Graduate Program Catalog 2012 - 2013 - AOMA Graduate School of ...

Student ServicesAOMA understands that intellectual growth, personalgrowth, and life balance are essential componentsof student development. AOMA students cultivatea network of support from their peers that beginswith the pre-admissions process and continuesafter graduation. As a result, AOMA graduates aresuccessful economically, socially, and personally.Student LifeThrough participation in organizations, events, and activities,students create the community that will support them bothduring school and throughout their practice. The formation of thiscommunity begins during new student orientation when studentsconnect with mentors, faculty, and fellow students and reflect ontheir journey into a new profession. Discussions of professionalism,resilience, and personal motivation encourage entering students toconsider their post-graduate goals, mission, and support networks.Social events throughout the year help AOMA students maintain balanceand continue social bonding. Many students take advantage of the naturalareas around Austin, using hiking, biking, and camping as a means tounwind. The AOMA Student Association works with the administration toplan appropriate and inclusive events for students. Recent events includea Chinese New Year celebration, Yin/Yang Movie Night, Halloweencostume party, panel discussion on organic food and farming, and tripsto professional conferences.Various resources are available to support the health of AOMAstudents. AOMA has contracted with a local counseling center toprovide students with quality, confidential, mental health servicesat a reduced rate. The program also offers couples counselingand family support services. The Student Intern Clinic offersreduced cost Oriental medical services to students and theirimmediate family members and AOMA provides students a listof organizations that offer health insurance at discounted rates.While AOMA does not offer student housing, it does providerelocation support for entering students.The academic experience of AOMA students culminates in acommencement ceremony held in September. Students donacademic regalia, receive encouragement and congratulationsfrom their professors, and hear words of wisdom from prominentmembers of the Texas and national health care communities. Thecelebration reinforces the connections they have made throughouttheir time at AOMA.AOMA Student AssociationThe AOMA Student Association, (ASA) is administered by studentselected annually by their peers and serves as the formal studentvoice in institutional governance. Student representatives leadthe student body in a number of ways. They provide directionand guidance for less-experienced students and act as liaisonsbetween administration and the student body. The ASA leadersparticipate in AOMA’s strategic planning retreats, contribute toAOMA’s ongoing self-study efforts, and represent the studentperspective in academic and curriculum review processes.The group’s primary focus is to address the concerns of currentstudents by bringing attention to and finding solutions forcircumstances that affect the experience of students. The ASAfosters community through social gatherings, providing snacksduring final exams, and the new student-current student mentorprogram. The ASA also supports the professional development ofits members, funding student representatives to attend nationalprofessional meetings, inviting speakers to campus, and organizingleadership training for its officers.2011-2012 ASA OfficersPresident: David TaylorVice President: Natalie VillarealTreasurer: Atalie LehrerSecretary: Jamie GeorgeChina Study TourAn exciting and unique opportunity for study abroad, the ChinaStudy Tour offers students and graduates an opportunity to learnfrom masters in the heart of the culture that gave birth to themedicine. This five week experience includes clinical and herbalstudies in a teaching hospital at Chengdu University of TraditionalChinese Medicine, tours of Beijing, and qigong and taiji practiceon Emei Mountain. Students are accompanied on the study tourby one of AOMA’s full-time faculty members and translators fromChengdu University. To be eligible, students must be in goodacademic standing – students on academic probation are noteligible to apply for the China Study Tour.Academic SupportAOMA provides academic support services to assist studentsin developing the skills and knowledge needed to achieveacademic success. Academic advisors orient new students to theprogram and curriculum and then meet with students each term,developing a detailed plan of study for each student. Academicadvisors also monitor students’ academic progress until graduation,referring students to academic and personal support resourceswhenever necessary.The office of the dean of students offers many academic supportservices at AOMA. The office provides space for tutoring andadvising and the dean of students organizes tutoring servicesfor current students in biomedical sciences, acupuncture, andChinese herbal medicine. Tutors are advanced students, or recent20