About Rush

Welcome to Rush University!

Rush University is dedicated to training in the clinical and basic sciences of health care and medical research. Its four colleges, Rush Medical College, the College of Nursing, the College of Health Sciences and The Graduate College, together train over 2100 students. In addition, Rush University Medical Center trains over 600 residents and fellows in the graduate programs of clinical education for physicians. The desire to participate in the education of trainees at all levels has attracted some of the most outstanding scientists, physicians, nurses and allied health professionals in the country to Rush. Our primary interest at the Medical Center is to provide the very best in patient care. Trainees in the clinical disciplines will be prepared for the challenges that they will face by active participation in clinical care throughout most of their training. Basic scientists will work as part of those teams, and understand the immediate relevancy of their work. The many linkages of basic science programs with clinical ones often stimulate each side to creative solutions to important problems.

Rush University Medical Center is one of the nation’s leading academic health centers. I am pleased you have chosen Rush for your training. We take the responsibility seriously. At any time during your training, please feel free to contact one of your Deans or me for any suggestions or to address any issues. Training is exciting as well as challenging. All of us are here to support you.

Thanks for choosing Rush.

Larry Goodman, MD
President, Rush University;
Chief Executive Officer,
Rush University Medical Center

Rush University Medical Center Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

The mission of Rush University Medical Center is to provide the very best care for our patients. Our education and research endeavors, community service programs and relationships with other hospitals are dedicated to enhancing excellence in patient care for the diverse communities of the Chicago area now and in the future.

Vision

Rush University Medical Center will be recognized at the medical center of choice in the Chicago area and among the very best in the United States.

Core Values

“I CARE”

Innovation

Collaboration

Accountability

Respect

Excellence

History of Rush University Medical Center

Rush University Medical Center is one of Chicago’s oldest health care organizations. Its heritage extends back to 1837 when Rush Medical College was established. St. Luke’s Hospital, founded in 1864, and Presbyterian Hospital, founded in 1883, merged in 1956 to form Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital. The subsequent incorporation of these pioneer institutions in 1969 created Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, which was renamed Rush University Medical Center in October 2003.

Rush is a not-for-profit academic medical center comprising Rush University Medical Center, Rush University, Rush Oak Park Hospital and Rush Health.

Renowned Patient Care

Rush University Medical Center encompasses a 664-bed hospital serving adults and children, including the Johnston R. Bowman Health Center, which provides medical and rehabilitative care to older adults and people with short- and long-term disabilities.

It includes Rush’s 376-bed Tower hospital building, which opened in 2012 as part of the Medical Center’s major campus renovation. Rush’s commitment to sustainability innovation earned the Tower LEED Gold certification. It is the largest new construction health care project in the world to be LEED Gold certified. Rush’s renovation also includes Rush’s Orthopedic Building, which opened in 2010, and the ongoing campus-wide implementation of an electronic medical record system, enhancing patient care and safety.

A unique combination of research and patient care has earned Rush national rankings in 9 of 16 specialty areas in U.S.News & World Report’s 2013-14 America’s Best Hospitals issue, among other recognitions of our quality of care and accreditations. Our nurses are at the forefront of our efforts to provide quality care, receiving Magnet status three times for making outstanding nursing care the standard at the Medical Center. Rush was the first hospital in Illinois serving adults and children to receive Magnet status - the highest honor in nursing - and the first in Illinois to earn a third four-year designation.

And some of the world’s best athletes trust themselves to the hands of our physicians. Rush is proud to be the preferred hospital for the Chicago Bulls.

Educating Future Health Care Providers

Rush University is home to one of the first medical colleges in the Midwest and one of the nation’s top-ranked nursing colleges, as well as graduate programs in allied health, health systems management and biomedical research. The Medical Center also offers many highly selective residency and fellowship programs in medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties. Rush’s unique practitioner-teacher model for health sciences education and research gives students the opportunity to learn from world-renowned instructors who practice what they teach.

Committed to Community

In addition to patient care, education and research, Rush maintains a strong commitment to the community. Many students, faculty and staff at Rush generously donate their time and skills both within and outside of the Medical Center. Their efforts include numerous health outreach projects in which Rush collaborates with neighborhood clinics, churches, schools and other organizations to provide health screenings and vital health information for underserved children and adults.

Our education and research endeavors, community service programs and relationships with other hospitals are dedicated to enhancing excellence in patient care for the diverse communities of the Chicago area - now and in the future.

Larry J. Goodman, MD, is CEO of Rush University Medical Center and President of Rush University. He also serves as president of the Rush System for Health, and he is the principal officer of the Rush Board of Trustees.

Rush University Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

The mission of Rush University is to teach, study and provide the highest quality health care, using a unique and multidisciplinary practitioner-teacher model for health sciences education and research, while reflecting the diversity of our communities in its programs, faculty, students and service.

Vision

Rush University will use a practitioner-teacher model to develop health care leaders who collaboratively translate and develop knowledge into outstanding health care outcomes.

Core Values

As the academic component of Rush University Medical Center, the University shares the Medical Center’s core values: innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect and excellence. These I CARE values guide the efforts of Rush University students, faculty and researchers

History of Rush University

Rush University is the academic component of Rush University Medical Center. Founded in 1972, the University has expanded from one college and fewer than 100 students to four colleges and over 2,100 students. It includes Rush Medical College, the College of Nursing, the College of Health Sciences and The Graduate College.

Rush Medical College is named for Benjamin Rush, a physician from Pennsylvania, who also signed the Declaration of Independence. Rush Medical College was chartered in 1837 and opened officially on December 4, 1843 with 22 students enrolled in a 16-week course. During the first century of operation, more than 10,000 physicians received their training at Rush Medical College. Rush Medical College was affiliated with the University of Chicago from 1898 until 1942, when the medical college temporarily suspended its educational program, though it continued its corporate existence. Its faculty continued undergraduate and graduate teaching of medicine and the biological sciences as members of the faculty of the University of Illinois. The charter of the medical college was reactivated in 1969 when it became part of the Medical Center. Rush Medical College reopened in 1971 with a class of 66 first-year students and 33 third-year students. First-year class size reached its projected maximum of 120 in 1976.

The College of Nursing represents a combined heritage dating back to the late nineteenth century when its first antecedent, the St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing, opened in 1885 to offer diploma education to nurses. In 1903, the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing accepted its first students. From 1956 to 1968 nurses were taught at the merged Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing. Before the establishment of the College of Nursing in 1972, more than 7,000 nurses had graduated from these three schools.

The College of Health Sciences, established in 1975, traces its origins to the School of Medical Technology sponsored by Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital from 1959 to 1972. This school was the second largest of its kind in the city of Chicago. During its operation, it provided a one-year professional internship program to more than 200 baccalaureate students in medical technology. Today, the College of Health Sciences offers doctoral programs in audiology and health sciences, ten programs at the master’s level and bachelor’s programs in health sciences, imaging sciences, medical laboratory science, perfusion technology, respiratory care and vascular ultrasound and technology.

The Graduate College was established as a separate academic unit in January 1981, having previously been organized as the Graduate School within the College of Health Sciences. The Graduate College is responsible for educational programs in the basic sciences and offers master’s and doctoral degrees in twelve disciplines.

The Seal of Rush University

The seal of Rush University is a shield, a classic Greek symbol of preservation and protection and also a medieval British emblem used for identification. As such, it recognizes the University’s overarching commitment to educating health professionals who preserve life and protect patients and it is the distinguishing identification of Rush University. Its two colors, green and gold, merge the tradition of the past with the custom of the present as gold was the single historical color of Rush Medical College and green is used for the modern Medical Center.

The motto, ministrare per scientiam, translated from Latin, means to minister (care for or serve) through scientific knowledge. It was adopted by the Board of Trustees in September 1993 to reflect the commitment to educate caring professionals whose practice is based in knowledge. The shadow in the background is the anchor cross, a symbol of hope and steadfastness, which became the emblem of the merged Presbyterian and St. Luke’s hospitals in 1957 and the foundation that created the vision for Rush University. Superimposed on top is the stylized version of the anchor cross that was adopted in 1971 upon the merger of Rush Medical College and Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital. The final elements are Chicago, the city that is home to the University, and the date of the University’s founding, 1972. The Rush University Board of Overseers adopted the seal in 1999.

Student Characteristics

Statistics below are based on Fall 2013 enrollment figures.

Student Financial Aid Data

Receiving Pell Grant (undergraduates): 30.8%

Accreditation, Authorization and Licenses

Rush University

Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
230 S. LaSalle St, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
(800) 621-7440
http://www.ncahlc.org

Rush Medical College

Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
515 N. State St, Suite 1801
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 527-9200
http://www.accme.org

Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
515 N. State St, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 755-5000
http://www.acgme.org

American Medical Association (AMA)
330 N. Wabash Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(800) 621-8335
http://www.ama-assn.org

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
2450 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 828-0400
http://www.aamc.org

Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
2450 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 828-0596
http://www.lcme.org

College of Nursing

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
One DuPont Circle NW, Suite 530
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 463-6930
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Accreditation

Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
222 Prospect Ave, Suite 304
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 692-7050
http://www.aana.com

College of Health Sciences

Department of Clinical Nutrition

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(312) 899-0040 ext. 5400
http://www.eatright.org

Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard, Mail Stop 310
Rockville, MD 20850-3289
(800) 498-2071
http://www.asha.org/academic/accreditation/CAA_overview.htm

Department of Health Systems Management

Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
1700 Rockville Pike
Suite 400
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 998-6101
http://www.cahme.org

Department of Medical Laboratory Science

BS and MS programs: National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Rd.
Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
(773) 714-8880
(773) 714-8886 (Fax)
http://www.naacls.org

Specialist in Blood Bank certificate program:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
1361 Park St
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 210-2350
(727) 210-2354 (Fax)
http://www.caahep.org

Department of Medical Physics

Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs, Inc. (CAMPEP)
One Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 209-3346
Fax 301-209-0862
http://www.campep.org

Department of Occupational Therapy

ACOTE c/o Accreditation Department American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20814-3449
(301) 652-2682
(301) 652-1417 (Fax)
http://www.acoteonline.org

Perfusion Technology

Accreditation Committee - Perfusion Education (A committee on accreditation for CAAHEP)
6663 South Sycamore Street
Littleton, Colorado 80120
(303) 794-6283
(303) 738-3223 (Fax)
http://www.ac-pe.org

Physician Assistant Studies

Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc (ARC-PA)
12000 Findley Road, Suite 150
Johns Creek, GA, 30097
(770) 476-1224
Fax: (770) 476-1738
http://www.arc-pa.org

Department of Religion, Health and Human Values

Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. (ACPE)
1549 Clairmont Rd, Suite 103
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 320-1472
(404) 320-0849 (Fax)
http://www.acpe.edu

Department of Respiratory Care

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX 76021-4244
(817) 283-2835
FAX: (817) 354-8519
http://www.coarc.com

Department of Vascular Ultrasound and Technology

Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS) (A committee on accreditation for CAAHEP)
6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(443) 973-3251
(866) 738-3444 (Fax)
www.jrcdms.org

Authorization

The Illinois Board of Higher Education has authorized all degree programs offered through Rush University.

Illinois Board of Higher Education
431 East Adams, 2nd Floor
Springfield, IL 62701-1404
(317) 782-2551
Fax: (217) 782-8548
http://www.ibhe.state.il.us

Licenses

State of Illinois

Department of Public Health

Cook County Board of Health

Rush University Medical Center Memberships

Rush University Medical Center belongs to the following organizations:

Association of American Medical Colleges

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities

Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions

Association of University Programs in Health Administration

National League for Nursing

Association for Health Services Research

American Hospital Association

Illinois Hospital Association

Voluntary Hospitals of America

Metropolitan Chicago Health Care Council

Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health Care Service Corp.

Council of Graduate Schools

Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools

Illinois Association of Graduate Schools

Association for Clinical Pastoral Education

Association of Bioethics Program Directors

Council of Academic Programs in Communication Disorders and Sciences

Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Science

Physician Assistant Education Association

Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants

American Academy of Physician Assistants

Rush University Affiliated Colleges and Universities

The following 22 colleges and universities in four states have programs that are affiliated with one or more academic program at Rush University:

Benedictine University, Lisle, IL

Benedictine University, Springfield, IL

Carleton College, Northfield, MN

Carthage College, Kenosha, WI

Concordia University, River Forest, IL

Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA

DePaul University, Chicago, IL

Dominican University, River Forest, IL

Hebrew Theological College, Skokie, IL

Illinois College, Jacksonville, IL

Knox College, Galesburg, IL

Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL

Lawrence University, Appleton, WI

Lewis University, Romeoville, IL

Macalester College, St. Paul, MN

Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL

North Central College, Naperville, IL

Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL

Ripon College, Ripon, WI

Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL

Spelman College, Atlanta, GA

Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL

Alumni Relations

The Office of Alumni Relations is located in the Triangle Office Building, Suite 250, at 1700 W. Van Buren St. Alumni Relations provides a planned, coordinated program of service and activities of mutual interest and benefit to Rush University, the Medical Center and all alumni. Although the legacy of a Rush education dates back to 1837, Rush University is a relatively young institution. Since the University’s inception in 1972, it has conferred more than 18,000 degrees in the health professions. The objective of the Office of Alumni Relations is to provide channels for Rush Medical College, the College of Nursing, the College of Health Sciences, The Graduate College and our predecessor school alumni as well as former Medical Center house staff to stay connected to Rush as follows:

•  Remain informed of current developments at the Medical Center
•  Develop an active interest in and involvement with their alma mater
•  Maintain contact with fellow alumni and faculty
•  Take advantage of continuing education opportunities offered through Rush University
•  Respond positively through both financial and philosophical support
•  Promote and perpetuate the high standards of excellence in patient care, education and scientific advancement consistent with the objectives of Rush University Medical Center

At this time, the following formally organized active alumni associations exist for Rush University graduates:

• The Rush Medical College Alumni Association
• The Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Nurses Alumni Association
•  Rush University Communication Disorders and Sciences Alumni Association
•  Rush University Health Systems Management Alumni Association (HSMAA)
•  Rush University Occupational Therapy Alumni Association
•  Alumni Association of the Graduate College at Rush University
•  Rush Surgical Society (Alumni Association for Rush-Trained Surgeons)
•  Medical Society (Rush Internal Medicine Alumni Association)

For more information concerning Rush University alumni associations, programs and events, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (312) 942-2569 or alumni@rush.edu or visit the alumni websites at www.rushu.rush.edu/alumni.

Drug Free Campus and Workplace

Rush University Medical Center is committed to achieving and maintaining a drug-free campus and workplace. The Medical Center has established a drug-free policy consistent with its commitment and goals. The policy states in part:

The illegal manufacture, distribution, dispensing, use, sale and/ or possession of controlled substances on Medical Center property or while performing Medical Center business is strictly prohibited. An employee or student engaged in any such conduct will be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion or termination. In addition, students and employees are subject to all applicable criminal penalties under local, state or federal law for unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. Within five days of the conviction, employees and students must report to the Medical Center any conviction for violation of a criminal drug statute occurring within the Medical Center. The health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol are many and varied. Some drugs may cause psychological and physical dependence or addiction. Others attack the central nervous system, making the user dangerous to himself and others. In the extreme, they can result in convulsions, psychosis, coma and possible death.

Diversity, Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

For over three decades, the Rush approach to equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion has not wavered. Our approach is that these are essential components of the best employment, educational and health care practices and must be furthered. This is a continuation of a policy that emanated from the hospital charters of 1865 and 1883 and the documents governing the establishment of Rush University in 1972.

In certain instances, the implementation of this policy and our goals in this area require the use of affirmative initiatives. At Rush, these initiatives are focused on strong recruitment, development and retention efforts, not on quotas - and these recruitment and programming efforts will be continued, consistent with federal, state and municipal guidelines.

Rush University is committed to attracting students who will enable the student body to achieve the educational benefits of diversity and to providing services to all students, faculty and other employees on a nondiscriminatory, equitable basis.

Discrimination or harassment against any member of the Rush University Medical Center community because of age, ancestry, color, disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, gender, gender identity and/or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any other category protected by federal or state law is prohibited and will not be tolerated, nor will any person for those reasons be excluded from the participation in or denied the benefits of any program or activity within Rush University.

Shanon Shumpert, Director, Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, has been designated to oversee the implementation of this policy for Rush University. Ms. Shumpert can be contacted by telephone at (312) 942-5239 or via email at Shanon_Shumpert@rush.edu

Additional resources may be found in Human Resources along with the following university individuals/offices:

Susan Chubinskaya, PhD
Associate Provost, Academic Affairs
Armour Academic Center 441A
(312) 942-6306
Susanna_Chubinskaya@rush.edu

Paula J. Brown, MBA
Manager, Equal Opportunity Programs
Rush University Medical Center
128 Professional Office Building
(312) 942-7094
Paula_J_Brown@rush.edu

Disability Rights

Rush University provides reasonable accommodations to all students on a nondiscriminatory basis consistent with legal requirements as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and applicable implementing regulations of these statutes. A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to an instructional activity, facility, program or service that enables a qualified student with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in all Rush University student activities.

To be eligible for accommodations, a student must have a documented disability as defined by the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Both the ADA and Section 504 define disability as (a) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual; (b) a record of such impairment; or (c) being regarded as having such a condition. For information to request accommodation(s), please contact your college representative listed below. Please do not make requests for accommodation(s) to individual faculty members, lectures or course directors.

In keeping with its goal to promote diversity among its student population, Rush University is committed to attracting and educating students who will help to make the population of health care professionals representative of the national population, including students with disabilities. In addition, Rush University wishes to insure that access to its facilities, programs and services are available to students with disabilities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to all students on a nondiscriminatory basis consistent with legal requirements as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The American Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Rush University Student Disability Assessment Team (RUSDAT)

Rush Medical College - Paul Severin, M.D. (312) 942-6194

• Paul_J_Severin@rush.edu

College of Nursing - Sarah H. Ailey, Ph.D., R.N., PHCNS-SC (312) 942-3383

• Sarah_H_Ailey@rush.edu

College of Health Sciences - Joanne Schupbach, M.S., M.A. (312) 942-3676

• Joanne_E_Schupbach@rush.edu

The Graduate College - James M. Williams, Ph.D. (312) 942-3598

• James_M_Williams@rush.edu

Office of the Associate Provost Student Affairs - Gayle B. Ward, J.D. (312) 942-2819

• Gayle_Ward@rush.edu

Additional information can be found at:
http://www.rushu.rush.edu/catalog/aboutrush/disabilityrights.html

For disability-related assistance, questions, or concerns, contact:

Paula J. Brown, Manager
Equal Opportunity Programs
Office for Equal Opportunity
Rush University Medical Center
1725 W. Harrison Street, Suite 128
Chicago, IL 60612
Tel. 312-942-7094
Fax. 312-942-4283
Email. Paula_J_Brown@rush.edu

Harassment: Policies and Procedures

The Policies and Procedures on Sexual and Other Harassment for the University and nonacademic sectors of the institution are intended to increase the awareness of Rush’s long-standing commitment to preventing harassment and to focus on the internal resolution of any complaints. Under these policies and procedures, the more familiar category of sexual harassment as well as harassment related to age, ancestry, color, disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, gender, gender identity and/ or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, or any other category protected by federal or state law is prohibited. The provisions include protections for and prohibit retaliation against an individual making a complaint or supplying information about a complaint. They also incorporate protections for a person who considers himself or herself accused in bad faith. While all administrators and supervisors have responsibility under this document, certain people have been specifically designated to deal with concerns and complaints that might come forward.

Inquiries or complaints of harassment from students, residents, or faculty members will be handled through the Office for Equal Opportunity by contacting Paula J. Brown, Manager, Equal Opportunity Programs, at (312) 942-7094, by mail (128 Professional Office Building), or via email at Paula_J_Brown@rush.edu.

Copies of the Policies and Procedures are available from the Office for Equal Opportunity and are on the Rush Intranet.

Office of Institutional Research, Assessment and Accreditation

The Office of Institutional Research, Assessment and Accreditation (OIRAA) serves Rush University by providing accurate and reliable data in support of planning, policy making, academic assessment and program reviews, in accordance with the institution’s mission and strategic goals. The OIRAA fulfills its mission by:

•  Providing comprehensive information to support institutional planning, policy formation, decision-making and evaluation of effectiveness
•  Coordinating responses to external accountability mandates and a wide range of internal and external requests for information about the university
•  Coordinating campus-wide and unit-level assessment of academic programs and administrative processes to support the University’s quality improvement efforts
•  Providing evidence of institutional effectiveness

The office provides services in three major areas:

External Reporting

The OIRAA has primary responsibility for preparing and submitting official reports and data files to ensure the University’s compliance with state and federal reporting mandates. In addition, the office coordinates the University’s response to a variety of other external requests for information that are received from internal and external stakeholders. Mandatory external reports and updates:

• Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
• Illinois Longitudinal Data System (ILDS)
• Higher Learning Commission Annual Institutional Data Update (HLC/AIDU)
• Illinois Virtual Campus (IVC)
• Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE)

Planning Support and Internal Reports

The OIRAA is charged with compiling, analyzing and interpreting statistical data used in strategic planning efforts by University administrators, trustees and committees. These data include:

• Student and faculty characteristics
• Enrollment
• Admissions
• Retention and graduation rates
• Degrees awarded
• Credit hour production
• Alumni performance
• Scholarship/research productivity
• Strategic planning and institutional performance metrics

The information is disseminated to the University community through annual reports, websites and responses to ad hoc requests.

Institutional Effectiveness

The OIRAA is responsible for coordinating campus-wide and unit-level assessment of academic programs and administrative processes to support the University’s quality improvement efforts. These activities include:

• Gathering and presenting institutional performance data
• Administering Rush University and other surveys
• Providing technical support and consultation to assist units in assessing student learning outcomes and administrative objectives
• Conducting special studies to evaluate the University’s progress in achieving strategic goals
• Coordinating accreditation activities
• Supporting the University Assessment Committee in its assessment activities and program reviews
• Supporting and monitoring the HLC mandated quality improvement project

Contact the OIRAA staff at OIRAA_@rush.edu.

Research

Research expenditures totaled more than $100 million last year. Rush University faculty is committed to fostering centers of research excellence that combine basic clinical and translational science of importance to community health. The faculty encourages inquiry into these areas by students ensuring that they become practicing professionals who will continue to learn throughout their careers.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

All investigators and instructors that use animals in scientific projects and teaching must submit their plans to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) for approval prior to carrying out the project or program. Members of the committee are appointed by the Associate Provost for Research and include representation from the community and from the student body. The Senior Director of the Comparative Research Center coordinates the administration of the IACUC.

Human Investigation

Any project or study involving human subjects must have approval of Rush University Medical Center’s Human Subject Protection Program. Studies in the community as well as within the Medical Center must have this approval. The Office of Research and Clinical Trials Administration handles all requests and has established the protocol for proper investigative procedures. For assistance, contact the Office of Research and Clinical Trials Administration by phone at (312) 942-5498.

Rush University’s Campus

The main campus of Rush University/Rush University Medical Center is located on the near west side of Chicago not far from downtown (often referred to as the Loop). The area surrounding the campus is undergoing much redevelopment. Of particular interest is the Chicago Technology Park, which incorporates biomedical research facilities and programs. Townhomes and condominiums have been built in Garibaldi Park, just east of the campus, and many new businesses are flourishing in the Taylor Street area. With other health care facilities in the Medical Center District including: the University of Illinois at Chicago-West Campus, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Westside Veterans Administration Hospital and Illinois State Psychiatric Institute, Rush is centrally and conveniently located. The Marriott Chicago Downtown at the Medical District, a hotel and fine dining establishment, is located at the corner of Harrison Street and Ashland Avenue adjacent to the Medical Center. The main campus now consists of 22 buildings. This includes facilities for achieving the goals of the Medical Center: patient care, education and research. The main campus also includes two indoor parking facilities.

Armour Academic Center is the hub of most student activities. The Library of Rush University Medical Center and the McCormick Educational Technology Center (METC) are located in the Armour Academic Center, along with classrooms, laboratories, academic computing, specialized facilities, the Student Affairs Suite, the Office of Student Life, the Rush University Bookstore, a cafeteria and the administrative offices of Rush Medical College, the College of Nursing and the College of Health Sciences. The administrative offices for the The Graduate College are located in the Cohn Research Building, just west of Armour.

Medical Center and Facilities

Laboratories are located throughout the Medical Center complex but are principally found in Jelke-South center. Additional departmental laboratories are located in the Cohn Research Building and in the Tech 2000 building located at 2000 W. Harrison Street. In addition to the main campus, Rush includes Rush-Copley Memorial Hospital located in Aurora. Directly across the Eisenhower Expressway from the main campus is an office building for finance, legal affairs, philanthropy and communication, the data center and other functions of the Medical Center. On-campus housing for students includes studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments at Center Court Gardens, located just east of the Medical Center. Many students also live in private housing in the area surrounding the Medical Center.

The Office of Student Life distributes a campus map to new students and publishes the Rush University Student Handbook which includes a yellow pages section providing locations and telephone numbers of persons, offices, departments and buildings of interest to students.

Office of Student Life

The mission of the Office of Student Life is to provide an atmosphere that will enhance students’ academic experience. The Student Life staff works closely with students, faculty and the administration to identify student needs and to design and implement programs and policies to meet those needs. The professional staff serves as advisors to student organizations; provides career counseling and services to students in each academic discipline; assists with the development and implementation of orientation and commencement events; and sponsors educational, multicultural and social activities for all students.

Office of Student Life
600 S. Paulina Street, Suite 984
(Armour Academic Center)
Chicago, Illinois 60612
Office: (312) 942-6302
Fax: (312) 942- 9283
Email: Student_Life@rush.edu
Web site address: www.rushu.rush.edu/studentlife

Student Activities

The Office of Student Life sponsors programs that are open to all Rush University students and faculty. The primary objective of these programs is to enhance the co-curricular life of the Rush student community. In the past, the office has sponsored events including Rush Roundtables and Current Issues in Healthcare as well as Fall Into Rush (student organization fair), International Student Day, and Student Appreciation Week. In addition, the office encourages exploration of Chicago’s many cultural, educational and social resources by regularly offering students discounted museum, theatre, sports and movie tickets. The staff in the Office of Student Life welcomes input and assistance from students in the planning and implementation of programming events. Students wishing to become involved are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Life at (312) 942-6302.

Career Development

The Office of Student Life assists students active in the job search and residency application processes with resumes, curriculum vitae, cover letters, personal statements and interviewing 21 techniques. A variety of career resources are available for student use, including workbooks, handouts and guide books. Many of these resources are available on the RUConnected Portal site. Each student is also assigned an academic advisor knowledgeable about the student’s educational program. This advisor provides assistance in curriculum selection, academic progression and professional and career development. Within Rush Medical College, an Assistant Dean in the Office of Medical Student Programs has specific responsibility for providing counseling about specialty choice and application for postgraduate residency positions.

Publications

The Office of Student Life oversees the publication of student related materials, such as the Rush University Student Handbook and the New Student Picture Book. The New Student Picture Book may be accessed through the RUConnected Portal site. The Rush University Student Handbook is provided to each new student at the time of orientation and is also available online at www.rushu.rush.edu/studentlife.

Rush University Counseling Center

The Rush University Counseling Center is open all year, and provides professional counseling at no charge to all currently enrolled students. Individuals and couples explore a variety of concerns ranging from academic problems to issues encountered in the course of clinical training. Students have also sought help for anxiety, depression, relationship problems, insomnia, eating disorders, sexual orientation and coming out issues, bereavement, family mental illness, and career decisions. The Counseling Center maintains strict standards of confidentiality. No information regarding a student is released to anyone - inside or outside of Rush - without prior consent of the student, within the limits of Illinois law. Contact with the Counseling Center does not become part of any other University record. The Counseling Center is located in 701 Kidston House. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 312/942-3687.

International Student Services

International Student Services, housed within the Office of the Registrar and located in 440 Armour Academic Center, works with international students planning to study at Rush and who will need authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) to do so. International Student Services serves students in the  following ways:

• Representing Rush to the Student and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP) regarding the attendance of international students
• Helping prospective students navigate issues concerning international admission
• Issuing USCIS documents for F-1 students, to assure compliance with established governmental policies and procedures
• Consulting with current and potential students, academic and administrative offices, staff and faculty regarding nonimmigrant student issues
• Orienting new students to the Rush community in collaboration with the Office of Student Life
• Helping international students be an integral part of the diversity and culture of the Rush community

The International Student Services is available to serve the needs of prospective and current international students and alumni. The office provides pre-arrival information, prepares immigration paperwork and provides orientations. For additional information, please call (312) 942-2030.

Office of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs

The Office of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs strives to create an environment for students that is welcoming, inclusive and supportive. The office aims to develop a community culture that embraces diversity and multiculturalism, appreciates the importance of this value in both the educational and clinical environment, and displays this appreciation in the recruitment of a student population that is reflective of the diversity which exists in the communities Rush serves. The office’s work focuses on:

• Supporting Academic Success-Developing culturally inclusive academic support programs that complement the learning environment and foster academic achievement.
• Student Development-Encouraging students to participate in diverse leadership opportunities, professional development, service learning, community engagement, and mentoring, while highlighting and encouraging wellness in students’ lives.
• Education and Training-Offering ongoing trainings, webinars, workshops, lecture series and events to promote diversity and inclusion awareness for students and the greater campus community.
• Campus Climate-Implementing a systematic, continuous assessment of campus climate for students and action plans to enhance a welcoming multicultural and inclusive student environment.

The Office of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs is located in the Armour Academic Center, 984B. For additional information, please call (312) 942-0725.

Campus Housing

Information pertaining to on-campus housing, including the application process and/or roommate selection, may be obtained from the Office of Student Life, Suite 984, Armour Academic Center. Center Court Gardens, located on Harrison Street across from the Chicago Marriott at Medical District/ UIC, consists of apartment style living with almost 300 units available as studios, one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms. All apartments are unfurnished, carpeted and have individually controlled heating and air conditioning, modern appliances and bathtubs with showers. Basic cable and internet are included in the rent. Electric and heating utilities are not included in the rent.

Application Process

Students can apply for housing upon their acceptance to Rush University. Applications for both new and returning students are available from the Office of Student Life, Suite 984 Armour Academic Center, or via the web at www.rushu.rush.edu/ studentlife/housing. Because on-campus housing is in great demand, Rush University has established the following set of priorities for assigning students to available units. Students in category number one receive the highest priority followed by those in category number two, etc.

Returning undergraduate, graduate and professional students who apply for on-campus housing by the advertised deadline.

Incoming undergraduate, graduate and professional students who begin their academic program in the summer academic term and have been accepted for admission and apply by April 15th.

Incoming undergraduate, graduate and professional students who begin their academic program in the fall academic term and have been accepted for admission and apply for housing by May 1st.

These priorities will be used as a guide when assigning housing. Returning students who fail to submit a housing application for the succeeding year the advertized deadline will lose his or her number one priority. Rush University reserves the right to make exceptions to these priorities when extenuating circumstances exist. Apartment types available:

Notification of acceptance into University housing will be sent to each student assigned to on-campus housing. New students must receive an acceptance for admission to the university before any housing notification will be sent. Entering students whose program of study begins in the summer academic term will be sent housing assignments by the beginning of May. Students who begin their programs in the fall will receive housing assignments by the end of May. Returning students will receive their housing notifications in April. Students starting in the winter or spring academic term will receive their housing assignment anytime after May 1st.

Lease and Deposit

A lease is included with each letter of acceptance into University housing. The lease, accompanied by a security deposit equal to one month’s rent, must be signed and returned. Failure to return the lease and the security deposit by the specified deadline will result in the loss of the housing assignment. Students are billed for rent along with tuition and fees prior to the beginning of each academic term.

Consolidation Policy

In an effort to maximize the number of on-campus housing spaces available to Rush University students, consolidation of tenants may occur. This consolidation policy will affect only those students who occupy an apartment by themselves that was originally leased to two or more students. Such a situation can occur when a roommate leaves University housing during the course of the academic year. If consolidation is necessary, students involved will be informed in writing. At that time the student will have the following options: 1) share an apartment with another student in any building who is also in need of a roommate, 2) find a Rush University student roommate of his or her choice, 3) have a roommate assigned from the available applications, or 4) pay the full rent of the apartment. If the fourth option is chosen, the apartment will become a single accommodation only through the end of the current lease. If the student wishes to renew the lease, the student will have the option of remaining in the apartment with the understanding that he or she will receive a roommate or will be given an opportunity to move to another available apartment.

Students should address questions concerning the application process, assignment process, or roommate selection to the Office of Student Life.

The Office of Student Life is also available to assist students with their off-campus housing needs. Information regarding local apartment listings, transportation, Internet resources, etc., is available. Students are also encouraged to check bulletin boards throughout Armour Academic Center and in the Office of Student Life for apartment leads within walking distance to Rush, including the University Village/Little Italy neighborhoods. An off-campus housing guide is available on the housing website (www.rushu.rush.edu/studentlife/housing) to assist in making decisions such as how much rent can be afforded, what commuting distance is acceptable, and if finding a roommate will be necessary. Rush University accepts no responsibility for off-campus arrangements.

Rush Community Service Initiatives Program (RCSIP)

The mission of Rush Community Service Initiatives Program is to provide community based volunteer experiences for Rush students that enhance their ability to work in teams, develop patient relationships, care for diverse populations, and to provide targeted services based on community need.

We will achieve our mission by:

• Aligning volunteer experiences with the findings of the Rush community health needs assessment
• Developing community programs that align with Rush’s community implementation plan
• Providing appropriate supports and training for student volunteers
• Accessing the outcomes of community programs

Recreation

For students interested in yoga and pilates classes, Rush University Medical Center Employee Wellness sponsors classes during the noon hour and late afternoons. For a class schedule, fees and other information call (312) 942-5878 or visit the Medical Center intranet at iris.rush.edu/wellness and click on Employee Wellness.

Student Lounge

The Student Lounge, located on the ninth floor, north end, of the Armour Academic Center is equipped with couches, a flat screen television, an email workstation, tables and chairs, a copy machine and a complete kitchen (refrigerator and microwave ovens). All students are invited and encouraged to use the facilities of the lounge. A student ID proxy mechanism located along the west corridor allows students 24-hour access to the lounge.

Student Lockers

At the time of orientation, Rush University will assign lockers for the storage of coats, books and other miscellaneous articles. Be advised, however, that Rush University assumes no responsibility for the loss of personal property from lockers. If any difficulties arise with a locker, contact the Office of Student Life, located at 984 Armour Academic Center.

Student Organizations

The Office of Student Life recognizes the interests and goals of each student organization through administrative and limited financial support. Students who wish to establish a new organization are encouraged to stop by the office and speak with a staff member. Currently, there are nearly 35 active organizations, including the American Medical Student Association, The Graduate College Student Council, National Student Speech- Language Hearing Association, Rush Medical College Student Council, Rush Muslim Students’ Association, RU-Student Nurses Association and the Student Occupational Therapy Association. A complete description of all the student organizations is listed in the Rush University Student Handbook, as well as on the Student Life website.

Voter Registration

Voter registration materials are available through the Office of Student Life, located in 984 Armour Academic Center. These voter registration materials allow for a student to vote in local, state and federal elections.

Worship Opportunities

The Department of Religion, Health and Human Values provides weekly opportunities for worship in the J. Hall Taylor Memorial Chapel, located on the first floor of the Kellogg building near elevator C, as well as special services on faith-group holidays. A Meditation Room, available at all times as a refuge for the spirit, is located on the fourth floor Atrium Lobby. A directory of churches in the area is available by calling the Department of Religion, Health and Human Values at (312) 942-5571. Chaplains are available for consultation about professional and personal issues.

Rush University Bookstore

The Rush University Bookstore, located on the ground level of Armour Academic Center, is a health sciences bookstore serving the needs of students, faculty and staff at Rush University Medical Center. The bookstore stocks the required and recommended textbooks for courses offered at Rush University, as well as an assortment of reference and review books. Special orders are handled by the bookstore and will generally be received in one or two weeks. Lab coats and medical-surgical equipment are also stocked. School supplies, greeting cards, convenience items, USPS stamps, computer software and Rush insignia items are also available.

Office of General Education Resources

The Office of General Educational Resources offers a wide variety of services to Rush University students and faculty. Available services include: Laboratory Services, Emergency Cardiac Care Program, and the Quick Copy Center. The office is located in the Multidisciplinary Laboratory (MDL) area on the 7th floor of the Armour Academic Center. The classrooms are open to students 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, closed Saturday and Sunday. Students who need special laboratory instruments or services for education or research projects should discuss such needs in advance with the staff. For questions please call (312) 942-6791.

Quick Copy Center

Located on the seventh floor of Armour Academic Center, this facility duplicates materials for educational purposes as well as general needs. A full range of services, including front and back copying, three-hole punched copies, booklets and multiple binding options are offered through the center. Personal work of one or more copies can be accommodated for faculty and students at a reasonable fee. Quick Copy is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Library of Rush University Medical Center

The library serves the education, patient care and research needs of the students, faculty, staff and patients at Rush University Medical Center. In addition to offering a comprehensive collection of print materials, the library continues to expand and revise a wealth of online information resources. Visit the library on the 5th floor of the Armour Academic Center or http://rushu. libguides.com/LibraryHomePage.

The collection includes materials in a wide range of formats covering all areas of health sciences. The online catalog shows all items available at the Library. Records include an item’s location, availability, full bibliographic record and links to online resources such as full-text journals when applicable.

The library’s database collection features resources such as SCOPUS, EBSCOhost, Ovid, PsycINFO and more. Many of the citations found using these databases link to the full text of the original journal article. Other online resources include pointof- care reference tools like UpToDate and MD Consult. These provide concise topic reviews, clinical guidelines, extensive drug information and full-text for a wide range of medical textbooks.

If the library does not have an item, it can be requested from another library via interlibrary loan or the Illinois academic and institutional library sharing program (I-SHARE). Books, journal articles, proceedings, dissertations and audiovisual materials can all be requested from other institutions. Turnaround time and loan period depend upon the lender. For details call (312) 942-5950.

The students, faculty and staff of Rush University Medical Center may access online library resources such as the full text journals, ebooks and databases from off-campus locations. For more information please call (312) 942-5950.

The Reference Department provides personalized information services to all members of the Rush community.  Schedule individual instruction at your convenience to learn how best to use PubMed, evidence-based medical databases, bibliographic management tools and many others. Call (312) 942-2274 or email lib_ref@rush.edu to make arrangements for individual or course related instruction.

McCormick Educational Technology Center (METC)

The McCormick Educational Technology Center (METC), a department of the Library of Rush University Medical Center, is a media, computer and educational support center. Its mission is to facilitate university teaching and learning through the use of audiovisuals (AV), computer software and instructional design assistance.

The METC houses a large collection of media, including videocassettes, DVDs, CD-ROMs, computer software, slide/tape programs and audiocassettes, which are available for student and faculty use. Students may request, in advance, media materials for use in course presentations.

The METC is home to three multimedia classrooms: Room 902 (capacity: 10), Room 903 (capacity: 40) and Room 908 (capacity: 16); and 3 media viewing rooms. Rush faculty can reserve multimedia classrooms for classes and exams. Students can use viewing rooms for study and group discussion. Workstations in Room 917 (computer lab) are also available for students and residents through a touchless access control system. There are 2 printers in the METC. Software installed on workstations includes the Microsoft Office suite, secure exam software, SPSS and specific software requested by faculty for instruction. Rush faculty can reserve computer classrooms by emailing requests to registrars_scheduling@rush.edu.

Students with a valid Rush University I.D. have access on a first-come, first-serve basis 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tablet PCs, laptop PCs, projectors, video and audio recorders, and other accessories are available to students for limited checkout.

METC staff assist faculty in locating, previewing, and acquiring commercially produced software and media for use within their courses.

The METC also provides guidance and assistance to faculty who wish to provide more advanced materials to students. METC staff offer collaborative support with audio/visual projects using products such as, Camtasia and Panopto. The METC provides access to methods of creating lecture files to post in RULearning (Blackboard), the university’s web-based learning management system, and to virtual classroom software to allow distance education students to communicate with their instructors, and each other, in real time. METC staff also provide assessment support through the scanning and reporting of testing results to faculty through optical mark reader (OMR) test forms, and online testing. The METC collaborates with Information Services to provide Blackboard support for both faculty and students.

Media Services

Media Services, located 121 Professional Building 1, provides a wide range of audio/visual support for classrooms, meeting rooms and auditoriums throughout the University/Medical Center. Additionally, Media Services works with Rush Photo Group in providing a full service video production department that is able to assist in scripting, shooting  and editing a client’s video program. Video duplication services, as well as audio/ visual equipment rental, are usually provided at no charge to the client. Media Services is glad to provide recommendations to faculty, staff or students who are purchasing audio/visual equipment. Please call extension 2-5187 to reach Media Services.

Rush Photo Group

Rush Photo Group (located at 121 Professional Building 1) is an in-house photo studio offering any number of photographic services to students, faculty and employees. The Photo Group is available for graduation photos, portraits needed for applications, posters, passports and many other creative digital solutions. Video production is also available working in tandem with Media Services from scripting, shooting, to editing the final project. There is also a self-serve Mitsubishi kiosk available for printing from digital camera memory cards. For more information please call extension 2-8278.

Rush Fitness Center

Whether you’re trying to get in shape, lose weight, be more active or unwind after a busy day - the Rush Fitness Center is just what you’re looking for. Facilities include a variety of machines, equipment, fitness studio, cardio and strength training, stretching areas and lockers rooms. Also, there are special classes and training opportunities. For questions, please email rushfitnesscenter@rush.edu.