exchange for or with the expectation of, and do not result in, conduct or services
that are contrary to the practitioner’s professional judgment.
d. The test for appearance of impropriety is whether the conduct would create in reasonable minds a perception that the
dietetics practitioner’s ability to carry out professional responsibilities with integrity, impartiality, and competence is
impaired.
Responsibilities to Colleagues and Other Professionals
19. The dietetics practitioner demonstrates respect for the values, rights, knowledge, and skills of colleagues and
other professionals.
a. The dietetics practitioner does not engage in dishonest, misleading, or inappropriate business practices that
demonstrate a disregard for the rights or interests of others.
b. The dietetics practitioner provides objective evaluations of performance for employees and coworkers, candidates for
employment, students, professional association memberships, awards, or scholarships, making all reasonable efforts to
avoid bias in the professional evaluation of others.
PROCESS FOR CONSIDERATION OF ETHICS ISSUES
In accordance with AND’s Code of Ethics, a process has been established for consideration of ethics issues. This process
defines the procedure for review of and response to ethics complaints, including hearings, disciplinary action, and
appeals. The process
was approved on June 2, 2009, by the AND Board of Directors, the House of Delegates, and the Commission on Dietetic
Registration.
Committee
A three (3)-person committee, comprised of members of AND and/or CDR credentialed practitioners, will be appointed to
handle all ethics matters. One person will be appointed each year by the president-elect of AND, the chairperson of CDR,
or the speakerelect of the House of Delegates (based on the expired term). Terms of office will be for three (3) years.
Terms will be staggered to allow for continuity. The chairship will rotate among the three (3) committee members. The
chairship will be awarded to the person moving into the third year of the three (3)-year term of office. The Committee will
have authority
to consult with subject experts as necessary to conduct its business. The Committee may perform such othereducational
activities as might be necessary to assist members and credentialed practitioners to understand the Code of Ethics.
Ethics Opinions The Committee may issue opinions on ethics issues under the Code of Ethics on its own initiative or in
response to a member’s or credentialed practitioner’s request. These opinions will be available to members and
credentialed practitioners to guide their conduct, and will also be available to the public. Situations may be factual or
hypothetical, but no names will be disclosed.
Ethics Cases Preamble. The enforcement procedures are intended to permit a fair resolution of disputes on ethical
practices in a manner that protects the rights of individuals while promoting understanding and ethical practice. The
Ethics Committee has the authority and flexibility to determine the best way to resolve a dispute, including educational
means where appropriate.
1. Complaint
A complaint that a member or credentialed practitioner has allegedly violated the Code of Ethics for the Profession of
Dietetics
must be submitted in writing on the appropriate form to the Ethics Committee.
The complaint must be made within one (1) year of the date that the complainant (person making complaint) first became
aware of the alleged violation or within one (1) year from the issuance of a final decision in an administrative, licensure
board, or judicial action involving the facts asserted in the complaint. The complainant need not be a member of AND nor
a practitioner credentialed by CDR. The complaint must contain details on the activities complained of; the basis for
complainant’s knowledge of these activities; names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all persons involved or who
might have knowledge of the activities; and whether the complaint has been submitted to a court, an administrative body,
or a state licensure board. The complaint must also cite the section(s) of the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics
allegedly violated.
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The complaint must be signed and sworn to by the complainant(s).
2. Preliminary Review of Complaint
The chair of the Ethics Committee, legal counsel for AND, and appropriate staff will review the complaint to determine
whether all the required information has been submitted by the complainant and whether an ethics question is involved.
If a complaint is made regarding an alleged violation of the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics and a similar
complaint is already under consideration regarding the same individual by a state licensure board of examiners, an
administrative body, or a court of law, the Ethics Committee will not process the complaint until a final decision has been
issued.
3. Response
If the preliminary review determines that the process should proceed, the AND staff or chair ofthe Ethics Committee will
notify the respondent (person against whom the complaint is made) that a complaint has been made.
The notice will be sent from the staff via certified mail, return-receipt requested. The respondent will be sent a copy of the
complaint, the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics, the Review Process, and the Response to Complaint form. The
respondent will have thirty (30) days from receipt of the notification in which to submit a response. The response must
be signed and sworn to by the respondent(s).
If the Ethics Committee does not receive a response, the chair of the Ethics Committee or his or her designee will contact
the respondent by telephone. If contact with the respondent is still not made, a written notice will be sent. Failure to reach
the respondent will not prevent the Committee from proceeding with the investigation.
The response submitted to the Ethics Committee by the respondent, may, upon request by the complainant, be provided
to the
complainant following the decision of the Committee.
4. Ethics Committee Review
The chair of the Ethics Committee will add the complaint and response to the Committee’s agenda, after consultation with
legal counsel and appropriate staff. The complaint and the response will be reviewed by the Ethics Committee. The
Committee has broad discretion to determine how to proceed, including, but not limited to, dismissing the complaint,
requesting further information from the parties, resolving the case through educational activities, holding a hearing as
specified hereafter, or in any other way deemed advisable. The Committee may use experts to assist it in reviewing the
complaint and response and determining further action.
At the appropriate time, the Ethics Committee will notify the complainant and the respondent of its decision, which may
include the Committee’s preliminary opinion with a request that the respondent take certain actions, including, but not
limited to, successful completion of continuing professional education in designated areas, or supervised practice based
on the terms to be set forth by the Committee. The Ethics Committee may also recommend appropriate remedial action to
the parties, which if undertaken, would resolve the matter. The Ethics Committee may recommend, in its discretion, that a
hearing be held subject to the other provisions of these procedures.
5. Licensure Board Action or Final Judicial or Administrative Action When the Ethics Committee is informed by a state
licensure
body that a person subject to the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics has had his or her license suspended or
revoked for reasons covered by the Code, the Committee may take appropriate disciplinary action without a formal
hearing. When a person has been finally adjudged or has admitted to committing a misdemeanor or felony as specified in
Principle 4 of the Code, the Committee may take appropriate disciplinary action without a formal hearing.
6. Hearings
A. General
Hearings shall be held as determined by the Ethics Committee under the following guidelines.
Hearing dates will be established by the chairman of the Ethics Committee. All hearings will be held in Chicago, IL.
The Ethics Committee will notify the respondent and the complainant by certified mail, return-receipt requested, of the
date, time, and place of the hearing. The respondent may request a copy of the file on the case and will be allowed at least
one postponement, provided the request for postponement is received by AND at least fourteen (14) days before the
hearing date.
B. Conduct of Hearings
The chair of the Ethics Committee will conduct a hearing with appropriate staff and legal counsel present. Individuals who
have no conflict of interest will be appointed. In the event that any Ethics Committee member cannot serve on the hearing
panel for any reason, a replacement will be appointed by the representative of the original body that made the
appointment, either the AND president, the CDR chairperson, or the speaker of the House of Delegates as appropriate. The
parties shall have the right to appear, to present witnesses and evidence, to cross-examine the opposing party and
adverse witnesses, and to have legal counsel present. Legal counsel for the parties may advise their clients, but may only
participate in the hearings with the permission of the chair.
The hearing is the sole opportunity for the participants to present their positions. Three members of the Ethics
Committee shall constitute a quorum. Affirmative vote of two thirds (2/3) of the members voting will be required to reach
a decision.
A transcript will be prepared and will be available to the parties at cost.
C. Costs
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AND will bear the costs for the Ethics Committee, legal counsel, staff, and any other parties called by AND. AND will bear
the travel costs and one (1) night’s hotel expenses for the complainant and respondent and one person that each chooses
to bring, provided that such person is necessary to the conduct of the hearing as determined by the chair of the Ethics
Committee. The Ethics Committee shall issue regulations to govern the payment of these expenses, which shall be
incorporated and made part of these procedures. The respondent and the complainant will be responsible for all costs
and fees incurred in their preparation for and attendance at the hearing, except expenses for travel and hotel as stated
above.
D. Decision The Ethics Committee will render a written decision specifying the reasons therefore and citing the
provision(s) of the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics that may have been violated. The Committee will decide
that:
1) the respondent is acquitted;
2) educational opportunities are pursued;
3) the respondent is censured, placed on probation, suspended, or expelled from AND; and/or
4) the credential of the respondent is suspended or revoked by the CDR of the AND.
The decision of the Ethics Committee will be sent to the respondent and the complainant as soon as practicable after the
hearing.
7. Request by Complainant for Review of Respondent’s Response
The Ethics Committee will, except where the response contains information that the Committee determines for good
reasons should not be shared, grant the request of a complainant to review the response received from the respondent in
an ethics case, provided the request is made within thirty (30) days of notification of the final action of the Ethics
Committee. The complainant will be required to maintain confidentiality of the documentation and to refrain from
sharing it with any other third parties or individuals. The complainant will have twenty (20) days to advise the Ethics
Committee as to any comments, concerns, or issues
with regard to the respondent’s response, but the Committee shall have no obligation to take further action. The
respondent will be notified of the Committee’s action to release the response to the complainant.
A. The materials describing the ethics complaint process, including those materials provided to the complainants and
respondents, shall be amended to disclose the fact that a respondent’s response may be made available to the
complainant.
B. Any request to review the respondent’s response must be submitted in writing (electronic or mail) no later than thirty
(30) days after final action by the Committee.
C. AND staff will notify the Ethics Committee of the request and will provide a timeline for addressing it.
D. Within five (5) business days of the request being received, the Committee will advise the respondent that the
complainant has made the request and is being given access to the response. The requested documentation will be sent to
the complainant via express mail to ensure delivery.
E. The complainant will be required to commit in writing to maintain the confidentiality of the documentation by signing a
statement to this effect.
F. Any comments, concerns, or issues with the respondent’s response must be communicated to AND staff within twenty
(20) days in writing (electronic or mail). AND staff will add the complainant’s comments, concerns, or issues onto the
agenda of the next Ethics Committee conference call or meeting. The Committee will determine whether further action is
necessary and shall communicate its determination to the complainant.
G. The complainant will return the documents after review via UPS at the expense of AND within twenty-five (25) days.
8. Definitions of Disciplinary Action
Censure: A written reprimand expressing disapproval of conduct. It carries no loss of membership or registration status,
but may result in removal from office at the national, state, and district levels and from committee membership. Time
frame: Not applicable to the disciplinary action.
Probation: A directive to allow for correction of behavior specified in Principle 7 of the Code of Ethics for the Profession
of Dietetics. It may include mandatory participation in remedial programs (eg, education, professional counseling, and
peer assistance). Failure to successfully complete these programs may result in other disciplinary action being taken. It
carries
no loss of membership or registration status, but may result in removal from office at the national, state, and district
levels and from committee membership. Time frame: Specified time to be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Suspension: Temporary loss of membership and all membership benefits and privileges for a specified time with the
exception of retention of coverage under health and disability insurance. AND group malpractice insurance will not be
available and will not be renewed during the suspension period.
Time frame: Specified time to be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Suspension of Registration: Temporary loss of credential and all benefits and privileges for a specified period of time. It
may include mandatory participation in remedial programs (eg, education, professional counseling, and peer assistance).
At the end of the specified suspension period, membership and registration benefits and privileges are automatically
restored.
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Time frame: Specified time to be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Expulsion: Removal from membership and a loss of all benefits and privileges. Time frame: May apply for reinstatement
after a five (5)-year period has elapsed or sooner if the basis for the expulsion has been removed, with payment of a
reinstatement fee. The individual must meet membership requirements in effect at the time of the application for
reinstatement.
Revocation of Credential: Loss of registration status and removal from registry; loss of all benefits and privileges. Upon
revocation, the former credentialed practitioner shall return the registration identification card to CDR.
Time frame: Specified time for reapplication to be decided on a case-by-case basis, but, at minimum, current
recertification requirements would need to be met. A credential will not be issued until CDR determines that the reasons
for revocation have been removed.
9. Appeals
A. General
Only the respondent may appeal an adverse decision to AND. During the appeals process, the membership and
registration status of the respondent remains unchanged.
The AND president, the chairperson of CDR, and the speaker of the House of Delegates shall each appoint one person to
hear the appeal.
These individuals shall constitute the Appeals Committee for that particular case. Individuals who have no conflict of
interest will be appointed.
B. Recourse to the Appeals Committee
To request a hearing before the Appeals Committee, the respondent/appellant shall notify the appropriate staff at AND
headquarters, by certified mail, return-receipt requested, that the respondent wishes to appeal the decision.
This notification must be received within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of the letter advising the respondent/
appellant of the Ethics Committee’s decision.
C. Contents
The appeal must be in writing and contain, at a minimum, the following information:
1. The decision being appealed.
2. The date of the decision.
3. Why the individual feels the decision is wrong or as improperly rendered (See E, “Scope of Review”).
4. The redress sought by the individual.
5. The appeal will be signed and sworn to. If the appeal does not contain the information listed above, it will be returned
to the individual who will be given ten (10) calendar days to resubmit. Failure to furnish the required information within
ten (10) calendar days will result in the appeal being waived.
D. Procedures
Upon receipt of this notification, appropriate staff shall promptly notify the chair of the Appeals Committee that the
respondent/appellant is appealing a decision made by the Ethics Committee. The Appeals Committee chair shall
acknowledge the appeal and request a copy of the relevant written information on the case from appropriate staff.
1. Location and participants
a. All appeals hearings will be held in Chicago, IL.
b. The complainant/appellee, the respondent/appellant, and the chair of the Ethics Committee will have the opportunity
to participate in the appeals hearing.
c. The parties may have legal counsel present, who may advise their clients, but may only participate in the hearings with
the permission of the chair.
d. Attendance at the hearing will be limited to persons determined by the chair to have a direct connection with the
appeal and appropriate staff and legal counsel.
2. Conduct of the hearing
The three (3) parties involved in the appeal will be given the opportunity to state why the decision and/or disciplinary
action of the Ethics Committee should be upheld, modified, or reversed.
E. Scope of Review
The Appeals Committee will only determine whether the Ethics Committee committed procedural error that affected its
decision, whether the Ethics Committee’s decision was contrary to the weight of the evidence presented to it, or whether
there is new and substantial evidence that would likely have affected the Ethics Committee’s decision that was
unavailable to the parties at the time of the Ethics Committee’s hearing for reasons beyond their control.
In reviewing the decision of the Ethics Committee, the Appeals Committee shall consider only the transcript of the hearing
and the evidence presented to the Ethics Committee.
F. Record of Hearing A transcript will be prepared and will be maintained in the case file.
G. Decision of Appeals Committee
1. The Appeals Committee shall prepare a written decision stating the reasons therefore. The decision shall be to affirm,
modify, or reject the decision and/or disciplinary action of the Ethics Committee or to remand the case to the Ethics
Committee with instructions for further proceedings.
2. Decisions of the Appeals Committee will be final.
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H. Costs AND will bear the costs for the Appeals Committee, staff, and legal counsel, and any parties called by AND. AND
will bear the travel and one night’s hotel expenses for the respondent/ appellant, the complainant/ appellee, and the chair
of the Ethics Committee. The Ethics Committee shall issue regulations to govern the payment of these expenses, which
shall be incorporated and made part of this procedure.
The respondent/appellant and the complainant/appellee will be responsible for all costs and fees incurred in their
preparation for and attendance at the hearing, except expenses for travel and hotel as stated above.
10. Notification of Adverse Action
If the respondent is disciplined by the Ethics Committee and does not appeal the decision, the chair of the Ethics
Committee will notify the appropriate AND organizational units, CDR, the affiliate dietetic association, appropriate
licensure boards, and governmental and private bodies within thirty (30) days after notification of the final decision.
In the event the respondent ap-peals a decision to discipline him or her and the Ethics Committee decision is affirmed or
modified, similar notification will be made by the chair of the Ethics Committee.
In response to an inquiry about registration status, the Office on Dietetic Credentialing will state only whether a person is
currently registered.
11. Record Keeping
A. Records will be kept for a period of time after the disposition of the case in accordance with AND’s record retention
policy.
B. Information will be provided only upon written request and affirmative response from AND’s legal counsel.
12. Confidentiality Procedures
The following procedures have been developed to protect the confidentiality of both the complainant and the respondent
in the investigation of a complaint of an alleged violation of the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics:
A. The need for confidentiality will be stressed in initial communications with all parties.
B. Committee members will refrain from discussing the complaint and hearing outside of official committee business
pertaining
to the complaint and hearing.
C. If the hearing on a complaint carries over to the next Committee, the complaint will be heard by the original Committee
to hear the complaint.
D. Communication with AND witnesses will be the responsibility of the Committee chair or staff liaison.
E. Witnesses who testify on behalf of AND will be informed of the confidentiality requirements and agree to abide by
them.
F. The Committee chair will stress the importance of confidentiality at the time of the hearing.
G. To ensure confidentiality, the only record of the hearing will be the official transcript and accompanying materials,
which
will be kept at AND offices. All other materials that were mailed or distributed to committee members should be returned
to AND staff, along with any notes taken by Committee members.
H. The transcript will be available if there is an appeal of the Ethics Committee’s decision and only to the parties, Ethics
Committee members, Appeals Committee members, AND legal counsel, and staff directly involved with the appeal.
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Student Memberships in Affiliate Organizations
Please get involved. Affiliate organizations are your gateway to networking and gaining a greater
appreciation of your chosen future profession and colleagues. They can provide you with resources and
opportunities at every point in your education and beyond. Students who get engaged and involved in
their professional community and activities while in school generally become practitioners who do the
same in their work environments and make our profession stronger.
Food and Nutrition Students (FANS)
FANS is a volunteer student organization made up of students enrolled in the three Food and
Nutrition programs at YSU: Dietetic Technician, and the Didactic and Coordinated Programs in Dietetics.
You may join this organization at any time during your tenure in our programs. They generally plan
activities around Nutrition and Health related events such as National Nutrition Month, the American
Heart Association’s and Cancer Society’s Fundraisers, etc., and raise funds to support student
enrichment such as Professional Conference attendance. Mrs. Jeanine Mincher and Dr. Rachael PohleKrauza are the current Faculty Advisors to FANS and may be contacted for further information on joining
the organization.
Kappa Omicron Nu National Honor Society – The Nu Xi Chapter
Kappa Omicron Nu (KON) is a national honor society that recognizes scholars in the fields of
study considered to be among the Family and Consumer Sciences. The tenets of KON include the
promotion of scholarship, leadership and service. The Nu Xi Chapter of KON was established at YSU in
the Spring of 2004. Students must be invited to membership with the criteria being a GPA that places
them in the top 25% of their class and completion of at least 45 semester hours. Annually, new member
initiations take place at the end of the Spring semester. Initiates receive a Certificate of membership at
the ceremony and may later purchase honor cords, insignia pins and other memorabilia bearing the honor
society’s colors and logo.
The Nu Xi Chapter often cooperates with FANS on community service projects and fundraisers.
Dr. Rowlands is the current Faculty Advisor for KON-Nu Xi and would be happy to share the benefits of
membership with you.
The ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS and OHIO ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND
DIETETICS
Students in the Food and Nutrition programs may seek a student membership ($49.00 per year,
carries a 6-year limit) in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The following URL will take you to the
student membership application process on the AND website:
http://www.eatright.org/BecomeanRDorDTR/content.aspx?id=8141
AND Student Membership Benefits:

Network with other dietetics students via the Web-based Student Council Community of Interest
(CoI), which connects AND student members nationwide, provides a communication vehicle for
your student representatives, allows you to access cutting-edge information about the profession,
read useful Web sites and articles, share ideas and more.

Become eligible for leadership opportunities on the Student Council Advisory Committee.
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
Obtain free membership in your state dietetic association and become eligible for state and
national Outstanding Dietetics Student Awards.

Access AND's Student Center Web site and the student online newsletter, the AND Student
Scoop.

Access the monthly Journal of the American Dietetic Association online, the award-winning AND
Times, subscribe to the Daily News and more.

Apply for American Dietetic Association Foundation scholarships (for U.S. citizens or permanent
residents).

Access to ANDCareerlink.org for the latest information on the profession's hottest job
opportunities.

Obtain student liability insurance and special member rates on credit cards, car rental and hotel
accommodations.

Obtain reduced student rates at AND's Annual Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (October 25
to 28, Chicago, Illinois).
The Mahoning Valley Dietetic Association (MVDA)
The MVDA is the local dietetic affiliate organization. Students may join the MVDA for a
membership fee of $10.00. YSU dietetics students are invited to serve on the MVDA Board of Directors in
the position of YSU Student Liaison and to update their fellow students on activities and opportunities
afforded through the organization. Students may also volunteer for other board positions. Membership
in the MVDA provides an invaluable benefit of networking with practicing local RDs and DTRs as well as
free access to 4 quarterly educational lectures on a variety of cutting edge dietetics/health topics.
Benefits of membership included access to monetary scholarships. Scholarships of $250.00 are awarded
to students from each of the YSU Dietetic Tech, the Coordinated and the Didactic Programs in Dietetics
annually. The YSU Student Liaison’s attendance at the Annual Ohio Dietetic Association Conference in
fully funded and conference registration scholarships are offered to other YSU dietetics students planning
to attend the conference.
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Dietetic Internships
To apply to a DI, individuals must complete at least a bachelor's degree and CADE-accredited
coursework requirements (Didactic Program in Dietetics). Currently all DIs must provide at least
900 hours of supervised practice and will need to provide a minimum of 1200 hours of
supervised practice by the time of their next accreditation review. This is usually completed in 624 months depending on the availability of a part-time schedule or requirement of graduate
credit. Individuals completing the program who are verified by the program director are eligible
to write the CDR registration examination for dietitians.
Appointments to DIs are awarded on
a competitive basis and most use a national computer matching process. Programs not
participating in computer matching accept applications only from individuals employed by the
sponsoring organization. Prospective applicants must contact program directors for current
information, including application deadline dates. Programs will provide application forms and
detailed information on program requirements, tuition, and financial aid upon request.
Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS)
All dietetic internships that participate in computer match will be using the online dietetic
internship centralized application process (DICAS). If you plan to apply to a program that uses
DICAS, you will need to submit the application through DICAS at https://portal.dicas.org
between Wednesday, December 8, 2010 and Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 11:59 p.m.
(Central). As part of the application process, you will also need to mail a copy of the official
transcript from each college and university you have attended to the following address:
DICAS Transcript Department
PO Box 9118
Watertown, Massachusetts 02472
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Please refer to the dietetic internship's website for any additional instructions regarding the
application. In addition to completing the application online, you must also submit your
computer matching preferences to D&D Digital by February 15, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. (Central).
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DIETETIC INTERNSHIP SHORTAGE
The following statement was issued by Debra Hollingsworth, PhD, RD, LDN, Chair of the Commission
on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) in 2008 to address an issue, which has yet to be
resolved.
“There is a serious shortage of internship sites, which may prevent even qualified students from
getting into dietetic internship and consequently access into the profession. Is all hope lost????
No, but like the U.S. economy, our community may have to make some difficult choices to turn
things around.
Currently the CADE Board is in the process of developing a strategic plan...Strategic planning
will determine where CADE is going over the next year or more and how it's going to get there.
A strong strategic planning process is a powerful management technique that CADE can use to
establish and move towards improved outcomes for dietetics education.“
The YSU DPD Director advises students to continue to apply for Dietetic Internships, but
prepare a “Plan B” such as:

Applying to a Graduate Program with or without built in Supervised Practice or a
Coordinated Program (CP) in Dietetics, which has not filled its quota. Although entry into
the CP is not the intent for DPD graduates, until the DI internship shortage is resolved, this
may provide an expedient route for obtaining supervised practice.

Or take the opportunity to obtain the DTR credential and gain experience in that area of
practice until their goals can be met.
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Student Services Provided by the University
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