School of Allied Health and Life Sciences

176 Pages·2014·2.26 MB·English

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA
School of Allied Health and Life Sciences

Master of Public Health Self Study 2014
Dr. George Stewart, Director
Bldg. 58, Rm 79A
11000 University Parkway
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL 32514
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Table of Contents

LIST OF ACRONYMS.......................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................5
CRITERION 1: THE PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM...............................................................................7
1.1: Mission ……………………………...…………….…………………………………….…………………….………………….7
1.2: Evaluation and Planning….…..………………………………………………..……………………....……………....15
1.3: Institutional Environment...………………………………………………………………………….…………….……23
1.4: Organization and Administration …………………………………………………………………………….………29
1.5: Governance ..…………………………….…………………………………………………………………………….………33
1.6: Fiscal Resources ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..45
1.7: Faculty and Other Resources …………………………………………………………………………………….…….49
1.8: Diversity …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……59
CRITERION 2: INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS….............................................……………………………….69
2.1: Degree Offerings …………………………………………………………………………………….……………………….69
2.2: Program Length …………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………71
2.3: Public Health Core Knowledge……………………………………………………….…………….……….………….73
2.4: Practical Skills………………....……………………………………………………………………………………………….75
2.5: Culminating Experience....………………………………………………………………………………………………..83
2.6: Required Competencies.…………………………………………………………………………………………………..87
2.7: Assessment Procedures.…………………………………………………………………………………….…..……..109
2.8: Bachelor’s Degrees in Public Health……………………………………………….…………………….…..……115
2.9: Academic Degrees ……………………………………………………………………………………………….………..117
2.10: Doctoral Degrees………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..119
2.11: Joint Degrees………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………121
2.12: Distance Education or Executive Degree Programs………………………...……………………….…….123
CRITERION 3: CREATION, APPLICATION AND ADVANCEMENT OF KNOWLEDGE……………………....127
3.1: Research.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..127
3.2: Service ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………137
3.3: Workforce Development ………………………………………………………………………………………………..145
CRITERION 4: FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS...........................................................................151
4.1: Faculty Qualifications ………………………………………………………………………………………..…………..151
4.2: Faculty Policies and Procedures ………………………………………………………………………..……………159
4.3: Student Recruitment and Admission ………………………………………………………………..…………….165
4.4: Advising and Career Counseling…………………………….………………………………………..………………171
ELECTRONIC RESOURCE FILE INDEX…………………………………………………………………………………………..175

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List of Tables and Figures
Table 1.2.1: Evaluation Processes for Mission, Goals and Objectives Outcome Measures…………..…….15
Table 1.2.2: Outcome Measures for Measurable Objectives from Criterion 1.1.d ……………………..……..17
Figure 1.3.1: Organizational Chart Showing MPH Degree Program and Reporting Lines …………………….25
Figure 1.4.1: Organizational Chart Showing Administrative Organization of MPH and Units ………………29
Figure 1.4.2: Organizational Chart Showing Interdisciplinary Collaboration ……………………………………….30
Figure 1.5.1: Organizational Chart Showing Governance Structure of MPH – Committees …………………33
Table 1.6.1: Sources of Funds and Expenditures 2008-2009 to 2012-2013.……………………………………….47
Table 1.6.2: Outcome Measures for Adequacy of Fiscal Resources …………………………………………………..48
Table 1.7.1: Headcount of Primary Faculty for the Last Three Years …………………………………………………49
Table 1.7.2: Faculty, Students and Student/Faculty Ratios for the Last Three Years …………………………49
Table 1.7.3: Administrative Support Personnel…………………………………………………………………………………50
Table 1.7.4: Number of eBook Titles in Related Public Health Fields at UWF Library in 2013 ……………54
Table 1.7.5: Outcome Measures and Targets for Adequacy of Resources ………………………………………..55
Table 1.8.1: Diversity Data for Faculty, Students and Staff ……………………………………………………………….66
Table 2.1.1: Instructional Matrix – Degrees and Specializations ……………………………………………………….69
Table 2.3.1 Core and Required Courses Addressing Public Health Core Knowledge Areas for MPH
Degree ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….73
Table 2.4.1: Summary of Internship Placements, 2011-2012 through 2012-2013 ……………………….……78
Table 2.4.2: Data on the Number of Students Receiving a Waiver of the Practical Experience ……….…81
Table 2.5.1: Comprehensive Exam Results 2009-2010 through 2012-2013 ………………………………….…..85
Table 2.6.1: Core Competencies ……………………………………………………………………………………………………... 87
Table 2.6.2: Interdisciplinary Competencies ……………………..………………………………………………………….…..89
Table 2.6.3: Course Titles, Numbers and Core vs. Required …………………………………………………………..….93
Table 2.6.4: Courses through which Core Competencies are Met.……………………………………………….…….94
Table 2.6.5: Courses through which Interdisciplinary Competencies are Met.……………………………….…..99
Table 2.7.1: Student Learning Experiences used to Monitor and Evaluate Competency Attainment...109
Table 2.7.2: Degree Completion by MPH Students Cohorts, 2006 -2013....……………………………………….110
Table 2.7.3: Destination of Graduates by Employment Types …………………………………………………………..112
Table 3.1.1: Research Activities of Primary and Secondary Faculty 2010 to 2013 ……………………………..130
Table 3.1.2: Outcome Measures and Targets for Research ………………………………………………………………..134
Table 3.2.1: Faculty Service from 2010 through 2013 ………………………………………………………………………..138
Table 3.2.2: Outcome Measures and Targets for Service ……………………………………………………………………141
Table 3.3.1: Enrollment in Certificate Programs for the Last Three Years ………………………………………. …148
Table 4.1.1: Core Faculty Qualifications …………………………………………………………………………………………….152
Table 4.1.2: Other Faculty Qualification …………………………………………………………………………………………….153
Table 4.1.3: Outcome Measures and Targets for Faculty Qualification Assessment …………………………..157
Table 4.3.1: Quantitative Information on Applicants, Acceptances and Enrollments, 2010 to 2013......167
Table 4.3.2: Student Enrollment Data, 2010 to 2013 …………………………………………………………………………168
Table 4.3.3: Outcome Measures and Targets for Measureable Objectives, 2010 to 2013 ………………….168
Table 4.4.1: Results of Quantitative Assessment of Student Advising ………………………………………………..172
Table 4.4.2: Examples of Comments Regarding Advising Services ……………………………………………………..173

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List of Acronyms
Acronym Meaning Relevance
ALP Academic Learning Plan Required UWF graduate-level programmatic planning to support SACS
accreditation initiatives and State of Florida Board of Governors-mandated
institutional assessment
ASPH Association of Schools of Public Health The association representing CEPH-accredited schools of public health. The
UWF MPH program has adopted Version 2.3 (May 2007) of the core
competencies for public health promoted by this association
ATC Academic Technology Center UWF division that supports colleges and faculty in all efforts related to
designing and delivering priority distance learning programs at UWF
through professional development, strategic program/course development
services, and Desire 2 Learn eLearning course management system
ASPH Association of Schools of Public Health The competencies of this organization were adopted for use by the MPH
Steering Committee
BLSR Bylaws and Standing Rules Bylaws and standing rules for the UWF MPH program
BOG Board of Governors The State of Florida legislative body to which UWF reports
BOT Board of Trustees The regional oversight body to which UWF reports
CAS College of Arts and Sciences The college in which the MPH program is housed
CCR Curriculum Change Request Process for requesting new programs/courses at UWF, or changes to
existing courses/programs
COIC Certified Online Instructor Course Online course sponsored by ATC to train faculty in online course delivery
CS Career Services UWF division that facilitates internship and job placement. CS also oversees
Volunteer UWF! to provide service and learning opportunities that
encourage civic engagement
CULTA Center for University, Teaching, Learning UWF division that facilitates the efforts of faculty and academic units to
and Assessment develop and sustain practices that promote the highest quality of teaching
and learning
DLHS Division of Life and Health Sciences The division within the College of Arts of Sciences in which the MPH
program originally evolved. Formed in 2002 and renamed School of Allied
Health and Life Sciences in 2006
D2L Desire 2 Learn The eLearning course management system utilized to deliver the MPH
program online
FTEs Full Time Equivalents Measure of faculty and student productivity. Explicit definitions of this for
faculty and student are provided as footnotes in the relevant sections
ICC Internship Coordination Committee Committee within the UWF MPH program
ICR Indirect Cost Rates Indirect cost rates are set by the Associate VP for Research within the limits
established by the granting agency
ITS Information Technology Services UWF division that provides university faculty, staff, and students with
information technology support services. ITS maintains a central point of
contact, the ITS Help Desk, that any UWF faculty, staff or student may
contact for assistance with technology issues
MGO Mission, Goals and Objectives
MOU Memorandum of Understanding A formal agreement of the UWF MPH program and another entity
P & T Promotion and Tenure Process for career advancement in tenure-earning lines
QEP Quality Enhancement Project A project contributing to ongoing quality improvement
SACS Southern Association of Colleges and Regional accreditation body for UWF
Schools
SAHLS School of Allied Health and Life Sciences The school within the College of Arts of Sciences in which the MPH program
is housed. Formed in 2006 from DLHS
SAPH Student Association for Public Health The online student organization of the MPH program
SPARA Strategic Planning and Resource Alignment The process designed to achieve integration and alignment of transparent
planning, budgeting, assessment, and accountability processes to support
continuous improvement and the strategic and prudent use of resources.
SUSSAI State University System Student The State of Florida-mandated student evaluation survey for courses
Assessment of Instruction
UWF University of West Florida The university in which the MPH program is housed

WIRED Workforce Innovation in Regional Grant program of the U.S. Department of Labor providing funding for
Economic Development regional economies, including Florida’s Great Northwest
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Introduction
The School of Allied Health and Life Sciences was created in 2006 and launched the online MPH
Program in Spring 2006 with guidance and approval of the mission and goals provided by the newly
created MPH Steering Committee. The Master of Public Health (MPH) Program at the University of
West Florida (UWF) is offered as a fully online 42 hour degree program as part of the course offerings
at this regional comprehensive university. Current total enrollment at UWF is approximately 12,823
students. The MPH Program is housed in the School of Allied Health and Life Sciences (SAHLS) within
the College of Arts of Sciences, which is one of three colleges at UWF. The planning, development, and
evaluation of the MPH Program is guided by the Master of Public Health Steering Committee against
program competencies adopted from the Association of Schools of Public Health. The online format
was employed to reach the widest possible audience within the broad geographic region served, and
was officially launched in Spring 2006, with online development occurring in the semesters prior to
this. The theme of the MPH Program’s online launching was and remains: "High Quality, with
Innovation to Build and Support an Engaged Online Learning Community" and emphasizes a
commitment to applying innovation in varied formats for varied learners, and recognizing the
importance of "community" for student-to-student, student-to-instructor, and instructor-to-instructor
engagement in the Program. The development and delivery of quality online instruction within the
Program is guided by course development and implementation rubrics adapted from the Quality
Matters™ project. The delivery vendor utilized for the MPH Program is the Desire 2 Learn eLearning
course management system.
As of the submission of this self-study document, 247 students were enrolled in courses in Fall 2013
and Spring 2014. The UWF MPH Program approved its first graduate in Spring 2008. Two additional
students graduated in Summer 2008. Of the graduating students in 2007-2008, one was enrolled full-
time and the other two were enrolled part-time. To date 73 students have graduated from the UWF
MPH Program. The employment rate of our graduates has been greater than 70% every year. The first
student organization associated with the MPH Program, the Student Association for Public Health, was
formed in 2007 and it continues to be active.
The UWF MPH Program is supported by 3.5 core faculty, 2 joint faculty and 13 adjuncts. Although we
have fewer primary faculty than we would prefer, our adjuncts are truly subject matter experts with
long experience in the field and are willing to spend the time with students comparable to primary
faculty. Many of our adjuncts have been teaching in the Program since its inception.
As of the submission of this document, we have 18 Memoranda of Understanding, nationally and
internationally, in place to facilitate student internships.
The UWF MPH Program has been named among the top 10 online MPH Programs in the nation and
was selected by the Army and Navy Aerospace Medical Residence Program as the Program of choice
for their residents to complete the required MPH degree.
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CRITERION 1: THE PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

1.1: Mission
The program shall have a clearly formulated and publicly stated mission with supporting goals,
objectives and values.

1.1.a A clear and concise mission statement for the program as a whole.

The mission of the UWF Master of Public Health Program is to empower a generation of public health
professionals with skills, knowledge and competencies to contribute creatively and ethically to
education, research and service to promote public health and disease prevention. The program fosters
the spirit of community engagement through education, service, and community-based participatory
research.

1.1.b A statement of values that guides the program.

The values for the MPH Program evolved from the University’s values and those adopted by the School
of Allied Health and Life Sciences (approved by the SAHLS Advisory Committee in 2002-2003; and
reapproved by the MPH Steering Committee which assumed direct responsibility of the MPH Program
oversight after 2005).

• Integrity and candor in the pursuit of knowledge through intellectual inquiry and discourse
• Dedication to and innovation in educating our students to excel
• Excellence in teaching, research and service
• Creativity in designing and implementing our programs to fit the needs of the region
• Cooperation and collaboration with community and UWF partners in providing quality education in
the life and health sciences
• Commitment to diversity at all levels
• Responsibility in managing, utilizing and protecting our resources and the environment
• Promote a dynamic learning environment that encourages development of individual potential

The statement of values are made available to faculty, staff, and students on the MPH website:

http://uwf.edu/sahls/masters-ph/mission/

All faculty teaching in the MPH Program are expected to employ these values in their teaching,
research and service. These values are reinforced during routine interaction with administration,
students, faculty, and adjuncts teaching in the MPH Program. In addition, these values are integrated
throughout the fabric of the MPH Program’s teaching research, and service.

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1.1.c One or more goal statements for each major function through which the program intends to
attain its mission, including at a minimum, instruction, research and service.
Goal #1: Education: Educate and train future generations of public health professionals equipped with
knowledge, competencies, and skills to address the health challenges of the 21st century and beyond.
Goal #2: Research: Promote faculty, student, and community engagement in public health research to
improve and sustain health locally, nationally, and globally.
Goal #3: Service: Promote a culture of engagement to serve Northwest Florida and beyond through
outreach, education, and community connections.
Goal #4: Faculty and Staff: Recruit, retain and support faculty and staff in an environment that
emphasizes professional development and excellence in scholarly and teaching endeavors.
Goal #5: Diversity: Provide and promote an environment that emphasizes diversity and individual
potential among students, faculty and staff.
1.1.d A set of measurable objectives with quantifiable indicators related to each goal statement as
provided in Criterion 1.1.c. In some cases, qualitative indicators may be used as appropriate.
Goal 1: Education: Educate and train future generations of public health professionals equipped with
knowledge, competencies, and skills to address the health challenges of the 21st century and beyond.

Objective 1: Recruit academically prepared students
1.1.1: 75% of admitted students will meet program test standards.

1.1.2: 75% of admitted students will meet program GPA or equivalent.

1.1.3: 100% of enrolled students will maintain an average 3.0 GPA.

1.1.4: 70% of students will graduate within the six year time period allowed by
university policy.

Objective 2: Prepare students to acquire competencies in public health.
1.2.1: Students will acquire public health competencies through successful completion of the
Program core and required courses. This will be measured by the Comprehensive
Examination. 100% of students will take and pass the Comprehensive Examination with a
grade of 70% or better in each of the five core courses and five required course domains.

1.2.2: 90% of the courses will provide experiential learning opportunities for applying public
health theories and methods to practice domestically and internationally.

1.2.3: 100% of MPH students will complete a supervised internship experience in a public
health practice setting or an equivalent set of public health experiences before graduating
from the MPH program. By successfully completing the internship, students will
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demonstrate their acquisition of the public health competencies. 100% of students will
earn a “Satisfactory” grade in the public health internship.

1.2.4: Increase the number of field sites for student internships by 5% annually.

1.2.5: Increase the diversity of field sites for student internships by 5% annually.

Objective 3: Evaluate the effectiveness of the MPH Program curriculum through continuous program
assessment.
1.3.1: 100% of fulltime faculty will complete UWF’s “Teaching a Quality Online Course” within
the first year of employment.

1.3.2: 95% of MPH faculty (adjunct and core) will receive an average score of at least 70% in
the good to excellent range on student course evaluations each year.

1.3.3: The number of Quality Matters recognized courses in the MPH Program will increase by
one course annually.

Goal 2: Research: Promote faculty, student, and community engagement in public health research to
improve and sustain health locally, nationally, and globally.

Objective 1: Support engagement of program faculty in scholarly activities following criteria
established in program tenure and promotion guidelines.

2.1.1: Tenure track faculty will receive a course release to participate in public health research.

2.1.2: Tenure track faculty will disseminate research findings through participation in scientific
organizations, professional conferences, and publications by publishing at least one paper
per year in a peer-reviewed journal or presenting at least one paper or poster per year at
a public health meeting.

Objective 2: Strive to increase extramural funding associated with core faculty scholarly activities.

2.2.1: 100% of core faculty will register for funding alerts through the Office of Research and
Sponsored Programs.

2.2.2: 100% of core faculty will attend at least one workshop, webinar, or training on funding
acquisitions offered by the university or external funding agencies, annually.

2.2.3: 100% of tenure track faculty will submit at least one research proposal every other year
for external funding focused on public health issues.

2.2.4: 80% of tenure track faculty will participate in collaborative research projects with local,
regional, state, national, or international partners.
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