What do I do if there is a family emergency?

What do I do if the University is closed?

Is any special personal protective equipment necessary?

General Information

What Happens during Orientation

During orientation you will meet with your academic advisor to register for classes if you haven't already done so. Also, you can obtain your ID, any needed keys, and parking pass during this time and information about e-mail. You will be given a tour of the building and meet the other new and returning students. You will also finish the paperwork for your stipend so please bring your Social Security card or passport and drivers license.

Where Can I Find Information About General Stuff?

http://www.onestop.uc.edu/ is a very useful website that provides information about registering for classes, viewing your schedule, checking your financial aid, and a lot of other information. It also posts important announcements and reminders. Information about graduate school is at www.grad.uc.edu. Information about the Department and all divisions is at www.eh.uc.edu.

What Should I Do FIRST???

Below is a checklist of things you must do before classes start.

Things You Need to Do Before Classes Start

_____ 1. Get your student ID

1. Your ID can be obtained at 3 Edward Center - Public Safety Office - West Campus.

_____ 2. Register for classes

1. Talk with your advisor to discuss your class schedule and any classes you might want to waive. (See 8, below regarding waiving courses)

2. Register online at www.onestop.uc.edu

3. Get a parking permit

a. This can be done online at http://www.uc.edu/parking.

_____ 4. Obtain your email account information

a. Per information provided at orientation.

_____ 5. Get your keys

a. Visit the Business Office in Kettering Room 129 to enter your request into the system. You should ask for a key to the study room, Kettering 221. Keys can then be picked up at the 3 Edwards - Public Safety lobby about a week later.

_____ 6. Complete the paperwork for your stipend

a. With Stephanie Starkey in Room 127 Kettering.

_____ 7. Have your picture taken for the Department Directory

a. Room and date information will be given at orientation.

_____ 8. Get signatures if you plan to waive a class

a. The professor of the class you intend to waive must sign the waiver form, available from Graduate Studies. Return the form to Stephanie Starkey in Room 127.

_____ 9. Get steel toed safety shoes, if you do not already have them.

Is any special personal protective equipment necessary?

You must have steel-toed safety shoes for classes during the first quarter. You can buy them once you get to Cincinnati, if you do not own them already. A hardhat, visitor safety glasses, hearing protection and a carrying bag are provided by the Division.

Other Preparations Before Classes Begin

Make sure you know where your classes are and get to know Cincinnati.

Cincinnati and Campus

How Do I Find Out More About Cincinnati?

We strongly recommend that you visit Cincinnati prior to arriving for classes, to arrange housing and become more familiar with the city. Visit the following websites for more information:

· www.cincinnati.com

· www.citybeat.com

· www.cincinnatiusa.org

· www.grad.uc.edu

How Do I Get To and Around Campus?

The University is divided into two adjacent campuses, East (home to our department) and West. The following website will provide you with maps to help you get to and around both campuses: http://www.uc.edu/directions/. If you need to travel between campuses you can walk or take advantage of the shuttle bus service provided by UC. Visit http://www.uc.edu/facmgmt/shuttle.asp for shuttle information and schedules. There are specific shuttles that stop at locations in the Clifton area (near apartment buildings, restaurants and shopping). The shuttle service is free!

Where Do I Find Housing?

The University maintains on-campus graduate housing; however there is often a waiting list. Most students live in apartments near campus. For more information please visit the graduate student, off-campus housing website at http://www.grad.uc.edu/content/housing.cfm. It is also a good idea to talk with current students (see student contacts, below). Many students choose to live close-by to campus (Clifton and Hyde Park are two neighborhood names) or in Northern Kentucky.

Where Do I Park?

To park on campus you must obtain a parking permit or pay a daily fee in certain garages. Permits can be purchased online, through the mail on a quarterly or yearly basis.

The closest garage to Kettering Laboratory is Eden Garage. The least expensive place to park in the garage is the 8^th floor. Request that location, and do it early. You need to be registered for at least one credit in order to purchase parking. Register for Current Topics in Occupational Hygiene, 26-EIH-891 as that is a 'must take' class for everyone in each quarter (see course tracking forms at http://www.eh.uc.edu/ih/). For more information visit: http://www.uc.edu/Parking/.

Is there public transportation?

Metro bus service is available for a small, one-time fee for UC students. Bus routes and park/ride locations can be found at www.sorta.com/.

Where Is The Library?

The Health Sciences Library (HSL) is located in the Medical Science Building. Information on HSL is obtained through the Academic Information Technology and Libraries website, www.aitl.uc.edu, or through the University libraries site, www.libraries.uc.edu. Note that the Nursing library is included within AIT&L. You may be particularly interested in Engineering, Chemistry-Biology, Geology and Langsam holdings.

All books and journal articles can be requested through http://libraries.uc.edu/. Hundreds of databases can also be searched online with many journal articles being available for free download in .pdf file format. Exact directions on how to request and retrieve books from the library holdings will be provided at orientation. Nearby libraries that may also be useful include the USEPA, at the corner of Martin Luther King and Vine Street, and NIOSH at the Alice Hamilton Laboratory on Ridge Avenue. Because of security concerns, NIOSH and EPA require pre-approval to use the library, or you may be escorted by an employee. Students with a foreign passport require up to two weeks for clearance at these facilities.

How Do I Get a Key for Kettering Lab rooms?

You will have to visit the Business Office in Kettering Room 129 to have your request put into the system. You should ask for a key to the main entrance and the Student Room (Rm 121). The keys can then be picked up at 3 Edwards, Public Safety in the lobby. Your ID can be swiped in the reader at the main entrance to get into Kettering after hours.

What do I do if I lose my keys/badge?

Alert the Director's office immediately (82147), as someone may turn them in there. If necessary, apply for a new ones.

What do I do if I am locked out of a building/lab?

University police will let you in. Call 8-1111and tell them you need assistance entering a specific building or room. They will come in about 30 minutes and let you in; they will ask for identification and ask for you to sign your name to one of their tracking forms.

Where Do I Buy Books?

• There are two University Bookstores, one on East Campus and one on West Campus. The one on East Campus is located on the first floor in the CARE Building, across Eden Avenue from Kettering, and has the books for classes offered in the College of Medicine. There are also two off campus bookstores located near West Campus, Dubois Bookstore and the Student Book Store (SBS), where you can also get books for courses offered on the West Campus.

• Required textbooks are shown at Onestop; click on “Get Books” to be connected to the University Bookstore.

What will my email address be?

• Email addresses are typically the first six letters of your last name, your first initial, and your middle initial @uc.edu (e.g. Joe A. Milligan, Milligja@uc.edu). Your initial password will be provided as soon as you register or are entered into the UC system as a new student. All email is sent through Bearcat Online at http://email.uc.edu/.

Do I need to use the university email account?

Yes. The faculty will use your UC account. If you pose a question from another account, the faculty will attempt to remember to respond using the UC account (not just reply to the account or origin). The UC account is protected by the University, although we understand that hackers are very clever. You may forward your UC account to another account that is not within university control, but this is your choice and the University bears no responsibility if there is a breach. To forward your e-mail, go to http://www.alumni.uc.edu/services/email_forwarding.html .

...a bit of email etiquette

Like you, the faculty gets many e-mails each day.

1. enter information in the subject line: If an e-mail contains no subject, it may be read much later, or not at all. Emails with no subject may be considered spam and be deleted.

2. include the message to which you are responding: When a response is received without the original question (especially if it is one word and there is no subject line), it may be ignored or returned. Decrease the effort. Make the response clear by including the original message. You may have to adjust your settings for e-mail in order to achieve this.

3. email and texting etiquette differs. In email, use complete sentences, check grammar and spelling and omit shortcuts and symbols that may be acceptable in text messages. Consider email equivalent to a business letter.

...what happens to UC e-mail when I graduate?

Your UC e-mail remains active for one year following graduation. You may wish to forward e-mails (see link above) when you do leave the university.

How will I get information from the department?

• Many announcements about seminars and special events will be posted throughout the department and on the Department web site. You will also receive information via a department e-mail list. Additionally, you will be assigned a mailbox in Room 123. Check you mailbox several times a week, as class materials and checks may appear there in hard copy! Also, if anyone needs to send you mail through the regular postal system, the address is Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, PO Box 670056, Cincinnati OH 45267-0056. If you are receiving mail by an overnight courier, you'll need the street address: 3223 Eden Avenue, Kettering Laboratory (and a room number is useful), Cincinnati OH 45267-0056.

Advisors and Contacts

Who Is My Academic Advisor?

If you are in the Comprehensive Practice/Occupational Hygiene or Hazardous Substances Programs:

Carol Rice, Ph.D., CIH

Director, Comprehensive Practice and Hazardous Substances

Wherry Hall Room 316

alerdilr@uc.edu or carol.rice@uc.edu

513-558-1751

If you are in the Occupational Safety & Ergonomics Program:

Amit Bhattacharya, Ph.D., CPE

Director, Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

Kettering Lab Room 330B

bhattaat@uc.edu

513-558-0503

If you are in the Biomonitoring Program:

Glenn Talaska, Ph.D., CIH

Director, Biomonitoring Component

Kettering Lab Room 143

Glenn.talaska@uc.edu

513-558-4397

Who do I contact about internship?

Discuss your plans regarding a summer internship with:

Glenn Talaska, Ph.D., CIH

Kettering Lab Room 143

Glenn.talaska@uc.edu

513-558-4397

If you are interested, you should begin your search in the winter before your internship.

Who Do I Contact If I Have other Questions?

Registration and course schedules, student activities:

Stephanie Starkey

Graduate Studies Office

Kettering Lab Room 127

Stephanie Starkey.@uc.edu

513-558-5704

Stipend not deposited or incorrect amount:

Sandy Fist

Department Business Office

Kettering Lab Room 120

Sandy.fist@uc.edu

513-558-4397

Software need or problem with the Howard Ayer Computer Lab equipment

EH_helpdesk@uc.edu

513-558-1040

Hardware problems with the Howard Ayer Computer Lab

EH_helpdesk@uc.edu

513-558-1040

Student life, where to find things, where to get other information, general conversation:

The following students have offered to answer questions or show you around:

Ashutosh Mani, 2nd Year PhD in Comprehensive Practice

maniah@email.uc.edu

Amy Turner, 2^nd year MS student

turneal@email.uc.edu

Joe Hoffman, 2^nd year MS student

hoffmjp@email.uc.edu

513-558-8138 (EOH student room)

Registering

How do I Register?

It is best to speak with your academic advisor before registering. Registration can be completed during a summer visit to campus or during orientation. Registration can be done online at www.onestop.uc.edu or by getting a registration form from Stephanie Starkey in Room 127. If you want to initiate registration (so that you can purchase a parking pass “while they last”, please register for 26-EIH-981; this seminar is required of all students in residence.

What are the steps to registering?

First time registering:

1. Review the course listing and electives shown at www.eh.uc.edu/ih for your course of study

2. Print off the course tracking form provided at www.eh.uc.edu/ih

3. Meet with your academic advisor to finalize a plan, and complete the course tracking document for the quarter

4. Register on line

5. Notify Stephanie Starkey in the Graduate Studies Office if you have a problem, such as blocked enrollment.

6. Return the signed course tracking form to the Graduate Studies Office.

Second or later quarter

1. Obtain your course tracking form from Graduate Studies

2. Meet with your academic or research advisor to review progress and finalize planned courses for the coming quarter.

3. Register on line

4. Notify Stephanie Starkey in the Graduate Studies Office if you have a problem, such as blocked enrollment.

5. Return the signed course tracking form to the Graduate Studies Office.

How Do I Find Out What Classes I need to Take?

A class listing is shown at www.eh.uc.edu/ih under each area of study. Guidance for MS and Ph.D. students is also available at the site. The list changes from time-to-time. Check to assure that you are using the most recent version.

How many electives do I need to take?

Every course tracking form has a section on Electives, with a note “take 9 credits from this list”. This is provided as guidance to help in the selection of electives. You must take 9 credits from the list. It is expected that you will take additional electives, as you are required to register for 15 or more credits each quarter.

What If I Have Taken a Class Already?

To prepare to register, please review the listing of required classes. As you will see, the academic program during the first year is rather full. As you review the list of required classes you may note that you have already covered material in previous courses or have had equivalent experience; in these instances, we encourage you to consider asking for a waiver for that class, or a portion of a class. You can then select an alternate class for those credit hours.

If you want to ask for one or more waivers of a class, please bring the name of the textbook used for the class with you when you come to campus and be prepared to speak with the University of Cincinnati instructor regarding the content of the course. If the instructor supports your request to waive the class, the form available in the Graduate Studies Office (Kettering Room 127) then needs to be completed, signed, and submitted to Graduate Studies.

If you have experience or training in several topics covered in a course, but not the entire course content, discuss this with the instructor. Usually, it can be arranged for you to participate in the sessions that you need, while not participating in those that are “repeat”. You will take the unfamiliar sections as “Special Topics”. Stephanie Starkey in Room 127 has a form that must be completed.

A limited number of credits may be transferred from another academic institution; this process is lengthy and often not necessary. We do no intend for anyone to repeat a class; rather this is your opportunity to take additional coursework in preparation for a career in an ever-changing field. Your advisor will help sort out these options.

When you waive a class, you will still need to fulfill credit hour requirements; see you advisor for specific information.

Waiving a Class seems to take a lot of Effort...

The process below should be followed:

1. Review the UC course description and compare with that of the course you took previously

2. Collect

for the course you took

course title

number of credits

name of textbook used

dates taken

grade if not on a transcript provided with your application

academic institution where taken

outline of content

course waiver form (www.eh.uc.edu/ih)

special topics registration form (from Graduate Studies)

3. schedule a meeting with the UC instructor

possible outcomes:

waive entire course

waive part of course and take remaining content as “special topics”

waive none of the course, and register for it

4. complete the necessary paperwork; submit to Graduate Studies

5. update course tracking form

This process is designed to assure that you do not repeat course content; credits waived are used to explore new topics.

What is the required number of credits per quarter?

During the first two years of study, students generally take a minimum of 15 graduate credits, as shown on the model course of study at www.eh.uc.edu/ih. Advanced doctoral students may be able to register for fewer credits.

If you register for 19 or more credits, you will be billed an additional per-credit fee. The program does not require that you take this number of credits, in any quarter.

What Can I Do if Two Classes are Scheduled at the Same time, or One Ends at the Time Another Class Begins?

During the program, you may find that required classes have time conflicts. This will be a problem with electronic registration, but Stephanie Starkey in Graduate Studies can over-ride the system “lock out”. An example is Principles of Occupational Exposure Assessment that ends at 12 noon and Current Topics in Industrial Hygiene that begins at 12 noon. These two classes can be taken at the same time, as they are in the same building...but the electronic registration system does not allow you to register. Each of these conflicts should be discussed with your academic advisor.

What is the difference between Masters Thesis Research and Research?

You take MS Thesis research (26-ENV-791) only after your Letter of Intent has been approved. You cannot officially undertake research prior to this approval and the appointment of your research committee. As you decide on a topic and do preliminary research or are engaged in a separate non-thesis research project, you should register for Research (26-ENV-891) credits.

How many credits of Thesis/Dissertation Research must I take?

MS students must take at least 1 graduate credit of MS Thesis Research (26-ENV-791); Ph.D. students must take at least 10 graduate credit of Doctoral Dissertation Research (26-ENV-991). Registration for these credits follows approval of your Letter of Intent and appointment by the Degrees Committee of your Research Committee.

What is 'Professional Development'?

The special topics class in Professional Development was designed to give you credit for activities that build an attitude for life-long professional learning. Local/regional/national meeting attendance, joining and participating in professional organizations and specialized training not offered for academic credit are listed by each student in the required annual report. Each student is required to register for 1 credit during any quarter (Autumn, Winter, Spring). At the end of the year, you will be required to submit a report concerning your attendance and activities so keep notes, certificates or other records of activities.

Classes

How do I track all of the Requirements?

When you arrive, you will be provided with a form to track the requirements at the time of your entry into the program. As noted in the University Graduate Handbook, the faculty can increase/change the requirements while you are here. You are strongly encouraged to update this listing quarterly and keep a copy in your file in the Graduate Studies office, Room 127.

....where are the call numbers for classes?

Call numbers change for classes each year. If you cannot find a call number for a class you want, please see Graduate Studies.

Why is the tracking form on paper?

This is a tracking mechanism designed to help you. There are many classes to take, and some are offered in alternate years. Without a plan, you can miss a required class. The paper format has worked well (none returned to Graduate Studies have ever been lost!). Someday it may be electronic, but there are no resources available to set this up at the present time, and it is not a priority use of any funds that are available.

What is this class 'special topics'?

You may wish to learn a technique in a research lab, conduct a literature review, or learn about a topic of not covered in class. This is done by identifying a faculty mentor and registering for “special topics”. A short form available in the Graduate Studies office is completed to document the content, the number of credits for the class and the grade.

Some classes may be offered as Special Topics (see Professional Development as an example). These have been designed by the faculty, but not included yet in the University Course Catalogue.

Can I transfer credits from other institutions?

Information about transferring credits is shown in the Department handbook (pages 8-9) and the most up-to-date information is on the Graduate School website www.grad.uc.edu. The following is taken from the Department Handbook:

Formal transfer of credits from another institution as partial fulfillment of curriculum requirements in this department is unusual and is discouraged by the University. In any case, limits are set on the amount of work completed at other institutions which can be included as fulfilling graduate degree requirements. The transfer of credits requires the final approval of the Vice President for Research and the University Dean of Advanced Studies.

A more common and acceptable approach is for students to request the waiver of required courses based on prior coursework.

Can I take an undergraduate course?

Yes, but you must register for a minimum of 15 graduate credits in the same quarter. Discuss the need to take an undergraduate course with your advisor. Good examples are Scientific Writing, Organic Chemistry, Spanish or other language.

As a Ph.D. student, do I have to take a lot of classes?

You must fulfill the University residency and graduate credit hour requirements. Many Ph.D. students initially view the number of credits as excessive, especially if they have a previous MS degree in the field. In practice, doctoral students take substantially more course and research credits during the completion of the program, than required by the University.

What do we do in the summer?

Most MS students are employed away from campus on an internship. Internship opportunities are posted in the Student Room and circulated electronically as they become available. The Division does not supervise the internship, and you do not receive academic credit. It is an opportunity to experience the field in a real-life setting, and to earn money during the summer.

Why is there no ventilation design class?

All academic environmental and occupational hygiene programs differ in course content. This is a reflection of the research and professional interests of the faculty, as well as trends in the profession. Every 10 years or so, the UC program faculty do a review of the knowledge, skill and attitude needs of entry-level professionals and revise the curriculum, within the constraints of our resources. This was done in 2000, and it was determined from a survey that system design was not a skill expected of entry level professionals. This is not to taken to imply that professionals with engineering backgrounds may not be involved in design. Students with an engineering background or others who wish to learn this aspect of control technology may take a class on ventilation design in the College of Engineering

The academic aspects of ventilation control are presented in several classes in the first year, including: Principles of Occupational Exposure Assessment, Practice in Occupational Exposure Assessment, Identification of Potential Workplace Exposures, Evaluation of Workplace Exposures. Thus, while there is no formal class in Ventilation, the principles of systems and system evaluation are included in the program.

Can I take a class in a different department?

Yes. Taking classes in other departments and Colleges is encouraged to broaden your education. In the Department of Public Health Sciences in the College of Medicine, permission of the instructor is needed for the 2008-09 year, as they are just beginning the process of full accreditation. Also be aware that other colleges may have other expectations, requirements or restrictions to classes. It is always advisable to contact the professor or the graduate office in that Department if you have questions or wish to attend.

Graduation

What are the steps toward graduation?

Following is the usual sequence toward completion of course and research requirements. The steps are further outlined in the Department Graduate Program Bulletin available at orientation (Appendix A for MS, Appendix B for Ph.D.).

MS degree

Enroll in required credit hours quarterly

Document completion of required/elective courses quarterly

Discuss research topics with all faculty end of 3^rd quarter (first year)

NOTE: most students accept an internship for the summer, and return to campus for the 4^th quarter of study in September.

Choose thesis topic, potential committee 4^th quarter (second year)

Submit letter of intent (signed by student/advisor) 4^th quarter

Response from committee generally received in 4 weeks

Conduct research/write thesis 4^th, 5^th, 6^th quarters

Research work load during these quarters will vary

Submit signed thesis to graduate school 6^th quarter

Graduate June, 6^th quarter

NOTE: Many students complete the thesis over the summer and graduate in August. Deadlines for submission of the thesis in order to meet each graduation date are shown at www.grad.uc.edu (click on “graduation”).

Ph.D. degree

Enroll in required credit hours quarterly

Document completion of required/elective courses quarterly

Discuss research topics with all faculty 3^rd quarter (first year)

Form Academic Advisory Committee end of 3rd quarter

Qualifying Examination end 2^nd year

Research 3^rd + years

Graduation 4^th year

NOTE: see Ph.D. Program Guidelines (www.eh.uc.edu) for further details,

What is the Letter of Intent?

The Letter of Intent is a short description of your research plan. An outline for the document is found in the Department Graduate Student Handbook.

What if I don't get my thesis done by the May deadline for a June graduation?

The Graduate Studies Office maintains a listing of all the deadlines, and they are available at www.grad.uc.edu (click on “graduation”). If you do not graduate in June, you can request August or December graduation. If you do not graduate by August, you must pay for one graduate credit in the Fall Quarter of the next academic year. This assures that you remain an active student for another academic year, and are eligible to graduate in that year if you apply. You must continue to register for one credit in Fall Quarter for each subsequent year until you graduate. (If you should miss payment in the Fall Quarter, payment in the Winter or Spring will keep your status active, but the University prefers Fall payment.) Failure to register for this credit can delay graduation, and may (after three years) require that you be readmitted to the program. At that time, you have to pay for reapplication and for the credits.

I graduated, but my diploma has not appeared in the mail

The date of graduation is earlier than the date that the diplomas are conferred. For example, if you graduate in August, the diplomas are not mailed until mid-September.

Electronic thesis/dissertation submission?

The following was submitted by a student to assist others in future submissions:

“The information on the UC website is not too bad, they just fail to mention the order of a couple of things. Here they are:

First go to https://www.grad.uc.edu/graduations/ and create an account. Once you get logged in, it will generally tell you what to do. You must have applied for graduation and already completed all the Graduate Studies forms.

Once you've done all the on-line stuff, you need to check with Stephanie Starkey to make sure that all of your grades are turned in, pills paid, etc.

The cover page (the one the committee signs) must be included-unsigned- in the PDF version of your thesis, and signed copies must be submitted as a hard copy.

Your thesis abstract must be uploaded to Ohio Link BEFORE submitting the thesis to the office on the other campus. It must be in plain text format (.txt or notepad)

After all this is done, your thesis (PDF) and abstract (plain text) need to be on a floppy or CD. Your committee approval forms (2 signed pages) and payment forms must be submitted by the deadline shown in the instructions. All of these materials must be submitted in a plain manila envelope.”

Stipend/Scholarship/other Charges

How Much Is My Stipend and What Does My Scholarship Cover?

Your stipend level and source of the funds were included in a letter from Dr. Ralph Buncher, Director of Graduate Studies. If you have a tuition scholarship, from a grant or the University, it covers all registration and general fees. If you are a PhD student your scholarship also covers University Health Insurance. You will be told the payment schedule for stipend dollars at orientation. Those receiving stipends in bi-weekly payments receive the first payment by the second week of the quarter. Further details are included in a letter you receive regarding the stipend.

Why doesn't my stipend cover all of my living expenses?

For those receiving a stipend, it is recognized that the stipend does not cover all living expenses for many students. As a faculty, we have to balance the amount of funds we have to support students, and the number of students.

Stipends come from the Graduate School (University Graduate Assistantships), the Education and Research Center (NIOSH supported ERC) or from research grants held by your research advisor.

Does everyone get a stipend?

No. Stipends are awarded to incoming students based on availability of funds, results of the review decision for admission and eligibility. The ERC funds are available to US citizens only. MS students are not funded through University sources. Ph.D. students are generally funded on grants obtained by the advisor after year 2.

A letter offering admission does not include or constitute an offer of funding; the decision on funding is made separately and often several months after the decision regarding admission.

What if my money does not come to my account?

See Stephanie Starkey in Graduate Studies for the schedule of when your stipend money should be deposited in your account. If you do not have direct deposit, the funds should be received at your mailing address a few days after the direct deposit date.

Is a stipend guaranteed for the second year?

No. Grades of each student are reviewed quarterly. Any student who is in good standing (no grade lower than B and GPA of 3.0 or greater) is likely to be offered funding for a second year if money is available from a source from which the student is eligible. All funding to students depends on the money being available through the University (UGA/UGS), NIOSH (ERC) or research grants to individual faculty members. Returning students are notified of funding availability during the summer, for the approaching academic year.

Do I have to pay for health insurance?

We urge everyone to have health insurance. Graduate assistants can apply for Graduate Student Health Insurance Award to cover the costs for spring quarter (approx. $434). Requirements and application materials can be obtained from ken.wolterman@uc.edu.

If you are a Ph.D. student, health insurance is covered as part of your scholarship/stipend. However, once you have passed the qualifying exams and are only registering for 1 credit hour a quarter, you need to obtain an Enrollment Form from Stephanie Starkey (Room 217) and submit it quarterly to stay enrolled in the insurance program.

See www.grad.uc.edu/gshi for opportunities to reduce the amount you pay forstudentinsurance; strictapplication deadlines and eligibility requirements apply.

If I am approved to travel for my research or to a meeting, how much do I get, and how am I reimbursed?

The amount of funding depends on the source and purpose of the trip. If you are supported by a research grant, you may receive funds at the discretion of the Principal Investigator. If you are traveling to a meeting supported by the Education and Research Center (ERC), the amount is determined by the program director. These funds generally do not cover all expenses, but do facilitate attendance at a national meeting.

Airline tickets can be pre-paid, if you use the University travel agent or have it booked by university staff using the appropriate credit card. If you purchase a plane ticket on the internet, you will have wait to be reimbursed until travel is completed. Hotel rooms may be paid with a purchase order, if the hotel agrees and the paperwork is submitted well in advance; you will still have to provide your own credit card for incidentals when you register. All of these charges have to be within the budget that has been approved for your travel. A travel authorization must be filed prior to the trip. If university credit cards are used, you will need to get approval for each charge from the faculty member who is sponsoring the trip. This cannot be authorized by the staff.

Reimbursement procedures require

1. Receipts for hotels, plane tickets, taxi cabs, rental cars, gasoline for rental cars, meals up to the per diem rate if all meals are paid for by the traveler.

2. Completion of the Travel Expense form available in the business office

The process can take as long as 4 weeks from the time you provide Travel Expense form and documentation to the business office. Be prompt in completing this process as soon as you return.

Where can I get posters printed?

The University maintains a print shop in Room G44 of the Health Professions Building (HPB), adjacent to Kettering Laboratory. An account is needed for poster set up and printing with their staff.

You can get glossy printed posters done at a much less expensive rate using your ID or Bearcat Card. Details are shown at www.med.uc.edu/graded/posterprinting/. (Copy and paste this into your browser if clicking directly does not get you to the site.) Carefully note and follow the rules. You can print sizes other than the template dimensions, as long as your layout is smaller than the template; then cut off the excess. For lamination, you'll have to go the group in HPB.

Remember: Every student has approximately $100 put on that card annually for use around campus.

Study Space

Are There Computers Available for Students to Use?

The Howard Ayer Computer Lab in Room 221 is available for student use at all times. All desktops are connected to the Internet and to the University Network. Computers are loaded with programs relevant to course work (e.g., SAS, MS Office, SPSS). Additionally, Kettering Laboratory is equipped with a wireless network; you must get your machine set up for wireless by going to the IT office in Kettering. Wire connections to the internet and University Network are available in the Student Room, Kettering 119, adjacent to the Howard Ayer Computer Lab, for students who wish to bring personal notebook computers to campus. For a complete listing of wireless locations on campus go to www.ucit.uc.edu/online/wireless_comm.asp.

Where Can I Study?

Attached to the computer lab is a student study room. Other study space is available in the Microscopy Lab, adjacent to the student rooms on the second floor. The atrium in Kettering Laboratory may also be used for studying.

Is there a way I can keep track of what is happening in my classes online?

• Yes! http://www.blackboard.uc.edu is a great resource used by a number of faculty members to manage their classes. Professors can post announcements and class assignments on this website.

How can I log on to the computers in the Howard Ayer Computer Lab?

Obtain your unique password by contacting

EH_helpdesk@uc.edu

558-1040

Is there a place to put my books and coat?

There are lockers in 219 Kettering, the EOH student room. You can get a lock for one at orientation.

Is there a refrigerator or a place to store my lunch?

There is a small refrigerator and microwave in 219 Kettering, the EOH student room. There is also a coffee maker there, for your use. Students are responsible for keeping these items clean. Everyone appreciates prompt disposal of unused food and brewed coffee.

Where can I buy food?

There are several vending machines in Kettering. A cafeteria is available in the Medical Sciences Building; there is a food court in the center of West Campus; a small grocery store is located in the Medical Arts Building; fast food is available at the VA, down the hill.

Student Responsibilities

What Are My Responsibilities As A Student?

Overview: Faculty Expectations of EOH Graduate Students:

Demonstrate professional attitude and enthusiasm when dealing with every aspect of your learning and research work. Remember that - as a graduate student - you are expected to make a considerable effort to find relevant information on your own, in addition to the materials provided by your instructor in the classroom or your mentor in the lab. Show continuous improvement in your ability to work with various types of information, including but not limited to the information provided directly by your faculty. To complete a graduate program successfully, students should learn to teach themselves (certainly, with assistance and mentorship from faculty and TAs).

Respect your instructor and your classmates. Come to class on time; do not talk to your peers when your instructor or your fellow students make presentations; silence your cell phone during class time and do not take calls, check messages do other work on your laptop or text message during class. If you are “on call” for potential emergency, let your instructor know that you are required to leave your phone on (using the “vibrate” mode) and that you may have to leave the room to take a call.

Use proper referencing in all your reports and research papers. Always use a primary source when referring to a specific fact, regulation, or scientific finding. “Primary” means an original source and not just an article that refers to the primary source. Examples of or cited literature include (preferably) peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals, monographs and textbooks, as well as governmental documents (e.g., Federal Register). Proceedings publications may also be used as references. Some “open access” Internet sources, such as Wikipedia, may provide useful information, but should not be used as a proper scientific reference (review the basis of any Wiki).

Be an engaged and effective team player and continue to improve your ability to work with others even as challenges are presented. This skill is particularly important for a successful career in occupational and environmental hygiene.

Engage in learning about research conducted by faculty members. You may discover an interesting topic for a project or research and you will better understand resources that can be critical as you seek information to solve real world problems after graduation.

Participate in national and regional professional groups, conferences and local learning experiences. Travel support for these activities, when available, is a privilege resulting from NIOSH funding and the efforts of faculty to budget those dollars to support student learning experiences.

In addition to course work, demonstrate to others what you have learned and accomplished by presenting your research findings at a professional meeting and/or publishing your paper(s) in a peer-reviewed journal(s). This is desirable for MS students and definitely expected from PhD students. Set your objectives and your schedule as a graduate student to maximize your knowledge, skills and abilities at graduation.

Observation from a student: Remember, you asked to attend the University. It is up to you and you alone to take advantage of the University personnel to learn whatever you and the faculty feel is important in your educational process. You must begin to learn on your own.

More specifics...

In addition to the above broad expectations, all students are expected to:

• Attend and participate in all classes
  

• Attend and participate in special seminars and events sponsored by the Division/Department
  

• Complete annual student assignment (see list in student room)
  

• Maintain acceptable grades - knowing the rules is your responsibility
  

• See Graduate Handbook published by the University www.grad.uc.edu
  

• See Graduate Student Handbook published by the Department: www.eh.uc.edu/ih
  

• Demonstrate professional responsibility
  

• Demonstrate satisfactory progress towards a degree
  

• Follow through, once a commitment is made
  

• Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical conduct
  

During my second year, should I apply for Ohio residency/Kentucky reciprocity?

If you do not enter as an Ohio resident, and are a US citizen, you should apply for residency during the summer between first and second years. Folks living in northern Kentucky can apply for reciprocity. This will reduce tuition costs paid by the university to the in-state rate plus a fee. The Graduate Studies office can help you through this process, which requires completion of an application form found at www.uc.edu/registrar (for Ohio residency) or www.grad.uc.edu (click on “forms” for NKU reciprocity if living in Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant or Pendleton Counties).

The website and a 'real person' in the registrar's office sometimes have different guidance on what paperwork is needed to document residency. Changing your driver's license and car registration to Ohio is a must. If you call the registrar's office regarding establishing residency, ask for the person in charge (again, the responses you get can differ).

What do I do if I get sick?

• The University provides student health services on both campuses. Visit http://www.med.uc.edu/uhs/ for more information. Inform the instructor of any classes you will miss due to illness, if possible.

What do I do if there is a family emergency?

• Notify professors by phone or e-mail that you have classes with that you must be away from campus. Provide some estimate of when you will be back on campus.

What do I do if the University is closed?

• Weather-related closings of the University are posted on-line and with local news reporting services. However, when the University is closed, that does not include the medical center, unless specifically mentioned. Please use good judgment regarding coming to the University for class during inclement weather; your safety is most important. Many professors will provide their individual attendance policies during inclement weather as part of the syllabi.