OT 530 FOUNDATIONS OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Course Syllabus - Emily Francisco, OTD, OTR/L

Term
Spring 2025
Section
M1
Course Delivery
ln person­[FTF]
Class Program

OT 530:

Credits 3
Description

Foundations of Occupational Therapy reviews the history of OT practice and explores the current use of philosophies, theories, models, and frames of reference. Students are introduced to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework and educated on the occupational therapy process, approaches to intervention, and the domains of practice. Students define and begin to explore concepts related to therapeutic use of self, client centered practice, occupational profiles, and activity analysis.

Meeting Times, Location, & Course Delivery Details

Meeting Days:
Monday
Meeting Times:
9:00am-12:00pm
Location:
CSS 10A

Contact Information

Instructor:
Emily Francisco, OTD, OTR/L
Instructor Email:
emily.francisco@wilmington.edu
Office Location:
CSS 017
Phone Number
937.481.2230
Office Hours:
By Appointment
Course Learning Outcomes

Upon Successful completion of this course.. 

OT 530 Foundations of Occupational Therapy

B.2.1 Apply, analyze, and evaluate scientific evidence, theories, models of practice, and frames of reference that underlie the practice of occupational therapy to guide and inform interventions for persons, groups, and populations in a variety of practice contexts and environments.

B.2.2 Analyze and evaluate occupational therapy history, philosophical base, theory, and sociopolitical climate and their importance in meeting society’s current and future occupational needs as well as how these factors influence and are influenced by practice.

B.2.3 Apply, analyze, and evaluate the interaction of occupation and activity, including areas of occupation, performance skills, performance patterns, context, and client factors.

B.2.7 Demonstrate activity analysis in areas of occupation, performance skills, performance patterns, context, and client factors to formulate the intervention plan.

Course Materials

Required: 

Gillen, G., & Brown C. (2023). Willard and Spackman’s Occupational Therapy (14th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health. 
ISBN: 978-1-9751-7488-0

 
***The following text, Occupational therapy practice framework, can be electronically downloaded for free for AOTA members*** We will find this text together in class.


American Occupational Therapy Association (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.) America Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2), 7412410010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001 

Instructor's Course Objectives

Occupational Therapy Program Mission: The mission of the Occupational Therapy program at Wilmington College is to prepare exceptional occupational therapy professionals that recognize and respond to the unique needs of rural communities with a focus on evidence and occupational-based practices that are client centered.

Upon completion of the Occupational Therapy program, students will...

Use critical reasoning to recognize health care needs, especially those in rural contexts, and provide evidence-based occupational therapy services to a variety of populations employing a variety of service delivery models, in different health care settings, and within community-based systems.

Provide services within a client-centered, occupational-based theoretical foundation with consideration of the underlying factors including, but not limited to, the culture and contexts that influence the individual’s ability to engage in meaningful occupational tasks and roles.

Clearly articulate, document, and apply professional principles and ethics, in advocacy of the client’s and family’s needs, as well as the needs of the OT profession.

Provide direct and indirect services to promote and sustain health, facilitate typical growth and development, prevent deficits, and maintain, restore, or enhance function through compensation, adaptation, and participation in appropriate therapeutic methods, environmental modifications, use of adaptive equipment, and assistive technologies to enhance meaningful occupational engagement.

Demonstrate the ability to manage and evaluate the efficacy of occupational therapy services including client care outcomes, departmental operations, documentation and reimbursement, and the supervision of appropriate personnel, including fieldwork students, within the guidelines of professional practice.

Initiate and participate in collaborative and cooperative interactions with intra-disciplinary and interdisciplinary professionals, clients, families, significant others, and caregivers to achieve the desired occupational therapy outcomes.

Relationship to Curriculum Design and Themes  

The Wilmington College Occupational Therapy Program has a rural focus with three themes woven throughout the curriculum. The three themes reflect aspects of current occupational therapy practice and care and are as follows:

Evidence-Based Practice

Occupation-Based Practice

Client-Centered Care

Course Schedule

Week 1 

Topics

Assignments

Jan. 5 – Jan. 9

 

Orientation Day

 

Week 2

Topics

Assignments

Jan. 12 – Jan. 16

Lecture: 

  • What is Occupation?

  • History of Occupation Therapy

  • Introduction to OTPF 4

  • OTPF 4 Domains (Occupations, Context)

  • Persons, Groups, and Populations Intro.

 

In Class Activity:

  • Download OTPF 4

Readings: OTPF 4 Pg. 1-11, & Pg. 30-40 

 

Willard and Spackman Ch. 1, 2, & 24

 

Assignments:

In Class Assignment #1 Due by end of Class 1/6: Elevator Speech

 

Week 3

Topics

Assignments

Jan. 19 – 23  

 

MLK Day Jan. 19

 

 

*No Class MLK Day*

Week 4

Topics

Assignments

Jan. 26 – Jan. 30 

Lecture: 

  • Persons, Groups, and Populations Intro.

  • OTPF 4 Domains (Performance Patterns, Performance Skills)

In Class Activity:

  • OTPF Deep Dive

Readings: OTPF 4 Pg. 12-15 & Pg. 41-50

 

Willard and Spackman Ch. 13

 

Assignments:

Quiz #1 in Class

Week 5

Topics

Assignments

Feb. 2 – Feb. 6 

Lecture:

  • OTPF 4 Domains (Client Factors)

  • OT Process

 

In Class Activity: 

  • OTPF Deep Dive

Readings: OTPF 4 Pg. 15- 28 & Pg. 51-54

 

Willard and Spackman Ch. 18, 53, & 59

 

Assignments:

Quiz #2 in class

Week 6

Topics

Assignments

Feb. 9 – Feb. 13

Lecture:

  • Approaches to intervention

 

In Class Activity: 

  • Concept Map

 

Readings: OTPF 4 Pg. 63-64

 

Assignments:

In Class Assignment #2 Due by end of class: Intervention Approach Concept Map

 

Quiz #3 in Class

Week 7

Topics

Assignments

Feb. 16 – Feb. 20

Lecture:

  • Therapeutic Use of Self and Ethical Practice

  • The Client and Family

  • Occupational Profile

 

In Class Activity: 

  • Life Story Interview

  • Midterm Review

Readings: OTPF 4 Pg. 20 Therapeutic Use of Self

Willard and Spackman Ch. 28

 

Assignments:

Discussion Post #1 Due 2/22 @ 11:59pm: Therapeutic Use of Self

 

Assign History and Philosophical OT Timeline

Week 8

Topics

Assignments

MIDTERM WEEK

Feb. 23-27

 

 

 

Midterm Week

Week 9

Topics

Assignments

Mar. 2 – Mar. 6  

  

 

Lecture:

  • The Philosophy of Occupational Therapy 

  • Occupational Science

  • Review OT History

 

In Class Activity: 

  • Why OT Video

Readings: Willard and Spackman Ch. 3 & 9

 

Assignments:

In Class Assignment #3 Due by End of Class: OT Video 

 

 

 

Mar. 9 – Mar. 13 

 

 

SPRING BREAK

 

 

Week 10

Topics

Assignments

Mar. 16 – Mar. 20

Lecture:

  • Theories, Models, and Frames of Reference

 

In Class Activity: 

 

Readings: Willard and Spackman Ch. 34, & 35

 

Assignments:

History and Philosophical OT Timeline Due 3/20 @ 11:59pm

 

Quiz #4 in class

 

Assign OT Models Compare and Contrast Paper

Week 11

Topics

Assignments

Mar. 23 – Mar. 27

Lecture:

  • Theories, Models, and Frames of Reference

 

In Class Activity: 

  • Frame of Reference Matrix

Readings: Willard and Spackman Ch. 36, 37, & 39

 

Assignments:

Discussion Post #2 Due 3/27 @ 11:59pm: Theory Development

Week 12

Topics

Assignments

Mar. 30 – Apr. 3

 

Good Friday Holiday April 3rd

Lecture: 

  • Occupational Health vs. Occupational Dysfunction

  • Persons, Groups, and Populations

 

In Class Activity: 

  • The Wheel of Life Activity

Readings: Willard and Spackman Ch. 8 & 12

 

OTPF 4 Pg. 29 & 35

 

Assignments:

OT Models Compare and Contrast Assignment Due 3/30 @ 11:59pm

Week 13

 

 

Apr. 6 – Apr. 10

Lecture:

  • Activity Analysis

 

In Class Activity: 

  • Questions on Activity Analysis Project

  • Choose Occupation for Project

Readings: Willard and Spackman Ch. 43

 

Assignments:

Quiz #5 in class

 

Assign Activity Analysis

Week 14

Topics

Assignments

Apr. 13 – Apr. 17 

Lecture:

 

In Class Activity: 

  • Present Activity Analysis Projects

Readings: 

 

Assignments:

Activity Analysis Due 4/13 @ 9am, Presentations in Class

Week 15

Topics

Assignments

Apr. 20 – Apr. 24

Apr. 24th Last Day of Classes

Lecture:

  • Content Review and Wrap-up

 

In Class Activity: 

  • Updated Elevator Speech

Readings: 

 

Assignments:

In Class Assignment #4 Due by End of Class: Updated Elevator Speech

Week 16

 

 

Apr. 27 – May 1

 

FINALS WEEK 

 

 

Tentative Schedule

Subject to change during the semester. Adequate notice of changes will be given.

Course Assignments

Assignment Descriptions  

Assignment  

B Standard Addressed  

Description  

Discussion Post x2

 B2.1

Students will complete two discussion posts in the semester to express their understanding of the occupational therapy process, theories, FOR, & Activity Analysis.

In-Class Assignments or Quizzes

 

Students will complete in class assignments or quizzes throughout the semester to demonstrate understanding of the reading material or taught course content.

Activity Analysis

B2.7, B2.3

Assignment Description: 

  • Step 1: Students will choose an occupation and will outline the steps (from start to finish) required to execute the task on an Activity Analysis Worksheet. Students will use the OTPF to identify the performance patterns, skills, and contexts in which the occupation is typically performed in a person without an injury, illness, or disability. 

  • Step 2: Students will teach the task to a peer using the exact wording on their outline. 

  • Step 3: After teaching the task to a peer, the students will make revisions to their outline in order to clarify misconceptions or missing steps. 

  • Step 4: Students will reflect on their experience by providing a summary of Step 1, 2, 3 and will discuss how occupation could be graded or adapted for a client with an injury, illness, or disability.

OT Models Compare and Contrast Assignment

B2.1

Students will compare and contrast different occupational therapy models and frames of reference. Students will explain how the services provided to a client could look different depending on the model and frame of reference selected. Students will find a research article in support of an intervention for each frame of reference discussed in the paper. Students will select the model/FOR/tx. intervention they would choose if they were the occupational therapist providing services and will explain why they made their selection.

History and Philosophical OT Timeline

B2.2

Students will analyze OT history, philosophy, theory, and political climate by creating a visual timeline. Students will then write a one-page reflection connecting the concepts to how they influence occupational therapy practice in the future and in the present day.

Midterm

 

Students will complete a multiple-choice exam to demonstrate their understanding of content presented up through week eight of the semester.

Final

 

Students will complete a multiple-choice exam to demonstrate their understanding of content presented throughout the sixteen-week semester. 

***Please note: A minimum of a “B” is required to pass a class in Occupational Therapy. If the student does not receive a minimum of a “B” in the course, he/she will have one opportunity to re-take the course and pass it when it is offered in the next year to continue to progress through the program. Two failures may result in dismissal.

Class assignments are designed to ensure that students are building the skills needed to become competent, entry-level practitioners by graduation. Each class uses a variety of evaluation methods to meet diverse student learning styles.  Students are expected to fully prepare for each class and meet all assigned due dates. Late submissions are not permitted. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion.  

Course Final Exam
Any midterm or final assessment CANNOT be rescheduled for an unexcused absence. Time allotted for exams and quizzes will vary between courses. In general, students are allowed two hours for examinations and thirty minutes for quizzes.
Evaluation of Work

The grading scale will be as follows:

Assignment

Course Grade

Letter Grade Equivalents:

Discussion Post x2

5%

A = 90-100

B = 80-89

F = 0-79

 

In-Class Assignments or Quizzes

10%

Activity Analysis

15%

OT Models Compare and Contrast Assignment

15%

History and Philosophical OT Timeline

15%

Midterm

20%

Final

20% 

Methods of Evaluation: Check all that apply  

Case Study

 

Presentation

X

Exams

X

Demonstration

 

Group Projects

 

Individual Project

X

Assignments/Papers

X

Essay Test

 

EBP Literature Analysis

X

Objective Test/Quiz

X

Lab Performance/Competency

 

Lab Practical

 

Journaling

 

Participation/In-Class Activities 

X

Fieldwork Performance Evaluation

 

Other: 

 

 

Methods of Instruction: Check all that apply 

Case Analysis

 

Role Play

 

Roundtable Discussion

 

Clinical Simulations

 

Discussion Questioning/Interviewing

X

Community Integration Experience

 

Experiential Learning

 

Multimedia Activities

X

Fieldwork Experience

 

Other

X

Group Presentation

 

 

 

Lecture

X

 

 

Lab Activities 

 

 

 

Out-of-Class Work Expectation 

A minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class student work is expected for each hour of in-class time for traditional face-to-face courses. For online and hybrid courses, the combination of face-to-face time and out-of-class work should be equal to 3 hours per credit hour per week. 

Instructor Course Policies

Instructor's Course Attendance Policy

Daily Participation is a key part of this course and students are expected to attend all programmed portions of the course.  Students are encouraged to communicate with the instructor before class time if any issue arises that may interfere with their ability to participate or require them to step out of the class during unscheduled breaks. Active participation in all daily discussion, community outings, and class/laboratory experiences in this course will be noted by instructors during each session.  Students deemed to be disinterested, unengaged, or otherwise occupied, will not receive participation points at the discretion of the instructor with no recourse on the part of the student.  Students should arrive prepared for class to discuss, answer questions, and participate in all class lectures, meeting times and activities.  Students should make every effort to use the bathroom during scheduled breaks offered approximately once per hour during instruction.  If a student leaves the class at other times, it is their responsibility to communicate to the instructor ahead of time of an issue that my prevent them from sitting in class for approximately 60 minutes.  Any student who is not engaged in the class, completing other activities not related to the course or the assigned activity, or completing assignments such as studying for another course will be asked to leave the class.  Absence, tardiness, and participation points can all be affected by each incident. 

Course Policies

Absences & Tardiness

It is an expectation that students will attend and fully participate in all classes and fieldwork assignments. Students at the master’s level are adults and are held accountable for their actions and behavior. Even the most reliable student can have an emergency occur (see absence policy). In the case of absence from fieldwork, both the fieldwork supervisor and the fieldwork coordinator must be notified. 

*Free medical and mental health services are available from the Wilmington College Health and Wellness Center. The Health and Wellness Center can be utilized to obtain a medical note (937)-481-2217. 

Absences 

Instructors reserve the right to determine whether an absence is excused or unexcused. Absences result in 1% off the overall final grade each day the student is absent (e.g., If a student is absent 4 days over the semester, 4% of the overall final grade is deducted resulting in an overall course grade of 96% vs. 100%. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion. 

Excused Absences 

An excused absence is defined as a student’s unexpected illness/health with a medical note, bereavement for immediate family (e.g., spouse, children, grandparents, grandchildren, parents, siblings), or an unexpected life event (e.g., emergencies, hospitalizations, and legal obligations). An excused absence will result in the student’s ability to make-up assigned in-class work & assignments and submit within two days for full credit. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion. 

Unexcused Absences 

An unexcused absence is defined as 1.) birthdays, 2.) holidays that are not approved on the Wilmington College graduate calendar, 3.) weddings, 4.) vacations/trips, 5.) absence due to illness without a medical note, or 6.) work. Unexcused absences will result in a student’s inability to submit assigned in-class work on the day of absence. Regular assignments (those that are not completed in-class), and that are due for submission on the same day that a student is absent, MUST be turned in by the due date regardless of whether the student is present for class to avoid a zero grade.  

In the case of ALL absences, whether excused or unexcused, you are expected to contact your instructor to get information and materials missed. 

*If a student has unexcused absences of 3 or more days for any single course, they can be considered for failure of the course and possible dismissal from the program. 

Tardiness

Students are expected to arrive to class or learning session on time including arriving on time after a break in class or learning session. After one late arrival, the instructor contacts the student if the student did not communicate ahead of time regarding the late arrival. Upon the second late arrival, whether excused or unexcused, the instructor notifies the student’s faculty advisor to request the development of an action plan to prevent further occurrences. The student is responsible for any missed material and assignments resulting from tardiness. Failing to notify the instructor of tardiness or absence before class starts, or consistent tardiness may impact your overall grade.   

Tardiness over five minutes will result in 1% off the overall final grade each day the student is tardy. (e.g.,If a student is tardy 4 days over the semester, 4% of the overall final grade is deducted resulting in an overall course grade of 96% vs. 100%. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion.   

Instructor's Academic Integrity Policy

Academic Misconduct 

See the Graduate Catalog and OT student handbook for additional policies in dealing with academic misconduct charges. 

Academic misconduct may result in a failing grade, and a letter regarding the incident may be placed in the student’s permanent file in the Office of Academic Affairs. Academic misconduct includes all types of scholastic dishonesty and includes, but is not limited to, cheating on examinations or assignments, interfering with another student’s work, representing work done by another as your own, and plagiarizing.    

Scholastic Dishonesty   

Academic misconduct/scholastic dishonesty may result in a failing grade, and a letter regarding the incident may be placed in the student’s permanent file in the Office of Academic Affairs. Academic misconduct includes all types of scholastic dishonesty and includes, but is not limited to, cheating on examinations or assignments, interfering with another student’s work, representing work done by another as your own, and plagiarizing.  

Resources are available to help students understand how to avoid plagiarism. Faculty may require students to submit their written assignments through plagiarism software prior to submission. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for help if needed. See the college catalogue and website for further information. 

Any student who commits an act of academic misconduct/scholastic dishonesty is subject to discipline that can result in dismissal from the program (refer to the Probation & Suspension policies in the OT Student Handbook and Graduate Catalog). Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable to another person. 

Artificial Intelligence   

Using AI-generated text or images without proper citation is academic dishonesty. Wilmington College defines plagiarism as “submitting work done wholly or partly by another,” and that remains true even if the other is an AI model and not another student or author of a published article. You are not permitted to use generative AI tools for any work in courses. This includes the use of popular tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, GitHub Co-Pilot, as well as all other tools built on generative AI technologies UNLESS EXPRESSLY PERMITTED BY THE INSTRUCTOR. Due to the nature of this program, work can only be fairly and accurately evaluated if student writing has NOT been assisted by generative AI. Use of generative AI for assignments in this course will be considered a violation of the College’s academic integrity policies. Assigned reading and corresponding written assignments in this program are designed to develop independent skills and thoughtful perspective through reflective technical writing. Use of AI undermines that work, its purpose, and ultimately any benefit that it could provide towards students’ learning experience. Therefore, the use of any generative AI to help with any assignments will be considered cheating/plagiarism and will be graded and handled accordingly.  

 

EXAMPLES OF ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

A. Examination offenses include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.Taking unauthorized materials into or out of the examination room.

2.Leaving the examination room without authorization before completing an examination.

3.Talking in the examination room without authorization.

4.Discussing the examination outside the examination room during the course of the examination.

5.Attempting to observe the work of another student.

6.Taking an examination for another person or permitting someone else to do so.

7.Collaborating improperly by discussion, joint research, or joint effort in any way expressly prohibited by the instructor. This includes using a cell phone or other device to access information from another source or another student.

8.Improper knowledge of contents of an examination - No student shall knowingly acquire unauthorized knowledge of an examination or any part of an examination, or solicit, offer, or give information about any part of an examination.

B. Student work offenses include, but are not limited to, the following, which are expressly prohibited in the absence of prior written approval of the instructor or instructors involved:

1.Resubmission of work - Submitting work which has been previously submitted for credit.

2. Plagiarism - Submitting work done wholly or partly by another, including the unattributed copying of all or parts of a published work or internet document. Using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) sources to produce work (when not expressly permitted) is also a form of plagiarism.  Some instances of plagiarism are the result of ignorance rather than dishonesty. When plagiarism is encountered, the instructor should be sure that the student knows proper procedures for attributing content.

3.Prohibited sources - Consulting material or persons contrary to the directions of the instructor.

4.Improper collaboration - Engaging in any discussion, joint research, or joint effort of any kind expressly prohibited by the instructor.

5.Deception - Misrepresenting the authenticity of sources, citations, or principles in any written work.

6. Sharing work – Students who share their work with others are responsible for how that work is used. For example, if a student shares a paper with another student to help him or her understand an assignment, and that student submits the work as their own, the author of the paper shares responsibility for the plagiarism committed by the other student.

D. Other misconduct - Engaging in any other improper conduct as specified by the instructor.

E. Lying – deliberately providing false information relevant to academic matters, such as misrepresenting the inability to take an examination because of illness.

F. Disruptive or disrespectful classroom behavior – causing a disturbance in the classroom, interrupting instruction, speaking rudely or threatening students or faculty.

Minimal Technical Standards

A student is expected to meet all standards as outlined on the MSOT program’s Minimum Technical Standards document. If a student is no longer able to meet these standards for any reason, the student is advised to contact the Director of Accessibility and Disability Services as soon as possible. The Accessibility and Disability Services office will provide written instructions for the type and extent of accommodations to meet the student’s need. The stipulations for accommodations will be provided directly from the Accessibility and Disability Services office to the appropriate instructors, per the policies and procedures of the Accessibility and Disability Services office. 

Assignments   

Class assignments are designed to ensure that students are building the skills needed to become competent, entry-level practitioners by graduation. Each class uses a variety of evaluation methods to meet diverse student learning styles.  Students are expected to be fully prepared for each class and meet all assigned due dates. Late submissions are generally NOT permitted. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion. 

Exams and Quizzes

Written Exams

Time allotted for exams and quizzes will vary between courses. In general, students are allowed one hour for multiple choice exams, 30 minutes for quizzes, and two hours for exams containing case studies, short answer items, or essay questions. Official time allotted for exams and quizzes is at the discretion of the individual instructor. 

Practical Exams

Time frames for practical exams and performance-based competencies given individually or in pairs are determined by the amount of content involved and the expectation of the demonstration, at the discretion of the instructor. 

Rescheduling Exams

Examinations must be given during the scheduled examination period at the end of each semester.  A student may take a final at a different time only if an emergency or a special circumstance at the time of the exam occurs. Students who think they have special reason to ask for a special examination should complete the Early/Late Exam Request form, take it to the instructor for approval, and have it countersigned by the Program Director.  No instructor is authorized to provide a special exam without this form. 

Any midterm or final assessment CANNOT be rescheduled for an unexcused absence. 

Professional Behaviors

Students are expected to be professional in all interactions associated with the school and program. Professional behavior is expected to be maintained in all classrooms and campus buildings, and when in the community for assigned class activities. Unprofessional behavior will be addressed immediately, and the student will be held accountable for immediate resolution of the issue.   

Behaviors which detract from students learning will not be tolerated. These behaviors include but are not limited to talking during class when an instructor or other student has the floor, attire that distracts from students learning, entering, and exiting during instruction, and incoming messages on electronic devices. 

Cell Phones 

All phones will be silenced and put away during class and only accessed during break times. If an emergency occurs and the professor is informed appropriately, an exception may be made. Faculty approval is required for any exceptions to cell phone and electronic device use and is at the discretion of the individual instructor.  

Dress Code

Students are expected to be always clean and neat. Students are expected to wear business casual dress shirts, polo shirts, or Wilmington College branded shirts, and dark or khaki casual pants or scrub pants. No jeans, spandex, or shorts are allowed without explicit permission from the course instructor. All clothing must be loose enough to allow free movement through all ranges, especially during lab activities. When participating in anatomy and kinesiology labs students may be asked to change into appropriate lab clothing as designated by instructors. Rubber-soled, close-toed shoes are required. No clogs, flipflops, or sandals are allowed. 

Jewelry, perfumes, and after shave scents must be kept to a minimum. When guest speakers or other visitors are present, students must wear their Wilmington College OT Student name tags. Pajamas or tank tops will not be permitted during class, including courses delivered in an online format.   

Electronic Devices 

The use of electronic devices (including headphones) during class or any instructional activity or session for personal communication, texting/chatting, private exploration, or any other purpose outside of the activities prescribed by the Professor for that session is not permitted. 

Food & Drink   

Any food must only be consumed in breaks, outside or in the student lounge. Students are allowed lidded drinking cups in the classroom. All students are responsible for their own clean up. All kitchen items must be washed and replaced immediately after use. Refrigerators must be emptied of all student items each Thursday before students can leave the building. The program is not responsible for items left in the department over weekends, holidays, or breaks. 

Online Netiquette   

Online communication can be challenging. It’s possible to miscommunicate what we mean or to misunderstand what our classmates mean given the lack of body language and immediate feedback. Therefore, please keep these netiquette (network etiquette) guidelines in mind. Failure to observe them may result in disciplinary action. 

  • Always consider audience. All communication should reflect polite consideration of other’s ideas. 

  • Respect and courtesy must be always provided to classmates and instructors. No harassment or inappropriate postings will be tolerated. 

  • When reacting to someone else’s message, address the ideas, not the person. Post only what anyone would comfortably state in a face-to-face situation. 

Physical Contact: 

Disclaimer: Due to the nature of occupational therapy practice, there may be physical contact with other classmates and instructors in order to fully comprehend and correctly perform specific evaluation and intervention techniques.  By reading this statement and signing the syllabus attestation, you agree to fully participate and accept the necessity for physical contact by instructors, guest speakers, and other classmates for professional and educational purposes.-Level Policy item 

Institutional Policies

ADA Policy

If you have a documented disability that requires accommodations, contact Spencer Izor, the Associate VP for Compliance: spencer.izor@wilmington.edu, 937-481-2365, or visit her office in College Hall, Room 306.” If it is a class in the Prison Education Program, refer them to the Site Coordinator rather than to Spencer.

Inclusive Learning   

Wilmington College is committed to actively pursuing justice and equity for all and in providing an inclusive learning environment that is healthy, safe, and designed to support the success of all participants in their educational pursuits. The CSS building and the occupational therapy department is equipped via ADA standards. 

Mode of Instructional Delivery: 

Face to Face Courses 

Wilmington College defines a Face-to-Face course as one which meets in a physical space on a regular weekly schedule. All students enrolled in a Face-to-Face course are expected to physically attend and participate in all class sessions. 

Out-of-Class Work Expectation 

A minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class student work is expected for each hour of in-class time for traditional face-to-face courses. For online and hybrid courses, the combination of face-to-face time and out-of-class work should be equal to 3 hours per credit hour per week. 

Graduate Education 

Student Syllabus Attestation

WILMINGTON COLLEGE MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM

Student Syllabus Attestation 

Course Name and Number: ___________________________________________________ 

Semester and Year: _________________________________ 

My signature verifies that I have received, read, and understand the policies as stated in the course syllabus. I agree to abide by the policies and expectations outlined for this course. 

Student Name: _______________________________________________________ 

Student Signature: ______________________________  Date: _______________  

Institutional and Program-Level Policies

Final Exam Schedule

All exams will follow the Final Exam Schedule. Students scheduled to take three or more final examinations on one day may request to arrange their examination schedule, so no more than two exams occur on one day.
Requests for early or late exams are considered only under extreme circumstances. Prior to the exam period, the student must file a written request on the Early/Late Exam Form available in the Student One Stop Center, Academic Records, and on the WC portal. The form must be signed by the Instructor and the Academic Dean, approving the alternate exam time. This process must be completed prior to the scheduled exam period.

Undergraduate:  SP25 Final Exam Schedule    Graduate: