Student Services
At Five Branches University, our students are our first priority. Ensuring that you receive a high quality, comprehensive academic education is on the top of our list but we also realize that student support and service is just as important. That is why we have the people and resources in place to provide you with the support you need to make your experience at Five Branches, not only rewarding but also pleasurable.
The Registrar’s office will ensure that registering for classes and determining your class schedule flows smoothly. Our student services staff can provide you with all information related to the campus facilities, school programs and the support services available to you. Later in your academic term, Career Development will help you to prepare for graduation and to determine the right career path for you. From start to finish, and beyond we are here to support you on your journey to become a licensed TCM practitioner, in your advanced studies as a Doctoral or PhD student and as an alumni of Five Branches University.
Student Blog
Five Branches maintains a blog for students with the most updated Class schedules, the booklist for the upcoming semester and other important data, making it easy for you to keep track of changes to class schedules and to review pertinent student updates. To view the blog go to http://fivebranches.blogspot.com
Student Council
Five Branches students take their academic role very seriously. Each semester, student council representatives are chosen to voice student concerns on topics ranging from curriculum review to details for the annual Chinese New Year Party. The council functions as an organized body through which students can implement change within their school. The council also works as a liaison between the students, faculty, and administration, to ensure that all parties are working toward the same vision. All students are welcome to come to meetings, voice their opinions, and vote on important issues.
Student Health Services
The Medical Centers at Five Branches University are a flourishing environment for both student education and quality health care. As a student, you have the opportunity to partake in treatments as both healer and patient. Prospective students receive a free acupuncture treatment, so don’t forget to schedule it during your tour of the campus. As a Five Branches student, you will receive 50% off treatments with senior interns, as well as in rounds, intern rounds and theatre classes. This means treatments are available for as little as $12.50. You also receive 20% off bulk herbs and patent medicines, as well as a $5 drop-in rate for appointments made less than 1 hour in advance.
Online Bookstore
All textbooks for the classes at Five Branches can be purchased through a virtual bookstore that is accessible on the Internet or by calling a toll-free number. The service, MBS Direct Textbooks, allows you to go online or to call by phone to order books needed for your upcoming courses. Purchased books are delivered directly to your home. Used books are often available. The online bookstore will also buy back used textbooks at the end of a course. Two weeks prior to the end of class, MBS Direct will send a quote notifying you of the buyback price for your textbooks, which is up to 40% of the new, retail price of the books. Please check at: http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/fivebranches.htm
Library
The Santa Cruz and San Jose library collections contain a broad selection of over 4,000 books and journals on TCM, acupuncture and Western medicine, as well as titles on related topics such as Asian art, Asian history, and philosophy. We encourage and invite all students to use and enjoy these facilities. There are computers in the library for student use; offering a variety of medical software programs, including TCM Windows (a specialized study aid program). The library provides wireless Internet access, copy and laser print services and of course, smiling, helpful staff to assist you. For more information on the library check out the Student Life/Library link on our website.
Externships
Five Branches University is fortunate to have a number of TCM experts spread throughout the vicinity. Externship opportunities currently available include: a fertility clinic, a mental health drop-in clinic, a project working with veterans of war, and a variety of clinical settings with practitioners in the area. This type of clinical work can satisfy credit requirements for varying academic levels, depending on the tasks involved within a particular externship. New options pop up each semester, and students generally look forward to the chance to network with experienced practitioners in the field. The annual Five Branches trip to China is also a coveted externship, affording Five Branches students with the opportunity to satisfy academic requirements abroad.
Student Employment
Working on campus is an excellent way to learn valuable skills, make important connections and build your resume. Student employment is awarded on the basis of financial need and is earned money that does not have to be repaid. Most students who qualify for need-based financial aid are eligible to earn money through the Federal Work Study program. Federal Work Study funds pay for a percentage of on-campus part-time employment wages.
There may also be other campus jobs available for students who do not qualify for Federal Work Study. For information regarding these opportunities contact the Career Development Department.
Career Opportunities
Five Branches receives requests and announcements of employment opportunities regularly. All known professional vacancies in the field of acupuncture and TCM are posted on the job placement bulletin board in the student lounge and in direct e-mails to students and alumni. Five Branches also refers graduates to successful alumni, so they may join these established practices. We receive referral requests nationwide for competent, qualified, licensed acupuncturists. If Five Branches alumni are located within the requested area, patients are then referred to these practitioners. A listing of all active and licensed TCM practitioners is available on the Five Branches website.