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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM 2014-2015

MPH Student Field Study Handbook

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Course Title: Public Health Field Study Course Number: PH 600/623A & B Course Credit: 2-4 Units (200-400 hours) Faculty: Nemesia Kelly, MPH Office Phone: 707-638-5827 Cell Phone: 707-731-7436 Fax: 707-638-5871 Office: Wilderman Hall 403

Email: nemesia.kelly@tu.edu Office Hours: Mondays, 12-1:30 p.m. & Wednesdays: 2-4:30 p.m. Course Location: Community Health & Global Health Field Study Sites

COURSE OVERVIEW

The Public Health Fieldwork Study Course (PH 600) is required of all Master of Public Health (MPH) students and is a structured and practical supervised experience in an approved professional public health setting allowing for the application and integration of the skills and knowledge acquired during their graduate didactic coursework. This course requires 400 hours of field work.

Upon completing all MPH core and track-required courses, students are eligible to register for the Public Health Field Study.

As a working partnership between students and the public health practice organization, this course provides a public health fieldwork experience for all MPH students enrolled in PH 600, which can be conducted either locally or abroad.

The practical skills and the knowledge gained in field work at public health practice agencies/organization are essential to students’ academic and professional growth, preparing them for a professional career in the field of public health. Students should consider the field study as a trial run in preparation for a public health job and an essential introduction to the public health workforce. Excellent references from field study preceptors can make a big difference along the path to employment in the professional public health arena. Students are encouraged to maximize and take full advantage of the field study experience as it can help position them in the right direction towards their future careers.

As with internships, field study placements also provide students opportunities to apply and integrate academically acquired skills and knowledge to practice in a professional setting. An internship is essentially a field experience in a professional setting designed to develop skills and competencies and to increase the level of proficiency. Thus, a field study placement is synonymous with an internship. MPH students who conduct field studies at under the guidance of site preceptors and course coordinators at affiliated public health organizations (county health departments, state and federal health agencies, community health organizations, hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, academic institutions, philanthropic and voluntary health agencies, and non-profit organizations) are considered by those organizations to be ‘student interns.’

The students' work in the field study projects should be valued by the organization and contribute to meeting the organization's goals or mission.

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Field study projects must address a public health issue and student participation should contribute to strategic resolutions (locally or abroad).

Zero (0) Unit Continuation Enrollment in PH 623A Field Study Continuation Course: Due to special circumstances or events or beyond their control, some students may be unable to start or complete an initial field study placement and as a result, will receive a grade of “INC” (Incomplete). The PH 623A Field Study Continuation Course is available to students who have received an “Incomplete” for PH 600 or PH 623. These students are required to register for the non-credit Field Study Continuation course in the following academic session in order to continue the Public Health Field Study under the direct supervision of their preceptors. By enrolling in this non-credit course, students will maintain "active MPH student status" while completing their field study. Students may register for the Field Study Continuation course for up to a maximum of two (2) times (PH 623A and B) following initial registration in PH 600. A $75 registration fee will be charged for each academic session of enrollment in the Field Study Continuation course. Students who go on to register for PH 623A or B, will receive a grade of “SP” (Satisfactory Progress) until the field study has been successfully completed.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Through the field study, students MPH students will be able to:

1. Integrate public health theory, knowledge and skills in a practice setting; 2. Complete a defined project(s) in an area of public health practice including core public health

functions such as a needs assessment, program plan, program evaluation, policy development, educational campaign, applied research project;

3. Exhibit proficiency in at least one of the following areas: program planning, needs assessment and data gathering, program implementation, applied research, program evaluation, policy analysis, or data analysis under the guidance of an experienced preceptor;

4. Demonstrate competence in a public health practice setting; and 5. Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, communication skills, and creativity in the development of a

public health practice activity.

The Public Health Field Study will involve:

a) Participation in “project-oriented” work in a public health setting. Examples of appropriate tasks may include the following, but are not limited to involvement in:

Developing, implementing and or evaluating health promotion programs for specific

population(s); Conducting research on a public health issue of interest (e.g., study and assessment

instrument design, data collection, data entry, analysis, and assessment of findings; Conducting policy analysis or advocacy related to a public health issue; Conducting a community needs assessment; Coalition building and coordination of resources; Developing, pre-testing and evaluation of curriculum and or health education materials; Contributing to the development of grant proposals;

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Communicating health education needs and information to policy makers and the public

b) Development of a plan to implement the selected project; c) Presentation of project findings in a field study summary paper that addresses a health issue of the

community and contributes in resolving practical health problems.

PUBLIC HEALTH COMPETENCIES For their field study projects, students are required to identify at least 5 corresponding core public health competencies (one from each core area- Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Science, Health Policy and Management, and Social and Behavioral Sciences, one cross-cutting competency, and three corresponding (3) track competencies (community health or global health). Competencies should be identified as a collaborative process between students and preceptors by identifying and selecting the competencies that will be addressed through the field study as indicated on the Competency Inventory Form (see in the Appendix of this handbook). COURSE AND FIELDWORK FORMAT Full-time MPH field study students are expected to dedicate an average of 30-40 hours per week to their field studies over the course of one academic session in order complete 400 field study hours. (Clinical experience involving individual patient care or health facility administration is not considered relevant public health experience.) Students are allowed to work up to a maximum of 8 hours per day in their field study placements. A 400-hour field study is equivalent to 12 weeks, taking into account all national observed holidays in the TUC academic calendar year. All field study placements must be approved by the field study coordinators for community health and global health field study placements. STUDENT FIELD STUDY WORK SCHEDULES Community Health Track Students: Specific work schedules are negotiated between the preceptor and the student. All field study work must be conducted on-site under the supervision of the field study preceptor. Students are not allowed to telecommute or work from home. Students may only work outside their placement site when attending off-site meetings or events sponsored by or affiliated with the site. Global Health Track Students: Students are not permitted to leave the country site that is designated for their global health field study during the 10-week field study placement period. While space issues may occur at field study placements, students must find ways to work from or near the office of their local global health field study site preceptor and to check in with them daily. To obtain approval to take any time off during the 10-week Global Health Field Study, students must first go through the TUC Public Health Program Global Health Field Study Site Coordinator before obtaining approval from their local global health field study site preceptor. If local global health field study site preceptors request student presence during non-traditional work hours for project-specific meetings or activities, this should take priority over sight-seeing or other social plans.

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THE PART-TIME FIELD STUDY OPTION

MPH students may extend a 400-hour field study to be completed over the course of two (2) academic sessions (semesters), in which they are expected to complete a minimum of 20 hours per week (rather than 30-40 hours per week). Similarly, MPH Dual degree (DO/MPH and PharmD/MPH) students may extend a 200-hour field study to be completed over the course of two (2) academic sessions (semesters). After initial enrollment in the Public Health Field Study and partially their completing field study hours, students will receive a grade of “INC” (Incomplete) and are required to register for the PH 623A Field Study Continuation Zero (0) Unit course in the following semester in order to continue the Public Health Field Study under the direct supervision of their preceptors. By enrolling in this non-credit course, students will maintain "active MPH student status" while completing their field study. This option is recommended for MPH students who need to maintain part-time employment while enrolled in the Public Health Field Study.

If a student does not complete the remainder of field study hours within their first semester of PH 623A, they will be required to register for the Field Study Continuation course in each subsequent semester until their field study placement is completed. Students may register for the Field Study Continuation course for up to a maximum of two (2) times (PH 623A and B) following initial registration in PH 600. A $75 registration fee will be charged for each academic session of enrollment in the Field Study Continuation course. Students who go on to register for PH 623A or B, will receive a grade of “SP” (Satisfactory Progress) until the field study has been successfully completed. THE FIELD STUDY WAIVER The Field Study Waiver (Criterion I): This waiver allows for 200 field study hours to be waived for MPH students who can verify previous public health employment of three years of continuous, paid, public health employment prior to enrollment in the MPH program. (Clinical experience involving individual patient care or health facility administration is not considered relevant public health experience.) Relevant public health experience must include involvement in at least one of the following activities: Assessing, monitoring, or conducting surveillance of health conditions or delivery of services in a

population;

Establishing public health objectives and priorities;

Conducting basic or applied research on population-based health problems including the behavioral, biological or environmental risk factors; or

Designing, implementing and/or evaluating policies and/or intervention strategies/programs.

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To apply for this waiver, students are required to submit a separate 2-3 page (single-spaced) narrative describing relevant public health work experience, including:

• Description of specific duties performed; • Discussion of the impact or relevance of the experience to public health, highlighting

knowledge, theories and concepts covered in MPH coursework; • List of skills/competencies gained in the experience (see MPH general and track specific

competencies specified in the MPH Learning Outcome Inventory; and • Reference/contact person (preferably someone who supervised you) so that

employment/involvement with the agency can be verified. In addition, students are required to submit an Application for the Field Study Waiver (Criterion I) to Field Study Coordinator, Nemesia Kelly, via email to nemesia.kelly@tu.edu (this application, including approval criteria, are available in the Appendix of this handbook). Applications are due at least 4 weeks prior to registration in the Public Health Field Study. All applications are subject to review by committee. All waivers must be approved by the Program Director, Assistant Program Director, and the Field Study Coordinator. Students will be contacted by the Program Director within two to three weeks with a decision. Decisions of the panel are final. Upon approval of this waiver, students will register for PH 600 for 4 units and will receive a 200 hour waiver for the field study. All students who receive field study waivers are expected to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per week to their field studies over the course of one academic session in order to complete 200 field study hours. The Field Study Waiver (Criterion II): This waiver allows for 200 field study hours to be waived for MPH students who can verify enrollment in any non-TUC (outside of TUC) accredited four-year medical school, Doctor of Pharmacy program, or Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program, after completing all core and track-required courses and all or the majority of course electives in the Public Health Program. To apply for this waiver, students shall provide an official copy of their transcripts verifying enrollment in a non-TUC accredited four-year medical school, Doctor of Pharmacy program, or Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program to the Public Health Program. In addition, students are required to submit an Application for the Field Study Waiver (Criterion II) to Field Study Coordinator, Nemesia Kelly, via email to nemesia.kelly@tu.edu (this application, including approval criteria, are available in the Appendix of this handbook). Applications are due at least 4 weeks prior to registration in the Public Health Field Study. All applications are subject to review by committee. All waivers must be approved by the Program Director, Assistant Program Director, and the Field Study Coordinator. Students will be contacted by the Program Director within two to three weeks with a decision. Decisions of the panel are final. Upon approval of this waiver, students will register for PH 600 for 4 units and will receive a 200 hour waiver for the field study. All students who receive field study waivers are expected to dedicate a maximum of 30-40 hours per week during a designated 6-week period, or a minimum of 20 hours per week over the course of one academic session toward their field studies in order to complete 200 field study hours. Students are allowed to work up to a maximum of 8 hours per day in their field study placements. In addition, specific work schedules are negotiated between the preceptor and the student. All field study

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work must be conducted on-site under the supervision of the field study preceptor (students are not allowed to telecommute or work from home or off-site during the field study placement). Previous Field Study Waiver (Criterion I & II) Recipients (MPH students only) Who Receive Grades of “Incomplete” (INC): All MPH students who previously received 200-hour field study waivers for PH 600 and who received a grade of “Incomplete” (INC) due to being unable to start or complete their initial field study, are expected to enroll in the PH 623A Field Study Continuation Course in a subsequent academic session. These students must dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per week towards their 200-hour field study placements. (Please refer to the Course Overview above for a course description for the PH 623A Field Study Continuation Course.) FORMAL REQUEST TO APPLY CURRENT PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH EMPLOYMENT TO THE COMMUNITY HEALTH FIELD STUDY MPH students who are currently employed at local public health practice agencies and organizations (for less than three continuous years) while enrolled in the Public Health Program may be permitted to apply hours worked in their positions on current public health projects towards the hours required for the Public Health Field Study only if the agency/organization is approved by the Public Health Program as an appropriate field study site and if the projects to which the student is assigned provides them a scope of work that meets the criteria of the Public Health Program. (To view the qualifications required by agencies/organizations to become approved field study sites, please see the Guidelines for Public Health Field Study Sites and Preceptors online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/formsanddocuments.html. Students are required to submit a formal request to the Field Study Coordinator for approval to apply hours worked in their positions on current public health projects towards the hours required for the Public Health Field Study (detailed criteria and a request form are available in the Appendix of this handbook). All requests are subject to review by committee and must be approved by the Program Director, Assistant Program Director, and the Field Study Coordinator.

COMMUNITY HEALTH FIELD STUDY PLACEMENTS SITES TUC and the Public Health Program have successfully developed a network of placement sites via collaborations with local organizations engaged in public health activities that provide its Community Health track students many placement sites from which to gain field experience. Students conduct their field studies under the guidance of site preceptors and course coordinators at affiliated public health organizations, including but not limited to: county health departments, state and federal health agencies, community health organizations, hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, academic institutions, philanthropic and voluntary health agencies, and non-profit organizations. (To view the TUC network of Community Health Field Study Placement Sites, please refer to the Appendix of this handbook or download at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html.) Students may visit the Public Health Field Study Webpage at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html to view examples of previous community health field study projects. Please be aware that as these are past projects, they are most likely no longer in operation. Also posted at this webpage are featured community health field study projects completed by MPH students.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FIELD STUDY SITE AGENCY CLEARANCE/STUDENT INTERN ONBOARDING REQUIREMENTS: All affiliated county health departments, governmental health agencies, hospitals, community health clinics, and managed care organizations require students to fulfill certain agency clearance or onboarding requirements prior to beginning their field study placements, which include, required forms/paperwork, health and immunization documentation/screening, security scans/background checks, and drug testing/toxicology screenings. Agency clearance/onboarding requirements vary by organization. Some organizations may accept background checks and toxicology screens processed by TUC. Others are required to independently process new background checks and toxicology screens for student interns. Typically, the entire clearance/onboarding process can take up to one (1) to two (2) months for students to complete. Therefore, it is important that the students take the necessary steps to satisfy these preliminary clearance/onboarding requirements well before the start date of their field studies. In most cases, students are not required to meet with their preceptors in order to begin this process. Students typically receive directions from either the Field Study Coordinator or the preceptor, describing important steps on how to begin the agency clearance/onboarding process at their assigned placement site prior to their field study start date. IMPORTANT: The Public Health Program cannot guarantee community health field study placements outside the SF Bay Area. Students who are interested in conducting their field studies outside of the SF Bay area are encouraged to independently seek out an appropriate public health field study placement in their preferred location. The Field Study Coordinator can offer limited assistance in setting up community health field study placements outside of the SF Bay Area. Moreover, any field study placement outside the existing TUC Network must be approved by the Program in order for the student to receive credit. EXCEPTIONS Student-Initiated Community Health Field Study Sites: By taking initiative to independently seek out alternative Community Health field study opportunities outside the existing TUC network of Community Health placement sites, interested and motivated students have helped the Program establish new Community Health placement sites over the last few years. Students have aided the Program in identifying appropriate public health practice settings for MPH students at several prospective placement sites within our surrounding communities, the SF Bay Area, in other parts of California, and in a few neighboring western U.S. states. These student-initiated sites were subsequently approved by the Program, resulting in the expansion of our current network of Community Health field study placement sites. The Program continues to encourage students to independently seek out Community Health field study placement sites outside our existing network that provide appropriate public health practice settings for MPH students. For a script template for contacting prospective sites, please refer to the Appendix in this handbook. Please note: Any student-initiated field study placement outside the existing TUC network of Community Health field study placement sites must be approved by the Program in order for the student to receive credit. The prospective agency or organization must meet the Program’s criteria in order to be approved as a field study site. Further, TUC and the Public Health Program must also meet the criteria of the agency or organization to be approved for affiliation, partnership, and collaboration.

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Students who identify potential public health practice entities as prospective Community Health field study placement sites are required to: 1) Refer to the following sections in this handbook to review the required learning objectives of the field

study course and the Program’s approval criteria for Community Health field study placement sites: Course Overview, Learning Objectives, Public Health Competencies, and Public Health Field Study Site Responsibilities;

2) Direct proposed site preceptors and/or administrators and directors to the Program’s Guidelines for Public Health Field Study Sites and Preceptors online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/formsanddocuments.html to ensure that the proposed site is made aware of the required learning objectives of the field study course and the Program’s approval criteria for Community Health field study placement sites;

3) Provide the proposed site preceptors and/or administrators and directors the web link to our Program Brochure at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/formsanddocuments.html;

4) Submit an application for the Application for Approval of a Student-Initiated Community Health Field Study Placement Site (this application and approval criteria are available in the Appendix of this handbook); and

5) Request the proposed site preceptor and/or administrator or director to complete the online

registration at the web survey link below by the specified deadlines (refer to the 2014-2015 Community Health Track Field Study Timeline and Deadlines in the Appendix or online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html): Online Registration for New MPH Field Study Placement Sites:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TUCPHFieldStudySiteRegistration

GLOBAL HEALTH FIELD STUDY PLACEMENTS SITES Global Health Track students conduct their field studies at sites in Bolivia, Cambodia, China, and Ethiopia under the guidance of site preceptors and course coordinators at public health institutions, universities, ministries of health, non-governmental organizations, and United Nations agencies. Detailed information regarding the Global Health Field Study is available online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html. Also posted at this webpage are featured global health field study projects completed by MPH students.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GLOBAL HEALTH FIELD STUDY REQUIREMENTS:

• Students must attend the Global Health Field Study Orientation where each global health site will be presented in detail.

• Prior to travel, all Global Health Track students are required to attend special pre-departure sessions to obtain information on global health ethics and cultural preparation; field study topic review; introductions to the global health field study site preceptors; vaccination and travel medicine; logistics for travel and visas; and IRB submission for any proposed research activity.

• Students will be required to attend a series of three to four pre-departure meetings with the global

health field study site coordinator of their country site to conduct communication with their designated global health field study site preceptor and submit forms required for travel (waivers of liability, health insurance, student information, and student participation agreement and code of conduct).

PAID INTERNSHIPS The Public Health Program does not manage paid internships for students. Our network of field study placements sites currently offers non-paid field work experience for MPH students. Students who are interested in paid internships are strongly encouraged to seek out paid internships at public health practice agencies/organizations on their own. This search would be similar to a regular job search for positions at public health practice entities. It is important to note that paid Internships are extremely rare. Occasionally, the Public Health Program receives information regarding paid internships which it disseminates via students listserves and posts online at its Jobs, Training Fellowship and Scholarship webpage (http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/careers/jobs.html). Students who wish to apply a paid internship to the Public Health Field Study for academic credit, must have completed all core and track-required courses prior to beginning their paid internship. Requests for any paid internships to satisfy the field study must be approved by the Program. In addition, paid internships selected for the field study course must provide a minimum of 400 hours. Students who receive field study waivers must select paid internships that provide a minimum of 200 hours. HOW TO BEGIN THE PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY PROCESS:

1. Ensure completion of ALL MPH core and track-required courses by the intended field study start date.

2. Observe the Community Health & Global Health Field Study Timeline & Deadlines (available online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html).

3. Community Health Track students review appropriate sites and opportunities based on their skills set and public health interests (see the TUC network of Community Health Field Study Placement Sites (refer to the Appendix in this handbook or download at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html).

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4. Global Health students review the Global Health Field Study Overview at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html for information on the Public Health Program’s Global Health field study sites in Bolivia, Cambodia, China, and Ethiopia, various options for the global health field study, travel dates, types of projects are available at the different sites, and approximate costs (flights, room/board, etc.)

5. By the specified deadlines, complete the Field Study Planning Form online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FS_planning_form. By submitting the Field Study Planning Form, students select Community Health or Global Health placement sites, indicate the number of hours required for their field study, specify timeframes required for their field study, the number of hours they can devote to a field study, and their public health interests. IMPORTANT: All field study placements must occur during the start and end dates of the Public Health Program semesters. Students are not allowed to commence the field study during a break between two semesters when classes are not in session. IMPORTANT: (1) Students who submit a field study planning form for an academic session (semester) but do not begin the Public Health Field Study during that academic session, will be required to resubmit a second field study planning form for the next academic session in which they plan to complete the Public Health Field Study; (2) If you are graduating upon completion of the Public Health Field Study and commence a field study placement halfway through a Public Health Program academic session and complete that placement after the academic session has ended, please note that your degree will not be conferred for the first available conferral date but instead will be conferred for the next available conferral date. For example, the spring Public Health Program academic session usually ends around the fourth week of April. If a student were to begin a field study placement later than the beginning of the third week of February and completed the placement after the fourth week of April, they would receive an Incomplete (INC) for the spring field study course. A grade change would be processed for the spring field study course upon receipt of the student’s final field study deliverables. Therefore, his/her degree would be conferred for the summer degree conferral dates (July/August) rather than for those designated for the spring (May/June). Community Health Track students are required to rank their site preferences specific to their

public health interests, qualifications, and geographic location preference (within the TUC Network of Community Health/SF Bay Area). IMPORTANT: As community health field study placement sites are limited, placements at preferred sites cannot be guaranteed; therefore, students may not be assigned to their top-ranked site.

Students enrolled in the Global Health Track must also contact the field study coordinator who is assigned their preferred field study site:

• Bolivia: Professor Sarah Sullivan (sarah.sullivan@tu.edu) • Cambodia and China: Dr. Carinne Brody (carinne.brody@tu.edu) • Ethiopia: Dr. Sahai Burrows (sahai.burrows@tu.edu)

6. Upon submitting the Field Study Planning form, email a C.V. or resume and a signed Student Code

of Conduct (download at

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http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/StudentCodeofConduct_PH600_623.pdf) to nemesia.kelly@tu.edu.

7. If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss the Public Health Field Study with the Field Study Coordinator, please visit http://mph.checkappointments.com.

8. Enroll in the Public Health Field Study Course (PH 600) by the specified registration deadlines.

9. Attend scheduled MPH Culminating Experience Orientations (refer to the 2014-2015 Community Health Field Study Timeline & Deadlines on at the Public Health Program webpage at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html.

THE MATCHING PROCESS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH TRACK STUDENTS The Field Study Coordinator will work to facilitate the placement process by matching the student’s skills, qualifications, public health interests, and geographic location preference (within the TUC Network/SF Bay Area) with the requirements of existing sites and projects within the TUC network of community health field study placement sites. Student curriculum vitae (C.V.) or resumes are an essential part of this process, which is why they are required upon submission of the Field Study Planning Form. Field study preceptors require student C.V.s/resumes to consider evaluate students who are recommended for available placement opportunities with their respective organizations. Preceptors review students’ experience, skills, qualifications, public health interests relevant to available field study projects. Another important factor in the matching process is field study placement and site availability at our partnering organizations. Program or project funding cycles, appropriate number of staff, time of year, and availability of physical space to accommodate student interns, all determine whether or not a placement site has available field study opportunities for students. Once a match has been made, an official field study placement recommendation letter is emailed to the student and preceptor based on the student’s skills, qualifications, public health interests. (The email communication will also include attachments of all documents required for completing the field study deliverables; refer to the Public Health Field Study Course Requirements & Student Deliverables section of current Public Health Field Study Student Handbook). The official placement recommendation letter and email communication to the student will clearly state that it is the responsibility of the student to contact the site preceptor or coordinator to finalize their placement. (The Field Study Coordinator will ensure that the student has completed a Signed Student Code of Conduct before the student is instructed to contact their potential preceptor.) It is important to note that in some cases, students may be required to interview with the site preceptor or coordinator to secure their field study placement and preceptors will make the final decision to accept a student for a placement post interview. Thus, a recommendation by the Field Study Coordinator does not necessarily guarantee a placement. In addition, the email correspondence will emphasize that many placement sites will require agency clearance requirements, such as security scans or drug testing and urge students to ensure that all preliminary requirements are satisfied one (1) to two (2) months prior to the field study start date.

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Students will be directed to follow the instructions outlined in this correspondence in order to take the necessary steps to confirm and begin their field study placements. Once the student field study placement has been confirmed, a contractual agreement or memorandum of understanding (MOU) or a Short Affiliation Letter of Agreement with TUC will be prepared by the Field Study Coordinator to be signed by the two parties: The program/university and the placement site agency/organization. In some cases, a third party signature is required of the student as part of the public health field study agreement. Students are required to notify the Field Study Coordinator immediately if they become aware of any changes or issues that may delay or interrupt their field study placement. If for some reason a student is not accepted for a recommended field study placement or is unable to begin a recommended placement or continue a confirmed placement due to events or circumstances beyond their control, the Field Study Coordinator will assist the student in finding an alternative placement based on site availability, the student’s experience/qualifications, and location preference. If a student refuses a field study placement before the placement start date due to changes in their public health interests or preference in placement site or geographical location, the Field Study Coordinator will assist the student in recommending a maximum of one (1) additional field study placement. If a student fails to follow up on a second recommended placement, he/she will be responsible for independently securing their own field study placement at another site by completing the application process detailed in the EXCEPTIONS section of this handbook. Further, if there is any indication that thestudent has committed a breach of professionalism resulting in a failed placement, the student may be placed on academic probation and sent to the Academic Probation Committee. Cancellation requests for any confirmed community health field study placement that has been formally accepted by a student must be submitted to the Community Health Field Study Coordinator no later than 5 weeks prior to the student’s intended field study start date. Requests to cancel confirmed placements received after the 5-week cutoff are not guaranteed. All students must be aware that cancellations can be extremely disruptive to the Community Health Field Study Placement process and to the existing partnerships between the Public Health Program and Community Health Field Study placement sites and preceptors. Failure to comply with designated deadlines may result in a delay in a student’s graduation. Again, if there is any indication that the student has committed a breach of professionalism resulting in a failed placement, the student may be placed on academic probation and sent to the Academic Probation Committee. If a student decides to cease conducting his/her field study after beginning their placement, it is may be judged as a breach of professionalism, possibly resulting in a failed placement. Further, in such cases, students may not be eligible for a second placement recommendation from the Field Study Coordinator and may be sent to the Academic Probation Committee.

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Field Study Coordination Timeline:

This timeline describes the process that is initiated by the Field Study Coordinator after meeting with the student and receiving his/her Field Study Planning Form, C.V./resume, and signed Student Code of Conduct.

*Tentative dates: Please note that these are general start dates for the field study. Start dates for student field study placements may vary for each student.

THE MATCHING PROCESS FOR GLOBAL HEALTH TRACK STUDENTS The Global Health Field Study Coordinator will work to facilitate the placement process by matching the student’s skills, qualifications, public health interests, and country site preference with the requirements of existing sites and projects within the TUC network of global health field study placement sites. Student curriculum vitae (C.V.) or resumes are an essential part of this process. Student curriculum vitae (C.V.) or resumes are an essential part of this process, which is why they are required upon submission of the Field Study Planning Form. Field study preceptors require student C.V.s/resumes to consider evaluate students who are recommended for available placement opportunities with their respective organizations. Preceptors review students’ experience, skills, qualifications, public health interests relevant to available field study projects. Once a match has been made, the Global Health Field Study Site coordinator will facilitate the student’s field study placement. The Field Study Coordinator will ensure that the student has completed a Signed Student Code of Conduct before departing for their designated global health field study site. Another important factor in the matching process is field study placement and site availability at our partnering organizations. Program or project funding cycles, appropriate number of staff, time of year, and availability of physical space to accommodate student interns, all determine whether or not a placement site has available field study opportunities for students. Students are required to notify their Global Health Field Study Coordinator immediately if they become aware of any changes or issues that may delay or interrupt their field study placement. If for some reason a student is not accepted or able to begin a placement due to events or circumstances beyond their control, the Global Health Field Study Coordinator will assist the student in finding an alternative placement based on site availability, the student’s experience/qualifications, and location preference.

Initial Contact with Sites by Field Study Coordinator to

Determine Placement Availability

Confirmation of Field Study Placement Recommendations

Summer 2014 Academic Session

Late February – Early/Mid May 4-6 weeks prior to field study start date (May 1 – 12 or June 2, 2014)*

Fall 2014 Academic Session

Early/Mid June 4-6 weeks prior to field study start date (August 25 - Sep. 5, 2014)*

Spring 2015 Academic Session

Early/Mid October 4-6 weeks prior to field study start date (January 5 - 16, 2015)*

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If a student fails to follow up on a second confirmed placement, he/she will be responsible for independently securing an appropriate field study placement at another location. If there is any indication that the student has committed a breach of unprofessionalism resulting in a failed placement, the student may be placed on academic probation and sent to the Academic Probation Committee. Cancellation requests for any confirmed global health field study placement that has been formally accepted by a student must be submitted to the Global Health Field Study Coordinator no later than 12 weeks prior to the student’s intended field study start date. Requests to cancel confirmed placements received after the 12-week cutoff will not be accepted. All students must be aware that cancellations can be extremely disruptive to the Global Health Field Study Placement process and to the existing partnerships between the Public Health Program and Global Health Field Study placement sites and preceptors. Failure to comply with designated deadlines may result in a delay in a student’s graduation. Again, if there is any indication that the student has committed a breach of professionalism resulting in a failed placement, the student may be placed on academic probation and sent to the Academic Probation Committee. Field study coordination timelines are scheduled by the Global Health Track faculty each semester prior to departure dates. DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY PLACEMENT The preceptor supervises the student’s onsite performance. Communication is an important aspect of a successful placement. It is expected that both the student and preceptor will contact the Field Study Coordinator at any time when questions or issues arise. The Field Study Coordinator may also contact the preceptor to discuss the student’s progress particularly near the midpoint of the placement. MEANS FOR EVALUATING STUDENT PERFORMANCE: PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY COURSE REQUIREMENTS & STUDENT DELIVERABLES Students are expected to complete the following required course deliverables:

1. Student Code of Conduct: Students must sign/date and submit the Student Code of Conduct form

before they contact or meet with preceptors to whom they are recommended for a field study placement.

a. Community Health Track students may submit this completed/signed form as a scanned PDF or JPG via Blackboard or email to nemesia.kelly@tu.edu, or by fax to (707) 638-5871.

b. Global health students may submit this completed/signed form as a scanned PDF or JPF via Blackboard or email, or by fax to (707) 638-5871 to the Global Health faculty in charge of their Global Health Field Study country site.

2. Scope of Work:* The scope of work provides the framework for the field study, by ensuring that the student and preceptor have a clear understanding of this planned experience. Students must work with their preceptors to generate a Scope of Work that describes a set of measurable objectives, activities, a timeline, and outcome indicators for each objective.

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a. Instructions for Completing the Scope of Work can be found in the Appendix of this handbook.

b. Although, this is a collaborative process between student and preceptor, it is the ultimately the responsibility of the student to compose the Scope of Work.

c. Students must submit a Scope of Work to the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard one week after the start date of the field study placement.

3. Competency Inventory Form:* This form ensures the integration of didactic coursework with public health practice. Students are required to identify at least 5 corresponding core public health competencies (one from each core area), one (1) corresponding cross-cutting competency, and three (3) corresponding track competencies (Community Health or Global health).

a. Competencies should be identified as a collaborative process between students and preceptors. In order to complete this process, the preceptor and student identify and select the competencies that will be addressed through the field study.

b. Although, this is a collaborative process between student and preceptor, it is the ultimately the responsibility of the student to compose the Competency Inventory.

c. Students will be evaluated to determine their level of mastery of the selected competencies upon the completion of the field study (see in the Appendix of this handbook).

d. Students must submit this completed form to the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard one week after the start date of the placement.

4. Field Study Contract:* This contract must be signed by the preceptor and the student acknowledging an agreement for the student to work and complete agreed upon objectives as negotiated between the student and preceptor. (Students must submit this signed document to the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard one week after the start date of the placement.)

5. Field Study Logs. The purpose of the weekly logs is to help students develop the discipline of keeping track of significant activities and progress toward reaching the objectives that you have set out to achieve in during the field study. (Students must submit their logs to the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard every two (2) weeks; log submission begins two (2) weeks after the start date of the field study placement.)

6. Field Study Summary Paper: The purpose of this assignment is for the student to provide a written demonstration of the application and integration of the skills and knowledge acquired through the didactic and practical components of the MPH Program in a 3-6 page paper. (Students must submit this document to the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard one week after the placement end date.)

7. Field Study Site Visit:* The site visit is an assessment occurring midway through the field study placement, in which the Field Study Coordinator or another Public Health Program faculty member visits the field study placement site to meet with the student and preceptor.

a. During the first week of the field study placement once the preceptor has signed the Field Study Contract, the student is responsible for working with their preceptor to select 3-4 possible dates/times that occur midway through their field study placement on which to

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schedule the site visit. b. A minimum of 30 minutes should be allocated for each site visit (15-minute separate

meetings are required with the student and the preceptor). c. Depending on the site location, site visits may be held in person, by phone, or by Skype. d. Students are required to submit possible site visit dates/times to the Field Study Coordinator

using the Selected Dates for Field Study Site Visit form. e. This form requires signatures of both student and preceptor. f. Students must submit this document to the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard one week

after the placement end date.

8. Student Field Study Site Evaluation: Students are required to submit an evaluation of the field study site via an online survey (SurveyMonkey). Students will receive this survey link via email. (Due one week after the placement end date)

9. Preceptor Evaluation:* Student performance during the field study will be evaluated by the site preceptors to document students’ demonstration of public health competence in a public health setting.

a. This information is collected via an online survey (SurveyMonkey); preceptors will receive this survey link via email.

b. Students are responsible meeting with their preceptors to ensure that this evaluation is completed.

c. This survey is due one week after the placement end date.

10. MPH Student Exit Survey: Students are required to complete this survey via an online survey (SurveyMonkey). Students receive this survey link via email. (Due one week after the placement end date)

*Preceptor Requirements: Preceptors are required to assist the student in developing the Scope of Work, the identification of competencies that are addressed in the field study placement, and completion of the Field Study Contract. In addition, the preceptor must evaluate student performance during the field study to document students’ demonstration of public health competence in a public health setting and also meet with the Field Study Coordinator or another Public Health Program faculty during a site visit (see more details on additional preceptor requirements in the Public Health Preceptor Responsibilities section in this handbook.) PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION OF FIELDWORK Though not required as a field study deliverable, the Program encourages students to obtain permission from their site/preceptor/site supervisor to document their field work experiences by providing digital photographs of their placement sites, preceptors, administrative supervisory team members, field study project activities, such as work events or meetings, and scenic landscapes. Whenever possible, we encourage students to utilize TUC’s media consent and release forms in order to obtain permission from individuals who are captured in such photographic documentation. This permission will allow photographic images of public health field work to be used for general media purposes (to display, use and/or otherwise utilize, in original or modified form in all media, whether now known or hereafter devised, throughout the

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universe in perpetuity, including, without limitation, in online webcasts, television, motion pictures, films, newspapers, publications or use by third parties, and in all forms including, without limitation, digitized images, whether for advertising, publicity, or promotional purposes, including, without limitation, for the promotion, public education, and/or fundraising activities of Touro College, without compensation, reservation or limitation). Please refer to the Appendix for these forms. Students are encouraged to upload digital field study photos via Blackboard or email directly them to the Field Study Coordinator. FIELD STUDY EVALUATION & GRADING

The Public Health Field Study is a Pass/Fail course. Evaluation and grading is based on the following measures. Each component must be completed according to the specified course instructions before a grade of pass or fail can be assigned. See below:

Deliverable Percentage of grade Scope of Work, Competency Inventory,

Field Study Contract 15%

Field Study Logs 10%

Field Study Summary Paper 35%

Field Study Site Visit 5%

Student Field Study Site Evaluation 5%

Preceptor’s Evaluation 25%

MPH Student Exit Survey 5%

Grading Policy for Late/Missing Assignments:

Scope of Work/Competency Inventory/Field Study Contract

Late – Lose up to 5 points Not Done – Results in Zero

Field Study Logs

Late – Lose up to 5 points each Not Done – Results in zero

Field Study Summary Paper*

Late – Lose up to 5 points Not Done – Results in Zero

Field Study Site Visit Late – Lose up to 5 points Not Done – Results in Zero

Student Field Study Site Evaluation Late – Lose up to 2.5 points Not Done – Results in Zero

MPH Student Exit Survey Late – Lose up to 2.5 points Not Done – Results in Zero

*The Field Study Summary Paper must receive a passing grade in order for students to “pass” the Field Study Course.

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FIELD STUDY RESPONSIBILITIES Student Responsibilities

In return for the commitment of the organization, the student has a responsibility to the organization. The MPH program expects students to behave as developing professionals by having a commitment to the organization and to their life long professional development through:

• Participating in setting goals for their own learning; • Develops the scope of work and completes a competency inventory with assistance from the

preceptor and input from the Field Study Coordinator. • Returns completed forms (scope of work, competency inventory and Field Study Contract) • Performs assignments and activities identified in scope of work, seeking assistance from the

preceptor, other agency staff or the faculty advisor when needed. • Maintains contact with the advisor during placement. Maintains a daily log • Assesses the extent to which the field experience has met his/her needs by preparing a written

Summary Paper and completing other assignments required by the field experience. • Completes the Student’s Evaluation of Field Study via an online survey within one week of the final

field study end date. • Fulfills the requirement of 200 or 400 hours, depending on degree; • Completes academic work and assigned papers relating to their internship; • Behaves in an ethically and morally professional manner; • Performs professional quality work; • Conducts themselves consistent with the values of the organization.

Public Health Field Study Site Responsibilities

• Provide public health related planning, research and/or services; • Have one or more staff on site with a graduate credential in public health or equivalent

professional experience and education who will serve as a designated preceptor; • Offer opportunities for students to be exposed to a variety of organizational departments and

individuals, functions and or tasks; • Offer responsibilities to students that are relevant and appropriate to the their individual field study

learning goals and professional development; • Provide necessary access to data and program materials for students to conduct their projects; • Have adequate organizational support for students to successfully complete field study activities; • Provide direct and regular supervision for students throughout the placement; • Provide a minimum of 400 hours of public health field work experience for MPH students and 200

hours for dual and joint degree students Public Health Field Study Preceptor Responsibilities Overall, preceptors are expected to provide supervision for the student and to ensure assigned tasks meet not only the agency's needs but provide opportunities for the student's personal and professional growth. Preceptors must also serve as a liaison between the fieldwork site supervisor (if preceptor is not on site)

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and the student’s faculty advisor. Specific duties related to the student fieldwork learning objectives include:

a) A mutual agreement on a public health project and field study objectives for the student to pursue. b) Assisting the student in developing the scope of work and identification of competencies. c) Development of a work schedule based on mutually agreed upon objectives for the field experience. d) Ensuring that a project in which the student can carve out ownership of the process and outcome is

provided.

i. Review policies and procedures with which the student is expected to comply. ii. Complete and signs the Field Study Contract

iii. Be accessible to the student through a commitment to meeting with the student on a regular basis to discuss and critique the student’s work and progress (at least once per week).

iv. Encourage student to work independently while providing opportunities for data gathering and sharing information.

v. Become involved with and foster the student’s learning experience. vi. Evaluate the student's performance during and after the field experience via a

scheduled site visit with the Field Study Coordinator or another Public Health Program faculty member and by completing the performance evaluation.

Once a student has been recommended for a field study placement at their site, the preceptor must confirm with or inform the Public Health Program Field Study Coordinator and student regarding his/her agency’s clearance/onboarding requirements. Public Health Program Responsibilities

1. Preparation: The Program will adequately prepare the student for the public health field experience both academically and administratively.

2. Assignment: The Program will be responsible for assigning students to sites that will provide a

quality learning experience.

3. Objectives: The Program will provide field study learning objectives. Students and preceptors will be required to evaluate compliance with these learning objectives.

4. Affiliation Agreements: The Program will develop affiliation agreements with public health practice

sites.

5. Insurance: The Program will assure that all students have current Liability Insurance. The program will also assure that all students have current health insurance and immunizations.

6. Grading: The Program will be responsible for assigning a final grade to each student.

7. Issues or problems: The Program will interact with preceptors and be available to address any problems or concerns of the student or the preceptor. In addition, should problems arise at the site, the Program retains the right to remove a student from a rotation.

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ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT Touro College and University System is a community of scholars and learners committed to maintaining the highest standards of personal integrity in all aspects of our professional and academic lives. Students and faculty are expected to share a mutual respect for teaching, learning and the development of knowledge. Because intellectual integrity is a hallmark of scholarly and scientific inquiry as well as a core value of the Jewish tradition on which our university system was founded, students and faculty are expected to adhere to the highest standards of honesty, fairness, professional conduct of academic work and respect for all community members. Academic honesty supports our shared intellectual culture and our ability to trust one another. Students must avoid all acts of dishonesty, including, but not limited to:

• cheating • plagiarizing (presenting the work or ideas of others as your own) • fabricating (making up information, data, or research results) • tampering (unauthorized removal or alteration of College documents, software, equipment, or

other academic-related materials, including other students’ work) • lying • working with others when assignments or exams require individual work • making unauthorized copies of copyrighted material • facilitating or tolerating the dishonesty of others

Academic dishonesty lowers scholastic quality and adversely affects those who will eventually depend on the knowledge and integrity of our graduates. Failure to uphold the principles of academic integrity negatively impacts the reputation of Touro, the value of each and every degree awarded by the institution, and the future success of our graduates. The Touro College and University System views violation of academic integrity with the utmost gravity. Such violations will lead to appropriate sanctions, from failure in coursework up to and including expulsion from the Touro College and University System. We commit ourselves to the shared vision of academic excellence that can only flourish in a climate of integrity.

TUC’S full policy on academic integrity can be found on the Public Health Program website and in the 2013-2014 Public Health Program Student Handbook.

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APPENDIX

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Documents and Forms

• Public Health Field Study Calendar • Community Health Field Study Timeline & Deadlines • Global Health Field Study Timeline & Deadlines • Student Code of Conduct • TUC Network of Community Health Field Study Placement Sites • Script Template for Students Who Wish to Contact & Initiate

Community Health Field Study Sites Outside the TUC Network • Instructions for Completing the Scope of Work • Scope of Work Template • MPH Competencies • Competency Inventory Form • Field Study Contract • Selected Dates for Field Study Site Visit • Field Study Log Guidelines (PH 600) • Field Study Log Guidelines for MPH Students (PH 623A & B) • Field Study Summary Paper Guide • Media Release Forms

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Exceptions & Waiver Forms

• Approval Criteria for the Field Study Waiver (Criterion I) • Application for the Field Study Waiver (Criterion I) • Approval Criteria & Application for the Field Study Waiver

(Criterion II) • Application of Current Public Health Professional Employment to

the Public Health Field Study (PH 600) • Formal Request to Apply Current Public Health Professional

Employment to the Public Health Field Study (PH 600)

• Approval Criteria for Student-Initiated Community Health Field Study Placement Sites

• Application for Approval of a Student-Initiated Community Health Field Study Placement Site

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

Public Health Field Study Calendar

Deliverable Delivery Method Due Date Student Code of Conduct Blackboard, Email or Fax Before the student

contacts their potential preceptor in person

Scope of Work, Competency Inventory, and Field Study Contract

Blackboard, Email or Fax One week after the placement start date

Field Study Logs: • 400 hours (MPH students) • 200 hours (MPH students who

receive 200-hour field study waivers)

Blackboard Begins two (2) weeks after the start date of the

field study placement; then due every two (2)

weeks

Site Visit by Field Study Coordinator or other PH Program faculty

In person/phone/Skype Midway through Placement

Field Study Summary Paper

Blackboard One week after placement end date

Student Field Study Site Evaluation

The student will receive a SurveyMonkey Link to this evaluation via email.

One week after placement end date

Preceptor Evaluation

The preceptor will receive a SurveyMonkey Link to this evaluation via email.

One week after placement end date

MPH Exit Survey The student will receive a SurveyMonkey Link to complete this exit survey online.

One week after placement end date

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19

COMMUNITY HEALTH FIELD STUDY TIMELINES AND DEADLINES 2014-2015 Academic Year

PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

Field Study Objective Summer 2014 Fall 2014 Spring 2015 Summer 2015 MPH Culminating Experience Orientations November 13, 2013*

July 8, 2014*

May 19, 2014 (PA 2015)* September 23, 2014* October 20, 2014* November 18, 2014 (PA 2015)*

February 9, 2015* March 14, 2015*

New Field Study Site Registration (for student-initiated sites only)

March 1, 2014 May 1, 2014 November 1, 2014 March 1, 2015

PA Class of 2015 Select CH Field Study August 1, 2014 All Students Submit Field Study Planning Form & Resume

March 1, 2014 May 1, 2014 November 1, 2014 March 1, 2015

Field Study Start date** May 1 - June 2, 2014** Aug. 25 - Sep. 5, 2014** January 5 - 16, 2015** May 1 - 12, 2015** PA Class of 2015 Field Study Start date N/A N/A Feb 23 - April 3, 2015 N/A Dual Degree Field Study Start date Variable (minimum 6 consecutive weeks)

Field Study Deliverables Student Code of Conduct Due before the student contacts their potential preceptor Field Study Scope of Work, Competency Inventory & Field Study Contract

Due 1 week after placement start date

Student to Arrange a Site Visit Due every 2 weeks (begin submitting 2 weeks after placement start date) Field Study Logs Mid placement (TBD) Field Study Preceptor Evaluation Due one week after placement end date Field Study Student Site Evaluation Due one week after placement end date Field Study Summary Paper Due one week after placement end date *Tentative date: Exact dates, times and locations will be posted on the Public Health Program website where applicable. **Tentative date: Please note that, with the exception of the PA student field study start dates, these are general start dates for the field study as student field study placements may vary for each student.

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GLOBAL HEALTH FIELD STUDY TIMELINES AND DEADLINES 2014-2015 Academic Year

PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

Field Study Task Fall 2014 Spring 2015 Summer 2015

MPH Culminating Experience Orientations July 8, 2014*

May 19, 2014 (PA 2015)* September 23, 2014* October 20, 2014* November 18, 2014 (PA 2015)*

February 9, 2015* March 14, 2015*

PA Class of 2015 Select GH Field Study August 1, 2014 All Students Submit Field Study Planning Form & Resume May 1, 2014 November 1, 2014 March 1, 2015 Pre-departure sessions* Per country coordinator Per country coordinator Per country coordinator Field Study Start Date** Aug. 25 - Sep. 5, 2014** January 5 - 16, 2015** May 1 - 12, 2015** PA Class of 2015 Field Study Start date N/A Feb 23 - April 3, 2015 Dual Degree Field Study Start date Variable (minimum 6 consecutive weeks)

Field Study Deliverables

Student Code of Conduct Due before the student contacts their potential preceptor Field Study Scope of Work, Competency Inventory & Field Study Contract

Due 1 week after placement start date

Field Study Logs Due every 2 weeks (begin submitting 2 weeks after placement start date) Student to Arrange a Site Visit via Skype Mid placement (TBD) Field Study Preceptor Evaluation Due one week after placement end date Field Study Site Evaluation (for students) Due one week after placement end date Field Study Summary Paper Due one week after placement end date *The student is responsible for meeting with the Global Health Faculty coordinator for their field study site. Each coordinator will conduct orientations, pre-departure sessions and other meetings as necessary. **Tentative dates as a guideline for airfare purchase – individual dates may vary.

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PH 600/623 PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY

Touro University California (TUC) is obliged to offer all staff members and students a safe working and study environment. This includes ensuring that all field study activities are conducted in a responsible manner, having regard to the inherent risks of fieldwork. There is a complementary obligation on the part of every individual who participates in such activities, to take reasonable care to ensure their own health, safety and welfare and that of other participants. Part of this obligation requires that every student participating in the field study practicum maintain an acceptable standard of conduct as outlined and as required by the TUC College of Education and Health Sciences- Public Health Program. This extends to an obligation to comply with all lawful directives of TUC. Any failure to do so, or any willful breach of the Public Health Program Field Study Guidelines or this Code of Conduct will be deemed non- academic misconduct and students may be required to return home before the completion of the fieldwork activities at their own cost. Penalties, including dismissal may also apply. GENERAL CONDUCT TUC expects every student to:

• Respect the rights of other students, staff members or the public, and not engage in any conduct which may be perceived as harassment or interference with those rights;

• To conduct the field study in a professional and productive manner being both diligent and proactive;

• Not physically or verbally abuse other students, staff members or the public; • Not behave in an unruly or disreputable manner, or to the discomfort of any other students, staff

members or the public; • Be courteous when dealing with the public while in the field; • Not tamper with, vandalize nor destroy private and public property; • Behave in a way which protects the reputation and good name of the University; and • Comply with all relevant laws. • [Especially for global travelers] Avoid unnecessary risks including travelling at night, unnecessarily

travelling alone, riding on a motorcycle, and excessively using electronics (i.e. laptops, cameras and iPods) in public, excessive use of alcohol, purchase of or use of any illegal substances, soliciting of sex workers, use of firearms, extreme sports.

FIELD STUDY COORDINATOR

Each field study is conducted under the supervision of a field study coordinator. All students are subject to the jurisdiction of the Field Study Coordinator for the entire duration of the fieldwork excursion and must observe all lawful directives and instructions given by the Field Study Coordinator. Failure to do so will be deemed non-academic misconduct in accordance with TUC policies. Students also agree to accept and complete the field study placement as assigned.

I, (print name and Student ID Number), have read and understand my obligations under the attached Code of Conduct. I agree to be bound by and acknowledge my obligations under the Code of Conduct. I further understand that penalties may be imposed upon me should I willfully breach this Code of Conduct and that I may appeal against these penalties using the University’s appeal mechanisms. I further acknowledge and agree that if I am required by the Public Health Program to return home before the completion of the field study, I will do so promptly and be responsible for the costs. ,20

Signature Date

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

TUC Network of Community Health Field Study Placement Sites

The TUC Public Health Program has established successful partnerships with the following sites to provide field study placement opportunities for TUC MPH students enrolled in the Community Health Track:

• AIDS Project East Bay, Oakland, CA • Alameda Health System (formerly Alameda County Medical Center) • Alameda County Public Health Department • Alameda County Public Health Department-Women Infants and Children Program

(WIC) • Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL), Oakland,

CA • Axion Health, Denver, CO • Benicia Unified School District • California Children's Services (CCS), San Francisco, CA • Centro Binacional para el Desarrollo Indigena Oaxaqueno, Central California • Children's Hospital & Research Center, Oakland Teen Clinic • Children's Hospital LA, USC Keck School of Medicine, Pediatrics • Children's Hospital & Research Center, Chappell Hayes Health Center • Clinic by the Bay, San Francisco, CA • Clinica Sierra Vista, Bakersfield, CA • Communities Against Substance Abuse, El Cajon, CA • Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County • Community Health Clinic Ole, Napa, CA • Contra Costa Health Services – Public Health AIDS Program, Martinez, CA • County of Marin Health and Human Services • County of Marin Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health - Community

Health and Prevention Services • County of Marin Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health - Epidemiology

Program • County of Marin Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health - Prevention

Hub • County of Placer Health and Human Services • County of San Diego HHSA Public Health Services • County of Yolo Health Department , Emergency Health Services • East & Central Harlem District Public Health Office, East Harlem Asthma Center of

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Excellence, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene • FirstMed Health and Wellness Center, Las Vegas, NV • Fighting Back Partnership Vallejo • Gila County Department of Public Health, Arizona • Health Education Council, Sacramento, CA • Kaiser San Leandro, San Leandro, CA • Kern Medical Center • Latino Health Access, Santa Ana, CA • Lifelong Medical Care, Berkeley, CA • Lyon-Martin Health Services, San Francisco, CA • Marin General Hospital, Greenbrae, CA • Marin Medical Society (MMS) • Mental Health Association of Alameda County; FERC • Monterey County Health Department • Napa County Health & Human Services Agency - Public Health Division • Natividad Medical Center, Monterey County • Network for a Healthy California- LA Region, Department of Public Health LA County • OC Access, Santa Ana, California • Orange County Health Care Agency, Tobacco Use Prevention • Partnership HealthPlan of California, Fairfield, CA • Petaluma Health Center, Petaluma, CA • Planned Parenthood – Shasta Diablo, Fairfield, CA • Prevention Partnership California • Queen of the Valley Medical Center Community Outreach, Napa, CA • San Joaquin County Public Health Services • San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department • San Mateo County Health System, Tobacco Prevention Program • San Quentin State Prison Health Care Services, San Quentin, Marin County • Santa Clara County Public Health Department • Shasta County Health & Human Services Public Health Branch • Solano County Emergency Medical Services Agency • Solano County Health & Social Services (HSS) – AIDS • Solano County Health and Human Services – Black Infant Health Program • Solano County Health and Human Services – CHDP Program • Solano County Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, PH Emergency

Preparedness & Response Program (PHERP)/Family Health Services • Solano County Health and Human Services– Family Health Services • Solano County Health and Human Services – Healthcare for the Homeless • Solano County Health and Human Services – Office of Family Violence Prevention • Solano County Health and Human Services – PHERP Bird Flu Pandemic • Solano County Health and Human Services - Public Health • Solano County Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Bureau • Sonoma County Public Health Department

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• Southern Nevada Health District • Stanislaus County Health Services Agency – Public Health Division • Spokane Regional Health District • Texas Department of State Health Services • Touro University California/Solano County Family Health Services • Travis Air Force Base 60th Medical Group • UC Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities • Vallejo Unified School District • Ventura County Public Health • WellSpace Health, Sacramento, CA

Last Updated: 5/5/2014

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

Script Template for Students Who Wish to Contact & Initiate Community Health Field Study Sites Outside the TUC Network

Below is a form email/letter or “script” to assist students in initiating a community health field study at a public health practice agency outside the TUC network. For reaching out to prospective public health field study sites, the Program recommends first reaching out to their human resources and volunteer departments and later to specific department administrators or directors. Also, in your email communication with the prospective site, attach and/or include links for the Program Brochure (available online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/aboutus/accreditation.htm), Guidelines for Public Health Field Study Sites and Preceptors (see the two pages above or refer to our webpage at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/formsanddocuments.html), and our Field Study Preceptor Handbook (available online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html) Dear [Public Health Practitioner]: I am a current Master of Public Health student in the Public Health Program at Touro University California (TUC) and am currently seeking a potential field study placement at your agency/organization. The TUC Public Health Field Study is a degree requirement for all TUC MPH students and provides them with practical experience in a public health setting. Essentially, the Public Health Field Study is unpaid field work experience, in which students apply and integrate the skills and knowledge acquired during their graduate didactic coursework. The Public Health Field Study provides invaluable real-world, practical exposure, experience, and mentorship to our students. Students gain knowledge, skills, confidence, and relationships that enhance their academic training, professional development, and effectiveness. The Program is also committed to the ongoing development of successful partnerships with public health and community health agencies and organizations in order to provide optimal field study placement opportunities for its MPH students. The Program also to encourages students to independently seek out Community Health field study placement sites outside our existing network that provide appropriate public health practice settings for MPH students. Any student-initiated field study placement outside the existing TUC network of Community Health field study placement sites must be approved by the Program in order for the student to receive credit. The prospective agency or organization must meet the Program’s criteria in order to be approved as a field study site. Further, TUC and the Public Health Program must also meet the criteria of the agency or organization to be approved for affiliation, partnership, and collaboration.

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To learn more the TUC Public Health Program, please see the Public Health Program Brochure or visit us at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/ or at for an overview of the Public Health Field Study. In addition, you will find the Guidelines for Public Health Field Study Sites and Preceptors (see the two pages above or refer our webpage at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/formsanddocuments.html) and a copy of the Field Study Preceptor Handbook at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html.

MPH Students As our program trains many students from diverse backgrounds and outstanding academic abilities, they are expected to make significant contributions to our partnering community health and public health organizations. TUC MPH students are bright, motivated, and eager to contribute and bring fresh ideas and energy to address opportunities and challenges. Organizations find that offering field study placements to TUC MPH students is well worth the investment of time and energy and that the experience of being a mentor is greatly beneficial.

The TUC Public Health Program is well-represented by a student population with a diversity of experience through current enrollment in its MPH Degree Program, the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)/MPH and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)/MPH Dual Degree programs, and the Joint Master of Science in Physician Assistants Studies/MPH Program (details about our degree programs is available at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/).

Under the supervision of site preceptors:

• MPH students are required to complete a 400-hour field study under the supervision of site preceptors.

• Dual degree (DO/MPH and PharmD/MPH) students and joint (MSPAS/MPH) students are required to complete a 200-hour field study under the supervision of site preceptors (dual and joint students receive automatic 200-hour field study waivers)

Site Requirements Any student-initiated field study placement outside the existing TUC network of Community Health field study placement sites must be approved by the Program in order for the student to receive credit. The prospective agency or organization must meet the Program’s criteria in order to be approved as a field study site. Further, TUC and the Public Health Program must also meet the criteria of the agency or organization to be approved for affiliation, partnership, and collaboration. Please consider how I may assist and contribute to your organization this fall (August to December). Attached is my resume and cover letter. [This is where you can illustrate your experience, skills, qualifications, interests, etc.] Please feel free to also contact the TUC Public Health Program Field Study Coordinator, Nemesia Kelly, via email at nemesia.kelly@tu.edu or via phone at (707) 638-5827 if your agency/organization is interested in supporting the education and public health training of a

Revised 6/27/14 25

TUC MPH student through the Public Health Field Study course. Ms. Kelly can assist you with questions about posting a field study/internship opportunity and provide additional information and consultation about developing such opportunities at your organization. She can also work with you to find additional student interns and help make the field study/internship experience a success for your organization. Please see the instructions below regarding how to register as a new field study site. To Register as New Public Health Field Study Site To register as an existing site and post a new field study project/internship, please visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=IjKhRyhticaDPhI_2fTKdGew_3d_3d and complete all required fields and click ‘Done.’ Thank you for your consideration, [Name of Student]

Revised 6/27/14 26

PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

Public Health Field Study Instructions for Completing Scope of Work

Each Student is required to complete a final scope of work during the first week of their field study. The Scope of Work must be submitted via Blackboard one week after the placement start date. The scope of work provides the framework for the field experience, by ensuring that:

1. The student and preceptor have a clear understanding of this planned experience 2. The experience is appropriate to earn academic credit toward the MPH degree.

Recommended time line and steps for creating scope of work:

• Meet with preceptor and or site coordinator to discuss the experience • Student writes draft of scope of work based on above discussion • Submit final scope of work to Nemesia Kelly via Blackboard as part of signed contract

during the first week of the field study • The Scope of Work must be typed as handwritten material is not acceptable.

Suggestions for creating scope of work:

• Be clear in proposed general work • Create objectives that are specific but not cluttered with language • Scope of work should be as long as needed to adequately describe planned experience • Be very specific in activities associated with objectives • Estimate time for each activity, remember that deciding how much time something

should take is always an estimate • Determine how you will evaluate yourself, think about:

o How will you and your preceptor know that you completed an activity or objective?

o How will you and your preceptor know how well you completed the activity or objective?

o Some general evaluation guidelines: Weekly logs Final preceptor's evaluation Final student's evaluation Student's final summary report Remember that, should it become necessary, it is possible (and sometimes

expected) to change the scope of work.

Revised 6/27/14 27

PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY

SCOPE OF WORK FOR: _____________________________________

PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM OBJECTIVES (S)

ACTIVITIES

TIMELINE

INDICATORS OF OUTCOMES

FOR EACH OBJECTIVE

Revised 6/27/14 28

OBJECTIVES (S)

ACTIVITIES

TIMELINE

INDICATORS OF OUTCOMES

FOR EACH OBJECTIVE

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

MPH COMPETENCIES

Discipline-Specific Competencies

Biostatistics

• Describe the role of biostatistics in the discipline of public health • Apply basic statistical techniques to describe, analyze and interpret public health data

and research

Epidemiology

• Apply descriptive and experimental epidemiologic terms, methods and study designs to reveal associations between the characteristics of a population and the features of an environment with health

• Identify key sources of data for epidemiologic purposes, draw appropriate inferences from epidemiologic studies and understand the limitations of a specific data source

Environmental Health

• Describe major environmental risk factors, evaluate their impact on the health of populations, describe and critique the risk assessment process, and review strategies for prevention and remediation within the context of environmental justice

Health Policy and Management

• Identify the main components and issues of the organization, financing and delivery of

healthcare services and public health systems in the US • Describe medical care delivery and policy processes with an emphasis on systems

thinking, basic management concepts and quality of care implications

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Social and Behavioral Sciences

• Identify the social and behavioral determinants that affect the health of individuals and communities

• Understand and critique the application of theories, concepts and models used to interpret relationships between social determinants and health outcomes in research, interventions, policy and practice

Cross-cutting Competencies

• Identify valid sources of public health information including peer-reviewed literature, government records, and publically available datasets

• Understand and apply ethical practices and standards in public health

• Integrate principles of social justice into public health practice and promotion

Track-Specific Competencies

COMMUNITY HEALTH

1. Identify and assess community status and community health needs 2. Plan, develop, and implement community health programs using a variety of strategies

to improve a community's health 3. Advocate for better health and wellbeing through community mobilization efforts 4. Analyze and/or evaluate policies that impact a community’s health 5. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity towards underserved populations 6. Manage fiscal and organizational resources to insure optimal program and service

delivery 7. Evaluate the efficacy of health promotion/prevention programs 8. Demonstrate a commitment to social justice and health equity 9. Explain and interpret the roles and/or approaches of public health organizations 10. Synthesize and disseminate public health information 11. Apply conceptual framework s of health patterns, determinants and disparities in

support of community health policy, education, promotion or prevention

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GLOBAL HEALTH

1. Define the global public health challenges of the developing world in terms of key parameters including population, region, countries and magnitude.

2. Explain the political economy of global health issues. 3. Demonstrate the linkages between local and global health problems 4. Demonstrate the health disparities within the developing states and between the

developed and developing world. 5. Communicate effectively the mandates, roles and approaches of international public

health organizations. 6. Facilitate to build partnership with health institutions of higher learning, the NGO

sector and local community organizations. 7. Demonstrate an understanding of community’s awareness of their own health

problems and their solutions. 8. Recognize the primacy of local solutions to global health issues and promote

participatory approaches to problem solving 9. Demonstrate a commitment to public health that values social justice and promotes

health equity globally. 10. Apply theoretical concepts related to global health patterns and social determinants

in support of global health policy, promotion or prevention 11. Engage in critical thinking about global health policy and health strategies, especially

regarding feasibility, cost effectiveness, sustainability and scalability of different approaches

12. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of listening in an unbiased manner, respecting diverse points of view, and observing humility in international situations

13. Develop skills to advocate for programs, resources and policies that advance global public health

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

Public Health Field Study Competency Inventory Form

Name:__________________________________________

Public Health Program MPH Competencies: For their field study projects, students are required to identify at least 5 core public health competencies (one from each core area- Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Science, Health Policy and Management, and Social and Behavioral Sciences); 1 cross-cutting competency, and three (3) track competencies (community or global health). Competencies should be identified as a collaborative process between students and preceptors by identifying and selecting the competencies that will be addressed through the field study. However, students are ultimately responsible for completing the inventory. Please refer to the MPH Competencies listed on Blackboard or in the zip file of PH 623 Field Study Documents that has been provided via email. The Competency Inventory must be typed as handwritten material is not acceptable.

Selection of 5 Core Public Health Competencies:

Competency Area 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Selection of One (1) Cross Cutting Public Health Competency:

Competency Area

1.

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Selection of Three (3) Track Competencies (Community Health or Global Health):

Competency Area 1.

2.

3.

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

1310 Club Drive ● Vallejo ● California ● 94592 ● 707-638-5838 (ofc) ● 707-638-5871 (fax)

Public Health Field Study Contract

The purpose of this agreement is to structure the field experience through results-oriented objectives and a well-defined scope of work. This contract and related scope of work serves as the basis for the field study. Once the student and preceptor have signed the contract, any subsequent changes will require the approval of the preceptor and field study coordinator. The contract and scope of work must be submitted to the Program preferably before the start of the field study, but no later than one week after the start of the field study. Students must conduct all field study work on-site under the supervision of the field study preceptor (students are not allowed to telecommute or work from home or off-site during the field study placement).

Student’s Name: ____________________________________________ Phone Number: ____________________________________________ Email Address: ____________________________________________ Preceptor’s Name: ____________________________________________ Supervisor’s Name: ____________________________________________ Organization: ____________________________________________ Address, City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________ Phone Number: ____________________________________________ Email address: ____________________________________________ Work Fax Number: ____________________________________________ Field Study Start Date: ____________________________________________ Hours:

200______ 400_______

I have read the scope of work attached to this document and by my signature approve the field study as outlined. _______________________________ _______________ Student Date _______________________________ _______________ Preceptor Date

Please return a signed copy of this contract via Blackboard.

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM Selected Field Study Site Visit Dates

The site visit is an assessment occurring midway through the field study placement, in which the Field Study Coordinator or another Public Health Program faculty member visits the field study placement site to meet with the student and preceptor. During the first week of the field study placement once the preceptor has signed the Field Study Contract, the student is responsible for working with their preceptor to select 3-4 possible dates/times on dates that occur midway through their field study placement on which to schedule the site visit. At least 30 minutes should be allocated for each site visit (15-minute separate meetings are required with the student and the preceptor). Depending on the site location, site visits may be held in person, by phone, or by Skype. Students are required to submit possible site visit dates/times to the Field Study Coordinator using this form, which is also available on Blackboard and in the Appendix of the Joint MSPAS/MPH Student Field Study Handbook. This form requires signatures of both the student and preceptor. The grade percentage of the Field Study Site Visit is worth 5% for the Public Health Field Study course. Student Name:

Name of Field Study Site:

Name of Preceptor:

Proposed Dates:

_________________________________ ______________________ Preceptor Signature Date ___________________________________ ______________________ Student Signature Date

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY LOG GUIDELINES for PH 600

How to report your hours:

• Field Study logs are due every two (2) weeks via Blackboard (log submission begins two (2) weeks after the placement start date):

o MPH Students may devote 30-40 hours per week to a 400-hour field study and submit and their logs every 2 weeks (or after every 80 hours) over the course one semester. A total of 10 logs must be received by the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard.

o MPH Students may devote a minimum of 20 hours per week to a 400-hour field study and submit their logs every 2 weeks (or after every 40 hours) over the course of two semesters. (These students will be required to register for the Field Study Continuation Course - PH 623A for the following semester in order to maintain current enrollment, continue their field study and submission of field study logs, and to receive credit for the Public Health Field Study.) A total of 20 logs must be received by the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard.

o MPH Students Who Receive 200-hour Field Study Waivers may devote a minimum of 20 or 30-40 hours per week towards a 200-hour field study.

Students who devote 20 hours per week to a 200-hour field study may submit their logs every 40 hours (after every 2 weeks) over the course of one semester. A total of 10 logs must be received by the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard.

Students who devote 30-40 hours per week to a 200-hour field study may submit their every 2 weeks over a period of 6 weeks. A total of five (5) logs must be received by the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard.

• Do not submit blank logs or partial logs (e.g., if you are out sick, do not submit a blank log for the days out sick).

• Work schedules and total hours worked per week will vary based on the agreement between the student and preceptor.

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• All field study work must be conducted on-site under the supervision of the field study preceptor. Students are not allowed to telecommute or work from home or off-site during the field study placement. Working from home is not an acceptable form or professional conduct of field work.

• Use the field study log form found in the course materials section of Blackboard. Hand written logs will not be accepted. Please note: You are not required to list the activities/work performed hour by hour or detail the amount of time spent accomplishing them; rather, a detailed description of each activity will suffice.

• Submit each log via Blackboard as an attachment. Do not type or cut/paste the logs into Blackboard. Give each document a unique file name that identifies you as the student and the type/date of the document. Example: John_Smith_Log1_01012013.

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

PH 623A & B FIELD STUDY CONTINUATION COURSE - FIELD STUDY LOG GUIDELINES FOR MPH STUDENTS

How to report your hours:

• Field Study logs are due every two (2) weeks via Blackboard (log submission begins two (2) weeks after the placement start date):

o MPH Students Who Were Unable to Start the Field Study in the Previous Academic Session may devote 30-40 hours per week to a 400-hour field study and submit and their logs every 2 weeks (or after every 80 hours) over the course of the current academic session. A total of 10 logs must be received by the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard.

o Part-Time MPH Students Who Have Previously Submitted Logs in the Preceding Academic Session may continue to devote a minimum of 20 hours per week to a 400-hour field study and submit their logs every 2 weeks (or after every 40 hours) over the course of the current academic session. A total of 20 logs (combined over two academic sessions) must be received by the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard.

o Students Who Previously Received 200-hour Field Study Waivers for PH 600 and Who Were Unable to Start or Complete the Field Study may continue to devote a minimum of 20 hours per week towards a 200-hour field study and submit their logs every 2 weeks (or after every 40 hours) over the course of the current academic session. A total of 10 logs must be received by the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard.

• Do not submit blank logs or partial logs (e.g., if you are out sick, do not submit a blank log for the days out sick).

• Work schedules and total hours worked per week will vary based on the agreement between the student and preceptor.

• All field study work must be conducted on-site under the supervision of the field study preceptor. Students are not allowed to telecommute or work from home or off-site during the field study placement. Working from home is not an acceptable form or

39

professional conduct of field work.

• Use the field study log form found in the course materials section of Blackboard. Hand written logs will not be accepted. Please note: You are not required to list the activities/work performed hour by hour or detail the amount of time spent accomplishing them; rather, a detailed description of each activity will suffice.

• Submit each log via Blackboard as an attachment. Do not type or cut/paste the logs into Blackboard. Give each document a unique file name that identifies you as the student and the type/date of the document. Example: John_Smith_Log1_01012015.

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PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY

Summary Report Guide PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

Format Letter Quality print, title page naming project, preceptor agency, course instructor, your name and date.

Length

Recommended 3-6 pages, double spaced, not including bibliography or appendices. Attach samples of products completed during field studies as appendices (policy briefs, brochures, curriculum, reports, etc.).

Content

• Executive Summary. One page, single spaced. Include the who, what, when, where, why and how of your project; project title, preceptor agency, and supervisor. On the lower right hand corner indicate your name, advisor name and date. Remember this will be added to the notebook of abstracts kept in the department library.

• Statement of Problem. Briefly summarize your objective(s) and relate this to the problem or issue addressed by your project.

• Context/Organization Setting. A description of the agency where (department) you completed your field studies. This should include type of agency, source of funding, mission statement and type of staffing.

• Place of Project within Organization. Where did you and your project fit in the agency? Include discussion of how this affected your project, if applicable.

• Results Achieved. Describe results achieved during the course of your field studies. Also, explain any difference between proposed scope of work and results achieved, if any.

• Theoretical Comparisons with Field Studies. What theories and/or concepts did you use in carrying out the scope of work for your project. Relate specific academic experience with field studies.

• Recommendation for Similar Projects. What did you learn in carrying out your work plan that would be helpful in attempting a similar project? What specific skills did you develop and what specific knowledge did you gain? Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?

• Recommendations for Yourself. What areas have you been able to identify for your own professional or personal development as a result of your field experience?

• Due Date One week after completing field study.

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TOURO COLLEGE

GENERAL RELEASE FORM (INDIVIDUAL) I hereby grant the right and permission, without reservation, to Touro College, and those authorized by Touro College, to photograph and/or videotape me and further to display, use and/or otherwise utilize, in original or modified form, my face, likeness, name, information, voice, and appearance forever and throughout the world, in all media, whether now known or hereafter devised, throughout the universe in perpetuity (including, without limitation, in online webcasts, television, motion pictures, films, newspapers, publications or use by third parties) and in all forms including, without limitation, digitized images, whether for advertising, publicity, or promotional purposes, including, without limitation, for the promotion, public education, and/or fundraising activities of Touro College, without compensation, reservation or limitation. Touro College is, however, under no obligation to exercise any rights granted herein. I release Touro College, its officers, directors, agents, employees, independent contractors, licensees and assignees from all claims that I now have or in the future may have, relating to the above. I agree that Touro College, or its grantees or assignees, will be the sole owner of all tangible and intangible rights in the abovementioned photographs and recordings, with full power of disposition. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this release or the breach, termination, or validity (including enforceability and scope of this arbitration clause) thereof, shall be exclusively settled by expedited binding arbitration in Touro College’s offices administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") and conducted by a sole arbitrator (who shall be an attorney) in accordance with the AAA's Rules ("Rules"). The costs of such arbitration shall be borne equally by the parties, with each party also bearing its own attorneys' fees and any costs associated with presenting its proof. Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any Court of competent jurisdiction. The undersigned hereby waives trial by jury which waiver is independent of the agreement to arbitrate disputes. I am over 18 years of age* Date_______________________ Name (print)_____________________________ Date of Shoot/Session_________ Signature________________________________ Location____________________ Address _________________________________ Phone______________________ Program _________________________________

*(If a minor, the following should also be signed by the parent or guardian) I am the parent or guardian of the minor named above, and I have consent to the foregoing on behalf of the minor and myself. Date______________________ Address __________________________________ Name (print) _______________ _____________ Relationship ________________ Signature ______________________________ Phone ______________________

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GENERAL PHOTO RELEASE I hereby grant the right and permission, without reservation, to Touro College, and those authorized by Touro College, to photograph and/or videotape me and further to display, use and/or otherwise utilize, in original or modified form, my face, likeness, name, information, voice, and appearance forever and throughout the world, in all media, whether now known or hereafter devised, throughout the universe in perpetuity (including, without limitation, in online webcasts, television, motion pictures, films, newspapers, publications or use by third parties) and in all forms including, without limitation, digitized images, whether for advertising, publicity, or promotional purposes, including, without limitation, for the promotion, public education, and/or fundraising activities of Touro College, without compensation, reservation or limitation. Touro College is, however, under no obligation to exercise any rights granted herein. I release Touro College, its officers, directors, agents, employees, independent contractors, licensees and assignees from all claims that I now have or in the future may have, relating to the above. I agree that Touro College, or its grantees or assignees, will be the sole owner of all tangible and intangible rights in the abovementioned photographs and recordings, with full power of disposition. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this release or the breach, termination, or validity (including enforceability and scope of this arbitration clause) thereof, shall be exclusively settled by expedited binding arbitration in Touro College’s offices administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") and conducted by a sole arbitrator (who shall be an attorney) in accordance with the AAA's Rules ("Rules"). The costs of such arbitration shall be borne equally by the parties, with each party also bearing its own attorneys' fees and any costs associated with presenting its proof. Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any Court of competent jurisdiction. The undersigned hereby waives trial by jury which waiver is independent of the agreement to arbitrate disputes.

NAME (PRINT) SIGNATURE PROGRAM

NOTES (if not a TU Student/Employee include Phone)

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EXCEPTIONS & WAIVER FORMS

44

PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

APPROVAL CRITERIA FOR THE FIELD STUDY WAIVER (CRITERION I)

The Field Study Waiver (Criterion I): The Field Study Waiver allows for 200 field study hours to be waived for MPH students who can verify previous public health employment of three years of continuous, paid, public health employment prior to enrollment in the MPH program (Clinical experience involving individual patient care or health facility administration is not considered relevant public health experience.) Relevant public health experience must include involvement in at least one of the following activities: Assessing, monitoring, or conducting surveillance of health conditions or

delivery of services in a population;

Establishing public health objectives and priorities; Conducting basic or applied research on population-based health problems

including the behavioral, biological or environmental risk factors; or Designing, implementing and/or evaluating policies and/or intervention

strategies/programs.

45

PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

APPLICATION FOR THE FIELD STUDY WAIVER (CRITERION I)

Student Name:

Name of Previous Public Health Agency/Organization:

Title at Previous Public Health Agency/Organization:

Name of Previous Supervisor:

Previous Supervisor’s Address:

Previous Supervisor’s Phone:

Previous Supervisor’s Email Address:

Students shall submit a separate 2-3 page (single-spaced) narrative describing relevant public health work experience, including:

• Description of specific duties performed; • Discussion of the impact or relevance of the experience to public health,

highlighting knowledge, theories and concepts covered in MPH coursework; • List of skills/competencies gained in the experience (see MPH general and

track specific competencies specified in the MPH Learning Outcome Inventory; and

• Reference/contact person (preferably someone who supervised you) so that employment/involvement with the agency can be verified.

46

Submit your application at least 4 weeks prior to registration in the Public Health Field Study. Please remit to:

Nemesia Kelly, MPH Field Study Coordinator E-mail: nemesia.kelly@tu.edu

Waiver Decisions: All applications are subject to review by committee. Students will be contacted by the Program Director within two to three weeks with a decision. Decisions of the panel are final.

47

PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

APPROVAL CRITERIA & APPLICATION FOR THE FIELD STUDY WAIVER (CRITERION II)

The Field Study Waiver (Criterion II): The Field Study Waiver allows for 200 field study hours to be waived for MPH students who can verify enrollment in any non-TUC (outside of TUC) accredited four-year medical school, Doctor of Pharmacy program, or Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program, after completing all core and track-required courses and all or the majority of course electives in the Public Health Program.

Waiver Application for Criterion II. Please complete the following. Student Name:

Name of TUC Faculty Advisor Track (circle one):

Community Health Global Health Name of Medical/PA/Pharmacy School/University:

Name of Medical/PA/Pharmacy Degree Program:

Name of Medical/PA/Pharmacy Faculty Advisor:

Medical/PA/Pharmacy Faculty Advisor’s Address:

Medical/PA/Pharmacy Faculty Advisor’s Phone:

Medical/PA/Pharmacy Faculty

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Advisor’s Email Address:

Submit your application via email at least 4 weeks prior to registration in the Public Health Field Study to:

Nemesia Kelly, MPH Field Study Coordinator E-mail: nemesia.kelly@tu.edu

Students shall also provide an official copy of their transcripts verifying enrollment in a non-TUC accredited four-year medical school, Doctor of Pharmacy program, or Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program to: Touro University California Public Health Program Attn: Nemesia Kelly 1310 Club Drive Vallejo, CA 94592 Waiver Decisions: All applications are subject to review by committee. Students will be contacted by the Program Director within two to three weeks with a decision. Decisions of the panel are final.

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

APPLICATION OF CURRENT PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH EMPLOYMENT TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY (PH 600)

Description: The Public Health Field Study is the culminating experience for all students in the MPH Program. MPH students are required to complete 400 of field study training hours for PH 600 Field Study Course. MPH students who are currently employed at public health practice agencies and organizations while enrolled in the Public Health Program may be permitted to apply hours worked in their positions on current public health projects towards the hours required for the Public Health Field Study if they meet the following criteria: Eligibility Criteria:

• Verification of current paid public health employment during enrollment in the TUC Public Health Program (Clinical work involving individual patient care or health facility administration is not considered relevant public health experience.) Relevant current public health employment must include involvement in at least one of the following activities:

Assessing, monitoring, or conducting surveillance of health conditions or delivery of services in a population;

Establishing public health objectives and priorities;

Conducting basic or applied research on population-based health problems including the behavioral, biological or environmental risk factors; or

Designing, implementing and/or evaluating policies and/or

intervention strategies/programs.

• The agency/organization must be approved by the Public Health Program as an appropriate field study site and if the projects to which the student is assigned provides them a scope of work that meets the criteria of the Public Health Program. (To view the qualifications required by agencies/organizations to

50

become approved field study sites, please visit our Guidelines for Public Health Field Study Sites and Preceptors online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/formsanddocuments.html.

• Students meeting the above criteria are required to submit a formal request form to the Field Study Coordinator for approval to apply hours worked in their positions on current public health projects towards the hours required for the Public Health Field Study (this form is on the following page). A formal request for use of paid public health work on current public health projects through student employment at a public health practice entity must be approved by the Program Director, Assistant Program Director, and the Field Study Coordinator.

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

FORMAL REQUEST TO APPLY CURRENT PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH EMPLOYMENT TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD

STUDY (PH 600)

Step 1. Please complete the following. Student Name:

Name of Current Employer:

Current Position/Title:

Name of Supervisor:

Supervisor’s Address:

Supervisor’s Phone:

Supervisor’s Email Address:

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Step 2. Please submit a separate 2-3 page (single-spaced) narrative describing current relevant public health work experience, including:

• Description of specific duties performed; • Discussion of the impact or relevance of the experience to public health,

highlighting knowledge, theories and concepts covered in MPH coursework; • List of skills/competencies gained in the experience (see MPH general and

track specific competencies specified in the MPH Learning Outcome Inventory; and

• Reference/contact person (preferably someone who supervised you) so that employment/involvement with the agency can be verified.

Step 3. Submit your application at least 4 weeks prior to registration in the Public Health Field Study. Please remit to:

Nemesia Kelly, MPH Field Study Coordinator E-mail: nemesia.kelly@tu.edu

Decisions: All requests are subject to review by committee. Students will be contacted by the Program Director within two to three weeks with a decision. Decisions of the panel are final.

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

APPROVAL CRITERIA FOR STUDENT-INITATED COMMUNITY HEALTH FIELD STUDY PLACEMENT SITES

Student-Initiated Community Health Field Study Sites: The Community Health Field Study is the culminating experience for all Community Health Track students enrolled in the MPH Program. By taking initiative to independently seek out alternative Community Health field study opportunities outside the existing TUC network of Community Health field study placement sites interested and motivated students may receive approval for exceptions to conduct field studies in alternative community locations. All student-initiated field studies placement outside the existing TUC Network must meet the Program’s criteria to be approved in order for the student to receive credit. The prospective agency or organization must meet the Program’s criteria in order to be approved as a field study site. Further, TUC and the Public Health Program must also meet the criteria of the agency or organization to be approved for affiliation, partnership, and collaboration. Requests for community health field study exceptions are considered and approved on an individual basis. Field Study Site Eligibility Criteria:

1. The proposed field study placement site must be appropriate public health practice agencies or organizations that: Provide public health related planning, research and/or services;

Have one or more staff on site with a graduate credential in public health or

equivalent professional experience and education who will serve as a designated preceptor;

Offer opportunities for students to be exposed to a variety of organizational departments and individuals, functions and or tasks;

Offer responsibilities to students that are relevant and appropriate to the their

individual field study learning goals and professional development;

Provide necessary access to data and program materials for students to conduct their projects;

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Have adequate organizational support for students to successfully complete field study activities;

Provide direct and regular supervision for students throughout the placement;

Provide a minimum of 200-400 hours of public health field work experience for students.

Preceptors must submit an Online Registration for New MPH Field Study

Placement Sites at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TUCPHFieldStudySiteRegistration by the specified deadline (please refer to the Community Health Field Study Timeline & Deadlines online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html).

Student Requirements:

1. Students who identify potential public health practice entities as prospective Community Health field study sites are also advised to direct those potential sites to our Guidelines for Public Health Field Study Sites and Preceptors online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/formsanddocuments.html.

2. Students are required to submit an Application for Approval of a Student-

Initiated Community Health Field Study Placement Site. Please see instructions on the following page. All placements at student-initiated field studies outside the existing TUC Network must be approved by the Program Director, Assistant Program Director, and the Field Study Coordinator.

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF A STUDENT-INITATED COMMUNITY HEALTH FIELD STUDY PLACEMENT SITE

Step 1. Please complete the following. Student Name:

Proposed Agency or Organization/Community Health Field Study Site:

Address of Proposed Agency or Organization/Community Health Field Study Site:

Name of Proposed Preceptor:

Proposed Preceptor Qualifications (e.g., their graduate credential in public health or equivalent professional experience and education):

Preceptor Phone:

Preceptor Fax

Preceptor Email Address:

Name of Director/Administrator of Proposed Agency or Organization/Community Health Field Study Site:

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Director/Administrator’s degree information and qualifications:

Director/Administrator’s Phone:

Director/Administrator’s Fax:

Director/Administrator’s Email Address:

Step 2. Students shall include a separate a 250-word essay providing a rationale for selecting a community health field study site outside the current TUC Network of Community Health Field Study Placement Sites (singled-spaced, Times New Roman, size 12 font). This rationale should also include specific details about the proposed project(s) and activities that the student is expected complete during the field study and how the project(s) and activities satisfy requirements for the course learning objectives and how they address the Program’s public health competencies.

Step 3. Students shall submit this application by the specified deadline (please refer to the Community Health Field Study Timeline & Deadlines online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html. Please remit to:

Nemesia Kelly, MPH Field Study Coordinator CEHS Public Health Program Touro University California E-mail: nemesia.kelly@tu.edu Wilderman 403

Decisions: All applications are subject to review by committee. Students will be contacted by the Program Director within two to three weeks with a decision. Decisions of the panel are final.