The Handbooks

COPHP uses a series of handbooks to orient students and faculty to the program and to share the program policies and practices. The student handbook for the Community-Oriented Public Health Practice (COPHP) program describes a shared vision of expectations for students, faculty, and alumni. COPHP faculty members drafted the initial version of the handbook, which described the problem-based learning (PBL) process, expectations for student work, and information on capstone and practicum projects. Student coordinators have since developed three handbooks: a general guide for students, a resource about capstones, and an introduction for new faculty. This chapter summarizes the history, development, and purpose of the student handbook and a brief description of the faculty handbook and the capstone handbook. It also describes specific components that are included to facilitate PBL and communitybuilding within the program; because students depend on each other for their learning in PBL, it is important to outline expectations for participation within COPHP community. The student handbook is available online to give prospective students the opportunity to learn what it means to be a part of COPHP community and decide whether the program is right for them. We encourage anyone creating a program similar to COPHP to engage students, faculty, and alumni in the process of creating such a document, which functions as a statement of shared values.

Keywords: Alumni, Community, Components, Coordinators, COPHP, CORE, Culture, Expectations, Faculty, Handbook, Online, Participation, PBL, PCE, Program, Prospective students, Recruitment, Successful, Values, Website.