Nov 21, 2024

2024-2025 University Catalog

2024 - 2025 Addenda and Errata

Errata Sheet for Rush University 2024 - 2025 University Catalog

This errata serves as the official notification of changes to the 2024 - 2025 catalog and should be used in conjunction with the printed and online versions.

Listed below are any changes, additions, corrections, or modifications to the 2024 - 2025 catalog since the 2024 published edition. These changes have been authorized by the program director, college administration or University administration.

Erratum for Rush Medical College

Requested on: September 9, 2024

Submitted by: David J. Nelson, MBA

Section(s): Course Descriptions

The course descriptions for a small number of medical student courses are out-of-date. The course descriptions below are the correction versions:

FAM - 705 Family Medicine Leadership Program (FMLP)

The Family Medicine Leadership Program (FMLP) is a longitudinal curriculum designed to meet the health needs of the population by training a select group of primary care focused medical students to become family medicine clinicians, mentors and leaders. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered, community-based, interdisciplinary and experiential learning, with leadership development throughout the student’s participation in the program. Students work with family medicine faculty mentors and become an integral part of the community-based clinical care team, gaining an appreciation for continuity of care by following their own panel of patients over time, observing the course of illness and recovery. The students participate in extracurricular learning activities that emphasize the patient-centered medical home, promote community service and scholarly pursuits, require independent study and self-directed learning and allow for significant personal and professional growth. Offered: fall, spring and summer. Retake Counts for Credit: Yes. Pass/No Pass Grading Allowed: No. Credit(s): 1

RMD - 563 Food to Fuel

This course is a survey of the normal gross and microscopic anatomy and physiology of the digestive system and also a survey of intermediary metabolism including carbohydrate, amino acid and lipid metabolic pathways. This course material will be applied to understanding of disease states related to the dysfunction of organs of the digestive system, digestive system function or errors in metabolism. Students will also learn appropriate diagnostic modalities in evaluation of diseases that affect the digestive system and nutritional status. Students will be expected to describe the mechanism of action and use of pharmacologic agents for the treatment of these diseases. Students will be expected to construct differential diagnoses for common presenting symptoms in diseases of the digestive system or that relate to nutritional status. Students will learn how to collect an appropriate history and conduct a relevant physical exam and to recognize abnormal findings in this exam. Finally, students will also learn about the roles a physician plays, such as an advocate, communicator, collaborator, educator, leader, professional, practitioner and scholar. Offered: spring. Retake Counts for Credit: No. Pass/No Pass Grading Allowed: No. Credit(s): 7

RMD - 564 Movement and Mechanics

This course will use a multidisciplinary case-based format to approach the structure and function of cells, tissues and organs as they pertain to the function and regulation of the musculoskeletal system. Students will learn to identify alterations and underlying pathophysiology that occur in the disease state, the significance of symptoms, signs and other ancillary data. Students will also learn appropriate diagnostic modalities in the evaluation of diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system. Students will be expected to describe the mechanism of action and use of pharmacologic agents for the treatment of these diseases. Students will be expected to construct differential diagnoses for common presenting symptoms in musculoskeletal diseases. Students will learn how to collect an appropriate history and conduct a relevant physical exam and to recognize abnormal findings in this exam. Students will also learn key techniques in communicating with patients, families and colleagues. Finally, students may examine epidemiological, social and environmental aspects that intersect with musculoskeletal system disease as well as select ethical issues related to the clinical cases presented in the course. Offered: spring. Retake Counts for Credit: No. Pass/No Pass Grading Allowed: No. Credit(s): 5

RMD - 565 Brain, Behavior and Cognition

This course will use a multidisciplinary, case-based approach to the structure and function of cells, tissues and organs as they pertain to the function and regulation of the nervous system. Students will learn to identify alterations and underlying pathophysiology that occur in the disease state, the significance of symptoms, signs and other ancillary data. Students will also learn appropriate diagnostic modalities in evaluation of diseases that affect the nervous system. Students will be expected to describe the mechanism of action and use of pharmacologic agents for the treatment of these diseases. Students will be expected to construct differential diagnoses for common presenting symptoms and learn how to communicate with patients in order to take an appropriate history and conduct a relevant neurologic exam, to recognize abnormal findings in this exam and to localize the abnormal findings to specific parts of the nervous system. This course will also introduce and expand on psychiatric disorders, how to interpret DSM-V criteria and how to treat these conditions. In addition, the course will include epidemiological and socioeconomic aspects
of nervous system disease and explore selected ethical issues related to the clinical cases presented in the course. Offered: summer. Retake Counts for Credit: No. Pass/No Pass Grading Allowed: No. Credit(s): 8

RMD - 574 Vital Fluids

This course will use a multidisciplinary case-based approach to the structure and function of cells, tissues and organs as they pertain to regulation of blood pressure and its major constituents, the supply of tissue metabolic needs and the disposal of metabolic end products. To this end, the cardiovascular and renal systems in the normal and disease state will be presented. Students will learn to identify alterations and underlying pathophysiology which occur in the disease state, the significance of symptoms, signs and other ancillary data. Students will also learn to recognize the appropriate diagnostic modalities in evaluation of diseases that affect the cardiovascular and renal function. Students will be expected to describe the mechanism of action and use of pharmacologic agents for the treatment of these diseases. Students will be expected to construct differential diagnoses for common presenting symptoms in cardiovascular and renal diseases. Students will learn how to collect an appropriate history and conduct a relevant physical exam and to recognize abnormal findings in this exam. Students will also learn about the roles a physician plays such as an advocate, communicator, collaborator, educator, leader, professional, practitioner and scholar. Offered: fall. Retake Counts for Credit: No. Pass/No Pass Grading Allowed: No. Credit(s): 9

RMD - 575 Vital Gases

This course will use a multidisciplinary case-based approach to the structure and function of cells, tissues and organs as they pertain to the pulmonary system and oxygen transport in the blood, the major constituents of the system, the supply of tissue metabolic needs and the disposal of metabolic end products. To this end, the respiratory system in the normal and disease state will be presented. Students will learn to identify alterations and underlying pathophysiology which occur in the disease state, the significance of symptoms, signs and other ancillary data. Students will also learn appropriate diagnostic modalities in evaluation of diseases that affect the respiratory system. Students will be expected to describe the mechanism of action and use of pharmacologic agents for the treatment of these diseases. Students will be expected to construct differential diagnoses for common presenting symptoms in respiratory system diseases. Students will learn how to collect an appropriate history and conduct a relevant physical exam and to recognize abnormal findings in this exam. Students will also learn about the roles a physician play such as an advocate, communicator, collaborator, educator, leader, professional, practitioner and scholar. Offered: spring. Retake Counts for Credit: No. Pass/No Pass Grading Allowed: No. Credit(s): 4

RMD - 750 Transition to Residency

This course will provide fourth-year medical students the opportunity to gain the necessary skills to prepare and navigate the residency program placement process. Students will participate in enrichment activities that will assist in the preparation and completion of USMLE Step CK. They will receive residency interview guidance in individual and small group sessions and subsequently participate in mock interviews. Course content also includes thematic topics to complete Rush University Medical Center designated horizontal, vertical and role curriculum. Students will develop a portfolio, including but not limited to the following: letters of recommendation requests, noteworthy characteristics for MSPE, completion and submission of ERAS applications, curriculum vitae and personal statements. Offered: fall, spring and summer. Retake Counts for Credit: No. Pass/No Pass Grading Allowed: No. Credit(s): 4

Erratum for College of Health Sciences

Requested on: September 9, 2024

Submitted by: David J. Nelson, MBA

Section(s): Course Descriptions

The course descriptions for a small number of Health Systems Management courses are out-of-date. The course descriptions below are the correction versions:

HSM - 656 Master’s Project I

The overall goal of this course is to integrate quantitative and/or qualitative methods and health care management knowledge to address a problem that is important to health care delivery, management or policy. In this course, students will design and conduct an applied project (research, operational improvement, strategic planning, financial analysis, among others) that results in a high quality, compelling management report and two professional oral presentations to key stakeholders. The key components of this course include integrating and synthesizing information from multiple sources; developing an appropriate problem/research question; developing an appropriate analysis plan; integrating rigorous analytic methods with data management skills to analyze data; and interpreting quantitative or qualitative results in light of the existing literature, domain knowledge and best practices to provide new insight for health care management or policy. During semester II, students execute the proposed study by requesting the necessary data, analyzing the data, interpreting the results, implementation of recommendations as required and writing the final Master’s project report. Student will make a formal oral presentation of the findings to course instructors, other members of the faculty, student body and other interested persons during a special session during the spring semester and will submit a final written report to the course instructors. Prerequisites: HSM-606, HSM-607, HSM-608, HSM-610, HSM-613, HSM-614, HSM-616, HSM-628 and HSM-636. Complete HSM-632 or CHS-601. Offered: fall and spring. Retake Counts for Credit: No. Pass/No Pass Grading Allowed: No. Credit(s): 3

HSM - 660 Master’s Project II

The overall goal of this course is to integrate quantitative and/or qualitative methods and health care management knowledge to address a problem that is important to health care delivery, management or policy. In this course, students will design and conduct an applied project (research, operational improvement, strategic planning, financial analysis, among others) that results in a high quality, compelling management report and two professional oral presentations to key stakeholders. The key components of this course include integrating and synthesizing information from multiple sources; developing an appropriate problem/research question; developing an appropriate analysis plan; integrating rigorous analytic methods with data management skills to analyze data; and interpreting quantitative or qualitative results in light of the existing literature, domain knowledge and best practices to provide new insight for health care management or policy. During semester II, students execute the proposed study by requesting the necessary data, analyzing the data, interpreting the results, implementation of recommendations as required and writing the final Master’s project report. Student will make a formal oral presentation of the findings to course instructors, other members of the faculty, student body and other interested persons during a special session during the spring semester and will submit a final written report to the course instructors. Prerequisites: HSM-606, HSM-608, HSM-610, HSM-616, HSM-628, HSM-636 and HSM-656. Take either HSM-632 or CHS-601. Offered: spring and summer. Retake Counts for Credit: No. Pass/No Pass Grading Allowed: No. Credit(s): 2

Erratum for Rush University Academic and University Policies

Requested on: September 9, 2024

Submitted by: David J. Nelson, MBA

Section(s): Academic Policy - Academic Honesty

The following text should replace the entire Academic Honesty policy in this catalog:

Academic Honesty

Rush University students and faculty belong to an academic community with high scholarly standards and one that is committed to honesty and integrity in teaching, learning and research. Academic honesty violations are serious breaches of trust that hinder the success that the Rush academic community depends upon. The Rush University Academic Honesty Policy provides information on the types of behavior that violates this trust and the actions that will be taken to safeguard and restore it.

Academic honesty violations are counter to the RUSH ICARE core values of innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect and excellence. As essential as academic honesty is to the trust that is fundamental to the educational process, academic misconduct violates one of the most basic ethical principles of an academic community and will result in sanctions imposed under the University’s disciplinary system.

Examples of academic misconduct that would subject a student to disciplinary action include but are not limited to: cheating; plagiarism; collusion; gaining or seeking unfair advantage in relation to any work submitted; helping others to gain an unfair advantage; removing examination materials from a secure examination area; the unauthorized downloading or copying of examinations that are given online; fabricating assigned academic work, including clinical assessments, and presenting them as authentic; facilitating academic dishonesty; and unauthorized examination behavior.

Academic Misconduct refers to any academic behavior that is in violation of the policy.
Plagiarism refers to any attempt by students to use the work, words or ideas of others without proper attribution, or any attempt to pass off the work, words or ideas of others as their own. Such acts are considered plagiarism whether they occur intentionally. Acts of plagiarism include but are not limited to:
- Presenting any phrase or extracts, verbatim, without using quotation marks and without any reference to the author.
- Paraphrasing all or part of an author’s work and presenting it without any, or with inadequate, reference to the author.
- Copying or paraphrasing all or part of another student’s work or otherwise presenting another student’s work as their own.
Collusion is an agreement or cooperation in order to cheat or deceive for a fraudulent purpose. Collusion applies to students (past, present and future) who intentionally cooperate in order to gain an unfair advantage in the gaining of an award, qualification or grade.
Cheating is using unauthorized materials, including electronic devices, or obtaining unauthorized help from another person in any work submitted for academic credit.
Fabrication is inventing information or citations in an academic or clinical exercise.
Facilitating academic dishonesty is providing unauthorized material or information to another person.
Unauthorized examination behavior is conversing with another person, passing or receiving material to/from another person or source or temporarily leaving an examination site to visit an unauthorized site or without permission.

Disciplinary Action

Disciplinary actions will be imposed by the program/college including but not limited to warning, probation, suspension or expulsion from the University on those members of the learning community who violate the Academic Honesty Policy.

Addendum for Rush University Academic and University Policies

Requested on: September 9, 2024

Submitted by: David J. Nelson, MBA

Section(s): Academic Policy - Rush University Influenza Vaccination Compliance

The following policy is missing from the Catalog and is being added:

Rush University Influenza Vaccination Compliance

In following the RUSH Personnel Influenza Immunization Plan, OP-0358, all Rush University students are to be immunized against influenza annually as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (CDC/ACIP) and approved by RUSH Infection Prevention and Control unless an exemption has been granted.

Online-only students with no on-campus presence are generally exempt from this policy. However, students in online-only programs or any student who is approved for an exemption must follow the vaccination policy of any host site (including clinical or experiential rotations), which may require vaccination and proof thereof. Further, all students, including online learners, who anticipate a need to come to campus at any point must abide by the Influenza vaccination requirement set forth in this policy. To keep the campus community safe and healthy, the University will continue to adhere to the public health guidelines that may include additional measures deemed appropriate. Students should regularly check their Rush emails and University policies for any updates or follow-up communications.

Rush University students who have been vaccinated are not required to wear the designated influenza vaccination identifier on their student ID badge during the defined influenza season. Rush University students who are also RUSH Employees, need to follow the policy and procedures outlined by RUSH to maintain compliance of their employee status. The designed influenza vaccination identifier requirement is subject to change for Rush University students if there is a surge of cases and/or becomes a requirement mandated by RUSH.

Deadline: Influenza season typically occurs between October 1 and March 31. The deadline for receiving the vaccine will be determined on an annual basis by RUSH Infection Prevention and Control and will be communicated to students.
Proof of vaccination: Proof of vaccination should be submitted using the college-specific immunization process. Students are required to submit proof of vaccination only by using their Rush University email account. General questions are to be submitted to Student_Health@rush.edu.
Exemptions: Request for an exemption from the influenza vaccine must be submitted annually.
- Medical Exemption: Exemption from the Influenza vaccination requirement for medical contraindications may be requested by providing signed and dated documentation from the student’s health care provider indicating exemption from the influenza vaccine, the medical contraindication(s), and duration of the exemption. It is the student’s responsibility to submit this request.
- Religious Exemption: Exemption from the Influenza vaccination based on a sincerely held religious belief may be requested by completing a written and signed application by the student detailing the student’s objection to immunization. The objection must set forth the specific religious beliefs that conflict with immunization. The religious objection may be personal and need not be directed by the tenets of an established religious organization. It is the student’s responsibility to submit this request.
- For additional information about submitting a medical or religious exemption, contact Student_Health@rush.edu.
Noncompliance: Rush students determined not in compliance with this policy will receive an email directly from Student Health, including their college representative(s), 24 hours or 1 business day after the compliance deadline. The student and college representative(s) will be notified that Student Health will be implementing the University’s Influenza Noncompliance Consequence Structure. Student and college representative(s) are notified of a registration hold placed on the student’s account, that will be removed upon compliance with the influenza vaccination requirement.

Addendum for Rush University Academic and University Policies

Requested on: September 9, 2024

Submitted by: David J. Nelson, MBA

Section(s): Academic Policy - Demonstration

The following policy is missing from the Catalog and is being added:

Demonstration

Rush University recognizes the importance of freedom of inquiry and the open exchange of ideas, including viewpoints that may not reflect majority opinions. This policy addresses free expression and peaceful demonstration by members of the Rush community, including faculty, staff, students and invited guests.

Rush is committed to supporting the rights of community members to engage in freedom of expression, including peaceful protests and orderly demonstrations. As an academic medical center serving the community, applicable Rush policies, as well as state and federal laws must be taken into consideration. The right of Rush community members to demonstrate may not disrupt University operations and may not interfere with the rights of others to engage in and benefit from the educational programs and services of the University or its affiliated hospitals. Accordingly, the following guidelines are place:

Community members may not prevent or obstruct the speech or expression of another community member. Provided, Rush Security or other University officials may act consistent with this Policy to ensure the speech or other expression of community members is consistent with the guidelines in this Policy.
Community members may not interfere with the rights of others to participate or not participate in a University activity. No community member may employ force or violence, or constitute an immediate threat of force or violence, against persons or property.
Community members may not claim to speak for or otherwise represent the University or RUSH, unless officially sanctioned by the President or their designee.
Community members may not engage in disruptive conduct that substantially prevents, impairs, or obstructs the operations of the University or RUSH’s clinical mission, including but not limited to teaching, study, research, patient care, or administrative activities. No community member may use or occupy campus facilities so as to disrupt or impede such events or activities in a manner that deprives others of the benefit or enjoyment of the facility or activities. Space may be occupied only when assigned through established University procedures. Demonstrations may not impede the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, block thoroughfares, or obstruct the entry or exit points of campus buildings. Demonstrations must occur within the hours of normal operations of the facility or the space in which they occur (if applicable) unless prior approval is obtained. Placards, banners, and signs generally are allowed in accordance with Rush’s signage policies, but may not be used in a manner that is dangerous or serves as an impediment to others.
The role of Rush Security during a demonstration is to maximize the safety and security of community members as well as University property. When enforcing this Policy, other Rush policies, or applicable law, Rush Security or other University officials may request community members to identify themselves and/or to relocate or leave a University location. If placards, banners, or signs are deemed to be dangerous or serve as an impediment to others, Rush Security or other University Officials may request the community members carrying the placards, banners, or signs to move to a different location or remove their materials. When possible, participants will first be given a warning to leave or relocate or remove placards, banners, or signs unless a safety issue prevents that step and requires immediate action. Community members are expected to follow these requests.
Community members participating in demonstrations are subject to other applicable University and RUSH policies, city ordinances, and state and federal law.
While faculty and employees may attend and participate in demonstrations, they may not use Rush resources to support or endorse any particular cause or matter without prior approval. They must also follow applicable time and attendance processes for events taking place during working hours.
This policy is not intended to preclude or dissuade any employee from engaging in activities protected by state or federal law, including the National Labor Relations Act.

Advance Arrangements:

Students and/or student groups are encouraged to notify the Office of Student Life and Engagement in advance of any demonstration. Advance notice allows the University to help ensure that the event takes place in a constructive and peaceful manner. Community members are expected to follow applicable guidelines for seeking permission to use University space to conduct demonstrations. When conducting such events, student organizers are expected to promote a safe environment and, to the best of their ability, ensure participants adhere to the Student Code of Conduct (UAC0030). Faculty and staff must adhere to the RUSH Code of Conduct (HR-A 01.00) and RUSH Prohibition on Disruptive Conduct (HR-E 01.50).

A student or student group planning a demonstration is required to submit an event request form to the Office of Student Life and Engagement no later than five (5) days before the event. If an external speaker is scheduled to attend the demonstration, they should complete a legal speaker agreement/contract following Rush legal requirements. A fully executed agreement should be in place prior to the event.
For events occurring on city sidewalks and streets adjacent to the University, students should make appropriate arrangements to acquire city permits and should adhere to city ordinances and applicable state and federal law.
Occasionally an invited speaker or event will raise a credible likelihood (based on prior incidents or communications of intent) that the speaker or event may prompt a demonstration or become the target of threats or violence. In these circumstances, community members planning an event are encouraged to notify the Office of Student Life and Engagement and/or Rush Security as soon as is feasible to consult and conduct a risk assessment.
Community members planning an event may need additional security, especially if there is a possibility of protest or dissent. Rush Security will assess and determine the safety and security needs for the event. Their assessment may result in the presence of security officers, and processes such as bag-check, event ticketing, and other steps to maximize the safety of attendees and the broader community.

Addendum for College of Nursing

Requested on: September 23, 2024

Submitted by: Judith Frei, DNP, FNP

Section(s): Course Descriptions

The following changes have been approved to nursing courses, effective with the spring 2025 term:

NSG - 502 Nursing Management of Common Health Alterations Across the Life Span
The requisites on this course have changed and are now Corequisite: NSG-502P. Pre or Corequisites: NSG-501, NSG-501P, NSG-510, NSG-525 and NSG-525L.
NSG - 502P Nursing Management of Common Health Alterations Across the Life Span Practicum
The requisites on this course have changed and are now Corequisite: NSG-502. Pre or Corequisites: NSG-501, NSG-501P, NSG-510, NSG-525 and NSG-525L.
NSG - 503 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
The requisites on this course have changed and are now Corequisite: NSG-503P. Prerequisites: NSG-502, NSG-502P, NSG-510, NSG-511, NSG-525 and NSG-525L.
NSG - 503P Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Practicum
The requisites on this course have changed and are now Corequisite: NSG-503. Prerequisites: NSG-502, NSG-502P, NSG-510, NSG-511, NSG-525 and NSG-525L.
NSG - 505 Public Health Nursing
The requisites on this course have changed and are now Corequisite: NSG-505P. Prerequisites: NSG-503 and NSG-503P. Pre or Corequisite: NSG-524.
NSG - 505P Public Health Nursing Practicum
The requisites on this course have changed and are now Corequisite: NSG-505. Prerequisites: NSG-503 and NSG-503P. Pre or Corequisite: NSG-524.
NSG - 506 Nursing Management of Complex Health Alterations Across the Life Span
The course description and requisites have been changed, as follows:

This course presents physiological, psychosocial, cultural, development and ethical concepts in the case management of complex health alterations across the life span. Interprofessional collaboration for ensuring quality health outcomes is emphasized. Prerequisites: NSG-504, NSG-504P, NSG-505 and NSG-505P. Corequisite: NSG-506P. Offered: spring and summer. Retake Counts for Credit: No. Pass/No Pass Grading Allowed: No. Credit(s): 3
NSG - 507 Preparation for Professional Practice
The requisites on this course have changed and are now Prerequisites: NSG-506 and NSG-506P. Pre or Corequisite: NSG-514.
NSG - 512 Clinical Leadership and Project Development
The course description and requisites have been changed, as follows:

This course provides the learner with an opportunity to apply concepts and principles of clinical leadership and quality improvement to address issues related to care outcomes, and demonstrate the role of the clinical nurse leader in managing care outcomes for a microsystem. Pre or Corequisites: NSG-522 and NSG-523. Offered: spring and summer. Retake Counts for Credit: No. Pass/No Pass Grading Allowed: No. Credit(s): 3
NSG - 513 Clinical Project Implementation
The requisites on this course have changed and are now Prerequisite: NSG-512.
NSG - 514 Immersion: Clinical Practicum
The requisites on this course have changed and are now Prerequisites: NSG-506 and NSG-506P.

Addendum for College of Nursing

Requested on: October 28, 2024

Submitted by: Tomeka C. Dowling, DNP, RN

Section(s): Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) Curriculum for the Advanced Public Health Nursing area of focus

The College of Nursing has approved an additional course to satisfy the cognate requirement for this program: NSG-521 Antiracism in Organizational Leadership.

Addendum for Rush Medical College

Requested on: October 28, 2024

Submitted by: Jamie Cvengros, PhD, MHPE

Section(s): Course Descriptions

The course description for EMD-740 has been revised, as follows:

EMD-740 Medical Toxicology

Medical toxicology is the study of all types of poisons and their impact on human health. Clinical toxicologists assess patients who may be suffering from the effects of medication overdoses, drugs of abuse, venomous animals, poisonous plants, chemicals, bioterrorism, mass casualty events, adverse drug events, radiation, medication errors, occupational toxins or withdrawal syndromes. Toxicology touches all medical specialties and toxicology consultants operate in a wide range of contexts. Toxicologists have a unique approach to pathophysiology and differential diagnoses and are often tasked with solving puzzling clinical presentations. Every toxin has its own method of management, and antidotes occasionally play a role as well. This elective will include in-person lectures, bedside evaluation of toxicology patients, interactive skills labs, mystery cases, field trips, participation in Toxikon rounds where the most interesting Illinois Poison Center cases are discussed, and time shadowing at the Illinois Poison Center. Lecture content is designed specifically for medical students and will include high-yield core toxicology topics as well as coverage of important historical toxicologic disasters and famous poisonings. Didactics will be tailored in part by the specific interests of each group of student rotators and their choice of specialties. This elective is distinct from the one offered through Cook County, is offered only once per year as an immersive two-week experience and is run by Rush medical toxicology faculty. Offered: spring. Retake Counts for Credit: Yes. Pass/No Pass Grading Allowed: No. Credit(s): 2

Erratum for Rush University Academic and University Policies

Requested on: November 12, 2024

Submitted by: David J. Nelson, MBA

Section(s): Academic Policy - Transfer Credit

The following text should replace the entire Transfer Credit policy in this catalog:

Transfer Credit

Important Definitions

Transfer credit is defined as academic credit obtained by the student at another institution of higher learning that is deemed equivalent through a review process to credit earned through coursework taken at Rush University.
Remedial credit is developmental coursework to help a student prepare to study at the college level. These courses are typically offered by community colleges in subject areas such as reading, math, or science.
Corequisite remedial credit are courses that give additional support to a student taking a college-level reading, math, or English course.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) signify completion of non-credit programs and courses.

General Policies

Rush University will not accept:

Transfer credit from non-accredited institutions.
Remedial credit from another institution.
CEUs for credit for a Rush program.

Rush University may approve corequisite remedial credit for transfer toward undergraduate program elective prerequisites, but this credit is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. College-level credit is preferred.

Transfer credit is first reviewed by and subject to the approval of the student’s program, division, or college based on an evaluation of quality and equivalence. The program, division or college may place limits on the age of the coursework the student is requesting be transferred. The Office of the Registrar administers this policy and ensures any approved credit meets the requirements of this policy. Except as otherwise specified in this policy, all transfer credit consideration requires the student to request a transfer using the formal petition to transfer credit process. This includes:

Submission of a transfer of credit form for each individual course
Submission of a course syllabus for each individual course. When a course syllabus is not available, the student can provide a course description. More information may be necessary and is requested at the discretion of the student’s program, division, or college.
Submission of an official academic transcript from the institution where the credit was earned. Transcripts provided as part of the student’s application for admission cannot be used for the purpose of transfer credit. Transcripts from foreign institutions must comply with the “Transcripts from Previous Institutions” policy.

Other general policies include:

Only letter-graded courses are eligible for evaluation as transfer credit; pass/no-pass courses will not be considered.
Undergraduate-level courses cannot be transferred to meet the requirements of a course taught at the graduate level.
Transfer credits can only be applied to satisfy the degree requirements of one program. Once applied, they cannot be used a second time for a new degree program.
Previously earned program credits at Rush University may only be used to satisfy the requirements of another program if they are at the same level (e.g. graduate) and if they meet the current curricular standards.
The number of credits granted for a given course cannot exceed the number awarded for the course on the transcript of the school where the course was taken or the number earned for the corresponding course at Rush University. Credits earned on the quarter system will be converted into semester credits where applicable. A quarter credit is roughly equal to two-thirds of a semester credit.
Course information (including grades) from transferred courses is not recorded on the student’s transcript; only the number of credits is recorded and added to the cumulative number of credits.

Undergraduate-Level Policies

Rush University may accept up to 60 semester hours or equivalent of credit toward lower-level prerequisite course requirements. These courses are considered requisite requirements, are subject to change, and are published on each programmatic admissions page.
Rush University will consider College Board Advanced Placement examination scores of 3 or higher for related coursework to satisfy lower-level prerequisite course requirements.
At admission, the applicant’s course history will be formally reviewed by admissions and the Office of the Registrar.
- Any courses already completed with documented acceptable grades will be transferred to Rush University without the applicant needing to supply additional documentation. To be considered documented, the student must have provided Rush University with an official transcript from the institution where the course was completed.
- If the admitted applicant is missing any requisite coursework to attend Rush University at the time of the initial transcript review, they will need to request a transfer of that coursework using the formal petition to transfer credit process.
Undergraduate courses must be completed with a “C” or better to be awarded credit.
A minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework must be taken in residence at Rush University to graduate.

Graduate-Level Policies

For graduate-level programs, no more than one-third of the total number of required credits may be granted to a student in combined transfer credit and proficiency credit. See the policy on Credit by Proficiency or Achieved Prior Learning for more information about proficiency credit.
All graduate-level transfer credit consideration requires the student to request a transfer using the formal petition to transfer the credit process.
Graduate courses must be completed with a “B” or better to be awarded transfer credit.