Information on accreditation for the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program can be found here.
Information on accreditation for the Master of Science in Deaf Education (MSDE) program can be found here.
Accreditation
Information on accreditation for the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program can be found here.
Information on accreditation for the Master of Science in Deaf Education (MSDE) program can be found here.
Advising and Registration
Upon entrance, each student is assigned a faculty advisor. The primary responsibility of the advisor is to act as the departmental representative. The advisor’s responsibilities include:
Students are registered in classes on a semester basis. Before each semester, each student is required to meet with his/her advisor, complete the registration form, and submit the form to the PACS Office. The completed registration form will then be forwarded to the School of Medicine’s Registrar’s Office to complete the registration process. Advising and registration materials will be distributed to students and advisors prior to each semester’s advising and registration period. Students should not register themselves via WebSTAC, but can use the on-line system to verify registration.
Application and Admission
Admission Standards
Admission is limited and on a competitive basis. Academic performance, as evidenced by transcripts and scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test are important factors in admission decisions. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher, along with GRE scores in the 30th percentile or higher (all sections), are considered minimum criteria. For international applicants whose native language is not English, the score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) should be at least 600 (paper), 250 (computer), or 100 (Internet). Other important components of the application package include strong letters of recommendation, a well-written personal statement, excellent written and interpersonal communication skills and a positive campus visit or interview (a visit or interview is recommended, but not required).
Prerequisites
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or higher from an accredited university to be considered for admission. Classes listed below are required for professional certification. Although completion is recommended prior to enrollment, these classes can generally be completed during graduate studies without an extension of the program. Classes in each subject, unless otherwise noted, must be equivalent to three semester hours or more of academic credit.
AuD Program:
MSDE Program:
1 A degree in the liberal arts generally fulfills these requirements.
2 Must be equivalent to two semester hours or more of academic credit.
Application Procedures
Individuals interested in applying must do so online using the link provided on the PACS website (http://pacs.wustl.edu). The following items are required and must be received by the stated application deadline:
Applicants for Readmission (AuD and MSDE)
If a student leaves the program for reasons other than an approved leave of absence after the successful completion of at least one semester and later wishes to resume his/her studies, the following items must be submitted by the published application deadlines:
SNCD Applicants
Applicants who would like to be considered for admission as a Student Not Candidate for Degree (SNCD) in PACS must submit all of the above except for the GRE, and just one letter of recommendation will be required. The published application deadlines apply.
Application Deadlines
All application materials for the AuD and MSDE programs must be received by February 15th. Applications completed after this deadline will only be considered for placement on a wait list and/or if there is a space in the program. All application materials for the PhD program must be received by January 15th. Applicants to the MSDE program may also elect to submit application materials by the early consideration deadline of December 15th. A limited number of admission offers will be made following this deadline.
Admission Decisions
All application materials are formally reviewed before the Admissions and Scholarship Committee meeting(s) by at least two members of the faculty who do not serve on the Committee. These two members of the faculty will make formal recommendations to the Admissions and Scholarship Committee regarding admission. Final decisions regarding admission and initial scholarship offers are made by the Admissions and Scholarship Committee, which is typically comprised of five members of the faculty, and approved by the Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology. All applicants will be notified in writing via mail of admissions decisions and scholarship offers.
Students accepted for admission by PACS into the Speech and Hearing Sciences Program must also be approved for admission by the Dean of the The Graduate School. If approved for admission by the Dean, the student will receive a separate admission letter and documentation from The Graduate School.
Wait List
A very small number of individuals may qualify for our wait list. Individuals on the wait list will be offered a position if additional space becomes available. A deadline will be set for our initial offers to accept admission and wait-listed students will be notified immediately after this date as to the status of his/her application, and/or next steps. Wait-listed students may submit additional information or documents and/or request a campus visit or interview to assist the Admissions and Scholarship Committee with final decisions.
Reconsideration
If admission is not granted, the applicant may make a request for reconsideration. This request must be made in writing and may, if the applicant so chooses, include his/her reasons why the request is being made. No additional information or documents will be accepted for the application file. If the applicant’s request for reconsideration is approved, at least two additional faculty members will review the application file. Based on the feedback from these additional reviews and the original application review, the applicable Program Director will determine the appropriate steps for the final decision. The Admissions Committee is generally consulted only in the event that the Program Director would like to recommend the reversal of the original decision and offer the applicant admission or placement on the wait list. The applicant will be notified in writing of the final decision. All faculty comments are considered confidential and therefore, no specific reasons for denial of admission will be given.
Deferment
An offer of admission is made only for the upcoming academic year. Acceptance of the offer generally may not be deferred, though the applicable Program Director may consider requests on a case-by-case basis, generally only for academic-related reasons. If granted, the deferral is for one year only. Accordingly, a student who requests and is approved to defer admission is considered under an obligation to enroll and attend the graduate program the following year. Under special circumstances, if the deferred student fails to satisfy the conditions or reason for the deferral, the deferral may be withdrawn and the offer of admission may be rescinded. Under exceptional circumstances, where the deferred student fails to satisfy the reason for or conditions of the deferral, the deferral may be withdrawn and the offer of admission may be rescinded. Requests for deferral should be made according to normal admission response deadlines. Deferral requests made after a student has already accepted the offer of admission are not ordinarily granted. In addition, scholarship or other financial support included with the original offer is not subject to deferral and the student will be reconsidered the following year. The enrollment deposit is non-refundable and will be forfeited if the student fails to enroll.
Post-Admission Requirements
Following admission, the applicant is required to submit a non-refundable deposit of $200 to reserve his/her place in the class. In addition, the following items must also be received before registration and enrollment can be finalized:
Appointments with Faculty and Staff
Most faculty members post office hours on the class syllabus and/or on the outside of their offices each semester. Appointments can also be scheduled by contacting the instructor, preferably by phone or e-mail. Please be aware that faculty members have meetings, activities within the community, activities within the University, and/or other job responsibilities that take them away from their offices. The faculty will always be available on an appointment basis. You may also communicate with faculty via e-mail.
Attendance and Absences
As stated in the Guiding Principles of Professionalism, attendance is expected for all classes, practicum experiences (including observation, practicum, and externships), research activities, labs, exams, and other activities required by PACS and/or the degree program. Attendance is defined as the physical presence of the student in the classroom or other learning environment for the entirety of the scheduled time. Arriving late or departing early is considered equivalent to an absence.
Reported attendance data will be tracked longitudinally by the PACS office and students demonstrating habitual absenteeism will be referred to the CAPES.
Calendar
The academic calendar and examination periods will be consistent with the Washington University School of Arts & Sciences academic calendar. The PACS Office will develop and distribute the official PACS Academic Calendar and examination schedules, and also make these available on the PACS website. Students should note the important dates on their calendars, especially those for which attendance is required.
Canceled, Rescheduled, and Make-up Classes
In the event that an instructor must cancel class for any reason, he/she should notify the students as soon as possible via e-mail using Canvas and notify the PACS Office. If an announcement is made in class, it should be followed up with an email notification to students (via Canvas) and to the PACS Office. Instructors must make up all class time missed, including for reasons of inclement weather*, instructor conflicts, the late arrival or early departure of the instructor, or any similar circumstance that reduces the total instructional time for the semester for that class. Instructor payment may be pro-rated if all instructional time is not completed.
Changes to class and final examination schedules are only allowed under exceptional circumstances and must follow the following procedures.
Any exceptions to these policies and procedures must be approved by the appropriate program director.
See also “Class and Final Examination Schedules” for more information.
*See “Severe Weather and Emergency Conditions” for more information.
Canvas
Canvas is the course management system used by PACS. Please visit https://mycanvas.wustl.edu/ to access the system and for additional information.
Capstone Project
The successful completion of the Capstone Project is a degree requirement for the Doctor of Audiology (AuD). All Capstone Projects must be submitted electronically so that they can be placed in the Bernard Becker Medical Library’s digital repository (“Digital Commons@Becker”). By submitting the Capstone Project to the PACS office, the student authorizes Bernard Becker Medical Library to post a copy of their work in Digital Commons@Becker or its successor technology. Please review the Digital Commons@Becker section of this handbook for important information on the digital repository, including the website link, permissions, copyright, and prior publication. At the sole discretion of PACS, projects may be subject to review and approval prior to submission to Digital Commons@Becker. For detailed information on the Capstone Project and its requirements, please refer to the separate publication “Capstone Project and Independent Study Handbook”.
Certification and Licensure
Please note that PACS cannot sign off on certification and licensure paperwork, or otherwise certify completion of the training program and/or graduation requirements, until the actual date of graduation. Students are responsible for all application processes and costs associated with certification and licensure, including application fees, required examinations, and other requirements.
Audiology
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Students who successfully complete the AuD degree requirements will be eligible for recommendation for certification by ASHA. Certification requirements also include the successful completion of the PRAXIS examination (http://www.ets.org). For current information, please visit the ASHA website at http://www.asha.org.
Missouri State Board of Examiners for Hearing Instrument Specialists
Training for practice and/or licensure is not part of the formal training provided by the AuD program, although interested and qualified students are allowed to independently apply for licensure as a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) immediately before or after graduation. Please note that current AuD students may not use the practicum hours completed and/or supervision received, in whole or in part, during a practicum rotation completed in PACS toward HIS licensure. Furthermore, PACS does not support either the obtaining of licensure prior to the student’s graduation or the earning of a master’s degree for the sole purpose of licensure and/or billing.
Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts – Audiology
Students who successfully complete the AuD degree requirements and meet the other requirements of the State of Missouri will be eligible for permanent and/or provisional license in Audiology in the State of Missouri. State regulations allow professionals with this licensure to dispense hearing aids, alleviating the need for Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) licensure described above.
Other States
Each state has its own specific licensure requirements for the practice of audiology. Students are encouraged to check these state requirements, which are generally available on the web, as soon as possible if they will not be practicing in Missouri.
Deaf Education
State of Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Deaf and Hearing Impaired, Birth-12th Grade)
Students who successfully complete the two-year MSDE degree requirements will be eligible for recommendation for certification by the State of Missouri (Deaf and Hearing Impaired, Birth-12th Grade). Certification requirements also include the successful completion of relevant Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments, a background check, and fingerprinting.
Council on Education of the Deaf (CED)
Students who successfully complete the two-year MSDE degree requirements will be recommended for certification by the Council on Education of the Deaf (CED).
Other States
Each state has its own specific licensure requirements for the teaching students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Students are encouraged to check these state requirements, which are generally available on the web, as soon as possible if they will not be teaching in Missouri. Generally, students are first licensed to teach in the state where they received their training (Missouri) and then may apply for licensure in other states.
Class and Final Examination Schedules
Class and final examination schedules are developed by the PACS Office on a semester basis (fall, spring, and summer) and are finalized approximately eight months before the first day of classes for that semester, per University policy. PACS course and final exam schedules are available in the PACS Calendars and Schedules folder in Box, and course schedules are also accessible through http://courses.wustl.edu.
Classes should be held on the days and times scheduled and must follow the established academic schedule. All final (or last) exams and papers should follow the published exam schedule and should not occur or be due during the Final Exam Study Period or on a regularly-scheduled class day. This includes written, oral, and take-home exams. Faculty should visit http://facultyinformationhandbook.wustl.edu/reading-days-and-final-examination-period/ for additional information on policies and procedures related to reading days and final examinations.
See also “Canceled, Rescheduled, and Make-up Classes” for more information.
Course Descriptions
Course descriptions for the current academic year can be found on the PACS website at http://pacs.wustl.edu/programs/course-descriptions/.
Course and Practicum Evaluations
Students are expected, and often required, to perform evaluations of classes and practicum experiences at the end of each semester. This system permits the instructors to identify areas of concentration, promotes discussion of new teaching methodologies, allows curriculum inventory, recommends changes in class offerings, and provides better integration of the curriculum. Class evaluations are completed on-line and are kept confidential. Although instructors do have the ability to view whether or not individual students have completed the evaluations, they do not have the ability to view individual student comments or ratings.
Criminal Activity and Substance Abuse
PACS is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy environment that complies with federal, state, and local laws; University policies and procedures; and professional ethical standards. In keeping with this goal, PACS students may not participate in unethical or illegal acts, violate any professional standard, or violate any University policies or procedures. Reports of such activity will be referred to the appropriate authorities and may impact a student’s enrollment in PACS.
Digital Commons @ Becker
By submitting the Capstone Project or Independent Study to the PACS Office, the student authorizes Bernard Becker Medical Library to post a copy of their work in Digital Commons@Becker (http://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/ ) or its successor technology.
Disability Accommodations
Students admitted and enrolled in PACS who are seeking disability-related accommodations initiate the process through the School of Medicine and are encouraged to contact us as soon as possible upon admission or after diagnosis. Eligibility for accommodations is determined on an individual basis supported by appropriate documentation, which may need to be renewed periodically. If you’d like to request accommodations, please contact Beth Elliott, Director of Finance and Student/Academic Affairs, at elliottb@wustl.edu or 314-747-0102 to obtain the instructions and form needed to begin the process.
Diversity in PACS
PACS envisions itself as a community that welcomes, encourages, and supports all of its members – faculty, staff, students and professional colleagues – toward our educational, clinical, research, and community service endeavors. Our members are diverse, representing different racial, ethnic, and gender groups, as well as geographic areas, religious beliefs, values, and physical and intellectual abilities, to name a few. If fact, we welcome such diversity within PACS, and the entire University, understanding that the future professionals we train will likely work in similarly diverse environments during their own professional careers. Please see the Non-Discrimination Statement for additional information.
Eligibility Requirements and Essential Functions
All students matriculating into the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) and Master of Science in Deaf Education (MSDE) programs must meet and fulfill all eligibility requirements and essential functions, as outlined in the applicable document below:
WUSM Eligibility Requirements and Essential Functions – AuD
WUSM Eligibility Requirements and Essential Functions – MSDE
Employment
Students may accept employment, but should not work more than 20 hours per week. Students will not be excused from classes, class activities, observation, practicum, or other activities required by the graduate program for such employment.
Examination Policy
Following are general guidelines for exams administered in PACS. Additional requirements may be posed by the individual instructor.
Expectations for Students
Any student needing accommodation for exams should review the Policy for Students with Disabilities in advance of exams.
Expectations for Faculty
*Not applicable to take-home exams
Cheating
The following examples are intended to be representative of behaviors that constitute cheating in the context of an exam. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list.
Faculty and Staff
A current list of faculty and staff can be found on the PACS website at http://pacs.wustl.edu/our-faculty/.
Fees (Non-Tuition)
The following are non-tuition fees charged to students by PACS.
Copies, scans, and faxes | No charge (color copies not available) |
ID Badge (Replacement/Lost) | $0-10* |
Late – Registration | $50 per week ($50 minimum) |
Lost or damaged PACS equipment, supplies or materials | Actual cost to replace or repair item(s) |
Prints |
First $25 per semester/$75 per academic year provided at no charge to the student. Additional pages are available for purchase through the Campus Card, which can be accessed through WebSTAC, at the following rates: B&W, single-sided: 4¢ per image* B&W, two-sided: 6¢ per sheet (3¢ per image)* Color, single-sided: 25¢ per sheet* Color, double-sided: 40¢ per sheet (20¢ per image)* |
Returned Check | $25 |
*Pre-payment required.
Additional fees imposed upon students for services or resources by other departments outside of PACS and charged to PACS on the student’s behalf may also be passed on to students. Non-payment of fees that do not require pre-payment may result in late fees, loss of privileges, and/or posting of charges to the student’s tuition account.
Formative and Summative Assessments
A variety of formative and summative assessments are required during the AuD and MSDE programs to ensure each student’s acquisition of knowledge and mastery of skills. In addition, the MSDE program requires an Oral Examination (see the section “Oral Examinations” for more information).
Free Trade Guidelines
Home School Rules for PACS Students Taking Classes Outside the School of Medicine
Full-time students enrolled in a degree program offered by PACS may enroll for eligible classes outside the School of Medicine without additional tuition charges. The following guidelines apply:
Student Eligibility
Students must be full time and in good standing in a degree-seeking program offered by PACS at the School of Medicine.
Class Eligibility
Required Permissions/Procedures
If all of the student and class eligibility criteria are met and a student would like to take an approved class outside the School of Medicine, they should first consult with the PACS Office for information and instructions on obtaining permissions and registering. If a student elects to enroll in a non-approved class or does not complete appropriate paperwork or follow registration procedures, the student will be responsible for any tuition and fees associated with the class.
Academic Credit
Grade Options
School of Medicine students may take classes outside the School of Medicine for a grade, pass/fail or audit. This must be specified at the time of enrollment on the Form. Grades earned will become a part of the student’s permanent academic record at Washington University.
Host School Rules for non-PACS Students Taking School of Medicine Classes
These guidelines apply only to classes in the PACS curriculum. Please see program specific guidelines for classes in other School of Medicine degree programs (e.g., Clinical Investigation, Genetic Epidemiology, Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Psychiatric Epidemiology).
Washington University in St. Louis graduate or professional students enrolled in full-time masters or doctoral degree programs may enroll in a limited number of classes at the School of Medicine in the PACS curriculum without additional tuition charges. Classes and students from University College, Sever Institute of Continuing Studies, Summer School, Executive or Evening programs are not a part of this agreement and may require the student to pay additional tuition. Applied music classes are also an exception to this policy and other types of one on one instruction may also be excluded. Graduate and professional students who qualify may take eligible undergraduate classes. Independent/special studies are a part of the agreement although a faculty/school may decline due to limitations of time and resources. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss specifics with his/her home program and host school officials. The following guidelines apply:
Student Eligibility
Class Eligibility
Classes determined to be open to non-PACS students have been cross listed or have parallel listings in another department. PACS classes open outside the PACS program are as follows:
M89 (PACS) 401 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing
M89 (PACS) 421 Introduction to Electroacoustics
M89 (PACS) 424 Speech and Hearing Sciences
M89 (PACS) 4301 Sign Language I
M89 (PACS) 4302 Sign Language II
M89 (PACS) 434 Typical Language Development
M89 (PACS) 543 Survey of Speech and Language Disorders
M89 (PACS) 544 Clinical Observation and Methods in Speech-Language Pathology
M89 (PACS) 5601 Clinical Audiology I
All other classes in the PACS curriculum are restricted to PACS students, unless special permission has been granted to a student in advance. Class enrollment limits may apply.
Required Permissions/Procedures
Academic Credit
Classes will count toward requirements of the PACS degree should the student subsequently enroll in the AuD and MSDE program if all of the following requirements are met:
Grade Options
Grade options for non-PACS students are determined by the student’s home school rules, and within the offerings of that class.
Full-Time and Part-Time Enrollment
Graduation Requirements
Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
Students pursuing for the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) must complete the prescribed curriculum, including classes and concurrent practicum experiences. This curriculum satisfies the degree requirement of a minimum of 72 semester units of graduate credit. As part of this curriculum, students must complete a Capstone Project (three semester hours minimum), culminating in a publication to be permanently stored in the digital holdings of the Bernard Becker Medical Library, and the findings of the project must be defended orally at the annual PACS Student Research Colloquium.
The PRAXIS examination is the culminating examination required for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Audiology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and by most U.S. states for licensure purposes. Official score reports showing a passing score must be submitted directly to PACS by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the PRAXIS, before AuD students can be recommended for their CCC (see Certification and Licensure for more information). Submission of score reports is also required so that PACS can provide the required data as part of its accreditation. A copy of the score report will be kept in the student’s academic file.
Master of Science in Deaf Education (MSDE)
Students pursuing the Master of Science in Deaf Education must complete the prescribed curriculum, including classes and concurrent practicum experiences. This curriculum satisfies the Washington University requirements of a minimum of 33 semester units of graduate credit and at least six (6) semester units of credit selected from classes in the 500-series or higher. As part of this curriculum, students must complete an independent study (two semester hours minimum), culminating in a publication to be permanently stored in the digital holdings of the Bernard Becker Medical Library. The findings of the project must be presented orally at the annual PACS Student Research Colloquium.
A comprehensive examination, usually taken in the final semester as an oral examination, is also required of all MSDE degree students. In addition, students who are pursuing initial teacher certification in Deaf/Hearing Impaired (Birth-12th Grade) are required to take the relevant Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments. Documentation of receipt of a passing score on those assessments must be received before two-year MSDE students can be recommended for teacher certification. Submission of score reports is also required so that PACS can provide the required data as part of its accreditation. A copy of the score report will be kept in the student’s academic file.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Speech and Hearing Sciences
To earn a PhD at in Speech and Hearing Sciences, a student must complete 72 semes¬ter hours, maintain satisfactory academic progress, pass certain examinations, fulfill residence and Mentored Teaching Experience (MTE) requirements, and write, defend, and submit a dissertation. Full-time enrollment is required. Complete information on the requirements, policies, and procedures for the PhD can be found in the The Graduate School Bulletin at http://graduateschool.wustl.edu. Information contained in the Bulletin related to admissions, financial information and academic information takes precedence for PhDunless otherwise specified here.
Classes for the PhD are drawn from departmental offerings, including statistics and research methods. Classes may also be drawn from related departments in affiliated areas of study. There is no prescribed curriculum; development of a curriculum that is appropriate for the individual student’s background and interests is developed with the advisor. Forty-eight hours are typically completed in the first two years of study, followed by completion of the written and oral qualifying examinations. Students then submit the title, scope and procedure of the dissertation for approval, which then allows admission to candidacy for the PhD Completion and defense of the dissertation is the focus of the final year(s) of study.
Mentored Teaching Experience (MTE)
The Speech and Hearing (PhD) program prepares students for academic and research careers in speech and hearing sciences. Teaching experiences are designed to prepare PhD students to become effective teachers and communicators of their discipline and their intellectual research endeavors. Objectives of these teaching experiences include: providing students with adequate breadth and depth of teaching experiences, providing faculty mentoring, and enhancing the overall training for PhD students.
Requirements:
Grievance Procedures
From time to time, individuals may feel they have legitimate complaints regarding some aspect of their involvement with PACS. It is the objective of PACS that such individuals have prompt and formal resolution of their grievance and that this will be accomplished through orderly procedures.
Prior to submitting a formal complaint, individuals should attempt to resolve the grievance with the individual involved. For example, if a student has a concern about a class, he/she should first discuss the matter with the instructor(s) involved, or if an instructor has a concern about a student’s behavior or performance, he/she should first discuss it with the student. In the case of practicum issues, the practicum coordinator should be included in these discussions. If such discussions do not resolve the concern, or if the individual is not comfortable with this course of action, the student’s advisor and/or director of the degree program in which the student is enrolled should be notified. Oftentimes, the concern can be resolved satisfactorily during this informal process.
For formal complaints, a written grievance should be filed with the PACS Office. This will be presented to a Program Director. A written response will be provided within 10 business days. If a resolution has not been reached, an anticipated timeline or next steps will be included in this written response.
Complaints that are serious in nature and/or are not resolved at the departmental level may be taken to the School and/or University levels for action. Other School and/or University policies and procedures may take precedent in cases of serious concerns or complaints. The following members of the School of Medicine administration may be contacted with such grievances:
Eva Aagaard, M.D.
Senior Associate Dean for Education
(314) 362-7800
aagaarde@wustl.edu
Legail Chandler
Vice Chancellor for Human Resources
(314) 362-4900
legail_chandler@wustl.edu
The PACS Office will keep a record of formal, written grievances for a period of at least three (3) calendar years. Such records will be separate from student academic files, but maintained in a secure manner similar to that of student records. Relevant details of complaints may be shared with the appropriate committee of the faculty, University personnel, and/or accrediting agencies for purposes of reporting or to use lessons from the incident, process, procedures, and/or outcomes to improve teaching, learning, the student experience, or other aspects of the department’s operations.
Students in the AuD program may also file a complaint with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) if (a) the complaint relates to the standards for accreditation of the graduate program and (b) includes verification that the complainant exhausted all other complaint procedures. Complaints should be made in writing and be signed by the complainant. Documentation should include a clear description of the specific nature of the complaint and the relationship of the complaint to the accreditation standards, and provide supporting data for the charge. Complaints should be submitted by mail to:
Chair, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Blvd.
Rockville, MD 20850
Formal complaints will not be accepted by the CAA via e-mail or fax.
Guiding Principles of Professionalism
Professional responsibility
Competence and self-improvement
Respect for others and professional relationships
Honesty and integrity
All students have a responsibility to report violations, or suspected violations, of these guiding principles of professionalism to a member of the PACS faculty or staff.
Independent Study
The successful completion of the Independent Study is a degree requirement for the Master of Science in Deaf Education (MSDE). All Independent Study projects must be submitted electronically so that they can be placed in the Bernard Becker Medical Library’s digital repository (“Digital Commons@Becker”). By submitting the Independent Study to the PACS Office, the student authorizes Bernard Becker Medical Library to post a copy of their work in Digital Commons@Becker or its successor technology. Please review the Digital Commons@Becker section of this handbook for important information on the digital repository, including the website link, permissions, copyright, and prior publication. At the sole discretion of PACS, projects may be subject to review and approval prior to submission to Digital Commons@Becker. For detailed information on the Independent Study and its requirements, please refer to the separate publication “Guidelines for the Development and Submission of the Capstone Project and Independent Study”.
Laptops, Computers, Network Access, and Email
All PACS students are required to have a personal laptop so that they can fully utilize supported teaching and learning systems, both on and off campus. PACS recommends the following hardware, software, and services for PACS students:
Other notes:
All students will be provided with a WU e-mail address. Email is the main method of communication between students, faculty, and staff. Students are responsible for checking WU e-mail daily.
Training on computer, network, and email systems will be available to students during orientation.
Leave of Absence (LOA) Policy
Return of students from involuntary leave of absence requires clearance of both the director of Student Health Services and the appropriate Program Director.
Letterhead
The use of PACS letterhead in any form is restricted to official departmental business purposes and may not be used by students without advance permission of a Program Director.
Minor in Speech and Hearing
PACS offers the Minor in Speech and Hearing Sciences through the College of Arts & Sciences to qualified undergraduate students. Information and requirements can be found at http://bulletin.wustl.edu/undergrad/artsci/speechhearing/#minors.
Observance of Religious Holidays
If a class or scheduled event conflicts with religious observance and cannot be changed, it is the responsibility of the student to talk to the instructor and arrange coverage of the material in another manner.
Observation, Practicum, and Externship Requirements
The AuD and MSDE programs each have separate, specific observation, practicum, and/or externship requirements for the degree. These requirements are detailed in separate publications.
Oral Examinations
The Oral Examination is a degree requirement for all MSDE students. The Oral Examination is intended to sample the student’s ability to respond to questions that require a synthesis of knowledge obtained through classes, observation and practicum, and research; it is not intended as a defense or review of the Independent Study, though questions about the student’s Independent Study may be asked. Oral Examinations for MSDE students are typically scheduled during the final semester of study, with students examined by a three-member committee of the PACS faculty.
Qualifying Examinations
Admission to candidacy for the PhD degree is contingent upon passing examinations called preliminary, qualifying, general or comprehensive. The qualifying process varies according to the department or program. In some departments and programs it includes a series of incremental, sequential, and cumulative examinations spaced at intervals of time. In other departments or programs the examinations are telescoped into a relatively short period. The department or program that conducts the qualifying examinations assumes responsibility for notifying The Graduate School of the admission of a student to candidacy. While the timetable for admission to candidacy varies from subject to subject, it is not the policy of The Graduate School to encourage, by financial awards or other means, the continuation of students who have met the residence requirements for the PhD degree without passing the qualifying examinations.
Research Training Programs
Several elective research training programs are periodically available to qualified AuD students. Such programs are generally offered either as summer (two-month or three-month) or as full-year programs of study (to be completed between the first and second years or the second and third years). Students should not accept the offer of admission without taking the following steps:
Students who participate in the Pediatric Audiology Specialization may not also complete a summer research training program (e.g., T35, TL1), and a full pull-out year may only be allowed if it is completed prior to the second year of study and prior to being admitted to the Pediatric Audiology Specialization.
Residency Requirement
Master of Science in Deaf Education (MSDE)
The minimum residence requirement is the satisfactory completion of one full year of graduate study (24 semester units) in academic residence.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
The minimum residence requirement for the PhD and AuD degrees is the satisfactory completion of three full years of graduate study (72 semester units), of which at least two years (48 semester units) ordinarily will be spent at Washington University. Please note that only classes with grading options of ‘Credit’ will be accepted toward this 72-hour requirement; classes with grading options of ‘Audit’ or ‘Pass/Fail’ will not count.
Severe Weather and Emergency Conditions
The University maintains a central website for communicating emergency information to all faculty, staff, students, and others at http://emergency.wustl.edu/.
The full text of the WUSM Severe Weather and Emergency Conditions Policy for Students in the WUSM Education Programs is included below. To summarize, in the event of severe weather or an emergency condition, the Dean will determine whether there is a need to establish an “alternate work status.” Such status would mean that:
If an “alternate work status” is declared, you should receive email notification from the School of Medicine. PACS will also try to duplicate these email communications to be sure everyone receives the message. Local media outlets may also be notified. It is important to note that the School of Medicine will make its own determination, separate from the Danforth Campus, so even if you see “Washington University” has cancelled classes, please follow only the communication you receive from the School of Medicine.
Individual instructors may still make independent decisions about holding classes, and as always, everyone should make their own determination about whether they can safely travel.
Individuals assigned as emergency contacts in PACS are:
Beth Elliott, MAT | Director, Finance and Student/Academic Affairs | elliottb@wustl.edu (314) 747-0102 |
Beth Fisher | Grant Specialist II/Faculty Support | fisherbet@wustl.edu (314) 747-0108 |
Rene Miller | Academic Records Assistant and Coordinator | millerrp@wustl.edu (314) 747-0103 |
WUSM Severe Weather and Emergency Conditions Policy for Students in the WUSM Education Programs
The School of Medicine must maintain essential services and operations during any severe weather or emergency situation and provide for the safety and care of its patients, students, staff, and faculty. In response to severe weather or other emergency situations, the Dean of the School of Medicine will determine the need for departments or education programs within the School of Medicine to temporarily establish an alternate work status.
For students, “alternate work status” means that the WUSM education program (DBBS/MSTP, Audiology, Masters Programs, Medical Student Education, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy) may cancel or delay classes as necessary for as long as the WUSM dean determines to help ensure the safety of students, staff, and faculty.
If the dean designates an “alternate work status” for WUSM, the respective education program directors will communicate to their students, either via website or emergency broadcast, information regarding the status of classes, non‐clinical education activities (exams, labs, etc.), and clinical rotations as follows:
We should presume that the School of Medicine is operating normally unless there is an official communication to the contrary from the Dean’s Office via your respective education program.
The ultimate decision regarding whether the commute to classes or to clinical rotations can be safely made remains with the individual. If a student does not feel she/he can safely commute, and the School of Medicine is operating normally, the standard absence policy for the students’ respective education program shall be in effect.
Student Lab
PACS maintains a Student Lab for students to practice clinical skills, complete clinical assignments, and demonstrate clinical competencies. Use of the Student Lab requires a reservation, which can be made online using O365 (see the Box folder for instructions) or by contacting the PACS Office. Students may reserve the Student Lab in one-hour time increments. Additional information, forms, and guidelines can be found in the Box folder.
Transfer of Credit
All transfers of credit must be approved by the student’s home department/program and a recommendation will be made to the Dean. Generally, classes completed over seven years prior to commencement of studies will not be considered for transfer. Academic credit applied to complete requirements for an advanced degree may not be transferred to fulfill requirements for an equivalent or lower degree, and academic credit applied to complete an undergraduate degree may not be transferred to complete a higher degree.
All graduate academic credit approved for transfer will be transferred as electives unless the classes are judged to be equivalent to core classes offered by PACS. Students will be required to submit a syllabus and/or official class description as evidence of class content with the transfer request.
Generally, classes completed over seven years prior to commencement of studies will not be considered for transfer. Academic credit applied to complete requirements for an advanced degree may not be transferred to fulfill requirements for an equivalent or lower degree.
Master of Science in Deaf Education (MSDE)
A maximum of six (6) semester units may be transferred from an institution of recognized graduate standing toward fulfillment of requirements for the master’s degree from Washington University. Applications for the transfer of credit for the master’s degree are not approved, however, until one full semester of study (12 semester units) has been completed successfully. All transfers of credit must be approved by the student’s home department/program and a recommendation will be made to the Dean. Transfer hours are generally not needed for students completing the MSDE since the curriculum is prescribed and meets the minimum University requirements for the master’s degree.
Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
A maximum of 24 semester units (one full year of study) may be transferred from an institution of recognized graduate standing toward fulfillment of requirements for the doctoral degree from Washington University. Applications for the transfer of credit for the doctoral degree are not approved, however, until one full year of study (24 semester units) has been completed successfully. Transfer hours are generally not needed for students completing the AuD since the curriculum is prescribed and meets the minimum University requirements for the doctoral degree.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
A maximum of 24 semester units (one full year of study) may be transferred from an institution of recognized graduate standing toward fulfillment of requirements for the doctoral degree from Washington University. Applications for the transfer of credit for the doctoral degree are not approved, however, until one full year of study (24 semester units) has been completed successfully. Students who completed the Master of Science in Speech and Hearing (M.S.S.H.) at Washington University may apply to transfer up to 33 semester units of credit toward fulfillments of the PhD. degree. Students who completed the MSDE at Washington University may apply to transfer up to 36 semester units of credit toward fulfillments of the PhD degree. Students who completed the AuD at Washington University may apply to transfer up to 48 semester units of credit toward fulfillments of the PhD degree.
Tuition Payment and Late Fees
Tuition and Fees
PACS tuition and fees are published annually in the PACS Bulletin. Rates include all classes and practicum required for the degree, as well as any additional classes required for professional certification, assuming these additional classes have been approved by PACS, students receive appropriate PACS and/or advisor approvals, and that the classes are completed at Washington University. Rates are frozen at the time of enrollment and are guaranteed for all years of study for students who remain in good standing and maintain continuous enrollment in the admitted program. Students are responsible for any additional tuition charges and/or fees for other unapproved classes taken through Washington University and/or classes required for professional certification that is completed at another institution.
Tuition Bills
Tuition bills are delivered to students electronically through WebSTAC. The system allows students to view tuition bills, make electronic payments, print bills, review account history for up to 12 months, and create unique logon access for parents or “other payers” that only students can authorize. This information can be viewed through WebSTAC by selecting Billing Records, then Pay/View My Bill.
Tuition Payment
Tuition and related fees are due by the last business day of the first full week of classes each semester. Tuition due dates will be listed on the PACS Academic Calendar. Tuition can be paid in the Office of the Registrar, located in the McDonnell Science Building, Room 100, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Accepted forms of payment are check and money order. Cash or credit cards cannot be accepted. Students and/or other authorized payers can also pay tuition through WebSTAC.
If a student has not satisfied past financial obligations to Washington University (tuition, fees, Olin Residence Hall fees, bookstore charges, library charges, copy fees, etc.) by one month before the end of the academic year, the student’s academic record/transcript will not be released until the account is paid in full. In addition, the student will not be promoted, graduated, or allowed to enter practicum placements.
Students who rely on loans should be certain their loan applications and other paperwork are submitted and processed in time to meet registration deadlines. The WUSM Office of Student Financial Planning will assist students with loan applications and financial planning upon request. Please note that students receiving scholarships from PACS must meet the requirements of the scholarship in order for the funding to continue.
Late Fees – Tuition
All payments of tuition and other University charges are due and payable on the dates specified on the PACS Academic Calendar, which is published annually. Any payment due from the student and not paid by the specified date will accrue interest at the usury rate in effect on the first business day of the month in which payment is due. The fee will be imposed on any accounts not paid within 30 days of the due date. Any amount not paid when due plus accrued interest thereon must be paid in full within three months of the original due date will result in the suspension from classes.
If a student fails to settle such unpaid amounts within three months of the original due date, the School will not release the student’s grade reports or transcript pending settlement of the unpaid account. A student who has not satisfied all of his/her delinquent financial obligations to Washington University (tuition, fees, Olin Residence hall rental, etc.) by the end of the academic year will not be allowed to progress to the next academic year, or graduate.
Students who rely on financial aid funds to meet their obligations should submit their applications for processing according to application deadlines published by the Office of Student Financial Planning. Deadlines allow for receipt of financial aid funds if applications are filed by the deadline. The Office of Student Financial Planning will assist students with loan applications and financial planning upon request.
Visitors
Visitors may attend classes offered by PACS and/or utilize the PACS facilities (including the student lounge) only with advance permission. Guests of students must be accompanied by the student at all times.
Waiving and Auditing Classes
The Doctor of Audiology (AuD) and two-year Master of Science in Deaf Education (MSDE) programs each have prescribed curricula that meet current requirements of the University, PACS, and certification/licensing agencies. These curricula have been designed to provide comprehensive preparation for future professionals in the fields of audiology and deaf education. Selected classes may be waived through successful completion of an equivalent class, or classes, at another college/university prior to enrollment in PACS. These classes, and the academic requirements to waive them, are listed below. Any student who has completed one of the required PACS classes through PACS within two years of enrollment and received a grade of “B-“ or better will not be required to retake that class.
Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
Master of Science in Deaf Education (MSDE) – Two Year
Students interested in waiving or auditing one or more of these classes should complete the “Request for Class Waiver/Audit” form and submit it with the required documentation. The request will be reviewed and the student will be notified of waiver/audit eligibility. Please note that you may not use one previously-taken class to waive more than one class. In some cases, such as classes outside PACS, approval of the instructor may also be required and additional tuition charges may apply. Students who audit a class are required to attend class and participate regularly in class activities. However, completion of assignments, exams, tests, etc. is not generally required. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with the instructor before the beginning of the semester to discuss expectations and to ensure that the audited class will not interfere with practicum or other requirements of the degree program, which take priority. Students who participate successfully will receive a grade of ‘L’; students who fail to participate successfully will receive a grade of ‘Z’. The audited class and the grade received will appear on the transcripts, but the class is not creditable toward the fulfillment of advanced degree requirements and will not count toward the GPA.
Withdrawals and Refunds
During the first two weeks of academic classes, withdrawals from a class will not show on the transcript and all records of the class will be deleted. Between the third and twelfth weeks of classes (or third and tenth for the summer term), a withdrawal will appear as a “W” on the transcript. After the twelfth week (or tenth week for the summer term), no withdrawals will be permitted, even if the instructor consents to the withdrawal. In addition, students in the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) Program and the Master of Science in Deaf Education (MSDE) Program may not withdraw from required classes unless one or more of the following conditions has been met:
Any student who, for any reason whatsoever, wishes to withdraw from PACS should consult first with the appropriate Program Director. No such withdrawal will be official until students file a written notification of withdrawal to the appropriate Program Director. Subsequent readmission is neither implied nor guaranteed for students who elect to withdraw. If one or more of these conditions has been met, the student should complete an Add-Drop Form, have it signed by his/her advisor, and submit it to the PACS Office. At that time, other items that must be completed to withdraw in good standing will be provided to the student.
The following withdrawal and refund schedule applies to AuD, MSDE and SNCDstudents in PACS, with the exception of short courses (two weeks or less), which are non-refundable if withdrawal date is after the first day of classes.
Withdrawal Date | Applicable Refund |
Within 1st week of classes | 80% |
Within 2nd week of classes | 70% |
Within 3rd or 4th week of classes | 60% |
After 4th week and before end of 8th week | 40% |
After 8th week | 0% |
PhD students should consult with The Graduate School for policies and procedures related to withdrawals and refunds. For more information, please visit http://graduateschool.wustl.edu/.
PACS Professionalism Concern Form
Capstone Project and Independent Study Handbook 2020-21
Audiology Practicum Handbook 2020-21