Graduate Student

Orientation

All you ever wanted to know about life as a Saint Joseph’s University

Graduate Student

Purpose• To provide an overview of what is expected of you as a

graduate student at SJU

• To point out the variety of resources available to you that will assist and enhance your educational experience

• To allow time for you to ask any question that comes to mind

• To “Meet and Greet” some of your instructors

What is a Master’s

A Master’s degree from the Health Services Department is not an end in itself, but a means to an end.

It is a degree designed to give you the ability to develop your career to its fullest potential.

Don’t think of your St. Joseph’s Master’s degree as a collection of credits but rather the gathering of skills you need to create a new world vision, to lead, to educate in the field of your interest. It gives you the confidence to see managing, teaching and research as complementary rather than exclusionary elements.

A Master’s degree should supply three main value propositions: Skills, Networks, and Reputation. The Master’s degree program at Saint Joseph’s offers access to a network of great students, alumni, faculty,

and community leaders in health and business.

This network can be very useful when beginning a job search, developing a career path, building relationships in your current career, or pursuing expertise outside your current field.

A St. Joseph’s Master’s gives you the tools to make the world a better place for everyone.

Getting Started: Class Selection

• How do I select appropriate courses?• Students are encouraged to review the program requirements in the current issue

of the Graduate Course Catalog. • The catalog outlines the course requirements for your program of study, includes

descriptions of courses, and notes and prerequisite required for a course (there are very few prerequisites)

• NOTE: The Department has created an Advising Sheet – you should have received an email.

• Where do I go for advising?• Generally, Nakia Henderson, the Program’s Director, will be able to assist you

with your advising needs. • Simple questions might be forwarded to the department’s administrative

support.• Admistrative Assistant• Graduate Assistant Ankit Patel, Denise Fenlon, at 610-660-2951 or email her at

fenlon@sju.edu

Registering for Class

• How do I register for classes?• Visit the Registrar site for complete instructions on how to register.

Generally, registration can be completed via a student’s MYSJU website in a very short amount of time.

• Contact the registrar for holds on your account.

Graduate Course Expectations

• In a graduate course, you are expected to:

• Take initiative in finding your own answers

• Choose topics to research based on your interests

• Participate, Participate, Participate

• Make presentations to the class (Powerpoint), consider joining SJU Toastmaster’s (see handout

• If you miss a class, it is up to you to make up or acquire any information that you missed.

Class Formats

• Courses are offered in the following formats:

Type of Course Descriptions

Traditional Evening courses Classes are held usually one night per week (in the summer, it is usually 2 times per week) For about 3 hours per session.

Online Courses Course instruction, discussion and assignments are completed entirely online.

Hybrid Courses A combination of online and in class instruction. Generally, these classes will meet on three days (usually weekends) per semester, and the rest of the course content will be completed online.

Weekend Courses Courses are held on weekends, usually 5 or 6 Saturdays and/or Sundays.

Where and When are classes offered…

• Classes are offered in four semesters – Fall (late Aug.-mid Dec.), Spring (mid Jan.-mid May), Summer I (Mid May-late June), Summer II (late June-early Aug.)

• Classes are held at Main Campus in Philadelphia, and some spots are available in our courses online 10 days before the class begins.

A Typical Class Session

• There is usually some good old fashioned lecture.

• Collaborative learning, from instructors, peers and self.

• Small group activities.

• Guest speakers, videos, etc.

• Participation is required

Sample Course Requirements: Grading Scale

• Although courses vary in the quantity of work and hours required per work, you can expect to see something like the following for your individual course requirements:

Grading Scale (University’s)

A = 95-100A- = 91-94B+ = 88-90B = 85-87B- = 84-84C+ = 78-80C = 75-77

Grading Procedure (Health Care Organization)

Assignment 1( Article Sharing) – 10%Weekly, brief presentations of current articles pertaining to class.

Assignment 2(Research Paper) – 40%A 12-15 page research paper inn APA format with at least 15 peer-reviewed

sources.

Assignment 3 (Group Paper and Presentation) – 40%45 minute presentation on assigned topic as a group and group research paper

10-12 pages with at least 15 peer-reviewed resources.

Assignment 4 (Attendance and Participation) -10%

Course Evaluation:Grading

• We take plagiarism very seriously, review the tutorial through the campus library to avoid it at any cost.

• Also we use Turn IT IN .com to determine if a paper has been used before.

• Grading scales are decided by each individual professor for each class, but some basic tenets apply.• There are no C- or D.

• You must get a C or better in a course to pass.

• If you receive 2 C’s, you may be asked to leave the program.

Tests or Papers?

• Most Graduate level classes at SJU do not give exams – there are exceptions, but majority of coursework is writing.

• Papers are expected to be well written and grammatically correct.

• Research papers must be in APA format. A current APA format book is available at the SJU bookstore, or you can check out this site: http://www.apastyle.org/

• Most term papers are expected to be between 10-15 pages, and usually at least 15 PEER REVIEWED SOURCES are required.

Independent Study

• What is an independent study and is it available at SJU?

An independent study is a course (3 credits) designed by the student. It is meant to replace a class for which there is a LEGITIMATE conflict, making it impossible for the student to take the course required. All independent studies are individually evaluated and approved by the Dean.

What About Online Classes…

• Generally, a student accepted to the traditional program (i.e. all students not enrolled in the all-online course) can expect about 2 classes per semester offered in an online format. Generally, these classes meet once a week online to discuss course information, etc. and complete assignments within a given time frame.

• Two classes that are often offered online are Accounting for Healthcare Organizations and Financial Management of Health care Organizations.

• There is a Health Administration degree available completely in an online format, but these students are accepted for this program only and never take in class courses. These students are generally distance learners.

What is Peer Reviewed?

• Peer reviewed means that a source is considered a scholarly journal that has been reviewed by a panel of professionals in the field.

• This includes journals like: The Journal of The American Medical Association, The Journal of Public Health, Etc.

• There are literally HUNDREDS of journals available at the SJU library.

Where do I find peer reviewed articles?

• GOOGLE IS NOT ALWAYS YOUR BEST FRIEND! Although you might be able to find some peer-reviewed articles using this search tool, the library is your best source.

• There is a Health Services Tool Kit which directs you to some popular sources.

• There are some useful general search engines like Proquest, Sage Journals and Ebsco Host that allow you to search hundreds of sources with a key word or topic. *You can filter out non peer reviewed sources.

• Many of these sites have a function that actually creates a citation in APA format that you can simply cut and paste.

The Drexel Library

• With the wonderful technology available today, you no longer need to physically visit the library to complete your research. Most research can be completed right online!

• If you wish to visit the library, you should know that you are given 200 print outs per semester free of charge. Your SJU ID keeps track of your usage with a tiny microchip.

• The SJU website has a chat/IM function where you can ask a librarian right from your home computer for help.

• There is a librarian (Cynthia Slater) assigned specifically to the Department of Health Services. She is available to help whenever it is needed.

IT at SJUBlackboard

• How can I access my SJU account?

Student IT information is generated and mailed out by the Office of Information Technology shortly after acceptance. If you do not receive notification once accepted, contact the Office of Information Technology directly.

• What is Blackboard and how does it help me?

Blackboard is a function on your MYSJU that allows you to submit assignments right online.

Additionally, it allows your professors to post announcements, updates, and class materials that you can access at your convenience.

You can also communicate with your classmates in a particular course and research using the Drexel Library. Online classes use Blackboard for communication, assignments and readings.

IT at SJU continued..

• What kinds of things are on MJSJU page?

Your home page is very useful. You can order books, add/drop classes, register for class, receive updates on school closures, manager our school email, view your weekly schedule, order a parking decal, find important classroom information, materials and updates, order transcripts, manager your account balance – basically, almost any information you need or anything that you need done can be managed on this site at the touch of a button.

• Will I have an SJU email account?

Yes. Every SJU student is given an email account which stays active until 6 months after graduation. Your user ID and initial password will be generated and mailed to you by the IT Department.

Getting Started:Parking, ID’s, etc.

• Where can I get a student I.D., and why do I need one?• Students can request a picture ID from the Office of Public Safety

located in Barbelin Hall once they have receive formal acceptance into their academic programs. The I.D. is free (a minimal replacement fee if lost), and only takes a couple of minutes to get. The I.D. is very important, because it allows you entry to the library, which you will use often!

• Where can I acquire a SJU parking decal?• Parking decals can be purchased at the Office of Public Safety, located

in Barbelin Hall for $$$$$$. From now on, parking decals must first be ORDERED ONLINE via your MYSJU website. An additional decal (which is currently free) must be acquired if students wish to park across the street, at the Maguire campus. These decals allow you to park in any student parking lot, including the parking garage. A map is available at the Office of Public Safety and online which details what lots you are allowed to park in.

Books, Monoliths, etc.

• Where do I purchase my books?• Books are available at the SJU bookstore located at 2461

North 54th Street. Most books are available in new and used versions.

• Interlibrary loan• Online – Amazon, Barnes & Nobles• Other Students

• What is a Monolith and where can I get one?• A monolith is an additional course material that is

published by the SJU press (located next to Human Resources on City Line Avenue). Usually, they consist of additional articles, PowerPoint slides, or other information your professor wants you to have for a course.

Writing Resources

• The Writing Center

• The APA Format Manual (6th edition)

What if I’m having trouble with a course?

• Speak with the professor! Although you are expected to search out answers on your own, SJU professors and adjuncts are happy to help you if you have genuinely given something your best effort, and still require guidance.