Student Services, Organizations, and Activities

Regard for the student, as a person and provision of opportunities for participation in the co-curricular life of the university are basic commitments of East Tennessee State University. Dedicated, caring individuals strive to give the student a sense of belonging to ETSU. Student services include an orientation program, financial aid, housing, personal counseling, and advising to help plan a program of study. Student services are available to meet the special needs of all students including minority groups, students with disabilities, and those with specific health or academic problems.

Various student services are described below. Additional information about any of these services can be secured by contacting the Office of Student Affairs, (423) 439-2019.

The Office of Academic Affairs, including its division, Section of Medical Education, is responsible for both faculty and curricular issues. Academic Affairs develops, manages, and coordinates the curriculum; sets yearly academic and course schedules; and sets student schedules for third- and fourth-year clinical rotations and electives. Curricular administrative support is provided through this office, including for the Medical Student Education Committee, its five subcommittees and ongoing compliance with LCME accreditation and curriculum standards. Additional support includes faculty recruitment and development, staff support for electives and interdisciplinary courses such as the Doctoring Course series, and assessment of the curriculum through analysis of student evaluation and feedback of courses and faculty. This office administers all National Board of Medical Examiners subject exams delivered at the College of Medicine and provides support for career selection guidance. 

The Office of Student Affairs is a multifaceted, service-oriented organization comprised of two sections: Financial Services and Student Support Services. Activities in this department are provided to assist with student life issues, student interest groups, and outreach programs. Student services are available to meet the special needs of all students including minority groups, students with disabilities, and those with specific health or academic problems.

Student Affairs also serves as a point of contact for students in need of personal or professional counseling, and facilitates the referral of these students to appropriately trained individuals internal or external to the university community. This includes referrals to the Committee Supporting Student Health (CSSH) which assists students and residents who have been identified as suffering from a treatable dysfunction such as chemical dependency.

Financial Services

Financial Services manages all transactions involved in the awarding of financial aid to matriculated students and provides information to those interested in alternative sources for funding their medical education. Through various financial aid programs on the federal, state and university levels, the office makes every effort to enable any admitted medical student to attend. Once a student matriculates, the staff provides ongoing financial aid services, including financial aid and debt management counseling, and various financial management workshops.

Student Support Services

Student Support Services provides various programs and services designed to support and facilitate each student’s successful and timely completion of the curriculum. These include an Orientation to Medicine program for entering students; tutorial assistance for first- and second-year basic science courses; and required training programs in medical student mistreatment, sexual harassment, racial issues, difficult encounters, health safety, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability), and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

Student Support Services coordinates accident and malpractice insurance programs, student advising system, and the Careers Explorations Program. Also, the office oversees student compliance with enrollment policies, assists with the Big Sib/Little Sib peer support program, and provides off-campus housing information and referrals. In addition, Student Support Services provides support to and coordinates numerous activities for matriculated student organizations.

The Quillen Student Advisory System is designed to meet the needs of individual students. Most students find that having a specific advisor assigned at the beginning of medical school does not meet their needs. In years one and two, students who require assistance generally have issues related to adjusting to the academic rigors of medical school. Advisement related to academic performance difficulties in years one and two will occur through referral to the College of Medicine Academic Support Counselor, or to individual course directors. Direct involvement with the Academic Support Counselor, course directors, and individual faculty members produces better outcomes for students than working through an assigned advisor who is likely unfamiliar with course content. Students having academic difficulty in more than one course will also meet with either the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and/or the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for additional consultation and guidance, and subsequently may be assigned an individual academic advisor who can provide additional non-specific academic assistance. Tutorial services for students having academic difficulty are available through the Office of Student Affairs. Advisement related to possible learning disorders involves Dr. Jean Daniels who does not play a role in making promotion, graduation or dismissal decisions.

Careers in Medicine is a career-planning program designed to help students choose a medical specialty, and select and apply to a residency program. The program is a four-phase process presented over the continuum of the curriculum through the Career Explorations courses to guide students through the elements of career planning, including self-understanding, exploring a variety of medical careers and finally, choosing a specialty to meet career objectives.

Students at Quillen generally follow a fixed curriculum as outlined in this catalog. Course registration is handled by the Registrar’s Office for the first two years (pre-clinical courses) and by the Office of Academic Affairs for the second two years (clinical courses). The first registration will be accomplished as part of the orientation process. Quillen students do nothing to complete registration other than to pay their required fees by the third day of the semester. Students can check their registration and registration status at any time through the university Goldlink system.

Schedule changes and adjustments must be made with the approval of the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and can only be accomplished through that office. The registrar will be notified of the altered schedule by memorandum from the Office of Academic Affairs and will make the appropriate changes in the student record.

Emphasizing holistic care of self-mind, body and spirit-is an important aspect for students at Quillen College of Medicine. The Committee Supporting Student Health (CSSH) promotes wellness and provides education to medical students on how to manage stress and to cope with the demands of medical school in non-self -destructive ways and hopes to identify students that are in crisis and intervene in such a way to resolve that crisis. They are also responsible for support to the QCOM Learning Communities. The goal of this committee is to reduce the number of impaired physicians though education, positive peer pressure and providing access to any necessary resources. Any and all communication or dealings with the committee will be such that confidentiality will be maintained to the strictest level, fully protecting the rights of students and making every effort to assist that student so that he/she may continue his/her medical education.

Administration of CSSH

The administration of CSSH shall be vested in the committee. The committee shall be comprised of two student representatives from each of the four medical school classes, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and a faculty representative (appointed by the Dean of the College of Medicine).

Election of Class Representatives

Each entering class shall elect two of its members at the beginning of the fall semester, in September, after class elections have been held. This is to allow the class to have a chance to better get to know one another prior to nominating committee representatives. All class representatives shall serve on the committee throughout their four years in medical school, unless they resign or are removed from the committee. Representatives may be removed from the committee by majority vote of their medical school class or by the committee. Any vacancies on the council shall be filled as soon as possible.

Committee Officers and Members

The CSSH will hold an election each year for committee Chair. This person will be a student member of the committee. The duties of the Chair include: setting meeting dates, conducting meetings, helping coordinate student education and any other duties necessary to carry out the purpose of CSSH. The election of a Chair will be conducted in September after the freshman class representatives are elected to the committee.

The committee will also elect from among its members one person to act as Vice-Chair. The Vice-Chair will fulfill the duties of the Chair in those instances when the Chair is unavailable. The term of office for the Vice-Chair is one year.

The duties of the committee include:

• Promote wellness and resilience with education to students
• Provide guidance and leadership for the QCOM Student Learning Communities
• Providing education to students on care of self, substance abuse and any other areas that are identified and are applicable to assisting students in maximizing their health.
• Supplying information to medical students regarding substance abuse and available treatment programs.
• Assisting students to gain access to counseling and providing information on the PARC program.
• Reviewing cases wherein student impairment is suspected.
• Participating in interventions wherein sufficient evidence of impairment to warrant such action exists.
• Monitoring the recovering student in order to ensure compliance with contractual agreement between the student and the College of Medicine. The contract should be designed to promote student participation in all required activities as to ensure successful recovery throughout the tenure at this institution.
• Acting as liaison with the Tennessee Medical Foundation and the College of Medicine faculty to facilitate the return of students from treatment in order to optimize successful recovery.
• Serving as an advocate for the recovering student wherein necessary.
• Act as a class contact person for emergencies, such as a death in the family, will inform professors on behalf of student.

Meetings of the Committee

The committee will meet at least every three months. The first meeting will be after selection of
freshman class representatives. Additional meetings will be at the call of the Chair or Associate Dean for Student Affairs as deemed necessary.

Procedures

The introduction to CSSH is to be done for the incoming class in the first month of class by student committee members. Lunch and Learns will be conducted monthly.  

Procedure for impaired medical students

When a student is identified as potentially suffering from impairment, this information should be forwarded to the committee and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Information will be collected and reviewed by both of these parties. If the evidence appears to warrant intervention, a
recommendation is made from the committee to the Dean of the College of Medicine. If the dean does not agree with the findings of the committee, all materials are turned over to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and the issue is dropped.

If the Dean concurs with the recommendation of the committee, the committee according to the following guidelines organizes an intervention. Intervention teams consist primarily of committee members but may also include other individuals (e.g., family, classmates, concerned faculty and significant others). In addition, the team will include at least one of the committee advisors who will act as mediator. All members of the intervention team must be in total agreement with the need for professional evaluation and must agree to work in cooperation with the committee and its advisor to maximize success. The team will meet as needed to review the facts of the case, to establish the role each member of the team will play in the intervention and to prepare all members of the team to play their role effectively. All arrangements (e.g., scheduling a bed in a treatment facility, airline tickets, etc.) should be completed before the intervention takes place. Successful intervention will be one in which the student agrees to professional evaluation and/or assistance.

If the student declines to follow the recommendation of the intervention team, the student’s decision will be reported to the Dean by the committee with the recommendation that the student’s fitness for medical studies and potential success in the medical profession is seriously compromised and that the dean should consider terminating that student’s enrollment at this institution until compliance with the recommendation of the committee is achieved. If the recommendation of the committee is that the student be professionally evaluated, then both the committee and the student must abide by the findings of the evaluation team. The committee reserves the right to determine where the evaluation is to take place. If in the judgment of the evaluating professional it is determined that impairment does not exist, then all information regarding the case is submitted to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and the case is dropped. If the evaluation team determines that treatment for impairment is warranted, the student must comply with the recommendation. Failure to do so will actuate the committee to consider the student not acting in good faith and to recommend that the Dean terminate enrollment until the student demonstrates compliance.

If a student enters and successfully completes treatment, the committee will facilitate return to school through advocacy with appropriate faculty and administrators. Compliance to aftercare programs and contractual agreements with either the school or the treatment facilities will be monitored. Any relapse will be immediately reported to the committee, Dean and Tennessee Medical Foundation representatives. Recommendations from appropriate professionals will be solicited and acted upon in that event.

Should any impaired student voluntarily contact a committee member regarding treatment for alcohol or substance abuse, that committee member is to contact the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, who will arrange for the student’s participation in the Tennessee Medical Foundation (TMF) Physicians Health Program.

Treatment Program

The TMF Physicians Health Program in cooperation with the Office of Student Affairs will coordinate treatment programs for impaired medical students.

Confidentiality

This committee must make every reasonable effort to protect the identity of the impaired student, any student suspected of being impaired and any persons who have reported an impaired student. Maintaining confidentiality is of the utmost importance since the success of CSSH depends on student trust and confidence; a breach of confidentiality would compromise the program and render it ineffective and powerless.

Students enrolled in medical school accept responsibility for their own health care. As a condition of enrollment, students must have health insurance. East Tennessee State University and the Quillen College of Medicine do not accept responsibility for care if insurance coverage has lapsed or the student is uninsurable.

ETSU students, including medical students, may receive health care services from the Student Health Clinic in Roy Nicks Hall, room 160 on the main campus. The clinic is part of the College of Nursing Faculty Practice Network. The professional staff includes nurse practitioners, physicians, registered nurses, and a health educator. Services include management of acute, episodic illnesses and injuries; referrals for assistance in managing chronic disorders; immunizations; women’s health program and assistance with family planning; men’s health; allergy clinic for those receiving allergy injections; and patient education programs on a variety of topics. Nominal fees for laboratory services, medicines and supplies may be charged. For further information, please call (423) 439-4225.

The medical school provides the opportunity for medical student and their family members to receive free counseling services that are completely confidential and separate from the general functioning of the medical school through the Professional and Academic Resource Center (PARC). Scheduling is very flexible in order to meet individual needs.

Counseling services for medical students are also available through the University Counseling Center located in the D. P. Culp Student Center on the ETSU campus at (423) 439-4841, as well as the Community Counseling Clinic at (423) 439-7679. There are no charges for these services. The Community Counseling Clinic also provides services to dependents.

The Dental Hygiene Clinic of the Department of Dental Hygiene offers comprehensive preventive therapeutic procedures such as scaling and polishing teeth, pit and fissure sealants, nutritional counseling, periodontal therapy, patient education and exposing and developing radiographs. All
treatment is performed, for a modest fee, by dental hygiene students under the supervision of the licensed dentist and dental hygiene faculty. Services are open to all students, university employees, and the general public. Appointments may be obtained by contacting the Dental Hygiene Clinic, located on the main campus in Lamb Hall, room 71; phone (423) 439-4514.

The Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, a component of the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, provides professional speech-language pathology and audiology services to students, faculty, and the general public. The service is provided by speech-language pathology and audiology graduate students under the direct supervision of licensed Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. The areas of service include speech and hearing evaluation, hearing aid evaluation, and treatment of speech and hearing disorders through therapy. Intervention may be available for deficits in articulation, phonology, language, voice, and fluency. The clinic is located in Room 204 of Lamb Hall. Please call (423) 439-4355 for appointments or information.

All ETSU-affiliated health care facilities adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Students who have confidentiality concerns or highly sensitive health issues may seek care outside of the university system at their own expense.

Students should be aware of the policy on Sensitive Health Services for Students in the Policies and Procedures section of this document. This policy prohibits those who have been involved in providing sensitive health services to students from participating in performing academic
assessments for grading purposes and in decisions regarding promotions for those students.

The Professional and Academic Resource Center (PARC) provides a broad spectrum of counseling services including individual, family, marriage, and group counseling for medical students and their immediate families. Services are coordinated and provided on a confidential basis at no cost by Mr. Phillip Steffey, M.Div., LCSW, who has no teaching or evaluative role with the students.

Respecting the students’ need for privacy, every effort is made to protect the confidentiality needed for an effective therapeutic relationship. PARC counselors are under no obligation to report that students or their families are making use of PARC services. No information related to student counseling is kept other than in the counselor’s private medical student files which are not kept with patient files. Nothing is recorded on the students’ record regarding counseling. For further privacy, PARC is located in an unmarked single dwelling house in a residential neighborhood near the campus. If another counseling site is desired, an additional smaller office is maintained on campus.

Should a student need to see a psychiatrist for medication, assessment, or other issues, the school has an agreement with two psychiatrists to provide priority services for medical students. This allows students to establish a therapeutic relationship with a psychiatrist (when a different level of intervention is needed) who will not be interacting with them as a teacher, attending, or preceptor. Initial assessment sessions are provided at no cost to the student. Counseling hours are quite flexible and appointments may be scheduled until early evening and on Saturdays to provide maximum accessibility to students. These services are offered through the Office of Academic Affairs. To contact PARC, please call (423) 232-0275. Mr. Steffey can be reached by pager at (423) 854-0342 (24 hours a day). For additional information, please visit http://www.etsu.edu/com/studentsvcs/parc.php.

In compliance with federal regulations outlined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, it is the policy of East Tennessee State University to make accommodations, course substitutions, and other academic adjustments when necessary to ensure equal access for students with disabilities. While all students with disabilities are protected from discrimination, some students may not be eligible for all of the services coordinated by Disability Services. Classroom and testing accommodations are made on an individual case-by-case basis. Students who wish to request an accommodation or academic adjustment because of a disability must follow the established process for self-identification by completing the intake process with Disability Services.

During the intake process, students are informed of the policies and procedures surrounding the accommodation process, student responsibilities as well as ETSU responsibilities. Eligibility for classroom and testing accommodations and other support services coordinated by Disability Services is based on the review of student’s documentation of disability.

Intake applications are not complete until current documentation of disability has been received and reviewed by Disability Services. ETSU does not recognize individualized education plans (IEP) as documentation; however, information included in an IEP may be helpful when identifying the services a student may utilize while at ETSU.

In order to establish eligibility, the documentation provided must include:

• Statement of diagnosis, date of most recent evaluation, and when available, date of original diagnosis
• Description of diagnostic criteria and/or diagnostic tests used
• Description of the current impact of the disability in an academic environment
• Credentials of the diagnosing professional
• Documentation of attention deficit disorders should be no more than three years old, and the D.P. Culp Center for additional information and a brochure detailing all of the terms and conditions and services.
• Documentation of learning disabilities should be no more than five years old with results based on an adult measurement scale.

The diagnosing professional must have specific training and expertise in a field related to the type of disability being diagnosed. For example, a psychologist, psychiatrist, or educational examiner must make a learning disability diagnosis. Documentation not including the information outlined above or from a professional whose credentials are not generally indicative of expertise in the specific disability being diagnosed can not be used to establish eligibility for services. ETSU does not provide any type of learning disabilities evaluations; however, Disability Services maintains a list of professionals in private practice who can evaluate learning disabilities.

Disability Services is located on the third floor of the D.P. Culp Center, on J.L. Seehorn, Jr. Road (423) 439-8346, (tdd) (423) 439-8370.

The Quillen College of Medicine is an institution with initial funding provided under the Teague-Cranston Act. For this reason, veterans of active United States military service who qualify under the provisions of Public Law 92-541 and otherwise meet the requirements for admission are entitled to an admissions preference at this institution.

Veterans and other eligible persons, who are entitled to benefits under any veterans program, may obtain information and application for educational benefits from the ETSU Veterans Affairs Office. As of 1 July, This office will be located at Yoakley Hall, rooms 124, 125, 129, and 131. on the main ETSU campus (423) 439-6819 or email: va@etsu.edu. Due to the complexity involved with educational benefits available to qualified veterans, the application for benefits under all VA programs is handled by the Veterans Affairs Office. Accepted and enrolled veterans who qualify for benefits are expected to work through this office. The office is staffed with knowledgeable persons of previous military service who provide excellent service to all veterans attending ETSU, including the College of Medicine. Students accepted to enroll at Quillen are encouraged to make contact with this office well in advance of their initial enrollment and carefully follow their directions in order to ensure the timely receipt of appropriate benefits. Veterans Affairs coordinates the delivery of military-related educational benefit programs of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA), Department of Defense and the State of Tennessee to eligible service members, veterans’ and certain disabled veterans’ dependents.

Veterans and other eligible persons, who are enrolled under the provisions of Title 38, are subject to all rules and regulations as set forth by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The veterans’ advisor at ETSU has prepared a brochure that will explain such regulations in detail. Veterans or eligible persons attending the College of Medicine should obtain one of these brochures, study it carefully, and retain it for reference throughout their period of study at the university.

Benefit Programs

Primary entitlement programs administered by the Veteran’s Affairs Office include the following:

• Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty (MGIB-AD) Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 30, Title 38, United States Code)
• Post 9/11 GI Bill® Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 33, Title 38, United States Code)
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E) (Chapter 31, Title 38, USC)
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) (Chapter 1607, Title 10, USC)
• Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1606, Title 10, USC)
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ (DEA) Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35, Title 38, USC)
• Veterans’ Work-Study Allowance Program (Chapters 30, 31, 33 and 35 of Title 38; Chapters 1606 and 1607 of Title 10, USC)
• Veterans’ Tuition & Fee Deferment Program (49-7-104, Tennessee Code Annotated)
• Military Affiliated Student (MAS) Overtime Scholarship 

Students are required to electronically verify their attendance with the VA. For details, see “Veterans Benefit Programs“ in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Information on the above federal programs, except VR&E and state programs, may be found at www.gibill.va.gov. VR&E information can be found at www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/. For further information on state programs and other miscellaneous education benefit entitlements not listed above, contact the campus’ Veterans Affairs office.

Points of Contact

The Veterans Affairs office can provide information, forms and general assistance to those applying for any of the above educational benefit programs. Official decisions on eligibility are made by the appropriate government office and not the Veterans Affairs office. Questions regarding USDVA
applications/benefit payment status (except VR&E) should be directed to the Central Region Processing Office, United States Department of Veterans, P.O. Box 66830, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63166-6830; 888-GIBILL1 (442-4551). https://www.gibill2.va.gov. VR&E beneficiaries should contact Christi Hellard, Counselor/Case Manager, Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, 412 North Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 416, Knoxville, Tennessee 37923-3605; phone 865-692-0711; fax: 865-692-0712; e-mail: christ.hellard2@va.gov.

Benefit Program Applications

Applicants for the MGIB-AD and REAP programs must provide a copy of their most recent Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty [Department of Defense (DD) Form 214]. For MGIB-AD applicants, if claiming entitlement to the “buy-up” program, provide a copy of the election form and evidence of the increased benefit contribution. New applicants for the MGIB-SR will need to provide a copy of their Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program Notice of Basic Eligibility (DD Form 2384) available from their unit. If applying for the MGIB-AD, REAP or MGIB-SR and entitled to a college fund/”kicker” then supporting documentation should also be provided. New VR&E and DEA applicants should provide a copy of the disabled veterans’ “Disability Rating Decision.” Additionally, DEA applicants should provide a copy of their birth certificate to submit along with their application. Adoption orders and parents’ marriage license/certificate should be included if the dependent was legally adopted by the veteran. In response to a completed application, the USDVA will issue a “Certificate of Eligibility,” a copy of which should be provided to Veterans’ Affairs. If a beneficiary previously used benefits elsewhere, a change in program or place of training form must be completed.

Veteran’s Tuition & Fee Deferments

Veterans Tuition and Fee Deferments are available for all students that have a Military Affiliation regardless of use of benefits. Beneficiaries who pay in-state tuition and fees, have remaining benefit entitlement, and such entitlement does not expire within the semester may request additional time in payment of tuition and fees under state law. Approval is contingent upon a beneficiary demonstrating benefits eligibility with sufficient entitlement to cover tuition and fees and no indebtedness to the USDVA. If a continuing student or one previously enrolled and utilized a veterans’ tuition and fee deferment, the student must have timely paid in full deferred tuition and fees to remain eligible for the deferment. Students who do not follow the conditions of a deferment will forfeit their eligibility for deferments in all future enrollments.

Military Registry Transcripts

New and transfer undergraduate student beneficiaries with military service must ensure an official military registry transcript is sent to Veterans’ Affairs and Undergraduate Admissions offices. University policy permits the award of academic credit only for formal military training and not skill levels attained/occupational experience. Army training with academic credit award recommendations is documented in an Army-American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS) transcript (further information available at http://aarts.army.mil/order.htm). Navy and Marine Corps training is contained in a Sailor-Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART) (for further information or to order online go to https://smart.navy.mil/smart/welcome.do). Air Force veterans must submit an official transcript from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) (for further information or to make online requests go to http://www.airuniversity.af.mil/Barnes/CCAF/Display/Article/803247/). Students with formal Coast Guard training should submit an official copy of their Coast Guard Institute transcript, if available (request form available at https://ps.sckans.edu/sites/default/files/transcript_request_form.pdf).  All forms to request transcripts are also available in the Veterans’ Affairs office.

Selected Reserves’ Tuition Assistance

Currently members in good standing with the Tennessee Air & Army National Guard and Army Reserve can receive tuition assistance subject to annual limits and available funding in addition to other benefit entitlements. Veterans’ Affairs can provide information and guidance on the process and procedures in applying for tuition assistance.

Military Mobilizations

We will allow an individual who has been mobilized to come back for 1 calendar year at the same tuition rate as when they left as long as their mobilization was continuous from the time that they depart ETSU. We do not mark anything special on the transcript to indicate that this withdrawal was due to military service. A student may withdraw at any time during the semester for active military service and the student’s academic record will be annotated as a withdrawal for military reasons. A copy of official military orders or other official supporting documentation must be submitted for review in advance of withdrawing. Depending on the nature/authority of the call to active duty, payments under certain federal benefit programs may be kept and entitlement used during the interrupted term restored to the beneficiary’s entitlement. Tuition and fees may also be refunded under certain instances of active military duty. Students receiving financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office for the handling of Title IV funds awarded. Students should contact any student loan lenders and inform them of their military status to avoid entering student loan repayment status and other possible adverse collection actions while serving on active duty.

Additional Veterans Related Programs Available at Quillen

Beginning with the 2020 entering class, Quillen College of Medicine is one of only 9 schools across America authorized to select two veterans annually for a new VA sponsored scholarship known as the Veterans Healing Veteran’s Scholarship. This is basically a full-ride scholarship for selected veterans covering most of all expenses and offering a monthly stipend. Complete information on this scholarship is available on our Veterans Welcome web pages or through the US Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Another opportunity is also available through the US Veterans Affairs Department to veterans and non-veterans alike. This program is called the Veteran’s Affairs Health Professions Scholarship Program (VAHPSP). This program is much like the military versions, but the repayment service is at a VA Hospital facility and not in the military. Information on this program is available on our Veterans Welcome web pages or through the US Department of Veteran’s Affairs. 

The Student Study Center, dedicated strictly for study purposes, is located directly behind Stanton-Gerber Hall. Funded by private donors and medical students through a self-imposed fee, the Student Study Center includes 26 study rooms of various sizes that accommodate from one to eight people, a kitchen and café area, an outdoor porch and a 1,000-square-foot terrace.

As noted in the Computer Requirements section of this catalog, all entering medical students are required to have a portable computer (laptop/tablet) appropriately configured to be compatible with ETSU and the College of Medicine facilities. To accommodate students during the basic science years, wireless Internet is available in Stanton-Gerber Hall. If needed, students also have access to a sixteen-station instructional computer lab and testing center, located in Stanton-Gerber Hall Room C017.

Elsewhere, on the first level of the Culp University Center on the main ETSU campus is an open-access computer lab open to all students enrolled at ETSU with a valid ID. The lab features 76 IBM/Compatible and five Macintosh PCs. The needs of students with disabilities are met with a computer specially equipped with screen magnification, adjustable workstations, and speech processing.

Three additional labs on the main ETSU campus are available in Sam Wilson 124, Warf Pickel 419, and Roger Stout 320.

A growing software library is available from a server attached to the campus local area network. When not in use as classrooms, computer labs are available for walk-in use by any registered student. The microlabs are staffed by microlab monitors (student workers) at all times. They are supervised by a lab manager. These monitors help users with common problems and keep the labs neat and secure.

University Libraries provide access to open and affordable course materials as well as E-Texbook books. University Libraries include the Charles C. Sherrod Library on the main campus, the College of Medicine Library, the Archives of Appalachia, and an extensive online catalog. The libraries also include a variety of Extended Campus Services for distance education.

The University Bookstore carries a supply of new and used textbooks that can be purchased/rented and reserved online and school supplies that can be purchased online or on location at the on-campus store in the D. P. Culp Center.

While most live off-campus, medical students will find that living in an on-campus apartment can be convenient, affordable, safe, and attractive. On-campus apartments are furnished and offer individual leases with the convenience of having all utilities included in the rent and paid on a semester basis to the university with no hook-up fees. Resident students have increased access to the libraries; computer labs; extracurricular activities; intercollegiate athletics; health facilities; intramural and recreation programs; other students; lectures; concerts; and other campus facilities, services, and programs.

An on-site Apartments Manager is available, as well as trained staff, to assist with the overall management and operation of the complexes; enforce rules and regulations; provide programs and activities; advise, counsel and refer students; assist in emergencies; report maintenance issues, and other assigned duties. Safety features are available, such as a night patrol, alarm system, shuttle service, and camera surveillance for recording purposes.

Buccaneer Ridge Apartments

There are two- and four-single-occupancy bedroom apartment units available to single upperclassmen and graduate/medical/pharmacy students. Each apartment contains a furnished living area, single bedrooms with double bed, closet, desk, and chest of drawers; kitchen facilities, including full-sized refrigerator, stove, microwave, and garbage disposal; washer and dryer; and two bathrooms. Each bedroom is provided with an alarm system; telephone, cable TV and data jack; and individual locks. Residents enjoy a clubhouse with copier and fax availability; lounging pool; volleyball and basketball courts; and individual leases with no connection fees. Academic year and extended year leases which include summer are available; rent is payable by the semester and includes electricity, water, cable, telephone and data access.

Buccaneer Ridge Phase V: Family/Graduate Housing

A limited number of one-bedroom and private efficiency apartments are available for married or single parents or single graduate/medical/pharmacy students. Lease agreements are for a year; rent is payable by the semester and includes electricity, water, cable, telephone and data access.

Application Procedure

A completed application and a $100 reservation/damage/cancellation deposit is required and accepted at any time. Apartment assignments are made according to the date of the application and deposit and availability. Early application, preferably before April 1, for fall semester and November 1 for spring semester is encouraged. Assignments for fall semester begin in April and mid-December for spring. On-campus students are able to retain their current apartment or sign for another apartment each semester/year.

For more information, visit the Department of Housing and Residence Life located in Room 108, Burgin E. Dossett Hall or contact at the following addresses:

P.O. Box 70723
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN 37614-1710
Telephone: (423) 439-4446
Fax: (423) 439-4690

Email: housing@etsu.edu
http://www.etsu.edu/housing

The Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Learning and Development operates the Child Study Center which offers two full-day, full-year programs to serve young children and their families. The Infant-Toddler programs serve children ages three months to three years while the Early Learning Program serves children ages three through five years of age. Students who are interested in enrolling their children in either of the programs can obtain more information by calling (423) 439-7555. Enrollment is on a limited basis. http://child.etsu.edu

A child care program, Little Buccaneers Student Child Care Center, specifically designed to meet the needs of ETSU students, opened in June 1997. ETSU students can enroll their children for blocks of time each semester that would accommodate their child care needs while attending classes and during study times. This program is supported by the Student Activities Allocation Committee and ETSU. Information for this program can be obtained by calling (423) 439-7549.

The Public Safety Building is located at the entrance of the university on University Parkway and has personnel on duty 24 hours a day for assistance. The emergency telephone number is 911. The public safety staff is composed of 21 state-certified sworn police officers that are also trained fire fighters. Public Safety is a full-service police department encompassing traffic and parking enforcement, uniformed patrol, criminal investigations, and crime prevention education. Public Safety also provides these services: an escort service, engravers, booster cables, and battery booster packs. The non-emergency telephone numbers are (423) 439-4480 for police services and (423) 439-6900 for administrative services.

A traffic and parking regulation brochure has been prepared to inform and to protect all who use the campus roadways and parking areas. It is available in the Public Safety Building.

Students led in the development of Learning Communities at Quillen College of Medicine beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year. There are four learning communities named after hiking trails in the region to coincide with the TRAILS curriculum. Students are randomly assgined to a Learning Community and will participate in activities, faculty mentoring, career development, and other important social curriculum topics. Leaders will be elected for each house for each year. The Learning Communities are:  Cloudland, Hartsell Hollow, Iron Mountain, and Laurel Falls.

Medical students are afforded a wide array of cultural, educational, recreational, and athletic activities. The university and its facilities offer many levels of participation to the student. Once on campus, students of the College of Medicine can become involved in organizations and government within the college. Students are urged to serve on committees working closely with the faculty and to serve as officers in their respective classes.

Websites: Wellness and Quillen Quirks

The D.P. Culp University Center is a modern architecturally designed student center conveniently located in the heart of campus. The specific purpose of the Culp Center is to serve students as an integral part of their educational life. The Culp University Center provides a wide variety of services, entertainment, and social activities for the campus community.

The Culp University Center houses five separate food service areas, the main bookstore, the post office, a mini-market, a computer lab, a variety of administrative offices, meeting rooms and conference facilities, a ballroom, and an auditorium/theater. For information regarding the use and reservation of these facilities, contact the Culp University Center office at (423) 439-4286.

Among the administrative offices housed within the building are the Counseling Center, Food Services, Center for Adult, Commuter, and Transfer Services (ACTS), and the Campus ID System Offices.

The department of Campus Recreation provides a wide range of physical activities and recreational sports for the entire ETSU community. Programs offered include personal training, aquatics, fitness, competitive intramural sports, non-credit instruction, outdoor adventure, and sports clubs. All programs operate out of the Basler Center for Physical Activity, a “state-of-the-art” indoor and outdoor complex designed for the exclusive recreational use of the ETSU student body and current employees. The CPA boasts a 15,000-square-foot weight room with cardiovascular stations, free weights, and weight machines. Indoor spaces also include basketball/soccer/volleyball courts, climbing wall, group exercise/martial arts studio, pool and racquetball/squash courts. There is a casual care service, equipment room, locker room, and personal training suite. Aerobic/group exercise classes are scheduled daily in the CPA’s aerobics/martial arts studio. There is also a personal training service with fitness testing, exercise prescription, and supervised workouts.

Directly adjacent to the CPA is the Basler Challenge course with its towers, walls, and low elements. Also located beside the building are two lighted outdoor activity fields that can accommodate a range of team sports.

Varieties of team and individual intramural sports are scheduled each semester. Traditional fall team sports are flag football, soccer and volleyball. Spring team sports are basketball and softball. The four major leagues play four game regular seasons plus playoffs and contest Men’s A, Men’s B, Women’s, and Co-Rec divisions. Each year’s individual sports include two road races and a golf tournament in the fall, and a bench press contest, racquetball and tennis in the spring.

Spouse and dependent memberships may be purchased at the equipment room. Such memberships are available only to the immediate family members of currently enrolled students and currently employed faculty and staff members. Dependents 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent at all times in the CPA. Memberships for dependents 18-21 may also be purchased and those adult users will be issued a picture ID. Access will not be made available to dependents 22 and over. For more information, call (423) 439-7980 or go to the department office in the Basler Center for Physical Activity.

The Student Government Association (SGA) strives to represent the opinions of all university students on every aspect of campus academic and extracurricular life. Its members work closely with students, faculty, and administration to provide advice and information and a strong voice in the governance of the university. The SGA is located near the Center for Community Engagement, Learning, and Leadership on the lower level of the D.P. Culp University Center, phone (423) 439-4253.

Each medical school class functions autonomously with respect to class-related matters. As such, a student government association through the medical school does not exist. Instead, the Organization of Student Representatives (OSR) serves as a de facto association. OSR serves as a liaison between the student body and administration, conducts activities that promote camaraderie across classes and serves as a change agent. Each class is represented on OSR through its president and two additional members-at-large. A full description of OSR can be found online at https://www.etsu.edu/com/studentsvcs/lifeoutside/osr.php.

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

Alpha Omega Alpha is the national honor medical society. The Delta Chapter of Tennessee was established at the Quillen College of Medicine in 1985. Alpha Omega Alpha elects outstanding medical students, graduates, alumni, faculty, and honorary members to its ranks. Its purpose is to recognize and perpetuate excellence in the medical profession by promoting scholarship, encouraging high standards of character and conduct, and recognizing high attainment in medical science, practice, and related fields. Junior and senior medical students who are ranked among the top 25 percent of the class academically are invited to apply for election to AOA.

Gold Humanism Honor Society

Quillen College of Medicine’s chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) honors senior medical students, residents, and faculty for demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion and dedication to service. The GHHS is dedicated to recognize, support and promote the values of humanism and professionalism in medicine. The Society is committed to working within and beyond medical education to inspire, nurture and sustain lifelong advocates and activists for patient-centered medical care. The GHHS is a steadfast advocate for humanism through activities on campus and involvement with its membership. Election to membership in the GHHS is a significant honor, comparable to being selected to the Alpha Omega Alpha national honor society.

Approximately 15 percent of the fourth-year class is elected to membership each year. A multi-step process involving peer nomination, clinical faculty nomination and evaluation by a selection committee is used to select students for Quillen’s GHHS. Society membership also includes students and faculty receiving the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award and residents awarded the Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award. Quillen’s Gold Humanism Honor Society chapter is made possible with a grant from The Arnold P. Gold Foundation. The Arnold P. Gold Foundation, a public, not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering humanism in medicine, provides support for more than 45 GHHS chapters at schools of medicine.

Medical Student Leadership Opportunities

Medical Student Organizations

• AOA Honor Medical Society
• Gold Humanism Honor Society