ATEP Student Retention and Graduation Requirements

Academic
In order to be admitted to the ATEP Professional Preparation Phase, students must have a 2.5 overall grade point average (GPA) (see section on admission standards). Prior to entering ATEP 375, and to continue in the ATEP Professional Preparation Phase, students must have a 2.75 overall GPA. If the student falls below the required GPA, he/she will be placed on probation for a maximum of two semesters. At the end of the first probationary term the student's progress will be reviewed by the ATEP Admission and Retention Committee and Department Chair and a recommendation for reinstatement or a second probationary term will be made. If the student is meeting academic program requirements at that time (including GPA requirements per semester in the program), then he/she will be reinstated to the ATEP Professional Preparation Phase. If the student has not met academic program requirements at that time, then the student will be disciplined according to the academic disciplinary policies as noted in this handbook (see “Disciplinary Policies”).

Students who do not pass prerequisites may not take any further courses in the ATEP Professional Preparation Phase until the prerequisites are passed. Even though these students must retake the prerequisites, they are still in the ATEP Professional Preparation Phase; therefore, the academic probationary policies apply (see “Disciplinary Policies”). Students dismissed from the program are excluded from taking any further academic courses in the ATEP Professional Preparation Phase and cannot continue with clinical education experiences. Students who are dismissed may reapply to the ATEP Professional Preparation Phase in the subsequent fall semester.

Clinical Education Experiences
Students will be assessed on their completion of their clinical education experience requirements each semester within their Clinical Experience in Athletic Training and Seminar in Athletic Training courses. The requirements for successful progression are outlined in the section describing the clinical education experiences. Students not meeting the minimum standards for successful progression in the program will be penalized as per the policies noted in this handbook (see “Disciplinary Policies”).

Graduation
Graduation is contingent upon the following:
· the student has successfully completed the university requirements
· the student has successfully completed all major coursework requirements
· the student has successfully completed all ATEP academic and clinical education experience requirements
· the student has earned a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 when he/she has completed all academic coursework
the student has successfully completed a minimum of 1000 hours of approved athletic training clinical education experience

Leave of Absence/Withdrawal
Students requesting a Leave of Absence or Withdrawal from the ATEP must make their request in writing to the Program Director. The student should meet with the Program Director and Head Athletic Trainer to explore the student’s options and discuss plans for the student’s return to the ATEP.

Student Work Study Program
The Work Study Program, which is managed by the Financial Aid Office, is offered to eligible students in financial need. Work study is offered in various areas for the students, including athletic training through the Department of Athletics. For Work Study through the Department of Athletics, the ATEP faculty and staff nominate students in financial need for the Work Study Program, with priority based on students’ credit hour status at William Paterson University (i.e. seniors in financial need are nominated first, then juniors in financial need, and so on). The nominated students’ names are submitted to the Director of Athletics who then gives the nominees’ names to the Financial Aid Office. The nominated students then meet with Financial Aid Officers at William Paterson University and apply to the Work Study Program. After the paperwork is complete and turned in to the Financial Aid Office, the student is informed if they will receive work study financial aid. For additional information on Work Study through the Department of Athletics, please see Tobias Barboza, M.Ed., ATC, Head Athletic Trainer. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information on Work Study in other areas.

Student Grievance Procedure
In regard to student grievances, the ATEP abides by the “Procedures for Investigating Complaints About Grades or Student Academic Performance”, which is located in the WPUNJ Undergraduate Catalog. Therefore, if a student has a grievance, he/she must abide by these procedures.

Curriculum changes
Please be advised that changes in the curriculum, clinical education, and/or field experience requirements may be made at any time during the students' course of study. Such changes would be designed to enhance the learning experiences for all students, and students would be required to abide by such changes at the time they are implemented. The students will be informed of any curriculum changes in a timely manner.

Fall 2007