Syllabus

Schedule

Weekly Dates

Week 1 May 1 – May 7

Week 2 May 8 – May 14

Week 3 May 15 – May 21

Week 4 May 22 – May 28

Week 5 May 29 – June 4

Week 6 June 5 – June 11

Week 7 June 12 – June 18

Week 8 June 19 – June 23

Week 9 June 26 – July 2

Week 10 July 3 – July 9

Week 11 July 10 – July 16

Week 12 July 17 – July 23

Week 13 July 24 – July 30

Week 14 July 31 – Aug 6

Week 15 Aug 7 – Aug 13

Week 16 Aug 14 – Aug 18

Major Due Dates

Identify the IRB protocol required for your study	Week 5
Select your conference	Week 6
IRB Protocol is due	Week 9
Abstract and DUNE Agreement are due	Week 11
Final Poster and Brief Recorded Presentation is due	middle of Week 13
Oral Presentation is due	start of Week 15

Please note all due date times are according to Eastern Time. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your instructor.

Week One

Weekly Learning Outcomes

By the end of this week, you will be able to:

1. Define key introductory research concepts, including the different types of variables and the difference between a null and alternate hypothesis.
2. Describe the key components of a research question
3. Broadly explain the rationale for conducting quantitative vs. qualitative vs. mixed methods studies
4. Describe the different methods for collecting data.
5. (SAS) Navigate the SAS environment and demonstrate how to import and clean data (e.g., rename variables, delete dropouts/those with missing data)

Lectures and SAS Lab Tutorials

Required Readings

1. Drummond textbook: Chp 1, pp 3-25 (“Introduction to Research”), Chp 4, pp 101-107 (Section: “Anatomy of a Research Article)
2. Farrugia, P., Petrisor, B. A., Farrokhyar, F., & Bhandari, M. (2010). Practical tips for surgical research: Research questions, hypotheses and objectives. Can J Surg, 53(4), 278-281.
3. Boushey, C., Harris, J., Bruemmer, B., Archer, S. L., & Van Horn, L. (2006). Publishing nutrition research: a review of study design, statistical analyses, and other key elements of manuscript preparation, Part 1. J Am Diet Assoc, 106(1), 89-96.
4. Deciding Data collection strategies (World Bank pdf, pp 91-101)
5. SAS Lab: Cody, Chp 1, pp 1-17 (“An Introduction to SAS”)

Assignments

Pre-Course SAS Lab submission (due by Thursday); Week 1 Assignment; Week 1 SAS Lab; Review Final Assignment Details, Grading Rubrics and Due Dates

Discussions

Introduce yourself; Optional – SAS Lab questions

Week Two

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Describe various methods to recruit subjects for a study and the differences between them (i.e., What population is your research question specifically addressing? How well will your methods of participant selection for your study represent your population?)
• Explain how to conduct descriptive analyses (e.g., calculate the mean, standard deviation, standard error of the mean, median, and interquartile range) and demonstrate how to calculate them in SAS
• (SAS) Demonstrate how to create and interpret frequency tables and commonly used figures (e.g., histograms, scatterplots, box plots)

Lectures and SAS Tutorials; How to Search PubMed

Required Readings:

• Röhrig B, du Prel J, Blettner M. Study design in medical research: part 2 of a series on the evaluation of scientific publications. Deutsches Ärzteblatt international. 2009;106:184.
• Boushey, Carol J., PhD, MPH, RD, Harris, Jeffrey, DrPH, RD, Bruemmer, Barbara, PhD, RD, Archer, Sujata L., PhD, RD. Publishing Nutrition Research: A Review of Sampling, Sample Size, Statistical Analysis, and Other Key Elements of Manuscript Preparation, Part 2. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2008;108:679-688.
• Cody textbook:
  • Chp 2, pp. 19-39 (“Descriptive Statistics, Continuous Variables”)
  • Chp 3, pp. 41-55 (“Descriptive Statistics, Categorical Variables”)
  • Chp 4, pp.  57-68 (“Descriptive Statistics, Bivariate Associations”)

Optional Readings:

• Drummond, Chp 2, pp. 31-48 (“How to Find Appropriate Research Articles”)
• Drummond, Chp 5
• Ecker E, Skelly A. Conducting a winning literature search. Evidence-Based Spine-Care Journal. 2010;1:9-14.
• Populations, samples, and randomization: Drummond, pp. 92-97
• Descriptive statistics: Drummond, pp. 115-136

Assignments

Week 2 Assignment; Week 2 SAS Lab

Discussions

Share your topic of interest; Optional – SAS Lab Questions 

Week Three

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Define the main types of intervention and observational study designs.
• Demonstrate how to evaluate quantitative research studies.
• Comprehend the range of statistical tests that will be reviewed in this course (i.e., Once you identify your research question and how you will collect your data, what statistical test(s) can help you answer your research question?)
• (SAS) Demonstrate how to transform data (e.g., log transformations, categorize continuous data)
• (SAS) Demonstrate how to stratify results by a variable(s) of interest (e.g., gender or age)

Lectures

Required Readings

• Drummond: 
  • Chp 6, pp. 155-180 (“Quantitative Research Designs: Experimental, Quasi-Experimental, and Descriptive)
  • Chp 7, pp. 185-211 (“Epidemiologic Research Designs and Predictive CorrelationalDesigns”)
  • Chp 8, pp. 219-236 (“Putting It All Together: Understanding and Evaluating Quantitative Research Studies”)
• Hartz A, Marsh JL. Methodologic Issues in Observational Studies. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2003:33-42.

Optional Readings:

• Normality: McDonald, pp. 141-143;
• Homoscedasticity: McDonald, pp. 145-147;
• Data transformation: McDonald, pp. 148-152;
• Parametric vs. nonparametric statistics in the Drummond textbook, pp. 136-137;
• Röhrig B, du Prel J, Wachtlin D, Blettner M. Types of study in medical research: part 3 of a series on evaluation of scientific publications. Deutsches Ärzteblatt international. 2009;106:262.
• du Prel J, Röhrig B, Hommel G, Blettner M. Choosing statistical tests: Part 12 of a series on evaluation of scientific publications. Deutsches Ärzteblatt international. 2010;107:343.

Assignments

Week 3 Assignment; Week 3 SAS Lab

Discussion

Optional – SAS Lab Questions 

Week Four

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Describe the chi-square test for goodness of fit and different t-tests and their assumptions.
• Describe the difference between independent vs. paired samples and when to use parametric vs. non-parametric tests.
• (SAS) Demonstrate how to conduct the statistical tests covered this week in SAS.

Lectures, SAS Tutorials, and SNEB Recorded Webinars

Required Readings:

• Drummond: Chp 5, pp. 138-139
• Harris, Jeffrey E., DrPH, RD, Boushey, Carol, PhD, MPH, RD, Bruemmer, Barbara, PhD, RD, Archer, Sujata L., PhD, RD. Publishing Nutrition Research: A Review of Nonparametric Methods, Part 3. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2008;108:1488-1496.
• Cody textbook: 
  • Chp 5, pp 69-78 (“Inferential Statistics- One-Sample Tests)
  • Chp 6, pp 79-89 (“Inferential Statistics- Two-Sample Tests)
  • Chp 10, pp 163-182 (“Categorical Data”), pp 206-210 (Performing Wilcoxon Rank-Sum (aka Mann Whitney U) and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests)

Optional Readings:

Though these are not required readings for this week, it is expected that students understand the differences between the tests below. Please review last week’s readings, previous courses’ notes and/or the material below if a refresher is needed.

• Student’s t-test: independent and paired samples – McDonald, pp. 110-113, 176-180; PDQ, pp. 35-40
• Exact test for goodness of fit: pp. 21-24 
• Chi-square test for goodness of fit- McDonald, pp. 34-40; Swinscow & Campbell, pp. 78-94, Norman & Striner, pp. 87-88
• Cochran-Mantel-Haenzel test for repeated tests of independence – McDonald, pp. 81-87
• Nonparametric tests: 
  • Chi-square test of independence – McDonald, pp. 52-57, PDQ, pp. 86-88
  • Fisher’s exact test of independence – McDonald, pp. 64-68, Swinscow & Campbell, pp. 95-101, PDQ, pp. 89-91
  • Binomial cells – PDQ, pp. 88-89
  • McNemar’s test – McDonald, pp. 91-92
  • Mann Whitney U test – McDonald, pp. 153-159, PDQ, p. 94.

Assignments

Week 4 Assignment; Week 4 SAS Lab

Discussion

Optional – SAS Lab Questions 

Week Five

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Describe ANOVA, ANCOVA, and MANOVA, their assumptions, and when to use parametric vs. non-parametric tests.
• (SAS) Demonstrate how to conduct the statistical tests covered this week in SAS.

Lectures, SAS Tutorials, and SNEB Recorded Webinars

Assignments

Week 5 Assignment; Week 5 SAS Lab; Final Assignment:

Discussions

Share your study question and the IRB choice; Optional – SAS Lab Questions 

Week Six

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Describe Pearson correlations and simple linear regressions, their assumptions, and when to use parametric vs. non-parametric tests.
• Define normality, linearity, and homoscedasticity
• (SAS) Demonstrate how to conduct the statistical tests covered this week in SAS.

Lectures, SAS Tutorials, and SNEB Recorded Webinars

Required Readings:

• Sheean, Patricia M., PhD, RD, Bruemmer, Barbara, PhD, RD, Gleason P, PhD, Harris, Jeffrey, DrPH, RD, LDN, Boushey, Carol, PhD, MPH, RD, Van Horn, Linda, PhD, RD. Publishing Nutrition Research: A Review of Multivariate Techniques—Part 1. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2011;111:103-110.
• Drummond: Chp 7, pp. 185-211 (“Epidemiologic Research Designs and Predictive Correlational Designs”)
• Cody: Chp 8, pp. 111-134 (“Correlation and Regression”)

Optional Readings:

• Correlations and linear regressions
  • McDonald, pp. 190-204; Swinscow & Campbell, pp. 111-125, PDQ, pp. 53-56, 105-106
  • Harris, Jeffrey E., DrPH, RD, Boushey, Carol, PhD, MPH, RD, Bruemmer, Barbara, PhD, RD, Archer, Sujata L., PhD, RD. Publishing Nutrition Research: A Review of Nonparametric Methods, Part 3. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2008;108:1488-1496.

Assignments

Week 6 Assignment; Week 6 SAS Lab; Draft of Background and Objectives (Abstract) Due

Discussions

Share your conference choice; Optional – SAS Lab Questions (or questions about power calculations) 

Week Seven

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Define confounders and effect modifiers and explain why they may need to be addressed in intervention vs. observational studies
• Recognize different types of biases commonly seen in studies and methods to reduce them
• Recognize the different types of study types and designs covered thus far
• (SAS) Demonstrate how to improve the aesthetics of SAS output (e.g., providing labels to numerical variables, changing colors of data points in figures, and adding title and axes labels to figures).

Lectures and SAS Tutorial

Required Readings:

• Drummond textbook: pp. 86-90 (Reliability and Validity), 90-92 (“Error and Bias”), 98-101 (“Instruments and Measurement”)
• Step-by-step analysis of biological data – McDonald, p. 3
• Cody textbook: p. 9 (title statement), pp. 46-48 (creating labels associated with values).

Assignments

Week 7 Assignment; Week 7 SAS Lab – to complete but no submission is needed this week

Discussions

Share your study objective, methods, and statistical analyses and why; Optional – SAS Lab Questions

Week Eight

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Describe how qualitative study designs differ from quantitative study designs and define their guiding theories
• Describe commonly used qualitative data collection procedures (e.g., interviews, focus groups)
• Recognize common biases encountered in qualitative research.

Lectures

Required Readings

• Drummond textbook: Chp 9-10, pp. 243-297
• Swift JA, Tischler V. Qualitative research in nutrition and dietetics: getting started. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 2010;23:559-566.
• Harris, Jeffrey E., DrPH, MPH, RD, Gleason PM, PhD, Sheean, Patricia M., PhD, RD, Boushey, Carol, PhD, MPH, RD, Beto, Judith A., PhD, RD, FADA, Bruemmer, Barbara, PhD, RD. An Introduction to Qualitative Research for Food and Nutrition Professionals. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2009;109:80-90.
• Draper A, Swift JA. Qualitative research in nutrition and dietetics: data collection issues. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 2011;24:3-12.

For this week’s assignment:

• Reyes, Naomi R., MS, RD, LDN, Oliver, Tracy L., PhD, RD, LDN, Klotz AA, MPH, et al. Similarities and Differences between Weight Loss Maintainers and Regainers: A Qualitative Analysis. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2012;112:499-505.
• Blake CE, Fisher JO, Ganter C, et al. A qualitative study of parents’ perceptions and use of portion size strategies for preschool children’s snacks. Appetite. 2015;88:17-23.

Optional Readings: 

• Overview of Qualitative Methods and Analytic Techniques – Part II, Chp 3
• Cho JY, Lee E. Reducing confusion about grounded theory and qualitative content analysis: Similarities and differences. Qualitative Report. 2014;19:1.
• A recommended textbook for further details: Qualitative Research Methods by Hennink, Hutter, and Bailey (2011, SAGE Publications)

Assignments 

Week 8 Assignment; Final Assignments – Methods Section of your Abstract Due

Discussion

Share a qualitative component(s) you could tie into your final assignment’s data collection to further inform your research

Week Nine

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Recognize different coding concepts and describe how coding and memoing techniques are used during qualitative data analysis
• Describe how qualitative studies move from codes to theme and theory development
• Demonstrate how to critically evaluate a qualitative research study.
• Additionally, in regards to your abstract: Illustrate how to report study results and conclusions.

Lectures and Supplemental Videos

Required Readings

1. Drummond textbook: Chp 11, pp. 301-314 (“How to Evaluate Qualitative Research”)
2. Fade SA, Swift JA. Qualitative research in nutrition and dietetics: data analysis issues. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 2011;24:106-114.

Recommended textbook for future work in qualitative research:

• The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers by Johnny Saldana (2016, SAGE Publications)

Assignments

Week 9 Assignment; Final Assignment – IRB Protocol Due

Discussions

Share an idea for a qualitative research study that could follow and build upon your final assignment; Optional – SAS Lab Questions

Week Ten

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Choose the right design and statistical tests for different types of study questions
• Illustrate how to write an abstract.

Lectures

Required Readings

• du Prel J, Röhrig B, Hommel G, Blettner M. Choosing statistical tests: part 12 of a series on evaluation of scientific publications. Deutsches Ärzteblatt international. 2010;107:343.
• Tips for Writing Abstracts. Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior
• How to write #1: The conference abstract – Evans

Required for next week’s assignment: Skim the following three articles and choose one of most interest to read in detail. You will use the chosen article for next week’s poster assignment (see Week 11 assignment for details). Please note: If there is a different article you would like to use for next week’s assignment (e.g., the topic or study design of the alternate article is more similar to your poster topic or study design, respectively), you must submit your request to your instructor in Week 10 and receive approval prior to completing the Week 11 assignment. 

• Jane M, Foster J, Hagger M, Pal S. Using new technologies to promote weight management: a randomised controlled trial study protocol. BMC public health. 2015;15:509.
• Maastricht University Details Findings in Obesity [The coaching on lifestyle (CooL) intervention for obesity, a study protocol for an action-oriented mixed-methods study]. Obesity & Diabetes Week. NewsRX LLC; 2018:26.
• Verreijen AM, Engberink MF, Memelink RG, van der Plas, Suzanne E, Visser M, Weijs PJM. Effect of a high protein diet and/or resistance exercise on the preservation of fat free mass during weight loss in overweight and obese older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrition journal. 2017;16:1-8.

Assignments

Week 10 Assignment

Discussion

Optional – SAS Lab Questions

Week Eleven

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Properly format a poster for a conference poster presentation
• Recognize how to reformat analysis results from SAS tables into Word tables. (E.g., understand the dos and don’ts when creating tables in Excel, understand key poster presentation recommendations)

Lectures and Supplemental Videos

Required Reading:

• Review poster formatting guidelines for your conference of choice

Optional:

• Textbook: McDonald, pp. 242-249, 271-273

Assignments

Final Assignment: Abstract and DUNE Contributor Agreement Due; Week 11 Practice Poster Submission

Discussion

Optional – Ask the Instructor Forum (PowerPoint Questions)

Week Twelve

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate how to report analysis results in figures and tables (via SAS and Excel).
• Construct a professional poster presentation and accompanying 30-second oral presentation incorporating key recommendations.

Lectures, SAS Tutorials, and Supplemental Videos

Optional Reading

• Textbook: McDonald, pp. 250-260

Assignments

None this week

Discussions

State what tables and/or figures you plan to include/exclude in your poster and why; Optional – SAS Lab Forum (plus any Excel questions)

Week Thirteen

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate how to best utilize, alter, and expand upon your abstract and poster for your oral presentation.

Lectures, SAS Tutorials, and Supplemental Videos

Optional Reading

• Textbook: McDonald, pp. 250-260

Assignment

Final Assignment: Conference Poster and Brief Poster Presentation Due (by Wed)

Discussions

Conference Poster and Brief Poster Presentation Forum (post by Wed; questions by end of Week 13); Optional – SAS Lab Forum

Week Fourteen

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Construct a professional PowerPoint presentation incorporating key recommendations for your oral presentation.

Lectures and PowerPoint Tutorials

Required Reading

• Review the oral presentation guidelines from your chosen conference for submission,
• Larkin M. How to give a dynamic scientific presentation. Elsevier Connect Web site. Updated 2015.

Assignment

No assignments due this week; continue working on your oral presentation due at the start of next week (Week 15)

Discussions

Conference Poster and Brief Poster Presentation Forum (respond to all questions by end of Week 14); Optional – Ask the Instructor about the PowerPoint lab

Week Fifteen

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Describe multiple linear (MLR) and logistic regressions and their assumptions.
• (SAS) Demonstrate how to conduct the statistical tests covered this week in SAS

Lectures and SAS Tutorials

Required Readings

• Sheean, Patricia M., PhD, RD, Bruemmer, Barbara, PhD, RD, Gleason P, PhD, Harris, Jeffrey, DrPH, RD, LDN, Boushey, Carol, PhD, MPH, RD, Van Horn, Linda, PhD, RD. Publishing Nutrition Research: A Review of Multivariate Techniques—Part 1. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2011;111:103-110.
• Cody textbook: 
  • Chp 9, pp 135-161 (“Multiple Regression”)
  • Chp 11, pp 183-204 (“Binary Logistic Regression”)

Optional Readings

• Drummond textbook: Chp 7, pp. 196-211 (“Epidemiologic Research Designs and Predictive Correlational Designs”)
• MLR: McDonald, pp. 217-218; Campbell, pp. 12-22 (through 2.4.2), 32 (start section 2.9)-35, PDQ, pp. 56-61
• Logistic regression – McDonald, pp. 224-231, Campbell, pp. 37-40 (Section 3.7), 49-54, 55-57, PDQ, pp. 67-71
• PROC GLM: PDQ, pp. 71-73.

Assignments

Final Assignment: Oral Presentation Due by Wed of Week 15; Week 15 Assignment; Week 15 SAS Lab Assignment

Discussions

Oral Presentation Forum (post by Wed of Week 15; ask questions by end of Week 15); Optional – SAS Lab Questions

Week Sixteen

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Define what systematic reviews and meta-analyses are, why they are done, and how they are used in research
• Describe what risk of bias assessments and strength of evidence grading systems are and why they’re used
• Critically evaluate published systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Lecture (Systematic Review)

Required Readings

• Drummond textbook: 
  • Chp 12, pp. 319-346 (“Understanding and Using Sources of Evidence: Systematic Reviews and Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guidelines”)
  • Appendix E, pp 461-462 (“PRISMA Checklist”)
• Montori VM, Swiontkowski MF, Cook DJ. Methodologic Issues in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2003:43-54.

Optional Readings

Note: Since you conducted a systematic review in a past course, this is listed under optional reading.

• Uman LS. Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 2011;20(1):57-59.

Assignments

Week 16 Assignment; ePortfolio Reflection

Discussions

Oral Presentation Forum (respond to the questions by end of Week 16); Optional – SAS Lab Questions

Student Resources

Online Student Support

Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.

Questions? Visit the Student Support Applied Nutrition page

UNE Libraries:

• Library Access for all students:  Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
• Applied Nutrition Database
• Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.

UNE Student Academic Success Center

The Student Academic Success Center (SASC) offers a range of services to support your academic achievement, including tutoring, writing support, test prep and studying strategies, learning style consultations, and many online resources. To make an appointment for tutoring, writing support, or a learning specialist consultation, go to une.tutortrac.com. To access our online resources, including links, guides, and video tutorials, please visit:

• UNE Student Academic Success Center

Information Technology Services (ITS)

• ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673

Accommodations

Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.

Online Peer Support

Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.

Information Technology Services (ITS)

Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.

ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.

Career Ready Program

The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!

The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.

Policies

Questions

We strive to address students’ concerns and questions in a timely and efficient manner. The SAS forum, Ask the Instructor Forum, and Announcements in the course are the ways for the instructor(s) to address common questions. Please refer to the Announcements, Ask the Instructor and SAS forums first when you are looking for clarification or need help with SAS.  If you ask a question that has already been addressed in a previous announcement, the SAS forum, or the Ask the Instructor forum, you will likely not hear back within 24 hours.

AMA Writing Style Statement

In keeping with the requirements of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, the American Medical Association (AMA) Manual of Style, 11th edition is the required writing format for this course and is available at both UNE libraries under the title "AMA Manual." Additional support for academic writing and AMA format is provided throughout the coursework as well as at the UNE Portal for Online Students.

Online resources: AMA Style Guide

Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool

The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.

Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in AMA citation and academic writing.

You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.

Late Policy

Assignments: Assignments submitted after the due date and time will receive a deduction of 10% of the total possible grade for each day it is late. After three days, the assignment will not be accepted. No assignments will be accepted after the course ends.

Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, acceptance of the discussion board is at the discretion of the faculty. Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded (does not apply to practicum).

Students are encouraged to make every effort ahead of time to contact their instructor and their student support specialist if they are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.

Technology Requirements

Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements

Course Evaluation Policy

Course surveys are one of the most important tools that University of New England uses for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from each student for each course. Evaluation access is distributed via UNE email at the beginning of the last week of the course.

Attendance Policy

8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.

16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.

Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures

The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.

UNE Online Student Handbook

UNE Course Withdrawal

Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.