Support for Proposed Title 5 Additions Related to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree

AS-3023-11/AA

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of the California State University (ASCSU) recognize that the development and implementation of Doctor of Physical Therapy programs requires changes to Title 5, California Code of Regulations including information about the function of the programs, the core degree curriculum, criteria for admission to the programs, development of the student handbook, and
a description of the doctoral project; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the ASCSU recommend that Title 5 language related to Section 40515 C(4) be revised to state "a qualifying exam shall be required" ; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the additional language in that section be revised to require an oral defense of the doctoral project and not allow a public presentation of the project to substitute for an oral defense of the doctoral project, and be it further

RESOLVED: That the ASCSU support these additions to Title 5, California Code of Regulations and urge the Board of Trustees to adopt the proposed additions; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the ASCSU distribute this resolution to the CSU Board of Trustees, CSU Chancellor, campus Presidents, campus Senate Chairs, CSU Provosts/Vice Presidents Academic Affairs and Campus Senate Executive Committees.

RATIONALE: Legislation was passed in 2010 authorizing the CSU to offer Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degrees. Implementation of these practice doctoral degrees will require additions to the current Title 5, California Code of Regulations. These additions include a description of the DPT degree, DPT degree requirements, a description of the DPT core curriculum, criteria for admission to DPT degree programs, development of a student handbook, and a description of the doctoral project. Such additions are appropriate, but language in Title 5 relative to qualifying examination and oral defense of the doctoral project should be revised so that the two are mandatory rather than permissive. The changes align the DPT with the DNP and with other doctoral programs (e.g. the Ed.D). Proposed changes to Title 5, California Code of Regulations are attached to this resolution.

Approved Unanimously – May 5-6, 2011