Academic standards for successful completion of each course are contained in the course syllabi. Specific requirements for each course, including assignments, evaluation and grading schemes, and other conditions of satisfactory performance are contained in course syllabi. Modifications to course requirements and grading schemes may be made when judged necessary to improve instruction or to conform to scholastic regulations of the college. Students are expected to participate in all scheduled activities. Participation may be considered when assigning course grades..
Evaluation of Student Performance
Successful completion of the curriculum depends upon the student’s ability to demonstrate the knowledge, attitudes, and skills commonly held by the graduate physician assistant working in a primary care setting. The use of a trained intermediary by the student is not permitted.
Frequency of examinations and evaluations is determined by course directors according to the volume and types of material covered. Primary methods used for evaluating student performance are by written examination, multiple choice, matching, true/false, short answer and essay-type questions. Evaluation of performance also may include demonstrations of particular skills: examples include identifying and naming anatomic structures, setting up and using a microscope to identify organisms and tissues, suturing of materials and tissues together, medical interviewing and physical examination, clinical problem-solving, and participating in group discussions. In some courses, research, self-learning and written reports are required. Evaluation of students in clinical and laboratory settings will often require students to demonstrate visual, somatic, communicative, analytical, behavioral and discriminatory skills. Participation at lectures and laboratory sessions may be used when evaluating student’s performance in a course. Professionalism is also assessed and graded. Students will be required to successfully complete practical assignments that include technical skills, problem-solving skills, interactions with patients and other health care workers, and the use of research tools (textbooks, journals and sources of medical information). An overall performance grade based on the above factors is assigned for each course and clinical practicum. Students shall be informed of their progress through formal and informal feedback mechanisms and through grades. Course syllabi contain the value(s) of grade components during a course. Students are generally advised of their progress through interactions with instructors and preceptors.
Grade Appeals
Grades are assigned according to requirements contained in the course syllabus. Grade appeals must be submitted in writing and comply with UNTHSC policy. Attempt to resolve disputes over individual grades should first be addressed with the course director and involved faculty members. Final course grades may be appealed if: 1) The final course grade has been incorrectly assigned to the student (e.g., a miscalculation or failure to include points earned by the student in the final grade); 2) The final course grade has been unjustly rendered (e.g., did not follow the procedures outlined in the course syllabus); or 3) The final course grade appears to have been assigned in a capricious manner. A student seeking grade appeal should first seek to resolve the concern or complaint at the lowest appropriate level and then proceed in the order contained in the Student Grievance Policy with the exception that the Director of Physician Assistant Studies shall be inserted prior to seeking appeal at the dean level. Grade appeals must be submitted within five working days of their official posting. Appeals must be initiated in writing within five (5) working days of posting of the course grade. Decisions concerning academic appeals are considered final at the level of the Dean.
The opportunity to remedy a failing grade is a privilege that must be earned by the student and is subject to the approval by the Director of Physician Assistant Studies. Opportunity to remedy deficiencies will depend on whether the student has made serious prior efforts to earn a passing grade. Such efforts may include:
· Participation in scheduled educational experiences
· Participating in class, laboratories, and small group activities
· Seeking help with study skills through the Center for Academic Performance (CAP)
· Notifying the course director of problems before a failing grade occurs
· Seeking help from the faculty during the regular offering of the course
Failure to remedy any failing grade or improve academic performance while on academic probation can lead to dismissal from the program. Remediation may include repeating courses or a series of courses, up to and including an entire semester or year. Remediation may include returning to the program under new graduation requirements listed for the class in which the returning student is entered into. Failed and remedied course grades are both posted on the student’s official transcript.
Academic Honors
It is a Health Science Center tradition to recognize its highest scholars and promote academic excellence. Students may be awarded “Honors” upon graduation if their overall grade point average is greater than or equivalent to 3.51 on a 4.0 scale. No more than 20% of a single PA graduating class will be awarded “Honors” at graduation.
The Dean’s List is established to recognize academic excellence when the student achieves a semester grade point average of 3.51 or greater for a semester that is primarily didactic. Due to the variable nature of clinical practica, Dean’s List recognition is not awarded for clinical practica. A student who has been placed on probation for any reason during their enrollment is not eligible for Dean’s List recognition. Other special awards may be utilized by the PA program to recognize exceptional academic, clinical, and leadership performance by a student. Special awards are not annotated on the student’s official transcript. No graduate who has failed a course or rotation, or who has not been enrolled as a full-time student, or who has been placed on academic or disciplinary probation during their enrollment can receive a degree with honors.
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