Quick Reference

Mission & Vision - This page states the mission of the School of Health Sciences and the vision of our faculty.

Student Academic Support Services - From academic advising and computing resources to library facilities and campus security, this page describes a variety of services available to School of Health Sciences students.

Student Affairs - The M. D. Anderson Student Affairs Office serves students in all programs of the School of Health Sciences, including students at distant clinical training sites. The Student Affairs website is packed with essential information for all M. D. Anderson students.

Student Life - This page summarizes activities and resources -- including student government, Office of International Affairs, UTHSC-H Recreation Center and more -- available to School of Health Sciences students.

Mission & Vision

Mission

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Sciences, in concert with the mission and visions of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, is committed to the education of health care professionals, through formal academic programs that award institutional certificates and degrees in health sciences.

Vision

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Sciences faculty is committed to:

Setting the standard for world class didactic and clinical instruction necessary for program graduates to perform procedures within a specialty area, to integrate and relate clinical data, and to solve problems related to the production of clinical results

Meeting the current and future needs of health science professions by developing and implementing formal academic didactic and clinical education programs incorporating state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment techniques

Developing, understanding and appreciating research and quality management programs; providing the skills necessary to establish quality control measures and to make appropriate decisions to maintain accuracy and precision

Instilling a professional code of conduct related to patients, health care professionals and the public that demonstrates the highest regard for human dignity and life

Identifying the value of lifelong learning of students and graduates through continued education and professional competence

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Student Academic Support Services

Academic Advising

Program directors and education coordinators of the School of Health Sciences assist students with course selection, academic program planning, and curriculum-related advising in general. All students in the school are scheduled for a one-hour session with their faculty advisor each semester. The objective of the advising session is to assist the student in developing intellectual potential and to explore educational opportunities and career goals. Many other faculty and staff in the campus community also contribute to the advising process.

Computing Resources

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center campus provides an extensive array of computing and networking resources to support instructional, research and administrative computing. Computer hardware, software, user support services, and an extensive computer network are combined to provide one of the finest and most sophisticated computing environments of any educational and research institution in the nation.

The centralized computer resources are managed by the Management Information Systems (MIS) department, which provides the oversight of new or procured enterprise-wide information systems and software applications for M. D. Anderson. A top-notched staff works to produce technology solutions for the entire campus based on the synergy of technical and clinical talents. Staff members from MIS come from an assortment of clinical, business and information technology backgrounds and they provide a wide range of expertise and experience.

Counseling

Student counseling is available to all students in the School of Health Sciences. Academic counseling is provided by the program directors, education coordinators and the Dean. In counseling the focus is on assisting the students with developing academic, career choice, and personal skills; understanding themselves and their concerns; and making decisions and changes they feel are best for them. The confidential nature of counseling sessions is respected, to the limits provided by law, and no record of a student’s visit is made on an academic transcript or in a placement file. Professional counseling involving personal matters is available to all students through M. D. Anderson's Employee Assistance Program.

Health Services

Medical services for the students attending the School of Health Sciences are provided at The University of Texas Student Health Services Clinic by Student Health physicians who are staff physicians board certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Students are required to pay an annual Student Health Fee, and with this fee they can access health care in the clinic and see a nurse or physician at no charge for minimal or limited/minor problems.

The hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for official university holidays. Appointments are available by calling (713) 500-5171. For more information, see Student Health Services.

Human Resources

The Human Resources Department plays a strong support role in making the lives of the School of Health Sciences students the best they can be. With more than 14,000 employees, M. D. Anderson can offer students a huge variety of services. Together faculty and staff -- who are dedicated to the core values of Caring, Integrity and Discovery -- provide services such as:

• Police security
• Custodial services
• Lawn maintenance
• Clerical services
• Food service
• Computer support
• Parking services
• Health services
• Printing services
• Mail services
• Administration
• Human resources
• Meeting planning
• Road repair
• Media relations
• Publications,
• Building maintenance
• All research and teaching support functions

The professionals in Human Resources are also available to provide students with the best access to job opportunities. For more information, see Job Search Assistance.

Library Facilities

The Research Medical Library at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is located in the Texas Medical Center in the Percy and Ruth Leggett Jones Research Building, facing M. D. Anderson Blvd. During most hours of the week, direct access to the building is controlled. Persons without key cards must come in through either the hospital entrance or the clinic entrance. Greeters, concierges, security guards, and posted building maps can provide directions from the entrances.

The School of Health Sciences students are introduced to the Research Medical Library through a library orientation session scheduled at the beginning of the academic year. At that time direct access is given to students via the student badge.

All M. D. Anderson Cancer Center students, regardless of location, can use ILLiad (the online document ordering and delivery system) to place requests for the following:

• Journal articles (more than 4,000 available)

• Books

• Meeting abstracts

• Other items not available online from the Research Medical Library

• or the HAM-TMC (Jones) Library

• Items from the Research Medical Library’s print collection, including journal articles, book chapters, and books

The Library uses a remote access system called EZProxy. EZProxy is specifically designed for libraries and requires no special software on the part of the user. All that is needed is a standard web browser and a connection to the Internet. Off-site students have access to the online journals and library services through this system.

Hours of operation

• Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

• Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Useful numbers

• Telephone: (713) 792-2282

• Fax: (713) 563-3650

University Police

The University of Texas at Houston Police Department (UT Police) provides law enforcement and community services to the UT Health Science Center at Houston and M. D. Anderson Cancer Center institutions.

The UT Police Department consists of more than 330 professionals working together to proactively provide a safe environment for all patients, visitors, students, employees and staff. They were the first university police agency in Texas to be fully accredited through the Commission for Accreditation on Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). They use a pro-active approach which includes police officers on foot, bicycle and mobile patrols, along with a wide range of police community services and the use of electronic security components. Most importantly, the University of Texas Police rely on working together with the university community for a safer environment.

At the student orientation, the students are provided with pertinent information regarding crime prevention:

UT Police Crime Prevention (713) 563-7794

• Programs (prevention of robbery, office theft, sexual assault, identify theft and more)

• Brochures and other personal safety literature

• Standards manual

• Crime statistics and crime trend analysis information

• Surveys of areas to identify crime risks

The UT Police also serve students through field operations and technical support:

UT Police Field Operations (713) 792-2890 or (713) 792-HELP(4357)

• Report suspicious activity, a crime in progress or request emergency assistance

• Personal Safety Transportation Service for a ride to your vehicle within the Texas Medical Center area any time after dark

• Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) for vehicle unlocks and battery jumps

• Extra patrol of areas for employees, staff or students working late hours

• Lost and found property

UT Police Technical Services (713) 563-2143

• Install, repair and maintain the electronic security system including card readers, duress alarms, alarm keypads, cameras and time delay locks

• Management of the electronic security system database and infrastructure

• Design and cost estimates for electronic security system components

• Use of the UT Identification Badge with the electronic security system

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Student Affairs

Mission Statement

The Student Affairs Office (SAO) supports faculty and students at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Sciences and The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The SAO coordinates a rich blend of substantial resources to ensure that all students receive a broad education that is supplemented and enriched by excellent support services, advanced career development opportunities, a safe and harassment-free environment and a commitment to fair and equitable student policies. Students have the opportunity to be trained among a vast array of educational trainees, which can enhance their extra-curricular learning experiences, and they also benefit from the unique opportunity to gain their education at one of the preeminent cancer centers, under the guidance of faculty from the largest medical center in the world.

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Student Affairs Office serves students in all programs of the School of Health Sciences, including students in Distant Clinical Training Sites.

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Student Life

Office of International Affairs

The university is proud to have a large and active international student body. These students are served by the Office of International Affairs, which strives to create an atmosphere conducive to meaningful intercultural experiences for all students.

Among the services the office provides are:

• Counseling

• Orientation

• Application of immigration procedures

• Social activities

The office is located on the street level in the University Center Tower - Suite 130, 7000 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030.

The telephone number is (713) 500-3176, and the fax number is (713) 500-3189.

For more information contact: Ms. Rachel Childs (Rachel.Childs@uth.tmc.edu)

Recreation Center

The UTHSC-H Recreation Center offers a wide variety of facilities, equipment, and programs designed for health and fitness, as well as for fun and relaxation. Membership is open to all UT students, faculty, staff and families and affiliates, including Texas Medical Center institutions and UT Alumni.

The mission of the Recreation Center is to provide facilities, programs and activities that contribute to the improvement and enhancement of the quality of life for our members. A wide variety of activities are offered for your participation. For more information, see Student Wellness.

Hours of operation

• Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

• Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Student Activities

The following student-centered events are available to students of the School of Health Sciences:

Student Interview Sessions
Held each year during the admissions season
Tours are held on different intervals and are intended to provide prospective students with an opportunity to visit the treatment facilities and clinical laboratories at M. D. Anderson. During this period the prospective students for the School of Health Sciences meet with SHS faculty, current students, SHS administrators, and other prospective students.

Student Orientation
Held the first two days before classes begin each Fall semester
Orientation is primarily an academic event designed to provide:

• A wealth of information regarding SHS policies and academics

• An opportunity for incoming students to meet with each other and with current students

• Information on services available to students from different aspects of the UT System

Student Congress Meetings
Held the first Tuesday of the Fall semester to select:

• Student Congress Officers

• Representatives to the UT System Student Advisory Council

• Representatives to the Texas Medical Center Student Advisory Council

The Congress continues to meet monthly throughout the academic year to:

• Consider student concerns or issues

• Hear reports from the Student Advisory Councils

• Plan student participation in community outreach projects

Dean's Reception
Held near the beginning of the Fall semester
At this lunch new students meet with each other and SHS faculty as they dine in a more formal environment.

Scholarship Award Luncheon
Held at the beginning of the Fall semester
This luncheon is designed to honor the students who are awarded the various School of Health Sciences scholarships.

United to Serve
Scheduled annually to coincide with National Volunteer Week
This joint system-wide event takes place with the combined efforts of students, faculty and administrators.

Dean-Student Leadership Luncheon
Held each semester
The Dean meets with the student leadership to discuss student issues. During an informal lunch students are given an opportunity to bring their concerns before the Dean.

Minority Faculty Association Banquet
Held once during the academic year
This event recognizes outstanding minority students in the System components. Honorees receive a prestigious scholarship award.

Commencement
Held each year on the third Friday of August
Commencement involves not only the academic ceremony but also a reception at which graduates and their families can meet with SHS faculty and administrators.

Student Government

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Sciences Student Congress is an elected student body designed to represent all program disciplines in the School of Health Sciences (SHS). More information

The Student Congress elects students to represent the School of Health Sciences as follows:

UT System Student Advisory Council
Two student representatives to the UT System
The Advisory Council meets three times a year. The Council provides input to the UT System Board of Regents working through and with the Chancellor and UT System Administration on issues of student concern.

Texas Medical Center Student Advisory Council
Two student representatives to serve on the TMC Advisory Council
This council meets five times a year to provide input to Texas Medical Center representatives on better ways for the TMC to serve students during their academic tenure.

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