General

Who ultimately made the decision to close the school? Was CIIS leadership involved?

The decision to close ACTCM was made by CIIS’ Board of Trustees. CIIS leadership had convened an external review audit at the request of the Board.

Was the decision to close the school purely financial?

No. The decision to close was multifaceted; finances, leadership, changes in the field, among others, were also involved.

Can I see a copy of the reviewer’s report?

An Executive Summary of the report with all pertinent information has been made available to the public.

Who owns the ACTCM brand/IP? How can someone purchase/acquire it?

CIIS currently holds the ACTCM brand. When the two institutions merged, ACTCM became a school of CIIS. It ceased to exist as a separate entity. As such, the “brand” is owned by CIIS. For another organization to use the name and curriculum, agreement would need to be reached between CIIS and the other entity. 

Would it be possible for us to salvage or start up ACTCM again as a standalone institution?

See above. Creating a new standalone institution was one of the options in the report. Because the likelihood of viability was low, this option was not recommended.

What about the accreditation; does CIIS hold that, and can we get it back?

Current WSCUC accreditation for ACTCM programs and degrees is held at the institutional level by CIIS.  Once those programs complete their teach-out and close, the ACTCM-specific accreditation will be null and void.

Current ACAHM accreditation will likewise be null and void once ACTCM closes.

Students completing their programs as part of the teach-out will be receiving fully accredited degrees.

What is happening to the books and publications from ACTCM’s library?

Decisions on books, publications, and similar resources will be included in a detailed teach-out plan, currently being developed. Acupuncture and TCM-related physical collections (print books and journals), e-books, and electronic subscriptions (e-journals and databases) remain available to students and faculty.

What is happening to ACTCM’s medicinal garden?

Decisions on the medicinal garden will be made as part of the detailed teach-out plan currently being developed. We will do our best to ensure that this resource will remain available to the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

ACTCM Students

Is ACTCM closing immediately?

No, ACTCM will remain open for a teach-out of students who can complete their degree by Summer 2024.

What is a teach-out?

A teach-out allows currently enrolled students to continue with their coursework over a set period of time.

What is the timeline for the teach-out?

While the timeline for the teach-out has not yet been finalized, we are committed to giving students a period of approximately two years to complete their degree.

What will the process be for the students? Will I be able to graduate or transfer?

We have contracted with a consultant with expertise in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine education to help guide the teach-out process. She is holding individual meetings with every currently enrolled student to review their course of study and advise on the best path to degree completion. You will either be able to graduate from ACTCM at CIIS or to transfer to another school and graduate from there.

How will part-time students be supported through this process?

Part time students will meet with our consultant to review their course of study. You will be advised of your best path to degree completion; this will vary based on each individual situation.

I want to find out whether I should transfer or continue at ACTCM. How can I learn what is best for me?

Please watch for an invitation for an individual meeting with our consultant; she will help you determine whether you should transfer or remain at ACTCM.

Will you negotiate on students’ behalf so that all credits, including audit credits will transfer fully?

We are in communication on transfer credits with the other greater Bay Area schools of Chinese Medicine. We cannot guarantee that all courses you have taken will transfer as programs differ. You will be advised regarding options for transfer.  Ultimately, transfer credit is determined by the other institution and is under the guidance of state and national accreditation standards.

For students who are “halfway” through their program, how can we ensure we are prioritized for individual review so that we don’t pay for classes this summer that won’t be transferable?

We are meeting with currently enrolled students as quickly as possible. If you are eligible to transfer, we will ensure that any courses taken this summer can be transferred. Students should contact Praise Wu immediately to schedule an appointment with our consultant.

Will my credits transfer to another TCM school?

This will be determined through an individual analysis of your transcript. The other local Chinese Medicine schools are working with us to provide maximum transfer of credits within compliance requirements.

What if I can’t finish my program in the timeframe you give us? If I am not able to graduate before the school is closed, should I transfer?

This must be based on an assessment of your transcript and course of study. You will be advised of your best path to degree completion.

Can you help me with the process of transferring? Have agreements been made between ACTCM and another institution where my credits will transfer?

We are in communication with the other area schools of Chinese Medicine. If a transfer is the best path for you, we will assist you with this process.

How do I obtain my transcripts and records? How much time do I have to get them? Will alumni have any issues in obtaining their transcripts?

Your CIIS transcript can be obtained through the Registrar and is available upon request. It is permanently retained and can be requested at any point in the future. All financial records can be obtained through the Finance and Financial Aid offices, respectively. Transcripts submitted for admission to CIIS will need to be re-obtained from those institutions.

Are all classes for next semester going to be held as scheduled?

Yes, Summer semester will occur as planned.

Will Summer 2022 semester be affected by this announcement?

No, there will be no change to Summer 2022 semester.

Is there any process where I can obtain a refund?

Tuition or fees that have been paid for courses taught will not be eligible for a refund.

I have decided to transfer and will have expenses related to that including application fees at my new school. Will CIIS reimburse me for these?

Yes, CIIS will reimburse fees for applications to transfer to up to two schools. Transfer fees - 5 Branches up to $500.

Can the ACTCM clinic stay open?

There will be no immediate changes to the clinic. A plan for the future of the clinic will be developed and communicated as we proceed with the teach-out.

Is it possible to alter school policies for how many clinic shifts are offered and possible for students to take during one semester?

The ACTCM Program Committee, along with our consultant, is looking at clinic shifts and other ways of allowing students to accelerate if they wish to do so.

Will financial aid through CIIS still be available to ACTCM students through the teach-out?

Yes.

How will closure impact current and past financial aid loans?

It will not impact current or past loans.

Will CIIS be covering the tuition for extra unexpected classes that we would be required to take if we transfer to another institution.

Please review this as part of your individual assessment meeting.

Is faculty/staff going to decrease? Are classes going to become less available?

All core faculty will continue for at least the next academic year if they wish to do so. We will assess needs as we go forward; as students graduate or transfer, there will be a decrease in the number of classes offered, but you will have access to the classes outlined in your individual study plan within the expected timeframe. Availability of classes will depend on you following your agreed plan of study; should you fall behind on your plan of study, we cannot guarantee classes will be available.

A major student support for passing comprehensive exams has been the Tutor Coordinator. This position has been empty since before Covid. Are you prepared to pledge that this position will be filled to ensure that students get the support they need to be able to pass their exams as part of the teach-out?

Yes. We are committed to supporting students in successfully completing their program.

Will I not get to graduate if the school closes because I didn’t pass comps?

There will be support for preparing for Comps. There will be no change to requirements for graduation.

If I finish my degree at ACTCM, will it be a CIIS/ACTCM@CIIS degree?

Yes, there will be no change to your degree.

How will CIIS help with the students who moved to San Francisco near ACTCM from out of state and have no car to drive to other schools or those who have signed leases before this decision was made?

This will be an individual assessment. If, after you have your individual study plan, you believe you will have a housing or transportation impact because of this decision, please schedule an appointment with Fraylanie Aglipay, Student Affairs, faglipay@ciis.edu.

Will former employees have any issues with getting their verification of their employment after ACTCM officially closed?

No. We will maintain all records and will have information about accessing records available on the CIIS website.

Will I have access to past Canvas course spaces and my CIIS email account?

Yes, you will have indefinite access to past Canvas course spaces (https://ciis.instructure.com/) and CIIS email account (https://outlook.office.com/).

ACTCM Faculty and Staff

What does this mean for my position? Am I no longer employed?

There is no immediate change to faculty or staff employment. The teach-out will take place over an extended period. HR will provide information to faculty and staff as needed.

What does this mean for my benefits, etc.?

There will be no change to your benefits as long as you remain at your current employment level. HR will be available to discuss your benefits and compensation.

What does this mean for my research?

If you are conducting research at ACTCM or CIIS, please contact the Human Research Review Committee (HRRC) to discuss your approval and timeline. For any other research questions, please contact Liz Beaven, ebeaven@ciis.edu.

What are important points that I need to make to students during this process?

We want to provide a supportive environment for students as they review their options and proceed with completing their programs. Important points include confirming the Board’s decision of closure and that we have entered a process of teaching-out currently enrolled students. The quality of their education will not be impacted, all graduation requirements remain in place, and you are there to support them. If students have further questions, they should contact our consultant.

ACTCM Alumni and Donors

I graduated before the merger/several years ago. What impact does this closing have on my degree from ACTCM? Does this change the status of my degree?

No, there is no change to the status of your degree.

What will happen to my favorite professors/staff members?

We will be working with faculty and staff to support them in this transition and to ensure that they are informed. We do not anticipate immediate changes to faculty or staff; this transition will take place over time.

I previously sent a gift, am I able to rescind that gift?

Gifts that have been given to ACTCM or CIIS will have been used for their intended purpose. If you wish to discuss a prior gift, please contact Richard Buggs in Advancement.

Contact and Follow-up Meetings

Is there a dedicated address to send feedback to for this issue?

DACMCP FAQs

What is the DACMCP Program? 

The online DACMCP allows a graduate of a master’s level acupuncture program to complete their doctoral-level degree online. The program provides knowledge beyond the professional master’s degree and is considered a post-graduate program in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Designed in an online format, the DACM Completion Program allows students to complete their coursework while maintaining their practice and creating an environment in which students can immediately apply the knowledge and skills to patient care. The classes are didactic, or based on clinical analysis and mentorship, making online instruction suitable for deepening and extending practitioner knowledge. Learn more about the DACMCP on ACTCM's website.

How is the DACMCP Program different than the MSTCM/DACM?

The DACMCP program completes a DACM degree for a master’s level graduate and confers the DACM degree. Building on the master’s degree, required for entry, the courses in the DACMCP degree teach the same doctoral-level competencies earned from an entry-level DACM.

 

The online DACMCP is designed to meet the following objectives:  

The program is taught in an integral manner, bringing in a variety of resources and paradigms to enhance the prior training of graduates with a master’s degree in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The online DACMCP focuses on integrative care in the context of the broader health-care field. Integration involves patient-centered care and evidence-informed practice in collaboration with the broad range of health-care providers in a team context.  

 

The online DACMCP is designed to support prior training in acupuncture and Chinese medicine while bringing in advanced training in systems-based medicine, oncology, and advanced syndrome-based herbal study. The current configuration is designed to meet the goals of the professional doctoral degree for students who already hold a master’s degree in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. New and innovative program-delivery methods are employed. The DACMCP online courses are managed through CIIS’s online learning system, Canvas. 

What are the Admission Requirements for the DACMCP Program?

Graduation from a master’s degree program in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, or a graduate-level certification in Chinese herbology; must accredited from the ACAOM or candidate status programs. At least 90 college semester units (or 135 quarter units) from undergraduate studies. Chemistry is a co-requisite and may be completed at ACTCM (or approved by a previous accredited college). Status of each institution or foreign equivalent will be determined by the Admissions Committee.  

  • In good standing at the last educational institution attended. 
  • ACTCM will not accept nonmatriculated students into the DACMCP program. 

What are the course credit hours and student work for the DACMCP?

Please refer to curriculum page

 

DACMCP Courses Credits with Student Work Equivalents 

What credits can transfer to the DACMCP Program?

Transfer of Credit  

Transfer credit will only be awarded for coursework at the graduate level that supports the program’s objectives and meets the standards for completion of the program. These credits must come from an accredited institution or its international equivalent.  

All courses submitted for transfer credit will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee for applicability to the curriculum. Applicants must provide course descriptions and syllabi for each course they wish to be considered. 

Transfer credit awarded by the program shall not exceed one-sixth of the total hours of the DACMCP.

Clinical hours/experiences or CEU credits are not accepted as transfer credit. 

What are the Learning and Educational Resources for DACMCP Students?

The Center for Writing and Scholarship (CWS) offers comprehensive writing support for distance learning to assist students in their development as academic writers, scholars, and practitioners, through in-person and online consultations, courses and community workshops, editing services, and access to resources on academic writing, research, and pedagogy. 

Faculty are available to students through Canvas to help with questions regarding online courses. The ACTCM Manager is available by email or phone to answer questions regarding 

Canvas, and to coordinate with faculty depending on the issue being addressed. The Director of Post Graduate Programs works with faculty and students regarding Canvas related issues, in addition to the staff of the Office of Online Learning and the Canvas helpdesk.  

Students, faculty, and staff in the academic programs of ACTCM at CIIS have their library and information resource needs provided by the Laurance S. Rockefeller Library housed at the CIIS Mission Street campus. ACTCM community members have access to world class collections, library services, and instruction, ensuring their ability to maximize their impact in enhancing the knowledge base and clinical skills of Chinese medicine practitioners through scholarly activities, including teaching and research. Students have access to Medline and Alt Healthwatch through the EBSCO portal. This portal provides access to the National Library of Medicine databases as well as extensive free full-text papers. This is an outstanding research resource for students working on case studies and their clinical research.  

The Laurance S. Rockefeller Library collection has strengths in Eastern and comparative philosophy and religion, clinical and somatic psychology, integral health, human sexuality, east-west psychology, and anthropology and social change. The collection provides access to over 175,000 books (25,000 physical books and 150,000 e-books), full-text content from nearly 14,000 journals (including access through databases), over 30 individual database subscriptions, and over 4,500 videos (in both physical media and digital streaming content). Though the Rockefeller Library’s collection development policies have historically focused on content that would support the strengths listed above, the library subscribes to three large, multidisciplinary e-book and journal collections that include a multitude of scholarly resources that directly support research in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, as well as many other subject areas that complement DACM research: ProQuest EBook Central, SAGE Premier, and Springer Journals.  

What Support Services are available for DACMCP Students?

A variety of support services are available at CIIS for all students, whether taking courses “on-campus” or “off-campus.” The Office of Student Affairs produces the Student Handbook; conducts new student orientations (both on campus and online); coordinates information about campus safety, housing, and health and wellness; offers services and support to  international students and students with disabilities; works closely with the Student Alliance and other student groups; offers career development services and community engagement opportunities; administers the annual student satisfaction survey; and plans and conducts the annual commencement ceremony.  

ODI (Office of Diversity and Inclusion) is available for all students. ODI is a collaborative leader and initiator of transformative change at CIIS, working closely with students, staff, and faculty to advance diversity and student success, create an inclusive academic environment, and incorporate the principles of diversity and inclusive excellence into the classroom and curriculum.

ACTCM has a Student Success and Retention Committee (SSRC) that is committed to creating an environment that promotes student success and identifying issues that impact student success and retention, including online students. This includes evaluating student success at the individual, cohort, and class level. If meetings with students are deemed necessary, they may be conducted in-person, by telephone or through a teleconferencing option, such as Zoom or Skype. 

Placement and search opportunities are available through the Career Development Office, an extension of the Office of Student Affairs at CIIS, which works closely with students, alumni, and organizational partners to offer a comprehensive array of services, programs and resources to achieve professional success.

ACTCM offers online students individualized support while planning a course of study and progress through the program. Students may be advised by the ACTCM academic advisor, programs manager, or the director of postgraduate doctoral programs to assist them in progressing through the curriculum in an orderly manner. All advising is conducted in person, by telephone or other teleconferencing method, as necessary. Advisors are notified about interruptions or revisions in the progression of a student’s program to discuss how any changes may affect their overall student experience and career development.  

What is the degree title on my diploma after completing this Program?

Graduates from the DACM Completion Program will receive the title of Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM). 

Do I have to complete my master’s level program before applying for the DACMCP?

Yes, students must graduate from an ACAOM accredited Masters of Acupuncture in Chinese Medicine prior to the beginning of the DACMCP program. 

 Having a masters and acupuncture with herbal certification or a masters in both acupuncture and Chinese medicine is a minimum requirement.  The herb certification can be additional to the masters, but it must be an ACAOM accredited certification. 

How do I know if DACMCP is right for me?

If you are someone looking to enhance your practice through refining your clinical thinking and case management skills, deepen your understanding through the application of traditional literature and modern research; if you are someone looking to advance your career in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine by earning a doctorate degree, we look forward to meeting you in our DACM Completion Program.

Is the DACMCP Program accredited?

Is Financial Aid available of this program?

 Financial aid services are available to all students, including those who are defined as distance or online students. The Financial Aid Department at CIIS is available in person, by email or telephone, to answer questions concerning grants, scholarships, loans, default prevention and counseling, financial planning, financial aid appeals, and scholarships.

https://www.ciis.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid/financial-aid

State Authorization & Professional Licensure Policies and Procedures

https://www.ciis.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid/state-authorization

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