Consumer Information

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) encourages all potential students to make evidence-based decisions when selecting a graduate school. Institutions have a responsibility to provide information that will allow potential students to make informed decisions. Licensure and accreditation agencies require that data on institutional effectiveness is disclosed to the consumer and potential consumer.  Additionally, The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, requires Title IV participating institutions like USAHS to disclose certain information to its constituents.

The following links provide information on consumer disclosure data and pages containing information or references to additional information.

Catalog and Student Handbook

Much of the information available on the USAHS website can also be found in the Catalog/Handbook.

The USAHS Catalog/Handbook contains the following information:

• Academic programs
• Academic Calendar
• State Licensure, approvals, and authorizations
• Accreditations and Approvals
• Student Acquisition
• Records and Registration
• Financial Information
• Policies and Regulations
• Student Services
• Faculty and instructional personnel
• Campus Policies and Procedures that include Tuition Refund Policy, Withdrawal Policy, and more.
• Academic Policies and Procedures

Website and other online resources

The USAHS website contains information and items regarding faculty, staff, learning outcomes assessment, educational programs, financial aid, and much more.

For information on textbooks, login to the Student Portal.

Academics

Descriptions of USAHS’ academic programs and educational cost of attending USAHS can be found on the Academics tab found on the usa.edu homepage, by selecting the applicable program, and then the “Tuition and Fees” drop-down on that program’s page.  Additional information on each program’s estimated cost of attendance can be found at https://www.usa.edu/cost-by-term.

Transfer of Credit Policy

USAHS’ Transfer of Credit Policy can be found at https://www.usa.edu/legal/transfer-credit-policy/.

Complaint Policy

USAHS’ Complaint Policy can be found here.

Current articulation agreements

USAHS does not have any articulation agreements.

Cohort Default Rate

USAHS’ Official Cohort Default Rate can be located by entering “031713” for the OPEID at the following link: https://nsldsfap.ed.gov/cdr-searchable-database/school/search

Financial Aid Information

General information about financial aid, the way financial aid is distributed among applicants, and the Code of Conduct can be found at https://www.usa.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/.

Enrollment and Loan Reporting

The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education’s (USDoE) central database for student aid. NSLDS receives data from schools, guaranty agencies, the Direct Loan program, and other USDoE programs. NSLDS Student Access provides a centralized, integrated view of Title IV loans and grants so that recipients of Title IV aid can access and inquire about their Title IV loans and/or grant data. Visit NSLDS at https://nsldsfap.ed.gov/login. In compliance with federal regulations under HEOA Sec. 489 amended Sec. 485B (d) (4) (20 U.S.C. 1092b), the University is required to notify you that approved loans will be submitted to NSLDS by the U.S. Department of Education and will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system as determined by the U.S. Department of Education.

Additional information about federal student loans is provided during required loan entrance and exit counseling. Applicants are directed to the US Department of Education Loan Entrance site at https://studentaid.gov/.

Student enrollment status data is reported by the Registrar to NSLDS through a third-party servicer, Clearinghouse.

Student Outcomes and Student Characteristics

Student Rights Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Accessibility & Accommodations

USAHS is committed to and embraces diversity in all forms. The Office of Student Welfare and Accessibility can help if a student requires an accommodation during his or her coursework or clinical site because of a disability, religion, pregnancy, or breastfeeding status. Students seeking reasonable accommodation should follow the steps outlined below and submit such request as soon as reasonably practicable. Requests for clinical accommodations are subject to a priority deadline as outlined on MyUSA, Student Services, Accommodations, Clinical Accommodations.  Notice or requests from students outside of the process outlined below and/or notice to other University officials outside of the Office of Student Welfare and Accessibility including faculty, staff, and administrators is not accepted as notice to the University for the purpose of approved accommodations.

To request a reasonable accommodation, a student must complete and submit the appropriate form available through the MyUSA student portal. A delay in submitting the request may result in not receiving approved accommodations for assignments or other academic requirements. The Office of Student Welfare and Accessibility reviews all requests and informs the student in writing of the decision. The student is responsible for notifying his or her instructor(s) of the approved accommodations. Students enrolled in a program that has a clinical component (i.e., MS-SLP, MOT, OTD, DPT, MSN, DNP, Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate programs) should be aware that the clinical environment may have different requirements than the academic environment. As such, students wishing to request accommodation for the clinical portion of the program must submit an additional accommodation request and follow the process outlined above.

Faculty are to adhere to a student’s approved accommodations and are encouraged to seek clarification from the Office of Student Welfare and Accessibility should there be a question or concern about providing the accommodation. Should a student request accommodation other than the approved accommodations, he or she should contact the Office of Student Welfare and Accessibility via accommodations@usa.edu. Faculty members, advisors and/or program directors are unable to alter the approved accommodation.

Disability Accommodations

In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), USAHS is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to any student with a disability. The University has developed a list of essential functions that a student should possess in order to successfully complete some programs. This list is provided to prospective students as part of the application packet and to newly admitted students as part of the acceptance process. Each student must endorse that he or she has reviewed and understands the list of essential functions. To request reasonable accommodation, a student must complete the Disability Accommodation Request Form (e-form) available through the MyUSA portal, Student Services tab, Accommodations link.

Religious Accommodations

USAHS is committed to providing an academic and work environment that is respectful of the religious beliefs of its students. As part of this commitment, USAHS will make good faith efforts to provide reasonable religious accommodations to students whose sincerely held religious beliefs conflict with a University policy, procedure, or other academic requirements unless such an accommodation would create an undue hardship. To request an accommodation, a student must complete the Religious Accommodation Request Form available through the MyUSA portal, Student Services tab, Accommodations link.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Accommodations

USAHS is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for pregnant and parenting students. Students may request reasonable accommodation because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions. Reasonable accommodations vary based on the student’s circumstances, but may include academic accommodations, leave of absence or flexibility (such as breaks during class, excused absences, rescheduling of tests, and alternatives to make up missed work).

In addition, USAHS supports students who choose to continue breastfeeding their children after they return to campus. USAHS shall provide clean, private rooms that are easily accessible to students who are nursing. All designated lactation spaces shall be equipped with a table, chair, electrical outlet, window coverings (as needed), and lock from inside. Students planning to breastfeed should do so around their scheduled class times to the extent possible.

Students who wish to discuss or request accommodation based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions should complete a Pregnancy Accommodation Request Form available through the MyUSA portal, Student Services tab, Accommodations link.

Pets and Service Animals

USAHS prohibits bringing a pet (a domestic animal kept for pleasure or companionship) to campus or having a pet in USAHS controlled buildings and premises, with the exception of service animals providing ADA reasonable accommodations for a person with disabilities. As established by the ADA, service animals may not be excluded from University facilities or activities except as provided below. Students requiring a service animal may experience limitations in the number of clinical sites available to them and their desired geographic location.

Definition of Service Animal

The ADA defines a service animal as follows:

“… any … animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals who are hearing impaired to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.”

Under the ADA, service animals are limited to dogs and other animals that are approved and recognized that meet specific federal and/or state criteria. A service animal must be specifically trained to perform a service function to work on campus for the benefit of an individual with a disability. If an animal meets this definition, it is considered a service animal regardless of whether it has been licensed or certified by a state or local government or a training program. Companion or therapy animals are not considered service animals and are not allowed unless otherwise required by law.

Service animals whose behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others or is disruptive to the campus community may be excluded regardless of training or certification. Students who utilize a service animal should notify Student Welfare and Accessibility to facilitate proper notice to university officials on a need-to-know basis.

Responsibility of Service Animal Owner/Partner

The service animal’s owner/partner is at all times solely responsible for the cost of care, arrangements, any responsibilities connected to the well-being of a service animal, and any property damage caused by the service animal. Students with off-campus internships, clinical labs, service-learning opportunities, or other University-related activities must abide by the service animal policy at the off-campus entity.

Requirements of service animals and their owners/partners on campus include the following:

• Animals must meet all public place requirements as mandated by state or local ordinances.
• All animals need to be immunized against rabies and other diseases common to that type of animal.
• All vaccinations must be current.
• Animals must wear a rabies vaccination tag.
• All animals must be licensed per state law.
• Service animals must wear an owner identification tag which always includes the name and phone number of the owner.
• The owner/partner must follow local ordinances in cleaning up after the animal defecates; individuals with disabilities who physically cannot clean up after their own service animal are not required to pick up and dispose of feces.
• Animals must be in good health.
• Animals must be on a leash, harness, or another type of restraint always unless the owner/partner is unable to retain an animal on leash due to a disability.
• The owner/partner must always be in full control of the animal; the care and supervision of the animal is solely the responsibility of the owner/partner.
• The removal of service animals may be requested in certain situations, including if a service animal:
  • is unruly or disruptive (e.g., barking, running around, bringing attention to itself),
  • threatens the health or safety of another individual,
  • displays signs of illness, or
  • is unclean, malodorous, and/or bedraggled.

If improper behavior happens repeatedly or if owners/partners are noncompliant with requirements, they may be told not to bring the service animal into any facility until they take significant steps to mitigate violations. The University is not liable if the service animal causes harm to the University or an individual.

Areas Off-Limits to Service Animals

To ensure safety there may be areas on the campus that are off-limits to service animals. The natural organisms carried by dogs and other animals may negatively affect the outcome of the research. At the same time, the chemicals and/or organisms used in the research may be harmful to service animals. Areas such as research laboratories, mechanical rooms, custodial closets, and areas that require protective clothing may be restricted. Final decisions regarding restricted areas will be made based on the nature of research or machinery and in the best interest of the animal. Exceptions to determinations may be made by a Dean or the Dean’s designee. The natural organisms carried by dogs and other animals may negatively affect the outcome of the research. At the same time, the chemicals and/or organisms used in the research may be harmful to service animals.

Anti-Retaliation

USAHS prohibits retaliation against students for requesting an accommodation or otherwise engaging in protected conduct under these policies. If a student feels he or she has been discriminated or retaliated against, the student should follow the complaints process outlined in the University Catalog/Handbook.

Vaccination Policy

Clinical Education Required Health Documentation

Required health information includes:

• A copy of the student’s medical insurance coverage including hospitalization and emergency care (must be kept current while enrolled)
• Proof of a comprehensive health examination (annually)
• Proof of a negative TB testing to establish a baseline: Initial 2 step PPD, or chest x-ray if PPD positive, OR a blood QuantiFERON test. TB status is renewed annually with the submission of a TB Questionnaire unless the student has traveled internationally, or the clinical site requires a more recent test. Chest x-rays must be less than 5 years old.
• Proof of immunization or immunity to: Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella
• Proof of immunization OR immunity to Hepatitis B or physician signed declination form*
• Proof of immunization to Tdap (every 10 years)
• Proof of immunization to Bacterial Meningitis on Texas campus and under the age of 21
• Flu shot (annually when available) or flu shot declination form signed by student
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including booster shots, if the clinical site requires it – see note below**
• A copy of the student’s current American Heart Association (AHA) First Aid and BLS cards (expires every 2 years)
• A copy of certificate of completion for training on OSHA, HIPAA, and Elderly Abuse. Information regarding this training will be provided to the students by the Clinical Services department.

*A facility has the right to refuse any student who has not completed the required medical documents including, an incomplete Hepatitis B series or failure to obtain a required COVID-19 vaccine or booster.

**Any student who has taken the COVID-19 vaccination and has been advised by their healthcare provider to delay other vaccinations by 2-4 weeks will be granted an extension to complete the other vaccines.

Many of our clinical sites are requiring that students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster shots (as well as other medical requirements) prior to the start date of their clinical experiences. State and/or federal regulations continue to change and may also require that you be fully vaccinated to complete your clinical experience in certain settings. Failure to vaccinate could result in a significant delay or cancellation of your clinical placement, jeopardize program completion and/or impact employment opportunities upon graduation.

Voter registration

The National Mail Voter Registration Form is the one document that allows you to register to vote from anywhere in the United States. Visit https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote for the form and additional information.

Unlawful and Controlled Substances Policy

It is unlawful for any person to sell, manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver a controlled substance. Any person violating the provisions of respective state, county, or federal law may be guilty of a felony, or, in some cases, a misdemeanor. The severity of the sanctions imposed for both possession and distribution offenses depends on the quantity of drugs, prior convictions, and whether death or serious injury resulted. Sanctions may be increased for offenses that involve distribution to minors or occur on or near a school or campus. In addition, other federal laws require or permit forfeiture of personal or real property used to illegally possess, facilitate possession, transport, or for concealment of a controlled substance. A person’s right to purchase or receive a firearm or other federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, or professional or commercial licenses, may also be revoked or denied as a result of a drug conviction.

USAHS will impose sanctions on students and/or employees for violation of the standards of conduct consistent with local, state, and federal laws. Sanctions for students may include disciplinary action up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution. Sanctions for employees may include disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Alcohol Policy

USAHS complies with appropriate state statutes and city ordinances dealing with the consumption of alcoholic beverages on USAHS premises and at any function in which USAHS’ name is involved. Students and their guests who consume any alcoholic beverage on campus or at an event sponsored by USAHS or any entity of USAHS must be at least 21 years of age and must be able to furnish proof of age at the event. USAHS and its agents reserve the right to refuse to serve alcoholic beverages to anyone who is visibly intoxicated or whose behavior, at the sole discretion of USAHS and its agents, warrants the refusal of service. Any individual who arrives at a USAHS function either on or off campus in a visibly intoxicated state may, at the sole discretion of USAHS or its agents, be denied entrance to the event.

USAHS Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Program

Annual security report

USAHS’ Annual Security Reports can be found at https://www.usa.edu/safety-security/.

Last Updated:  10/7/2024