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Table of Contents

PROGRAM HOURS

Normal business hours of the PA Program are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Monday through Friday. Check the course schedule for individual class/clinic times and locations.

Class Cancellation and Emergency Closings

SECURITY and SAFETY

The safety of students and employees is a primary concern of USF Health.

The Campus Security office is located in MDC 1023. Their telephone number is 813-974-2417. If no one is present, the phone reverts automatically to the University Police at 813-974-2628. The safety of students is a primary concern of the PA Program. The educational process involves long hours, many spent alone studying or working in the laboratory. Students must take extra precautions on and off campus. USF police suggest the following preventive measures: avoid isolated sites; have access to other people or a phone; call the police department (813-974-2417) when working or studying on campus after hours so the area can be patrolled; secure doors behind you; and do not walk to the parking lot alone at night, call the SAFE (813-974-7233) on campus for a SAFE Team Escort.

A security officer is on duty at the USF Health Center on a 24-hour basis.

If you have a true emergency, you should call 911.

However, if you are calling from a cell phone you will get the Tampa Police Department. You must tell them this is an emergency on USF property and that you are calling from a cell phone. You should be prepared to give your name and precise location. You should also state if you feel threatened.

Sexual assault is a criminal violation subject to prosecution by the State Attorney's Office. All sexual assault allegations reported to the USF police are referred to the State Attorney's Office, which then makes decides whether or not to prosecute.

Background Screening of Students and Employees

Employee Screening

USF, MCOM, and the PA Program are committed to ensuring a safe professional work environment for all employees and students. As part of the hiring process, in an effort of creating a safe work and study environment, as well as for protection of the safety, security, and health of its students, PA Program employees and other USF employees (staff, administrators, faculty, etc.) must submit to a background screening. See USF Policy on Criminal History Background Checks.

Student Screening

As part of the CASPA application, applicants must acknowledge and provide details related to any former charges and/or convictions of a felony or misdemeanor. For any felony convictions that occur between the time of submission of the CASPA application and matriculation into the PA Program, specific details, including date of charge(s), type of offense, and disposition of the case, must be reported to the program director’s office immediately. After matriculation, should a student be convicted of any felonies at any time during his/her enrollment in the program, s/he must report the details immediately to the director’s office. Failure to comply will be grounds for dismissal.

During the course of the clinical year, students will be required to undergo one or more national criminal background checks, which will include finger printing. In addition, certain clinical sites that are regularly used by the program may require additional drug screening in order for students to have practice opportunities at those institutions.

A negative criminal background record or a failure to pass drug screening may impede clinical training or status in the program. By accepting admission to the program, students agree to national criminal background checks and drug screening, and also agree to pay expenses associated with such screenings.

EMPLOYMENT WHILE ENROLLED IN PROGRAM

The PA Program curriculum is extremely rigorous and considered a 24 month, full time commitment. The PA Program strongly discourages students to commence or continue employment during the program. Students who chose to work during the program put themselves at risk for poor academic performance.

Note: PA students are not required to work for the program, substitute, or function as instructional faculty and must not substitute for clinical or administrative staff during supervised clinical practice experience.

Any employment during the term of the program must be approved, in advance of matriculation, or at the time of employment by the program director. A student who chooses to work may not miss, be tardy, or reschedule classes, labs, exams, special assignments, community service work, or clinical rotations because of their work schedule. A student who chooses to work may not switch classes, labs, special assignments, community service work, or clinical rotations because of their work schedule. Academic standards must be upheld and make-up classes, labs, or exams are not offered. If a student who chooses to work is identified as experiencing academic or professional difficulties, they will be required to appear before the APPC and a recommendation to discontinue working while in the program may be made.

Enrollment in Other Programs

The program director will notify the MCOM Office of the Registrar of any approval for a student enrolled in any other school of the University or in any other institution of learning.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

The USF Shimberg Health Sciences Library, as well as the USF Main Campus library is open to faculty, students, and staff.

USF Shimberg Health Sciences Library
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 11:00 p.m.

USF Main Campus Tampa Library
Monday - Thursday:  Open 24 hours
Friday:  Close at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tampa General Hospital Library
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Veteran's Administration Hospital Medical Library
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Photocopy Machines

Students have access to copy machines located in Nickels Student Computer Lounge and the USF Shimberg Health Sciences Library. Students must provide their own paper when using Nickels Lounge. There is a ten-cent per page charge when using the library. If you have a great deal of material to copy, you may want to use Pro-Copy located at 5219 E. Fowler Avenue, which generally discounts PA student copying with a USF ID Card.

Bookstore

The USF Health Bookstore (813-974-4984), operated by Barnes and Noble, is located adjacent to the south courtyard. The store carries all required and recommended books for the PA Program. In addition, numerous reference books, medical instruments, dissecting supplies and lab coats are available.

USF Main Campus Bookstore

USF Health Building Codes

• CMS – Children’s Medical Services (USF Health Administration), 13101 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
• MDF – Faculty Office Building, 13220 USF Laurel Drive
• HMT – Harbourside Medical Tower, 5 Tampa General Circle
• MDA – Medical Center Ambulatory Clinic, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
• MDC – Medical Center
• MDH – Morsani Center for Advanced Health Care, 13330 USF Laurel Drive
• MDL – Medical Center Laboratories
• MDT – School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, 3515 E. Fletcher Avenue
• MCC – Moffitt Cancer Center, USF Magnolia Drive
• STC – USF Health South Tampa Center for Advanced Healthcare, 2 Tampa General Circle
• TGH – Tampa General Hospital, 1 Tampa General Circle
• UPC – USF Health University Psychiatry Center, 3515 E. Fletcher Avenue

Classroom Area

Definition of a classroom area: lecture halls and laboratory.

Study Rooms and Student Lounges

Study space is available for students in the USF Shimberg Health Sciences Library, WELL, assigned small group spaces, and student lounges. Students have access to the Group Learning space on a 24-hour basis, but must vacate on demand for any scheduled class activities. Space in the Shimberg Library and the WELL are available during normal library hours.

Student lounges are located in the Fitness Center (MDC 1030), Nickels Student Computer Lounge (MDC 1050A, located adjacent to the bookstore), USF Shimberg Health Sciences Library, and the student kitchen (MDL 1001 – in the south courtyard on the opposite side from the USF Health Bookstore). MDC 1030, 1050A, and MDL 1001 are open 24/7, and are accessible with a USF ID card. Food should not be left in the Student Lounge. Students are expected to keep the lounge and appliances clean.

Food Service

Snack bar services are available in the USF Health Bookstore. The hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Food Trucks are present at the entrance of the WELL. Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Soda and snack bar and vending machines are available in/near the bookstore and WELL. 

Fitness Center

The Fitness Center and adjoining lounge (MDC 1028 and 1029) are for the exclusive use of all students, faculty, and staff in the MCOM. No guests are permitted to use these rooms.

It is the responsibility of everyone to keep these areas clean. You must bring a towel with you and wipe off equipment after use. Report any damaged or broken equipment to PA Program (813-974-8926).

The Fitness Center is not be professionally staffed. As safety is the primary concern, prior to using the Fitness Center you must watch a safety video (contact PA Program, 813-974-8926, for link to the video). Once you have watched the safety video, contact the PA Program and your ID badge swipe card will be activated to open the facility. Until such time, you must be in the presence of another member of the USF MCOM community – staff, faculty, or student – whenever you use the facility.

Violation of this standard will result in the loss of privileges in the Fitness Center for six (6) months. A repeat offense will be referred to the APPC.

All other rules are posted within the Fitness Center.

Building and Room problems

Please report any problems (e.g. broken desks, malfunctioning equipment, etc.) to the PA Program, MDC 0900 (813-974-8926).

Visitors

Guests are not normally permitted in the classroom or labs except with the advance approval of the academic or clinical directors. Guests are not permitted in the Fitness Center (MDC 1030).

Parking on Campus

Parking information will be provided for and during the admissions and matriculation process. Parking permits are required for all vehicles at USF 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After 5:30 p.m. (or posted time), staff, commuter students, and resident students may park in any lot. Individuals may purchase only one vehicle permit; they are available for purchase during the first week of classes and must be renewed annually. Parking lots are crowded, so allow sufficient time to ensure that you arrive at your classes prior to the scheduled start time.

Permits must be displayed at all times when on campus, including during periods of clinical practice when students are seldom actually on the campus. To avoid citations if you forget your hangtag, stop by the Campus Information Center drive through (Fowler entrance to campus) or Parking and Transportation Services (PSB 101) to pick up a free courtesy permit for the day. There are "pay to park" locations throughout the university. To purchase a parking permit or view other parking regulations, visit the USF Parking and Transportation Services website. 

Computer Use and Requirements

The computing facilities in the various colleges are a vital component of the academic environment. Each person using these computers must be considerate of other users. The purpose of these facilities is the support of teaching and research by its authorized users.

Activities that damage or impede the work of other users are of particular concern. Such activities are discourteous and illegal. The State of Florida has laws which hold that unauthorized use (including accessing another user’s account) leading to offenses against intellectual property and/or computer users, is a felony. Besides civil penalties that can include imprisonment of up to fifteen years and fines, the MCOM and/or University may impose administrative penalties and sanctions against those found to have violated the law. The University of South Florida wishes to provide open access to students and faculty with as few restrictions as possible. Courteous and thoughtful computing will minimize the need for regulations and annoying security procedures.

University policies are explicit (Student Code of Conduct) and any violation of these policies, including sending hate mail, is totally unacceptable and will be dealt with accordingly.

Access to and on-going use of a computer is required for all students to complete their degree programs successfully. USF and the PA Program expects each student to acquire computer hardware and software appropriate to his or her degree program. Competency in the basic use of a computer is a requirement. Class assignments may require use of a computer, academic advising and registration can be done by computer, and official university correspondence is sent via e-mail. While the university offers limited access to computers through its computer labs, most students will be expected to purchase or lease a computer that is capable of dial-up or network connection to the Internet, graphical access to the World Wide Web, and productivity functions such as word processing and spreadsheet calculation.

The PA Program requires students to have laptops for classroom use and recommends a computer no older than 2-3 years. The program does not endorse a specific operating system or computer brand. This requirement focuses on function and current open standards. Students should have a current, fully-patched operating system. The following list of capabilities is recommended at a minimum:

Hardware

• Intel Core 2 Duo, or 1 series processor
• Windows 7 or higher operating system is currently recommended*
• 4 GB of RAM or more
• 256 GB Hard Drive or higher
• DVD-R/RW Drive
• USB Ports ( at least 2)
• Wi-Fi wireless networking on laptops
• Display resolution at least 1024×768 pixels
• Sound card, and speakers or headphones
• 100mbit or 1 Gbit Ethernet adaptor for Broadband
• Broadband connection to the internet and related equipment (generally supplied by the service provider). Cable or DSL highly recommended.
• Printer
• Long life battery (* see below)

Software*

• Malware protection
• Current, fully-patched operating system
• Anti-viral software installed and up to date
• Anti-spyware software installed and up to date
• Modern, standards-compliant Web browser
• Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape, Opera, and Safari are good choices.
• Standards-based email client
• Some students may wish to use the campus Webmail exclusively.
• Standard “run time” environment for Java and Flash programs
• A media player
• Software to read/write Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint formats (MS Office is available at the USF computer store for a reduced price)
• Ability to read PDF files

*Updates to this list will be provided upon matriculation

Email Policy

Email is the official form of communication for the PA Program. Students are required to check email regularly. Email is our primary means of communication with students.  Email responses when necessary are expected in a timely manner. 

In order to avoid problems with receiving important messages from the program due to exceeding your email quota, delete old messages and clear your browser cache on a regular basis.  Each student will be responsible for any consequences resulting from the program’s inability to deliver important email due to mismanagement of the email account.  Failure to comply with the email policy will reflect poorly on the student’s professional development.

When communicating with the PA Program, it is USF policy that only University of South Florida email accounts will be recognized for student communication. This is important because e-mails originating from third-party accounts/services, such as Yahoo, Gmail, and others are frequently routed to quarantine folders. In these cases, the recipient may not be notified of the email until a later date when the quarantine folder contents are reviewed.

University of South Florida policies pertaining to email forwarding and computing resources, including security and privacy issues, can be found at the USF Health IS Computer Procedure website.

The following actions are strictly forbidden:

• In your professional role as a care-giver, you may not present the personal health information of other individuals. Removal of an individual’s name does not constitute proper de-identification of protected health information. Inclusion of data such as age, gender, race, diagnosis, date of evaluation, or type of treatment or the use of a highly specific medical photograph (such as a before/after photograph of a patient having surgery or a photograph of a patient from one of the medical outreach trips) may still allow the reader to recognize the identity of a specific individual.
• You may not report private (protected) academic information of another student or trainee. Such information might include, but is not limited to: course or clerkship grades, narrative evaluations, examination scores, or adverse academic actions.
• In posting information on social networking sites, you may not present yourself as an official representative or spokesperson for the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine.
• You may not represent yourself as another person, real or fictitious, or otherwise attempt to obscure your identity as a means to circumvent the prohibitions listed above and below.
• You may not utilize websites and/or applications in a manner that interferes with your official work commitments. That is, do not tie up a hospital or clinic computer with personal business when others need access to the computer for patient- related matters. Moreover, do not delay completion of assigned clinical responsibilities in order to engage in social networking.

In addition to the absolute prohibitions listed above, the actions listed below are strongly discouraged. Violations of these suggested guidelines may be considered unprofessional behavior and may be the basis for disciplinary action.

• Display of vulgar language
• Display of language or photographs that imply disrespect for any individual or group because of age, race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation
• Presentation of personal photographs or photographs of others that may reasonably be interpreted as condoning irresponsible use of alcohol, substance abuse, or sexual promiscuity
• Posting of potentially inflammatory or unflattering material on another individual’s website, e.g. on the “wall” of that individual’s Facebook site
• Personal friendships between faculty and students through social media

When using these social networking websites/applications, students are strongly encouraged to use a personal e-mail address, rather than their health.usf.edu address, as their primary means of identification. Individuals also should make every effort to
present themselves in a mature, responsible, and professional manner. Discourse should always be civil and respectful.

Please be aware that no privatization measure is perfect and that undesignated persons may still gain access to your networking site. A site such as YouTube, of course, is completely open to the public. Future employers (residency or fellowship program directors, department chairs, or private practice partners) often review these network sites when considering potential candidates for employment.

Finally, although once-posted information can be removed from the original social networking site, exported information cannot be recovered. Any digital exposure can “live on” beyond its removal from the original website and continue to circulate in other venues. Therefore, think carefully before you post any information on a website or application. Always be modest, respectful, and professional in your actions.

Bicycles

USF has instituted a new program for bicycle use across campus. Please learn more about this program by clicking here: Share A Bull Bikes 

Bicycle racks have been provided for your convenience in several locations around USF Health. Bikes must be parked in these racks and may not be chained to trees, pillars, etc. Bikes are not to be brought into any campus or hospital building.

Post Office

A branch office of the United States Postal Service is located in room MDC 1415. Stamped mail may be dropped off between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.. Stamps are not available at this location. A full-service Post Office is located on USF Holly Drive.

USF Student ID and Activities

Prior to orientation, students will obtain a USF Student ID card from the USF ID Card Center (Marshall Student Center, Room 1505). The cost for a new card is $10 and the cost for a replacement card is $15.

Your official USF ID card will have a magnetic strip allowing door access to certain areas throughout the USF Health campus. Your USF ID card is also used as part of your hospital identification tag. It must be worn on your white lab coat any time you are in a clinical setting. Please go to the USF ID Card Center if a problem occurs with your card or to replace a lost card.

You will need your USF ID card to take advantage of many University services and facilities. Pick up a Student Activities Calendar at the University Center Information Desk to see the schedule of University events for the current term. University activities include low-priced weekend movies, art films, jam sessions, concerts, plays, lectures, and sports events. Use the campus newspaper, The Oracle, to keep up with current events.

Student Council

Students of the USF PA Program will be encouraged and assisted in developing a student society to allow further interaction with other PA Programs, PA students, and the FAPA and AAPA. 

The AAPA Student Society Handbook (PDF) is a guide for PA students, faculty advisors, and program directors for establishing a student society, organizing and maintaining the society, and making it successful. Program faculty will assist students in establishing and developing a unique society at the USF MCOM PA Program to the betterment of the students.

Campus Ministry

Currently some of the religious groups are members of the Campus Ministry Association (CMA). The members of CMA include Baptist Campus Ministry, Crosswinds-The USF Wesley Foundation, Episcopal Student Center, and Hillel Foundation Navigators. In addition to the Campus Ministries, there are diverse student religious organizations on campus. The religious organizations are Baha’i Club, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Campus Advent, Campus Ministry of Bible-Based (CMOBB), Catholic Student Union, Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, Christian Medical Association, Christians in Action (CIA), Christians on Campus, Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Impact Christian Fellowship, International Fellowship, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Koinonia Covenant Campus Ministry, Latter-day Saint Student Association, Lotus Buddhist Society, Lutheran Student Fellowship, Muslim Students Association (MSA), Navigators, Organization of Hindu Minds, Students for Krishna Consciousness, Unfolding Students Faith, United Pagan Allied Network, Warriors for Christ, Young Israel Jewish Student Center, and Young Life College Leadership.

Childcare

Class members with children will find many nearby daycare centers. Checkout the USF Family Center or Preschool for Creative Learning.

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