An Interprofessional Engagement (IPE) experience is an intentional and structured learning opportunity where students from two or more majors or professions learn with, from, and about each other, not just work in parallel. The student experiences should emphasize improving health outcomes, patient care, or community well-being, not just academic learning. 

The student experiences should be guided by Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC, 2016) Core Competencies, which outlines what IPE should cultivate: 

  • Values and Ethics: Mutual respect and shared values across professions.
  • Roles and Responsibilities: Understanding one's own role and those of others.
  • Interprofessional Communication: Clear, responsive and respectful exchange.
  • Teams and Teamwork: Collaborative problem-solving, conflict resolution, and joint accountability.

The experiences listed below a pre-approved for the Distinction in Interprofessional Engagement and can be completed at any time after you have signed up for the River Hawk Experience Distinction (RHED) program.

  • IPE Case Competition: Brings together students from at least two majors in the college to solve a complex patient or community health case. Teams collaborate, create care plans, and present their solutions to judges, building teamwork and real-world problem solving skills. 
  • IPE Class Project: An IPE project specifically related to the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences (ZCHS) IPE Distinction completed during a UMass Lowell class that is not being used as a course requirement for the Distinction.
  • Faculty-led Thesis Research: Complete an IPE project or paper as part of a team, including someone from a different profession or major, with the support of your mentor or faculty member. 
  • Simulation activity in ZCHS: Participate in an IPE simulation experience embedded in an course once during the semester. For example, Nursing and Dietetics, or Nursing and Medical Lab Science (MLS), or Nursing and MLS. A Night at Riverhawk Hospital, where Physical Therapy, Dietetics, Medical Lab Science, Nursing and Public Health students work together to provide care to 5 simulated patients.  
  • Mobile Health Unit: Students from two or majors work together to deliver preventive services, screenings, health education, and outreach through the Mobile Health Unit.
  • Honors Project: An honors project conducted with students and faculty from at least two majors to address a shared topic. 
  • Interprofessional Directed Study Experience: Students from two or more majors work with faculty mentors to design and complete a directed study. Projects may include research, community engagement, or applied practice. 
  • Interprofessional DifferenceMaker Project: Students from two or more majors collaborate to design innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
  • IPE Shalin Liu Fellowship: Students receiving the Shalin Liu Fellowship write an IPE simulation case based on IPEC competencies. (Students will complete a faculty mentored project related to IPE).
  • Clinic in Riverview Suites: Participation will vary depending on student major.

Option: Students may propose a custome-designed experience:

  • Submitted by student to reflect their individual experience
  • Must meet at least half of the Distinction's learning outcomes
  • Individual request approval is managed by the IPE RHED committee members