Student-identified Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) Guide

Finding SEL sites, prospective and matriculated students:

While King’s College Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) students are admitted from all over the US, many of our applicants may be from the tri-state area (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; New Jersey; New York), and it may be anticipated that there will be significant overlap in students trying to find SEL sites in regard to geographical location. Thus, there is a possibility that students may experience challenges locating appropriate preceptors in pursuit of admission and/or continuation in the MSND program, however, the MSND Program Clinical Coordinator is available for guidance throughout this process, and can aid students in identifying appropriate sites and preceptors.

The MSND program has structures in place to assist both prospective and matriculated students in securing SEL sites, including a database (EXXAT) that students can use to help locate sites in their area; this database includes pertinent sites (i.e. hospitals, clinics, outpatient practice centers) with previous affiliation agreements from other King’s College SEL-required programs such as the Masters of Science in Athletic Training and Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies programs, as well as sites with previous regional affiliation agreements with the on campus Nursing Program. This database will be maintained to include additional sites that MSND students have utilized successfully as that information becomes available. The database will be kept up to date by the MSND Clinical Coordinator, under the guidance of the MSND Program Director. The MSND program is also currently working with, and will pursue ongoing contact in support of, SEL opportunities at national and regional sites such as the VA system, WIC and Highmark Health, and will provide regional contact information to prospective and matriculated students who experience challenges locating adequate sites at which to complete their SEL hours.

Matriculated students are required to join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics upon enrollment in their first course, which will allow them to access the list of ACEND preceptors via the ‘Find A Preceptor’ tool on the Academy website. The students will be monitored closely and continuously throughout the program to ensure that the academic experience is only slightly impacted if attaining sites proves challenging.

The MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will be actively involved with prospective students that have met the pre-requisite requirements for admission and are at the stage of the application process where they are required to acquire sites and preceptors, as well as affiliation agreements, for program admission.

While the student is responsible for finding and securing their own SEL sites, the program will provide suggestions to support all students as they work to locate acceptable sites to achieve their SEL requirements. The program does not require students to move temporarily to accept a site. The program does not require travel at any point to Wilkes-Barre, PA for SEL sites. The program has created databases of potential regional contacts for each state to support students as they work to locate and secure SEL sites.

While the student is responsible for finding and securing their own SEL sites, the MSND Program Clinical Coordinator is available for guidance throughout this process, and can aid students in identifying appropriate sites and preceptors. In all cases the student will be supported to the extent possible by the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director to identify potential SEL sites and negotiate successful affiliation agreements with these sites, however it remains the student’s responsibility to locate appropriate sites. In the event that the student is not able to find suitable sites, the following procedures will be adhered to.

If a student has challenges as addressed above, possible alternatives to support the student in completing the required SEL include:

• approval of alternate learning experiences that allow for assessment of attainment of the specified competencies (this option would adhere to current ACEND guidance regarding alternate SEL experiences, and would not exceed the amount allowed by ACEND)
• approval of off-schedule SEL hours to offset a disruption, for instance completing 20 hours in one week or completing hours during the evening or on weekends
• completing hours at telehealth sites, or other actual SEL sites that offer remote options to attain required competencies

Students may need to consider dividing clinical hours between a few different facilities or offer to complete SEL hours on the weekends or evenings to complete SEL requirements. The Clinical Coordinator of the MSND will help as much as possible, but the student is responsible for finding all SEL sites and preceptors in a geographic location suitable to the student if SEL hours are disrupted.

Matriculated students that experience an unexpected disruption to their SEL schedule:

Should a student encounter a situation where a preceptor or site is unable to continue to accommodate the student, the student must immediately contact the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and, if applicable, the Faculty of their current course. The MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and student will discuss and determine the appropriate course of action for the student which could include but is not limited to:

• the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will help the student review other potential sites in their geographical area that they might be able to contact for possible SEL hours
• the student and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director can discuss with available preceptor(s) approval of off-schedule SEL hours to offset a disruption, for instance completing 20 hours in one week or completing hours during the evening or on weekends
• if additional sites and/or off-schedule SEL hours are not available, the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will develop a plan to help the student meet the remaining SEL requirements and competencies assessed at the site
• the student will sign an agreement to complete the alternate and actual SEL plans and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will note the plan in the student record
• the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will notify Student Support and Faculty of the revised plan of study for attainment of SEL the Faculty (always an RD/with preceptor experience, in the event of such instances) will utilize the appropriate competency assessment forms to determine if the student has successfully demonstrated the required competencies.

Matriculated students that experience the inability to secure additional sites: In all cases the student will be supported to the extent possible by the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director to identify potential SEL sites and negotiate successful affiliation agreements with these sites, however it remains the student’s responsibility to locate appropriate sites. In the event that the student is not able to find suitable sites, the following procedures will be adhered to.

Should a student have a challenge arranging the remaining sites as required, the student must immediately contact the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and, if applicable, the Faculty of their current course. The student and MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will determine if previous/current sites can meet the needs and remaining Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours and competencies. If this is not possible, the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and student will discuss and determine the appropriate course of action for the student which could include but is not limited to:

• the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will help the student review other potential sites in their geographical area that they might be able to contact for possible SEL hours
• the student and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director can discuss with potential preceptor(s) in the area if off-schedule SEL hours would be an option, for instance completing 20 hours in one week or completing hours during the evening or on weekends
• if additional sites are not available, the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will develop a plan to help the student meet the remaining SEL requirements and competencies assessed at the site
• the student will sign an agreement to complete the alternate and actual SEL plans and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will note the plan in the student record
• the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will notify Student Support and Faculty of the revised plan of study for attainment of SEL
• the Faculty (always an RD with preceptor experience, in the event of such instances) will utilize the appropriate competency assessment forms to determine if the student has successfully demonstrated the required competencies
• if the Supervised Experiential Learning competencies are not met and the student cannot achieve a low-pass grade in the associated course, the student will be able to retake the SEL portion of the course

Students may need to consider dividing clinical hours between a few different facilities or offer to complete SEL hours on the weekends or evenings to complete SEL requirements. The Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will help as much as possible, but the student is responsible for finding all SEL sites and preceptors in a geographic location suitable to the student if SEL hours are disrupted.

Selection of Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) Sites

Supervised Experiential Learning sites are mandatory to provide experiences for demonstration of attainment of competencies required to be a qualified entry level registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Placement of students in SEL is for educational purposes. Graduate students will not to be used to replace facility employees and will require preceptor supervision throughout the experience.  Facilities where Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours are completed are selected using specific criteria established by the MSND Program Director and Clinical Coordinator.  SEL Sites/Facilities and Preceptors are evaluated upon the completion of each SEL rotation by the Student and Clinical Coordinator.   See also Appendix : Supervised Experiential Learning Guidance Documents.            

Each SEL Preceptor must meet the following criteria:

• A desire to be a preceptor to a student and be committed to overseeing the required Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL).
• Maintenance of current credentials for the profession (i.e., RDN, MD, PharmD, DO, LCSW, etc.)
• Provision of experiences that meet the required competencies for the SEL.
• Adequate staffing to provide a positive learning experience for the

student, including proper supervision and instruction by the preceptor(s).

• Adequate time, supervision and instruction for projects to be completed.
• Completion of a fully-executed affiliation agreement with the facility.
• Completion of Preceptor Information and Commitment Form.
• Completion of Preceptor and Competency-Based Education (CBE) Training.
• Ability to document appropriate continuing education for the previous (2) years (submission of a Personal Development Portfolio is desirable). 
• Willingness to review Program Policies and Procedures with Program’s Clinical Coordinator on phone or video conference to clarify expectations.

Minimum Site/Facility Requirements:

• Clinical sites (e.g. acute care, sub-acute care, long-term care or hospice) must be accredited by the Joint Commission or other appropriate accreditation agency.
• Sites must be willing to enter into an Affiliation Agreement with King’s College. Site-generated agreements will be reviewed by King’s College for compatibility with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania.
• Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) Facility Form must be completed by the MSND Graduate Student for any site at which the Graduate Student will have patient/client contact, interaction with facility employees beyond their preceptor or the general public, or act as a representative of the facility.

Student Responsibilities: Prior to applying to the MSND, students do not need to have SEL lined up, but it is advised that a plan of action be in place  to obtain SEL upon acceptance into the Program.  It is strongly recommended that at least six months before the SEL experience is proposed to begin, with the guidance of our Program’s Clinical Coordinator, graduate students should reach out to potential supervised practice learning sites in their communities and start making connections. 

An updated LinkedIn page, digital resume and cover letter describing their interests, skill sets, a brief description of the requirements (final products, a defined preceptor, etc.), and the types of opportunities desired (clinical, community, food service, management) should be created. It is recommended that the graduate students meet with our Clinical Coordinator early on in the program to get guidance and begin this search at least 6 months in advance, as this process can be time consuming, and it will likely take time to arrange the SEL sites.  Continuous communication with the Clinical Coordinator throughout the program is expected of each Graduate student.

Steps to be Completed Prior to Any SEL Taking Place:

1. Graduate Student discusses with Program’s Clinical Coordinator a proposed timeline for SEL experience, along with interests, proposed sites and preceptor(s).
2. After discussion with and approval from the Clinical Coordinator, Graduate Student will be encouraged to reach out to Proposed Preceptors, cc’ing the Clinical Coordinator (see Appendix for sample templates).
3. Program’s Clinical Coordinator will meet with the Proposed Preceptor. Responsibilities and commitments, expectations are discussed.  There are also forms and documentation the Clinical Coordinator needs to collect from this Proposed Preceptor if s/he agrees to this relationship.
4. Clinical Coordinator will work on getting the affiliation agreement signed & confirmed by King’s College – this process goes through several layers. This part of the process can take up to 6 months. 
5. Program’s Clinical Coordinator needs to confirm with Graduate Student that the Rotation SEL Pre Requisites have been completed. These may include courses, modules, readings, etc., or anything else the Preceptor(s) requests to have completed (e.g. identity verification, background checks, fingerprints, drug tests, prep work, etc.). All prerequisite activities will be documented in the Graduate Student’s ePortfolio.
6. Clinical Coordinator will work with Proposed Preceptor to complete paperwork, training modules, etc. prior to having Graduate Student in her/his Facility. The preceptor needs to have the Preceptor Training, Competency-Based Education (CBE) Training and Handbook, which the Clinical Coordinator will make sure he/she has access to and completes.
7. Only after the above is completed, Program Director will have our Administrative Specialist register Graduate Student for the corresponding SEL Course (e.g. ND 615 -Community, ND 616-Foodservice Management or ND 617 – Clinical Nutrition SEL), each of which is 1.0 graduate credit. The Graduate Student will need to complete no less than 10 h SEL per week in a single facility/with a single preceptor, and no less than 200 h in each of the RWPE SEL rotations to complete the required competencies.  These RWPE SEL “courses” will occur over a traditional 16-week term (rather than the single accelerated semester for which the Graduate Student is enrolled).
8. The Clinical Coordinator will need the Graduate Student’s final timeline for the RWPE SEL (start date, daily schedule, weekly schedule, etc.) prior to the start of the rotation.

Please see Table 2 for deadlines* to meet important SEL Planning Milestones and keep the Graduate Student on-track during the MSND Program, along with what the time to complete SEL in the RWPE would look like on PT vs FT scheduling.

Table 2.  Deadlines* for Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) in the Real-World Professional Environment (RWPE): Milestones, AY 2024-2025

PT: Part-time, FT: Full-time 

*Some graduate students may be ready far ahead of this schedule and that is okay – each graduate student has a different background, experiences, and personal circumstances.  This is a guide for the absolute LATEST these milestones should be occurring for the Graduate Student. 

IN ADDITION TO COMPLETING THE COMPETENCIES, GRADUATE STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES DURING ALL RWPE SEL:

• Graduate Students need to complete daily reflective journal entries about everything being completed at their site. This includes projects you are working on, competencies you are meeting, etc. The link is on the RWPE Moodle site in which you will be enrolled upon approval of your RWPE SEL. 
• During your RWPE SEL rotation, graduate student should be uploading projects, materials, resources, handouts, etc. that show how the required competencies have been met during the RWPE SEL. There is a Moodle drop box for each required competency. You can submit multiple items in one drop box.
• Graduate Students are required to update the digital reflective e-portfolio during each RWPE SEL rotation, and email the URL link of that e-portfolio to the Clinical Coordinator upon completion of the RWPE SEL for evaluation. 

Procedure for Locating and Securing Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) Sites

While King’s College Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) graduate students are admitted from all over the USA, many of our applicants may be from the tri-state area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York) , and it may be anticipated that there will be significant overlap in students trying to find SEL sites in regard to geographical location. Thus, while there is a possibility that students may experience challenges locating appropriate preceptors in pursuit of admission and/or continuation in the MSND program, the MSND Program Clinical Coordinator is available for guidance throughout this process, and can aid students in identifying appropriate sites and preceptors.

It is the graduate student’s responsibility to locate SEL sites and preceptors in the geographic location in which they desire to complete the SEL, however, the MSND Program Clinical Coordinator is available for guidance throughout this process, and can aid students in identifying appropriate sites and preceptors. It will be important for the graduate student to be flexible, and or the graduate student to research the geographic location in which s/he wishes to complete the SEL.  If this is in an area that is “saturated” with other nutrition and dietetics students and interns, you may need to consider other nearby sites/facilities in areas that are less likely to receive SEL requests. Graduate students may need to consider dividing SEL hours between a few different facilities (keeping in mind the 10 h minimum per site/facility, per preceptor rule), or offer to complete SEL hours on the weekends if the site and preceptor can accommodate them for this type of schedule.

The MSND program has structures in place to assist both prospective and matriculated graduate students in securing SEL sites, including a database that the Clinical Coordinator can use to help assist graduate students locate sites in their area; this database includes pertinent sites (i.e. hospitals, clinics, outpatient practice centers) with previous affiliation agreements from other King’s College SEL-required Health Sciences programs such as the Masters of Science in Athletic Training and Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies programs, as well as sites with previous regional affiliation agreements with the on-campus Nursing Program.  This database will be maintained to include additional sites that MSND graduate students have utilized successfully as that information becomes available. The database will be kept up to date by the MSND Clinical Coordinator, under the guidance of the MSND Program Director. The MSND program is also currently working with, and will pursue ongoing contact in support of, SEL opportunities at national and regional sites such as the VA system, WIC/MFHS and Highmark Health, and will provide regional contact information to prospective and matriculated graduate students who experience challenges locating adequate sites at which to complete their SEL hours.

Further, matriculated graduate students are required to join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics upon enrollment in their first course, which will allow them to access the list of ACEND preceptors via the ‘Find A Preceptor’ tool on the Academy website. The graduate students will be monitored closely and continuously throughout the program to ensure that the academic experience is only slightly impacted if attaining sites proves challenging.

The Course Curriculum Plan (Table 1) will be utilized by the MSND Clinical Coordinator, Program Director and prospective and matriculated graduate students to plan in advance the types of SEL sites and hours that will be needed for each course. To provide structure and guidance on arranging RWPE SEL site preceptors and hours, graduate students will adhere to curriculum plan, however, there is flexibility with when the graduate student may start which RWPE SEL experience, as well as whether or not the graduate student decides to complete a research thesis.

The MSND Clinical Coordinator will be actively involved with prospective graduate students that have met the pre-requisite requirements for admission, and will guide graduate students with developing a timeline and process for acquiring sites and preceptors, as well as affiliation agreements, for the MSND FG program.  See Table 2 for milestone deadlines.

While the graduate student is responsible for finding and securing their own SEL sites, the MSND Program Clinical Coordinator is available for guidance throughout this process, and can aid graduate students in identifying appropriate sites and preceptors. In all cases, it is required that the graduate student communicate with the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator, in order to be supported to the greatest extent possible by the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director to identify potential SEL sites and negotiate successful affiliation agreements with these sites, however it remains the graduate student’s responsibility to identify and locate appropriate sites, and travel to/from their site, or if necessary, temporarily relocate to an appropriate SEL site location. In the event that the graduate student is not able to find suitable sites, the following procedures will be adhered to:

If a graduate student has challenges as addressed above, possible alternatives to support the graduate student in completing the required SEL include:

• approval of alternate learning experiences that allow for assessment of attainment of the specified competencies (this option would adhere to current ACEND guidance regarding alternate SEL experiences, and would not exceed the amount allowed by ACEND)
• approval of off-schedule SEL hours to offset a disruption, for instance completing 20 hours in one week or completing hours during the evening or on weekends
• completing hours at telehealth sites, or other actual SEL sites that offer remote options to attain required competencies

Graduate students may need to consider dividing clinical hours between a few different facilities (keeping in mind the 10 h minimum per site/facility, per preceptor rule), or offer to complete SEL hours on the weekends or evenings to complete SEL requirements. The Clinical Coordinator of the MSND program will help as much as possible, but the graduate student is responsible for finding all SEL sites and preceptors in a geographic location suitable to the student if SEL hours are disrupted.

Matriculated graduate students that experience the inability to secure additional sites

will be supported to the fullest extent possible by the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director to identify potential SEL sites and negotiate successful affiliation agreements with these sites, however it remains the graduate student’s responsibility to locate appropriate sites. In the event that the graduate student is not able to find suitable sites, the following procedures will be adhered to:

Should a graduate student have a challenge arranging the remaining sites as required, the student must immediately contact the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and, if applicable, the Faculty of their current course. The graduate student and MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will determine if previous/current sites can meet the needs and remaining Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours and competencies. If this is not possible, the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and graduate student will discuss and determine the appropriate course of action for the graduate student which could include but is not limited to:

1. the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will help the student review other potential sites in their geographical area that they might be able to contact for possible SEL hours.
2. the student and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director can discuss with potential preceptor(s) in the area if off-schedule SEL hours would be an option, for instance completing 20 hours in one week or completing hours during the evening or on weekends.
3. if additional sites are not available, the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will develop a plan to help the student meet the remaining SEL requirements and competencies assessed at the site.
4. the student will sign an agreement to complete the alternate and actual SEL plans and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will note the plan in the student record.
5. the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will notify Student Support and Faculty of the revised plan of study for attainment of SEL.
6. the Faculty (always an RD/RDN with preceptor experience, in the event of such instances) will utilize the appropriate competency assessment forms to determine if the student has successfully demonstrated the required competencies.
7. if the Supervised Experiential Learning competencies are not met and the student cannot achieve a low-pass grade in the associated course, the student will be able to retake the SEL portion of the course.

Students may need to consider dividing clinical hours between a few different facilities (keeping in mind the 10 h minimum per site/facility, per preceptor rule), or offer to complete SEL hours on the weekends or evenings to complete SEL requirements. The Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will help as much as possible, but the graduate student is responsible for finding all SEL sites and preceptors in a geographic location suitable to the student if SEL hours are disrupted.

Evaluation of Adequacy of SEL Sites and Preceptors

The Clinical Coordinator will evaluate the adequacy of the proposed RWPE SEL site and Preceptor prior to initiating an affiliation agreement and graduate student placement for the rotation.  The Graduate Student and Clinical Coordinator will evaluate both the Preceptor and RWPE SEL Site / Facility upon conclusion of the RWPE SEL rotation, and these evaluations will be stored along with the completed, signed affiliation agreements, which will be maintained in a password-protected shared folder (King’s College MS Outlook, SharePoint).  The compiled list of all accepted affiliation agreements and Preceptor and Facility Evaluations will be maintained by the Clinical Coordinator in a password-protected shared folder for future reference. 

Affiliation Agreements for SEL Sites

Affiliation agreements (see Appendix) will be required for all facilities where students are participating in SEL activities that allow students to demonstrate achievement of competencies. Facilities that can provide the appropriate breadth of experiences, opportunities for students to achieve required competencies, and qualified preceptors will be approved by the Clinical Coordinator for the MSND Future Graduate Program. The signed affiliation agreement must be in place before students start their SEL. If there are changes needed during a negotiation of the affiliation agreements between King’s College and the facility, this process can take 1 to 6 months to complete.  Written affiliation agreements are required between the student’s supervised experiential learning facilities and KING’S COLLEGE prior to the beginning of the student participation in SEL at the facility. This means, prior to the start of ND 615 (Year 1, Summer term), ND 616 (Year 2, Fall term), and ND 617 (Year 2, Spring term).  KING’S COLLEGE will provide prospective and current students seeking SEL hours with a pre- approved affiliation agreement to have signed by approved SEL sites for required SEL rotations. Occasionally some facilities prefer to use their own version of an agreement, in that case the legal counsel of KING’S COLLEGE and the facility will work together to find mutually acceptable language if possible. Affiliation agreements must be completed between KING’S COLLEGE legal counsel and the practice site/facility prior to the graduate student participation in SEL activities.

Supervised Experiential Learning Work Schedule and Attendance  

The overall RWPE SEL schedule will be predetermined by both the student, MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and preceptors prior to acceptance into the program and must be completed according to the submitted schedule. Your SEL work schedule is decided by your Preceptor(s) for your RWPE SEL, and should always be considered tentative and subject to change, as it would if you were working. Please be flexible.  You and your preceptor will determine a schedule that allows you to consistently complete RWPE SEL hours to meet the required competencies. If site schedules do not allow for this and/or extenuating circumstances arise that take away from SEL time, it is the graduate student’s responsibility to determine a way to meet the required competencies while working with the preceptor and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director. Any schedule changes should be communicated to you by your RWPE SEL Preceptor. 

The hours you work may vary from facility to facility as well as the SEL focus. Graduate Students must be flexible with regard to the work week. Weekends and/or evening hours may be required during some experiences. You will be expected to establish the work schedule at a particular site with your preceptor. Rearrangement of the work schedule without prior approval of the preceptor and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will be considered an absence. You may not work on didactic assignments (or submit them) on SEL time. You may work on a didactic assignment during your documented break.

If an extenuating circumstance arises that necessitates altering a SEL experience and/or facility, a discussion should be made with the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director immediately followed with a written request. A one month notice of SEL alteration is requested but in emergent circumstances it is the student’s responsibility to notify the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director of any alterations as soon as possible. See above guidance (Procedure for Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) Sites) in this handbook for policies and procedures for information on finding appropriate sites.

Attendance: Graduate Students are expected to complete all assigned Supervised Experiential Learning, coursework, and scheduled meetings with Faculty. Graduate Students must seek approval from both their RWPE preceptor and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director for a change in schedule due to circumstances such as illness, bereavement purposes, personal reasons, emergencies, or job interviews. 

Graduate Students must be present on time for each day at their arranged RWPE SEL site or at another professional setting, as determined by their current RWPE preceptor. If it is necessary for the student to be absent for any reason (including illness) from his/her SEL setting, the preceptor and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director MUST be notified at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled arrival time. Personal business, including doctors’ appointments, are not acceptable reasons to be absent and should be conducted on off-duty time rather than during hours when students are expected to be in SEL. In the event of an emergency, notify the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and your RWPE preceptor. In all cases, the SEL time will need to be made up and this should be coordinated with the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and your RWPE preceptor. If an appointment must occur during SEL time, prior approval must be received from the MSND Clinical Coordinator and your RWPE SEL Preceptor.

1. Unplanned Leave/Absence - The graduate student must contact the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director via phone and email and Supervised Experiential Learning preceptor as soon as possible to request leave. The MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will document the information on the student’s attendance record kept in the student’s file.
2. Planned Leave - The graduate student must submit a written request as far in advance as possible. The MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will either deny or approve the request. The original request will be kept in the student’s file. Approved leave will be documented on the student’s attendance record kept in his/her file along with the original written request. Unapproved absences are not acceptable and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination from the program.
3. Tardiness - If the graduate student expects to be late, he/she will call both the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and the current supervising preceptor to provide a reason for the tardiness and an approximate time of arrival. It is the responsibility of the student to communicate any changes to both the director and preceptor at all times. Excessive tardiness will be subject to action up to and including termination from the program.

Weekly Log of Hours:  Graduate Students are required to maintain daily records of his/her supervised hours and turn in a weekly log to the faculty and MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director upon completion of Supervised Experiential Learning at that site.  All SEL hours will be documented by the student on a weekly timesheet and submitted using documentation procedures as instructed via MS SharePoint Link in the appropriate Moodle SEL Course Site by Sunday at midnight EST. The student will document completion of SEL hours similarly to the process completed by an “hourly employee” by documenting “clock in” and “clock out” hours down to the minute and include time “clocked out” for lunch breaks. The week’s cumulative hours and minutes will be totaled by the student, digitally signed by the student as accurate, and digitally signed by the preceptor* verifying the SEL hours. The signed timesheet will be submitted to the Clinical Coordinator by Sunday, 11:59 PM EST each week. All time sheets must be signed and submitted after SEL hours have been completed for the week.

1. The Graduate Student will record his/her/their hours worked on the SharePoint page each day s/he / they complete hours. This is done by clicking on the “SEL Reporting” tab and then the “+ New” button. 
2. Once everything is all set for an SEL rotation, the Clinical Coordinator will be adding the Graduate Student’s preceptor(s) to the SharePoint page to approve SEL hours. The link is: https://kingsedu.sharepoint.com/teams/NUTRSEL. The process for them to approve hours is as follows: 

1^st: Click on preceptor view under view records as an SEL preceptor. 

2^nd: Click on edit in grid view. 

3^rd: Click on the box that says processing and click "time entry approved."

You and your preceptor may not sign off on hours not yet completed. Submitting your timesheet early is an unethical practice and is falsifying of documentation. Documenting SEL hours when you were not “on the clock” (including break time or instances in which you leave your site early) on your timesheet is false documentation. Documenting hours worked when you are not at your SEL site or other approved professional setting on your timesheet is also false documentation. These are some of the examples of a breach of the Academy Code of Ethics and can result in dismissal from the studentship (see Code of Ethics, below).

*If the primary preceptor is unable to verify/sign the Weekly Timesheet on the last day of SEL for the week, the preceptor should verify and sign for the hours for which he or she was in attendance and designate an approved manager/supervisor/or secondary preceptor to verify any remaining hours in his/her absence. The student should inform the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director of this designated secondary professional.

Matriculated graduate students that experience an unexpected disruption to their SEL schedule: Should a student encounter a situation where a preceptor or site is unable to continue to accommodate the student, the student must immediately contact the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and, if applicable, the Faculty of their current course. The MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director and student will discuss and determine the appropriate course of action for the student which could include but is not limited to:

1. the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will help the student review other potential sites in their geographical area that they might be able to contact for possible SEL hours.
2. the student and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director can discuss with available preceptor(s) approval of off-schedule SEL hours to offset a disruption, for instance completing 20 hours in one week or completing hours during the evening or on weekends.
3. if additional sites and/or off-schedule SEL hours are not available, the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will develop a plan to help the student meet the remaining SEL requirements and competencies assessed at the site.
4. the student will sign an agreement to complete the alternate and actual SEL plans and the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will note the plan in the student record.
5. the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director will notify Student  Support and Faculty of the revised plan of study for attainment of SEL the Faculty (always an RD/with preceptor experience, in the event of such instances) will utilize the appropriate competency assessment forms to determine if the student has successfully demonstrated the required competencies.

Performance Evaluations

The program director, clinical coordinator, preceptor and graduate student first work together to determine what competencies will be met at the Supervised Experiential Learning (RWPE SEL) site. When the student arrives at the SEL site to participate in the hours they will bring the template for the specific site they are at and the preceptor will fill out the competency tracking form, sign and date it, make a copy for the student and lastly, email a copy to the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director. Then the graduate student is responsible for providing that information to the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator, along with a reflection of their experiences, as part of the FG MSND Program’s ePortfolio requirement. 

All students will be evaluated on his/her performance at specified times throughout the program to assess readiness for entry-level competency as an RDN.

1.The preceptor and graduate student will meet with the Clinical Coordinator as needed to discuss the student’s performance and progress.

2.The faculty member and graduate student will meet regularly to discuss the student’s performance and progress.

3.At the end of each Supervised Experiential Learning experience in the RWPE, graduate students will complete a self-assessment form, evaluation of preceptor form and site evaluation form. These will be turned into the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director.

4.Written evaluations will be completed by the primary preceptor for each RWPE SEL experience. Once reviewed with the student, evaluations will be kept in accordance with King’s College student file retention policies.

5.The following assessment tools will be used:

• Clinical Supervised Experiential Learning Preceptor Evaluation Form
• Food and Nutrition Management Supervised Experiential Learning Preceptor Evaluation Form
• Community Supervised Experiential Learning Preceptor Evaluation Form

6.The graduate student is required to meet all required competencies to receive a certificate of completion from the FG MSND Program.

IN ADDITION TO COMPLETING THE COMPETENCIES, GRADUATE STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES DURING ALL RWPE SEL:

1. Graduate Students need to complete daily reflective journal entries about everything being completed at their site. This includes projects you are working on, competencies you are meeting, etc. The link is on the RWPE Moodle site in which you will be enrolled upon approval of your RWPE SEL. 

1. During your RWPE SEL rotation, graduate student should be uploading projects, materials, resources, handouts, etc. that show how the required competencies have been met during the RWPE SEL. There is a Moodle drop box for each required competency. You can submit multiple items in one drop box.

1. Graduate Students are required to update the digital reflective e-portfolio during each RWPE SEL rotation, and email the URL link of that e-portfolio to the Clinical Coordinator upon completion of the RWPE SEL for evaluation. 

Accident, Injury, or Illness  

For an injury while at an SEL site, the student should contact the site preceptor immediately and seek appropriate medical treatment while following the policies and procedures of the facility for on-the-job injuries. MSND Clinical Coordinator must be notified as soon as possible.

In the event of injury or illness while at an assigned RWPE SEL site, the student should contact their site preceptor immediately and the MSND Clinical Coordinator as soon as possible. If an illness or injury requires the student to leave or miss hours at a facility, it is the graduate student’s responsibility to contact the site supervisor as soon as possible and arrange a schedule to make up the missed hours.

In accordance with the affiliation agreement or contract with the site or facility, in the event of an emergency, the clinical facility may agree to provide emergency care and treatment as is reasonably available during the hours the student is engaged in the clinical instruction program.

In the case of SEL in the non-clinical environment, the student may be assisted by the preceptor to get emergency care during the hours the student is engaged in the SEL. In case of illness, the student must follow the rules of the facility which will be provided at the start of each SEL experience. It is the responsibility of the graduate student to discuss attendance and sick leave policy with the preceptor at the start of each SEL rotation. Students must work with the preceptor to schedule a time to make-up any hours lost due to illness. The student is liable for all fees and charges incurred.

Transportation and Liability for safety in travel to or from assigned RWPE SEL areas

The location of the facilities will vary, requiring driving or other forms of travel. The travel demands may require each student to have a valid driver’s license and/or a dependable mode of transportation, and valid car insurance if driving. The student is responsible for their own liability and safety during travel to and from assigned supervised practice sites, field trips, meetings, and to and from all sites. This site may be useful in calculating estimated gas costs: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/trip/ .

Severe Weather Policy: Please use your commonsense and judgement about your personal safety.  Always communicate with your Preceptor regarding travel issues to/from your RWPE SEL site.  Common sense and good judgment should guide students as to whether or not to attempt traveling to their SEL site, or if early departure from their SEL site is required. We anticipate that their Preceptor will respect student judgment in these matters. In such situations, students should make every effort to notify their Preceptor in advance regarding their inability to travel to their SEL site. If advance contact cannot be made, students should speak to their SEL Preceptor about absence(s) upon returning to their site, as they would an employer.

Drug testing and criminal background checks

Graduate Students must comply with all the regulations established by the SEL sites, including drug testing and criminal background checks. It is the responsibility of the student to cover any costs for SEL site requirements. If required, it is the responsibility of the student to take care of all requirements as soon as possible so not to impact their scheduled SEL.

Insurance requirements, including those for professional liability

All students who are participating in RWPE SEL hours are covered by a King’s College Comprehensive General Liability and Professional Liability Policy through a signed Clinical Affiliation Agreement. The description of Comprehensive General Liability and Professional Liability coverage is found in the Affiliation Agreement. Additional professional insurance is available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Compensation Policy

The MSND considers all SEL  as those that the graduate student must participate in and complete as part of both ACEND and program competencies. As the program views these experiences as part of the overall learning experience provided by the program in an academic setting, there is no compensation for any SEL services provided by students.

The intent of the SEL hours required for completion of the MSND is to provide relevant learning experiences in the context of the workplace. The student is not to be placed in a situation where he/she is replacing an employee in their absence. Student experiences should not include replacement of an employee as an opportunity to gain responsibility and experience without direct supervision. The preceptor needs to remain available and have oversight and ultimate responsibility for the care or activities delivered by the student.

Outside Employment: While this program is designed to be flexible for and to be completed by working students, graduate students are advised to be aware that continuing full-time employment, in addition to course work and required Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours, can be overwhelming; students are expected to spend approximately 20 hours per week on course work, with a minimum of 10 hours a week in SEL (per facility/site, per preceptor), so exceptional time-management during the program is critical. See Table 2 for examples of how PT vs. FT schedule for SEL would look over the course of the Program.

Working full- time outside the program may result in difficulty completing the requirements of the program in a timely and satisfactory manner. For students needing or choosing to accept employment, they will need to arrange their work, academic, and SEL schedules to avoid potential conflicts. Some SEL opportunities require students to work daytime and/or evening hours, and there may be some weekend work hours required. Job requirements do not constitute an excused absence or serve as an excuse for not completing the work expected to be successful at the graduate level in this FG MSND program.

Dress Code:  Graduate Students are expected to dress in a professional manner for all site visits. Students will wear a [program-issued] King’s College name pin in all SEL facilities/sites to identify themselves as a Graduate Nutrition and Dietetics Student. 

Attire will vary dependent on the RWPE SEL site assigned, but the student should obtain a copy of the dress policy of the facility prior to the first day of the SEL. The dress code guidelines of that facility must be followed. If a student’s dress or physical appearance is considered inappropriate by the facility or the MSND Clinical Coordinator and Program Director, the student will be asked to correct the issue and will not be permitted into the facility until the issue is resolved. Any SEL hours missed due to the situation will need to be made up.

Hygiene and neatness are important. Hair must be clean and neatly styled.

Jewelry should meet facility policies. Rings are limited to wedding rings/bands with one ring per hand. Watches should be professional in appearance. Policies governing piercings will be at the discretion of the facility.

Regardless of the facility dress policies, shorts, sundresses, jeans, spaghetti straps, flip flops, open toe shoes, sweat or yoga pants, leggings, or wrinkled apparel are not permitted as they are not considered professional attire.

For SEL in food production areas, all regulations from the Health Department must be followed. Closed-toed, non-slip shoes must be worn. Hair shoulder-length or longer must be pulled back in a restraint and hairnets or other hair covering which contains all hair must be worn while in production or service areas. Male students must not have excessive facial hair. If present, facial hair must be neatly trimmed and covered while working in food production or service areas. Fingernails must be short, clean, and gloves should be worn if required by the facility.

If assigned to a fitness center or teaching garden, students are to attire appropriately, yet professional for the setting.

If a lab coat is required by the rotation, a clean and pressed white lab coat should be worn over professional attire. Students are responsible for purchasing and laundering and ironing lab coats.