N&D 497 01: Supervised Practice in Human Nutrition

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ND 497 - Supervised Practice in Human Nutrition

2023 Summer Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 8039

Course Information

You are responsible for knowing this material, so please read carefully. Any changes will be announced in a Blackboard Announcement. You will be responsible for any changes. Your continued enrollment in this course is your implicit agreement to abide by the requirements of this class.

Times and Location

Course Meetings 

This course is asynchronous, with the exception of two REQUIRED meeting times during the semester. If you have a conflict with either of the required sessions, contact your instructor at the beginning of the semester. The result of not attending these sessions is a decrease in a letter grade for each session missed. 

  • Virtual required meeting time: May 30, 2023, 3-4p CST 

  • Virtual required meeting time: July 24, 2023, 3-4p CST 

Instructor Information

Desiree Tande

Madeline Comeau, MS

Email: madeline.comeau@und.edu

2023 Summer Office Hours:
As needed, by appointment, over Zoom.

About the Professor

Madeline received her master’s degree from the University of North Dakota in Nutrition Science, and her bachelor’s degree from UND in Community Nutrition (now Human Nutrition). She currently works at the USDA’s Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center in the Healthy Body Weight Unit. Madeline is also a part-time instructor at UND in Nutrition and Dietetics, the department she is a proud double alumnus of. J She was born and raised in Grand Forks where she continued her education and was a member of the UND women’s tennis team. Madeline’s research interests include nutrition in reproductive health and fertility, the role of nutrition in medicine, and micronutrient needs. She enjoys playing tennis, wake surfing, and fishing in the summer, and reading, baking bread, and weightlifting in the winter.  

The Instructor’s Role 

My role as your course instructor includes being a resource to you as you need it, providing feedback on your assignments, and facilitating your reflective learning throughout the semester. I am available via email or by Zoom meeting for any questions, concerns, insight, etc. when needed. I will respond to emails within 24 hours on weekdays, and within 48 hours on weekends and university-observed holidays. At the beginning of the semester, I require one meeting with each of my students to get to know you and learn about your supervised practice and what you hope to gain from the experience, as well as answer any questions you may have. I will work with you, the program director, and your preceptor to make this an enjoyable last part of your undergraduate education! 

Course Description

Development of professional skills and competencies in human nutrition through supervised practice with learning experiences requiring knowledge and theory be applied to simulated and real-life situations.

This course is to provide opportunities for each senior to participate in a “real world” community nutrition job. This course is designed to enhance your prior course work in nutrition. This supervised practice experience will assist you to begin to synthesize your knowledge of nutrition, the behavioral sciences, and community nutrition. Qualified Human Nutrition (HN) students are placed in community agencies for 180 hours during the summer. Hours are arranged by mutual agreement among student, faculty coordinator, and employer. Each learning experience is individualized according to prior academic and work experiences and the needs of the community agency. Students practice under the direct supervision of an agency work supervisor/preceptor and also report to the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics faculty coordinator. Student evaluation of the experience will be accomplished through evaluation by the supervised practice preceptor and the student, completion of several supervise practice-related assignments including the submission of a final portfolio and reflection paper.  

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to synthesize and apply nutrition knowledge to the clientele/populations served by the assigned agency or organization. To achieve the skill level required to meet this objective, the student will be given the opportunity to:  

  1. Identify and practice the skills necessary to function as a human nutritionist.  
  2. ​Utilize effective time management skills  
  3. ​Work independently and practice accountability to a supervisor and team within the agency.  
  4. Participate in the varied role of the nutritionist in the community.  
  5. Participate in the activities of a community agency that has a health/nutrition component.  
  6. Become aware of the political/legislative impact on agencies/institutions that provide nutrition care.  
  7. Communicate evidenced-based nutrition information effectively, both orally and in writing.
  8. Plan, perform and evaluate projects/activities that show consideration for the influence of socioeconomic, cultural, and psychological factors on food and nutrition behavior.  
  9. Assist clientele with healthy food and lifestyle choices  
  10. Demonstrate responsibility as an employee in the selected agency.  
  11. Employ principles of nutrition practice to provide care for healthy individuals, groups or communities.  

Course Materials

Course resources and assignments are posted in Blackboard. Students will utilize nutrition textbooks from various N&D courses, a planner, and create a collection of work examples into a portfolio. Students must have access to Blackboard and wear their personalized UND name tag for success in the course. No specific textbooks or materials are needed outside what is provided on this syllabus and the Blackboard course site. If student does not have access to textbooks from previous courses and needs them, please contact the instructor prior to the start of the semester. 

Technical Requirements/Assistance

Whether you’re taking courses in the classroom or online, it’s important to have the right technology and equipment.  Visit the UND Technical Requirements webpage for more information. Students are expected to use their official UND email in the course. For technical assistance, please contact UND Technical Support at 701.777.2222. Visit the University Information Technologies (UIT) website for their hours, help documents and other resources.

Minimum Technical Skills Needed

In order to succeed in this course, at a minimum, you should be able to:

  • Navigate in and use basic Blackboard functions
  • Download and open electronic documents
  • Create, save, and upload/attach electronic documents

Course Logistics

Access and Log in Information

This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing Blackboard. To get started with the course, please go to: http://blackboard.UND.edu and log in with your NDUS.Identifier, Username and Password. If you do not know your NDUS Identifier or have forgotten your password, please visit Your NDUS Account page on the UIT website.

Course Overview

Getting started with supervised practice

PRIOR to starting the semester: 

  • Contact the preceptor via email or a phone call to set up a time to meet. Be sure to provide your contact information. It is important to verbally state your phone number when calling into an office with land line phone systems. 
  • Order your UND name tag through Mary Anna in the department office if you have not already done so.  
  • ​Contact your course instructor to set up a check-in meeting to both meet your instructor, and discuss any questions or concerns you may have before you start.  

For a successful first meeting:  

  • Bring your class and work schedules and planner. 
  • Learn as much as you can about the agency/organization before starting by researching on the internet, reading brochures etc.  
  • Work with the preceptor to set up a work schedule and number of hours per week.  
  • Work with the preceptor to acquire a list of learning activities pertinent to the site you have been assigned.   
  • Keep a positive attitude toward all opportunities and projects suggested by the preceptor. Be open to trying new things and working in a variety of areas. Preceptors will suggest experiences they feel are beneficial for your professional development, trust their judgment.  
  • ​Be realistic in selecting projects and setting goals. A recommended guide is to set 3 major goals and work toward completing them, other projects can be completed as time allows.  

Resources

Many services are available to UND students such as writing assistance from the UND Writing Center, free online tutoring from Smarthinking, and more. Visit the Student Resources page for more information. Students also have access to the UND Student Resource Site via Blackboard. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within the site to better equip you in navigating the course.

Course Requirements/Expectations

A minimum of 180 hours of supervised practice must be completed to meet requirements for completion of the Human Nutrition major. Hours are arranged by mutual agreement among the student, the preceptor and the UND faculty coordinator/instructor. Students are encouraged to contact the preceptor PRIOR to the start of the semester to make an appointment and work out days, hours, and goals for the supervised practice. The student will keep a log of all hours and ensure completion of the hours. The preceptor will sign-off or verify hours. Additional hours are acceptable.  

Students must attend all required meetings with the UND faculty coordinator/instructor.  

  • Assignments must be completed by the due date and time and show quality nutrition knowledge, critical thinking ability, and application to the work environment or practice. 
  • The student must meet the expected responsibilities of an “employee” in the assigned agency/organization.   
  • All mandatory assignments/projects of the agency/organization must be completed within a designated timeline and meet the expectations to the satisfaction of the preceptor.  
  • Completion of the Human Nutrition Major Exit Survey.  
  • Communication of any personal emergencies to the preceptor and course instructor.  

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENT  

  • Email will be the primary means of communication; please check your UND account regularly.  
  • The student must be enrolled in N&D 497 before starting supervised practice orientation and experience in the agency or organization.  
  • The student is required to attend any orientation or training sessions required by the agency.  
  • It is the student’s responsibility to clarify their job description and roles with their work supervisor before and during their supervised practice experience.  
  • This experience is planned for you and with you and the agency. In order to ensure an amiable working relationship, the following set of ‘rules’ may help in answering some of the questions which may arise.  
  1. In all facilities, you – the student, are expected to abide by the same policies and procedures that are established for the staff of the agency. This includes the dress code, hours, breaks, and professional responsibilities. During your assigned time in the facility, you will follow the holiday arrangement of the facility, NOT the UND schedule.  
  2. Confidentiality. The following paragraph from the UND student handbook applies – “Protecting the privacy of each patient, client/customer or employee is of extreme importance to each facility. Sharing information must be limited to those persons who have a professional need to know.” Evidence of non-professional/non-ethical conduct will result in instant dismissal from the supervised practice experience.  
  3. In the event of injury or illness, you will be seen in the nearest medical emergency department and will be responsible for the expenses involved. If you are in Grand Forks or on campus, go to Student Health Services. Communicate with your preceptor and instructor as soon as possible regarding your situation.  
  4. Wear your UND name tag at all times, unless the facility has other requirements.  
  5. Your UND instructor will be in contact with you and the facility preceptor. If you have concerns or need to talk, contact the instructor via business phone or email, both listed at the beginning of the syllabus.  
  6. The bottom line is - you are the on-site representative of the UND Department of Nutrition and Dietetics program, and you are expected to conduct yourself in a manner which will reflect well on the department and the university.  

Communication

Announcements will be posted in Blackboard on a regular basis. Be sure to check the class announcements regularly as they will contain important information about class assignments and other class matters.  

Course Etiquette  

When participating in class (online or in person) it is important to interact with your peers in an appropriate manner. Always use professional language (no netspeak) in your postings and emails. Please be respectful of your classmates at all times even if you disagree with their ideas.  

Assessment & Grading  

This course is made up of a series of assignments and assessments to assist you in achieving the course learning objectives/outcomes. Students must complete all supervised practice assignments, course assignments, course requirements (e.g. forms), evaluations, and the Exit Survey to pass the course. The UND faculty coordinator/instructor determines the final grade based on course criteria specified below. A performance evaluation will be completed by the student and the preceptor at mid-term and the end of the supervised practice. All evaluations are to be returned to the UND faculty coordinator/instructor. The following  

Assessments  

Orientation with UND faculty coordinator/instructor at the beginning of the semester, and if any questions remain after meeting with the preceptor and receiving orientation course materials (placement letter, Contract for Work, Competencies Planning Form).  

Contract for Work  

The ‘Contract of Work’ must be signed within the first two weeks of your experience; required signatures include yours, the preceptor’s and the UND instructor. The Contract is returned to the UND instructor and filed in your program file in the department. The contract is done through DocuSign and the student is to upload a copy to Blackboard to receive credit.  

HIPAA Training (as applicable) and Agency-Specific Training and Documentation 

HIPAA training must be completed prior to or during the first week of supervised practice and documented by submitting a copy of the certificate of completion to the course instructor. Training is available online and will be arranged as needed by the department secretary. HIPAA training deals with issues of client/patient confidentiality.  

If additional documentation or training is required with the agency you are participating at, these documents are to be uploaded on Blackboard.  

Career Assignments 

While this course is asynchronous, there are two mandatory sessions students will attend and complete assignments for. These sessions are being held by UND Career Services and will help you develop professional skills as you either continue your education or begin the job search. 😊

Reflection paper  

A reflection paper summarizing your experience achieving each competency will be submitted at the end of the semester. You are encouraged to draft portions of the final paper throughout the semester, when completing competency-applicable activities to capture your experience at the time. This paper should reflect more than a list of activities aligned with each competency and rather include both activities and details about your experience as a Student Nutritionist. Below are some questions to facilitate your reflection paper:  

What challenges did you encounter? How did you overcome them? What skills, knowledge and resources did you use? What successes did you achieve during supervised practice? How did it feel to work as a Student Nutritionist during this experience? Did this change over time in the role(s) you had and the various activities you completed? What activities facilitated your success toward each competency and why? Don’t feel a need to conform to these questions; they only serve as a guide to facilitate the reflective writing process. Make it your own! 

Time Log  

Accountability for time spent at the assigned agency/organization will be tracked by completion of a time log. A copy of the time log form is provided in the Course Packet and available via Blackboard. The time log must be signed or approved by the preceptor at regular intervals. A total of 180 productive hours is required.  

Performance Appraisals  

Both the student and the preceptor complete separate performance evaluations of the student’s work at the mid-point and end of the semester, then meet to review and discuss the findings. Final, completed self- and preceptor-appraisals are to be turned in to the UND instructor. The original will be filed in the department; make a photocopy if desired for your personal use.  

Portfolio  

The semester will culminate with submission of a summary portfolio. It is important to keep samples of your experiences and work throughout supervised practice to include in the portfolio. Photos, brochures, educational handouts, lesson plans, newsletters etc. are all appropriate to include.  

Exit Survey  

Completion of the Exit Survey at the end of the semester is required prior to receiving a final grade for the course. More information and the survey are posted on Blackboard.  

Grading Breakdown

Breakdown of Weighted Totals

Journals – 10% - due 5/17, 6/28, 7/26 
Contract of Work, Competencies planning Form; HIPAA & other required agency training – 10% -- 5/19 
Career assignments – 10%   
Portfolio Submission – 20% -- 8/2 
Appraisal Evaluations – 10% -- 8/2 
Final Reflection Paper – 10% -- 8/2 
Self-Eval – 10% -- 8/2 
Hour Log – 10% -- 8/2 
Exit Survey – 10% -- 8/2 

Grading Scale

A 92% to 100% 
B 84% to 91% 
C 76% to 83% 

NOTE: Human Nutrition majors must have a final grade of “C” of better to pass the course and meet department standards. 

Course Evaluation  

Near the end of the semester, you will be asked to complete an online course evaluation form (SELFI). Your feedback on the course is extremely valuable to me. I read my students’ comments carefully and use them to improve the course the next time I teach it.  

  • When the time comes, please let me know which aspects of the course helped you learn—and which aspects might be modified to help future students learn more effectively.  
  • Please note that the course evaluations are anonymous and that I won’t see the results until after the grades for the course are submitted, allowing you to provide honest and constructive feedback.  
  • ​And if you have feedback to offer before the end of the semester, please let me know.  

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Week of Reading(s): Agenda/Topic: Due:
5/15 Journal #1
Contract for Work
Agency-specific documents		 5/17
5/19
5/19
5/29 Career Services: 3-4p (Zoom): About Career Services at UND (Mandatory Attendance); CVs & Resumes *assignment due 6/21
6/19 CV/Resume Assignment 6/21
6/26 Journal #2 6/28
7/24 Career Services: 3-4p (Zoom): Interviewing Tips for Nutrition & Dietetics Careers (Mandatory Attendance)
7/31 Portfolio
Final appraisal(s)
Reflection Paper
Self-evaluation
Exit Survey		 8/2
8/2
8/2
8/2
8/2

Course Policies

Assignment Policy  

Due dates for each assignment or activity will be posted in Blackboard. Please contact the instructor ASAP if there is a conflict regarding an assignment due date, submission, or concern. 

Late Work  

All assignments must be submitted by the due dates posted in the course. The acceptance of late assignments is at the discretion of the instructor, provided that you contact the instructor before the due date and ask for an extension. I will accept late assignments not otherwise arranged 24 hours past the deadline. Assignments submitted later will not be graded and a zero will be applied to the total score. All requirements for this course must be completed during the course dates.  

Instructor Responsibilities and Feedback  

  • The instructor will provide feedback on all assignments and group activities  
  • The instructor will be available upon request to schedule an office hours meeting.  
  • The instructor will respond to student emails within 24 hours of receiving them on weekdays, and within 48 hours of receiving them on weekends.  

Class Participation  

Students are required to login regularly to the online class site. Students are also required to be self-directed in the development of their projects under the supervision of their preceptor; this includes scheduling additional meetings with preceptors/the instructor as needed.  

Incompletes  

It is expected that students will complete all requirements for a course during the time frame of the course. For reasons beyond a student’s control, and upon request by the student or on behalf of the student, an incomplete grade may be assigned by the instructor when there is reasonable certainty the student will successfully complete the course without retaking it. The mark “I,” Incomplete, will be assigned only to the student who has been in attendance and has done satisfactory work up to a time within four weeks of the close of the semester, including the examination period, and whose work is incomplete for reasons satisfactory to his or her instructor.  

College/Department Policies

Social Media 

In attempts to showcase all the amazing work of our department, please follow @UNDnutritiondietetics on Instagram! Since this course highlights our department’s students out in the community, you have an opportunity to share photos from your experience on our Instagram page. If you consent to your photos being on Instagram, please use the link in Blackboard to sign the DocuSign form. Throughout the semester in your supervised practice, make an effort to document your experience and send them directly to Mary Anna. Let’s continue to highlight our amazing department!  

University of North Dakota Policies & Resources

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a serious matter, and any deviations from appropriate behavior will be dealt with strongly. At the discretion of the professor, situations of concern may be dealt with as a scholastic matter or a disciplinary matter.

As a scholastic matter, the professor has the discretion to determine appropriate penalties for the student’s workload or grade, but the situation may be resolved without involving many individuals. An alternative is to treat the situation as a disciplinary matter, which can result in suspension from the University, or have lesser penalties. Be aware that I view this as a very serious matter and will have little tolerance and/or sympathy for questionable practices. A student who attempts to obtain credit for work that is not their own (whether that be on a paper, quiz, homework assignment, exam, etc.) will likely receive a failing grade for that item of work, and at the professor’s discretion, may also receive a failing grade in the course. For more information read the Code of Student Life.

Access and Opportunity, Disability Support, & Medical Services

The University of North Dakota is committed to providing equal access to students with documented disabilities. To ensure access to this class and your program, please contact Disability Services for Students (DSS) to engage in a confidential discussion about accommodations for the classroom and clinical settings. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. Students are encouraged to register with DSS at the start of their program. More information can be obtained by email UND.dss@UND.edu or by phone at 701.777.2664.

COVID-19

UND is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment while providing quality learning experiences for our students. COVID-19’s continued presence within our UND community may necessitate changes in classroom management as the academic year progresses. As such, UND asks students and instructors to be flexible when necessary to promote a safe environment for learning. Please do not attend an in-person class or lab if you are feeling ill, particularly if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been directed by health professionals to quarantine or isolate. If you are not able to attend class or lab, please notify your instructor as soon as possible and discuss options for making up any missed work in order to ensure your ability to succeed in the course. If you will have an extended absence due to serious illness or other uncontrollable circumstances, you may request an absence notification through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Similarly, if your instructor is ill they may need to cancel class or temporarily move your course to online delivery to ensure that you are able to complete the course successfully.  Instructors may require students to wear masks in the classroom or in the laboratory as a preventative measure designed to facilitate uninterrupted classroom engagement and to facilitate health and safety in the classroom.   If your instructor does require masks in class or in a laboratory, you are expected to comply with that request.

UND also strongly encourages all members of the University community, including students, to get vaccinated, seek out testing when needed, and model positive behavior both on- and off-campus to foster a healthy and safe learning environment for all students. Individuals who would like to discuss disability accommodations regarding masks should contact the Disability Services for Students (DSS) office at 701.777.2664 or UND.dss@UND.edu. Individuals who are unable to wear a mask due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact the UND Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office at 701.777.4171 or UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu.

Religious Accommodations

UND offers religious accommodations, which are reasonable changes in the academic environment that enable a student to practice or observe a sincerely held religious belief without undue hardship on the University. Examples include time for prayer or the ability to attend religious events or observe a religious holiday. To request an accommodation, complete the student religious accommodation request form. If you have any questions, you may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office.

Pregnancy Accommodations

Students who need assistance with academic adjustments related to pregnancy or childbirth may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or Academic Affairs to learn about your options. Additional information and services may be found at Pregnancy Resources.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the University of North Dakota that no person shall be discriminated against because of race, religion, age, color, gender, disability, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran’s status, or political belief or affiliation and the equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all. Concerns regarding Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA, and Section 504 may be addressed to Donna Smith, Assistant Vice President for Equal Opportunity & Title IX and Title IX/ADA Coordinator, 102 Twamley Hall, 701.777.4171, UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 or any other federal agency.

Reporting of Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

If you or a friend has experienced sexual misconduct, such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, please contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or UND’s Title IX Coordinator, Donna Smith, for assistance: 701.777.4171; donna.smith@UND.edu; or visit the Title IX webpage. You may also contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX office if you or a friend has experienced discrimination or harassment based on a protected class, such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, pregnancy, marital or parental status, veteran's status, or political belief or affiliation.

Faculty Reporting Obligations Regarding Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

It is important for students to understand that faculty are required to share with UND’s Title IX Coordinator any incidents of sexual misconduct or of discrimination or harassment based on a protected class that they become aware of, even if those incidents occurred in the past or are disclosed as part of a class assignment. This does not mean an investigation will occur if the student does not want that, but it does allow UND to provide resources to help the student continue to be successful at UND. If you have been impacted by discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, you can find information about confidential support services on the Equal Opportunity & Title IX webpage..

UND Cares Program

How to Seek Help When in Distress

We know that while college is a wonderful time for most students, however, some students may struggle or have issues that arise. You may experience students in distress on campus, in your classroom, in your home, and within residence halls. Distressed students may initially seek assistance from faculty, staff members, their parents, and other students. In addition to the support we can provide to each other, there are also professional support services available to students through the Dean of Students and University Counseling Center. Both staffs are available to consult with you about getting help or providing a friend with the help that he or she may need. For more additional information, please visit the UND Cares Program Webpage.

How to Recognize When a Student is in Distress

The term “distressed” can mean any of the following:

  • Student has significant changes in eating, sleeping, grooming, spending, or other daily activities.
  • Student has cut off or minimized contact with family or friends.
  • Student has significant changes in performance or involvement in academics, sports, extracurricular, or social activities.
  • Student describes problems (missing class, not remembering, destructive behavior) that result from experiences with drinking or drugs.
  • Student is acting withdrawn, volatile, tearful, etc.
  • Student is acting out of character or different than usual.
  • Student is talking explicitly about hopelessness or suicide.
  • Student has difficulty concentrating or difficulty carrying on a normal conversation.
  • Student has excessive dependence on others for company or support.
  • Student reports feeling out of control of one’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Today, the University of North Dakota rests on the ancestral lands of the Pembina and Red Lake Bands of Ojibwe and the Dakota Oyate - presently existing as composite parts of the Red Lake, Turtle Mountain, White Earth Bands, and the Dakota Tribes of Minnesota and North Dakota. We acknowledge the people who resided here for generations and recognize that the spirit of the Ojibwe and Oyate people permeate this land. As a university community, we will continue to build upon our relations with the First Nations of the State of North Dakota - the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Nation, Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.

Additional Resources

It is my goal to foster an environment of mutual respect in which everyone feels comfortable voicing their opinions, sharing their stories, and learning about potentially heavy or personally relevant material. If, at any point, you feel like the information covered in this class elicits thoughts, feelings, or concerns that you would like to discuss further, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, or the UND Counseling Center (701-777-2127).

Further, if you experience extenuating circumstances, sexual violence, identity-based harm, or any other personal crisis during the semester, don’t hesitate to reach out to me so we can provide academic assistance and help you in this course, and put you in contact with the appropriate resources and services (if needed).