Academic Policies & Procedures

Academic Standards & Completion Deadlines (A3.14a, A3.14b)

Standards for Progression: Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the end of each semester. A grade of "C" or lower in any didactic or clinical course triggers automatic academic review by the Academic Progress Committee (APC).

Completion Deadline: The Standard program length is 27 months. Under circumstances of approved deceleration or leave of absence, all program requirements must be completed within a maximum of 54 months from initial matriculation.

Remediation & Deceleration Procedures (A3.14c, A3.14d)

Remediation: If a student fails an exam (score < 75%), they will be notified by the Course Director within 48 hours. The student must complete a formal remediation plan & pass a reassessment within 14 days of the original exam. The highest grade recorded for a successfully remediated assessment is 75%.

Deceleration: Deceleration is the loss of a student’s cohort resulting in a delayed graduation date. If a student fails to remediate a course successfully, or fails two or more courses in a single semester, the APC will mandate deceleration. The student will be notified in writing within 5 business days of the APC’s decision & must rejoin the program with the subsequent cohort.

Withdrawal & Dismissal Procedures (A3.14e, A3.14f)

Withdrawal: A student may voluntarily withdraw from the program by submitting a formal written request to the Program Director. Tuition refunds are processed by the University Bursar according to the institutional 30-day refund schedule.

Dismissal: A student is subject to academic dismissal if they: (1) fail a course while already on academic probation, (2) fail a clinical rotation, or (3) commit a severe professionalism or honor code violation. The Program Director will issue a formal letter of dismissal within 3 business days of the APC’s final vote.

Student Grievances & Appeals (A3.14g, A3.14h)

Students have the right to appeal adverse academic decisions (e.g., dismissal, forced deceleration) through a strict procedural timeline:

1. Step 1 (Program Level): The student must submit a written appeal to the PA Program Director within 7 business days of receiving the adverse action notice. The Director will respond in writing within 5 business days.
2. Step 2 (College Level): If denied, the student may appeal to the College of Health Sciences Appeals Board within 7 business days of the Director's denial. The Board will convene a hearing within 14 days.
3. Step 3 (University Level): The final level of appeal is to the University Provost. The Provost's decision is final & binding, & will be delivered within 10 business days of reviewing the Board's recommendation.