Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 0
Didactic Program in Dietetics
Student Handbook
Nutritional Sciences Department
Chandlee Laboratory
2021-2022
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 1
Table of Contents
Overview ______________________________________________________________________ 3
About the Handbook ................................................................................................................................... 3
Contact Information .................................................................................................................................... 4
The Pennsylvania State University – Mission and Values ....................................................................... 5
The College of Health and Human Development (HHD) ......................................................................... 5
The Nutritional Sciences Department ........................................................................................................ 5
Penn State University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Description ___________________ 6
Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
Licensure ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
2024 requirement for a Master's degree to become a Registered Dietitian (RDN) ............................... 7
Mission of the DPD Program (Nutrition and Dietetics Option) .............................................................. 7
The Pennsylvania State University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) will prepare students for
entry into supervised practice programs in dietetics by providing a diverse, comprehensive
education experience with evidenced-based practical applications in nutrition and a strong science
component, leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. ....................... 7
Program Goals and Objectives ................................................................................................................... 8
Program Outcomes Data ............................................................................................................................. 8
Accreditation Status of the DPD program at The Pennsylvania State University ................................ 9
Program Information ____________________________________________________________ 9
Admissions Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 9
Program Expenses ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Academic Calendar ................................................................................................................................... 11
Program Completion Requirements ........................................................................................................ 12
Program Schedules .................................................................................................................................... 14
Policies and Procedures _________________________________________________________ 15
Academic Integrity .................................................................................................................................... 15
Academic Progress .................................................................................................................................... 16
Access to Remedial Instruction ................................................................................................................ 16
Access to Student Services ........................................................................................................................ 16
Assessment of Student Learning .............................................................................................................. 17
Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screening ............................................................................... 17
Complaints about the Didactic Program in Dietetics ............................................................................. 18
Grievance Policy and Procedure as a student in the Nutritional Sciences program ........................... 19
Health Insurance ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Injury or Illness while in a Supervised Practice ..................................................................................... 21
Immunizations ........................................................................................................................................... 21
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 2
Liability Insurance .................................................................................................................................... 21
Program Schedule...................................................................................................................................... 22
Protection of Privacy of Student Information and Accessing Personal Files ....................................... 22
Role of the Student at a Supervised Practice Facility ............................................................................. 23
Scholastic Probation and Suspension ....................................................................................................... 23
Termination/Disciplinary Procedure ....................................................................................................... 23
Transfer Credits ........................................................................................................................................ 24
Travel and Transportation ....................................................................................................................... 24
Withdrawal from the University and Refund of Tuition and Fees ....................................................... 25
APPENDICES ________________________________________________________________ 26
Appendix A: ACEND Procedure for Filing a Complaint against Accredited Programs .................... 27
Appendix B: Verification Statement Policy: Nutrition and Dietetics option ....................................... 29
Verification Statement Policy: Nutrition and Dietetics option .............................................................. 29
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 3
Overview
Nutrition and Dietetics is an interdisciplinary program that incorporates the science of human
biology, biochemistry, and foods to understand how the body utilizes nutrients and related
substances for optimal health throughout the lifecycle. In addition, it prepares individuals for
leadership and management positions with a focus on food systems management.
Students gain an understanding of how the interplay of nutrition and lifestyle relate to current
public health issues as well as the development and nutrition management of chronic and acute
diseases. Students learn the scientific rationale and practice methodology to assess nutritional status
for individuals in the clinical setting and for population analysis. They will use these skills to
implement medical nutrition therapy or understand nutrition guidelines, standards, and policies.
Dietetics is a growing field with an opportunity for employment in diverse areas including clinical
and community settings, counseling and education, schools, public health and policy, sports
nutrition, food industry, long-term care facilities, management, and private practice among others.
The demand for Registered Dietitians and nutritionists is expected to grow by 11% between 2020
and 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Individuals who have an interest in food, nutrition, and management and want to work with the
public to promote and optimize good health or to help manage existing diseases are excellent
candidates for this field of study. The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) professional
designation qualifies an individual as the food and nutrition expert to address today’s complex
issues surrounding foods and nutrition. To earn this credential, individual must complete all the
steps below:
1. Earn a BS degree from an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD),
2. Complete an accredited post-baccalaureate dietetic supervised practice program and Masters
degree, and
3. Pass a national board registration examination
The Penn State University Nutritional Sciences department has an accredited DPD in its
undergraduate program; it is the Nutrition and Dietetics option of the Nutritional Sciences major.
Graduates of the DPD who meet all the degree requirements will be eligible to apply for a dietetic
supervised practice program. Additional information about the DPD program and process for
earning the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential are in this document.
About the Handbook
The student handbook provides important information to help students enrolled in the Penn State
University DPD program navigate the requirements for completion of their degree as well as the
expectations of student conduct while at Penn State University. The handbook is subject to revision
and students will be notified of any changes through electronic communications (e.g., e-mail,
website, LionPath, and/or Starfish) provided by the Department of Nutritional Sciences. An
electronic version of this document is available on the Nutritional Sciences department website in
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 4
the Nutrition Dietetics option section https://hhd.psu.edu/nutrition/undergraduate/major/nutrition-
and-dietetics. Please use this handbook as your first step to answer questions you may have about
the DPD program.
The DPD student handbook is supplemental to the current edition of The College of Health and
Human Development undergraduate student handbook and the Penn State University Student Code
of Conduct document. Students can access the Student Handbook on the College of Health and
Human Development website at https://hhd.psu.edu/undergraduate/advising/undergraduate-adviser-
and-student-handbook and the Student Code of Conduct document on the Office of Student
Conduct website at https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/support-safety-conduct/student-conduct/code-
conduct/. Students are expected to be familiar with the contents of these documents for
undergraduate student advisement information and policies in all the above documents.
Contact Information
The DPD is administered by the Department of Nutritional Sciences within the College of Health
and Human Development.
Nutritional Sciences Departmental Office DPD Director
110 Chandlee Laboratory Mary Dean Coleman-Kelly, PhD, MS, RDN
University Park, PA 16802 Teaching Professor & DPD Director
Office phone: 814-863-0772 123 Chandlee Laboratory
Fax: 814-863-6103 University Park, PA 16802
Office Phone: 814-865-2138
E-mail: md.coleman@psu.edu
Nutritional Sciences Administrators and Faculty
A list of faculty, administrators, and administrative staff and their contact information can be found
on the Department of Nutritional Sciences website at the links listed below.
• Faculty and Administrative Staff: https://hhd.psu.edu/nutrition/contact/faculty-staff
• Administration: https://hhd.psu.edu/nutrition/contact/administration
College of Health and Human Development Administration
Name
Title
Dr. Craig Newschaffer
Dean of the College of Health and Human Development
Dr. Dennis Shea
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Outreach
Dr. Megan Owens
Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Education
Dr. Joyce Hopson-King
Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion
David de la Rosa
Assistant Director for Diversity and Inclusion
Heather Kurzinger
Assistant to the Dean for Academic and Student Records Management
Jeff Hill
Lead Adviser, Center for Student Services and Engagement
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 5
The Pennsylvania State University – Mission and Values
The Pennsylvania State University Mission and Values are located on the Penn State University
Mission and Values webpage: https://www.psu.edu/this-is-penn-state/mission-and-values/
The College of Health and Human Development (HHD)
The College of HHD Mission, Vision, Values, Goals and Academic units are located on the College
of HHD Strategic Planning webpage: https://hhd.psu.edu/about/strategic-plan
The Nutritional Sciences Department
Undergraduate Program Mission
The mission of the undergraduate program is to provide students with a didactic program that
covers the breadth of knowledge in nutrition from molecules to organisms to populations, provides
opportunities for research, and offers practical experiences and training.
Didactic Program in Dietetics Mission
The Pennsylvania State University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) will prepare students for
entry into supervised practice programs in dietetics by providing a diverse, comprehensive
education experience with evidenced-based practical applications in nutrition and a strong science
component, leading to eligibility for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing
exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Departmental Diversity Statement
The Department of Nutritional Sciences is committed to fostering diversity by offering a
welcoming and supportive environment for its students, faculty, and staff by respecting differences
in culture, age, gender, gender expression, race, ethnicity, national origin, physically ability and
presentation, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation.
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 6
Penn State University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
Description
Overview
The Nutrition and Dietetics option is the accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) in the
Nutritional Sciences major. It provides a diverse curriculum with a strong foundation in science,
foods, and nutrition along with courses in behavioral sciences and management to meet the national
accreditation standards set by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
(ACEND). Students share classes with students majoring in pre-medicine, nursing, chemistry,
biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, food science, hospitality management, and exercise
science. Students are encouraged to use the University resources and advising services to help them
succeed in their coursework.
Step 1: DPD Verification Statement Completion
Completing the DPD Verification Statement requirements is the first step to meeting the criteria to
earn the RDN credential. The schematic below shows the steps:
Step 2: Application to and completion of a post-baccalaureate accredited Dietetic Supervised
Practice Program (DSPP)
The next step to earning the RDN credential, graduates of the DPD must successfully complete an
accredited pre-professional program in dietetics that includes supervised practice hours and the
completion of a graduate degree. Dietetic internships with a Masters degree include a minimum of
1000 hours of supervised practice experience and graduate coursework. They are 15 to 24 months
in length. Future graduate programs (FGP) are competency-based programs that combine graduate
level courses with supervised experiences to meet accreditation standards. FGPs are 18 to 24
months in length. Both dietetic internship/graduate degree programs and FGPs charge tuition to
complete the program; tuition costs vary between programs. Additional information on these
programs can be found on ACEND’s website at https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accredited-
programs/about-accredited-programs.
Students who apply to Dietetic Internship/graduate degree programs may be required to enter their
program choices through D&D Digital’s computer matching software system. In the matching
application process, students rank the dietetic internships they are applying to in order of preference
in the D&D Digital software. Once entered, the students may or may not be “matched” to one of the
programs on their list on a specified date. Students are notified of their “matches” on the first
Meet the
requirements of the
DPD program; get
your BS degree
Be accepted into a
Dietetic Supervised
Practice Program and
Graduate Degree
program
Successfully
complete the
Dietetic Supervised
Practice Program and
Masters degree
Take and pass the
Registration
Examination for
Dietitians
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 7
Sunday in November for the fall match cycle, and on the first Sunday in April for the spring match
cycle.
Step 3: Passing the RDN registration examination
In the final step to earn the RDN credential, after successfully meeting the requirements of the
dietetic internship/graduate program or FGP, is passing the national registration examination.
Licensure
Students who earn their RDN credential and want to practice as Dietitians may need to apply for
licensure before they are eligible practice dietetics and provide nutrition counseling in states that
require licensure. Licensing statutes include an explicitly defined scope of practice, and
performance of the profession is illegal without first obtaining a license from the state. A list of the
states that require licensure is available on the Commission on Dietetic Registration website at
https://www.cdrnet.org/state-licensure.
2024 requirement for a Master's degree to become a Registered Dietitian
(RDN)
Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum
of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian
nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s
degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR’s
Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time,
December 31, 2023.
For more information about this requirement visit CDR’s
website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals
complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council
for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the
ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) program at The Pennsylvania State
University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
Mission of the DPD Program (Nutrition and Dietetics Option)
The Pennsylvania State University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) will prepare students for
entry into supervised practice programs in dietetics by providing a diverse, comprehensive
education experience with evidenced-based practical applications in nutrition and a strong science
component, leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 8
Program Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: To prepare graduates for acceptance into supervised practice programs, graduate
school, or for employment.
1.1 At least 80% of DPD students complete the program/degree requirements within 3 years of
meeting the entrance to the Nutrition and Dietetics option requirements (150% of program
length).
1.2 ≥ 60% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program within
12 months of graduation.
1.3 ≥ 65% of program graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12
months of graduation.
1.4 The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year
of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
1.5 ≥ 70% of graduates who applied to graduate school or pre-professional school will be
accepted into graduate school or pre-professional school within 12 months of graduating
from the program.
1.6 ≥ 70% of graduates who sought employment are employed in a nutrition or health-related
field within 12 months of graduating from the program.
Goal 2: To prepare graduates to have a strong foundation in science, foods, community
nutrition, application of nutrition principles, and management areas for supervised practice
through dietetics related coursework and field experiences in nutrition.
2.1 ≥ 80% of DPD seniors will rate their preparation for supervised practice programs as mostly
satisfied (4) or better (using a 5-point scale) on a survey.
2.2 ≥ 80% of DPD alumni will rate their preparation for supervised practice programs as mostly
satisfied (4) or better (using a 5-point scale) on a survey.
2.3 ≥ 80% of supervised practice program directors will rate DPD graduates as prepared (4) or
better (using a 5-point scale) for supervised practice in all areas on a survey.
Program Outcomes Data
DPD program acceptance rates into DSPPs and RDN pass rate data
• Graduates of Penn State University’s DPD have an excellent acceptance rate into dietetic
supervised practice programs that is well above the national average.
• Graduates of the Penn State University’s DPD have a one-year pass rate on the registration
examination greater than the national average.
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 9
Additional program outcomes data is available upon request by contacting the DPD director, Dr.
Mary Dean Coleman-Kelly at md.coleman@psu.edu.
Accreditation Status of the DPD program at The Pennsylvania State University
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) of The Pennsylvania State University has been granted
accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).
The date of the next review is Fall 2028
ACEND, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995
Phone: 312-899-0040 Ext. 5500.
Program Information
Admissions Requirements
Penn State University Admissions Criteria
The Penn State University Admissions office provides the admissions criteria for acceptance into
Penn State University Park for first-year students and students transferring from other institutions.
Entrance to the Nutritional Sciences Major
Students are eligible for entrance into the Nutritional Sciences major by meeting the following
criteria
• Accepted and enrolled at the Penn State University Park campus and College of Health and
Human Development.
• Completed a least 29 credit hours
• Have a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average (GPA)
To enter the Nutritional Sciences major, students should contact the College of Health and Human
Development Center for Student Advising and Engagement to talk with an academic advisor.
Entrance to the Nutrition and Dietetics Option
Students must meet the Nutrition and Dietetics option entrance criteria to be accepted into the
option.
Individuals who have specific questions about the course requirements for the Nutrition and
Dietetics should contact Dr. Coleman-Kelly at [email protected]; she will be able to assist you
or direct you to the appropriate resources to answer your questions.
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 10
Program Expenses
Program Costs for the 4-year Nutritional Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics Option degree
The total program costs for the 4-year BS degree in Nutritional Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics
option include the items below:
Tuition
Penn State University tuition and fees for in-resident and non-resident students Fall and Spring
semesters
• Tuition rates for the current academic year
NUTR 495 Advanced Field Experience in Nutrition course taken in the summer between the
junior and senior year*
• Tuition rates for the current summer session
*Students are required to take Advanced Field Experience in Nutrition (NUTR 495; 3 credits)
and complete a minimum of 240 hours of work in a Dietetics and/or Nutrition-related field as
well as coursework to meet DPD KRDN student learning outcomes. Students are required to
take this course in the summer, typically in the summer between their third year and fourth year
however it can be completed the summer of graduating from the program. Students are
expected to set up their own experiences. Students will be taught the skills needed to locate and
find their experience in NUTR 391: Professional Preparation in Nutrition and Dietetics, taken
in the spring semester of their third year. Students will pay the summer and tuition and fees
outlined by the university tuition and fee schedule.
Mandatory fees associated with the following Nutritional Sciences and Hospitality Management
courses
• NUTR 358: Assessment of Nutritional Status: $10.00
• NUTR 320: Science and Methods of Food Preparation: $130.00
• HM 330: Food Production and Service Management: $130.00
• NUTR 391: Professional Preparation in Nutrition and Dietetics (membership to the
Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics): $58.00
Additional Costs:
• Books, materials, and supplies: Required books, dietary analysis software, and printing fees
for course materials are estimated to be approximately $600 to $1,000 per semester.
• Student Nutrition Association membership (recommended): $10 per semester or $15 per
year
• Personal health insurance: Variable
• Applications to Dietetic Supervised Practice Programs
Application fees to each Dietetic Internship or Supervised Practice program: range
from $40.00 to $150.00 per application
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 11
Online Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System Application (DICAS) fee:
$55.00 to apply to the first program and $25.00 for each program applied to
thereafter
D&D Digital computer matching: $55.00
• Costs that may be required by some sites used during the NUTR 495: Advanced Field
Experience in Nutrition
o Liability insurance: $25-$50
o Drug testing: $50-$100
o Immunizations: $50-$100
o Background clearances/security checks: $30-$50
Students are encouraged, but not required, to attend professional meetings in dietetics. Students
will be responsible for covering the registration, housing, and travel costs associated with these
meetings. These costs will vary depending on the type and location of the meeting.
Living Expenses
Living expenses vary based on the housing the student chooses to use for their living arrangements.
The Penn State Net Price Calculator provides an estimate on the total cost of attending Penn State
that includes tuition, fees, and housing: https://cce.ais.psu.edu/netprice-calculator/
Post-graduation Dietetic Supervised Practice Program potential tuition costs
Students who attend a dietetic internship with a graduate degree or FGP after graduating from the
Didactic Program in Dietetics will be expected to pay tuition and fees as part of the program costs.
The tuition and fees vary between programs. Tuition and fee costs range from $36,000 to $50,000
for these programs. These costs vary depending on the type of program, location (e.g., in-state vs.
out-of-state), and other factors. These costs don’t include the additional costs for living, travel, etc.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Financial Aid
The Penn State Office of Student aid offers resources to students learn about financial aid
and student loans available to them
• Scholarships
Students have many opportunities for scholarships through the university, the College of
Health and Human Development*, the Department of Nutritional Sciences*, and
professional organizations.
• Penn State University Scholarships
• College of Health and Human Development Scholarships
• Department of Nutritional Sciences scholarships
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 12
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarships (requires membership
to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)
Additional scholarship opportunities will be announced on the Nutritional Sciences Canvas
Pride.
*Scholarships offered by the College of Human Development and the Department of Nutritional
Sciences are awarded via an internal selection committee. Selections are based on student career
interests, current GPA, and financial need. There is no application process for these awards.
Academic Calendar
The Nutritional Sciences department follows the semester and summer schedule of Penn State
University. The academic calendar is available on The Pennsylvania State University website at
https://www.registrar.psu.edu/academic-calendars/
Program Completion Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits to graduate with a BS degree from Penn State
University. Sixty of the 120 credits must be taken at Penn State University within the last five
years of the student’s degree. These credits must be comprised of courses in the general education
curriculum, courses that meet the Nutritional Sciences major requirements and Nutrition and
Dietetics option requirements, supporting courses, and electives.
General Education
Students must complete a total of 45 credits of general education to obtain a Bachelor’s degree from
Penn State University. Information regarding the courses needed to fulfill the general education
requirements are available on the University Bulletin webpage at
https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/health-human-development/nutritional-sciences-bs/
BS degree in Nutritional Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics option requirements
Students in the Nutrition and Dietetics option must complete the university general education
course requirements and the Nutrition and Dietetics option major courses to earn a B.S. degree in
the Nutritional Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics option. Students must earn a "C" or higher in all
the Nutrition and Dietetics option prescribed and additional courses to earn the degree. The
following links provide additional information.
• Nutrition and Dietetics option degree requirements
• Nutrition and Dietetics option suggested academic plan
Nutrition and Dietetics option (DPD) Verification Statement Policy
A Verification Statement is an official document that signifies that the student has met all academic
and professional requirements as dictated by ACEND of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 13
the Pennsylvania State University DPD program. Students must meet the criteria below to have a
Verification Statement issued to them.
1. Meet the degree requirements for the Nutritional Sciences major and Nutrition and Dietetics
option.
2. Earn a 70% or higher on assignments tied to the ACEND KRDN student learning outcomes
given in selected DPD courses in the curriculum
3. Attend one of the scheduled Nutrition and Dietetics Option Information sessions with the
DPD director upon declaring the Nutrition and Dietetics option and sign a form
documenting their attendance
Issuing Verification Statements
• DPD Verification statements, per ACEND requirements, will be issued after the Nutritional
Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics option B.S. degree is conferred and designated as such on
the official transcript and the DPD director has confirmed all KRDN SLOs meet the
minimum requirements stated above.
• A digitally signed electronic copy of the Verification Statement will be sent to each student
to their Penn State issued e-mail address. Students have the option to request a paper version
of their Verification Statement.
Information for transfer students:
• Courses taken at another institution may be transferred to Penn State but must be approved
through the Penn State Admissions office transfer course equivalency process. Any DPD
required Nutrition (NUTR) or Hospitality Management (HM) course must be evaluated for
content by the DPD director to determine which courses will be approved. It is
recommended that the student do this prior to taking the course.
• Students who transfer from other ACEND Accredited DPD programs may request to have
their DPD courses evaluated by the DPD director to evaluate the course and KRDN Student
Learning Outcome (SLO) equivalency to meet the DPD Verification Statement
criteria. Students must provide a copy of the course syllabus and graded assignments from
the course that met the KRDN SLO. The determination of equivalency by the DPD director
will occur on the case-by-case basis as needed.
• Students are required to complete at least 22 credits of Nutritional Sciences and Hospitality
Management courses to earn the Verification Statement from the Penn State DPD
program. These courses include:
• NUTR 358 Assessment of Nutritional Status (3 credits)
• NUTR 391 Professional Preparation in Nutrition and Dietetics (2 credits)
• NUTR 400 Introduction to Nutrition Counseling (2 credits)
• NUTR 452 Nutritional Aspects of Disease (3 credits)
• NUTR 453 Medical Nutrition Therapy (3 credits)
• NUTR 490W Nutrition Seminar (3 credits)
• NUTR 495 Advanced Field Experience in Nutrition (3 credits)
• HM 330 Food Production & Service Management (3 credits)
Additional information about Verification Statements is available on the ACEND website at
http://www.eatright.org/ACEND/content.aspx?id=66.
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 14
Students should reference the College of HHD Student Handbook for additional graduation
requirements that are needed beyond the coursework listed above. This information is available at:
https://hhd.psu.edu/undergraduate/advising/undergraduate-adviser-and-student-handbook.
Program Schedules
Dietetics option 4-year academic plan
Eight-semester academic plans for University Park and non-University Park students can be located
on the following webpages:
• University Park students entering as first year students: https://rap.psu.edu/recommended-academic-
plan-nutritional-sciencesdietetics-nutrditcs-university-park.
• Change of campus students from a Penn State Commonwealth campus:
https://rap.psu.edu/recommended-academic-plan-nutritional-sciencesdietetics-nutrditcs-
commonwealth-campuses
Transfer students or students who are changing their major should consult with their assigned
Nutritional Sciences undergraduate adviser to devise a program schedule that is appropriate for
his/her situation.
Maximum Time to Complete the Program Requirements to Earn a Verification Statement
Students have five years from the date they declared the Nutrition and Dietetics Option (typically in
the 5th semester) to complete all DPD requirements to earn a Verification Statement (see the
Verification Statement Policy above). Exceptions to the guidelines may need to be made in
situations where the student needs to take a leave of absence from the university while completing
their degree requirements or other unusual circumstances that may affect their progression through
the degree program. These situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of
the DPD director.
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 15
Policies and Procedures
Policy
Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner.
Academic integrity is a basic guiding principle for all academic activity at The Pennsylvania State
University, and all members of the University community are expected to act in accordance with
this principle. Consistent with this expectation, the University’s Code of Conduct states that all
students should act with personal integrity respect other students’ dignity, rights, and property, and
help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts.
Procedure
1. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarizing (the act of
passing off someone else’s work as your own), fabricating of information or citations,
facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others, having unauthorized possession of
examinations, submitting work of another person or work previously used without
informing the instructor, or tampering with the academic work of other students.
2. Such acts of dishonesty violate the fundamental ethical principles of the University
community and compromise the worth of work completed by others.
3. Under this policy, the person who gives another person answers on an exam or writes a
paper for another student is equally guilty of academic dishonesty with the person for whom
the answers or paper are provided.
4. Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated. A student charged with academic
dishonesty will be given oral or written notice of the charge by the instructor. If a student
believes they have been falsely accused, they should seek redress through informal
discussions with the instructor, department head, dean, or campus executive officer. If the
instructor believes that the infraction is sufficiently serious to warrant referral of the case to
Judicial Affairs, the student and instructor will be afforded formal due process.
The University policy on Academic Integrity and Student Code of Conduct is available on the
Student Academic Affairs website at:
http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/conduct/AcademicIntegrity.shtml.
The College of Health and Human development academic integrity policy is available at:
http://hhd.psu.edu/Policies-and-Procedures/academic-integrity.
Academic Integrity
Date Issued: 07 Aug 2012
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised:
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 16
Policy
Students are required to maintain academic achievement standards in order to progress through the
Dietetics option of the Nutritional Sciences major.
Procedure
To progress in the Nutritional Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics option the student must:
1. Maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
2. Achieve a grade of at least “C” in all the required courses for the Nutritional Sciences major,
Nutrition and Dietetics option.
Undergraduate advisers will conduct semester reviews of the GPA and course performance of their
advisees in the Nutrition and Dietetics option. Students who are showing poor performance in their
courses or have less than a 3.0 GPA will be contacted by their adviser for individual advising.
Policy
Students with varied educational backgrounds may need remedial instruction prior to enrolling in
the core science courses and nutrition courses offered in the Dietetics option.
Procedure
Students who need remedial instruction to prepare them for the courses offered in the Dietetics
option should visit the Penn State Learning Center at http://pennstatelearning.psu.edu/. The
learning center provides tutorial support, study groups, and private tutoring.
Policy
Penn State University DPD students are encouraged to use the support services offered by Penn
State to enhance their education and to assist them with any questions or concerns while obtaining
their degree.
Procedure
Student can access a variety of University Resources to enhance their education and to assist them
with questions or concerns while they obtain their degree by using the links to the listed services
below:
• Career Services
Academic Progress
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised:
Access to Remedial Instruction
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised:
Access to Student Services
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 17
• Counseling and Psychiatric Services
• College of HHD Student Services Center
• Student Affairs
• Campus Community and Diversity
• Education Abroad Program
• Financial Aid
• Health Services
• Legal Services
• Penn State Learning
• Pollock Testing Center
• Tutoring and Study groups
• Schreyer Honors Program
• Student Disability Resources
Policy
Student understanding and comprehensive of course material must be assessed at regular intervals
to ensure the programmatic goals and learning outcomes are being met. The evaluation criteria is
listed on all course syllabi.
Procedure
Nutritional Sciences faculty assess student knowledge using formative and summative evaluation
during the course. Evaluation methods include case studies, term papers, quizzes and examinations,
oral presentations, use of media (e.g., creation of videos), informal class discussions, blogs and
other online formats. The final examination, term paper, and/or oral presentation are the final
appraisal of the student’s performance in the course.
Students who have trouble in a course are strongly encouraged to speak with their instructor or visit
the Penn State Learning Center (http://pennstatelearning.psu.edu/) for academic support.
Students who have concerns about the evaluation of their assessments should follow the Grievance
Policy and Procedure.
Policy
Any student over 18 years of age engaged by Penn State in any work capacity (paid or unpaid) is
required to have a criminal background check. In some circumstances, students who are engaged at
a non-Penn State location in a paid or unpaid capacity may be asked to complete a criminal
background check and/or drug screening. Students completing NUTR 495: Advanced Field
Experiences in Nutrition may be required to complete a background check.
Assessment of Student Learning
Date Issued: 07 Aug 2012
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised:
Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screening
Date Issued: 07 Aug 2012
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised: 13 Sept 2013
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 18
Criminal Background Check Procedure
The following procedure outlines the Penn State University Policy for Criminal Background
Checks HR99. Additional details are available at http://guru.psu.edu/policies/OHR/hr99.html#F.
• Follow the instructions for completion of background checks described in Penn State
Information for Completing PA Publicly Available Background Checks.
• Complete Pennsylvania criminal history check via the Pennsylvania State Police website,
Pennsylvania child abuse clearance via the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
website and an FBI criminal history report clearance that is located on the certifications
page of the PA Department of Human Services website.
• All clearances must be dated within two years prior to the date of the assignment. The cost
for these clearances will be the responsibility of the individual unless specifically authorized
for reimbursement processing by the sponsoring organization. In addition, the individual
must self-disclose any arrests or convictions as outlined in the Penn State Arrest and
Conviction self-disclosure form that occur between the time of clearance and the date work
begins.
• Be sponsored by the engaging unit to have a background check(s) completed by the
University based on the job requirements of the position. The background check must be
satisfactorily completed prior to beginning work.
• Volunteers working with minors must follow the requirements of Policy AD39, which
requires that successful background checks are dated within 6 months prior to the initial date
of assignment as well as establishing a variety of other requirements with which the
individual working with minors should familiarize him/herself.
Drug Screening Procedure
• If the facility requires a drug screening, students should use the drug screening company
that is acceptable to the facility.
Results from the background checks or drug screening should be sent directly to the employer
or facility hosting the student worker. Do not send these results to the DPD director or the
NUTR 391 or NUTR 495 instructor.
Policy
The DPD program at Penn State University strives to uphold the ACEND accreditation standards.
In the event that a student believes that there has been a violation of the ACEND accreditation
standards, he or she should follow the procedure below. Students who report a complaint about the
DPD program are protected from retaliation from the individual or individual’s in which they are
submitting their complaint against.
Procedure
Students who have a complaint or concern about the program should follow these steps:
Complaints about the Didactic Program in Dietetics
Date Issued: 07 Aug 2012
Date Reviewed: 05 June 2013
Date Revised: 13 June 2019
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 19
1. The student should first make an appointment with the DPD director, Mary Dean
Coleman-Kelly to speak with her in person or by phone. In the event an appointment
cannot be made in person or by phone, then another medium may be used as agreed
upon between the student and the DPD director.
2. If a resolution cannot be made with the DPD director, the student should first make an
appointment with the person acting as the Undergraduate PIC of the Nutritional Sciences
department;
3. If a resolution cannot be made with the Undergraduate PIC, the student may request a
meeting with the person acting as Head of the Department of Nutritional Sciences to
voice their concerns;
4. If a resolution cannot be made with the Head of the Department of Nutritional Sciences,
the student may request a meeting with the CHHD Associate Dean of Undergraduate
Studies and Outreach to voice their concerns;
5. If no resolution is reached after all the options listed above have not provided an
acceptable resolution, the student may initiate a final request to the Accreditation
Council of Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) directly. Students should
follow the procedures outlined in the DPD student handbook outlined below.
Policy
On occasion a student enrolled in the Didactic Program in Dietetics of the Nutritional Sciences
program may view their treatment by a faculty and/or staff member as unjust or unfair. The
following procedures offer guidance to the student for presenting their grievances, which will be
filed.
Procedure
Students who have concerns about problems that arise in the classroom, instructor behavior or
capricious grading practices, advising practices, working in a research lab, etc., should follow the
basic steps below as well as read the University Policy for guidance on addressing these concerns.
1. The student should first make an appointment with the instructor of the course, adviser, or
individual they have concerns with to speak with him/her in person, by phone, or another
medium that is mutually agreed upon between the student and the instructor.
2. If the incident involves a concern regarding a course, if a resolution cannot be made with the
instructor, or if on a rare occasion the student is not comfortable speaking with the instructor
in person, the student should contact the person acting as Undergraduate Professor in
Charge of the academic department to share their concerns and request that they act as a
mediator. If the instructor is the Undergraduate Professor in Charge, the student should
follow step #3.
3. If the incident involves advising or another working in another area of the department, OR,
if a resolution to course-related incident cannot be made with the presence of the
Undergraduate Professor in Charge, the student should contact the acting Department Head
of Nutritional Sciences and request that they act as a mediator.
4. If no resolution is reached after steps 1 through 3, the student may initiate a final request to
the College of HHD Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Outreach.
Grievance Policy and Procedure as a student in the Nutritional Sciences program
Date Issued: 07 Aug 2012
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised: 12 Sept 18
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 20
5. Students are advised to read the University Policy and to read the additional details provided
in the manual to ensure they fully understand the procedure prior to addressing their
concerns. These policies are available on the Faculty Senate website under the
Undergraduate Programs tab. See policies: G10 Grade Mediation and Adjudication
Procedure and 20-00 Classroom Problems at http://undergrad.psu.edu/aappm/G-10-
grade-mediation-adjudication.html.
Students who feel they have been discriminated against should see the Office of Student Conduct
website for the procedure to follow to file a complaint. This information is available at
https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/support-safety-conduct/student-conduct/code-conduct.
Students who feel the Didactic Program in Dietetics has violated the guidelines set by the
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) should read the
Complaints about the Didactic Program in Dietetics policy and procedures in this handbook.
Policy
Health insurance is strongly recommended for all students. Students whose current insurance policy
does not cover care at University Health Services should consider purchasing student health
insurance through Penn State.
Penn State requires international students, their accompanying spouses and/or children to
demonstrate that they have health insurance coverage. For more information go to University
Health Services Insurance webpage at https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/health-wellness/health-
insurance
Procedure
• Students who are covered by a health insurer other than one of the Penn State student plans
should follow the steps outlined on the University Health Services website to submit their
claim for reimbursement.
• Penn State University offers health insurance for students who do not have an existing
healthcare provider. These include:
o The Penn State Student Health Insurance Plan, which is available to undergraduate
and graduate students:
who have no health insurance coverage;
who need supplemental insurance because their current plan does not provide
adequate coverage while they are at Penn State.
who are international students and must comply with Penn State's Mandatory
Health Insurance Requirement
Weblink: http://www.firststudent.com/school_page/pennsylvania-state-
university/home-pennsylvania-state-university/
Health Insurance
Date Issued: 07 Aug 2012
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised: 13 June 2019
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 21
o The Penn State Education Abroad Insurance Plan, a plan designed especially for the
participants in the Penn State University approved Education Abroad Programs.
Policy
Students are expected to work in a supervised practice facility as part of the Advanced Field
Experience in Nutrition (NUTR 495) course or may choose to work at a facility voluntarily to gain
additional nutrition related experience.
Procedure
In the event a student becomes ill or injured while working at the supervised practice facility, the
student should follow the procedures outlined by the facility.
Policy
Penn State University requires all degree-seeking students to be immunized against measles,
mumps, and rubella and to submit this information online.
Procedure
Students should visit the University Health Services website https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/health-
wellness/medical-services/immunizations/immunization-requirements to fill out the online health
history form. This form should be submitted prior to the beginning of the student’s second
semester at Penn State University. Students who do not have the required immunizations can
receive them through the University Health Center for a fee.
Policy
Students who are enrolled in NUTR 495: Advanced Field Experience in Nutrition may be asked to
lead, engage in, and/or conduct activities that have associated risk. Some students may choose sites
that require the student to purchase Liability (Malpractice) Insurance.
Procedure
When setting up their Advance Field Experience in NUTR 391, students should speak with the site
to determine whether Liability Insurance is needed prior to their start date.
• Students should purchase liability insurance through a company that is acceptable to both
the student and the Advanced Field Experience site.
Injury or Illness while at the Field Experience Site
Date Issued: 07 Aug 2012
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised:
Immunizations
Date Issued: 07 Aug 2012
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised:
Liability Insurance
Date Issued: 07 Aug 2012
Date Reviewed: 9 June 2014
Date Revised: 8 Sept 2014
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 22
Note: The University and the Department of Nutritional Sciences do not endorse any insurance
program(s). Students should check with their prospective agency prior to purchasing insurance
coverage to ensure that the student policy meets the agency’s insurance coverage requirements.
Policy
Penn State Dietetics students will follow the University Academic calendar for scheduled holidays
and deadlines for academic related events.
Procedure
The Penn State University academic calendar provides the dates for the start and end of the
academic year, deadlines for the regular add/drop period, the last date for a late drop, the final exam
conflict period, withdrawal from a course, the final exam period, and commencement. The calendar
is located on the Penn State University Registrar webpage: https://www.registrar.psu.edu/academic-
calendars/
Policy
The Penn State University retains student records and information for designated periods of time
solely for the purpose of the student’s educational advancement. Student information will be
distributed in accordance with the Pennsylvania State University policy on Confidentiality of
Student Records and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).
Procedure
The student's rights regarding his/her personal records and information from the Penn State
University Policy AD11 are highlighted below. Please see the Penn State University Policy Manual
Number AD11 at http://guru.psu.edu/policies/Ad11.html for additional information.
The University will disclose information from a student's educational record only with the prior
written consent of the student, except that educational records may be disclosed without consent to
University officials having a legitimate educational interest in the records and to third parties
specifically authorized by FERPA, as referenced under Policies on Disclosure of Student Records.
Student information that shows a record of their attendance can be displayed to the public without
the student's prior consent. A list of this information can be found in the Policy manual at
http://guru.psu.edu/policies/Ad11.html#E. Students are entitled to have this information withheld
from the directory and should follow the instructions listed in Policy Manual AD11 to have this
information withheld.
• Students have the right to review and inspect their educational record.
Program Schedule
Date Issued: 07 Aug 2012
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised:
Protection of Privacy of Student Information and Accessing Personal Files
Date Issued: 07 Aug 2012
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised:
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 23
• Students are entitled to challenge and/or add to the factual basis of any record entry
contained in records, files, and/or data.
Policy
Students are required to receive practical experience in dietetics as part of the Advanced Field
Experience in Nutrition (NUTR 495) course. This experience is for educational purposes for the
student and not as a means for the facility to replace employees.
Procedure
Students will be informed in NUTR 391 (Introduction into Professional Experience) and NUTR
495 (Advanced Field Experience in Nutrition) that their participation in the field tasks are for
educational purposes and they should not be used as “staff relief” or to do advanced level practice
without supervision.
Students who believe they are being used for staff relief or are being asked to do advanced level
practice without adequate supervision should contact the instructor of NUTR 495 with their concern
and follow the procedure outlined in the syllabus for the course.
Policy
Students are expected to maintain good academic standing while completing their degree.
Procedure
A student who does not maintain the scholarship standards of the University will be dismissed from
the university according to the regulations of the University Undergraduate Advising Handbook
“Unsatisfactory Scholarship.”
Policy
Students who attend Penn State University are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct
(https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/support-safety-conduct/student-conduct/code-conduct) through their
everyday decision-making both in and out of the classroom. Knowing what is considered acceptable
and honorable behavior is often the first step to making that a way of life.
Role of the Student at a Field Experience Site
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised:
Scholastic Probation and Suspension
Date Issued: 07 Aug 2012
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised:
Termination/Disciplinary Procedure
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised: 13 June 2013
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 24
Procedure
Students who violate the Code of Conduct will follow the University disciplinary procedures
described on the Office Student Conduct webpage. Students should be familiar with these
procedures to be fully aware of their rights and responsibilities in this process.
Policy
Penn State students may have taken courses at another institution or may elect to schedule courses
at another institution and transfer the credits to Penn State in order to meet degree requirements.
Procedure
• Transferring credits prior to taking the course: Before a student schedules course work at
another institution, he/she should refer to the Office of Admissions website for information
about Transferring Credits to Penn State.
• In addition, students should have the credits approved for transfer and should work with an
adviser to determine how the credits will apply to his/her academic program. Students
looking to transfer courses for the NUTR course in the DPD curriculum should work with
the DPD director to determine whether they meet the requirements for the Verification
Statement.
• Transferring credits after the student has taken the course: If a student has already taken a
course at another institution, then he/she should read the General Transfer Credit
information on the Transferring Credits to Penn State webpage.
Policy
Students may be asked to travel to off-campus facilities to fulfill coursework requirements or to
represent the University in specific functions or activities. Students will be responsible for
providing their own transportation to these events unless otherwise stated by the organization or
class that is requiring the travel related event.
Procedure
• Students who are traveling for an event that is part of a university student organization
should follow the procedure outlined in the university Student Travel Policy.
• Students who are traveling internationally should follow the International Travel Policy for
Penn State undergraduate students provided by Global Penn State
• Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from field experiences
or related activities. Students must carry sufficient automobile insurance coverage for
collision and liability.
Transfer Credits
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised: 13 June 2019
Travel and Transportation
Date Issued: 07 Aug 2012
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised:
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 25
Policy
In the event it is necessary for a Penn State Dietetics student to withdraw from the University,
he/she should follow the University Procedure. Refunds of tuition and fees may be available
depending on the student's circumstances.
Procedure
• Students who are considering withdrawing from the University can find the procedures
outlined on the Penn State University Registrar webpage under Withdrawals. Students who
have further questions should contact their assigned undergraduate adviser.
• Information regarding refunds of tuition and fees from the University can be found on the
Office of the Bursar webpage at http://www.bursar.psu.edu/refund.cfm.
Withdrawal from the University and Refund of Tuition and Fees
Date Reviewed: 13 Aug 2012
Date Revised:
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 26
APPENDICES
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 27
Appendix A: ACEND Procedure for Filing a Complaint against Accredited
Programs
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) has established a
process for reviewing complaints against accredited programs in order to fulfill its public
responsibility for assuring the quality and integrity of the educational programs that it accredits.
Any individual, for example, student, faculty, dietetics practitioner and/or member of the public
may submit a complaint against any accredited or approved program to ACEND. However,
the ACEND board does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for
individuals in matters of admissions, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty or students. It
acts only upon a signed allegation that the program may not be in compliance with the accreditation
standards or policies. The complaint must be signed by the complainant. Anonymous complaints
are not considered. Where a complainant has threatened or filed legal action against the institution
involved, ACEND will hold complaints in abeyance pending resolution of the legal issues and the
complainant is so advised.
1. ACEND staff forwards all written complaints to the ACEND chair within three weeks of
receipt of the complaint.
2. If the ACEND chair determines that the complaint does not relate to the accreditation
standards or policies, the complainant is notified in writing within two weeks of the Chair's
review that no further action will be taken.
3. If the ACEND chair determines that the complaint may relate to the accreditation standards
or policies, the complaint is acknowledged in writing within two weeks of the chair's review
and the complainant is provided a copy of the process for handling the complaint.
4. At the same time as the complainant is notified, the complaint is forwarded to the program
by express mail second day delivery for tracking purposes. The administrative officers of
the institution or organization sponsoring the program, currently on file with ACEND,
receive copies of the correspondence by first class mail. At the request of the complainant,
the name of the complainant is "blocked out" within the body of the written complaint that
is sent to the program.
5. The ACEND chair requests the program to conduct a preliminary investigation and submit a
report addressing the relevant accreditation standards or policies postmarked no more than
30 calendar days from receipt of the notification, as documented by the record of second day
delivery.
6. The ACEND chair may also request further information or materials relating to the
complaint from the complainant, the institution or other sources.
7. The ACEND chair appoints a review committee to consider the complaint, along with all
relevant information. The review committee recommends appropriate action to the ACEND
board at its next scheduled meeting.
8. In determining the appropriate action, the ACEND board considers the complaint, materials
relating to the complaint, the review committee's recommendation, if any, and additional
evidence provided by the program, if any.
9. The ACEND board or the ACEND chair may determine that legal counsel is needed to
address the complaint. Staff works with the ACEND board and legal counsel to identify a
plan to address the complaint.
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 28
10. If the complaint is determined to be unsubstantiated or not related to the accreditation
standards or policies, no action is taken.
11. If the complaint is substantiated and indicates that the program may not be in compliance
with the accreditation standards or policies, appropriate action is taken, which may include,
but is not limited to, scheduling an on-site visit of the program. If the complaint is
substantiated and the ACEND board determines that the program is not in compliance with
the accreditation standards or policies, the ACEND board may place the program on
probation or withdraw accreditation or approval.
12. The program director and administration of the sponsoring institution are notified of
the ACEND board's decision and action in writing within two weeks of the decision. The
complainant is notified of the final decision and action when the reconsideration and appeals
process expires.
13. The program has the right to request the ACEND board to reconsider a decision to place the
program on probation or to withdraw accreditation or approval.
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 29
Appendix B: Verification Statement Policy: Nutrition and Dietetics option
Policy:
A Verification Statement is an official document that signifies that the student has met all academic
and professional requirements as dictated by the Accreditation Council in Education for Nutrition
and Dietetics (ACEND) for the Pennsylvania State University DPD program.
Procedure
Students must meet the criteria below to have a Verification Statement issued to them:
1. Earn a 70% or higher on assignments tied to the ACEND KRDN student learning outcomes
given in selected DPD courses in the curriculum.
2. Attend one of the scheduled Dietetics Option Information sessions held by the DPD director
upon declaring the Nutrition and Dietetics option and sign a form documenting their
attendance.
3. Meet the degree requirements for the Nutritional Sciences major and Nutrition and Dietetics
option. This includes earning a “C” or better in all the Nutrition and Dietetics options
prescribed and additional courses listed below:
o BIOL 161 and BIOL 162L: Anatomy and Physiology I
o BIOL 163 and BIOL 164L: Anatomy and Physiology II
o MICRB 106: Elementary Microbiology and MICRB 107: Elementary Microbiology Lab
o STAT 200: Elementary Statistics or STAT 250: Introduction to Biostatistics
o CHEM 110: Chemical Principles I or CHEM 130: Intro to General, Organic, and
Biochemistry
o CHEM 200: Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I or CHEM 210:
o HDFS 129: Intro to Human Development & Family Studies or PSYCH 100: Psychology
o BMB 211: Elementary Biochemistry
o NUTR 211R: Applying Biochemistry to Nutrition
o NUTR 251: Introductory Principles of Nutrition
o NUTR 320 Science and Methods of Food Preparation
o NUTR 358 Assessment of Nutritional Status
o NUTR 360 Nutrition Education and Behavior Change
o NUTR 361 Community and Public Health Nutrition
o NUTR 386 Managing Quality in Food and Nutrition Services
o NUTR 391 Professional Preparation in Nutrition and Dietetics
o NUTR 393 Dietetic Internship Application Development
o NUTR 400 Introduction to Nutrition Counseling
o NUTR 445 Energy and Macronutrient Metabolism
o NUTR 446 Micronutrient Metabolism
o NUTR 451 Nutrition throughout the Life Cycle
o NUTR 452 Nutritional Aspects of Disease
o NUTR 453 Medical Nutrition Therapy
o NUTR 490W Nutrition Seminar
Verification Statement Policy: Nutrition and Dietetics option
Date Issued: 07 Aug 2012
Reviewed: 05 May 2019
Revised: 30 May 2019
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 30
o NUTR 495 Advanced Field Experience in Nutrition
o HM 329 Intro to Food Production and Service
o HM 330 Food Production & Service Management
Issuing Verification Statements
• DPD Verification statements, per ACEND requirements, will be issued after the following
are met:
o Nutritional Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics option B.S. degree is conferred and
designated as such on the official transcript, and
o the DPD director has confirmed that all KRDN Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
meet the minimum requirements on the assignments given in the selected DPD
courses in the curriculum.
• A digitally signed electronic copy of the Verification Statement will be sent to each student
to their Penn State issued e-mail address. Students have the option to request a paper version
of their Verification Statement.
Information for transfer equivalency courses and transfer students:
Transfer equivalency courses:
• Courses taken at another institution may be transferred to Penn State but must be approved
through the Penn State Admissions office transfer course equivalency process. Any DPD
required Nutrition (NUTR) or Hospitality Management (HM) course must be evaluated for
content by the DPD director to determine which courses will be approved. It is
recommended that the student do this prior to taking the course.
Students transferring from another ACEND accredited DPD program:
• Students who transfer from other ACEND Accredited DPD programs may request to have
their DPD courses reviewed by the DPD director to determine the course and KRDN SLO
equivalency to meet the DPD Verification Statement criteria. Students must provide a copy
of the course syllabus and graded assignments from the course that met the KRDN SLO.
The determination of equivalency by the DPD director will occur on a case-by-case basis.
• Students are required to complete at least 22 credits of Nutritional Sciences and Hospitality
Management courses to earn the Verification Statement from the Penn State DPD program.
These courses include:
o NUTR 358 Assessment of Nutritional Status (3 credits)
o NUTR 391 Professional Preparation in Nutrition and Dietetics (2 credits)
o NUTR 400 Introduction to Nutrition Counseling (2 credits)
o NUTR 452 Nutritional Aspects of Disease (3 credits)
o NUTR 453 Medical Nutrition Therapy (3 credits)
o NUTR 490W Nutrition Seminar (3 credits)
o NUTR 495 Advanced Field Experience in Nutrition (3 credits)
o HM 330 Food Production & Service Management (3 credits)
One official original copy of the Verification Statement will be kept on record indefinitely;
however, it is important that the student keep an original Verification Statement in their files.
Verification Statements are required for:
• Dietetic Internships
Penn State University, DPD
7 February 2022 Page 31
Verification Statements may be needed by:
• Future Graduate Programs and Coordinated Graduate Programs in Dietetics
• States for licensure purposes
• Potential employers
Additional information about Verification Statements is available on the ACEND website at
http://www.eatright.org/ACEND/content.aspx?id=66.
Approved by the DPD Curriculum Committee on May 30, 2019
Mary Dean Coleman-Kelly, PhD, MS, RD, DPD Director and Chair
Denise Lawson, MS, RD
Lynn Parker Klees, MA, RD, LDN
Jennifer Fleming, PhD, MS, RD
Alison Gernand, PhD, MPH, RD