Simmons & WNE OTD Articulation Agreement

Articulation Agreement between Simmons University and Western New England University for the Western New England University Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

This Articulation Agreement (“Agreement”) by and between Western New England University and Simmons University (each, a “Party,” and collectively “the Parties”) memorializes the intent and commitment of the Parties to jointly address the academic needs of students interested in pursuing a career in the profession of occupational therapy.

Western New England University will reserve four (4) seats in each annual cohort of students entering its Doctor of Occupational Therapy (“OTD”) program for qualified graduates of the Simmons University Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program. Qualified students must complete the application process for admission to the Western New England University program according to the established deadlines and application requirements.

Simmons University will advise its students of this opportunity, the minimum requirements for consideration, and the procedures and time frames for application and acceptance into the Western New England University OTD program and articulation program.

It is mutually understood that:

1. In order to be considered for admission to the Western New England University OTD program under the terms of this Articulation Agreement, qualified applicants will:
   1. Successfully be on track to complete a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science degree from Simmons University prior to matriculating into the Western New England University OTD program;
   2. Have completed or be in the process of completing courses for the OTD established prerequisite course list:
      1. Anatomy & Physiology I with lab
      2. Anatomy & Physiology II with lab
      3. Statistics or a Research-Based Course
      4. Abnormal Psychology
      5. Developmental Psychology
   3. Each prerequisite course must be successfully completed with no grade lower than a C (2.0/4.0);
   4. Have a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA and 3.0 minimum prerequisite GPA at the time of application and matriculation into Western New England University;
   5. Complete the Western New England University program application as indicated on the Western New England University OTD admissions application webpage.
2. Students can apply on the WNE website or through OTCAS. Additional application requirements can be found online.
3. Simmons applicants must apply by April 1 to be considered for that year’s application cycle. The reserved seats will be offered to qualified applicants based on their date of application completion (i.e. the first 4 students to complete their application will be offered the reserved seats). Qualified Simmons applicants who apply after the four reserved seats are filled will be considered for the program but not guaranteed a seat for that application cycle.
4. Offer of admission letter from the OTD program will be sent by Western New England University to the qualified applicants within ten (10) days of the student’s submission of a complete application.
5. Western New England University will hold bi-annual virtual-webinar/in-person information sessions for interested students. Virtual/in-person information session dates and times will be coordinated between Western New England University OTD and Simmons Exercise Science Program Directors prior to the start of each semester.
6. If no qualified Simmons University applicants apply by April, the four (4) guaranteed seats will be opened to be filled from non-Simmons applicants.
7. It is agreed and understood that each Party has the right and responsibility to make changes to its curricula and enrollment standards to maintain its academic integrity and meet accreditation standards. Such approved changes, if any, will be communicated within thirty (30) days in writing with the effective date of change between respective department Chairs/Directors by each institution as they occur. Any changes that impact this agreement will be reviewed and any required changes agreed upon by both Parties.