Community Support Services, Inc.

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Background Information

 

 

CSS DIP Status with ACEND:

The Community Support Services Dietetic Intern Program (CSS DIP) has been granted candidate status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: 

 

120 South Riverside Plaza

Suite 2190

Chicago, IL 60606-6995,

800/877-1600, ext. 5400

[email protected]

http://www.eatright.org/ACEND

 

How to become a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

The process to become a RD/RDN involves a range of steps including education, completion of a supervised practice internship, and satisfactory passage on the CDR credentialing exam.  Many RD/RDNs also choose to pursue state certification/licensure.  Upon obtaining the RD/RDN, ongoing education and renewal is also required.

 

Becoming an RD/RDN

Step 1:  Complete a bachelor's degree incorporating a defined body of coursework to obtain a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited program.  Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum degree requirement for eligibility to take the registration examination for dietitians will change from a bachelor’s degree to a graduate degree.

Step 2:  Complete a supervised practice internship from an ACEND-accredited program (the CSS DIP qualifies for this requirement)

Step 3:  Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration's dietetic registration exam.  

Step 4:  Obtain licensure in the state(s) where you practice

 

Individuals interested in obtaining more information about the process of becoming an RD should review this Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics link:

https://www.eatrightpro.org/about-us/become-an-rdn-or-dtr/high-school-students/5-steps-to-become-a-registered-dietitian-nutritionist

 

 

Overview of CSS DIP:

The CSS DIP offers a specialized area of practice that combines supervised practice in the fields of Developmental Disabilities and Community Nutrition.  Both the full and part-time tracks provide the mandated 1,216 intern hours of supervised practice addressing all ACEND-required knowledge and practice competencies.  All interns (both full- and part-time) are required to complete 340 clinical hours (along with 155 hours for Alternate Practice Experiences), 180 Food Service Hours and 576 Community Nutrition hours. An 80-hour elective rotation is required and those interns wishing to pursue additional professional experiences may do so outside of the CSS DIP.  Along with supervised practice hours, successful completion of the program includes a range of activities and assignments aligned with ACEND identified competencies.  This coursework supports the development of entry level nutrition professionals and helps prepare individuals for the CDR Registration Exam.

 

At launch, the CSS DIP has appropriate resources for six full-time interns in an 8-month program starting immediately after Labor Day and running through May. Two part-time internship placements are also available, running for one year and starting immediately after Labor Day.  Both full- and part-time CSS DIP interns will participate in the orientation session at the beginning of the intern cycle.

 

Concentration:

 

Developmental Disabilities and Community Nutrition Concentration

For the last 25 years, Community Support Services, Inc. (CSS) has provided services to adults and adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities.  Towards this end, CSS has established therapeutic, clinical, vocational, educational, residential and recreational programming in support of this population.  As CSS has evolved and grown in the last quarter century, the nutritional needs of these individuals have grown significantly, thus establishing a platform for additional services and support. The CSS DIP is intended to fill this void as well as educate emerging nutrition professionals on the chronic health conditions for this underserved and at-risk population. 

 

Over the last five years, CSS has been on the forefront of community nutrition by teaching cooking skills to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.  Food preparation is situated as both an important tool in enhancing nutritional status as well as a vital life skill that offers the potential for an improved quality of life.  Janice Goldschmidt, Program Director of the CSS DIP, has led this movement with the development of her cooking curriculum entitled “Active Engagement”. 

 

‘Active Engagement” stresses choice, individualization and independence as a framework for development of authentic skill development for individuals with cognitive and motor impairment. The manualized form of “Active Engagement” was published in 2018 by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) and serves as the basis for all the community-based food programs at CSS.  All CSS DIP interns will be thoroughly trained in the program and be involved in supporting CSS participants in the acquisition of cooking skills using program fundamentals.

 

CSS DIP interns will also work through a variety of micro-rotations learning the essentials of working in community-based settings.  At the same time, all rotations in the CSS DIP are based on supervised practice with individuals with developmental disabilities.  Consequently, the program concentration emphasizes both areas of practice.

 

CSS Program Completion Requirements

To successfully complete the CSS DIP, all students (both full- and part-time) must complete the following supervised practice hours:

 

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Full-time interns are required to complete these hours within 12 months of their start day.  Part-time interns have 18months to complete all of the required supervised practice hours.

 

 

CSS DIP Mission Statement

The Community Support Services, Inc. Dietetic Intern Program (CSS DIP) strives towards two outcomes.  First, the program attempts to provide adequate training and facilities for the preparation of entry level registered dietitian nutritionists.  Second, the program aims to provide interns effective exposure towards individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (DD).  In so doing, interns are taught to appreciate the trends noted across this population as well as address the unique dietetic needs of individuals. The CSS DIP aims to coordinate the emerging skills sets of interns with the unique challenges and needs of our program participants.

 

 

CSS DIP Goals and Objectives

 

Goal 1:  Graduates of the CSS DIP will be competent entry level registered dietitian nutritionists who obtain employment as nutrition professionals.

    

Objectives:

     ACEND:

• Full-Time:  At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 12 months (150% of program length). 

• Part-Time:  At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 18 months (150% of program length). 

• Of graduates who seek employment, 70% percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation. 


•  75% of graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.

• The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.

• When surveyed, 80% of employers of CSS DIP alumni will rate the graduate as “prepared” or better (given the choice of not prepared, somewhat prepared, prepared, well prepared, unable to rate) in understanding and professionally practicing the current standards for Nutrition and Dietetics.

 

Program Specific:

 

• When surveyed, a minimum of 75% of CSS DIP graduates will indicate they are “confident” (given the choice of not confident, somewhat confident, confident, very confident, or no opinion) to serve in the community as an entry level registered dietitian nutritionist.

 

 

Goal 2:  Graduates of the CSS DIP will be entry level registered dietitian nutritionists with a solid understanding of on the general nutrition-based patterns and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and the ability to apply this information to practice.

 

Objectives:

• When surveyed, a minimum of 80% of CSS DIP alumni will indicate that they are “confident” (given the choice of not confident, somewhat confident, confident, very confident, or no opinion) in their ability to professionally interact with individuals with developmental disabilities.

• When surveyed, a minimum of 80% of CSS DIP alumni will indicate that they are “confident” (given the choice of not confident, somewhat confident, confident, very confident, or no opinion) in their knowledge and ability to develop treatment plans for individuals with disabilities.

 

Program specific competencies include:

Developmental Disabilities and Community Nutrition

 

1. At the completion of the program, the intern will be able to evaluate and apply to dietetic practice the nutrition-related risk factors for individuals with developmental disabilities, including overweight and obesity and associated comorbidities.

Activities for this competency include (but are not limited to):

• Interns will work in the obesity clinic where all CSS program participants are assessed weekly for body weight, waist circumference and body fat.

Core Competencies addressed include CRDN 1.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2.

 

2. At the completion of the program, the intern will be able to evaluate and apply to dietetic practice the patterns of disordered eating and treatment for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Activities for this competency include (but are not limited to):

• Interns will work in a range of lunch, dinner and snacking programs attempting to work with individuals in alleviating disordered eating patterns.

Core competencies addressed include 1.4, 1.6, 2.7, 2.11, 3.9.

 

 

3. At the completion of the program, the intern will be able to evaluate and apply to dietetic practice the components of “Active Engagement” utilized to teach food preparation to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Activities for this competency include (but are not limited to):

• Interns will learn and apply the fundamentals of “Active Engagement”, the cooking program utilized at CSS and implemented in various supported learning activities.

Core competencies addressed include 3.5, 3.10, 4.5, 4.6.                                                            

 

Outcome Information

Outcome data for these goals and objectives will be available for each annual intern cycle.  If interested, contact:

 

Janice Goldschmidt, MPH, MS, RD, LDN

CSS DIP Program Director

Community Support Services, Inc.

9075 Comprint Court

Gaithersburg, MD 20877

 [email protected]

 

 

CSS DIP Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

To be eligible to apply to the CSS DIP, applicants must have:

• successfully completed a Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics accredited by ACEND within four years prior to the start of the internship;

• starting in 2024 the CSS DIP will only admit individuals who have a verification statement from a Nutrition and Dietetics Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or Foreign Dietitian Education program (FDE) have earned at least a bachelor’s master’s degree granted by a U.S. regionally accredited college/university or foreign equivalent;

• have a minimum of a bachelor's degree from a US regionally-accredited college or university or a foreign equivalent.

 

Selection into the CSS DIP is based upon numerous factors.  Though admission is not focused exclusively on a specific grade point average for dietetics courses, the program strives to choose interns who have demonstrated professional behavior.  This can include:

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• Participation in an in-person or online interview with the CSS DIP Program Director

• Prior experience in dietetics/nutrition (as either an employee or volunteer)

• Prior experience with developmental disabilities (as either a relative, employee, or volunteer)

• Solid academic or professional recommendations (ideally from dietetics professors, employers, or from past-experience with disability populations)

• Strong communication and writing skills as demonstrated in the required personal essay

 

The CSS DIP welcomes individuals from all types of backgrounds as well as those beginning a second career.  The CSS DIP complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding equal opportunity and non-discrimination. Admission to the program will not be influenced or affected in an illegally discriminatory manner by an individual’s race, color, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

Application Process

The CSS DIP utilizes the centralized online application system – Dietetic Internship Centralized Applicate Services (DICAS) for all applicants.  In 2021, the CSS DIP will only participate in the second round of the Dietetic Intern Match which will begin on April 8th, 2021.  Students interested in applying to the program outside of the DICAS system should contact the Program Director, Janice Goldschmidt, at [email protected].

 

All individuals who will be applying are required by DICAS to provide:

• ACEND Verification Statement

• A 1,000-word essay on professional goals and philosophy

• 3 reference letters

• Academic Transcripts

 

Online applications were due by February 15, 2021 with the Dietetic Intern Match undertaken in early April of the same year.  For information about creating a DICAS account, see:  https://help.liaisonedu.com/DICAS_Applicant_Help_Center/Starting_Your_DICAS_Application/Creating_and_Managing_Your_DICAS_Account

 

The Dietetic Internship Match is a computer-based process by which Interns and Dietetic Program can matched for preferences by both parties.  The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics contracts the Match to D&D Digital.  To obtain more information about the process, or if you have technical problems, contact D&D Digital Customer Service at 515/292-0490 or [email protected].

 

CSS DIP Program and Associated Costs

For the 2022-2023 cycle, the cost of the CSS DIP is $6,900 as well as the additional cost (listed above) each intern must supply for maintaining themselves throughout the program (e.g., housing, board, transportation, etc.)

 

Cost for participants in the CSS DIP outside of the program fee include:

 

All costs are estimated and based upon residence in Montgomery County, MD.

Application Fee:       $25

Transportation:        Varies between $50/month (public transportation) and $100/month (car)

Food:                          Varies between $300/month and $600/month (Weekly annual lunch included in fee and some rotations will

provide occasional meals)

Housing:                    Varies between $600/month and $1800/month

Cell Phone:                Between $40-$60/month (Some urgent communication will be done via cell

phone, but the preponderance will be via email).

Computer:                 Varies between $0 (for those interns who posses a laptop) an $1600 (All interns will be required to have

computing capacity with word processing function as well as printing access. 

Printing Costs:          Approximately $50

Insurance                   All participants are expected to obtain health insurance on their own; costs range from $300-$450/month

 

Interns accepted into the program that choose not to participate may receive a 100% refund for program costs up to the first day of orientation.  For the next 30 days, a 50% refund will be given to all interns who choose to depart the program.  At the 30-day point (October 6 in 2022), interns who choose to depart the program are no longer eligible for a refund.

 

Elective Rotation

An 80-hour elective rotation is included in the CSS DIP and is intended to expand the experiential learning opportunities for interns.  However, if the intern prefers, students may do their elective rotation at CSS, choosing from a variety of contexts for learning including research, workplace wellness, quality, or some other topic that is coordinated with the CSS DIP Program Director.

 

Elective rotations available within CSS include:

• Quality

• Workplace Wellness

• Physical Activity

• Research

 

In choosing a preceptor and organization for off-site learning, the intern must adhere to standards to ensure adequacy and appropriateness and to safeguard that the facility is able to provide supervised practice learning experiences based upon the competencies that interns are expected to achieve. Written affiliation agreements are maintained with all outside institutions, organizations, and/or agencies providing supervised practice experiences to meet intern competencies and must be renewed annually.

 

Any supervised practice undertaken as part of an elective rotation in the CSS DIP must adhere to the following criteria: 

• Ability to adequately and appropriately provide experiences needed to achieve intern competencies;

• Presence of a preceptor qualified as per current ACEND accreditation standards (including being a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist)

• Reasonable distance from the CSS facility; or convenient for the Intern based on their personal situation;

• Ability to execute an Affiliation Agreement with CSS that details the responsibilities of all parties involved.

 

All interns who have identified off-site supervised practice locations for their elective rotations, must ensure that organization completes a signed affiliation agreement and returns it to the CSS DIP Program Director before the elective rotation has begun. 

 

1. Must be a full-time employee of the organization hosting the intern;

2. Must submit a resume and copy of RD credential card;

3. Must have the appropriate experience to supervise the intern in the rotation;

4. Must demonstrate ongoing professional growth as evidenced by the CDR Log.

 

Further, the identified Preceptor for the Elective Rotation must complete the “CSS DIP) Preceptor Qualification Form” and forward a copy of their current CV, resume or CDR Log.

 

Both the off-site facility and the intern experience are evaluated by interns at the completion of their rotation.  At the conclusion of each intern rotation, it is the responsibility of the CSS DIP Program Director to analyze the intern comments and determine if the facility has maintained the standards as appropriate.  As part of the ongoing program evaluation process, the Program Director may report to the CSS DIP Advisory Panel that the supervised practice facility and/or preceptor have not met reasonable standards for adequate training or supervision. If the Advisory Panel concurs, then the affiliation agreement may be voided.  The Program Director and Advisory Panel can also propose ideas to the pertinent facility/preceptor for improving the supervised practice experience

 

Program Schedule

The CSS DIP has both a full- and part-time track; both programs are designed to begin shortly after Labor Day.  Completion of the full-time program is based how quickly the intern completes the required 1,216 supervised practice hours, but is designed for a wrap-up in May.  The part-time program is designed for the intern to complete the required supervised practice hours in one year.

 

Interns receive a break for Thanksgiving and over the period from Christmas to New Year’s Day.  In addition, each intern has the option to take 3 additional days of leave, as needed. Days off require advance notification via email to the CSS DIP Program Director. 

 

Because CSS is a human services provider, our programs run 365 days a year; therefore, any additional days off will require the intern to write a formal request to the CSS DIP Program Director.  Individuals who are in need of additional time-off for religious observations, or a leave of absence for health or family-related emergencies, should discuss this with the CSS DIP Program Director.

 

2021 CSS DIP Full-Time Calendar

 

September 6-16, 2022:  CSS DIP Orientation (Full and Part-Time)

 

November 21 - 25, 2022:  Thanksgiving Break

 

December 22 – January 1, 2023:  Winter Break

 

May 5, 2023:  Exit Interviews Begin/Final Intern Luncheon

 

September 5, 2023:  Final day to complete Full-Time CSS DIP program

 

 

 

2021 CSS DIP Part-Time Calendar

 

September 6-16, 2022:  CSS DIP Orientation (Full and Part-Time)

 

November 21 - 25, 2022:  Thanksgiving Break

 

December 22 – January 1, 2023:  Winter Break

 

May 5, 2023:  Final Intern Luncheon

 

August 31, 2023:  Exit Interviews Begin

 

March 4, 2024:  Final day to complete Part-Time CSS DIP program

 

How to Register a Complaint

Interns who wish to complain about any issue they experience during their time with the CSS DIP are encouraged to contact the Program Director (via email, cell or personal interaction).  Formal complaints are also welcome via written communication.  It is the responsibility of the Program Director to address all complaints and, if possible, find a satisfactory resolution.  If necessary, the Program Director will communicate with other professionals in the CSS Community regarding the problem at hand and work to ensure that all parties are satisfied with the outcome. 

 

If an intern feels that the Program Director has not handled a complaint appropriately, they may communicate with CSS Chief Services Officer (CSO) regarding the issue.  The CSO will review the complaint and bring it to the entire CSS DIP Advisory Panel for review and resolution if deemed appropriate. If an intern feels that the Program Director or CSO has not dealt with the issue acceptably, the complaint can be submitted to the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312-899-0040 ext 5400 http://www.eatright.org/ACEND.  Please be aware that ACEND will only address complaints related to program non-compliance with ACEND standards.

 

Interns reporting problems within CSS or filing formal complaints with ACEND will not face retaliation in any manner.

 

Written copies of all complaints (and resolutions) will be kept on file by the CSS DIP for 7 years from the date of complaint. The contact information for the CSS DIP Director is:

 

Janice Goldschmidt, MPH, MS, RD, LDN

CSS DIP Program Director

Community Support Services, Inc.

9075 Comprint Court

Gaithersburg, MD 20877

[email protected]

 

ACEND Verification Statements

As soon as possible after students have successfully completed all of the requirements of the CSS DIP, the Program Director will forward to each intern six signed paper copies of the ACEND Verification Statement (or a copy via email with an authenticated digital signature).   Successful completion of the CSS DIP is considered to be finishing all 1,216 supervised practice hours as well as adequate performance of activities/assignments related to knowledge, competencies and skills (or completed remediation when assigned).

 

The CSS DIP will retain one (1) original paper copy or an electronic copy (original scanned in color or digitally signed) indefinitely for each intern.

 

 

Varied Topics:

 

Appropriate Dress During Internship

The CSS DIP has no specific dress code. However, it is expected that all employees and interns will exercise appropriate judgment with regard to personal appearance, dress and grooming to be most effective in the performance of their workplace duties.

 

Insurance Requirements: 

CSS DIP interns are not required to have professional liability insurance during their participation in the program, nor for any rotations that are organized for their participation.  However, liability insurance required for an elective rotation that an intern arranges is their responsibility.  Interns are also responsible for their own health insurance.

 

Travel to Assignments 

It is the responsibility of each intern to arrange for transportation to assigned rotations; interns bear all responsibility for any accidents that occur during their transportation to and from facilities offering supervised practice.

 

Protection of Privacy

he CSS DIP values the privacy of every intern. All personal, health, or disciplinary information collected in an intern’s file will be considered protected information and will only be made available to appropriate administrators including the Program Director and those on the CSS DIP Advisory Panel.  All information collected as part of the intern process is stored in files maintained by the CSS DIP Program Director and kept locked during non-business hours.  The files will be maintained throughout the intern cycle and for seven years following completion of the program; ACEND Verification Statements will be maintained into perpetuity. 

 

Injury or Illness During Supervised Practice

Interns who are injured while participating in Supervised Practice activities, or in activities related to their participation in the CSS DIP will be covered under the CSS Workers’ Compensation Policy.  Interns who are injured will be provided coverage for their medical expenses but not compensated for lost time.  An injured intern will be required to complete all the planned supervised practice hours upon resolution of the injury.

 

Interns will not be compensated for illness that occurs during participation in the CSS DIP.  If illness requires time off or a leave of absence from the program, it is the responsibility of the intern to make arrangements with the Program Director.  An intern who is out for illness will be required to complete all the planned supervised practice hours upon resolution of the illness.

 

 

Replacement of Employees 

It is the policy of the CSS DIP that interns are never to be utilized in place of employees. 

 

Compensation 

CSS DIP interns are not compensated for their participation in activities or supervised practice time.

 

Prior Assessed Learning 

The CSS DIP does not give credit for prior learning experiences.

 

Intern Access to Personal File

All CSS DIP interns have the right to access their paper file; requests should be made to the Program Director.  Interns will have immediate access to electronic records, included accrued hours, and grades.

 

Drug Testing

Drug testing is not required for participants in the CSS DIP nor for any rotations that the Program organizes for interns.  Drug testing may be required for an elective rotation that an intern organizes; it is the responsibility of the intern to arrange and pay for this drug testing.

 

Criminal Background Checks

Prior to orientation, all CSS DIP interns are required to complete a “Consent for Release of Information” form that will be submitted to the Maryland Child Protective Services Program to determine if the intern has any history of child abuse.  If there is evidence of child abuse, the individual will not be allowed to participate in the CSS DIP.  This form will be forward to CSS DIP participants prior to orientation.

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Emergency Form

All CSS DIP interns are required to complete an Emergency Contact Form of individuals to contact in the event of an emergency.  This form will be forwarded to CSS DIP participants prior to orientation.

 

 

 

 

CSS DIP Intern Monitoring

 

Intern Performance Monitoring

CSS DIP Intern performance will be assessed regularly by the Program Director through direct observation and interaction, performance reviews, as well as documented outcomes from activities defined in the Student Learning Outcomes and the Summary of Learning Activities.  Regularly weekly intern luncheons will be an opportunity for interns to raise concerns and questions about their rotations and assignments. Students will also have ample opportunity to interact with their peers at the luncheon and during varied rotations, and the development of study groups will be encouraged.  Likewise, peer mentoring will be utilized in contexts where one intern is completing a rotation and another beginning.

During the orientation session at the beginning of an intern cycle, interns will be introduced to the “CSS DIP Code of Intern Conduct” which outlines their responsibilities as well as their options for dealing with problem issues.  All interns must sign a form at orientation acknowledging receipt of the Code and that they have read and understand that they will be held to the highest standards of ethical behavior and academic integrity.

If an intern indicates (directly or indirectly) that they are struggling with some aspect of the program, the CSS DIP Program Director will use all the resources and materials available through CSS to assist the individual.

Formal intern evaluations will be undertaken at the mid-point and end of all rotations; for micro-rotations (exclusively in Community Nutrition) there will only be a final evaluation.  All evaluations will be done by the preceptor responsible for that rotation.  In turn, the process of evaluating intern performance will be analyzed as part of program evaluation at the end of each intern cycle (approximately June of each year).  If warranted, changes and/or modifications to policies and procedures may be required.  The CSS DIP Program Director will strive to ensure that interns receive regular reports (both verbal and written) regarding both their performance and progress.

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Intern Retention

It is the job of the Program Director to monitor all interns to ensure that their performance is adequate and intervene when there are problems.  Likewise, it is responsibility of the Program Director to track attendance and punctuality to ensure that any problems in this regard are resolved quickly, and do not threaten the ability of the intern to complete the program in a satisfactory manner.  Where necessary, the Program Director will provide guidance as to deficits in professional behavior, foundational knowledge, self-motivation and development of skill sets. 

It is the philosophy of the CSS DIP that all interns should have the opportunity to develop the qualities necessary to become an entry level nutrition professional.  To do so, each intern must have set performance expectations for each rotation, a system to bring errors in performance and behavior to the attention of the Program Director, and the opportunity for interns to correct their mistakes. 

 

Supervised Practice Documentation

Both full- and part-time tracks will utilize the Trajecsys Report System (https://www.trajecsys.com/) to track all data regarding supervised practice hours, as well as assignments and evaluations. Students log their own supervised practice hours from their phone or computer and can even clock in and out rather than simply reporting a start and finish time. The Program Director can enter scores for assignments and evaluations can be completed by preceptors directly onto the platform.  Further, Trajecsys gives the Program Director the ability to track competencies, assess grades for the class as a whole, analyze evaluations, and to review accrued hours in different categories.  It is the responsibility of the Program Director to actively monitor the Trajecsys Report System to ensure that interns are progressing both individually and collectively.  Any noted deficiencies must be brought to the attention of the intern as soon as possible and every effort must be made to assist the individual in resolving the problem.

 

The Program Director is responsible for the maintenance of all records and must ensure that all technical and logistical problems with the Trajecsys platform are resolved quickly.

 

 

Discipline and/or Termination of Interns

If the CSS DIP Program Director individually or the CSS DIP Advisory Panel collectively determine that an intern is not meeting program standards (as based on the CSS DIP Intern Code of Conduct), the matter will be discussed with the intern and a memo for the record of the discussion will be placed into the intern’s personal file. Additional infractions may result in a formal written warning and/or action plan. Failure to adhere to the action plan as outlined, or addition infractions may lead to dismissal from the program. Examples of infractions which could lead to dismissal are: plagiarism, cheating, exposing clients to abuse or neglect, lying or other forms of academic dishonesty, insolence, absenteeism, habitual tardiness, refusal to cooperate, academic or supervised practice deficiencies, or non-compliance with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/CDR Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics found in this handbook. An intern who is persistently late or absent from the program may be dismissed from the program.

 

Remediation of Supervised Practice Deficiencies

 If a student fails to pass a Supervised Practice rotation, the intern will be placed on probation and required to meet with the CSS DIP Program Director to develop a written SMART (Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant and Time-bound) remediation plan to address the problem.  In designing, implementing and assessing effectiveness of the SMART plan, the intern will be provided with assistance and guidance. The student must acknowledge the plan with written verification and all documentation will be placed in their file.

 

If problems are significant, an intern may be required to repeat a rotation in order to assure satisfactory achievement of required competencies. If the remediation Dietetic Internship Student plan as implemented fails to result in a pass for the Supervised Practice rotation the student may be dismissed from the program based on the evaluation of the CSS DIP Program Director. Costs associated with extensive remediation will be the responsibility of the intern.

 

 

Access to Support Services

It is the philosophy of the CSS DIP that every effort must be made to help support a student and provide the needed resources for their success while they are in the program.  When resources are not available at CSS (e.g., counseling, health services, financial assistance), every effort will be made to locate appropriate support within the community.