Information for Current Students

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Academic Policies

Note: Current academic policies governing Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree Program students is available in the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine Catalog

Each student enrolled in the UNT Health Science Center is individually responsible for knowing current academic and administrative policies, and the procedures and operational policies that apply to enrollment in his or her chosen degree program. This section provides selected academic and administrative policies governing the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree program. Other general policies are stated elsewhere. Academic policies and guidance also are presented in other official health science center documents and specific program publications.

The health science center reserves the right to amend or add to the academic policies and scholastic regulations at any time during the enrollment period. Such changes or additions are intended to improve the quality of education, and are introduced in a fair and deliberate manner with timely notice provided to all students affected by the changes.

Registration and Attendance
Registration is conducted annually during the summer for first-, second-, third-, and fourth-year TCOM students. Registration consists of paying tuition and fees and completing registration forms for the Office of the Registrar, Financial Aid Office and Office of Student Affairs.

Students may register for and attend only those courses and clinical rotations listed on their official academic schedules of classes, as approved by the dean of TCOM. Students may not be enrolled in two or more courses meeting at the same time.

Only students properly enrolled by the registrar may attend classes. Any examinations or other materials completed by an individual who is not officially enrolled will be destroyed. No record will be kept of examinations or other academic work done by individuals whose enrollment in a course has not been authorized by the registrar. Examinations or other course materials completed by a dismissed student who is attending classes while under an official appeal will not be scored and will be retained by the registrar pending outcome of the appeal.

Late fees are assessed for each day following the designated date of registration. A check returned because of insufficient funds will incur a penalty and also may result in a charge for late registration. (See Fiscal Policies in the TCOM Catalog for more information.)

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Attendance
During Years 1 and 2, medical students are expected to attend all lectures. Attendance is required at all laboratories, integrative and clinical experiences. Limited excused absences may be granted with permission of the associate vice president for student affairs. The student is responsible for obtaining and learning subject materials presented during any absence. When the period of absence is known and may be planned, the student must confer with the appropriate course director and determine a plan of action for the absence. The student must then submit a completed excused absence request form at least two weeks before the requested date(s) of absence to the Office of Student Affairs.

Throughout Years 3 and 4, because of the responsibility for patient care, as well as the expectations of clinical assignments, 100 percent attendance is required on all clinical clerkships.

However, it is recognized that situations beyond a student's control may arise that require absence from a clerkship. When approved by the clerkship director, a student may be absent at the rate of one-day absence per two weeks on a clerkship. These approved absences should be limited to instances such as: internship/residency interviews; personal and/or immediate family illness; physician appointment; or the death of a family member.

All absences require written documentation using the Request for Absence From Clerkship Form available through the Office of Clinical Education.

Unapproved absences or absences in excess of this policy will, at the discretion of the course director and/or clinical department, either require remediation of the time missed or result in the loss of points from the final clerkship grade.

Absences in excess of five days on a four-week clerkship, or seven days on a six-week clerkship, will result in a grade of "Incomplete," and will require that the clerkship be repeated in its entirety.

Absence(s) without notification of the clinic and/or clerkship director (i.e., failure to report) will be considered neglect of duty and may result in a failing grade for the clerkship.

Students may receive approved absences for certain health science center-related activities. These absences require advanced, written approval from the associate vice president for student affairs, and are subject to the above provisions for four- and six-week clerkships. Any exception to this policy may be made only with the approval of the associate vice president for student affairs.

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Holidays and Religious Observances
Students on clinical rotation are expected to be available during all holidays, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, and December 25 through January 1. These are the only school-approved holidays for Year 3 and Year 4 students. Please consult the official academic calendar for complete information.

For Semesters 1-4, a student may request release from duties for observance of a religious holy day by submitting a Religious Holy Day Request Form to the associate vice president for student affairs within 14 days from the beginning of the semester. Instructors may require a letter of verification of any observed holy days from the religious institution. The associate vice president for student affairs shall make reasonable attempts to accommodate a request where possible; however, there is no intrinsic guarantee that a request will be granted. The Religious Holy Day Request Form is available in the Office of the Registrar. Refer to Section 51.911 of the Texas Education Code to see applicable guidelines for this policy.

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Leave of Absence
A student may request or be required to take a leave of absence with the occurrence of a medical problem, substantial personal problem, or as recommended by the Student Performance Committee. Students requesting a leave of absence must apply to the dean of TCOM. In the event of a medical problem, the request must be accompanied by a letter from the treating physician or a licensed professional describing the nature of the disability for which the leave is requested and the estimated length of time needed for recovery.

After consultation with the student, the dean of TCOM will decide whether or not the leave will be granted and the conditions under which the student may return to school.

Students must report to the Office of Student Affairs to obtain a Leave of Absence Form and complete it before they are officially placed on an approved leave.

Before a student may be readmitted, a written request for readmission must be submitted by the student to the dean of TCOM. In the case of a medical leave, a letter from the treating physician or a licensed professional must accompany the readmission request stating that the student has recovered from the disability for which the medical leave was granted and is able to participate in a full academic program.

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Grading

Course Syllabus
The course syllabus contains specific educational requirements - assignments, evaluations, grading and other conditions of performance - that must be satisfactorily completed in order to receive a passing grade. Modifications to the requirements and procedures of a course may be made when judged necessary to improve instruction or to conform to scholastic regulations of the college.

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Numerical Course Grades
The grading standard for all TCOM courses will be a numerical system ranging from 0 to 100, with 70 as the lowest passing grade. A grade of 69 or less is defined as a failing grade. Numerical course grades will be rounded off to the nearest whole number (for example, 69.1 to 69.4 will be recorded as a 69; 69.5 to 69.9 will be recorded as a 70).

For purposes of promotion and graduation, a cumulative weighted average of 70 or better is required. The weighted average for a block or semester is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of hours attempted, excluding courses in which a "CR" grade is achieved.

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Grade Symbols and Designations
W: Withdrawal in good academic standing or Withdrawal, not in good academic standing. WP: Withdrawal passing. WF: Withdrawal failing. NC: No credit. CR: Credit. I: Incomplete. AUD: Audit. IP: In Progress.

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Recording Grades
No grade will be removed or deleted from a student's official permanent record once properly recorded, except in the case of inaccurate recording. It is assumed that faculty members exercise their best judgment in formulating grades. Changes are not permitted after grades have been filed with the registrar, except to correct clerical errors. A request for error correction must be initiated within 30 days after the close of the semester or term for which the grade was awarded. Requests for correction after 30 days require approval of the dean of TCOM.

Grades assigned during a period of instruction for which there are unpaid tuition and fees will be made available by the registrar for official college purposes, such as the review of academic performance. However, those grades (as well as any transcript) will not be released until appropriate payment is received by the health science center.

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Incomplete Grades
A grade of "I" (Incomplete) will be assigned only when a student has not completed all academic requirements and assignments, including regular examinations, due to documented illness or circumstances beyond a student's control. A student may not advance to the next academic year until all failures and incomplete ("I") grades are remedied. A student will not be promoted to clinical rotations with an incomplete grade without prior approval of the dean of TCOM.

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Semester Grades
Grades are reported to the Office of the Registrar within five working days of the conclusion of a course. Grades are posted on the website at the end of each semester.

The semester grade report includes grades for the present academic term as well as the cumulative weighted average earned throughout the academic program.

Grades will not be released over the telephone and will be kept in confidence.

Students who fail an examination are required to consult with the course director within five working days following notification of the failed examination.

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Remedied Grades
A student who receives a failing grade (69 or less) in a course will have to repeat that course in accordance with the promotion requirements and achieve either a grade of 70 or a "CR." Failure to achieve either a grade of 70 or better or a "CR" in a remedied or repeated course is grounds for dismissal.

When a course is repeated or remedied, all attempted credit hours and earned grade points are counted in computing the cumulative weighted average. An asterisk is placed next to these courses to indicate that the course has been repeated. Entries for the repeated course and the remedied grade are shown elsewhere on the transcript.

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Course/Instructor Evaluation
Each student is responsible to provide constructive evaluation of each course, clinical rotation and instructor in the curriculum. Year 1 and Year 2 course evaluations must be completed within five business days after each course ends. Evaluations for all clinical rotations must be completed within thirty (30) calendar days following the end of the rotation. If this responsibility is not met for a given course, the grade for that course will be withheld until the evaluation is completed. All evaluations must be current before a student can register for the next semester. For clinical year students, no transcript will be released until course evaluations are up to date. For complete information, see policy number S/TCOM/Acad-36, Administrative Policy - Student Evaluation of Courses and Instructors.

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Academic Honors
It is a tradition at the health science center to recognize its highest scholars and promote academic excellence. Honors for medical students are determined at the end of the academic year at graduation. Academic honors are noted on the student's official permanent record.

The Dean's List for semesters 1 through 4 recognizes those medical students whose weighted averages are 90 percent or greater and who make up the highest 10 percent of each class enrolled in the college. The distinction of President's Scholar is awarded to those graduating seniors who have been named to the Dean's List for every semester of enrollment in TCOM.

Academic honors are awarded with the degree at graduation ceremonies to the medical students whose cumulative weighted average is 90 percent or greater and who make up the highest 10 percent of the graduating class. The students in this group shall be designated as graduating with honors. For the purpose of determining academic honors for graduation, grades will be calculated for honors at the beginning of the Eighth Semester. In no case will grades for honors be considered after this date.

No graduate will be named to the Dean's List or receive a degree with honors who has failed a course, who has not been enrolled as a full-time student or who has been placed on academic, disciplinary probation or suspension.

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Advanced Placement/Waivers
Requests for advanced placement or waiver for any course must be declared by the medical student on the day of first enrollment at the health science center. The student must then present all supporting documents to the Office of the Registrar. The student is required to attend all classes and take all examinations until a decision is made regarding the advanced placement request.

To be placed in advanced standing, a student must: have taken a course judged to be equivalent by the appropriate academic department or course director within two years before the first day of classes and awarded a minimum grade of "B"; or have completed a similar course and obtained a minimum grade of "B" in a written comprehensive examination given by the department or course director for this purpose before the student's program begins at the health science center.

The decision regarding a request for advanced standing will be transmitted in writing to the student by the dean of TCOM, who will also notify the registrar and the appropriate department or course director. Courses for which advanced standing is granted are assigned a transcript designation of "CR" and are not calculated in the cumulative weighted average.

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Special Academic Programs
Under extenuating circumstances, a student may request the privilege of a special academic program. Requests to be considered for a special academic program will be directed to the dean of TCOM, who will act upon the request after consultation with the appropriate educational program, Student Performance Committee and the Office of Student Affairs. There is no assurance that requests will be granted.

Guidelines for a special program are as follows:

Requests for a special program must be made three weeks before enrollment in the fall semester of the first year or within three weeks before the beginning of the first semester of each year of classes.

No request will be considered at any other time in the year unless there is documented evidence of a medical or serious personal problem that would prevent the student from completing the year with a full course load. Under no circumstances will special programs be granted to students only for reason of poor academic standing, or to students who have not applied themselves in studies at TCOM, including class attendance. Furthermore, the student should have indicated, as evidenced by efforts at the college, that he or she has the characteristics to be successful in the medical school curriculum.

Any student (other than a transfer student) granted a special program will be placed on a standard five-year program. All of the academic and non-academic requirements of the college will apply to any student on a special program, and the student must meet the requirements for the class that he or she will graduate with.

The Dean of TCOM may make exceptions to these requirements if it is determined that an extraordinary circumstance exists to warrant such an exception.

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Auditing
Students may audit classes if they have obtained permission from the dean of TCOM and have paid all tuition and fees. These students will be expected to meet all classes and take examinations unless prior arrangements have been made with the course director and/or department chairman or phase director.

No grades will be given for audited classes, but these courses will be shown on the academic transcript.

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Transcripts and Ranking
The term academic transcript refers to a copy of the official permanent record of a student's approved academic course work, including academic marks, scholarships and degrees.

Class ranks are posted on the website at the end of the spring semester.

Students may obtain copies of their transcripts by submitting written requests to the Office of the Registrar. The first copy of the TCOM transcript is free. A $4 fee is charged thereafter for each official transcript. A $1 fee is charged for each copy of an undergraduate transcript in a student's file.

Alteration of academic records or transcripts with the intent to use such a document fraudulently is a crime punishable by law. The penalty is a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or confinement in the county jail for a period not to exceed one year.

Appropriate payment of tuition and fees must be made before a transcript is released.

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Examinations

Administration
Examinations are administered at the time and date established by the course director and/or published in the course syllabus. They begin and end as scheduled and all answers must be recorded in the manner prescribed by the course director. No examinations will be distributed after the first student has turned in a completed examination. All written examinations will be scheduled in Luibel Hall as the first activity of the day. All other exams (i.e. practical and lab) will be scheduled as the first activity of the day when possible.

For complete information, see Policy No. S/TCOM/Exams-01 in the Academic Policy Manual available in each academic department and in the Office of Educational Affairs.

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Secure Testing Policy
Test questions and keys used in written examinations that contribute to a course grade are not retained by students.

Following major written examinations, students may attend a post-exam review session to receive feedback on their examination performance.

The intent of this policy is to facilitate the long-term development of a collection (bank) of questions whose increasing number and quality permit improved assessment of students' knowledge and skills.

For complete information, see Policy No. F/TCOM/CurrMgmt-09 in the Academic Policy Manual available in each academic department and in the Office of Educational Affairs.

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Final Examinations
No student may be exempt from sitting for final examinations at their scheduled time. In the case of unusual circumstances, the student may petition the course director. Each case of this type will be considered on its individual merits.

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Make-Up Examinations
A make-up examination is defined as an examination administered to a student in lieu of a regular course examination when the student has (1) arranged in advance to take an examination early or late, or (2) missed taking a regularly scheduled examination. Make-up examinations are given only in the case of an approved absence or a documented medical excuse.

Approval is required from the associate vice president for student affairs and the course director in order to authorize a make-up examination. The associate vice president for student affairs and the course director will confer on any request for a make-up examination and render a decision to the student.

A student who misses a scheduled examination without receiving approval by the associate vice president for student affairs and the course director either to take an early or late examination or to make up a missed examination will receive a grade of zero for that examination.

A student who misses an examination is not permitted to participate in a post-exam review of that examination if they have not completed the make-up examination by the time the post-exam review takes place.

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Procedure: Early/Late Examination
To request an early or late make-up examination, a student first obtains and fills out an excused absence form requesting a make-up examination from the Office of Student Affairs and also notifies the course director. In the case of an early examination, the completed form must be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs at least five (5) days before the date of the exam. This form documents the reason for the absence and the date the student requested the make-up examination. A copy of the completed and signed request is sent to the Office of the Registrar.

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Procedure: Making Up a Missed Examination
Within five business days after the missed examination, a student obtains and fills out an excused absence form requesting a make-up examination from the Office of Student Affairs, and also notifies the course director. If approved, a make-up examination must be administered within seven (7) days following the date of the approval, except when the course director determines that additional time is needed to arrange a laboratory or clinical practical exam.

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Failed Examinations
Any student who fails an examination will be required to contact the course director within five class days following notification of the failed examination in order to arrange for academic counseling and remediation. At the time of the meeting, an Academic Consultation Report must be completed indicating the remediation plan agreed to by the course director and student. A copy of the completed Academic Consultation Report must be filed in the administrative offices of the Division of Student Affairs.

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External Examinations
It is the policy of Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine to promote measures that will ensure the security of testing materials from external examinations. To ensure the security of testing materials from external examinations, TCOM may require all of its medical students to sign a document whereby each student:

• Acknowledges awareness that external testing materials are owned and copyrighted by outside entities and that any form of copying these materials is prohibited.
• Acknowledges that they will not reproduce and distribute external testing materials that are owned and copyrighted by outside entities.
• Acknowledges that they will not distribute any external testing materials to students at other medical schools or to any other persons.

The college may take any other reasonable action to ensure the security of testing materials from external examinations.

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Subject Exam and Comprehensive Exam Policy

Subject Examination Policy
Subject Examinations will be administered in core clinical clerkships for which these examinations are available. Assigned students must sit for the appropriate subject examination administered at the completion of each of their rotations. Any student who is unable to sit for the subject examination at the scheduled time is referred to the course director to petition for an excused absence and reassignment of test date. Core clerkship subject examinations must be taken within 60 days of the original scheduled date.

The NBOME subject exam for Manipulative Medicine will be administered at the end of Year 2 and during the core rotation in Manipulative Medicine.

All students are required to take the subject examination without prior determination that the course has been passed.

For all classes, beginning with the Class of 2004: Core Clerkship Subject Examinations will be graded and will represent 25% of the clerkship grade.

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Comprehensive Basic Science Examination
The Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (NBME) is administered in Semesters 2 and 4. For these examinations, the results will be used to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum. These comprehensive examinations will not be a component of, not affect the student's numerical grade in a course. A student must complete all required comprehensive examinations in order to begin clinical clerkship rotations.

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National Boards
All medical students are required to take Level I of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX), the examination administered by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) upon completion of the second year of the medical curriculum. A student is eligible to take Level I upon satisfactory completion of one-half of the second year of the medical curriculum. To be eligible, a student must have received a passing grade in courses totaling one-half of the semester credit hours in the second-year curriculum.

Students will be allowed to proceed to the third year classification pending successful completion of the first examination.

A student is required to pass Level I (per the minimums established by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners) for promotion to the third year. Students who do not pass Level I will be required to retake the examination at the regularly scheduled examination period in the fall of the third year. The students will be allowed to continue in the third year classification on a provisional basis pending results of the second examination. Medical students must pass COMLEX Level I to continue in clinical clerkship rotations.

Students may audit appropriate basic science courses in order to prepare for re-examination with the approval of the dean of TCOM, department chair or phase director and the course director. A student who does not achieve a satisfactory result on the second examination will be dismissed from the University of North Texas Health Science Center.

All students are required to take Level II of COMLEX in the summer of Year 4. A student is required to pass Level II (per the minimums established by NBOME) for graduation. Students who do not pass Level II will have a second opportunity to take the test during the spring of their fourth year. Students who are unsuccessful on the second try will be dismissed from the University of North Texas Health Science Center.

Students must apply to the dean of TCOM in writing to request approval not to take the COMLEX Level II fall examination. Permission will be granted only for documented extraordinary circumstances.

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Physician Licensure
Physician licensing is a prerogative of individual states. In Texas, the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners (TSBME) currently grants licensure based upon factors including the applicant's successfully passing the COMLEX Levels I, II and III, or the United States Medical Licensing Examination Steps 1, 2 and 3, plus the Medical Jurisprudence Examination.

COMLEX Levels I, II and III are administered on campus. In Texas, the Medical Jurisprudence examination is administered only in Austin. Information on dates and fees are available in the Office of the Registrar, along with registration forms. Information on the licensing requirements of other states may be found in the annual almanac issued as a supplement to the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, or by writing to the state's medical licensing board.

The health science center does not require that students take the United States Medical Licensing Examination.

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Licensing Examination Review
All medical students will be required to complete a licensing examination review, which will be conducted during the spring of the second year. This review is intended to assist students in preparing for licensing examinations.

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Promotion and Probation
Normal progression through the curriculum requires that a student achieve a cumulative average of at least 70 (or credit) in each academic year and that there be no failing grades (below 70 or No Credit) that have not been corrected. Achievement of this standard in each academic year is required for promotion to the next academic year. It must also be met before a Year 3 student will be allowed to begin clinical rotations, and the same standard has to be achieved in the fourth year in order to graduate. In addition, the graduating student must have passed Levels I and II of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination administered by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.

The academic standards for successful completion of each course or clinical rotation are determined by the department or interdisciplinary unit in which the course or rotation is administered. The student has the primary responsibility for acquiring knowledge and clinical proficiency, and meeting the academic standards set for each course or program. The health science center in no way guarantees that any student, once enrolled, will achieve academic or professional accomplishment.

Students must meet the minimum standards and requirements set by the institution in order to remain in good academic standing. Students will be placed on academic probation if they have a cumulative weighted average of less than 70 or if a failing grade is received in any course. Students on academic probation must achieve a passing grade on all deficient course work during that academic year. They will be removed from academic probation only after successfully correcting their particular deficiency. A student who does not remedy a failed grade(s) within the academic year, will be subject to dismissal.

Academic standing is reviewed by the Student Performance Committee periodically throughout the year and includes consideration of a student's overall performance at the health science center during any and all periods of enrollment. Academic probation or other actions may be recommended for students who have an incomplete course grade. In addition, students may be placed on academic probation for ethical, professional and personal standards that fall below those established by the health science center. Students who meet any of the above criteria will be required to appear before the Student Performance Committee when notified by the Registrar's Office.

Students who do not meet the standards specified for promotion, for beginning clinical rotation, or for graduation may be given an opportunity to correct their deficiencies either at specified times during the academic year or by adding an additional period of time to their medical education.

The Student Performance Committee will recommend to the dean of TCOM whether a student should be offered an opportunity to correct their deficiencies during the summer or during the next academic year or that they be dismissed. Decisions will be made by written notification to the student by the dean of TCOM.

It is recognized by the SPC that each student's situation should be evaluated as an individual case.

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Academic Probation
Academic probation should be regarded as a serious matter and is official notice to the student that the quality of the student's performance during the probationary period must improve in order to remain eligible to continue at the health science center. Any student who fails to improve his or her performance in the areas identified by the Student Performance Committee during the probationary period may be continued on probation, asked to withdraw or be dismissed from the health science center. Students on academic probation may not hold any elected or appointed office, institutional or external.

Students experiencing academic difficulty or on academic probation are expected to take full advantage of their educational experience by regularly attending classes and seeking assistance from faculty, course directors and the Division of Student Affairs. Additionally, learning assessment, skill development and tutoring services are available to mediate curricular deficiencies.

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Remediation
The opportunity to remedy academic deficiencies at times other than when the course is regularly scheduled may be extended to medical students who do not fall into a dismissal category provided they have made a serious effort to earn a passing grade and have sought assistance from the faculty during the regular offering of the course. Remediation is to be regarded as a privilege that must be earned by the student.

A student is expected to take an active role in attempting to pass the course or rotation by adhering to the attendance policy of the course or rotation, attending help sessions, seeking help from the appropriate faculty, and seeking study skills help through the Office of Student Affairs. Remedial course work must be completed according to the following schedule:

A deficiency in a Semester 1 or Semester 2 course must be remedied prior to Semester 3 or as specified by the Student Performance Committee.

A deficiency in a Semester 3 or Semester 4 course must be remedied before clinical clerkships begin.

A deficiency in a clinical clerkship must be remedied prior to graduation.

For successful completion of a remedied course the student must earn a final course grade of 70 or "CR." Failure to earn at least a grade of 70 or better or "CR" in a remedied course is grounds for dismissal from the health science center.

When a course is repeated or remedied, all attempted credit hours and earned grade points are counted in computing the cumulative weighted average. An asterisk is placed next to these courses to indicate that the course has been repeated. Entries for the repeated course and the remedied grade are shown elsewhere on the transcript.

Year I and Year II medical students taking a full course load: A Year I or Year II student with failing grades may correct deficiencies during the summer prior to either the second or third years, respectively, if the total number of credit hours failed does not exceed the value assigned to the course having the highest number of credit hours. Correction of deficiencies under these stipulations may be accomplished under one of two conditions:

1. A student may be reexamined in no more than one course of seven or more credit hours. A student may be reexamined in no more than three courses which together comprise a maximum of eight credit hours. The content, scope, and format of the examination will be decided upon by the appropriate department or interdisciplinary unit and this information will be forwarded to the Student Performance Committee (SPC). All examinations should be equivalent to the course's original examinations in level of difficulty. The final recorded grade for any course in which a student has been re-examined will not exceed 70.

2. A student may repeat one course in its entirety, at an outside institution approved by the appropriate department or interdisciplinary unit, or at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, if the full course is offered. The repeated course must be of equal depth, scope, and quality as the original course. The final recorded grade for a repeated course will be the numerical grade the student earned in the course.

The student may be re-examined in no more than two other courses which together do not exceed a total of three credit hours.

Students who fail a re-examination will be required to spend an additional academic year correcting their deficiencies by repeating the failed year. During this year the student will enroll in a full course load and must successfully complete all required courses. The final recorded grades for courses repeated during this year will be the numerical grade the student earned in each of the courses. During this period of time the student will not be allowed to register for the next year's courses and/or rotations.

Any student who earns a failing grade in a repeated course will be recommended for dismissal from the health science center.

Year 1 or Year 2 students taking a full course load who have failed less than 25 percent of the year's total credit hours but who do not or cannot fit in the category above, which allows correction of deficiencies during the summer, will add an additional year to their medical education.

The student will spend the year correcting the deficiencies by taking a full course load and repeating all courses required during the year. The recorded grades for courses repeated during this year will be the numerical grade the student earned in each of the courses. During this time, the student will not be allowed to register for the next year's courses and for rotations.

Year 3 medical students taking a full course load: The first one or more periods of the Semester 5 will be used for remediation opportunities so that the students may correct deficiencies before beginning clinical rotations. The content, scope and format of the examination(s) will be decided by the appropriate department or interdisciplinary unit, and this information will be forwarded to the Student Performance Committee. All examinations should be equivalent to the course's original examinations in level of difficulty. The student's final recorded grade for any course in which the student has been reexamined will not exceed 70. The final recorded grade for a repeated course taken at an outside institution will not exceed 70.

If the student fails a re-examination, the student will have to add an additional year to their medical education as described above. Similarly, students who are not eligible or are unable to correct their deficiencies as described above will have to add an additional year to their program.

Any student who earns a failing grade in a repeated course will be recommended for dismissal from the health science center.

Medical students in clinical rotations: A student who earns failing grades in clinical rotations will be required to repeat those rotations. Students will have to add whatever time is necessary to the student's education to remove the failing grade, possibly delaying graduation. Eligibility for graduation will be achieved whenever the standards have been met and do not require an entire year's delay. Students who do not fulfill all graduation requirements by graduation day will not be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony. In addition, they will not be considered graduates in any capacity until they have successfully completed all requirements.

Any student who earns a failing grade in a repeated rotation will be recommended for dismissal from the health science center.

Medical students on extended study plans: A student who is on an extended study plan will be evaluated on the total credit hours taken for the particular year in question. All requirements and recommendations cited in this document will apply to the student on extended study plans. However, determination of options for correcting deficiencies and determination of recommendation for dismissal for the special schedule students will depend on how many total credit hours they are taking during the year.

A student who is not promoted from one year to the next or who earns failing grades during any year will be placed on academic probation until all deficiencies have been corrected. No more than two years will be allowed for the completion of any one academic year and no more than six years for completion of all requirements for graduation (exclusive of a leave of absence). A student may not advance to the next academic year until all failing and incomplete (I) grades are removed.

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Withdrawal
Application of voluntary withdrawal from the health science center must be made in writing to the dean of TCOM. Except in rare and special circumstances, the application will be accompanied with a personal interview by the dean of TCOM. Students who leave the health science center without notifying the dean of TCOM and without completing the established withdrawal procedures within 30 days will automatically be terminated from the health science center.

At the time withdrawal is granted, an entry will be made on the official permanent record indicating the academic standing of the student. "Withdrawal in good standing" will be recorded if the student is not on academic probation and has maintained a cumulative grade of 70 or above in each enrolled course during the semester in which the withdrawal is requested. "Withdrawal not in good academic standing" will be recorded if the student is on academic probation or has maintained a cumulative grade of 69 or below in enrolled courses during the semester in which the withdrawal is requested.

In addition, students must report to the Office of Student Affairs to obtain and complete a withdrawal form before they can officially withdraw from the health science center. Students who do not complete this application for voluntary withdrawal will not be entitled to an official withdrawal and, consequently will not be considered for re-admission at a later date.

Re-admission for students withdrawing in good academic standing is not assured unless it is a part of the final decision and/or agreement made by the withdrawing student and the dean of TCOM. This final decision and/or agreement will be in writing. Students who are granted re-admission following withdrawal in good academic standing usually will re-enter at the beginning of an academic year and must register for all courses scheduled during the academic year of their withdrawal, including those previously completed and passed, unless otherwise stipulated.

Students who withdraw not in good academic standing may request re-admission through the admissions application process. The Admissions Committee will evaluate the student's entire academic record and make a recommendation to the dean of TCOM.

Any student who withdraws due to poor academic progress, re-enters the health science center and receives a failing grade in any course will be recommended for unconditional dismissal with no opportunity for re-admission.

The academic record of any student who has been dismissed, and reapplies for readmission, will be a part of the data reviewed for re-admission. If the student seeks readmission, the student must go through the admissions process.

Any student who withdraws or is dismissed due to poor academic progress, re-enters the health science center and receives a failing grade in any course will be recommended for unconditional dismissal with no opportunity for re-admission.

It should be clearly understood that the health science center, after due consideration and process, reserves the right to require the dismissal of any student at any time before graduation if circumstances of a legal, moral, behavioral, ethical, health or academic nature justify such an action.

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Dismissal
Dismissal from the health science center will be recommended if:

A student's cumulative weighted average for any one academic year is less than 70.

A student earns failing grades in 25 percent or more of the credit hours for any one academic year.

A student fails a course for the second time (no re-admission would be granted at a later date).

A student exceeds the two-year limit for completing one academic course or the six-year limit for completing requirements for graduation, exclusive of a leave of absence or withdrawal in good standing.

A student has not demonstrated continued academic and professional growth and achievement.

A student has not passed the national board examinations as set forth in policies of the health science center and by the National Board of Examiners for Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, Inc.

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Requirements for Graduation:*
Class of 2006

Students who have satisfactorily completed all academic requirements and who have been recommended by the health science center faculty may be awarded the doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) degree, provided they are of good moral character and that they:

1. have maintained at least a cumulative weighted average of 70, have no unremedied failing grades and no grades of "I";

2. are at least 2l years of age;

3. have been in residence for four academic years at an accredited college of osteopathic medicine or college of medicine, the last two years of which must have been at TCOM;

4. have completed the Comprehensive Basic Science Examination administered at the end of Semesters 2 and 4;

5. have completed the licensing examination board review program;

6. have passed Level I and Level II of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination;

7. have complied with all legal and financial requirements of the college;

8. have exhibited the ethical, professional, behavioral and personal characteristics necessary for the practice of osteopathic medicine;

9. have completed an Exit Questionnaire and the Clearance Check Form from the Office of the Registrar. The Clearance Check Form, which must be returned to the registrar before graduation, is placed with the student's permanent record and serves as the final clearance from campus; and

10. attend the commencement at which the degree is to be awarded (only in unusual circumstances and with approval of the president will a degree be awarded in absentia).

A student who completes the curriculum in four consecutive years is required to meet the graduation requirements listed in the TCOM Catalog published for the year entered and/or any subsequent or additional program requirements. In the event of an extension beyond the four years, the student must meet the requirements for the class with whom the individual graduates.

* Students who do not fulfill all graduation requirements by graduation day will not be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony. In addition, they will not be considered graduates in any capacity until they have successfully completed all requirements.

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