General Policies & Procedures

Core Curriculum Requirement

Students who will be earning their first baccalaureate degree from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center must satisfy the coursework requirements of the TTUHSC Core Curriculum.

This base of general knowledge provides students with a foundation in the natural and applied sciences, social sciences, mathematics, humanities, visual and performing arts, and the tools of language and thought. The TTUHSC Core Curriculum complies with 1997 Texas legislation that requires each state-supported institution to establish a core curriculum that encompasses, “basic intellectual competencies in . . . reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking, and computer literacy.”

These courses or their equivalents may be taken at any regionally accredited college or university. Students should choose only Core Curriculum courses that satisfy the requirements of their particular TTUHSC degree program, as different core courses may be required by different programs.

TTUHSC Core Curriculum

Instructional Method Definitions

FACE: A traditional face-to-face course in which the student and instructor(s) are in the same physical location (used for clinical courses).

HYBRID: A course in which the majority (greater than 50% but less than 85%) of planned instruction occurs when the student and instructor(s) are not in the same place.

ONLINE: A course in which 85% or more of planned instruction occurs when the student and instructor(s) are not in the same place.

IVC (Interactive Video Conferencing): A course in which synchronous instruction is delivered via two-way transmission between an instructor and student who are not in the same physical location.

Academic Credit Details

Definition of a Semester Credit Hour

The SHP defines semester credit hours for traditional face-to-face lecture courses using the Carnegie and Federal guidelines, namely that 3 Semester Credit Hours (SCH) should contain 15 weeks of instruction (45 contact hours) plus a week for final examinations so that such a course contains 45-48 contact hours depending on whether or not there is a final examination.

Clinical practicum and lab courses are assigned credit hours based on learning objectives rather than the standard contact hour requirements. In such cases, courses are reviewed and approved through a formal school level faculty review process (Academic Affairs Committee) that evaluates the course and its learning outcomes and judges that the course does have learning outcomes comparable to a traditional lecture-based course.

Semester credit hours for online and/or hybrid courses are calculated so as to be equivalent to that of a traditional face-to-face course (i.e., 3 hours of student engagement per week for 3 semester credit hour course).

Course Drop Limits

Under section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code, “an institution of higher education may not permit a student to drop more than six courses, including any course a transfer student has dropped at another institution of higher education”. This statute was enacted by the State of Texas in spring 2007 and applies to students who enroll in a public institution of higher education (in the State of Texas) as first-time freshmen in fall 2007 or later.

Any course that a student drops is counted toward the six-course limit if (1) the student was able to drop the course without receiving a grade or incurring an academic penalty; (2) the student’s transcript indicates or will indicate that the student was enrolled in the course; (3) the student is not dropping the course in order to withdraw from the institution. Exemptions for good cause could allow a student to drop a course without having it counted toward this limit, but it is the responsibility of the student to establish that good cause.

Contact the SHP Office of Admissions and Student Affairs personnel for more information before you drop a course.

Any student affected by this statute that has attended or plans to attend another institution of higher education (in the State of Texas) should become familiar with that institution’s policies on dropping courses.

Enrollment Status for Students

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Office of Student Services, Registrar & Financial Aid defines an undergraduate student as considered enrolled full-time with 12 credit hours per semester and part-time enrolled in 6 credit hours per semester. A graduate student is considered enrolled full-time with 9 credit hours (Fall and Spring) and 6 hours (Summer) and part-time enrolled in 5 credit hours (Fall and Spring) and 3 credit hours (Summer). The School of Health Professions defines a graduate student enrolled in 8 week terms as considered full-time with 6 credit hours per semester and part-time enrolled in 3 credit hours per semester.

Transfer of Credits

The School of Health Professions will accept transfer hours from fully accredited U.S. two year colleges and universities. The School traditionally accepts 63-70 transfer hours for undergraduate programs; however, additional hours may be accepted upon program approval.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

No second bachelor’s degree is conferred until the candidate has completed at least 24 semester hours—exclusive of credit by examination—in addition to the courses counted toward the first bachelor’s degree. A second bachelor’s degree sought by a student who did not graduate from a public Texas university must include the required Core Curriculum.

Credit for Core Requirements Taken at Another State Institution

In accordance with the rules mandated by the Texas Legislature concerning the transfer of core curriculum: “If a student successfully completes the 42 semester credit hour core curriculum at an institution of higher education, that block of courses may be transferred to any other institution of higher education and must be substituted for the receiving institution’s core curriculum. A student shall receive academic credit for each of the courses transferred and may not be required to take additional core curriculum courses at the receiving institution unless the board has approved a larger core curriculum at that institution.” (Section 5.402, d)

Credit by Examination for Prerequisite Courses

The School of Health Professions encourages students to use previous learning experiences. Students may demonstrate proficiency in certain subject areas through various programs.

A student may earn prerequisite course credit by examination by four separate programs. These include:

1. Specified College Board (CB) Achievement Tests (SAT Subject Tests)
   
   
2. Specified subject examinations of the CB College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
   
   
3. Credit for Advanced Placement Examinations, which are part of the Advanced Placement programs (AP) available in a limited number of secondary schools
   
   
4. The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma and/or examinations, dependent upon departmental evaluation.

Credits earned for prerequisite courses by the above listed sources must be specifically listed on an official college transcript from a previous attended institution. For example, to be given credit for English Composition I, the transcript must read CR 1301 Composition I.

Credit for College Board Achievement Tests (SAT Subject Exams)

Achievement Tests are part of the College Board Admissions Testing Program. Each year there are several national administrations of the SAT Subject Tests. Students should plan to take the specified tests at national testing centers during their senior year of high school at an early testing date in order that scores may be reported to the university by June. For more information, view www.collegeboard.com; visit a high school counselor; or contact Academic Testing Services, Texas Tech University, Box 45002, Lubbock, Texas 79409-5002, 806.742.3671

Credit for Advanced Placement Program Examinations (AP)

The Advanced Placement Examination is the standardized examination for a course offered in participating secondary schools. The objective of the AP is to allow students to begin work toward college credit while still in high school. Students should check with their high school counselor or principal as to the availability of the AP examinations in their school. The AP is offered once a year during May at participating high schools. AP scores are reported to the university in July.

Credit for College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Under the College Level Examination Program, the School of Health Professions will award credit only for specific examinations. As with the other CB testing programs, a student may attempt a CLEP examination at a national CLEP testing center before enrolling and have the official scores reported to the School of Health Professions. These examinations are offered on the Texas Tech University campus during Red Raider Orientation conferences held each summer, as well as several times each month throughout the year to students currently enrolled, and monthly at national CLEP test centers. Further information concerning the CLEP tests may be obtained by contacting College Level Examination Program at www.collegeboard.com or the TTUHSC Office of the Registrar. Pass or fail grades earned on examinations for these courses will not be considered in determining grade-point averages. TTUHSC Schools may elect not to accept credit by examination, where it is determined that such academic achievement may hinder the success on national licensure exams/certifications.

Credit for International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations and/or Diploma

The International Baccalaureate is an international program of courses and examinations offered at the high school level. Texas Tech Health Sciences Center welcomes students in the IB program. For those individuals who participate in IB courses, but do not have an IB Diploma, individual course credit may be earned based on the subject and score obtained on specified IB exams. Students must send an official IB examination transcript to Texas Tech University (or other home institution previously attended) to receive credit.

Credit for Educational Courses Completed in the Armed Forces

Credit may be gained for formal service school courses completed in the armed services after evaluation of official documents by the TTUHSC Program Director. The Program Director, in conjunction with the TTUHSC SHP Office of Admissions and Student Affairs will decide if credit awarded for such courses will be applied toward degree requirements.

Grading Criteria

It is the policy of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Health Professions to use the following grading criteria:

PR: The grade of PR is given only when the work in a course (to include: preceptorship, clinical internship, fieldwork or research) is planned to extend beyond the semester or term. The PR grade must be changed no later than the end of the following semester.

CR: The grade of CR is given only when a student fulfills the requirements for the semester but will register for the same course multiple semesters to complete curriculum requirements (master’s project, thesis or dissertation).

*The School of Health Professions does not grade replace.

Expectations of the Student

Students studying in the School of Health Professions must complete the professional curriculum within the prescribed school and departmental academic and calendar guidelines. Health Professions’ students are required to observe departmental, school, and institutional regulations and requirements. Health Professions’ students are expected to maintain a professional attitude toward the patients to whom they will provide healthcare, and toward the colleagues with whom they learn and work. Only the specific course instructor can excuse absences. Other policies concerning departmental expectations of Health Professions’ students are contained in the student handbooks of the respective departments. Students will be held responsible for both the information contained in this catalog and in the departmental handbooks. In addition, students are expected to abide by all stated school or departmental policies and regulations.

SHP Ethical School Standard

As a student of the School of Health Professions at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, I will use my knowledge and skills responsibly to improve the quality of life for those we serve. I will seek in all academic, professional and personal endeavors to demonstrate ethical behavior, honesty, integrity and respect for others.

Student Conduct

Responsible citizenship among college students includes honesty and integrity in class work; regard for the rights of others; and respect for local, state, and federal laws as well as campus standards. It is the policy of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to affirm the right of its students to a prompt and fair resolution of a complaint or grievance involving allegations of inappropriate behavior by other TTUHSC students or by TTUHSC personnel toward students.

Specific standards concerning the rights and responsibilities of students and registered student organizations at TTUHSC are contained in the TTUHSC Institutional Student Handbook Code of Professional Conduct and each departmental Student Handbook. Students are expected to become thoroughly familiar with and abide by these standards.

Policy and procedure information regarding student complaints ca be accessed online at https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-affairs/grievances.aspx 

The TTUHSC Student Handbook can be accessed online at https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-affairs/documents/2021_Student_Handbook.pdf 

TTUHSC Title IX Training for Students

One of your first learning experiences at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) is to complete a mandatory TTUHSC Title IX & Sexual Misconduct Training for Students. This training emphasizes the TTUHSC commitment to providing a positive and safe learning environment and includes information on how to report prohibited conduct. Completing this training is a critical step in your journey toward a rewarding educational experience at TTUHSC. For more information on Title IX and reporting sexual misconduct, visit  http://www.ttuhsc.edu/title-ix/

Student Liability

An essential part of the School of Health Professions education is the clinical experience. Students in all departments of the School of Health Professions are placed in clinical settings outside the institution. Because health professions students will practice patient care under the supervision of graduate professionals, the School of Health Professions will purchase professional liability insurance coverage for the students. A nominal yearly charge to cover the insurance cost is included in student fees paid at registration.

Interprofessional Practice and Education (IPE) Core Curriculum

All TTUHSC students, regardless of school affiliation, will be required to complete the IPE core curriculum prior to graduation. The IPE core curriculum is composed of two components including successful completion of a non-credit online course (>70 % accuracy on the knowledge post-test) and successful participation in at least one registered IPE learning activity. Failure to complete the IPE core curriculum will result in delayed graduation. Students should consult their academic/program advisor and/or school catalog for additional information.

Change of Address

Students are required to maintain current contact information by making changes on their portal at http://portal.texastech.edu. All correspondence, including financial aid refund checks, will be mailed to the address provided by the student.

Services for Students

Student Organizations

TTUHSC and the School of Health Professions offer a variety of student organizations. The School sponsors a chapter of Alpha Eta, the national honorary society in Health Professions, for students of the School who have distinguished themselves academically. Departments within the School of Health Professions may have a student group organized for student support and participation in professional activities specific to the department. For more information concerning organizations open to students at TTUHSC, or to register a new organization, please contact the TTUHSC Office of Student Services (https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-life/default.aspx ).

Student Healthcare

Students who pay the Medical Services Fee and are enrolled in the School of Health Professions are eligible to receive healthcare through the Department of Family Medicine at TTUHSC. However, services may vary from campus to campus. Information concerning student health services can be obtained from the TTUHSC Student Services Office (https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-affairs/health.aspx).

Student Hospitalization Insurance Coverage

Students are required to have medical/hospitalization insurance coverage while enrolled as a student in the School of Health Professions. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain and maintain medical/hospitalization insurance through the provider of their choice. TTUHSC offers such coverage. Information concerning medical/hospitalization insurance can be found at https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-life/health-insurance.aspx

Legal Services

Student Legal Services brings legal advice and guidance within the reach of students. Student Legal Services is staffed by three licensed attorneys, an administrative business assistant, law clerks, and student externs from the Texas Tech School of Law. Appointments are necessary to ensure correct placement with the appropriate attorney. The program’s primary objectives are providing students with confidential legal advice on individual problems and establishing an educational office designed to inform students of their obligation, duties, and rights as defined by a system of law. Outreach presentations are available for student organizations and academic classes. Mediation services are also available.

The attorneys for students are able to represent students under limited circumstances; however, most cases are resolved through negotiation, advice, and proper direction. The office is dedicated to the concept of preventative law.

Contact: 307 Student Union, 806.742.3289

Students with Disabilities

It is the policy of the School of Health Professions to conduct educational programs in a place and manner accessible to individuals with disabilities, and to make reasonable modifications and accommodations necessary to achieve this purpose. If accommodations are needed, students must contact TTUHSC Student Disability Services, 806-743-1926, after accepting an admission offer. However, qualified students are eligible for accommodations at any point in their academic career. It is best to reach out to the SDS staff from the beginning, but if a disability is acquired during the student's academic program, the student is eligible to request accommodations at that point. The student will be asked to complete an application requesting accommodation(s) and supply documentation necessary to support the application. For additional information on obtaining disability services, visit https://www.ttuhsc.edu/disability/default.aspx 

TTUHSC SHP International Student Travel

Eligibility: Students must be eligible to participate in the international program at the time of travel. Contact the School of Health Professions Office of Admissions and Student Affairs for eligibility requirements. If a student has received a Complaint of Misconduct and the complaint has not been resolved prior to the travel date, the student is not eligible to participate in that specific trip. Each student shall verify eligibility requirements with the Program Director and Office of Global Health prior to participation.

Cancellation/Refunds: TTUHSC and the School of Health Professions are not responsible for reimbursement for financial losses as a result of a student canceling travel or losing eligibility to participate in the international program. These financial losses may include but are not limited to airline fares, payment to country host, or any other expenses incurred for student international travel.

International Health Elective

IHHP 1001/1002/1003/1004 International Health Elective: The purpose of this elective is to foster the development of humanism and life-long commitment to service while recognizing the responsibility of an interprofessional team to address global health disparities. Registration in this course is required for students to be eligible to apply for international experiences sponsored through the TTUHSC Office of Global Health. This elective must be approved by the program director and the student is required to complete the standardized application available through the Office of Global Health. Students will receive transcript notation of the International Health Elective (zero credits).

Diversity Statement

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that values and embraces the different ethnicities, races, cultures, ages, abilities, sexual identities, and systems of belief that comprise the TTUHSC community. We re steadfast in our commitment to cultivating a workforce that is equipped to meet the evolving healthcare needs of all those living in our communities. 

Tobacco-Free Environment

TTUHSC prohibits tobacco use in a TTUHSC facility or anywhere on the grounds of any TTUHSC facility to include a leased facility/space. Violations of this policy are subject to disciplinary action as stipulated in HSC Operating Policy and Procedure 70.31, as appropriate. For more information regarding the Tobacco-Free Environment or the Tobacco Intervention Program please visit the TTUHSC web site at www.ttuhsc.edu.

Registration of Convicted Sex Offenders

Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure now requires that all sex offenders register with local law enforcement authorities. Those who intend to be students or attend classes on or at any campus of the Texas Tech University System are required to register with the campus police department in accordance with article 62.153 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure within seven (7) days of beginning school. In addition, all such sex offenders who intend to volunteer, work, or carry on a vocation (including full-time or part-time employees and employees of outside contractors) on any campus of Texas Tech University System for a consecutive period exceeding fourteen (14) days or an aggregative period exceeding thirty (30) days in a calendar year are required to register with the campus police department within seven (7) days of beginning work on any campus of the Texas Tech University System. In addition, all such sex offenders are required to notify campus police within seven (7) days of terminating attendance or work on any campus of the Tech University System. All such sex offenders who are currently students, employees, volunteers, or contractor employees must register with campus police. Failure to register, as required, may subject such individuals to criminal penalties. Questions about this new requirement should be addressed to the TTU Police Department, 413 Flint Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79415, (806) 742-3931.

The Texas Tech Police Department is located at 413 Flint Avenue and is operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The department provides police services and security for the entire Texas Tech community, an area much larger and more populated than many towns in Texas. The department phone number is 806.742.3931 or, in an emergency call 911.

The Texas Tech Police Department employs 57 officers and 40 civilian employees. The officers are licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and are fully commissioned.

The Texas Tech Police Department employs Crime Prevention Specialists available to offer presentations on a number of topics, including personal safety, burglary/theft prevention, sexual assault awareness, and drug and alcohol awareness programs. In addition, these officers will discuss crime prevention with any student, faculty or staff member.

The department posts information and crime statistics online at www.depts.ttu.edu/ttpd.

Student Debts

The School of Health Professions and TTUHSC will not be responsible for debts incurred by student or student organizations. Students must meet all financial responsibilities due the University. The writing of checks on accounts with insufficient funds, the non-payment or delinquent payment of outstanding loans, and failure to meet any other financial obligations to the University, are considered a lack of financial responsibility. Financial irresponsibility can subject the student to action by TTUHSC, including, but not limited to, denial of registration, withholding of grades and transcripts and possible adjudication under the Code of Professional and Academic Conduct. In addition, failure to meet financial obligations to the University may result in: a.) Cancellations of the student’s registration if tuition and registration fees are not paid by the 12th class day and 20th class day (4th class day and 15th class day in summer), or if a returned check given in payment of tuition and fees is not redeemed by that time; b.) Loss of University check writing privileges and possible criminal prosecution for writing insufficient fund checks and for failure to pick up a returned check; c.) A flag placed on a student’s academic records preventing future registration (before registering or requesting a transcript, students may check on the presence of flags on their records by contacting the Office of the Registrar); and/or, d.) Reporting of financial problems to a credit agency or a collection agent.