Questions about what I need to know and do prior to the fall semester:

How do I access my U of M email address?

What is a program partner?

What is a clinical experience form?

Do I need a background check? (Information updated 8/5/2011)

What about drug testing?

Do I need to be certified in CPR?

Do I need any vaccinations?

Will I have 24-hour access to the building?

I don’t have a background in Communication Disorders. Are there any prerequisites I need?

How do I access my U of M email address?

There should be a 20 digit account code in your letter of acceptance. With that information, you can visit http://iam.memphis.edu to activate your account. If you do not have that information, contact the ITD Helpdesk at (901) 678-8888 to request a username and password.

If for some reason you don’t have the 20 digit account, it might be necessary to first contact the Registrars office at (901) 678-2810 to obtain your code and UUID.

It is important to activate this account and check it frequently during the summer before you begin. This is the address the university will use to provide financial information (deadlines, fees, etc.) and the address professors will use to email textbook information.

What is a program partner?

All incoming students have been paired with a current student to serve as a program partner.  This student will be in touch with you during the summer and available to answer any questions you may have about the program. If you have not been contacted, we may not have your current e-mail address. Please contact Caleb McNiece, the NSSLHA President, cmcniece@memphis.edu to update your contact information and to learn how you can contact your program partner.

What is a clinical experience form?

The clinical experience form is to be returned to the appropriate Clinic Director (SLP-Marilyn Wark mdunham@memphis.edu and AuD – Dr. Jennifer Taylor jptaylr2@memphis.edu) by August 1. Only individuals who have observation or clinical experience need to return the form. The information is used to make clinical assignments for the fall semester. If you have not received this form, please contact Caleb McNiece, the NSSLHA President, cmcniece@memphis.edu.

Do I need a background check?

Yes. In order to be allowed in clinical placements, everyone will need to have a background check. Because the process takes several weeks to complete, we have set the application deadline for the background check for August 25th. The only caveat is that this process MUST be done in Memphis. If you are in Memphis this summer, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible. For instructions on how to complete the background check, click here. Any student found to have failed a criminal background check might be unable to complete the requirements of the program thus resulting in removal from the program.

What about drug testing?

Drug screening is conducted at the discretion of the human resource officers of the area facilities that host students for their off-site clinical education.  Any student found to have failed drug testing might be unable to complete the requirements of the program thus resulting in removal from the program.

Do I need to be certified in CPR?

Yes. It is important that all students are CPR certified. If you are already certified, you will be asked to provide a copy to the Director of Clinical Services. If you are not yet certified, it is strongly recommended that you take care of this requirement before the fall semester, even if you won’t be in a clinical placement until the spring. Attempt to obtain certification that will last two years.

Do I need any vaccinations?

Yes. All full-time students must show documentation of two MMR vaccinations to enroll at the University.  In addition, CSD requires all students to have an annual TB Test. It is also recommended that you have a Hepatitis B vaccination. If you decide to get this vaccination, please take into consideration that the vaccine requires a series of three shots spaced out over several months. So, if you will not be able to make it home to your doctor for each shot of the series, you may choose to get the vaccination in Memphis. All of these shots can be done in Memphis and at the U of M. Click here for more information.

Will I have 24-hour access to the building?

Yes. All students will have access to the MSHC downtown building anytime of the day or evening. This will allow you full access to the library and computer labs. After business hours you will need a FOB (electronic key) to enter the building. To receive this electronic key, please complete the Name, Username, Banner UID, and Signature/Date portions of the “Request of Building Access” form and fax that to Angie Wilson at (901) 525-1282. The deadline for returning this form is August 1st. 

I don’t have a background in Communication Disorders. Are there any prerequisites I need?

There are no prerequisites in the area of communication disorders. However, there are basic undergraduate level courses required for ASHA certification.  These are in the areas of math, biological sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences. While many students will have completed these as part of their undergrad studies, there might be one or two courses that will need to be completed in order to graduate. These can be completed anywhere (e.g., online, at a community college, at the U of M). It is strongly recommended that this coursework be completed in the summer prior to the first semester of graduate study. It is important to note that if you are receiving a Graduate Assistantship, and choose to take these courses during your graduate program, your assistantship will not cover the cost of undergraduate courses. The specific list of prerequisites can be found here.