Additional Student Policies
Student Success
Students should be mentally and physically prepared to cope with a rigorous curriculum in laboratory sciences. Students should carefully organize their activities in order to succeed. The faculty fully expects that each student will devote no less than three hours per week for every academic credit hour they have enrolled for in the department. For example, a student taking twelve hours of coursework will need to spend thirty-six hours per week studying! That’s a full-time job for anyone and students would be well-advised to consider it as such. Those unable to master the program in a healthy manner are encouraged to contact the Program for Assistance for Students (PAS) at (806) 743-1327 or make an arrangement for counseling through the Office of Student Services (806) 743-2300. The department also works with students to develop remediation plans designed to supplement knowledge or skill areas.The faculty and staff truly want each student to succeed. There is no greater satisfaction to the faculty and staff than to hear about the excellent contributions made by our graduates. While we recognize the rigor and foster it, we know a well-earned degree is far more valuable than a token degree from a less challenging program.Academic Advising
Each student will interact with their assigned academic advisor as stated in the advising syllabus provided on the first day of class. Meetings with a student’s academic advisor will be scheduled on an as-needed basis.- To give thoughtful consideration to personal career goals so that academic and professional goals can be coordinated and discussed with advisor (or another faculty member) as appropriate.
- Schedule appointments and/or contacts during each semester
- Participate in scheduled advisement in a timely fashion.
- Accept responsibility for personal decisions and actions
- Be open to developing and clarifying personal values and goals
Student Counseling
In the event that the Clinical Education Coordinator and/or Clinical Instructor deems an event necessary of disciplinary action, a Student Counseling Report must be completed and signed by the student, Clinical Instructor, and Clinical Education Coordinator. The original is forwarded to the university and the Clinical Coordinator retains a copy. The following are examples of events that would require counseling: tardiness, unexcused absences, demonstration of poor professionalism, retake of an exam, and poor didactic/preceptorship application.Course Loads and Additional Course Work Policy
Students will not be allowed to do outside coursework during scheduled class lecture, lab, or preceptorship hours without the permission of the Program Director. A student must have permission of the Program Director each and every semester to be concurrently enrolled in another program or course in this institution or any other institution.Student Employment Policy
Students often work outside of class time. In this capacity, students are employees of the institution that hired them and have no affiliation with the Medical Laboratory Science program during work hours. We realize that such work may be essential in order to meet financial obligations. However, IN NO CASE SHOULD THE WORK TIME BE SCHEDULED SUCH THAT IT WILL INTERFERE WITH YOUR EDUCATION. This also includes the amount of time worked. There will be no latitude given by the program or any instructor for a student to be excused from class assignments or exams because of an outside work schedule.Students are STRONGLY encouraged NOT to exceed more than 20 hours per week during the program.Student Associations
Two professional organizations, the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) and the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) encourage student memberships. These organizations are dedicated to representing laboratory personnel and advancing their interests through advocacy, standards setting, education, professional, and personal development. MLS students are encouraged to join the ASCLS with a student membership. Visit https://www.ascls.org/ to join and learn more about member benefits. The ASCP student membership is complimentary for students who are currently enrolled in an accredited laboratory science program and intend to meet the ASCP Board of Certification eligibility requirements for certification. Visit https://www.ascp.org/content to learn more about membership benefits.Equipment Use
The laboratory manager and faculty members will determine and implement the proper procedures for the use of all equipment (including computers) and supplies in the laboratories, as well as the amount of supervision needed for the students. This applies to teaching and research.Students will use only equipment and supplies entrusted to them, and those needed for class assignments, research purposes, or clinical practice.Any equipment used will be returned to its designated location in clean, sanitary, and good working condition. It is the student's responsibility to learn the proper use of the equipment and take the initiative to report equipment malfunctions. Loss, abuse, theft, or suspected theft of equipment or supplies should be reported to the faculty immediately.Use of departmental equipment by students is confined to TTUHSC with one exception; removal of departmental equipment may be allowed when its use is related to official class operations and activities. This removal may be conducted only after express permission is granted by the Program Director and in accordance with the TTUHSC Operating Policy (HSC OP 61.01). The student will be held financially responsible for the entire replacement cost of the item(s) in the event of damage, loss, or theft.Students will not remove any program equipment from university facilities for personal use.