Academic Standards
Successful completion of each clinical rotation is based on evaluation(s) of student performance by the clinical preceptor(s), end-of-rotation exam, assignments submitted for each rotation, and complete and timely submission of assignments and documentation of clinical activities including evaluations by the student of the clinical site/preceptor.
Evaluation of student performance
The faculty will evaluate a student’s performance to determine if he or she is displaying adequate knowledge, skills, values and attitudes and is meeting the program standards for academic progress. By entering the program, students agree that the program faculty shall be the sole judges of performance in both academic and non-academic areas.
Dismissal
Students may be dismissed from or disciplined by the program either for failure to meet academic standards or for failure to meet standards of performance or behavior in nonacademic matters.
Academic evaluation system and grades
Traditional letter grades are used to assess student progress in the program. For each course in the curriculum, students will be advised of the percentile range applicable for each level of performance indicated by the following grades:
- A – Extraordinary intellectual and creative performance and superior mastery of the course of study.
- B – Exceptional academic performance and mastery of required knowledge and skills
- C – In all letter-graded courses, a grade of "C" indicates a non-passing grade with insufficient mastery of essential knowledge and skills. A non-passing grade may require repetition of the course or may be cause for dismissal from the program.
- D/F – Non-passing performance with insufficient mastery of essential knowledge and skills that will result in referral to the Progress and Promotions Committee.
- Pass/Fail – Basic science courses as well as a few other selected courses (as reflected in course syllabi) are graded Pass/Non-pass. Non-pass grades will result in referral to the Progress and Promotions Committee.
- A grade of Incomplete (I) is assigned when a student's work is of passing quality but incomplete for good cause. Assignment of an Incomplete grade is at the discretion of the course instructor. A grade of Incomplete should not be assigned unless the student is unable to complete the work because of sudden illness, personal emergency, or other good cause outside of the control of the student. A course assigned an Incomplete must be completed within one term after the assignment of the Incomplete grade, or the grade will automatically be changed to a grade of I/F (Incomplete/Failure). An appeal for an extension to the one-term time frame must be approved by the Program Director.
A student receiving an incomplete grade during the academic year must complete all required coursework before being permitted to begin the clinical phase of the Program. Any incomplete grades received during the clinical phase must be resolved before a student will be eligible to graduate from the Program.
Determination of grades
Students receive grades that reflect the level of their performance. An assessment of professional conduct is considered in determination of all grades earned during the program.
Evaluation of student performance during the Academic Year
At the discretion of the course director, grades for classes during the academic year will be calculated based on performance indicated by testing and class assignments. Class participation and attendance may be taken into consideration when determining grades.
Students are required to successfully pass and complete all requirements of the academic year before being allowed to continue on to the clinical phase of the program.
Evaluation of student performance during the clinical phase
Successful completion of each clinical rotation is based on: evaluation(s) of student performance by the assigned preceptor(s), end-of-rotation exam, assignments submitted for each rotation, and complete and timely submission of assignments and documentation of clinical activities including evaluations by the student of the clinical site/preceptor.