Non-Academic Probation
Enrollment is considered implicit acceptance of the rules, regulations, and guidelines governing student behavior and promulgated by the institution. The student is responsible for being aware of these requirements and posted changes. In addition, all students are expected to know and obey the requirements of federal, state, and local laws. Any student who violates a provision of those laws is subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion, notwithstanding any action taken by civil authorities on account of the violation. PA students may be subject to misconduct penalties and placed on non-academic probation for breaches of conduct contained in the Student Code of Conduct and/or a course syllabus.
Academic Probation
Placement on academic probation serves as notice to the student that their continued enrollment is in jeopardy due to poor academic performance. A student enrolled in academic remediation activities will automatically be placed into academic probation status. Students on academic probation are not eligible to graduate. Academic probation status is indicated on the student’s official transcript. Removal from academic probation may require successful completion of assigned remediation activities and remaining program requirements.
Dismissal
A student may be dismissed for poor academic performance. A student may be dismissed for reasons of unprofessional behavior or failure to comply with the Student Code of Conduct. Dismissal can result from failure to meet requirements outlined in an approved remediation plan. A dismissed student may appeal for reinstatement. The appeal must be made in writing, must address the cause for dismissal, and must provide support for the request. Students who do not meet minimum requirements specified for promotion and/or graduation may, after careful consideration, be offered opportunities to correct or remediate those deficiencies. Remediation activities are subject to approval by the Program Director of PA Studies. Reinstatement is not automatic. Reinstatement of enrollment under an approved remediation plan is subject to approval by the Program Director.
Re-Admission after Dismissal
Any student seeking readmission after dismissal must reapply for admission through the published admissions process. Any student readmitted, who subsequently receives a failing grade in any course, will be dismissed without opportunity for subsequent readmission.
Requirements for Graduation:*
Graduation requirements are listed in the catalog at the time of the student’s entry into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program. Normally, these requirements can be satisfied within 36 consecutive months. Students may be required to meet additional requirements in order to meet other Health Science Center, accreditation, state or national standards and/or regulations. Students who have met all requirements and been recommended for graduation will be awarded the MPAS degree provided they meet the conditions listed below:
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Have satisfactorily completed all academic requirements of the program for the class they graduate with.
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Have completed six academic years of credit at an accredited college or university, of which at least three were completed at the UNT Health Science Center (UNTHSC) at Fort Worth.
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Have complied with all legal and financial requirements of the UNTHSC at Fort Worth.
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Have exhibited the ethical, professional, behavioral, and personal characteristics necessary for practice as a physician assistant.
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Have completed an exit questionnaire and returned to the Office of the Registrar a clearance check form.
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Have met the following requisites and time limits: If a student withdraws, decelerates, or is dismissed and later re-enters the program, or if a student is granted an extension beyond 36 months, that student must meet the requirements listed for the class with whom he or she will graduate. A student who has been dismissed due to poor academic progress, and later is readmitted to the program, has no more than 36 months from the date of re-entry to pass any academic course(s) that was (were) failed, complete their specified remediation plan, and must also complete any subsequent incomplete courses. A student dismissed due to a failing grade in a clinical practicum course, who later is re-admitted to the program, has not more than 12 months from the date of re-entry to successfully complete the course that was failed, complete their specified remediation plan, and any subsequent incomplete courses. The maximum time limit for completing all graduation requirements is 72 months.
* Students who do not fulfill all graduation requirements by the day of graduation will not be allowed to participate in commencement ceremonies without permission of the Dean (or designee). Students will not be considered graduates in any capacity until they have successfully completed all graduation requirements.
Withdrawal
The MPAS program adheres to the UNTHSC policy on withdrawals. A student who fails to complete any course within specified periods will not be permitted to progress in the curriculum or to graduate. Failure to attend classes or clinical experiences without notifying the Registrar or program director, will result in administrative withdrawal. Students who do not complete the withdrawal process will not be entitled to an official withdrawal and consequently, cannot be considered for readmission at a later date. Students who are not in good academic standing at the time of withdrawal must apply for readmission through regular the admissions process. The admissions committee will evaluate the student’s entire academic record prior to making an admission recommendation. Any student who withdraws due to poor academic progress or after receiving a failing grade in any course will be recommended for dismissal without opportunity for readmission.
Supervision of Medical Services
PA students are prohibited from performing any medical services or functioning without appropriate supervision.
Dress Code
PA students are expected to convey a professional appearance and image and are expected to be neat and clean. Attire for each didactic class will be scrubs. Each class will be assigned a specific color of scrubs. On Fridays, scrubs can be worn with the option of wearing tee-shirts that are associated with the PA profession or PA club. Slacks or jeans can be worn on Fridays, but the jeans must be professional and without holes, rips, tears or fraying. Scrubs can be modified based on religious preferences. Short or long sleeved shirts can be worn under the scrubs for warmth but undershirts must be professional. During labs and physical examination testing, students may be required to dress in such a way as to facilitate practice of physical exam skills (i.e. wearing of shorts with tank tops or sports bras). However, outside of such labs, students should dress appropriately as outlined above.
Drug Screening/Criminal Background Checks
Assessment of student’s individual suitability to function in clinical and patient care settings is imperative to promoting patient safety and integrity of the health care environment. Some hospital and clinical facilities used by the program to provide students with supervised clinical practice experiences require the program to obtain criminal background checks and drug screening prior to students being permitted to attend educational activities there. Criminal background check and drug screening is conducted on all enrolled PA students according to UNTHSC policy.
Employment
PA Studies program related requirements and activities have priority over employment. Some assignments may call for the student to attend patient care activities at unusual or irregular hours or at places that are geographically separate from the main campus and/or their primary residence. Failure to meet course expectations due to employment conflicts may be cause for dismissal from the program.
Weekends and Nights
Class learning activities during the didactic phase of PA education are typically conducted Monday through Friday during normal business hours. However, the program reserves the right schedule course activities that may require attendance during the evening hours or on weekends. The nature of clinical practica (rotations) will at times require attendance on weekends, at night, and on holidays.
Off-Campus Educational Activities
Some clinical practica and educational experiences take place off-campus and outside the immediate vicinity of Fort Worth. Attempt is made to assist students in obtaining housing; however, students are not guaranteed its availability and cannot be afforded special consideration due to family, housing or employment concerns. Students should recognize that securing housing and transportation to off-campus clinical educational activities at remote clinical sites is their personal and financial responsibility. The program does not provide transportation to educational activities conducted off-campus. At no time should the university or program be considered responsible for paying student housing or transportation costs during educational activities.
Course/Instructor Evaluation
Each student is expected to provide evaluation of each course and instructor who provided instruction to them during the semester within five (5) class days after completion of the course. This responsibility is met by participation in the online course evaluations system and otherwise as defined in administrative policy.
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