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Following ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« policies and the University's , the Division of Occupational Therapy has developed the following policies for students in the Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (EL-OTD) program.

EL-OTD students should become familiar with these policies and contact the program director with any questions. 

• Successful Academic Progression

  Students must successfully complete all EL-OTD coursework in the sequence and term indicated in the EL-OTD degree curriculum requirements for their respective years of matriculation into the program to ensure they complete all graduation requirements on time.

  1. Full-time students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher each term and an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. See ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ«'s Graduate School Manual for academic standing and progression requirements.
  2. Students may retake a graduate course for credit if they received a grade of B- or lower. This option requires approval from the EL-OTD program director, followed by approval from the Graduate School. A course may be repeated only once. Because tuition scholarships are merit-based, a tuition scholarship award does not cover repeated courses.
  3. With the EL-OTD program director's written approval, a student whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 may be enrolled subsequently on a probationary status. While on probation, the student must meet with the program director at the beginning of the new semester to review academic performance and progress toward a return to satisfactory standing.
  4. Students with a cumulative GPA below B average (3.0) are officially on "academic probation" and are expected to seek timely counseling from their faculty advisors to improve their performance to a satisfactory level.
  5. A leave of absence is granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as prolonged illness or other unusual personal hardship, and requires detailed justification. Students on leave are excused from the registration requirement during the leave period. Leaves are typically granted for 6 months. If necessary, an extension of another 6 months, for a total of up to 1 year, may be approved. Students beginning active military duty may be eligible for an exception to these time limits. If possible, requests for leaves of absence should be submitted 1 month before the semester for which the leave is requested. A student requesting a leave of absence must submit the Graduate School's Request for Leave of Absence form.
  6. An instructor may assign an Incomplete (I) when a student has done most of the coursework satisfactorily but has not completed the coursework due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control. The Incomplete grade option cannot be used to convert a failing grade or unsatisfactory work to a passing grade, nor can it be used to extend a project that has grown such that it cannot be completed within the course time frame. Completing projects that require more than the course time frame can be accomplished in other ways, such as independent study. It is not a grading option for entire classes or courses. If an instructor assigns an Incomplete, then according to University policy, the instructor is implicitly indicating availability and a commitment to assist that student with completion of the course beyond the usual timeframe, and doing so within the University's 6-month grace period (or sooner if the instructor or program establishes an earlier deadline).
  7. To progress to their Level II fieldwork experiences, students must be in good academic standing and have successfully completed all didactic courses. They must also meet minimum performance requirements related to professionalism and safety in all prior courses. Faculty will formally review all students to determine whether they are prepared to participate in full-time fieldwork experiences.
  8. Students must contact the OT academic fieldwork coordinator as soon as possible if they are concerned that they may not pass a fieldwork/clinical education experience. If corrective action is needed, the student will be provided with a remediation plan followed by ongoing verbal and written feedback and ongoing assessment of their progress. To pass their placement, the student must work with their clinical supervisor and academic fieldwork coordinator to improve their competency and progress at their clinical site.
  9. Students will be encouraged to review the NBCOT website and follow the instructions to prepare for the exam. Students may apply to take the NBCOT exam after all degree requirements are completed AND they have their ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« transcript indicating completion of the course of study to submit to NBCOT at the point of application. The Division of Occupational Therapy will host Therapy Ed (NBCOT Exam Prep) either on campus or virtually toward the end of the coursework, and students will be encouraged, but not required, to complete the Therapy Ed course at ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« or another campus that is more convenient.
• Academic Requirements (Grading System)

  The Division of Occupational Therapy within Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences adheres to the general grading system of the ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« Graduate School, which applies to all graduate-level courses across the University.

  Grades are on a letter scale: A through °ä– and F. For the purpose of computing term or cumulative averages, grading is computed as the chart below indicates:

  Number	Letter	Quality Point
  93–100	A	4.0
  90–92.99	A-	3.7
  87–89.99	B+	3.3
  83–86.99	B	3.0
  80–82.99	B-	2.7
  77–79.99	C+	2.3
  73–76.99	C	2.0
  70–72.99	C-	1.7
  <70	F	0.0

• Student Advisement and Academic Coaching  

  The EL-OTD program adheres to established standards requiring a structured process for student advisement conducted by faculty who are occupational therapy practitioners. The advisement process is designed to provide comprehensive support to students, ensuring they are well-prepared for entry into the profession and receive ongoing guidance throughout their academic journey.

  Advisors begin meeting with students at orientation and continue these sessions each semester. During each meeting, students complete a self-study that assesses their feelings of efficacy in areas such as studying, time management, note-taking, reading, memorization and test preparation. This self-study is reviewed with the advisor, who provides recommendations for improving performance in identified problem areas. After each meeting, the advisor completes an advisement summary form, which includes an overview of academic progress, conduct, discussions from the self-study and a plan for moving forward.

  Professional behavior is expected at all times in both the classroom and the clinical placement settings. Advisors review these expectations, strategizing improvements while also acknowledging areas of proficiency.

  During fieldwork experiences, advisors collaborate with students using the self-study and conduct assessment forms to promote academic success and professional conduct. If issues arise, the advisor works with the student to create an action plan. They also support student success in fieldwork placements by suggesting resources tailored to specific settings and facilitating reflective practices post-placement.

  For the doctoral capstone, advisors assist students in identifying interests that align with the program's mission and values, fostering collaboration between the student and an OT faculty mentor during the capstone's creation and planning stages.

• Supported Services Throughout Didactic, Fieldwork and Capstone Experiences

  EL-OTD students are assigned a faculty advisor by the OT program director for the duration of their studies. Faculty advisors offer personalized guidance and mentorship.

  In addition to faculty advising, Decker College's Division of Advising and Academic Excellence ensures that EL-OTD students have equitable access to support services and academic advising. Students are regularly informed about key resources, including financial aid, physical health services, academic support, mental health support and career development opportunities. Students are encouraged to utilize these resources for navigating their needs for academic progression.

  Students can contact the Division of Advising and Academic Excellence for assistance at any time at decker@binghamton.edu.

  ÑÇÖÞÇéɫ’s support network offers a wide range of services to ensure students receive holistic support throughout their time at the University. Well-being resources are published in the Division’s Entry-Level OTD Program Manual.

  Upon successful completion of all didactic coursework, students in the EL-OTD program must complete all Level II fieldwork (minimum 24 weeks full-time) and the doctoral capstone experience (minimum 14 weeks full-time) within 18 months. This timeline is in accordance with ACOTE standards and reflects best practices in professional health education. Extensions beyond 18 months may be considered only under documented, exceptional circumstances and must be approved by the Division of Occupational Therapy's Academic Review Committee.

  The total duration of the EL-OTD program from initial enrollment to degree conferral may not exceed 4.5 years.

• Graduation Requirements

  ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« degrees are conferred by the Office of Student Records and Registrar Services in December, May and August.

  Graduation requirements are published in the Entry-Level OTD Program Manual, which is posted to this website and given to students before the first day of classes.