Establishing a Nutrition Position Shared Between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs at a Small State University

Abstract

Like many smaller colleges and universities, this small state university (approximately 6,600 students) did not employ a registered dietitian to meet nutrition screening, assessment and education needs for students, faculty and staff. Two full time, tenure track faculty members provided these services when possible, but their time was limited due to responsibilities associated with both an ADA-approved AP4 program and an ADA-approved DPD program in addition to a nutrition emphasis in the Master's of Health Sciences degree program. Although sporadic part-time teaching funds were available to cover one to two academic courses per year, these courses were usually service courses for other majors. Thus, there was documented need for both a non-academic registered dietitian and more stable funding for at least a partial academic position. Because funding was not available for either position, a proposal was developed for a shared position between the two areas. The proposal was accepted, and a full-time, 12-month position was created (1/3 academic, 2/3 non-academic). This approach may be successful at other small universities to enhance nutrition services offered to faculty, staff and students while increasing the number, types and frequency of nutrition courses offered.