D D D □ D D SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Student Handbook 2020-2021 Property of:_____________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ Phone #: _______________________________________________ In case of emergency, please notify: Name: __________________ Phone #: ___________________ The information in this book was the best available at press time. Watch for additional information and changes. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, without getting prior written permission of the publisher. ©2020. SDI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 2880 U.S. Hwy. 231 S. • Lafayette, IN 47909 • 765.471.8883 http://www.schooldatebooks.com • [email protected] 1 The State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, color, creed, age, national origin, handicap, marital status or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era, in the recruitment and employment of faculty or staff, in the recruitment of students or in the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by Federal and State Laws or regulations. Applications are encouraged and welcomed from New York State residents, out-of-state students, and from members of underrepresented minority groups. New York State residents receive preference for admission. For more information, contact the Downstate’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 718-270-1738. The information in this Handbook is as accurate as possible at the time of printing. Front & Back cover Photos by Dr. Jeffrey S. Putman. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University reserves the right to alter existing rules and regulations, and academic programs, as deemed necessary by the institution. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University expressly reserves the right, whenever deemed advisable: (1) to change or modify its schedule of tuition and fees; (2) to withdraw, cancel, or reschedule, or modify any course, program of study, degree or any requirement or policy in connection with the foregoing; and (3) to change or modify any academic or other policy. Essential changes of information in this Student Handbook concerning new academic regulations, policies, or programs will be published in newsletters or other University publications. It is the responsibility of each student to ascertain current information that pertains to the individual’s program, particularly with regard to satisfaction of degree requirements by consultation with the student’s advisor, the student’s program, the office of the student’s dean, the Office of Student Affairs, the Registrar’s Office, and other offices as appropriate. In preparing this Student Handbook, every effort has been made to provide pertinent and accurate information; however, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University assumes no liability for errors or omissions. Special thanks and acknowledgment to the following institutions for permitting the replication and use of sections from their student handbooks and publications: SUNY Upstate Medical University, SUNY Albany, and SUNY Binghamton. 2 SUNY OWNSTATE Health Sciences University Wayne J. Riley, M.D., MBA, MPH, MACP President Dear SUNY Downstate Students: Welcome to SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University for the 2020-2021 academic year! Older than the Brooklyn Bridge itself, Downstate celebrates a long and prestigious history of being at the forefront of medical education for more than 150 years! Downstate is a center of academic excellence where you will acquire a solid foundation of the sciences, broad clinical knowledge, and a focused understanding of community and public health essential for success in the growing and changing medical, healthcare, scientific, nursing, and public health workforces. Our faculty believe strongly in developing each student’s potential and encouraging independence of thought based on knowledge, reason, and responsible judgment. The journey at Downstate will help define you as a professional. You will be thoroughly prepared for the dizzying pace of scientific discovery and new technologies, along with the challenge of becoming emerging leaders in your respective fields. Downstate is a special place with time honored values of professionalism, respect, innovation, diversity, and excellence. We improve lives by providing education for healthcare professionals, advancing research in biomedical science, health care and public health, and delivering high quality, patient-centered care. Healthcare is a calling, not just a career. Compassionate, generous, humanistic, and empathetic towards others and the community are among the many qualities of individuals who chose healthcare as a profession. While at Downstate, you will find numerous inspiring examples in your classmates, preceptors, researchers, faculty, and staff with whom you will work closely. This handbook provides valuable resources to aid in your success. Take some time to carefully review the information. We strive to provide the best possible resources for you, but if ever you should encounter difficulties, I encourage you to seek assistance from your Academic Dean or the Office of Student Affairs. Your success is our success! Once again, welcome to the 2020-2021 academic year at Downstate. I wish you the very best and hope that your experience is one of great reward! Kindest regards, Wayne J. Riley, M.D. The State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11203-2098 ★ Phone: 718.270.1000 3 SUNY OWNSTATE Health Sciences University Jeffrey S. Putman, Ed.D. Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dear SUNY Downstate Student: On behalf of the Division of Student Affairs, and our entire faculty, staff, and administration, welcome to SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University! Whether you are a new student or a returning student, we’re pleased to have you as part of the Downstate community. Your entry into a health care profession marks the beginning of an exciting journey. We offer many unique opportunities at SUNY Downstate, the most important being the ability to make an impact in the lives of those across the world who are in critical need of health care, along with those right here, in our own community. Your education provides valuable first-hand experience to those committed to promoting health in urban communities with underrepresented populations and little or no access to health care. All of us look forward to helping to facilitate your journey toward a successful and rewarding career in healthcare. Professional education is rewarding, fulfilling and challenging, all at once. In the Division of Student Affairs, our job is to make this journey as seamless for you as possible by helping you navigate a rigorous academic curriculum. We provide guidance, support and administrative assistance for many of your academic and non-academic needs. The Division is full of people ready to help you with professional development, academic initiatives, financial education, student life and much more. I encourage you to take full advantage of the many support services our division prides itself on, putting Students First! This Student Handbook provides information about many of the critical services designed to support your academic success during your tenure as a student at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. It also contains updated information, rules and regulations that pertain to this academic year. The Handbook is organized into a general information section and appendices which pertain to students in all colleges & schools, and then individual college/school sections specific to your academic program. The Division of Student Affairs has also joined social media, and I encourage you to interact with us on-line as well as in-person. You can friend us on Facebook (DownstateSLS) or follow us on twitter (@DownstateSLS). If you find a section you don’t understand or would like a statement clarified, please feel free to schedule an appointment with a staff member in the Office of Student Affairs (718 270-2187 / [email protected]) or contact your individual academic program. Once again, we welcome you to the 2020-2021 academic year at Downstate and wish you the very best and hope that your experience is deeply rewarding. Sincerely, Jeffrey S. Putman, EdD Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs The State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 85, Brooklyn, NY 11203-2098 • Phone 718 270-2187 Fax 718 270-7592 • [email protected] 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information ............................................................... 8 Auditing a Course ............................................................53 Who’s Who On Campus .........................................................8 Cell Phones/Electronic Devices ....................................... 53 Changes in Regulations and Course Offerings/ University Services ................................................................ 13 Program Specific Policies ......................................... 53 Division of Student Affairs ..............................................14 Classroom Etiquette ......................................................... 53 Office of Student Admissions ..........................................14 Clinical Assignments ....................................................... 53 Office of Financial