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June 26, 2007
This month the University made the difficult decision to discontinue the academic concentration in Athletic Training. The Chancellor and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs came to this decision as a result of a change in accreditation requirements.
Both USC Aiken's own internal quality standards and mandates by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education require that we achieve specialized accreditation for all academic programs for which it is available. Accreditation of athletic training programs is awarded through Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. Several years ago when we established the athletic training option, it was acceptable to offer it as a concentration within the Exercise and Sports Science degree. In recent months, we have learned that the standard has changed and that the program must be a free-standing degree. We have reluctantly concluded that we cannot pursue a separate degree at this time. We recognize the challenges this decision will pose for those students currently enrolled in the concentration and will work with each student individually to design an adjusted academic plan. The following paragraphs explain the steps that will be taken in phasing out the program.
The Department of Exercise and Sports Science will continue to offer the necessary athletic training courses for Athletic Training concentration students with an anticipated graduation date of May 2008. Upon successful completion of these courses, these students will graduate with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science and with a concentration in Athletic Training. However, they will not be eligible to take the National Athletic Training Certification examination. No athletic training concentration courses will be offered after the Spring 2008 semester.
During the Fall 2007 semester, AEXS 326 and 326L will be offered for students enrolled and students seeking to register. No athletic training concentration courses will be offered during the Spring 2008 semester, with the exception of those needed for May 2008 graduates. The core athletic training course (for students of all exercise and sports science concentrations), AEXS 225, will be offered during the Fall 2007 semester as scheduled and will continue to be offered thereafter.
Students needing adjustments to their Fall 2007 semester schedule should consult with their advisor, Mr. Jami Craps or Dr. Chris DeWitt.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Ozment, Ph.D.
Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Sincerely,
Christopher M. DeWitt, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Exercise and Sports Science
