MPH Student Handbook - Program in Public Health

Northwestern University
MPH Student Handbook
2014 Cohort, 2014-2015 Academic Year
Table of Contents
Welcome ......................................................................................................................... 3
PPH Mission .................................................................................................................... 3
MPH Resources .............................................................................................................. 3
MPH Administrative Contacts....................................................................................... 3
Student Lab ................................................................................................................. 4
The Graduate School (TGS) Resources .......................................................................... 4
TGS Student Services Contacts................................................................................... 4
MPH Student Advisors..................................................................................................... 4
MPH Academics .............................................................................................................. 5
Competencies .............................................................................................................. 5
Course requirements ................................................................................................... 5
MPH, PhD/MPH, and IGP/MPH Students .................................................................... 7
MD/MPH Students ....................................................................................................... 8
Field Experience and Culminating Experience ............................................................. 9
Cancellation due to low enrollment ............................................................................. 10
Independent study courses ........................................................................................ 10
Taking a non-MPH course for MPH credit .................................................................. 11
Courses in rotation ..................................................................................................... 11
Which courses to take when ...................................................................................... 11
Course textbooks and reading material ...................................................................... 18
Statistical software ..................................................................................................... 18
Grades ....................................................................................................................... 18
Transcripts ................................................................................................................. 18
Registration................................................................................................................ 19
Permission numbers .................................................................................................. 19
Adding or dropping a class ......................................................................................... 19
“Continuous registration” ............................................................................................ 19
Leave of Absence ...................................................................................................... 20
Completing your MPH degree before your “other” degree (for dual degree students)21
Completing your “other” degree before your MPH degree (for dual degree students)21
How long do you have to finish your degree? ............................................................. 21
Tuition and Billing .......................................................................................................... 21
Graduate School Policies .............................................................................................. 22
Immunization records ................................................................................................. 22
Withdrawals and refunds............................................................................................ 22
Academic standing..................................................................................................... 22
Academic integrity...................................................................................................... 23
Grievances................................................................................................................. 23
Sexual harassment .................................................................................................... 24
Graduation..................................................................................................................... 24
Miscellaneous resources ............................................................................................... 25
WildCARD.................................................................................................................. 22
NU NetID and Email .................................................................................................. 25
Computer services ..................................................................................................... 26
Library services .......................................................................................................... 26
2
Parking....................................................................................................................... 26
Intercampus Shuttles ................................................................................................. 27
Student Feedback ......................................................................................................... 27
Public Health Program Committees ............................................................................... 27
Important NU URLs ....................................................................................................... 29
Helpful Chicago Links .................................................................................................... 29
Important Dates
Important dates for students in their final year
Welcome
Welcome to the MPH program. This is an exciting time to be involved in population, public, and
community health. Students find that their MPH coursework adds a meaningful component to their
graduate (medicine, bioscience, anthropology, among other) and professional lives. Your studies will
prepare you for a leadership role as a bridge builder between public health and your profession,
whether it is medicine, bioscience, anthropology, engineering, or any of the other disciplines that NU
MPH students pursue.
PPH Mission
The mission of the Northwestern University Program in Public Health (PPH) is to improve the health of
the people of Chicago, the United States, and the world, by engaging students, faculty, and community
partners in innovative and replicable education, research, and service programs in population health.
MPH Resources
MPH Administrative Contacts
Office Location: 633 N. Saint Clair, 18th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
Michael Fagen, PhD, MPH
MPH Director
Phone: (312) 503-4395; Fax: (312) 503-5656
Email: [email protected]
Maureen Brady Moran, MPH
Program in Public Health
Associate Director for Admissions and Graduate Affairs
Phone: (312) 503-0500; Fax: (312) 503-5656
Email: [email protected]
Eimear Curran
Center for Education in Health Sciences
Phone: (312) 503 3265; Fax: (312) 503-5656
Email: [email protected]
Tameka Man
MPH Program Coordinator
Phone: (312) 503-4539; Fax: (312) 503-5656
Email: [email protected]
Sean Irwin
MPH Program Coordinator
Phone: (312) 503-3590; Fax (312) 503-5656
Email: [email protected]
Student Lab
All students in the Program in Public Health can use the student study space located in the 633 N. Saint
Clair building. You will need a 633 N. Saint Clair building pass; contact the PPH administrator to request a
building pass.
The lab has computers (some with STATA and ArcInfo) and study carrels. Please do not “claim” a study
carrel; all Program in Public Health students share this space.
The Graduate School (TGS) Resources
Main Location
TGS Student Services
633 Clark St.
Rebecca Crown Center
Evanston, IL 60208-1113
Chicago Office
TGS Student Services
710 N. Lake Shore Drive
Abbott Hall Room 1010
Chicago, IL 60611
TGS Student Services Contacts
For all student services inquiries, email [email protected]
Antoaneta Condurat, Coordinator Student Services
Yolanda Gomez, Counselor Student Services
Kate Veraldi, Director Student Services
The TGS website is http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/index.html
MPH Student Advisors
MPH students are assigned an advisor who will provide career counseling and assist with course
selections in light of the student’s professional goals. In addition, Maureen Moran, Associate Director for
Admissions and Graduate Affairs, is available for assistance with course selections and advice on
graduation requirements.
Advisors are responsible for contacting (email, phone, by appointment) their advisees twice a year;
advisees are responsible for responding to the advisor’s contact. In addition, students may contact their
advisor as needed at any time.
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MPH Academics
Competencies
Northwestern’s public health education is “competency-based.” That means that NU MPH graduates
should be able to
1. Critically evaluate epidemiologic, prevention and health promotion, clinical outcomes, and health
services research studies.
2. Formulate a testable hypothesis relevant to public health practice and select and implement
appropriate methods to test the hypothesis in an ethically appropriate fashion with contemporary
information and computing resources.
3. Locate and interpret vital statistics and other population-based data.
4. Identify population needs for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention and describe
population-based, organizational, and individual behavioral change approaches designed to
restore, improve, and maintain health.
5. Identify challenges and opportunities that the economics and organization of health services
create for maintaining and improving the public's health.
6. Describe the differences and overlap between clinical medicine and public health, identify ways in
which the two disciplines can work in synergy, and recognize the advantages of interdisciplinary
teamwork in achieving health objectives.
7. Develop advocacy strategies for public policies that advance health goals.
8. Demonstrate leadership potential as exemplified by effective writing, public presentation, and
teaching.
9. Describe the history and traditions of public health and their relevance to current and future
practice.
The program monitors its success and your progress toward achieving these competencies by
1.
2.
3.
4.
Using the competencies to guide course development and assessment.
Using the competencies to assess your performance on the FE and CE.
Asking you to assess your FE and CE proposals based on applicable competencies.
Asking you to assess your own progress at the end of the academic year.
Course requirements
The Curriculum for the Master of Public Health degree at Northwestern consists of 1) core courses, 2) a
seminar series, 3) two units of coursework at the 400 level in epidemiology, biostatistics and/or research
methods, 4) additional elective courses and 5) two professional experiences.
1. The core courses consist of courses in Behavioral Science, Biostatistics, Environmental Health,
Epidemiology and Management.
2. The seminar series, “Topics in Public Health”, meets weekly over a two-year cycle. Students enrolled
in the accelerated program “make-up” the material covered in the previous year of “Topics” through
an online course offered in the Summer Quarter.
3. Students take Intermediate Epidemiology, Intermediate Biostatistics, or both. Those taking only one
Intermediate course must take a public health research methods course as well. (See table below.)
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4. Six additional elective units are required to complete the degree. Some combined degree students
earn some of their elective and/or required coursework through credit sharing with their other
degree program.
5. The professional experiences required of all students are the Field Experience (FE) and the
Culminating Experience (CE).
Public Health Research Methods Courses
PH 431
Decision Analysis and Decision Making
PH 416
Program Evaluation
PH 435
Health Services Research Design
PH 439
Qualitative Research Methods
PH 446
Clinical Trials
PH 438
Survey Design and Methodology
Quarter
Fall
Winter
Spring
Spring
Spring
Summer
PH 439
Qualitative Research Methods
Summer
PH 437
Practicum on Epidemiologic Research Design and Data
Summer
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Requirements for the MPH/PhD and the MPH degree
Courses
Units
Topics in Public Health
Introduction to Biostatistics
Behavior, Society and Health
Introduction to Epidemiology
Introduction to Health Management
Environmental Health Sciences
2
1
1
1
1
1
Public Health Research Method course
1
Additional quarter of either intermediate
epidemiology or intermediate biostatistics
Electives
1
6
Professional Experiences
Field Experience
1
Culminating Experience
0
Total units
16
Most part-time MPH students enroll in one course plus “Topics in Public Health” each quarter for their
first two years in the program. They take the Core courses first, then additional required classes and
electives. Done in this manner, the program takes 3-4 years to complete. Part-time MPH Students may
take two classes plus “Topics in Public Health” each quarter and complete the degree in two academic
years plus one summer.
PhD/MPH students should finish their MPH courses during the 3 years in which they do their PhD
courses. The professional experiences (FE and CE) may be completed while the student completes their
dissertation research. Most students prefer to complete the CE about a year before their dissertation
defense but the two may be done concurrently (CE and dissertation defense).
Full-time MPH students (accelerated MPH) enroll in 4 units per quarter in order to complete the degree
in four quarters. These students earn one unit of credit for the Topics course taken during the Summer
Quarter, enroll in the zero-credit “Topics in Public Health” during the Fall and Winter Quarters and earn
one unit of credit for “Topics” in the Spring Quarter. The credit and grade awarded in the Spring covers
the work done in Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters.
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MD/MPH Students
Course requirements for MD/MPH students are similar to those for other students but some medical
school courses meet some of the the requirements for the MPH degree. During M1 and M2 years
students complete the two-year seminar series, “Topics in Public Health”. MD/MPH students take 4
core courses during their first 12 months in the MPH program: Behavioral Science, Biostatistics,
Environmental Health Science and Management as well as several electives of their choice. The core
requirement in Epidemiology is met by coursework completed in the medical school (Medical Decision
Making). In the summer after M1 year, MD/MPH students complete a Field Experience. During the M2
year, students take Intermediate Biostatistics (fall quarter). Students take a public health research
methods course during Phase 2, if they have not already met that requirement. Students complete the
Culminating Experience during the M4 year.
Requirements for the MD/MPH degree
Courses
Topics in Public Health
Introduction to Biostatistics
Behavior, Society and Health
Introduction to Health Management
Environmental Health Sciences
Public Health Research Methods course
Intermediate Biostatistics (or Interm. Epidemiology)
Electives
Professional Experiences
Units
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
Field Experience
1
Culminating Experience
0
Total units earned within The Graduate School
11
Medical Decision Making *
Additional Shared Credits**
Total units for the MD/MPH degree
1
4
16
*medical school class, equivalent to Introduction to Epidemiology;
** medical school classes covering decision analysis, epidemiology of diseases and disorders
(within Problem Based Learning), population sciences and medicine, public health, and
organization and economics of medicine
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Professional Experiences
The field and culminating experiences are important parts of your MPH studies. They are opportunities
to apply what you have learned in the classroom to real-world settings.
Field Experience
The Field Experience (FE) is a practice experience in a public health agency in the Chicago area or
elsewhere in the world. It is not a research project (although some students collect data or in some
other manner participate in a research project as part of their experience).MD/MPH students complete
the FE during the summer after first year. PhD/MPH students and part-time MPH students may not
begin the FE until they have enrolled in the last of their five core courses. Full-time MPH students will
begin the field experience in the Fall Quarter. To avoid receiving an incomplete for an incomplete FE,
students are advised to register for PH 410 Field Experience during the quarter in which they will
present their FE posters. More information is available at
http://www.publichealth.northwestern.edu/current-students/professional-experience/fieldexperience.html
The FE Abroad
International FE for MD/MPH students
MD/MPH students wishing to do an FE abroad must have completed all five core courses (PH 301, 302,
303, 420 and MDM II) prior to departure. To avoid doubling up on classes during first year, students
wishing to do the FE abroad usually take MPH classes during the summer before medical school begins.
International FE for all other students
A PhD/MPH or MPH student wishing to do an international FE should consult with his/her advisor before
submitting the FE proposal.
Culminating Experience
The Culminating Experience (CE) is done in the fourth year of study by MD/MPH students, and,
generally, in the last year of study for MPH/PhD and MPH students. The CE is often a research project,
and
1. Provides the student with the opportunity to complete a discrete piece of work related to public
health,
2. Provides the structure that allows the student to take responsibility for and to succeed in the
development, conduct, and completion of the project,
3. Provide experience in reporting project results, including both written and verbal presentations.
To avoid receiving an incomplete on their record, students should enroll in PH 560 Culminating
Experience in the quarter in which they plan to submit their CE papers and make their oral
presentations. Students receiving two degrees (i.e., MD and MPH, PhD and MPH) can register for the
culminating experience and present their CEs earlier in their graduate careers, but will not officially
receive their MPH degrees until they receive their “other” degree.
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See: http://www.publichealth.northwestern.edu/current-students/professional- experience/culminatingexperience.html
Students should submit all FE and CE related documents to [email protected]
Traveling Internationally as part of a Professional Experience
Northwestern requires graduate student travelers to register with International SOS, a leading travel
and security services company.
This free service provides students with access to an array of health, safety, and other travel information
as well as the ability to sign up for email alerts. Information entered into your Personal Travel Location
will be available to International SOS and Northwestern on-call staff should you need to be located in a
crisis or emergency. International SOS is both helpful during your time abroad and as you prepare for
departure.
For more information, see http://www.northwestern.edu/studyabroad/outbound-students/predeparture- requirements/international-sos.html
In addition, students traveling abroad should register with the U.S. Department of State's Smart Travel
Enrollment Program (STEP) https://step.state.gov/step/
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S.
citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about
your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. STEP
also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate. This service can be particularly helpful for those of you traveling to countries with a U.S.
State Department travel warning.
Registration Policies
Cancellation due to low enrollment
Courses with low enrollment, usually defined as less than five students, may be cancelled or changed to
“independent study”.
Independent study courses
Students may complete an independent study (PH 499) in lieu of a public health elective. Generally, a
student or group of students with a specific interest finds a faculty member who is willing to work with
them on an independent course. The student(s) develop(s) the syllabus under the direction of the
faculty member. The Curriculum Committee must approve the syllabus prior to the start of the quarter
(see http://www.publichealth.northwestern.edu/current-students/forms.html).
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Taking a non-MPH course for MPH credit
Students may petition the Curriculum Committee to take a graduate level course offered at NU for MPH
credit if the course has relevance to public health and offers content that is not offered in the MPH
curriculum. The permission form is available at http://www.publichealth.northwestern.edu/currentstudents/forms.html. Some graduate level courses in DGP and Anthropology have been pre-approved
for MPH credit when taken by students in the MPH/PhD program.
Courses in rotation
The following courses are offered in rotation:
2014, 2016, 2018
PH 314, and 315 Topics in Public Health
PH 393 Health and Human Rights
PH 526 Cancer Epidemiology
PH 448 Introduction to Maternal Child Health
, 2015, 2017, 2019
PH 311 and 312 Topics in Public Health
PH 443 Health and Humanitarian Response
PH 524 Cardiovascular Epidemiology
Which courses to take when
The tables on the following pages map out a suggested course schedule for students. Because most
courses are offered once each year, and some are offered only every other year, students must plan
ahead to complete required courses and to have room in their schedule for electives that they plan to
take.
11
12
Schedule for part-time MPH students
Summer start
Units Fall start
Units Winter Start
Units Spring Start
Units
Summer PH 302 Intro Biostats
1
Elective
1
Fall
PH 301 Behavior, Society and
1 PH 301 Behavior, Societ
1
PH 310 Topics in Public Healt
0 PH 302 Intro Biostats
1
Elective
1 PH 310 Topics in Public
0
Winter
PH 304 Intro Epidemiology
1 PH 304 Intro Epidemiolo
1 PH 304 Intro Epidemiology
1
PH 420 Introduction to the US
1 PH 420 Introduction to t
1 PH 420 Introduction to the
1
PH 311 or PH 314 Topics in Pu
0 PH 311 or PH 314 Topics
0 PH 311 or PH 314 Topics in P
0
Spring
PH 303 Environmental Health
1 PH 303 Environmental H
1 PH 303 Environmental Heal
1 PH 303 Environmental He
1
PH 312 or PH 315 Topics in Pu
1 PH 312 or PH 315 Topics
1 PH 312 or PH 315 Topics in
1 Elective
1
Summer Methods course
1 Methods course
1 PH 302 Intro Biostats
1 PH 302 Intro Biostats
1
Elective
1 Elective
1 Elective
1 Elective
1
Fall
PH 321 Interm Biostats or Ele
1 PH 321 Interm Biostats
1 PH 301 Behavior, Society an
1 PH 301 Behavior, Society a
1
PH 313 Topics in Public Healt
0 PH 313 Topics in Public
0 PH 321 Interm Biostats or El
1 Elective
1
Elective
1 Elective
1 PH 310 Topics in Public Hea
0 PH 310 Topics in Public He
0
Winter
PH 322 Interm Epidemiology
1 PH 322 Interm Epidemio
1 PH 322 Interm Epidemiolog
1 PH 304 Intro Epidemiolog
1
Elective
1 Elective
1 Elective
1 PH 420 Introduction to the
1
PH 311 or PH 314 Topics in Pu
0 PH 311 or PH 314 Topics
0 PH 311 or PH 314 Topics in P
0 PH 311 or PH 314 Topics in
0
Spring
PH 312 or PH 315 Topics in Pu
1 PH 312 or PH 315 Topics
1 PH 312 or PH 315 Topics in
1 PH 312 or PH 315 Topics in
1
PH 560 Culminating Exp.
0 Elective
1 Elective
1 Elective
1
PH 410 Field Experience
1
0
0
0
Summer Total Units
16 PH 410 Field Experience
1 Elective
1 Methods course
1
PH 560 Culminating Exp
0 Methods course
1
0
Elective
1
0
0
Fall
Total Units
16 PH 313 Topics in Public Hea
0 PH 321 Interm Biostats or
1
PH 410 Field Experience
1 PH 313 Topics in Public He
0
Elective
1 Elective
1
Winter
PH 560 Culminating Exper.
0 PH 311 or 314 Topics in Pu
0
Total Units
16 PH 422 Interm Epi or Elect
1
Spring
PH 312 or PH 315 Topics in
1
PH 560 Culminating Exper
0
PH 410 Field Experience
1
Total Units
16
13
14
Schedule for MD/MPH Students Starting in 2014
Summer Start
Summer
2014
Fall 2014
Winter 2015
Spring 2015
Fall Start
PH 302 Intro Biostats
1
Elective
1
PH 301 Behavior, Society…
1
PH 301 Behavior, Society…
1
PH 310 Topics in Public Health
0
PH 310 Topics in Public Health
0
PH 420 Health Services System
1
PH 420 Health Services System
1
PH 311 Topics in Public Health
0
PH 311 Topics in Public Health
0
PH 303 Environmental Health
1
PH 303 Environmental Health
1
PH 312 Topics in Public Health
1
PH 312 Topics in Public Health
1
Elective
1
Elective
1
PH 302 Intro Biostats
1
Elective
1
Summer2015
PH 321 Interm Biostats
1
PH 321 Interm Biostats
1
PH 313 Topics in Public Health
0
PH 313 Topics in Public Health
0
PH 410 Field Experience
1
PH 410 Field Experience
1
Winter 2016
PH 314 Topics in Public Health
0
PH 314 Topics in Public Health
0
Spring 2016
PH 315 Topics in Public Health
1
PH 315 Topics in Public Health
1
Methods course
1
Methods course
1
FSM shared credit
5
FSM shared credit
5
PH 560 Culminating Experience
0
PH 560 Culminating Experience
Fall 2015
Summer 2016
Spring 2018
0
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Schedule for PhD/MPH Students Starting in 2014
Consult with Maureen Moran regarding courses in your doctoral program that substitute for required and elective MPH classes.
Fall start 2013
Fall 2014
PH 301 Behavior, Society…
1
PH 310 Topics in Public Health
0
PH 304 Intro. Epidemiology
1
PH 311 Topics in Public Health
0
Winter 2015
PH 303 Environmental Health
1
Spring 2015
Summer 2015
Fall
2015
PH 312 Topics in Public Health
1
PH 302 Intro Biostats
1
PH 321 Interm Biostats or Elective
1
PH 313 Topics in Public Health
0
PH 410 Field Experience
1
PH 420 Foundation of the US Health System
1
PH 314 Topics in Public Health
0
Elective
1
PH 315 Topics in Public Health
1
Winter 2016
Spring 2016
Summer 2016
Elective
1
Elective
1
Fall 2016
16
PhD/MPH Schedule (Cont’d)
Winter 2017
Spring 2017
Summer 2017
Fall 2017
Elective
1
Elective
Elective
1
1
PH 321 Interm Biostats or
Elec.
PH 560 Culminating
Experience
1
0
17
Course textbooks and reading material
Course textbooks are available for purchase in the NU Bookstore in the Abbott Building, 710 N. Lake Shore
Drive. Additional material is available through an online portal. The course syllabus will have more
information on accessing online materials.
Statistical software
Several MPH courses require the use of statistical software. All course-related work can be done using
STATA/IC 11 or IC12. STATA is available for student use in the Galter Library Computer Center, in the PPH’s
student lab in the Department of Preventive Medicine, and via the NU Social Sciences Computer Cluster.
As a student, if you wish to purchase STATA to install on your own computer, Northwestern participates in
STATA’s “direct ship grad plan” pricing (http://stata.com/order/new/edu/gradplans/gp-direct.html), and
you can order directly from the STATA website.
Pricing information is available on the website.
STATA runs on Windows, Mac, and Unix platforms.
The NU Social Sciences Computing Cluster is an on-line software resource at
http://sscc.northwestern.edu. SAS, STATA, and R, among other tools, are available in an interactive
format with instructions on how to access and use each software packages as well as how to upload data
to run analyses. In order to use this resource, you must create an account using your netid and password.
The turn-around-time for an account is approximately 1 business day. Most students will want to use a
graphical interface that requires, on Windows PCs, installing and using X-Win32. On Macs, use the built-in
X11. The SSCC documentation explains how.
To use the SSCC from off campus, you are required to log in via a VPN.
If you are already fluent in another statistical program (e.g., SPSS or SAS), there is no need to acquire
STATA.
Grades
Grades given in graduate courses are A, A-, B+, B-, C+, C, C-, and F (for failing work). A grade of Y indicates
that a student did not submit all assigned work in a course; a grade of X indicates that a student did not
take the final examination. All X or Y grades are “incompletes” and the missing work or exams should be
completed within one year.
A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 is required to maintain good academic standing in The
Graduate School.
Students receiving financial aid from the University must maintain an overall B average (GPA = 3.0 or
higher) and keep their records free of incomplete grades.
Transcripts
A current student may obtain an unofficial Transcript from Caesar through the
http://www.registrar.northwestern.edu/.
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An official electronic transcript can be obtained in the form of a “certified PDF” document. The processing
time for electronic transcripts is a couple of hours. Certified electronic transcripts cost $8 per transcript;
paper transcripts cost $10 for regular service and $25 for immediate service. Further information about
obtaining an official electronic or paper transcript is available at
http://www.registrar.northwestern.edu/academic_records/obtaining_a_transcript.html
Registration
Students register online; registration starts 6-8 weeks before the quarter starts for students who are
continuing their studies; students in their first quarter of study are not permitted to register until the
week before classes begin. Program staff will email a listing of the available courses for the quarter and a
description of the registration procedures to all MPH students shortly before registration opens.
Use CAESAR (Computer Assisted Electronic Student Access Route, available at
http://www.registrar.northwestern.edu/ (accessible using your NU netid and password) to register for
classes. The Registrar’s office has a tip sheet, available at
http://ses.northwestern.edu/documentation/SC_Registration_Tip_Sheet_v9.pdf.
Permission numbers
MPH students need a permission number from a program administrator (see page 3 for contact
information) in order to register for a course. Students receive permission numbers on a “first come, first
served” basis after registration opens. A waiting list is started if enrollment exceeds capacity.
If a course requires an instructor’s permission, the student should email the instructor and obtain written
permission (in the form of an email) and forward that email when requesting a permission number.
Permission numbers are time-limited.
1. If the student has not used the number to enroll in the course by the Wednesday (at 5pm) prior to
the start of the quarter, the number will become inactive. If the student is still interested in taking
the course, another permission number will be issued, if available, immediately before the start of
the quarter.
2. As space permits, students on the waiting list will receive permission numbers.
Adding or dropping a class
The last day to drop a class is specified by The Registrar’s office. (see
http://www.registrar.northwestern.edu/calendars/2014_15_acad_calendar.html) If you decide to drop a
class, you must drop through CAESAR. In addition, please notify both the instructor and program staff.
Continuous registration
All active students in The Graduate School (TGS) must be registered at Northwestern University in each of
the fall, winter and spring terms until all degree requirements have been completed. This is called
“continuous registration”. See Continuous Registration Policy for more information.
http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/academics/academic-services/registration/continuous-registrationpolicy/
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This policy does not apply to students who have been approved for a leave of absence. See
http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/academics/academic-services/leave/ for more information about TGS
leave of absence polices.
A non-registered student will be deactivated. A student who is deactivated must apply for readmission to
The Graduate School and pay a $250 readmission fee as well as any fees associated with “continuous
registration” for the quarters the student was absent. See
http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/documents/academic-services/App-Readmission.pdf .
Please note that the registration (“course”) number is different depending on your student type and
your reason for not taking courses:
TGS 512
 MPH students within 5 years of initial registration
 MPH/PhD students within 5 years of initial registration
 MD/MPH students who graduate from medical school without the MPH degree and whose initial
registration was less than 5 years ago.
The fee is $100/quarter but registration comes with many benefits, including the opportunity to buy
low cost health insurance through the university, student loan deferrals, and access to university
services such as library and email. Students registered for TGS 512 cannot take courses at
Northwestern.
or
TGS 513
• MPH students beyond their degree deadline (5 years from initial registration)
• PhD/MPH students beyond their degree deadline who are not otherwise enrolled in The Graduate
School.
• MD/MPH students beyond their degree deadline (5 years from initial registration) who are no
longer enrolled in Feinberg School of Medicine but who are making progress toward the degree
The fee is $1,000/ quarter.
or
TGS 514 – for MD/MPH students who are enrolled in FSM but not taking public health credits in a given
quarter. There is no fee for students enrolled in TGS 514.
For more information on continuous registration, click:
http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/academics/academic-services/registration/continuous-registrationpolicy/index.html.
Leave of Absence
Leaves of absence are defined as a temporary separation from the University for a minimum of one
quarter and a maximum of one year. Students who wish or need to interrupt their progress towards
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degree may petition for a leave of absence. During a leave of absence, students are not permitted to
enroll at the University and will not be considered active students. See
http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/academics/academic-services/leave/index.html for more information.
Completing your MPH degree before your MD or PhD
Dual degree students must receive their primary degree before or at the same time as their MPH degree.
That means that even if you complete your MPH coursework before you complete your MD, PhD, or other
degree requirements, you cannot receive your MPH degree until you complete your other degree.
However, you must continue to register with TGS if you are not otherwise registered for classes or
dissertation research. http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/academics/academicservices/registration/continuous-registration-policy/ .
Completing your MD or PhD degree before your MPH
Some dual degree students have not completed their MPH requirements at the time they graduate with
their “primary” (MD, PhD) degree. To remain in good standing with The Graduate School, a student must
be continuously registered with The Graduate School (see page 17-18). If you have not completed your
MPH within 5 years of your start date, and are not otherwise registered in The Graduate School, you must
contact [email protected] in order to be registered for TGS 513 during each quarter until
you complete. The fee associated with TGS 513 is $1,000 per quarter. Thus, it is extremely important to
complete your MPH degree within 5 years of your start date.
How long do you have to finish your degree?
Master's students are expected to complete all requirements for the master's degree within five years of
initial registration in TGS. Students who do not complete degree requirements by the established
deadlines will not be considered in good academic standing, unless a petition for extension is approved by
both the program of study and TGS. In addition, students must comply with TGS’s continuous registration
policies ( http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/academics/academic-services/registration/continuousregistration-policy/index.html )The cost for continuous registration increases significantly for master’s
students enrolled more than 5 years.
Tuition and Billing
Due to tuition agreements with various graduate and training programs, tuition for the MPH program
varies, depending on the type of student (MPH, MD/MPH, PhD/MPH).
MPH Students
Tuition for MPH students can be found at
http://www.northwestern.edu/sfs/tuition/t_grad_s_tuition.html
An MPH student is billed on the first of the month after registering for a class. Tuition bills must be paid
before the student will be permitted to register in a subsequent quarter. Questions about tuition bills
should be addressed to Student Accounts at (312) 503-8503.
MD/MPH Students
MD/MPH students pay an annual surcharge on medical school tuition. The surcharge is billed in two
installments per year for four years. This surcharge permits MD/MPH students to take an unlimited
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number of graduate school classes during their period of enrollment in the MD/MPH program. See
http://www.northwestern.edu/sfs/tuition/feinberg_tuition.html for more information.
MD/MPH students should expect to receive an automated bill for graduate school charges. MPH
program staff will “reverse” that charge without your intervention; it may take a few days or weeks.
The exception to the rule is TGS 512 or TGS 513 (Continuous Registration) in quarters when the student
is not enrolled in medical school (e.g. during a leave of absence or after graduation from medical
school). In these circumstances, MD/MPH students are responsible for the cost of continuous
registration. (
MPH/PhD Students
Tuition for students enrolled in combined MPH/PhD programs is covered by their doctoral program.
PhD/MPH students are not billed separately for MPH tuition; they incur no additional charge for MPH
classes.
Additional charges
Full-time graduate students are billed per quarter for an activity fee. The bulk of the activity fee covers the
cost of the CTA UPass. This pass provides unlimited rides for the student on CTA trains and buses. The fee
also funds the cost of an attorney that assists students with issues such as landlord-tenant disputes and
traffic violations, as well as graduate school community-building activities. Part-time graduate students
are not charged the activity fee and are not eligible for the UPass.
Graduate School Policies
Immunization records
All full-time students must submit immunization records.
Failure to comply may result in a hold being placed on your registration.
http://www.nuhs.northwestern.edu/evanston/ahr_nonhealth.pdf).
Withdrawals and refunds
Students who wish to withdraw from the university must inform the Program in Public Health
([email protected]) and email TGS Student Services immediately ([email protected]).
International graduate students should also contact the International Office.
The amount of tuition refunded depends on when during the quarter the withdrawal request is made.
View the refund schedule ( http://www.northwestern.edu/sfs/tuition/registration_refunds.html ) to
determine how much tuition will be refunded based on what percentage of the quarter has elapsed.
Academic standing
To be in good academic standing in TGS, a student must meet the quality standards set by the department
and TGS and make satisfactory progress toward fulfilling all stated requirements for the degree. A student
whose overall grade point average (GPA) is less than 3.0 or who has more than two “incomplete” grades
or who fails to make progress toward the degree in accordance with the requirements adopted by the
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Graduate Faculty is not meeting academic standards. Once each year (in approximately September), the
MPH program reviews the academic progress of each student; you will be notified by email about your
progress (“satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory”).
A student with a GPA of less than 3.0 or who has more than two incomplete grades may be placed on
probation by The Graduate School. A student who fails to resume good academic standing after being
placed on probation by TGS, who fails to make satisfactory progress toward the degree in accordance with
the requirements adopted by the program or TGS, or who otherwise fails to meet the requirements set by
the degree program or TGS may be excluded from The Graduate School.
Academic integrity
Every Northwestern faculty member and student belongs to a community of scholars where academic
integrity is a fundamental commitment. The Program in Public Health abides by the standards of academic
conduct, procedures, and sanctions as set forth by The Graduate School at Northwestern University.
Students and faculty are responsible for knowledge of the information provided by The Graduate School
on their Web page at http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/academics/academicservices/integrity/index.html
Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to
1. Receiving or giving unauthorized aid on examinations or homework
2. Plagiarism
3. Fabrication
4. Falsification or manipulation of academic records
5. Aiding or abetting any of the above
The PPH follows The Graduate School’s procedure for evaluating alleged academic misconduct, as outlined
on the TGS website. http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/academics/academicservices/integrity/dishonesty/index.html
Faculty reserve the right to use the “Safe Assignment: Plagiarism Detection Tool” that is part of the Course
Management System to evaluate student assignments. Information about this tool can be found at
http://www.it.northwestern.edu/education/coursemanagement/support/assessments/safeassignment.html
Grievances
Graduate students sometimes experience important disagreements and problems regarding program
policies and/or their professional relationships with faculty. Should the student wish to seek assistance
and/or state a grievance regarding such a problem, the student should consult first with his or her
academic advisor.
If the issue involves the advisor, the student should seek assistance at the next level up:
Academic Advisor
Dr. Rowland Chang
Acting MPH Program Director
Dr. Jane Holl
IPHAM Center for Education Director
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Grievances (Continued)
The grievance policy, therefore, sets up a hierarchy of appeals following the same sequence above. The
student is encouraged to take the grievance first to the lowest level of the hierarchy and then, if
necessary, move up from one level to the next.
At the same time, students should know that one of the main responsibilities of the IPHAM Center for
Education Director is to monitor the progress and work to assure the well-being of all graduate students in
the Department, across all Programs/Divisions. Therefore, students may, in some cases, wish to skip over
the first two levels and appeal immediately to the Center for Education Director if they feel that discussing
the problem with faculty in their Division (e.g., advisor, Program Head) is too uncomfortable or
threatening. Finally, the student may wish to talk with a higher administrator in TGS. At the present time,
the Associate Dean of Student Services in TGS fills this role.
Sexual harassment
It is the policy of Northwestern University that no male or female member of the Northwestern
community may sexually harass any other member of the community. Graduate students who wish to
learn more about the university’s policy or who feel that they may have been sexually harassed should
contact the University Sexual Harassment Prevention Office (http://www.northwestern.edu/sexualharassment/help/index.html). Please note, further, that if a student discusses an incident of possible
sexual harassment with a faculty member, the faculty member is obligated to report the matter to the
University Sexual Harassment Prevention Office.
Graduation
Students may now graduate at the end of any quarter, but completing coursework does not automatically
result in graduation. In order to graduate, you must complete an “Application for Degree” and the
“Master’s Completion Form” in http://www.northwestern.edu/caesar/ approximately 8 weeks before
the graduation date (dates are specified in the http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/academics/academicservices/calendar/index.html).
When you have successfully completed all final requirements (for MPH students, once you have submitted
an approved CE paper and made a presentation), the program will notify TGS, and, barring any problems
or holds (e.g., X or Y grades, bursar balances), graduation will be approved. You will receive emails
notifying you of form submission and final approval.
Specific dates and details are available at http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/academics/academicservices/masters/degree/index.html.
Graduation ceremonies
Commencement takes place in Evanston each year during the third week in June. Information on tickets,
caps and gowns, and other pertinent information is posted online at:
http://www.northwestern.edu/commencement/. Approximately 8 weeks after commencement, your
diploma will mailed to the address indicated on the Application for Degree. If your diploma mailing
address changes after you submit your application for degree, please contact
[email protected] to update your mailing address.
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Miscellaneous resources
WildCARD
WildCARD is the Northwestern University identification card. This card serves as your University ID card and your
library card. Please request a WildCARD with an INDALA chip. The INDALA chip allows the MPH administrative staff
to request key card access for you to enter some classroom buildings after hours.
For more information about retail store discounts and other benefits of your WildCARD, check out
http://www.univsvcs.northwestern.edu/WildCard/.
Chicago Campus
The WildCARD office on the Chicago campus is located in Abbott Hall, Room 100, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive. Office
hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Evanston Campus
The WildCARD office on the Evanston campus is located in the Norris University Center, 1999 South University Drive,
Underground level. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (847) 467-NUID (6843) for
further information, including special “Back to School” hours in September.
Access to classroom buildings
Feinberg School of Medicine policies require everyone to display a valid, current Northwestern credential,
or obtain a visitor pass from security personnel. Your WildCARD is an acceptable credential.
You may use your WildCARD to enter Chicago campus buildings after 6 pm if it has been activated. To have
your Wildcard activated, please send the Indala number located on the back of the card to
[email protected].
NU NetID and Email
Your NetID is your electronic identity at Northwestern.
You must activate your NetID before you can use it. You will be notified when your NetID has been
created and you can begin this process.
The Program in Public Health uses email as their primary means of communication with students.
If you prefer to use a personal email account, you still need to activate your NetID and NU email account,
but you can choose to have your NU email messages forwarded to your personal account. It is very
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important that you NetID and email account are kept active so that you can receive pertinent information
about the Program throughout your academic career at NU. Students also use their NetID to access online
course materials, online library services, and the evaluation system.
Computer services
Computers with internet connections and STATA software are available in the PPH Student Lab
Computer workstations are available in the Barnes Learning Resource Center (LRC) located within the
Galter Health Sciences Library. Connections to the University backbone computer network can be made in
each of the 10 group study rooms located on the 2nd Floor of the Galter Library.
For information about wireless connections for your laptop, go to
http://www.it.northwestern.edu/students/index.html.
Library services
There are three libraries on the Chicago Campus: The Galter Health Sciences Library, the Joseph Schaffner
Library, and the Pritzker Legal Research Center.
The Galter Health Sciences Library
The Galter Health Sciences Library, located in the Ward Building, is the primary resource for students in
the Program in Public Health. Many resources are available electronically through
http://www.galter.northwestern.edu/. You may need to use a VPN (virtual private network) to access
some library resources from off campus.
The Schaffner Library
Located in Weiboldt Hall, this library serves students from the School of Continuing Studies, Kellogg School
of Management and several other programs. Its reference collection includes government documents and
other resources not available in the Galter Library. More information can be found at
http://www.library.northwestern.edu/schaffner.
The Pritzker Legal Research Center
Located within the law school at 357 East Chicago Avenue, the Center’s hours, policies and holdings are
described at: http://www.law.northwestern.edu/lawlibrary. Resources available at the Center that may
be of special interest to public health students include AccessUN, a database that provides access to
current and retrospective United Nations documents and publications.
Parking
Chicago Campus
Reduced rate parking is available in garages at 222 East Huron, 321 East Erie, and 275 East Chestnut from
5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. To qualify for the reduced
rate, you must validate your parking ticket . Contact the Parking Office located in Abbott Hall, 312 5031103 for information on the locations of the validation machines. On-campus evening/weekend parking
permits for the Chicago campus, valid for one quarter, are available through the Parking Office located in
Abbott Hall, (312) 503-1103.
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For detailed information, go to
http://www.northwestern.edu/uservices/transportation/parking/index.html
Evanston Campus
You may park in most lots on the Evanston campus after 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and all weekend
without a parking permit. However, certain lots are restricted. If you plan to bring your car to the
Evanston campus, we suggest you pick up a parking map at the University College office in room 162,
Walter Annenberg Hall or obtain one on-line at http://www.northwestern.edu/up/parking/. If you have
any questions, contact the Parking Office in Evanston, (847) 491-3320. On-campus parking before 5 p.m. is
restricted to vehicles displaying a parking permit.
Intercampus Shuttles
Northwestern University has an intercampus shuttle system linking the Evanston and Chicago campuses.
You must show your WildCARD to board the shuttle.
For schedules and the routes of campus shuttles, go to
http://www.northwestern.edu/uservices/transportation/shuttles/index.html.
Student Feedback
The program values and needs student feedback. There are several mechanisms for this.
Students are required to fill out online, anonymous evaluations of each class they take. This information is
given to the instructor and reviewed by the PPH Curriculum Committee.
The program requires students to fill out an anonymous program evaluation at the end of each year. This
data is reviewed by the Evaluation Committee and the Executive Committee.
All program committees have student representatives on them (see below). The student representatives
on program committees compose the Student Affairs Committee (see below).
Meetings are held each quarter to solicit feedback and input from the student body.
Public Health Program Committees
Admissions Committee
This committee is responsible for recruiting students, and screening applications to the program.
Committee meetings are on an ad hoc basis.
Maureen Moran, MPH, chair – email: [email protected]
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Curriculum Committee
The Curriculum Committee is charged with reviewing/evaluating all the courses, approving syllabi,
ensuring that the course objectives satisfy the fundamental skills you are supposed to learn by graduation,
determining what new courses should be offered (and which should be cancelled or reorganized), etc.
Juned Siddique PhD, chair – email: [email protected]
Diversity Committee
The Program in Public Health Diversity Committee is committed to educating the Feinberg School of
Medicine (FSM) community about the public health challenges facing underrepresented minorities. We
will undertake this mission by actively recruiting minority students into our Master’s degree programs,
providing seminars on diversity concerns in medical care and research for students and the entire
community, providing financial support for diversity programming, and by inviting national scholars on
minority health to campus. Through these actions we strive to be leaders in the FSM community and to
serve as a model for other departments within the FSM and university.
Virginia Bishop, MD, MPH chair- email: [email protected]
Evaluation Committee
The Evaluation Committee is charged with overseeing the evaluation of the MPH Program admissions,
courses, accomplishment of core competencies, and the tracking of alumni program evaluation and
professional activities. Committee meetings occur once each quarter.
Kenzie Cameron, PhD chair – email: [email protected]
Professional Experience Committee
The Professional Experience Committee administers the professional field experience and the culminating
experience, including approving sites/mentors for these experiences, approving students' projects, etc.
The committee enables students to have public health-relevant, safe, and productive field and culminating
experiences, helping them to acquire the practical skills necessary to become effective public health
professionals. The committee meets monthly.
Karen Sheehan, MD, MPH, chair – email: [email protected]
Student Senate
The Student Senate exists to:
 represent the desires of the student body in the course of administrative decision
making
 facilitate communications between students, faculty and administration,
 solidify the position of students as valued stakeholders in the Program
 support student activities and initiatives.
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The Student Senate is composed of nine members: eight senators and a president. The
senators are elected from the MD/MPH, freestanding MPH, MSEB and PhD/MPH student
bodies. Senators fill the student seats of the standing committees in the Program in Public
Health. If no senators volunteer for a committee seat, the president may nominate a senator
to that seat.
Important NU URLs
MPH Home: http://www.publichealth.northwestern.edu/
The Graduate School: http://www.northwestern.edu/graduate/
NU Student Handbook: http://www.northwestern.edu/handbook/
CAESAR for registration: http://www.northwestern.edu/caesar/
Blackboard: https://courses.northwestern.edu/webapps/login
Course Evaluations:
https://fsmweb02.northwestern.edu/weinberg/ome_eval/common/sceLogonSNAP.cfm?moduleGoTo=../s
ceEvaluator/sceListEvaluation.cfm&loginType=E
Galter Health Sciences Library: http://www.galter.northwestern.edu/
Learning Resource Center: http://www.galter.northwestern.edu/Request-Services-and-Materials/LRCTeaching-Space/
Campus Maps: http://maps.northwestern.edu/#latlngz=41.972%2C-87.655%2C12
Intercampus Shuttle: http://www.northwestern.edu/uservices/transportation/shuttles/index.html
Parking: http://www.northwestern.edu/uservices/transportation/parking/index.html
Feinberg School of Medicine Student Life: http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/AWOME/currentstudents/index.html
NU IT for Students: http://www.it.northwestern.edu/student.html
Important Dates for 2014-15
See l http://www.registrar.northwestern.edu/calendars/2014-15_University_Calendar.html for University
calendar. and http://www.registrar.northwestern.edu/calendars/2014_15_acad_calendar.html for
academic calendar
Important Program in Public Health dates
September 18, 2014: Field Experience Poster Presentations
Field Experience (FE) Deadlines: if you intend to do your FE in the summer of 2014
October 10: Students complete and submit MPH Student FE Profile Form to [email protected].
By November 12: Students are expected to schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Bishop
(phone: 312-503-2614, cell: 312-375-0390, fax: 312-503-5656, email ([email protected])
to discuss FE ideas, sites, and proposals.
February 13: Submit completed application FE application (including proposal) to
[email protected]
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Important dates for students in their final year
*Important: See Culminating Experience (CE) deadlines and graduation information below*
April 12: Complete TGS Application for a Degree and Master's Completion form for June graduation
Graduation paperwork is due at least 8 weeks (dates are specified in the Academic Calendar) before the
end of the quarter in which the student wishes to graduate. Please see the “Graduation” section of this
manual for more information.
Culminating Experience (CE) deadlines for students planning to graduate in 2014
September 12 Submit proposal to Professional Experience Committee at [email protected].
January 16: Student must submit a one to two paragraph status report on the project (approved by
Faculty Mentor) to the Professional Experience Committee at [email protected].
February 23: Submit first draft of the Culminating Experience paper to your Advisory Group for their
review WITH A COPY TO [email protected].
March 23: Submit FINAL draft of the Culminating Experience paper with written Advisory Group signoff (electronic copies of both are acceptable) to [email protected].
Last week of April, first week of May: Give CE oral presentation to the Program in Public Health. Upon
completion of the Culminating Experience paper and presentation, complete the Professional
Experience Evaluation Form online (available at the CE presentation).
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