STANDARD VI
– STUDENTS
The professional program of the school
meets or exceeds the standards required for students. As such, it maintains an
organized process for admitting a qualified student body of 45 students each
year. The criteria for student selection are published in the catalog and
website. Information regarding pre-matriculation health standards, healthcare
access, personal counseling, and immunization standards are provided to all
incoming students. There is a commitment
to serving students that includes an organized student affairs office. The
student affairs office provides financial aid and debt counseling, academic
counseling, learning support, career placement assistance and access to
information technology. Student records are maintained accurately with a
confidential, secure and permanent system that is orderly. The school’s
publications, advertising and student recruitment are an accurate
representation of the program. Accordingly, all details on its policies and
procedures are published and readily available. Matters regarding student
grievances are published, recorded and adhered to. This includes records of
receipt investigation, adjudication and resolution of same. Students have
access to faculty and school administrators. They are given opportunities to
participate in student governance and other leadership development activities.
Students are informed of postgraduate education programs, residencies and
fellowship education and training.
Examples of Evidence:
·
Historical admissions statistics including
o Number of
applicants
o Profile of
entering class with details on
§ Gender
§ Academic
ranking/attributes
§ Racial/ethnic
information
·
Recruitment materials
·
Recruitment plan
·
Admission policy
Since
the last ACOE UABSO Site Visit in April 2002, the GPA of the UABSO entering
class has ranked first (four years), second (two years) and third (one year)
according to data from the ASCO Student Survey – Profile of Professional O.D.
Program (see table below). The original
data from the ASCO Student Survey is available on site. The academic profile of the UABSO entering
class of 2008-2009 is competitive with its peer institutions. The average GPA of the entering class from
the member’s undergraduate institutions is 3.56 which is second highest for
this year among ASCO institutions. The
average Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) scores of the class are close to the
average of all the schools. The average
OAT scores and GPA decreased slightly from the previous two years, as shown in the
following table. However, the academic quality of applicants admitted to the
program remains excellent.
UAB Optometry Admissions Data
|
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Number of Applicants |
182 |
165 |
155 |
212 |
212 |
209 |
|
GPA |
3.66 |
3.65 |
3.52 |
3.66 |
3.66 |
3.56 |
|
OAT |
330 |
324 |
318 |
329 |
331 |
327 |
UABSO
Applicant to Matriculant Ratio
|
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
Number
of Applicants |
182 |
165 |
155 |
212 |
212 |
209 |
239 |
|
Number
of Matriculants |
41 |
41 |
42 |
45 |
44 |
45 |
45* |
|
Applicant
to Matriculant Ratio |
4.4 |
4.0 |
3.7 |
4.7 |
4.8 |
4.6 |
5.3 |
*Number
of acceptances as of January 20, 2009
The following
information is from the ASCO Profile of 2008 Entering Classes.
Comparisons are made between UAB and two
different categories of peer institutions:
Regional
Nova
Southeastern University (NOVA)
Southern
College of Optometry (SCO)
Large Publicly Funded
Institutions
Indiana
University (IU)
The
Ohio State University (OSU)
State
University of New York (SUNY)
University
of California at Berkeley (UCB)
University
of Houston (UH)
UAB vs. Peer
Institution for Class-Entering 2008
|
|
Average GPA |
Average OAT |
% with Undergraduate Degree |
|
UAB |
3.56 |
327 |
98% |
|
REGIONAL: |
|
|
|
|
NOVA
|
3.39 |
333 |
96% |
|
SCO |
3.45 |
340 |
100% |
|
LARGE
PUBLICLY FUNDED
INSTITUTIONS: |
|
|
|
|
IU |
3.49 |
330 |
99% |
|
OSU |
3.56 |
344 |
92% |
|
SUNY |
3.51 |
339 |
79% |
|
UCB |
3.53 |
361 |
100% |
|
UH |
3.40 |
336 |
100% |
The 2008 entering
class is comprised of 33 (73%) females and 12 (27%) males. There is a significant difference in the
number of males and females which seems to be a trend among many of the schools
and colleges of optometry. A total of 10
students are classified as minorities - 6 African-American, 2 Hispanic and 2
Asian. Therefore, 22% of the class is
comprised of minority students. This is
in keeping with Standard 1, Goal 1: “Recruit and admit a diverse group of
applicants” as well as the School’s commitment to diversity.
The program had
209 applicants for admission in 2008, four of which were re-applicants. A total of 66 (32%) applicants were accepted
and 45 matriculated. They are from 12 different states.
The total
enrollment for the School at the start of the 2008-09 academic year was 176
students – 125 females and 51 males.
Minority representation is: 14 African-American females; 3 Hispanic
females; 13 Asian females and 6 Asian males. The student body represents 14
different states.
UABSO does not
require that a student have an undergraduate degree prior to admission, however
it is strongly encouraged. Ninety-eight percent (98%) of the class admitted in
2008 had a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation. This is down slightly from 100% in 2007. In 2006 and 2005 the figures were 93% and 98%
respectively. These percentages
represent a total of only five students who were admitted to the program, over
the past four years, without an undergraduate degree. Each of the five students
had significantly more credit hours than the 90 hours required by the ACOE and
the Alabama Optometry Practice Act.
The School of Optometry‘s
recruitment plan was first developed in 2001 by those faculty and staff
involved in student recruitment and admissions and is reviewed on an annual
basis and updated as necessary. The
Office of Student Affairs holds a retreat each spring to review recruitment outcomes
for the past year and formulate a plan for the next recruiting period. Their review includes any recommendations
that were made by the Admissions Committee following their final “recap”
meeting. The current Recruitment Plan is as follows:
· Downloadable
application
· Downloadable
recommendation form
· Downloadable
reapplication form
· UABSO Fact Sheet
information
· Admissions
statistics: most recent entering class
· Information for
International applicants
· FAQ’s
· Open House
information
· Financial aid
information with possible link
· Improved links
· Contact health
professions advisors at major colleges and offer to make presentation to
pre-medical/AED organization (preferably Fall or Winter)
· Members of the
Admissions Committee, Alumni, Minority Alumni Network and UABSO students
· Alabama: University
of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Alabama, University of Alabama in Huntsville,
Auburn University, Birmingham Southern College, Samford University, University
of South Alabama, Troy University, Auburn University in Montgomery, Huntington,
Jacksonville State University, University of North Alabama
· Alabama
historically black institutions: Miles College, Oakwood College, Alabama State
University, Alabama A&M University, Tuskegee University and others
· SREB (positions):
GA(2), KY(3), LA(2), MS(2), NC(4), SC(2)
· Updated UABSO
brochure with web site, email contacts and tear-off card
· Mailings
(regular and electronic) to health professional advisors with brochure and
catalog, Open House information, inform about ASCO web site
· Place advertisements
in campus newspapers in advance of UABSO visit to institution
· Assist in campus
visits/presentations
Note: Practicing optometrists, especially
UABSO alumni, remain the single best recruiters of applicants.
· Minority alumni
network for historically black colleges/universities
· Involve NOSA for
campus visits and greeting minority interviewees
· Ask Dr. Gerald
Simon to initiate and chair the committee
·
Increase
number of written contacts following each inquiry from prospective students and
applicants, using defined criteria and timetable
· Change
application deadline to December 31st, and do not accept OAT results
taken after December 15th
· Strongly
encourage early application
· Begin interviews
in early September
· Set criteria for
expedited admission: students accepted one week after interview date
Examples of Evidence:
·
Examples of publications
o Catalog
o Website
·
Admissions criteria
o Pre-requisites
o Admissions test
o Interview
o Essays
o Letters of
reference
o Deadlines for
submission
o Application fees
The
established criteria are published in the catalog and on the School’s website. The UABSO Admissions Office begins accepting
applications July 1 for the class entering the following year. To be considered for admission, the following
must be received in the Admissions Office no later than December 31: completed
application form (including essay), $75 application fee, all college
transcripts (official copies), OAT scores and composite evaluation or four
letters of recommendation. Official and
complete transcripts of all work attempted at colleges and universities must be
forwarded to the School of Optometry Admissions Office by the institutions
attended. An interview offer cannot be
extended until all transcripts have been received. All admitted candidates must have been
interviewed at the School of Optometry.
Applicants may be invited for an interview any time during the period
beginning in September and ending as late as February. All applicants are required to take the OAT. Applicants are encouraged to take the examination
during the spring of the year preceding anticipated application. The deadline for taking the OAT is December
15th of the application year.
A composite evaluation by a pre-health professions advisory committee is
required if available at the applicant’s undergraduate institution. If the composite cannot be provided, then a
minimum of four individual letters of evaluation are required.
Factors
considered by the admissions committee are: scholastic aptitude and
performance, extracurricular activities, personality, character, motivation and
optometry-related experience.
·
Admissions policy, criteria and procedures
The Office of
Student Affairs provides the initial screening of applicants. Those meeting the
admissions requirements are invited for an interview. Applicants must complete an interview to be
considered for admission. Interviews are
conducted on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons beginning in mid-September
and ending as late as February.
Typically, four applicants are interviewed on any given day. The
interview process includes: a brief review of the applicant’s file by a member
of the Student Affairs staff, greetings from the Dean and the Director of
Alumni Affairs, a tour of the school with two students, a visit to the clinic,
a financial aid overview by the School’s Director of Administration and Finance
and the interviews. Each applicant is
interviewed twice. An “open file” interview is conducted by the Director of
Student Affairs, who has access to grades, OAT scores, letters of
recommendation and other pertinent information.
The second interview is by a panel of three/four members of the
admissions committee and is “closed file”. Panel interviewers evaluate the
applicant on communication skills, motivation, personality and general
suitability for the profession. Each interview is typically 20 to 30 minutes
long. During the interview process a
member of the Student Affairs staff is available to answer any questions that
may have arisen during their visit.
Each interviewer
completes a standard form and rates the applicant separately as follows:
•
Open
file: Background Information, Academic Evaluation, OAT Evaluation and General
Impression; and
•
Closed
File: Background Information as provided verbally by the applicant,
Activities/Achievements, Optometry Experience and Interpersonal Skills/ General
Impression.
Ratings range
from: 5 = Strongly recommend, 4 = Recommend, 3 = Neutral, 2 = Reservations and
1 = Decline.
The forms used
for each interview are available by selecting Interview
Forms.
The Admissions
Committee has the responsibility of reviewing and evaluating all applications
and selecting the most qualified candidates.
Notices of acceptance may be received as early as October and as late as
March. Acceptances may be designated as “conditional”
until successful completion of all requirements has been documented.
Examples of evidence:
·
Admissions policy, criteria and procedures
·
Catalog
·
Student record
The school
requires that accepted applicants have completed all required prerequisite
courses. The prerequisites that are
detailed on the website are typical for schools of optometry. Applicants must
meet a minimum of three academic years of post-secondary education at an
accredited institution. Applicants are
encouraged to earn a baccalaureate degree prior to enrollment. Applicants with a baccalaureate degree are
given preferential consideration for admission. All students entering without
degrees must have completed at least three academic years of postsecondary
education in an accredited institution.
Self
Study 2008 School Survey Outcomes (relating to 6.2)
The mean score is based on the following scale: Strongly
Agree = 5, Agree = 4, Neutral = 3, Disagree = 2, Strongly Disagree = 1. All percentages are rounded to the nearest whole
number.
1. “The interview process was
helpful in selecting which school I would attend:”
|
|
||||
|
|
n |
% |
n |
% |
|
Strongly
Agree |
47 |
23% |
23 |
26% |
|
Agree |
95 |
46% |
40 |
45% |
|
Neutral |
51 |
25% |
19 |
22% |
|
Disagree |
14 |
7% |
5 |
6% |
|
Strongly
Disagree |
0 |
0% |
1 |
1% |
|
Total |
207 |
100% |
88 |
100% |
|
Mean Score |
3.88 |
3.89 |
||
|
|
Alumni
Responses by Graduation Date (7 year groupings) |
||||
|
Year |
1973-1979 |
1980-1986 |
1987-1993 |
1994-2000 |
2001-2007 |
|
Mean Score |
3.77 |
3.63 |
3.77 |
3.71 |
4.08 |
Both students and alumni indicate
that the interview process was helpful in their selection of optometry school,
69% and 71% respectively agreeing or strongly agreeing with the statement. In the most recent group of alumni
(graduating between 2001 and 2007), survey responses were more positive than
among any other group, suggesting that the interview process has become more
effective in this regard since the last accreditation in 2002.
Examples of evidence:
· Publications which describe the above
With their
acceptance letter, students receive a letter from UAB Student Health outlining
pre-matriculation health standards, including all necessary immunizations, along
with all health and dental forms. The
completed forms are returned to UAB Student Health and Student Dental Health prior
to matriculation. Students are notified
by Student Health if they are not compliant with all of the requirements prior
to or upon matriculation.
Representatives from Student Health and Student Dental Health address
the students in person during orientation to review the requirements, provide
details on the Student Health Clinic (such as location, hours, services, etc.),
and inform the students about UAB’s health insurance. UAB requires all students to have health
insurance and provides a plan for students through VIVA Health if the student
does not have insurance from an outside source.
Students are informed during orientation about the University’s Center
for Counseling and Wellness and are also encouraged to speak with staff of the
UABSO Office of Student Affairs for general personal counseling. The immunization policy is also available through
the UABSO website, in the Catalog, on the UAB Student Health website and in the
UABSO Student Handbook.
Self Study 2008 School Survey Outcomes
(relating to 6.3)
The mean score is based on the following scale: Strongly
Agree = 5, Agree = 4, Neutral = 3, Disagree = 2, Strongly Disagree = 1, Cannot
Make a Judgment = omitted.
|
Survey Questions |
Mean Score (Students) |
|
I am
aware that student health services are available to students |
4.34 |
|
I am
aware that confidential professional counseling is available to students with
personal problems. |
3.70 |
Students are
well aware of the availability of student health services, and on average less
aware of the availability of counseling services.
Examples of Evidence:
·
Description of duties of element devoted to student affairs
·
Position descriptions of personnel in student affairs
The
School demonstrates its commitment to serving students through the services
provided by the Office of Student Affairs and the Professional Development
Program (described in Standard 6.4.1). The Office of Student Affairs addresses
student concerns related to their progress through the Doctor of Optometry
program, while the Professional Development Program (PDP) works to prepare
students for their ultimate entry into optometric practice. The website address
for student affairs is: http://main.uab.edu/Sites/optometry/people/student_organizations
The Office of
Student Affairs currently has four staff members and one work study student.
They are responsible for handling all student related issues as well as
recruiting and admissions of students to the Professional Program.
The staff composition
is:
Director – Gerald Simon, O.D. Dr. Simon has served as the Director of
Student Affairs since 2004 when his predecessor, Dr. Adam Gordon assumed the
duties as Director of the Cornea/Contact Lens Service. Dr. Simon graduated from UABSO in 1985, which
gives him insight and understanding into student life and student issues as
they relate to this School. It is his responsibility to ensure that the Office
is well staffed with qualified personnel, that records are accurate and secure,
and to act as a student advocate when necessary. He handles complicated student issues and
concern. Dr. Simon chairs the Admissions
Committee, and serves as a member of the Academic Review Committee, Honor
Council and Student/Faculty Liaison Committee.
Although he holds a part-time (50%) faculty appointment, Dr. Simon
maintains regular office hours at the School and is always accessible to staff
and students by email and phone.
Program Manager – Connie Wright. Ms Wright has been with the School for 10
years and holds a Bachelor’s degree from UAB.
She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Office and
serves as the School registrar. Among her duties is to ensure that students are
properly registered, grades are accurately posted by faculty into the
university’s computer system and is the School’s liaison to the University
departments for all issues related to the UAB student database. Ms. Wright oversees
the New Student Orientation Program, has authorship responsibilities for the
student and admissions portions of the UABSO website, compiles the Student
Handbook, counsel students in academic difficulty, and recruits students to the
professional program. She serves on the
Admissions Committee, Curriculum Committee, CADRE Committee, Academic Review
Committee and Student Faculty Liaison Committee.
Administrative Support Specialist – Keely Stewart. Ms. Stewart has been with the School for seven
years and is responsible for all aspects of the application process – from
processing checks, to reviewing the files for completeness. She sets up the
interviews and serves as the secretary to the Admissions Committee. Ms. Stewart contacts the applicants who have
been accepted and then stays in close communication with them until they
matriculate. It is her responsibility to
ensure that all pre-requisites have been met and their application file
complete prior to start of orientation. In addition, she coordinates the annual
White Coat Ceremony, assists Dr. Simon clerically, and helps with all other
student issues and activities. Ms. Stewart also recruits and offers counseling
for students in academic difficulty.
Office Service Specialist III – Lisa Everett. Ms. Everett has been with the School for over
eight years. She handles data entry of
applications into the Banner system and transcripts into the academic analysis software
program. She coordinates and distributes information involving student awards
and scholarships. Ms. Everett
coordinates the School’s annual Open House, the Doctoral Convocation and
Hooding Ceremony and assists with compiling the Student Handbook. Each month she collects articles then
publishes the electronic student newsletter entitled Eye Witness News. She serves on the UAB Homecoming Committee and
helps with recruiting efforts.
Student Work Study – this position
is open to any undergraduate student at UAB as long as they have NO connection
to any student in the School of Optometry.
They work a total of 18 hours per week and primarily answer phones,
file, compile information packets, and provide assistance as needed.
Examples of evidence:
·
Position description of personnel in student affairs (see
6.4 above)
·
Website
The Office of Student Affairs provides a
handbook to each new class of students in the Doctor of Optometry program. In addition to academic policies, the
handbook lists services offered by the Office of Student Affairs, which include
academic counseling, learning support services, and resource information for
financial aid and information technology support. Student Affairs personnel also discuss the
handbook material with the students and introduce the students to
representatives from the University Office of Financial Aid, UAB Office of
Disabilities Support Services and the School Office of Computer and Data
Services. In addition to the handbook, the Office of Student Affairs maintains
a website to provide important updates for each class. The Professional
Development Program (PDP) provides debt counseling through several formal
courses in the Doctor of Optometry curriculum as well as outside lectures,
luncheons, and networking opportunities to assist with transitioning into
practice following graduation.
Professional
Development Program (PDP)
The goal of the
Professional Development Program (PDP) is to assist students obtaining the
Doctor of Optometry degree by:
§
motivating
students to begin career planning from the start of their education
§
devising
economic strategies that reduce students' educational debt
§
providing
knowledge so that students fully understand career options
§
assist
students in finding practice opportunities before graduation
The program stretches across all four
years of the professional program (O.D.) program and involves the admissions process
of the school, the financial counseling of students, the school's academic and
externship programs, and the mentoring program which assists with the placement
of students in practice opportunities prior to graduation.
Application/Interview
Process
During the
interview process Mr. David Parkinson, Director of Finance and Administration
for UABSO, meets with the students in small group sessions to review matters
related to a number of issues that may affect their financial status. Among
these items are a cost of living comparison between Birmingham and other cities
with optometry programs, financial aid and how to access it at UAB, information
about scholarships provided by the state, school, organizations, or companies
in addition to beginning the process of educating them about the cost of
financing an optometric education and the long term effects of indebtedness.
Orientation Process
At orientation,
UAB Financial Aid Representatives speak to the new students and then make
themselves available for individual financial counseling.
Financial Planning
Debt reduction
has been a primary goal of the Professional Development Program (PDP) since the
program’s inception in 2001. Efforts to sensitize students to the effect of
debt were begun that year which created an immediate reduction in educational
loan requests of over 20%. In the first
year Introduction to Optometry class, students construct budgets, consider ways
to trim financial aid requests, learn the realities of credit, and develop a
four-year borrowing plan.
To ensure that
graduates of UABSO are economically capable of entering the practice
opportunity of their choosing, a program of ongoing financial counseling is
necessary. This necessitates the use of a financial advisor who can educate
optometry students so that they emerge with an acceptable level of indebtedness
at graduation. Lunchtime presentations by local bankers for both first year
students (Introduction to Optometry) and third year students (Business Aspects)
describe the many issues related to credit and credit cards. Students obtaining
tuition assistance are able to meet with the advisor each year to monitor
progress and develop strategies for managing debt.
A specific representative
from the University’s Office of Financial Aid is assigned to assist optometry
students with all their financial aid needs. The students
are also offered advice about loan consolidation.
Scholarships:
§ Annual
Scholarships:
Provided by companies, organizations and individuals; the School is fortunate
to have a large number of annual scholarships.
§ State of Alabama
Scholarships or Loans: Provided to a relatively small number of Alabama
residents by the Alabama Board of Optometric Scholarships. Most of these are
loans and must be repaid. New legislation has been introduced to the state
government seeking a number of positive changes in the current law. When passed
it will not only increase the number of merit and loan scholarships, but will
increase the amount of each. The school
also offers merit scholarships based on need and academic criteria to
non-resident students.
§ Merit
Scholarships:
Available to out-of-state (at large) students. Awarded based on academics, need
and diversity.
§ Endowed
Scholarships: The School currently has 30 endowed
scholarships. The long-term goal is to be able to provide some level of
assistance to every student.
Academic Program
The academic portion of the PDP extends
through all four years of the professional program (O.D.), and seeks to provide
the knowledge necessary for graduates to enter the practice of optometry.
Courses in the professional curriculum are:
§
Business
Aspects of Optometry (3rd year)--the choice, selection, and management of an
optometry practice
In
the third and fourth years a program of educational seminars are offered:
§
"State
of the Profession" (I. Bennett)--given in the fall of the 3rd year, this
lecture provides students with an overview of the demographics of optometry
§
"Career
Advocate Program" (Williams Marketing)--given in the winter of the 3rd
year, this all-day program teaches students how to make optimum career choices
§
"Finding
the Practice of Your Dreams " (D. Seibel)--given in the spring of the 3rd
year, this seminar motivates students to find professional practice
opportunities
§
"Practice
Strategies Workshop" (J. Classé)--given in the summer of the 4th year,
this workshop teaches students how to select and visit practice opportunities
§
"Recent
Graduate Seminar" (recent UAB
graduates)--given in the fall of the 4th year, this panel discussion allows
students to hear "true life" testimony about career choices that have
been made by UAB graduates
§
"Alabama
Licensure and Regulation" (M. Habel)--given in the winter of the 4th year,
this workshop assists students in applying and studying for the Alabama
licensing examination
Externship Program
Fourth year students spend two quarters
outside the school at externship sites of their choosing. Beginning in 2009-10,
a third externship opportunity will be available to approximately one-half of the
fourth year class based on academic achievement. The primary purpose of
externships is to obtain experience in a busy practice environment that
emphasizes treatment and/or management of a variety of conditions, especially
those related to acute ocular disease. A secondary purpose is to assist
students in securing practice opportunities after graduation. Students are
encouraged to seek externships that are in states where they intend to be
licensed (if possible, in situations that offer potential practice
opportunities), to make practice visitations during the externship period, and
to participate in professional meetings and seminars in the externship area.
The list of current externship sites will be expanded to include more
institutional opportunities, particularly within UAB and ophthalmology
practices. Currently UABSO has over 423
approved externship sites for students to choose from.
Mentoring Program and Placement Assistance
Several years
ago in an attempt to expose students to and prepare them for the reality of
practice, the Alumni/Student Mentoring Program was initiated to provide
optometry students the opportunity to hear individual experiences related to
beginning a practice or entering an established practice. This program is
sponsored by the UAB School of Optometry Alumni Association.
The Practitioner/Student
Mentoring Program was begun in 2006. The purpose of this program is to provide
a format in which students and practitioners are provided information related
to entering a partnership/taking a partner and then are matched according to
the geographic area in which they want to live. This program is offered in
conjunction with the Alabama Optometric Association and is sponsored by a grant
from VSP.
Placement
assistance is offered to students through the mentoring programs or in some
cases one-on-one counseling by the Director of the PDP. Each year the School receives numerous
emails/advertisements/letters from optometrists or practices seeking an
associate. This correspondence is
forwarded to the students who have been identified as “unplaced.” Copies of these items are also maintained in
hardcopy by the Office of Student Affairs.
Alumni of the School can contact the Director or Office of Alumni
Affairs at any time to request information the School may have about practice
opportunities.
Alumni Assistance
Information is
provided at no charge to fourth year students, residents, new graduates and
alumni regarding practice agreements, contracts or other questions or legal
matters related to practice arrangements. This information is provided by
a faculty member who is, in addition to being an optometrist, an
attorney. This faculty member provides informal advice or guidance
related to questions these individuals may have for a specific circumstance or
situation. In some instances, these matters have involved significant
amounts of income and have resulted in considerable savings to the student or
graduate.
Self Study 2008 School Survey Outcomes (relating to 6.4)
The mean score is based on the following scale:
Strongly Agree = 5, Agree = 4, Neutral = 3, Disagree = 2, Strongly Disagree =
1, *Cannot Make a Judgment: omitted from mean score calculation. % J = percentage of respondents who “could
make a judgment” (that is, had the requisite knowledge or experience of the
subject of the question to make an informed judgment). All percentage values were
rounded to the nearest whole number.
“The
Office of Student Affairs is (Alumni "was") responsive to student
requests.”
|
|
||||||
|
|
n |
%J |
n |
% |
n |
% |
|
Strongly Agree |
13 |
41% |
44 |
21% |
20 |
23% |
|
Agree |
18 |
56% |
112 |
54% |
46 |
52% |
|
Neutral |
1 |
3% |
41 |
20% |
15 |
17% |
|
Disagree |
0 |
0% |
6 |
3% |
5 |
6% |
|
Strongly Disagree |
0 |
0% |
4 |
2% |
2 |
2% |
|
Cannot make judgment* |
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
41 |
100% |
207 |
100% |
88 |
100% |
|
Mean Score |
4.38 |
3.89 |
3.88 |
|||
|
|
Alumni
Responses by Graduation Date (7 year groupings) |
||||
|
Year |
1973-1979 |
1980-1986 |
1987-1993 |
1994-2000 |
2001-2007 |
|
Mean Score |
3.77 |
4.09 |
3.83 |
3.83 |
3.92 |
Examples of evidence:
·
Policies on student record access
Student records
are maintained in the University’s student database, and printed copies are
secured in locked filing cabinets in the Office of Student Affairs. Access is limited to the staff in the Office
of Student Affairs and the manager of the computer system. Financial aid information is maintained in the
University’s Financial Aid Office in the Hill University Center. The University registrar is responsible for
maintaining official academic records for all UAB students, including those
enrolled in the UABSO professional program.
Student enrollment records and grades are uploaded electronically to the
registrar’s office located in the Hill University Center. The University registrar issues official
academic transcripts. Details regarding
student records are provided in the UAB Student Handbook on pages 38-39.
The handbook can be accessed using the
following link: http://www.uab.edu/images/stuaff/pdf/Direction_Handbook2007-09.pdf.
Examples of Evidence:
§
Publications, written policies, advertising, web sites
All program
publications, written policies, advertising and student recruitment materials
are an accurate representation of the School’s programs. Most recruitment
material is now located on the school’s website, www.uab.edu/optometry. Other handouts used for recruitment, interviewing,
and tours are available on site.
Examples of evidence:
·
Document which describe above
o
Catalog
o
Web site
Sources for Information Related to
Standard 6.6.1
|
|
UABSO Website |
UAB Website |
Student Affairs Office |
Course Syllabi * |
UABSO Student Handbook |
UAB Student Handbook “Directions” |
Other |
|
Academic Standards Policy |
|
|
√ |
|
√ |
|
|
|
Grading Policy |
|
|
√ |
√ |
√ |
|
|
|
Attendance Policy |
|
|
√ |
√ |
√ |
|
|
|
Disciplinary Conduct |
|
|
√ |
√ |
√ |
|
|
|
Retention Policy |
|
|
√ |
|
√ |
|
|
|
Dismissal & Reinstatement |
|
|
√ |
|
√ |
|
|
|
Due Process |
|
√~ |
√ |
|
√ |
√ |
|
|
Non-Discrimination Policy |
√ |
√ |
√ |
|
√ |
√ |
Posted
in building & in Catalog |
|
Academic Calendar |
√+ |
|
√ |
|
|
|
Handout |
|
Tuition |
√ |
√ |
√ |
|
|
|
Handout
w/Catalog |
|
Refund Policy |
|
√~ |
√ |
|
|
√ |
|
|
Honors |
√ |
|
√ |
|
|
|
|
|
Scholarships/ Awards |
√ |
|
√ |
|
|
|
Alumni
Office |
*Not all syllabi contain this information – content is at the discretion of the faculty
+Also available on the School’s secured academic website – logon required
~University policy applies, therefore not posted separately on the UABSO website
Examples of evidence:
·
Document which describe above
o Catalog
o Web site
§ Record of complaints (on site)
The program has several modes of communication
between students and faculty. Any
student grievance related to a violation of the Honor Code is handled by the
Honor Council. The Honor Code Pledge is
signed by each student during orientation.
Each class elects a representative to serve on the Honor Council. Information pertaining to each Honor Code
violation is collected and retained electronically by the Chair of the Council.
Other non-honor code student complaints may be discussed in the Student-Faculty
Liaison Committee meetings. The charge of this committee can be found in
section 6.7. In addition, all comments, notes and communications pertaining to
students are kept in the student’s academic file in a secured cabinet in the
Student Affairs office.
Self Study 2008 School Survey Outcomes (relating to 6.6)
The mean score is based on the following scale:
Strongly Agree = 5, Agree = 4, Neutral = 3, Disagree = 2, Strongly Disagree =
1, Cannot Make a Judgment: omitted. All percentage values
were rounded to the nearest whole number.
|
Survey Questions |
Mean Score |
||
|
The
School's admissions process is (Alumni "was") equitable |
4.27 |
4.09 |
4.05 |
|
A
Bachelor's Degree should be required for admission to the professional
program. |
4.38 |
4.19 |
4.14 |
|
Recruitment
materials provided by the school gave an accurate representation of the
program |
|
|
3.64 |
|
The
Professional Development Program was helpful in teaching me to manage my
debt. |
|
2.76 |
2.93 |
|
The UAB
Financial Aid Office provided me with the information I needed about
financial aid options |
|
3.58 |
2.89 |
|
I
understand the procedures by which decisions are made regarding students in
academic difficulty. |
4.10 |
|
3.13 |
|
Students
in academic difficulty are (Alumni "were") treated fairly |
4.30 |
3.40 |
3.32 |
|
The
(current) Honor System is (Alumni "School's honor system was")
effective in controlling unprofessional conduct among students |
2.71 |
3.57 |
3.14 |
|
I am
familiar with the School's Leave of Absence policy |
3.72 |
|
3.36 |
|
The
school provides information about grants or scholarships for which students
can apply |
4.33 |
|
4.08 |
Students and faculty in particular expressed
a negative view of the effectiveness
of the Honor System. As explained in the
Standard
IV Report,
a review of the Honor Code is presently ongoing by the chair of the Honor
Council with assistance from the Office of Students Affairs.
Examples of Evidence:
·
Student governance documents
·
Organizational structure of student/school interactions
·
List of student committees
·
Student
involvement in program committees
The program has
an open-door policy that allows students free access to faculty and the
Director of the Professional Program. Access
is available through individual meetings during office hours, campus email or
telephone. Students are also offered
other opportunities to discuss issues related to faculty and staff during exit
interviews conducted with members of the graduating class. Quarterly teacher evaluations provide a mode
of communication to discuss issues related to faculty.
The UAB chapter
of the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) functions as the student
government of the school. Additionally,
students serve on five professional program committees: Academic Review Committee,
Admissions Committee, Curriculum Committee, Honor Council and the
Student-Faculty Liaison Committee. There is also a student representative on
two school-wide committees, the Computer and Data Resource Committee, and the
ad-hoc ACOE Self-Study Coordinating Committee.
Student input is valued on each of these committees. By far, the most beneficial student
participation in the governance of the school is through the Student-Faculty
Liaison Committee, which meets quarterly.
The Committee’s charge is “to provide a forum for the interchange of
ideas and concepts between students, leaders and the administration of the
School, to identify problem areas and suggest solutions to the Dean.” Five
student leaders participate along with seven faculty/administration
representatives.
Self Study 2008 School Survey Outcomes (relating to 6.7)
The mean score is based on the following scale:
Strongly Agree = 5, Agree = 4, Neutral = 3, Disagree = 2, Strongly Disagree =
1, Cannot Make a Judgment = omitted. All percentage values
were rounded to the nearest whole number.
|
Survey Questions |
Mean Score |
||
|
I am
(Alumni "was") given opportunities to participate in student
governance |
|
4.08 |
3.65 |
|
The
student government keeps students informed about issues that affect them |
|
|
3.65 |
|
The
ability to participate in mission trips is (Alumni "was") an
important part of my education |
|
3.81 |
4.07 |
|
Student
complaints are addressed by the school |
|
|
3.02 |
|
The
administration responds appropriately to student issues |
4.12 |
|
3.32 |
|
I am
aware that tutoring is available for students if needed |
4.35 |
|
4.39 |
|
I am
aware that remedial assistance is available for students if needed |
|
|
3.73 |
|
The
student government within the School is well organized |
3.96 |
|
3.56 |
|
The student
government represents the needs of the students to the administration. |
4.09 |
|
3.68 |
Students were
relatively positive about their ability to participate in student governance,
its organization, its effectiveness in relaying student concerns to the
administration and its effectiveness in keeping students informed. A neutral response was obtained for the
question about student complaints and the administration’s response to them. Mission trips were considered a very
important part of students’ education.
Students are aware of the availability of tutoring and remedial
assistance.
Examples of Evidence:
·
Publications which provide information on the above
Postgraduate Education
The UAB School
of Optometry is located within a major university, therefore postgraduate
educational opportunities are available in 47 masters and 38 doctoral degree
programs, spanning across the disciplines.
Most optometry students are interested in postgraduate degrees in vision
science or public health. The School
also offers joint degree opportunities for highly qualified/motivated students
wishing to receive an OD/MS, OD/MPH or OD/PhD.
Information about the available postgraduate programs is included on the
website, in informational packets provided to potential applicants, in
materials mailed in the Spring, to incoming students as part of the “Welcome
Packet”, in the student handbook, and is reviewed during orientation. In
addition new students receive a presentation on postgraduate programs during
orientation from a member of the Vision Science Graduate Program faculty or the
Program Coordinator.
Residencies and Fellowships
The UAB School
of Optometry has a long history of encouraging students to consider residency
education opportunities following graduation.
UABSO was the first school or college of optometry to offer ACOE
accredited residencies within the school.
These programs began in 1978 in Family Practice Optometry and Low Vision
Rehabilitation. The Director of Residency Programs, Dr. Lisa Schifanella, works
year-round to ensure that students have the information they need to make an
informed decision about residencies.
Residency information activities include:
· Orientation –
Dr. Schifanella gives a 15 minute presentation about the residency and
fellowship programs. The new students
are encouraged to begin thinking early in their optometric education about doing
a residency.
· Residency
Informational Dinner – In the Fall of each year, the Dean hosts a dinner for
all students in the School. The sole
purpose is to inform and promote residency education. The Dean, Director of the
Professional Program, Director of Clinical Programs and Director of Residency
Programs all discuss residency education, the benefits and how to go about
searching for and applying to the right program. Fellowship program
opportunities are briefly discussed. In
addition, the supervisor and/or a resident from each program give a brief
presentation and answer student questions about their respective programs.
· Eye
Witness News
– The monthly student newsletter is an important
means for the Residency Director to regularly communicate with students
regarding residency deadlines, news, and announcements.
· Residency Brochure – UABSO has created a brochure describing the
School’s residency programs. These brochures are used at national meetings to
promote the programs and in the Fall of each year, are sent to all
schools/colleges of optometry for distribution to all fourth year students,
including those at UABSO.
· Outside Residency Opportunities – Information received from other
schools/colleges of optometry regarding residency programs or fellowship
training opportunities are distributed to the fourth-year class. If the information is received as a brochure,
and there is a sufficient number for each class member, they are placed in the
student mailboxes. Otherwise,
information is distributed by email from the Director of the Residency Programs
or the program’s Administrative Associate.
·
Other Information Access – Residency information is
available on the School website and in the catalog.
·
Faculty Involvement – A large number of faculty
have completed residency programs and are in an excellent position to counsel
students about the benefits of residency education. Many faculty include informal residency
discussions with their students in class, labs, and clinic. Some like, Dr. Schifanella take the
opportunity to discuss residency programs at the end of some of her lectures to
the second and third year students. Each
of these “reminders” helps to keep residencies in the students’ consciousness.
All of these
endeavors have proved very successful.
Historically, UABSO has had 10 to 20% of the graduating class choosing
to pursue a residency a residency.
However, that number was increased dramatically with the Class of 2008 –
41% of the class are currently enrolled in residency programs.
Self Study 2008 School Survey Outcomes (relating to 6.8)
The mean score is based on the following scale:
Strongly Agree = 5, Agree = 4, Neutral = 3, Disagree = 2, Strongly Disagree =
1, Cannot Make a Judgment = omitted. % J
= percentage of respondents who “could make a judgment” (that is, had the
requisite knowledge or experience of the subject of the question to make an informed
judgment). All percentage values were rounded to the nearest
whole number.
.
1.
“Information about career opportunities is (Alumni "was") readily
available at the school.”
|
|
||||
|
|
n |
% |
n |
%J |
|
Strongly Agree |
9 |
4% |
4 |
6% |
|
Agree |
61 |
29% |
32 |
52% |
|
Neutral |
69 |
33% |
15 |
24% |
|
Disagree |
62 |
30% |
8 |
13% |
|
Strongly Disagree |
6 |
3% |
3 |
5% |
|
Cannot make judgment |
|
|
26 |
|
|
Total |
207 |
100% |
88 |
100% |
|
Mean Score |
2.98 |
3.42 |
||
|
|
Alumni
Responses by Graduation Date (7 year groupings) |
||||
|
Year |
1973-1979 |
1980-1986 |
1987-1993 |
1994-2000 |
2001-2007 |
|
Mean Score |
2.95 |
3.06 |
3.06 |
2.95 |
3.05 |
2. “Information about residency
programs is (Alumni "was") readily available at the school.”
|
|
||||
|
|
n |
% |
n |
% |
|
Strongly Agree |
38 |
18% |
20 |
23% |
|
Agree |
123 |
59% |
61 |
69% |
|
Neutral |
36 |
17% |
6 |
7% |
|
Disagree |
9 |
4% |
1 |
1% |
|
Strongly Disagree |
1 |
0% |
0 |
0% |
|
Total |
207 |
100% |
88 |
100% |
|
Mean Score |
3.85 |
4.14 |
||
|
|
Alumni
Responses by Graduation Date (7 year groupings) |
||||
|
Year |
1973-1979 |
1980-1986 |
1987-1993 |
1994-2000 |
2001-2007 |
|
Mean Score |
|||||