Doctor of Health Science (DHSc)
Jefferson College of Health Professions
Student Handbook
2023-2024
NOTICE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Thomas Jefferson University is committed to providing equal educational and employment
opportunities for all persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, marital status,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran’s status or any other
protected characteristic. Any person having inquiries or complaints concerning Thomas Jefferson
University’s compliance with Title VI, Title IX, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the
Americans with Disabilities Act, or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is directed to contact
their Student Affairs Dean, the Title IX Coordinator, or Human Resources – Employee Relations,
who have been designated by Thomas Jefferson University to coordinate the institution’s efforts
to comply with these laws. Any person may also contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights,
U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202, or the Director, U.S. Department of
Education, Office for Civil Rights, Region Three, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, regarding the
University’s compliance with the equal opportunity laws.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
Jefferson holds itself accountable, at every level of the organization, to nurture an environment of
inclusion and respect, by valuing the uniqueness of every individual, celebrating and reflecting the
rich diversity of its communities, and taking meaningful action to cultivate an environment of
fairness, belonging, and opportunity.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
The Jefferson College of Health Professions reserves the right to amend, modify, rescind, or
implement any policies, procedures, regulations, fees, conditions and courses described herein as
circumstances may require without prior notice to persons who might thereby be affected. The
provisions of this handbook are not and may not be regarded as contractual between or among the
College, its students or its employees or agents.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO JCHP DHSc PROGRAM
Message from the DHSc Program Director .............................................................................................. 1
Administration and Staff ............................................................................................................................ 2
Program of Study ........................................................................................................................................ 3
List of Courses ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Programs Accreditations ............................................................................................................................ 6
ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Grading Criteria .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Satisfactory Academic Standing ............................................................................................................... 7
Requirements for Graduation .................................................................................................................... 8
Process for Addressing Issues ................................................................................................................... 8
Failure to Complete a Course ................................................................................................................... 9
Repeating Courses ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Academic Probation ................................................................................................................................... 9
Grounds for Dismissal ............................................................................................................................. 10
Readmission. ............................................................................................................................................. 10
Continuous Enrollment .......................................................................................................................... ..11
Leave of Absence .................................................................................................................................... ..11
Non-degree Status Enrollment .............................................................................................................. ..11
Time to Degree ........................................................................................................................................ ..12
General Attendanc Policy ...................................................................................................................... ..12
Changes in Schedule: Course Drop/Add ........................................................................................12
Course Withdrawal ................................................................................................................................. ..12
Transfer of Credits ................................................................................................................................... 13
Withdrawal from Program ..................................................................................................................... 13
Academic Integrity Policy………………….…..……………………………..…………………………13
ADDITIONAL JCHP DHSc POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Accommodations for Disabilities ............................................................................................................. 14
Student Mentorship and Individual Development Plan ....................................................................... 14
Evaluating the DHSc Program …. ........................................................................................................... 14
Student Grade Appeal ............................................................................................................................. 14
Student Grievance Procedures ................................................................................................................ 14
Transcripts ................................................................................................................................................ 14
Banner ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
Student Resource List .............................................................................................................................. 15
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT……………………………………………………………………………….16
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MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
On behalf of the Jefferson College of Health Professions (JCHP), I am delighted to welcome you
to the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) Program.
The JCHP DHSc Program is for professionals seeking advancement to leadership positions in
healthcare practice, education and policy. This fully online program accommodates both part-
time students who are working healthcare professionals, and full-time students pursuing a
Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) concomitantly with the DHSc degree.
All students will experience in-depth, individualized, multi-disciplinary training in a
comprehensive range of healthcare leadership, teaching and learning, and research skills that
support their development as leaders in a burgeoning health professions career landscape.
Accordingly, interdisciplinary health professions education and practice is the foundation of the
JCHP DHSc program. The curriculum is comprised of courses drawn from five colleges at
Jefferson, ensuring that the program is relevant to professionals that span the full gamut of
healthcare. This extraordinary breadth of coverage provides JCHP DHSc students an ideal
opportunity for interprofessional study and practice, as well as robust support for a broad range
of healthcare research topics.
This Student Handbook serves as a source of information, guidelines, policies and procedures
that will be useful to you during your studies in the DHSc program. Please familiarize yourself
with this Handbook. In some cases, it will refer you to other documents, such as the Jefferson
College of Health Professions Student Handbook, the Thomas Jefferson University Catalog or
the Thomas Jefferson University Student Handbook (all documents are available online), that
contain more detailed information about College and University policies. I urge you to review
this Handbook and all JCHP and University materials carefully and keep them handy as a
resource throughout the year.
The JCHP Administration, Faculty and Staff are committed to providing you an excellent
education and directing you to the resources you need to meet the challenges of the rapidly
evolving healthcare landscape. We value the opportunity to share our expertise and our passion
with you. We invite and appreciate your feedback both through the formal evaluation processes
as well as through informal recommendations regarding how we can enhance this experience for
you and your colleagues.
We look forward to working with you and wish you success in the 2023–24 academic year.
Best wishes for an exciting and fulfilling year,
Kirby L. Wycoff, PsyD, EdM, MPH, NCSP | (she / her /hers)
Director, Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) Program
Associate Professor, Department of Health Science and Clinical Practice
Email Address: [email protected]
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ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY and STAFF
Michael Dryer, DrPH, PA-C
Dean, Professor
Jefferson College of Health Professions
Email address: [email protected]
Adam Bailis, PhD
Associate Dean of Research
Professor of Health Science
Jefferson College of Health Professions
Email address: [email protected]
Christopher Sim, DSc, PA-C, DFAAPA
Chair, Department of Health Science and Clinical Practice
Jefferson College of Health Professions
Email address: [email protected]
Kirby L. Wycoff, PsyD, EdM, MPH, NCSP | (she / her /hers)
Director, Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) Program
Associate Professor, Department of Health Science and Clinical Practice
Email address: [email protected]
Daniel Pavlik, DMS, PA-C
Director of Physician Assistant Studies-Center City
Department of Health Science and Clinical Practice
Jefferson College of Health Professions
Email address: [email protected]
Julianna Despinos, J.D
Associate Dean for Administration and Student Services
Jefferson College of Health Professions
Email address: [email protected]
Tep Seiler, EdD (she/her)
Associate Dean, Strategic Initiatives & Business Innovation
Jefferson College of Health Professions
Email address: [email protected]
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PROGRAM OF STUDY
Curriculum
The JCHP DHSc curriculum consists of 43 credits presented completely online: 11 core credits,
12 credits from the Clinical Leadership or Health Professions Teaching and Learning tracks, six
(6) selective credits drawn from the track courses not taken to satisfy track requirements and/or
from among selected electives, six (6) elective credits from among diverse foci, and an eight (8)
credit doctoral project series. Course selection will be guided by a program mentor who will
assist in aligning courses with the core competencies of the student’s target career.
Please note that all selective, elective, and track courses are subject to availability and may vary
each academic semester. Course offerings may change based on student needs, institutional
needs and available resources. Students are encouraged to regularly check course listings for
updates and discuss their individual program of study with their program mentor.
Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) - 43 credits
The DHSc program is designed to prepare healthcare professionals for leadership positions in
diverse clinical, academic and corporate settings. Students will deepen their knowledge in
selected domains of clinical leadership and health professions teaching and learning, as well as
leverage that knowledge in evidence-based practice. Didactic courses provide deep immersion in
a broad array of emerging areas in the health professions. Doctoral project courses deliver
experiential learning in defining the leading edge of an area of health care, investigating the basis
of new challenges and developing potential solutions. This combination of knowledge and skills
will prepare DHSc graduates to become valuable problem solvers wherever their careers may
lead.
Student Cohorts
There are two distinct cohorts of students within the DHSc program. The first is “Dual-Degree”
students and the second is “Doctoral-Degree Only” students.
Dual-Degree Students:
● These are students who are enrolled in the dual-degree program. That is the DHSc Program
and the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (DHSc/MSPAS).
● These students are completing most of their doctoral training in the first year of their
program. They then move into the PA curriculum in years 2 and 3.
● This is a full-time program of study with a very rigorous course load and curriculum map.
● These students do not need a master's degree to enter the program.
● Students in the dual degree program are prepared on a “Physician Assistant Leadership”
track. This includes elements of both the Clinical Leadership and Health Professions
Teaching and Learning tracks. These courses focus on competencies relevant to the
specific needs of future Physician Assistant leaders.
Doctoral Degree / DHSc Only Students:
● These students are typically mid-career professionals who already have a master's degree
in health sciences or an allied health field.
● These students are typically not enrolled in a full-time program of study (although they
may take a more rigorous program of study in consultation with program leadership.)
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● You may see “DHSc Only / Part Time Students” used to reference this cohort of students.
Full-Time and Part-Time Students
The University’s standard policy for Graduate full time and part time status is as follows:
• Full-time: 6 credits or greater
• Part-time: 3 credits
The FT/PT credit designation is used to determine a student’s enrollment status for loans,
immunizations, medical insurance requirements, and verifications requested by other agencies
and organizations. Any students enrolled in less than 3 credits are also considered part time, but
are not eligible for financial aid.
List of Courses
Note: All course descriptions can be found in the elecrtronic course catalog here. *Courses
will cover the content provided in the list below, however exact course names, numbers, and
semesters offered may vary based on availability and programmatic decisions.
Core Courses – 11 credits
HPS 600 – Fundamentals of Applied Biostatistics (3 credits)
HPS 601 – Applied Health Research Design and Methods (3 credits)
HPS 602 – Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit)
HPS 603 – Health Systems Science (2 credits)
HPS 604 Scholarly Writing Foundations (2 credits)
Track Courses (12 credits)
Clinical Leadership Track
NU 704: Philosophy, Foundations and Methods for Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
NU 707: Leading Strategic Change in an Era of Healthcare Transformation (3 credits)
MIDW 712: Introduction to Health Policy (3 credits)
MIDW 805: Organizational Change (3 credits)
LDSP 640: Psychology of Conflict and Negotiation in Organizations (3 credits)
Health Professions Teaching and Learning Track
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HPE 520: Simulation for Health Professions Education (3 credits)
HPS 620: Foundations of Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (3 credits)
GC 749: Science of Learning (2 credits)
GC 751: Instructional Technology and Learning (2 credits)
GC 752: Curriculum and Instructional Design (2 credits)
GC 753: Program Assessment and Evaluation (2 credits)
Selective Courses (6 credits)*
Clinical Leadership Track
Any Clinical Leadership Track courses not taken as part of the 12 credit track requirement
HPS 6XX: Personnel Management (3 credits)
HPS 6XX: Financial Management (3 credits)
EDM 624: Organizational Risk and Crisis Management (3 credits)
Health Professions Teaching and Learning Track
Any Health Professions Teaching and Learning Track courses not taken as part of the 12
credit track requirement
GC 748: Learner-Centered Education (2 credits)
OT 785: The Evidence Base of Teaching: Advanced Curriculum Development (3 credits)
Elective Courses (6 credits)*
Connected Care: Digital and Telehealth Focus
DIGH 500: Telehealth Connected Care (3 credits)
DIGH 502: Business of Telehealth and Digital Health (3 credits)
Integrative Nutrition Focus
IN 500: Foundations in Integrative Nutrition (3 credits)
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Mind Body Medicine Focus
MBM 500: Foundations in Mind-Body Medicine (3 credits)
Business and Organizational Continuity Focus
EDM 624: Organizational Risk and Crisis Management (3 credits)
EDM 625 Business and Crisis Continuity (3 credits)
EDM 626: Organizational Recovery and Planning (3 credits)
Health Science Research Focus
PBH 605: Advanced Statistical Methods for Data Analysis (3 credits)
Healthcare Economics Focus
HPS 6XX: Personnel Management (3 credits)
HPS 6XX: Financial Management (3 credits)
AHE 504 Economic Modeling I (3 credits)
Evidence-Based Teaching Focus
OT 785: The Evidence Base of Teaching: Advanced Curriculum Development (3 credits)
GC 748: Learner-Centered Education (3 credits)
Doctoral Project Courses (8 credits)
HPS 701: Doctoral Project Foundation (2 credits)
HPS 702: Doctoral Project Strategy (2 credits)
HPS 703: Doctoral Project Execution (2 credits)
HPS 704 Doctoral Project Summation (2 credits)
PROGRAM ACCREDITATIONS
Thomas Jefferson University is fully accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
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(267) 284–5000
[email protected]
españ[email protected] (Spanish)
In addition to full accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the Master
of Physician Assistant Sciences program of JCHP is approved by the Accreditation Review
Commission on the Education of the Physician Assistant, Inc.
ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Students will follow the policies and procedures of Thomas Jefferson University (TJU) and the
Jefferson College of Health Professions (JCHP) as detailed in the TJU catalog, TJU handbook,
JCHP handbook and the Policies and Procedures for the DHSc programs It is the responsibility of
students to be familiar with and observe these policies .
Students are also required to satisfactorily meet all JCHP program specific academic and
professional behavior standards. Additionally, It is the expectation that each student will conduct
themselves in a manner compatible with the University Community Standards.
Grading Criteria
At the close of each academic term, each instructor will assign a letter grade indicating the
quality of a student’s work in the course.
The following is the grading system used in the College, including the quality points assigned
for use in the calculation of the grade point average (GPA). Please refer to individual course
syllabi for specific grading elements within each course. For the DHSc Program, any course
grade below a B- or 80% is considered a failure and can result in dismissal from the Program.
DHSc Program Grading Criteria
If a student wants to challenge a final course grade, then the grade appeal policy and procedure
affords recourse to a student who has evidence that an inaccurate final grade has been awarded
under specific conditions. See Grade Appeal Protocol in TJU Handbook.
Satisfactory Academic Standing
Students’ academic records are reviewed at the end of each term, to evaluate academic standing
and satisfactory progress toward program requirements. Upon review, the DHSc Program Director
will notify the student when problems in academic performance may jeopardize a student’s good
Letter
Grade
Quality
Points
Letter
Grade
Numeric
Value
Quality
Points
A
4.0
C+
77-79.99
2.3
A-
3.7
C
73-76.99
2.0
B+
3.3
C-
70-72.99
1.7
B
3.0
D
60-69.99
1.0
B-
2.7
F
Below 60
0.0
WF
0.0
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standing. Official notification of probation or dismissal will be in writing and sent directly to the
student by the DHSc Program Director .
To remain in good academic standing and be eligible for graduation, students enrolled in the
JCHP DHSc Program must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA)
of 3.0 and have earned a minimum grade of B- in all coursework. Failure to maintain a
cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or the receipt of any grade below B- may result in repeating
a course, academic probation, and/or dismissal from the program.
If a student wishes to transfer to another program of study at the University, academic work in the
prior program may be considered in determining acceptance to the new program and satisfactory
progress.
Students receiving payment from Title IV Programs (Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental
Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Work Study, Federal Direct Loan
Programs) must maintain satisfactory progress in their program of study. Students should consult
with the Office of Financial Aid to determine any implications of probation, delayed time to
degree, course repeats, etc. on their aid eligibility.
Requirements for Graduation
In order for students to qualify for graduation they must have met or exceeded all the following
requirements:
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher upon completion of all required
coursework
• Achieve a B-/Pass grade in all required coursework
• Meet all financial obligations to the University
• Complete the program course of study within six (6) years of the date of matriculation
• Complete all University graduation application requirements
Process for Addressing Issues and Concerns within the Program
1. If it is a question or concern about a class, you should talk with the course instructor first.
2. If your course instructor/liaison cannot help you resolve the matter, you should then speak
to your Program Mentor, who will consider the problem and attempt to resolve the issue.
3. If the issue or concern needs further review or you do not feel that the question/problem
has been addressed, it should then be presented to the Program Director.
4. If you still feel the problem has not be appropriately addressed, it should be presented to
the Department Chair.
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Failure to Complete a Course
Under extenuating circumstances (i.e. documented serious illness), a student who has not
completed all requirements of a course may request a grade of I (Incomplete). The student must
meet with the JCHP Director of DHSc Program. If granted permission by the JCHP DHSc
Program, the student will be allowed to complete and submit remaining coursework within six
weeks of the date of the last official class of the course. At the end of the six weeks, the final grade
will be calculated based on evaluation criteria set forth in the course syllabi.
Repeating Courses
A student must receive a grade of B- or better in any course required for the JCHP DHSc program,
including any repeated courses. A course may be repeated only once. To repeat a course, students
must obtain approval from the Program Director prior to registration. Upon completion of the
repeated course the subsequent grade earned will replace the initial grade in determination of
cumulative grade point average (CGPA); however, the grade for the first attempt will remain on
the student’s transcript. If a student does not achieve a minimally acceptable grade necessary for
progression (B- or better) and the cumulative GPA (minimum 3.0) after a course is repeated, they
will be dismissed from the program. Students are not eligible to apply for readmission when
unsuccessful in a course a second time.
• Students will have one calendar year from the time of the course failure (end of semester
of the class in which the failure takes place) to repeat the course and receive a passing grade
and bring their GPA to 3.0 or better.
• Students will take the exact same course that was failed, for repeat course credit. With
written approval from the Program Director, a suitable replacement course may be taken
from another program or college.
• Suitable replacement determinations will be made by the Program Director and will include
full syllabus review to ensure the replacement course aligns with the original course that
was failed.
• The need to repeat a course may delay a student’s time to graduation. Repeating a course
may result in a delay of progression through the program sequence and therefore a delay
in the completion of the program.
- Students are financially responsible for all costs associated with a repeated course.
Academic Probation
Students enrolled in the JCHP DHSc program, who do not maintain a minimum cumulative grade
point average (CGPA) of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation for up to one full year.
Academic probation may be resolved sooner than a year, if the conditions related to the academic
probation are satisfied sooner.
At the end of the probationary period:
1. The student achieves the minimum cumulative grade point average (3.0) and is reinstated
in good standing, or
2. The student fails to achieve the minimum grade point average (3.0) at the end of the
probationary period and is dismissed from the program for academic underachievement.
3. In extraordinary cases, where the student has made significant progress toward achieving
the minimum grade point average, the program director may recommend granting one
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additional probationary semester. If, at the conclusion of the extended probationary
semester, the cumulative grade point average is still below 3.0, the student is dismissed for
academic underachievement.
If a dual degree student is on academic probation in the DHSc Program, the student is not permitted
to move forward into the PA Program to earn their degree, until the probation is rectified.
Admission into the dual degree program does not permit sole entry into the PA Program. Repeating
a course may result in a delay of progression into the PA Program.
Grounds for Dismissal
1. Failure to meet minimum 3.0 CGPA requirements at the end of the student’s probationary
period.
2. Failure to earn a minimum B-/Pass grade on a repeated course.
3. Unprofessional behavior that violates program, College and/or University policy, inclusive
of Community Standards
4. Violations of the program, college, or university policies.
If a student is dismissed from the DHSc Program, the student is not permitted to move forward
into the PA Program to earn their degree. Admission into the dual degree program does not permit
sole entry into the PA Program.
Students who fail to complete the PA Program are not permitted to earn a DHSc degree.
Readmission
Matriculated students who have withdrawn (administratively or self-initiated) or who have been
dismissed from the JCHP DHSc Program may, within one (1) year of the withdrawal or dismissal,
re-apply directly to the JCHP DHSc program by submitting a written request directly to the DHSc
Program Director and the Chair of the Department. The written request must address the
following:
- Please indicate why you feel you were not successful previously in the DHSc
Program. Provide enough detail to allow the Program to evaluate the
circumstances that impacted your success in the Program.
- Please share if you have done anything since your dismissal that will help contribute to
your success if you were readmitted into the Program? (Has a personal circumstance been
resolved, have you put resources in place to address areas for improvement, how has your
support plan improved etc.?) Please describe in detail.
- It is your responsibility to demonstrate that you have the skills to improve
performance and achieve the required academic and professionalism standards of
the DHSc Program. What strategies will you continue to utilize to improve your
academic performance and succeed in the Program should you be re-admitted?
Upon receipt of a student’s written request for readmission, it will be reviewed by the DHSc
Program Director and the Chair of the Department (and relevant program leadership/faculty as
needed). They may also review the student’s academic record, notes from past meetings with the
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student, and any additional information that will assist the program in making an informed
recommendation. The DHSc Program Director and the Department Chair will make the final
decision regarding readmission. If readmitted, the student’s respective Program Director will
indicate any additional specific requirements that the student must meet upon readmission.
Any student dismissed from the JCHP DHSc program because of academic underachievement and
subsequently readmitted must achieve a term grade point average of 3.0 for the term in which they
were readmitted and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 by the following term. If the student
fails to do so, the student will be dismissed. Once a student is dismissed a second time, the student
cannot be readmitted back into the program.
Please note: All readmitted students are subject to the academic and curricular requirements in
place at the time of readmission. Additionally, start terms for the readmitted students will be
determined by the program and based on the student’s plan of study; readmitted students cannot
assume that they will start in the next immediate term after readmission has been granted.
Continuous Enrollment
A student matriculated in JCHP DHSc program must maintain continuous enrollment each term
until completion of the program, unless a leave of absence from study is requested and approved.
The leave of absence must be approved by the DHSc Program Director and a Student Status
Change Form must be signed and submitted to the Registrar’s Office.
Leave of Absence
When personal circumstances necessitate a temporary absence from the program and return is
evident, a leave of absence may be granted to students who file the Student Status Change form
available in the University Office of the Registrar. Normally, a leave will be granted for a period
from one term to a full academic year. Students considering a leave should first consult with the
JCHP Doctoral Programs Director regarding possible effects on their academic progress. The leave
of absence request must be approved by the DHSc Program Director . Students who are subject to
dismissal for academic or disciplinary reasons are not eligible for a leave of absence. Students who
fail to return at the end of the approved leave will have their status changed from leave of absence
to withdrawal, and they will be administratively dismissed from the Program and have to apply for
readmission to return.
For medical leaves of absence students must meet with the JCHP Doctoral Programs Director and
proceed through Jefferson Occupational Health Network, which will notify JCHP. No medical
leaves will be reviewed without endorsement of the Director of Jefferson Occupational Health
Network , or other physicians designated by the Director of University Health Services. Medical
Leave will be for a period of up to one year. A leave of more than a year’s duration will be granted
only under the most extraordinary circumstances and only after review by the DHSc Program
Director . In order to return from a medical leave, the student will need to receive health clearance
through Jefferson Occupational Health Network.
Non-Degree Status Enrollment
Students may apply for non-degree status and register for graduate courses offered by the JCHP
DHSc Program. Students with non-degree status are permitted to register for a total of six (6)
earned credits and thereafter must apply for matriculating status. Credits earned under non-degree
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status cannot be used to receive a certificate or degree without matriculating. Students enrolling in
a course without matriculation into a program must meet all program and course prerequisite
requirements and obtain approval through JCHP prior to registration. The Continuous Enrollment
policy does not apply to students in non-degree status.
Time to Degree
Students enrolled in the JCHP DHSc Program must complete their coursework within six (6) years
after matriculation. This time period includes any approved leaves of absence time and
deceleration. Any student not meeting graduation requirements within six (6) academic years of
matriculation, will be administratively withdrawn from the DHSc Program. In extreme or
extenuating circumstances, the DHSc Program is permitted to allow a student additional time, not
exceeding one (1) year, to complete the DHSc Program.
General Attendance Policy for DHSc Courses
1. Attendance Policy - Attendance and participation in all synchronous sessions is required
to pass the course. The instructor will provide more detailed attendance requirements for
each course. These requirements will be clearly described in the course syllabus.
2. Make-up Work Policy - If absence from a synchronous session is unavoidable, the
student must inform the instructor prior to the synchronous session. It is the student’s
responsibility to communicate about their absence and to complete any make up
requirements.
Note: More than two unexcused absences from synchronous sessions may result in a course
failure. Any absence not approved by the instructor prior to the missed class is considered
unexcused.
Changes in Schedule: Course Drop/Add
Students who wish to revise their schedules after registration must complete a Drop/Add form and
return it with the appropriate signatures to the University Office of the Registrar by emailing it at
[email protected]. The last day to drop/add is listed on the academic calendar.
Students who stop attending classes or do not participate in online discussion without filing the
required Schedule Change form will be responsible for the full payment of tuition and fees and
will receive a grade of F for the course. Verbal or written (email) notification to the course
instructor does not constitute as an official course drop. Also, students who attend classes without
properly registering will not receive credit for the course.
Course Withdrawal
After the conclusion of the Drop/Add period, a student may withdraw from a course by completing
a Student Schedule Change form from the University Office of the Registrar with an authorized
signature of their program director. In alignment with dates indicated in the academic calendar
Students should refer to the TJU Tuition Refund Policy for processes used in determining any
refund associated with a course withdrawal.
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The effective date of withdrawal is the date on which the student’s written request for withdrawal
is received and accepted in the University Registrar’s Office. Students are encouraged to contact
the University’s Registrar’s Office and the Financial Aid Office to understand the impact of
withdrawal on their grade.
Transfer of Credits into DHSc Program
Students may request to transfer up to six graduate credits completed at TJU, or at other
academic institutions prior to enrollment in the JCHP DHSc program in order to satisfy JCHP
DHSc program requirements.
Transfer of Program Credits
Students may request to transfer up to six graduate credits completed at other academic institutions,
or other colleges in the University prior to enrollment in the JCHP DHSc program to satisfy
program requirements. Preliminary determinations regarding course transferability may be done
at the time of application, but the actual transfer will not be initiated until the student is accepted
into the DHSc program. A student wishing to transfer credits for a graduate course earned at
another institution or TJU college should submit a written request to the DHSc Program Director
accompanied by a course description and a syllabus. A grade of B or better is required in each
course for which transfer of credits is requested. An official transcript from the outside institution
should be obtained if not already included in the student's academic file. Grades for courses for
which transfer of credits is approved are not recorded on the student's TJU transcript and are not
used to compute cumulative or term grade point average.
Students who have completed courses from the DHSc curriculum that are part of other graduate
degree programs at TJU, and earned a grade of B or better may request transfer of these credits to
the DHSc program. These grades will contribute to the student’s cumulative GPA computed for
the DHSc program.
Withdrawal from the JCHP DHSc Program
A student may initiate a withdrawal from the JCHP DHSc Program by submitting a request in
writing, specifying an effective date to the DHSc Program Director . A student can do so by
completing the Student Status Change Form from the University Office of the Registrar. The
effective date will be the last day of class.
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic Integrity is the foundation of all Jefferson teaching, learning, and professional
endeavors and is vital to advancing a culture of fairness, trust and respect. All members of the
University community must maintain respect for the intellectual efforts of others and be honest in
their own work, words, and ideas. The University Academic Integrity Policy can be found here.
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ADDITIONAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE JCHP DHSc PROGRAM
Accommodations for Disabilities
A student may request accommodation for a disability through the Office of Student Affairs.
Information about the process is available online. The University policy on Disability
Accommodations is also available online.
Student Mentorship and Individual Development Plan
Students will periodically meet with their program mentor to work through a process of
mentorship and individual development. Please contact your program mentor for additional
details about this process.
Evaluating the JCHP DHSc Program
The JCHP DHSc Program is committed to maintaining an environment that meets the educational
and training needs of our students. Feedback from students and alumni provides information
invaluable for guiding the adaptation of the program to the constantly evolving academic and
professional landscapes inhabited by our students. The Program will utilize a number of
instruments and methods for collecting feedback. Students will be asked to participate by giving
thoughtful feedback and constructive criticism regarding the effectiveness of instruction,
examinations, assignments, experiences, and mentorship provided by the Program.
Student Grade Appeal
The grade appeal policy and procedure affords recourse to a student who believes they have
evidence that an inaccurate final grade has been assigned under identified circumstances. For the
detailed grade appeal policy and corresponding procedures, please refer to TJU Policies and
Procedures. Please note the grade appeal process is for final grades only, not individual
assignments.
Student Grievance Procedures
All members of the TJU community have the right to express concerns when they perceive that
they have been treated in a manner not consistent with the standards of conduct at the University.
The student grievance procedure provides students this opportunity. For academic grievances
within the program, students should refer to the Student Grievance Procedure outlined in the JCHP
Student Handbook. For grievances external to the academic program, students should consult the
Grievance Procedure outlined in the Rights and Responsibilities section of the TJU Student
Handbook.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts can be printed from Banner.
Official transcripts are available through the University Office of the Registrar. Transcripts can
be requested in person by visiting the Registrar’s Center City Office or they can be requested via
the National Student Clearinghouse Secure Site.
Banner
The Banner Information System enables students and faculty to access academic records and
process routine academic functions. Appropriate security features have been built in to maintain
confidentiality of this information. Students are issued a Campus Key upon matriculation which
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is the universal login credential and personal identifier for accessing University resources such as
JeffMail, Canvas, and Banner Web. Features that are available through Banner include:
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Application for financial aid
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Course registration
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Viewing of course schedules
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Viewing of final grades (unofficial transcript) and request for official transcript
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Payment of tuition charges
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Viewing and updating demographic information
STUDENT RESOURCE LIST
Office and Hyperlink
Contact Information
Office of Student Life and Engagement
[email protected] 215-503-7743
Tuition and Financial Aid
[email protected] 215-955-2867
Office of Academic and Career Services
215-503-6335
Student Writing Center
215-503-6335
Accessibility services
215-503-6335
Scott Memorial Library
215-503-6994
Student Counseling Center
215-503-2817
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Student Handbook Acknowledgement Form
Thomas Jefferson University
College of Health Professions
Doctor of Health Science Program
My signature below acknowledges receipt of the Thomas Jefferson University College of Health
Professions (JCHP) Student Handbook for the Doctor of Health Science Program. I understand
that I am responsible for reading and abiding by the materials contained within the DHSc Student
Handbook, which contains important information needed during my student experiences at
Thomas Jefferson University. Additionally, I understand that it is my responsibility to be familiar
with and observe the policies and procedures of the Jefferson College of Health Professions and
Thomas Jefferson University.
ALL STUDENTS MUST VISIT THIS LINK OR USE THE QR
CODE IN ORDER TO COMPLETE AN ELECTRONIC
VERSION OF THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM.