ASDH Programme Student Handbook
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Faculty of Health Sciences Medical College STUDENT HANDBOOK – 2021 Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene Distributed by University’s Office of the Registrar March 2021 The University reserves the right to review, change and implement policies andPage 1 procedures of 93 of this Handbook during the year. ` – ASDH Programme Welcome to the Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene Programme (ASDH Programme) at the Aga Khan University (AKU), Karachi. The ASDH Programme has been developed by dedicated men and women from around the globe. The Programme founder and local faculty guided the development with passion, perseverance, and a strong steady hand to make it unique to the needs of the Pakistani people. Interdisciplinary collaboration with the School of Nursing and Medicine makes our dental hygiene students aware of the intertwined art and science of overall human health. Many international volunteers have extended endless hours crafting the courses and arranging learning experiences that will surely expand the student experience to the goal of being an independent health care provider. The AKU is and continues to be a most honored University, one that students in Pakistan set their sights upon for further education. Being accepted into the Programme brings both pride and responsibility. Your responsibilities include taking good care of your own health to allow you to carry through with the demanding coursework and laboratory procedures. Other responsibilities demand that you adhere to strict codes of conduct and ethical standards. You are being groomed to be leaders and advocates for the advancement of social changes and health policies for the people of Pakistan. In addition to all of that, you are being held to strict guidelines outlining integrity, dedication, compassion, and honesty to name a few. Your graduation from the AKU ASDH Programme will allow you to grow as an individual and allow you to be seen as a deliverer of hope - with better oral health outcomes for those you touch in your work environment. You are being given a once in a lifetime opportunity to achieve greatness for yourself, and in doing so bringing health and hope into the lives of those you serve. I wish you all in the best in this journey. Every day will have challenges and the ways and means by which you overcome them will grow your self-esteem and self-worth. You will change and grow into a health care professional who will be proud to say you are a Dental Hygienist and graduate of the Aga Khan University, Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene. Welcome and good luck, Salima Sherali Alibhai, MPH Director, Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene Programme, Aga Khan University, Karachi. ` TABLE OF CONTENT SECTION – I - FIRST WEEK AT AKU & ORIENTATION 1. Office of the Registrar ................................................................................... 3 2. Orientation ..................................................................................................... 3 3. Registration .................................................................................................... 3 4. Important Contacts ...................................................................................... 4 5. Taking Residence .......................................................................................... 5 SECTION – II - POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND LIFE AT AKU 1. Defining a Student at AKU ............................................................................ 6 2. Facilities on Campus ..................................................................................... 7 • The Faculty of Health Science Library .................................................... 7 • The Audio Visual – Learning Resource Centre ...................................... 7 • Internet Access ........................................................................................ 7 • The Sports & Rehabilitation Centre ........................................................ 7 3. Student Services ............................................................................................ 9 • Bonafide and Reference letters: ............................................................ 9 • Attestation Service Requests ................................................................ 10 • Verification Services .............................................................................. 10 • AKUROSS ................................................................................................. 11 4. Student Finance .......................................................................................... 12 • University Finance Department ............................................................ 12 • Tuition, Hostel and Other Dues: ............................................................ 12 • Financial Assistance Programme ......................................................... 13 • Scholarships: ........................................................................................... 15 5. Student Mentorship Programme ............................................................... 15 6. Student Health Service Plan ....................................................................... 15 7. The Counselling & Wellness Office............................................................. 16 8. Student Activities ......................................................................................... 17 9. Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures ........................ 18 10. Student Academic Integrity Policy ............................................................ 18 11. Confidentiality of Student Records ........................................................... 18 ` SECTION – III - ACADEMICS 1. Philosophy of Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene Programme ..... 19 2. Description of the Dental Hygiene Programme ....................................... 19 • Scheduled Sessions ................................................................................ 20 • Registration and Fees ............................................................................ 20 • Semester Leaves of Absence ............................................................... 20 • Attendance Policy ................................................................................. 20 3. Absence/ Sickness ...................................................................................... 21 4. Leave of Absence: ...................................................................................... 21 5. Examination Policy ...................................................................................... 24 6. Examination Results & Transcripts .............................................................. 29 SECTION – IV - GRADUATION & CONVOCATION 1. Convocation ................................................................................................ 31 APPENDIX: UNIVERSITY POLICIES 1. Appendix A: Student Code of Conduct & Disciplinary Procedures ...... 33 2. Appendix B: Student Academic Integrity Policy ...................................... 41 3. Appendix C: Confidentiality of Student Records ..................................... 50 4. Appendix D: Dress Code ............................................................................ 52 5. Appendix E: Student Anti-Harassment Policy ........................................... 55 6. Appendix F: Students with Outstanding Accounts with the University .. 62 7. Appendix G: Names on Degree, Diploma and Certificates Policy ....... 63 8. Appendix H: Student Health Service Plan ................................................. 64 9. Appendix I: Board of Student Academic Appeals .................................. 71 10. Appendix J: The Electronic / Online Access Guidelines for Students .... 78 ASDH Programme Vision and Goals Programme Vision: In keeping with the AKU vision, the graduates of ASDH will shape the future of this new profession of dental hygiene in Pakistan by demonstrating leadership in private and public policies. The academic programme of the ASDH will strive to meet the vast unmet oral health needs of the population it serves by teaching and mentoring students to become primary oral health care providers in the promotion of healthy lifestyle choices. To fulfil this vision, the programme will provide education by promoting scholarly activity in dental hygiene theory and practice. The ASDH programme will provide high quality education and services in a cost-efficient manner to the population it can reach by its programme. Promotion of continual educational growth and development of each individual through lifelong learning is a stronghold of the ASDH programme. In an effort to meet the large population needs, the ASDH graduates will contribute to solving societal problems in the following key areas; • Clinical proficiency in dental hygiene therapeutic services • Provision of oral health promotion and public education activities related to preventive services • Exhibit leadership and management skills to create and shape dental hygiene public and private policies in the region Programme Mission: Consistent with the AKU mission, the ASDH mission is to provide quality education to dental hygiene students through dental hygiene theory and practice, comprehensive oral health care services to the community and to promote individual student growth and development through life-long learning. Graduates of the ASDH programme will become future leaders and advocates in education, service and research through dissemination