Admission and Regulations - School of Allied Health Professions

General Admission Policies

Please refer to individual program’s websites for their respective admission policies: http://www.lsuhscshreveport.edu/ah

1. Admission to the various programs of the School is by competitive application.
2. Preference will be given to Louisiana residents. Information regarding establishing LA residency may be obtained by the Office of the Registrar.
3. Each program sets minimum admission criteria including required grade point average and pre-requisite coursework.
4. Accepted students must certify that they meet the technical standards established by the program with or without reasonable accommodations.
5. If an applicant is not accepted to a particular program, the applicant must submit a new application for each application cycle to be considered for admission.
6. Prior to the start of their first semester, accepted students are required to complete a pre-matriculation task list which includes submitting proof of required immunizations and completing a drug screen and criminal background check via the approved university vendor. Failure to complete all pre-matriculation tasks and forms may result in the applicant not being allowed to register for courses in the student’s program.
7. Any applicant that is not an American citizen and does not have a United States permanent resident card, must meet the following admission criteria:

• Post-secondary level or college academic transcripts/records from foreign institutions must undergo a course-by-course, detailed evaluation by the foreign evaluation vendor approved by each program’s centralized application service (CAS). This report should be sent directly to CAS from the evaluation service. Accepted students must send official transcript evaluations directly from the credentialing service provider to the Registrar’s Office.
• All applicants who are non-native speakers of English, regardless of previous language of instruction, are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum TOEFL score of 500 is required on the paper-based exam, 80 on the internet-based exam, or 213 on the computer-based exam.  Accepted students must send official TOEFL scores directly from ETS to the Registrar’s Office at institution code 6356.
• Accepted students seeking an F1 student visa or who have entered the United States on an F1 student visa are required to submit a Financial Declaration Affidavit and Declaration by Financial Sponsor to the Office of Admissions 60 days prior to start date of their first semester. 

Method of Application

Application to the various programs of the School is made through a Liaison International Centralized Application Service (CAS). CAS is a cloud-based resource available to applicants via the Internet. Application materials, e.g. official transcript(s), must be sent directly to the respective program’s CAS. Some programs require supplemental items be sent directly to the school. 

Please refer to individual program’s websites for their respective application instructions-including admission criteria, deadlines, and associated fees-at http://www.lsuhscshreveport.edu/ah or contact the Admissions and Records Office at (318) 813-2908 or ShvAHStudentAffairs@lsuhsc.edu.

Acceptance of Deposit

Upon notification of acceptance, a $150.00 non-refundable commitment fee is required. This fee will be credited toward the first semester’s tuition.

Grading System

The School of Allied Health Professions employs a letter grading system (A, B, C, D, F, I, P, S, and U). The grades of A, B, and C indicate satisfactory undergraduate work, with A being the highest grade given. D indicates work that is passing, but below the minimum quality expected.

• An F grade indicates failure in a course.
• The I grade is recorded for a student whose work is satisfactory but, for reasons beyond the student’s control, is incomplete at the time grades for the course are reported.
• The P grade indicates a Pass.
• The S grade indicates satisfactory performance.

All students will be notified of their academic standing at the end of each academic semester by their program of study. The grade point average is derived by dividing the total number of quality points by the total number of hours attempted.

An A has the value of 4 quality points, B=3 quality points, C=2 quality points, D=1 quality point, and F=no quality points. Thus, a 2.0 ratio is equivalent to a C average.

An incomplete (I) grade is given for work that is of passing quality but, which because of circumstances beyond the student’s control, is not complete. An instructor may consider an “I” only with the written authorization from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. It is the responsibility of the student to request and justify the “I” grade. All course requirements must be completed by the last day to add a course for credit in the next regular semester. If the requirements are not met by this deadline, the “I” will convert to a failing (F) grade. If the student’s circumstances preclude removal of the “I” by the deadline, the student or instructor may, before the deadline, petition the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for an extension.

Undergraduate Academic Requirements

1. An undergraduate student must maintain a 2.0 cumulative LSUHSC-S Program grade point average (GPA) to be in good academic standing. An undergraduate student whose cumulative LSUHSC-S Program GPA falls below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation.

2. The minimum requirement for coursework is a grade of C. In courses designated Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory a grade of Pass or Satisfactory is required to be in good academic standing.

3. An undergraduate student should refer to a program-specific policies for academic progression when a failing grade (D,F,U) is recorded in a course.

Graduate Academic Requirements

1. A graduate student must maintain a 3.0 cumulative LSUHSC-S Program grade point average (GPA) to be in good academic standing. A graduate student whose cumulative LSUHSC-S Program GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation.

2. The minimum requirement for coursework is a grade of C. In courses designated Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory a grade of Pass or Satisfactory is required to be in good academic standing.

3. For a graduate student enrolled in a master’s degree program no more than 9 credit hours of C grades may be counted toward a degree unless otherwise established by the Program. A master’s level student who accrues more than 9 credit hours of coursework with a grade of C will be dismissed from the School, independent of LSUHSC-S Program GPA.

4. For a graduate student enrolled in a doctoral degree program, no more than 12 credit hours of C grades may be counted toward a degree unless otherwise established by the Program. A doctoral-level student who accrues more than 12 credit hours of coursework with a grade of C will be dismissed from the School, independent of LSUHSC-S Program GPA.

5. A graduate student should refer to program-specific policies for academic progression when a failing grade (D,F,U) is recorded in a course.

Provisions for Academic Progression

1. A student who falls below his or her Program’s minimal cumulative LSUSHC-S Program grade point average (GPA) requirement will be placed on academic probation.
2. Once a student is placed on academic probation and the student is informed in writing, he or she will have up to two consecutive semesters to increase his or her cumulative LSUHSC-S Program GPA in order to be removed from this status. Failure to meet this requirement will result in dismissal from the School.
3. A student that has already been placed on academic probation for the sum of two semesters, irrespective of whether consecutive semesters, will be dismissed from the School if meeting criteria for academic probation for a third semester.
4. A student cannot graduate while he or she is on academic probation.
5. Unless otherwise established by the Program, a student who earns a failing grade (D,F,U) in a course may repeat the course one timely only.
6. Grades recorded in repeated coursework do not replace the original grade. Both the original grade and repeated grade will appear on the academic transcript and both grades will be used in the computation of the LSUHSC-S Program GPA.
7. A student may not enroll in a clinical rotation, fieldwork, or preceptorship until all clinical course prerequisites are completed per the minimum academic requirements.
8. A student should refer to program-specific policies for academic progression related to clinical rotation, fieldwork, and preceptorship.
9. A student must complete the Program in a specified period of time allotted by eacn Program.
10. A student dismissed from the School may reapply to the Program to be considered for readmission.

Special Status Students

Special status students are defined as students who are not matriculated for purposes of pursuing a full program directly leading to the award of a degree. Appropriate credits earned while in special student status may later be applicable toward a degree, at the discretion of the Department head and/or program director.

Special status students may be registered upon written authorization of the head of the Department and/or program director in which they seek enrollment. Department heads and/or program directors may waive grade-point average requirements and course-prerequisite requirements and for special status students, at their discretion.

Special Status Students must:

1. Make application for admission to the School and the program.
2. Pay the application fee and such other tuition and fees as are required by the program, the School, the Health Sciences Center, and the LSU Administration
3. Supply the required official transcripts of all post-secondary education completed or under way at the time of application
4. Complete the student health immunization form and return to Student Health Services by the required date for the entering semester and
5. Meet all other requirements for maintaining satisfactory progress, for attendance, and for completion of course work.

Registration as a special status student does not guarantee future acceptance and admission as a regular, degree-seeking student. Special-status students are not eligible to receive any federal financial assistance.

Auditing Courses

Students regularly enrolled in the School of Allied Health Professions may be admitted to classes as auditors by obtaining written permission from the instructor of the course. Auditors must pay a non-refundable fee which shall be consistent with the “Regular Semester” and “Summer Term” fees as established by the Health Sciences Center. The fee for students enrolled for combined credit and audit courses will be assessed in accordance with total hours scheduled.

Auditors will not receive Health Sciences Center credit for any course audited and may not change from audit to credit after registering for the course. In order to receive Health Sciences Center credit, the course must be taken on a for-credit basis.

Leave of Absence

A short leave of absence may be granted in case of illness or other emergency at the discretion of the Dean or Associate Dean.

Withdrawals

Students who for legitimate reasons are unable to return to their program at the opening of any semester or who for acceptable reasons must discontinue their enrollment during the academic year must officially withdraw from the institution.  It is the respnsibility of the student to read and understand the institution’s withdrawal and refund policies.  Allied Health students should consult with their program’s academic policies concerning leave of absences.  The academic program reserves the right to require additional clearance actions for students seeking a leave of absence. Please refer to the School of Allied Health Professions (SAHP) Student Handbook for the SAHP Student Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Procedure. 

Students with Disabilities

The School of Allied Health Professions seeks to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act by providing reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities. Students must register with the Office of Student Affairs to request disability-related accommodations, and are responsible for providing documentation of a disability. Costs associated with documentation of a disability are the responsibility of the student. Please refer to the School of Allied Health Professions (SAHP) Student Handbook for the Guidelines for Students With Disabilities/Request for Academic Accommodations.

Student Conduct, Dismissals and Appeals

The School of Allied Health Professions has an established policy and procedures relative to student conduct. These policies are outlined in the Student Conduct section of the SAHP Student Handbook.

Student Grade Appeals

The student is responsible for initiating the appeals process for a final course grade within 10 working days after the grade is posted with the Registrar. This appeals process is for final course grades only; students who wish to appeal grades received for examinations, quizzes, laboratories, or clinical practicum experiences, must resolve their appeals within their own program or departments. The instructor of record will have the final authority for assignment of grades in all program or departmental courses and activities. If any party to the appeal seeks resolution of the matter through any agency outside the Health Sciences Center, whether administrative or judicial, the Health Sciences Center shall have no obligation to continue the appeal process.

All due dates listed below are subject to change by the Dean if circumstances warrant.

The following procedure for appealing a final course grade is to be followed:

1. The student should meet with the faculty member who assigned the grade within 10 working days of the date the grade was posted by the Registrar to discuss the grade and attempt to arrive at a solution.
   1. If an administrative officer (Program Director, Department Head, Dean, or Associate/Assistant Dean) is the faculty member who assigned the grade that is appealed, that administrative officer should be excused from the appeals process. The administrative officer will be replaced by a faculty member appointed by the Dean or his/her designee.
   2. If a solution is reached between the student and faculty member and it requires changing a final grade in an official LSU System record, the faculty member must comply with all University System regulations and procedures necessary to accomplish the grade change.
   3. The faculty member must notify the student of his decision within 5 working days of their meeting.
2. If the matter is not resolved between the student and the faculty member assigning the grade, and the student chooses to pursue an appeal, the student shall make a written request to the Program Director (or Dean’s appointee) asking for a meeting.
   1. The written request should be submitted to the Program Director within 10 working days of the faculty member’s decision in step 1 above.
   2. The written request must clearly state the specific basis for the student’s dissatisfaction (e.g. why the grade is unjust, unfair, or inaccurate).
   3. The written request must explain what the student believes is an acceptable outcome (e.g. what the student wants the Program Director to do).
3. The Program Director (or Dean’s appointee) shall arrange a meeting within 10 working days from the date of receipt of the request to discuss the matter. At this meeting, both the student and the faculty member may be accompanied by an advisor. Anyone may serve as an advisor. The advisor may offer advice during the meeting, but he/she may only direct the advice to his/her advisee. He/she may not address the meeting at large.
   1. The Program Director (or Dean’s appointee) shall render a decision within 10 working days of the meeting.
   2. If the decision reached requires change in an official grade record, the faculty member must comply with all regulations and procedures necessary to accomplish the change.
4. If the student is not satisfied with the Program Director’s decision, the student may appeal to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
   1. The written request should be submitted to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs within 10 working days of the Program Director’s decision in step 3 above.
   2. The written request must summarize the appeal and clearly state the specific basis for the student’s dissatisfaction (e.g. why the grade is unjust, unfair, or inaccurate).
   3. The written request must explain what the student believes is an acceptable outcome (e.g. what the student wants the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to do).
5. Upon receipt of the request, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will forward copies of the request for an appeal to the Program Director (or Dean’s appointee) and faculty member(s) concerned.
   1. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will meet with all parties involved and investigate the matter thoroughly.
   2. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs shall render a decision within 10 working days of receipt of the appeal.
6. If the student is not satisfied with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs’ decision, the student may appeal to the Dean of the School.
   1. The student’s appeal must be in writing and must contain all documentation of the appeal to that point.
   2. The written request must explain what the student believes is an acceptable outcome (i.e. what the student wants the Dean to do).
7. Upon receipt of the request, the Dean will forward copies of the request for an appeal to the Program Director (or Dean’s appointee), faculty member concerned, and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
   1. The Dean will review the appeal from all levels.
   2. The Dean may choose to meet with any or all parties involved.
   3. The Dean may take one of the following actions:
      1. Render a decision based on the written appeal and his/her review of all documentation and investigation.
      2. Meet with all parties concerned, who may be accompanied by advisors if desired, and then reach a decision.
      3. Refer the appeal to an ad hoc appeals committee for its recommendation.
         1. If the Dean, or his/her designee, chooses to convene an ad hoc appeals committee, the Dean will appoint a chairperson and three faculty members.
         2. The panel will conduct a hearing to review facts from the concerned parties. After deliberation, the panel will make its recommendation in writing to the Dean within 5 working days of the hearing.
   4. The Dean’s decision will be in writing. It will list the reasons supporting the decision.
   5. Copies of the Dean’s final decision will be given to all parties.
   6. The Dean’s decision represents the final level of due process for appeal of a final course grade in the School of Allied Health Professions.
   7. If the decision requires change in an official record, the faculty member must comply with all regulations and procedures necessary to accomplish the change.

Requirements for Graduation

The student must have fulfilled all requirements of each course, and have maintained at least the minimum scholastic requirements established by the program.

The student must be registered in the semester of anticipated graduation and pay the appropriate diploma fee.

The student must have met all financial obligations to the LSU System at least ten days prior to graduation.

The student must attend commencement ceremonies, unless excused, in writing, by the Dean.

Student Activities and Services

There is a Student Government Association of the School of Allied Health Professions, with representatives elected from each class of each program of the school. Students in the school also participate in the Health Sciences Center Intramural Sports Program and in the student sections of various scholarly and professional organizations.

Awards and Honors

Outstanding graduates and students are recognized each year. One or more outstanding students is recognized from each program.

The Chancellor’s Award - A cash award is presented annually to highranking graduating student who has done the most to promote the Health Sciences Center and the School before the public. Selection is made by a committee of the faculty appointed by the dean. This award was established by the chancellor of the Health Sciences Center in 1977.

The Dean’s Award - A cash award is presented to the graduate who in the opinion of the faculty “represents the highest ideals of the School of Allied Health Professions.”

Recognizing that outstanding achievement in the allied health professions is not always totally determined solely by academic course grades, these awards serve to recognize the qualities of professionalism, skill, ethical conduct and motivation, in addition to scholastic achievement.

Degrees with Honors

Baccalaureate degrees are awarded summa cum laude to students whose quality point average falls within the range of 3.960 to 4.000, magna cum laude to students whose quality point average falls within the range of 3.860 to 3.959, and cum laude to students whose quality point average falls within the range 3.760 to 3.859. Scholastic honors are based on the overall quality point average for all course work attempted in pursuing the degree.