Student Handbook for the DPD/Nutrition Program

Thank you for choosing us. We offer a challenging science-based program that culminates in a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. We are a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 1-800-877-1600, or 312-899-0040, email ACEND@eatright.org.

Completing the Nutrition and Dietetics Program at UNF can lead to the additional steps required to become an RDN. This is typically a three-step process:

1. Completion of an accredited DPD.
2. Completing an accredited 1000-hour dietetic internship after obtaining the B.S. degree.
3. Obtaining a passing score on the national registered dietitian examination (requires a graduate degree beginning January 1, 2024).

Acceptance into an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship is competitive, and undergraduate students are not guaranteed placement in an internship program. Many internship programs are traditional, where interns relocate to the program’s home base to complete the required 1000 hours of supervised practice. Due to the graduate degree requirement, many programs offer the opportunity to earn supervised practice hours while earning the graduate degree. However, there are a growing number of accredited distance internship programs and accredited Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) programs. You can read more about internships at the Academy’s website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accredited-programs/program-directory.

Students can improve their chances of matching to an internship by earning good grades (A’s and B’s), displaying outstanding character, obtaining relevant work experience, seeking meaningful volunteer experiences, and developing leadership and time management skills. UNF faculty work closely with students and alums to assist them with the internship application process. Students may apply to internship programs in the spring of their senior year, and if accepted, they typically start in August or September. Students pay for the tuition and all other expenses associated with their dietetic internship. In the appendix of this handbook, you’ll find a helpful checklist for the internship application process.

After completing the accredited dietetic internship and passing the RDN examination, alums may apply for Florida licensure through the Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance. Licenses must be renewed every two years to stay active.

A career in nutrition and dietetics holds a lifetime of opportunity for exciting and diverse employment. RDNs work in hospitals, health departments, wellness centers, nursing homes, school districts, private practice, food companies, research, clinics, home health agencies, substance abuse and eating disorder recovery centers, grocery stores, universities, diabetes centers, cancer centers, dialysis centers, community agencies, mental health centers and more. Many RDNs have their own private practices and are active on social media, TV, print, etc. Other RDNs hold challenging positions in government agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Depending on their place of employment, RDNs may do the following: assess the nutritional status of diverse individuals and populations and help people implement beneficial lifestyle changes; manage health/nutrition programs and supervise staff; manage and direct food service operations; conduct research; teach; direct university nutrition/dietetic programs; develop and market food and supplement products; oversee school food service operations; author books and articles, and more.

Beginning January 1, 2024, a master’s degree will be required to practice nutrition and dietetics for all new students entering academic programs. Undergraduate students entering an accredited dietetic program before 2024 will be exempt from this requirement. About half of all registered dietitians currently have a master’s degree. Most previously stand-alone internships (as opposed to MS/DI combined programs) will partner with a university, so students will complete the supervised practice and master’s program simultaneously. Each program may structure its schedules differently, so check the website and attend an open house of the program(s) you’re interested in for details.

Program graduates who do not pursue the RDN credential often seek employment as community nutrition educators, dietary technicians/supervisors, food service managers, or medical salespersons. All graduates of the DPD program are eligible to take the examination to become a dietetic technician (DTR) and certified dietary manager (CDM). Dietetic technicians and CDMs typically work under the direction of an RD in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and wellness centers.

The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics provides a high-quality Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and an experiential learning environment that prepares graduates for professional employment, further education, and supervised dietetic practice leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.

Goal #1: The Didactic Program in Dietetics will maximize the potential for graduates to transition to entry-level practice as registered dietitians.

Objectives:

At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 6 years (150% of the program length). (ACEND- required objective)

At least 60% of program graduates apply for admission to a supervised practice program prior to or within 12 months of graduation. (ACEND- required objective)

Of program graduates who apply to a supervised practice program, at least 50% are admitted within 12 months of graduation. (ACEND- required objective)

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

At least 90% of supervised practice program directors who return surveys will rate the program graduate’s overall preparation at a median score of four or higher on a 5-point scale. (ACEND- required objective)

At least 75% of senior students in the DPD who complete the Graduate Exit Survey will rate their DPD experience at a median score of four or higher on a 5-point scale.

Goal #2: Program graduates will pursue professional opportunities in addition to employment.

Objective: At least 50% of program graduates will pursue higher education, advanced credentials, and/or leadership roles.

Outcome Measure Results
Outcome data are available upon request.

The University of North Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA, 30033-4097 or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of North Florida. Individual contact with the Commission on Colleges about the University of North Florida’s accreditation status should only occur if evidence appears to support significant noncompliance with a requirement or standard.

The program of study and mandatory course sequencing schedule is outlined below. Important program information is as follows:

• Students are expected to complete the prerequisite courses before entering the sequencing schedule in the fall semester of the junior year.
  • Exception: Transfer students may take FSS1202 Food Fundamentals and FSS1202L Food Fundamentals Laboratory in the summer before or fall of the junior year since these courses are not offered at some community/state colleges.
• Newly admitted upper-level students (juniors, seniors, post-baccalaureates) must meet with a Brooks College of Health advisor before the first registration at UNF. This can be done over Zoom for students who don’t reside in the area.
• Students may be required to undergo a Level 2 Criminal Background Check at the beginning of the fall semester of their junior year and again at the beginning of their senior year. This is coordinated through the UNF nutrition program. There is a fee for this service.
• Students must attend a nutrition program orientation session in the summer or fall semester of their junior year (transfer students) or during their sophomore year (native UNF students).
• To complete the Nutrition and Dietetics Program, earn the B.S. degree, and obtain a Verification Statement (required for application to accredited internships), students are required to complete the following:
  • The program courses are shown below with a grade of C or higher in each course
  • Students must achieve all ACEND-required knowledge requirements (KRDNs) to earn the Verification Statement. The KRDNs are listed in the associated DPD classes where they are met.
  • An overall GPA of 2.0.

94 Total Credit Hours. See course breakdown below.

Prerequisites (38 Credit Hours)
Must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher

Requisite Requirements (4 Credit Hours)
Must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher

Concentration Requirements (52 Credit Hours)
Must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher. Must follow BS/DPD Nutrition Program Sequencing Schedule to avoid delaying graduation.

Students are required to follow this

How are nutrition program classes scheduled at UNF?

Classes are typically scheduled during daytime and evening hours, Monday through Friday. There are no undergraduate online degree options, although many individual courses may be offered online. In addition, most program courses are offered only once a year. Therefore, students must follow the proper sequence of coursework.

Is there an online DPD option?

Starting Fall 2023 FSS1202/1202L Food Fundamentals with lab and upper (3000 or 4000) level DPD courses will be offered online. Please note the following:

• In Fall 2023, the FSS courses and Junior year/Fall courses will be offered online and in person.
• Students choosing the online option for all DPD courses must request the online DPD concentration at Brooks College of Health Advising office in person (building 39/room 2031) or via email (mailto:cohadvis@unf.edu) through UNF email.
• Online sections of DPD courses are restricted to the online concentration students only with the exception of a few DPD courses that are only taught online, such as HSC3578, HUN3403, HUN3014, and HUN4601C. Note- these are subject to change.
• DPD students have one chance to change from the in-person concentration to the online concentration or vice versa.

Can I take program prerequisites at a community/state college?

Yes, many community/state colleges offer the required prerequisites. You may contact a Brooks College of Health advisor for additional information regarding course transfers.

My state college doesn’t offer one of the prerequisites, FSS1202 and FSS1202L Food Fundamentals and the Laboratory. What should I do?

We know that many state colleges don’t offer this course. You can take it in the fall semester of your junior year. It’s also been provided during the summer term for the past few years, and we will continue this if funds permit.

In addition to completing the required program courses, will I participate in other activities?

We hope so! We encourage students to participate in the campus community and to become active and engaged citizens. There are opportunities for membership and leadership positions within the UNF Student Nutrition and Dietetic Association (SNDA), Nutrition and Dietetics Leadership Association (NDLA), the UNF Nutrition Journal Club, and Meals on Wings. Students can become members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the First Coast Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In addition, campus and community volunteer opportunities are plentiful.

We value a diverse student body at the University of North Florida. Prospective nutrition students will apply for admission to the University. There is no separate application to the nutrition program. General admission information can be found here:

https://www.unf.edu/admissions/

Post-baccalaureate students should apply for undergraduate admission to seek a second bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. Prospective post-baccalaureate students can contact a Brooks College of Health advisor for general information regarding the transfer of course credits.

If transferring credits, coursework completed more than ten years prior to matriculation may not be used to satisfy program requirements; any exception to this policy is at the program director’s discretion. A formal transcript evaluation is completed after the student is accepted to UNF. Additional admission information can be found here:

https://www.unf.edu/admissions/post-baccalaureate.html

International students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents can find admission information here: https://www.unf.edu/admissions/international.html

Tuition, fees, and textbooks make up most of the costs to students. Detailed information regarding tuition and fees can be found here:

https://www.unf.edu/tuition/

As of January 2023, the current fee per credit hour for Florida residents is $212.98; for non-Florida residents, it is $693.11.

Laboratory fees are as follows:

• CHM2045L and BCH3023L - $59.00
• BSC1010C, BSC2085C, BSC2086C, and MCB2010C - $51.93
• FSS1202L and FOS4041L - $38.00

Additional expenses include a Level 2 Criminal Background Check with Fingerprints (approximately $100.00, beginning of the junior year), a Level 2 Criminal Background Re-Check (roughly $15.00, beginning of the senior year), a solid white laboratory jacket ($25-35, beginning of sophomore or junior year), oil-resistant non-skid shoes ($25-40, senior year), travel to and from off-campus sites for field experiences and service work (costs vary, most places are in Duval County), ServSafe Examination ($70 for the score sheet, senior year), Internship application fees (DICAS (fees subject to change) $50 first application, $25 each additional application; D&D Digital $65). Recommended but not required: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Membership ($58; this includes membership in the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics), First Coast Academy Student Membership ($20).

We want to help you succeed in the nutrition program and be prepared for your professional life. Many services, opportunities, and activities are available to UNF students, such as professional development, mock interviews, resume assistance, and more. You will find descriptions of some of these programs and services at this link:

https://www.unf.edu/ugstudies/

Additional tips for nutrition and dietetic students include:

First- and second-year students: Study hard and make good grades, join clubs, see if you qualify for the UNF Honors Program, meet junior and senior nutrition students, volunteer at the UNF organic garden, visit local farmers markets, learn new recipes, get a part-time job, read popular health/nutrition books.

Juniors: Study hard and make good grades form a study group with other nutrition students, join one or more clubs and be active, consider running for an officer position (spring of junior year), become a student member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the North Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics NFAND), meet local RDN’s, obtain volunteer or paid work experience in a local health care facility, research internship programs, read popular health/nutrition books. Please get to know your professors; before you know it, you’ll ask for recommendation letters!

Seniors: Study hard and make good grades, be involved in research, obtain volunteer or paid work experience in a local health care facility, become a student member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and NFAND, attend meetings and meet RD’s, shadow an RD, volunteer at NFAND events, lead/supervise an activity or event, study for and take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) if required by the graduate program you are applying to, research internship programs and visit your top choices if possible, fine-tune your resume, read popular health/nutrition books, sharpen your culinary skills, practice interviewing. If possible, gain experience and develop leadership skills in one of the many clubs or volunteer opportunities UNF offers.

• Withdrawal and refund of tuition and fees. The University of North Florida has academic policies and procedures addressing course withdrawals, tuition, and fee refunds. Call One Stop Student Services at 904-620-5555 or see the most current UNF Catalog located here: https://www.unf.edu/catalog/financial/admin/Tuition-and-Fee-Refund.html
• Scheduling and program calendar. The Nutrition and Dietetics Program follows the UNF academic calendar, which can be viewed here: https://www.unf.edu/catalog/academic-calendar/index.html
  • A course schedule search can be done here: https://www.unf.edu/catalog/. Courses can be searched by subject, by department, and within the distance learning schedule.
• Protection of privacy of student information. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), commonly known as the Buckley Amendment, is intended to protect the accuracy and privacy of student educational records. UNF adheres to the policy that a student’s academic record is confidential and cannot be released without their written consent. Exceptions to the written consent rule include but are not limited to, other post-secondary educational institutions; certain federal, state, local, and independent agencies; University officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the information, such as members of the University Appeals Committee and academic advisors, and may be released to parents of dependent students; and as the dissemination of Directory Information. See this link for more information: https://www.unf.edu/records/FERPA/
• Access to personal files. Students’ rights to access, release and correct academic records under the Buckley Amendment are more specifically explained in the Student Records brochure, which is available in One Stop Student Services, located at Hicks Hall, Bldg. 53, Suite 1700. Picture identification is required when picking up copies of information related to student files. If someone other than the student is picking up requested information, written authorization from the student and picture identification is required. Students who decide to release information to a parent can provide parent access to a limited amount of student information. More on One Stop can be found here: https://www.unf.edu/onestop/
• Access to student support services, including health services, counseling, and financial aid resources. UNF has a wide array of student support services, including Academic Advising, Academic Services, Campus Involvement, Campus Services, Financial Services (including Financial Aid), Fitness and Health, Multicultural Services, Personal Support Services (including Counseling), Student Enrollment and Records, and Veteran and Military Services. More information on these and other services can be found at: https://www.unf.edu/online/online-Resources-Students.html
  • Student Health Services provides on-campus primary care services for the student population at UNF, and its medical compliance team monitors health requirements and risks. Acute and chronic medical concerns are evaluated and treated. Risk factors for future health problems are addressed, and individualized counseling is provided to promote optimal long-term health. More information can be found here: https://www.unf.edu/brooks/shs/
  • At the UNF Counseling Center, professional mental health counselors provide individual and group counseling to students experiencing personal problems or concerns. Counseling services are voluntary, confidential, and free of charge to all currently enrolled students. More information can be found here: https://www.unf.edu/brooks/counseling-center/
  • Helpful financial aid resources can be found here: https://www.unf.edu/onestop/finaid/.
• Insurance requirements. There are no specific insurance requirements for students enrolled in the undergraduate DPD/Nutrition program. However, automobile insurance must be purchased if a student owns a vehicle registered in Florida. See the website of the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for required coverage.
• Liability for safety in travel. The student assumes responsibility for safe travel to and from community service sites and field experiences. The University of North Florida Board of Trustees and the State of Florida assume no responsibility for any injury or damage arising from or in connection with the student transporting themselves and passenger(s). The University of North Florida does not provide collision or property/liability insurance coverage.
• Injury or illness while in a facility for service work or field experiences. The University of North Florida has not engaged medical personnel at community sites. Before site visits begin, course instructors provide an Acknowledgment Form with the general release for emergency medical treatment. Students will have the opportunity to grant permission to site representatives to authorize emergency medical treatment. The University of North Florida Board of Trustees and the State of Florida assume no responsibility for any injury or damage arising from or in connection with such emergency medical treatment. The student is responsible for the cost of any such emergency medical treatment. On-site injuries should immediately be reported to a site supervisor and the DPD/Nutrition Program Director.
• Drug testing and criminal background checks. Drug testing is not required. However, background checks may be required for volunteer and coursework experiences. Detailed instructions are provided to students at that time. Students pay for their background checks. The initial check includes fingerprints and is more expensive than the subsequent re-checks.
• Filing and handling complaints. By UNF policy, if a student has a grade appeal or other academic appeal, they should first appeal to the appropriate faculty member. If the student disagrees with the proposed resolution, they may appeal to the departmental chairperson. If a student has a program-related complaint regarding the accreditation standards, they may appeal directly to the departmental chairperson. If the student disagrees with the proposed resolution from the departmental chairperson, they may appeal to the college dean. If the student disagrees with the dean’s proposed resolution, they may appeal to the University Academic Appeals Committee. In the Academic Policies and Procedures section, detailed instructions regarding grade appeals and other academic appeals can be found in the most recent edition of the UNF Student Handbook. Suppose a student believes the resolution of their complaint was unsatisfactory after following the procedures outlined above. In that case, they may file a complaint with the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 1-800-877-1600, ext. 5400.
• Assessment of prior learning and credit toward program requirements. Student transcripts are evaluated by the UNF Enrollment Services and then reviewed by a Brooks College of Health advisor to determine whether transfer credit can be applied toward program requirements. If transferring credits, coursework completed more than ten years before matriculation may not be used to satisfy program requirements. In addition, transfer courses may not be used towards the DPD major/concentration requirements; any exception to this policy is at the program director’s discretion. The DPD/Nutrition Program does not accept prior work experience in lieu of required coursework. Additional information for transfer students can be found here: https://www.unf.edu/advising/BCH.html
• Formal assessment of student learning and reports of performance and progress. A variety of assessment methods are used to gauge student learning. Assessment methods are clearly outlined in the syllabus of each program course and include the unit and final examinations, quizzes, case studies, laboratory reports, research papers, presentations, and projects. In addition, the national ServSafe test is administered each year to senior nutrition students. The Brooks College of Health advisors tracks student progress through academic roadmaps and online degree evaluation tools. In addition, overall program completion times are tracked for all nutrition students.
• DPD retention and remediation procedures when student performance does not meet the criteria for progressing in the program. Any DPD/nutrition student with a semester GPA and cumulative GPA under 2.0 is placed on a probation contract. The contract outlines obstacles the student has faced, possible solutions, and resources and requires the student to meet with their academic advisor several times during the semester. The contracted student is typically referred to the nutrition program director for a meeting.
• Disciplinary/termination procedures. Students must maintain good academic standing, defined as undergraduate students with a current semester Grade Point Average (GPA) and a total institutional GPA of 2.0 or above.
• Academic probation. An undergraduate student who fails to maintain good academic standing after attempting a cumulative total of 12 or more credit hours will be placed on academic probation and referred to an academic advisor. Academic probation is a warning. Transcripts will reflect probations.
• Academic suspension and dismissal. Suppose the current semester and total institutional GPA fall below 2.0 at the end of a semester in which a student is on Academic Probation. In that case, the student will be eligible for suspension. If suspended, the student will be dropped from any course for which they are currently registered and denied the opportunity to re-enroll. A suspended student who desires to be re-admitted to the same major field as when last enrolled may do so upon the written recommendation of the advisor, the department chair, and/or departmental committee designated by the department and college in which the student was last enrolled at the time they were suspended. The dean may deny a student's continued registration in the department. A student who is suspended from a degree program at UNF who wishes to be re-admitted into another UNF degree program must have the re-admission approved by the appropriate advisor, the department chair, or the departmental committee of both programs.
• Graduation and/or DPD completion requirements. To complete the 120 credit hour DPD/Nutrition Program, earn the B.S. degree, and obtain a Verification Statement, the student must complete all program courses with a grade of C or higher in each class and an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• Verification statements. To receive the DPD Verification Statement, students must meet the graduation/DPD completion requirements above AND achieve all ACEND-required knowledge requirements (KRDNs). The KRDNs are listed in the associated DPD classes where they are met. Six original verification statements are mailed to program graduates approximately four weeks after graduation. Verification statements may also be sent electronically with a verified digital signature from the program director.
• Policy on Progression in the DPD/Nutrition Program. A grade lower than “C” in any other required nutrition program courses will prevent progression in the course sequence until the course is taken over and a grade of “C” or better is earned. This could delay graduation by one year or longer.
• Academic Integrity Code. Students are expected to honor the Academic Integrity Code. Academic misconduct shall consist of any attempt to misrepresent one’s performance on any exercise submitted for evaluation. The primary responsibility for ensuring adherence to the principle of academic integrity rests with students and faculty. Therefore, any infraction that comes to the attention of any person should be brought to the faculty member's attention to whose course it pertains. Violations of the code include, but are not limited to:
  • Cheating: Intentionally using, providing, obtaining, or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids, or other devices in any academic exercise. This definition includes unauthorized communication of information during an academic exercise.
  • Fabrication and falsification: Intentional and unauthorized alteration or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise. Falsification is a matter of altering information, while fabrication is a matter of inventing or counterfeiting information for use in an academic exercise.
  • Multiple submissions: Submitting any portion of the same academic work for credit more than once without authorization.
  • Plagiarism: Intentionally or knowingly presenting the work of another as one’s own (i.e., without proper acknowledgment of the source). The sole exception to the requirement of acknowledging sources is when the ideas, information, etc., are common knowledge.
  • Abuse of academic materials: Intentionally or knowingly destroying, stealing, or making inaccessible library or other academic resource materials.
  • Complicity in academic dishonesty: Assisting in any form to help another to commit an act of academic dishonesty.
  • Instructors may deploy various strategies to verify a student’s identity during online testing. These strategies may include a proctored exam, the use of a webcam, or the use of an online proctoring system such as Honorlock. Information regarding these strategies can be found in the respective course syllabus.

Possible Faculty Actions in Cases of Academic Misconduct.
Referral to the appropriate support service; Assignment of a grade reduction on an academic exercise; Assignment of a final letter grade/reduction for the course; Assignment of an unforgivable “F” for the class; Referral of the charges to the Dean/ Chairperson/ Director of the academic unit in which the student is enrolled with a recommendation for one or more of the following: temporary or permanent loss or use of a University facility, suspension from a College, Department, or program, expulsion from the University or referral to Student Affairs for a violation of the Student Conduct Code.

Where will you apply?

• Start researching programs early.
• You can search by program type and state at the following link. If you’re starting your search, leave all boxes unchecked and choose Florida as the state: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accredited-programs/program-directory. Next, consider admission requirements, cost, location, program length, etc.
• For more detailed information, visit the website of each program. See if they hold an open house and try to attend.
• Review the Applicant’s Guide to Supervised Practice for specific information on how programs rate their applicants, the number of applications received, etc. This guide is typically available mid-fall semester and is posted on the DPD Canvas course.

Get Organized:

• Start a folder for each internship program that interests you.
• Make notes about specific program requirements and deadlines.
• Almost all programs use the online application portal DICAS. If a program does not, you must obtain application instructions from their website or program director.
• If the internship is combined with a graduate degree, check if there are separate application instructions and earlier deadlines for the grad school.
• Be sure to check the internship program’s minimum requirements to see if you meet them.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE):

• Study for and take the GRE if required for programs you are interested in.
• When? The summer between junior and senior year is ideal.
• https://www.ets.org/gre

Dietetic Internship Central Application Service (DICAS):

• Create your account on the online application portal DICAS: https://dicas.liaisoncas.com. You’ll use the DICAS portal to complete your application; upload your resume and personal statement; enter the names and email addresses of your recommendation letter writers; enter colleges attended, courses taken, and grades; and request required documents. There is no limit to the number of programs you can apply to.
• You’ll designate the programs you’re applying to and pay the application fee on a different portal, D&D Digital. You can access D&D Digital here: https://www.dnddigital.com/

Experiences and Resume:

• You’ll need a well-written resume to upload on DICAS as part of the application packet and to give to the people who write your recommendation letters.
• Focus mainly on knowledge, skills, and action rather than duties performed. Highlight in detail experiences at healthcare facilities and those involving community education, research, food service management, or leadership skills.
• Your resume and/or portfolio should be concise and grammatically perfect.

Reference Letters:

• Who will write a letter for you?
• Typically, it’s two faculty members and one work supervisor, but follow the instructions on DICAS.
• Choose people who know you well enough to write a favorable letter.
• Meet with your top choices early in the semester to ask if they will write a letter and, if so, what materials they need from you.
• Allow the letter writers at least six weeks or longer.
• The letters will be submitted online, but you will first provide DICAS with your letter writers' names and contact information.

Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree Form or Verification Form:

• If you are a current student, you will complete a Declaration of Intent Form listing your Spring/Summer courses and give it to the program director. This will be provided to you.
• On the DICAS portal, you’ll request either a Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree (current students will use this) or a Verification Statement (alums will use this). Be sure you select the correct form.
• Enter the program director’s name and email address on DICAS, and they will verify the appropriate form.

Transcripts:

• Follow the instructions on DICAS. You will print a Transcript Request Form for each college attended. You will request an official transcript for each college/university attended to be sent directly to DICAS along with the Transcript Request Form. Get started on this early!

Personal Statement:

• Practice writing your essay to sharpen your technique. Read it out loud!
• Follow the instructions on DICAS regarding the specific information to include. The suggested length is 1000 words. However, programs may vary in terms of requirements.
• Customize your personal statement for each internship to highlight any particular skills or experience you have that would be desirable for that particular program.

D&D Digital:

• Each applicant must register for matching with D&D Digital and pay the registration fee.
  • D&D Digital is where you register for the dietetic internship (DI) match. This allows you to create, edit, and verify the priorities for your choices of internships you are applying to.
• Register at: http://www.dnddigital.com/
• When asked, please make your match results available to the UNF DPD director. We must track our students/alums for five years, and this information must be available. Thank you!