 Each semester the University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS) publishes the "Student Handbook of Policies and Procedures". The Student Handbook provides information on academic policies that are binding upon all students.
Only general aspects of academic policies will be covered in this section. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of all regulations contained in the Student Handbook and any changes or modifications.
Grading and Satisfactory Academic Progress
A passing grade of 70 (equivalent to a grade of C) is required in all courses; any grade below 70 is considered failing (F grade). Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in order to make satisfactory academic progress. Students who receive a grade of "F" or "WF" in any course are eligible to repeat that course once on academic probation. Failure to pass a repeated course with a grade of "C" or better is grounds for dismissal from the program. Students may not take more than six semesters to complete the Basic Sciences curriculum.
Evaluations during the Clinical Science segment of the curriculum include an assessment not only of the student's mastery of course objectives, but also of the characteristics considered desirable in a good physician. These include: problem solving ability, industry, reliability, judgment, interpersonal relationships, professional skills and motivation. Students who receive a failing grade in any required or elective clerkship are subject to dismissal.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory for all classes, labs, and clinical clerkships. Unavoidable and/or unexcused absences are addressed on a case by case basis. However, excessive lateness or absence from a course may result in a failing grade. Students who require an extended absence from class may request a Leave of Absence (Emergency or Academic).
 Examination Policy and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
With the exception of students on a leave of absence, all students are expected to sit for scheduled examinations. Students unable to do so by virtue of illness must present documentation that they were under the care of a physician at the time of the examination. The form of the makeup examination will be at the discretion of the course instructor. In lieu of a make up examination the individual instructor may elect to average all of the students other examinations in the course and use the averaged examination score in place of the missed exam.
In order to be licensed to practice medicine in the United States, graduates must be certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, (ECFMG). To be certified by ECFMG students must successfully complete and pass the USMLE Step I and USMLE Step II, which consists of two parts Clinical Skills (CS) and Clinical Knowledge (CK). Step I is taken after the completion of the Basic Sciences curriculum. Step II CS and CK may be taken in any order following completion of the required clinical clerkships. Successful completion of Step I and Step II is required for graduation. Step III is the final step for licensing and is taken after graduation and during or at the completion of residency training.
Academic Delays and Absences
In rare cases, circumstances may require the deferral or interruption of attendance in the educational program. UMHS will work with a student who needs to delay or suspend enrollment. Deferrals are limited in length of time and may affect student financial aid.
Academic or emergency leave of absences are temporary interruptions in a student's education for a specific period of time. An approved Academic Leave of Absence may not exceed 180 days. An Emergency Absence is generally no longer than two weeks. Students who fail to return from an approved leave will be administratively withdrawn from UMHS. Please consult the Student Handbook for more information regarding leaves.
Code of Ethics
The honorable profession of medicine requires students to behave appropriately at all times. Students must comply with professional standards of medicine in both personal and professional aspects of life in order to maintain a professional learning environment during enrollment at UMHS. Students are expected to function within the framework of the American Medical Students Association Code of Ethics which is attached as a appendix in the Student Handbook.
Disciplinary Actions
If student behavior necessitates disciplinary action, students may be suspended or dismissed. This may occur due to academic or non-academic violations, including criminal action or failure to meet academic or ethical standards.
Suspended and dismissed students will receive written notification of the reason for such action. Suspended students will be informed of any available options for reinstatement. Dismissal decisions may be appealed. Suspensions or dismissals may affect student financial aid.
Grievance Policy
UMHS expects students, faculty and administration to be responsible for maintaining personal, professional and institutional standards in order to bring a positive reflection upon themselves, the school and the medical profession. To that end faculty, students and administration are responsible for reporting any allegation to the Dean of Medicine. Such reports must be in writing (signed and dated by the person making the report or allegation) and should describe the nature and specifics of the alleged conduct and the code or standard believed to have been violated. Violations of, but not limited to, the following may be reported:
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Academic integrity and professional standards as set forth in the respective sections of the UMHS Student Handbook
- American Medical Students Association Code of Ethics and/or UMHS policies.
If a hearing is requested, the Hearing Procedure in the UMHS Student Handbook will be followed.
It is our goal that your time as a student of UMHS will be educational and enjoyable. If a student believes they have been treated unfairly or have a complaint, they should follow the procedures outlined in the Student Handbook. It is our commitment to all students that any concerns will be addressed in a timely manner.
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