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Grades
Grade point averages are based on the 4-point grading system. The grading symbols consist of the following system: A (Excellent), B (Above Average), C (Average), or F (Failure) which appears on both the progress report (report given to students at the end of each academic semester) and official transcript.
Note: The grade C is unacceptable in Graduate School. It is awarded but must be balanced by academic exception in other courses.
Incomplete (I) grade means that the student has completed at least 3/4's of the course, but for some reason 1/4 remains to be completed (in progress).
** All final grades will remain on a student’s permanent transcript.
Symbols
WV withdrew voluntarily
WA withdrew administratively
WF withdrew failing
WP withdrew passing
NR none reported
S satisfactory
U unsatisfactory
* Repeat
Leave Of Absence
A leave of absence is an interruption of the normal course of study requested by the student and requiring prior approval by their respective dean. A student’s leave of absence shall not extend beyond one calendar year. An official leave of absence form must be processed and may be picked up in the Office of Records. A leave of absence from the College is given only to students who are in good academic standing. Any other interruption in the normal course of study constitutes a withdrawal. At the discretion of the dean, a student may be required to take an administrative leave of absence. Additional information regarding leave of absence is found in the Academic Catalog section of each school.
Withdrawal from a Course
When a student withdraws from a course, he or she must get the appropriate forms from the Registrars Office. The student shall be required to get the approval of the respective department head, the Associate/Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs and final approval from their respective Dean and return the form to the Registrars Office. The criteria for withdrawal are outlined in each of the school’s academic policies and procedures manuals and in the Academic Catalog section of this document for each school.
Withdrawal from the College
A student may withdraw from Meharry Medical College after filing the official withdrawal form properly executed with the appropriate signatures in the Registrars Office. Grades for completed courses shall be recorded on the official record, including a “WF” or “WP” for courses in which the student is enrolled at the time of withdrawal.
If the student desires to return to Meharry Medical College, the formal readmissions application process must be completed in the Registrars Office.
Additional information regarding withdrawal from the College is found in the Academic Catalog section of the document and in the Academic Policies and Procedures Manual for each school.
Advancement
Promotion to the next class or graduation requires satisfactory completion of all courses. Recommendations for promotion are made by the Faculty Evaluation Committee appointed for the respective years of instruction, except in the case of the senior class, where the general faculty of the respective schools, approve students for graduation.
Representatives from each department involved in a given year’s instruction compose the various evaluation committees. The dean of the school, the vice dean, associate deans for Student and/or Academic Affairs or his/her equivalent, and the College Registrar are ex- officio members.
These committees serve as forums wherein instructors discuss the final estimates of the student’s academic standing in all subjects. The dean makes recommendations concerning promotions and the disposition to be made of students who encounter academic difficulty. Recognition is also given to superior work. The Registrars Office is notified by the Committee Chair of the actions of the Committee.
At the end of the senior year, the dean and the general faculty of the respective schools recommend to the Board of Trustees those students who have satisfactory scholastic records for the entire course of study and who, in the judgment of the faculty, give evidence of personal fitness for the practice of their profession.
Unsatisfactory Academic Performance
Each school has an established Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. These policies are located in the respective school sections of the Academic Catalog Section of this document.
Honor Policy
Meharry Medical College reserves the right to reprimand, require withdrawal, or to dismiss any student for unprofessional conduct or behavior. Among the behaviors which may lead to disciplinary action are: cheating, deception, sexual harassment, fraud, destruction of property, substance or alcohol abuse, and criminal activity.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Accusations involving students will be transmitted in writing to the College’s Student Disciplinary Committee. Any individual may inform any committee member of alleged violations. Immediate action may be taken for emergency infractions/violations until a formal disciplinary hearing can be conducted. The Committee will review referred cases and take appropriate action. Students may appeal any discipline committee action by written communication to the President of the College. The procedures for review and appeal of disciplinary actions are published in the Policies and Procedures Manual of each school/division.
As members of the College academic community, students are subject to the obligations and responsibilities which accrue to them by virtue of this membership. The demonstration of appropriate conduct and exercise of applicable responsibilities is expected.
Students, faculty, staff and/or test administrators must report observed violations to a member of the school Honor Council, in accordance with Honor Code procedures. Any alleged violation shall be immediately reported by the President of the Honor Council, or Faculty Advisor, to the principal clinician or scientific investigator after the alleged violation is received.
Breach of rules, regulations, policies and procedures governed by the disciplinary procedure shall include, but is not limited to:
1. Furnishing False Information
It shall be a breach of conduct for any student to intentionally:
· furnish false information to the College with the intent to deceive, forge, or in any way alter or falsify documents or evidence required for admission to the College.
· give false information or testimony during the investigation or hearing of a disciplinary matter.
· forge, alter, destroy, damage or misuse College documents, records, or identification.
· present, the work of another individual or source as one’s own concepts or ideas;
· submit for credit any academic work for which credit has previously been obtained or that is being submitted to another course or assignment;
· falsify or alter any institutional, research, and/or academic record or make use of such forged or altered records;
· remove or destroy information related to patient treatment or one’s own academic or clinical work; and
· file false charges or accusations against another individual.
2. Theft or Misappropriation of Funds
It shall be a breach of conduct for any student to intentionally engage in the following:
· theft, destruction, or damage of intellectual or informational property of the College or an affiliate’s property;
· theft or misappropriation of school funds;
· theft, destruction, or damage of College property;
· theft, destruction, or damage of the property of another person;
· theft of supplies, property, equipment or examinations.
3. Breach of Rules
Breach of recognized ethical and professional standards applicable to health professional schools includes, but are not limited to, the following:
· unauthorized entry to College facilities and/or possession of keys to College facilities.
· failure to comply with directives of College officials acting in the performance of their duties.
· violation of written College policies and regulations.
· violation of the terms of probation.
· attempt to commit or to be accessory to the commission of any act in violation of this or other standards of conduct.
· breach of any municipal, state, or federal laws, rules, regulations, ordinances on College property.
· breach of rules of any institution while on rotation at that institution.
4. Physical Assault
Physical assault of any person on College-owned or controlled property, or conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person will be considered a breach of conduct.
5. Examination Dishonesty
Any use of unauthorized assistance during an examination constitutes dishonesty and represents unacceptable examination behavior. Examples of examination dishonesty include: communication with another student in any manner during an examination; copying material from another student’s examination; permitting a student to copy from an examination; use of unauthorized books or notes; falsification/misrepresentation of academic or clinical performance; impersonation of another student at any examination or other form of academic work; interference with an instructor’s administration of an examination, giving and/or receiving aid during an examination.
6. Improper Patient Care
Improper patient care includes, but not limited to, the following:
· failure to provide care for assigned patients or to carry out assigned activities.
· failure to respect patient and/or professional confidentiality.
· unsupervised patient care.
· provision of patient care or conduct of professional activities when physical, mental, or emotional factors may compromise adequate care or results.
· willful disregard of patient care/other directives from supervising faculty.
· rendering of patient care or other professional activities when under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
7. Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is prohibited by College policy and by law. The complete policy on sexual harassment is presented in The College Policy Manual, and each year the policy is distributed to all students and employees of the College.
8. Substance/Alcohol Abuse
The following behaviors constitute conduct code violations:
· possession of illegal drugs/substances.
· sale of illegal drugs/substances.
· drunken or disorderly conduct on the campus or affiliate site.
Student Dismissal and Appeals
The Student Disciplinary Committee reviews charges of breaches of the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of Meharry Medical College relating to all non-academic matters. Members of the Committee shall be appointed for a two-year term except for the student member, who shall be appointed on an annual basis. The Student Disciplinary Committee and its chairperson shall be appointed by the president. Any person may inform any member of the Student Disciplinary Committee of an allegation of a breach of rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures of Meharry Medical College within the jurisdiction of the Student Disciplinary Committee. The Student Disciplinary Committee shall determine whether the allegations or charge, if proven true, are governed by the procedures for review and appeal of disciplinary action governing non-academic matters.
If the Student Disciplinary Committee determines that the allegation or charge is governed by the procedures for review and appeal of disciplinary actions, the chairperson shall send a written notice to the student stating the charge(s) and notice of a hearing before the Student Disciplinary Committee. The student shall receive notice of the scheduled hearing no later than 72 hours before the hearing. The Student Disciplinary Committee may grant additional time, at its discretion, if the student’s request is reasonable.
In the event of a challenge of whether a matter should be governed by the procedure for review and appeal of academic actions the Senior Vice President for Health Affairs/Dean of the School of Medicine, Dean of the School of Dentistry and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research shall have sole responsibility for determining which procedures shall govern. Any such challenge must be submitted in writing to the Dean of the respective schools no less than 24 hours before the scheduled hearing.
The student shall have the right to be present at the hearing to present witnesses, to rebut the evidence against him/her and to have a Meharry Medical College student or faculty member accompany him/her. Legal counsel may be present but may not participate in the hearing.
The hearing will be an informal one, not governed by technical rules of evidence as employed in a court of law, but the Student Disciplinary Committee may accept any information it deems pertinent to the charges made.
The Student Disciplinary Committee shall render its decision based upon the evidence presented at the hearing. The standard for determining whether the student has breached a rule, regulation, policy or procedure, and is subject to disciplinary action, shall be whether a preponderance of the evidence supports the Committee’s decision. The burden of proof shall be upon the College.
The Student Disciplinary Committee shall maintain a record of the hearing pending final determination of the charges against the student.
The Student Disciplinary Committee shall notify the student of its decision in writing by certified or registered mail at the address maintained in the Registrars Office within 15 days.
A student may appeal the decision on the grounds as set forth in the following paragraph by writing a letter of appeal to the president no later than 72 hours from the receipt of the decision of the Student Disciplinary Committee.
The President or his designee will determine whether there has been substantial compliance with the published administrative procedures and whether there is sufficient evidence to support the decision of the Student Disciplinary Committee. The President notifies the student by certified or registered mail at the student’s address as recorded in the Registrars Office. The president shall also inform the dean of the student’s school and the Associate Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management.
The President may request the student and/or the Student Disciplinary Committee to provide additional information prior to issuing a decision.
The President’s decision is final. The student shall be notified of the President’s decision in writing no later than 15 days from the receipt of the student’s appeal.
The student shall be allowed to continue in the academic program during proceedings unless extraordinary circumstances exist such as exemplifying conduct which may endanger the welfare of others.
Breach of rules, regulations, policies and procedures governed by the disciplinary procedures shall include, but are not limited to:
· Furnishing false information to the college with the intent to deceive;
· Knowingly giving false information or testimony during the investigation or hearing of a disciplinary matter;
· Forgery, alterations, destruction, damage, or misuse of college documents; records, or identification;
· Physical abuse of any person on college-owned or controlled property; or conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person;
· Theft;
· Unauthorized use of or entry to college facilities and/or unauthorized possession of keys to college facilities;
· Failure to comply with directives of college officials acting in the performance of their duties;
· Violation of written college policies and regulations as stipulated herein or as announced by authorized personnel;
· Violation of the terms of probation;
· Attempt to commit or to be an accessory to the commission of any act in violation of other standards of conduct;
· Breach of any municipal, state, or federal laws, rules, or ordinances on college property;
· Breach of any rules of sister institutions while on rotations;
· Breach of recognized ethical and professional standards applied to student’s area health professional schools.
The Student Disciplinary Committee’s sanctions may include expulsion, suspension from one or more classes for a specified or an indefinite period of time, probation, reprimand and restriction of privileges. The Student Disciplinary Committee may use its discretion in requiring alternative disciplinary actions.
Sexual Harassment Policy
This policy is intended to ensure that Meharry Medical College provides and maintains an environment that is appropriate to its educational mission and free from harassment and intimidation. This policy also ensures that the College is in compliance with its legal and ethical obligations, that policies exist to respond to allegations of sexual harassment, and that all persons are provided information about this policy. Teaching and learning can best be accomplished in an environment of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and rights of each individual. Thus, this sexual harassment policy applies to all administrative officers, faculty, staff, residents, students, persons seeking admission to or employment at Meharry Medical College, vendors, consultants, independent contractors and all others acting on the College’s behalf.
Accountability
Responsibility for implementing this policy is delegated by the President to the Vice President for Administration/General Counsel and the Affirmative Action Officer for assuring implementation of this policy.
Definition
Sexual harassment – Sexual harassment is defined as any sexual solicitations, advances, remarks or actions that are demeaning or intimidating. Sexual harassment constitutes any sexual attention that is unwanted, deliberate, and/or repeated advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when (1) submission of such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly the terms or condition of an individual’s employment or academic standing; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment or educational decision affecting an individual; or (3) such conduct has the purpose of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment for working or teaching and learning.
An informal complaint – is one that does not require an investigation and can be resolved between the Affirmative Action Officer and the parties involved.
A formal complaint – is one that requires a written complaint from the complainant and an actual in-depth investigation, including interviews with complainant, alleged harasser, and witnesses.
Sexual harassment is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated at Meharry Medical College. When the College has notice of possible sexual harassment, it will take immediate and appropriate steps to investigate and take action to resolve the matter in a serious, objective and confidential manner. Where necessary, a range of disciplinary measures may occur up to and including dismissal or expulsion.
Policy
Sexual harassment inhibits an individual’s academic or work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or demeaning education or working environment. Faculty member(s) or other instructional personnel shall not engage in an amorous relationship with a student who is enrolled in a course being taught by the faculty member or whose academic work is being supervised by the faculty member, even when both parties appear to have consented to the relationship. Such relationships may easily be perceived as promoting or showing inappropriate favoritism to student(s) based on non-meritorious consideration. Relationships between faculty and students outside the instructional context may also prove problematic, particularly when the faculty member participates in decisions that may reward or penalize students.
Relationships between residents/students and patients, during treatment or after termination of treatment, may lead to negative consequences: therefore, such relationships are discouraged.
Procedures
Complaints of a violation of this policy shall be brought to the attention of the Affirmative Action Officer (AAO), a member of the President’s Council, or to any other appropriate member of the institutional community, including any academic or administrative officer. The person receiving the complaint shall counsel the complainant as to the options available under this Policy, including referral to the AAO or other appropriate institutional representative for help in resolving the complaint informally; or help in drafting a formal complaint.
The institution’s sexual harassment policy shall be explained during new faculty and staff orientations and faculty/staff development workshops. A copy of the institution’s policy shall also be submitted to the campus library for display.
Vendors, consultants, independent contractors and all others acting on behalf of the College who are not required to participate in faculty/staff orientations shall receive a copy of this policy upon commencement of their contracts. Violation of this policy may result in Meharry’s termination of such contracts.
The policy is also reissued on an annual basis, through payroll distribution. The policy shall also be included in the following publications: College Policy Manual; Faculty Handbook; Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual; and Student Handbook.
All complaints, informal and formal, shall be immediately forwarded to the AAO in the Office of the Vice President for Administration/General Counsel. The AAO will consult with the appropriate academic or administrative officers of the College to determine the appropriate method for investigating the complaint.
Investigation
The purpose of the investigation is to ascertain whether an actual violation of this policy has occurred. Investigations shall include the following:
· An interview with the complainant to determine the facts upon which the complaint is based. This meeting should be used to find out the “who, what, when, and where” of the complaint. Any evidence of, or witnesses to, an alleged incident should be obtained during the interview.
· An interview with the accused to inform him/her that a complaint has been made against him/her. The complainant should not be identified, but if the alleged harasser knows the identity of the complainant, it should be made clear that no retaliatory action will be tolerated.
· In a formal complaint, interviews with any other persons believed to have pertinent/ factual information or knowledge of the alleged policy violation.
· The person investigating the complaint will take steps to ensure confidentiality of all parties involved.
· The accused shall have a full opportunity to respond to all allegations.
· If it is concluded that there is a reasonable basis for believing that a policy violation has occurred and a negotiated settlement cannot be reached, formal action will be taken. The AAO will inform the complainant and the accused of the results of the investigation and actions to be taken to resolve the complaint.
· Upon completion of the investigation, a written notice of disposition shall be forwarded to the accused as well as the complainant.
Regulations
Complaints and cases of sexual harassment will be dealt with promptly. Any member of the institutional community found to have engaged in sexual harassment will be disciplined. Disciplinary action for violation of this policy shall include, and not be limited to, any of the following courses of action, as appropriate, based upon the severity of the violation: written warning and reprimand, with letter being placed in employee’s, student’s, or contractor’s official file, and appropriate counseling; suspension; termination of employment or contractual relationship, or expulsion.
Every effort shall be made to protect the privacy of all parties involved. Such efforts are intended to protect the complainant and any witnesses from retaliation and to assure that the rights of the accused are protected. All parties involved in sexual harassment complaints should be cautioned about discussing the case outside of the resolution process.
Examples of Sexual Harassment
Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
· Direct or implied threats that submission to sexual advances will be a condition of employment, work status, promotion, grades or letters of recommendation.
· Direct proposition of a sexual nature and/or sexually suggestive or obscene gestures.
· Subtle pressure for sexual activity, such as repeated or unwanted stares.
· Conduct intended to discomfort or humiliate, that includes comments of a sexual nature or sexually explicit statements, questions, innuendoes or jokes.
· Suggestive or inappropriate communications, notes, letters or other written materials displaying objects or pictures that are sexual in nature that would create a hostile or offensive work or learning environment.
· Physical assault, or attempted or actual kissing, fondling, pinching, or other inappropriate touching, such as brushing against the body.
· Remarks of a sexual nature about a person’s clothing or body or remarks about sexual activity or speculations about previous sexual experience.
Substance Abuse
Any student or employee found to be in violation of the following drug and alcohol policy may be subject to one or more of the disciplinary sanctions described. Meharry Medical College reserves the right to exercise discretion in the imposition of disciplinary sanctions.
The use or possession of alcoholic beverages on campus or at any college-sponsored activity may result in required participation in a drug or alcohol treatment of rehabilitation program and placed on probation, suspension, expulsion or termination.
The distribution of illicit drugs on campus or at any college-sponsored activity may result in required participation in a treatment program, suspension, expulsion, termination and/or referral of the matter for criminal prosecution.
Much has been written in the press about the prevalence and effects of substance abuse in our society. While we are not aware of widespread alcohol or drug abuse at Meharry Medical College, it would be naïve to assume that no problems exist. Each student has a responsibility to pursue his/her academic endeavors in a safe and conscientious manner. In order to ensure that this responsibility is met, students must be free from the effects of alcohol and other performance impairing substances. Meharry has instituted this policy to address the risk of substance abuse at the college and to make certain that a high quality of academic achievement and integrity is maintained.
Purpose
Meharry Medical College regards substance abuse (alcohol and chemical dependencies) as an illness which may respond to medical treatment. This policy seeks to allow any student suffering from this illness the opportunity to receive the same careful consideration and referral for treatment as those having other illnesses. Student status will not be jeopardized by a voluntary request or referral for diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism or chemical dependency.
Definition
Alcohol and chemical dependencies are defined as illnesses in which a student’s use of alcohol or other chemicals interferes with his/her academic and/or clinical performance, interpersonal skills and relationships.
Policy
· When a student is suspected to have an alcohol or chemical dependency problem, it should be discussed with the Student Affairs office in the respective school and/or the Counseling Center. As with any apparent medical problem the student should be referred to a physician. A professional evaluation will determine whether or not the student has an abuse problem and requires treatment.
· When a student’s performance is unsatisfactory and it has been medically determined that alcohol or chemical dependency is at least partly the cause, the student must accept referral and agree to a program of treatment. Continued unsatisfactory performance may result in the student being relegated to administrative leave of absence with reevaluation prior to reinstatement.
· Failure to follow through with referral for medical evaluation and/or treatment shall be cause for appropriate disciplinary sanctions including dismissal. This information will be treated as confidential.
· It shall be the responsibility of each student who observes or has knowledge of another student in condition which impairs the ability to perform academically, or who poses a hazard to the safety and welfare of others or is otherwise in violation of this policy, to promptly report that fact to the Student Affairs Office in the respective school and/or Counseling Center.
· Any student who is present on campus or at an affiliated institution in an intoxicated condition as a result of the illegal use of drugs or due to alcohol consumption shall be subject to disciplinary sanctions including possible dismissal.
· The off-campus use of alcohol or illegal drugs which results in impaired academic performance, or interpersonal relationships, may be grounds for disciplinary sanction including possible dismissal.
· The illegal use, sale or possession of narcotics, drugs or controlled substances while on college and/or hospital premises are grounds for disciplinary sanction including possible dismissal. The criminal conviction for the illegal sale of narcotics, drugs or controlled substances while off campus is also grounds for disciplinary sanction including possible dismissal.
· Where there is reasonable suspicion of a violation of this policy, and at the discretion of the institution, vehicles, lockers, pocketbooks and/or related personal items may be searched without prior notice to ensure an environment free of illegal drugs or alcohol. Any student found to have illegal drugs and/or drug paraphernalia in their possession or control, vehicle and/or personal area will be subject to immediate disciplinary sanctions including dismissal.
The institution earnestly solicits the understanding and cooperation of all students in implementing the policies set forth herein. Questions regarding this policy and its application should be directed to the Student Affairs Office in the respective schools and/or the Counseling Center, with assurance that inquiries will be kept confidential.
Copies of the full policy, which includes criminal sanctions and counseling services, can be found in the policies manual of the respective schools.
Drug-Free Campus
Code of Conduct
Drunkenness, distribution or possession of alcoholic beverages and/or the unlawful use, possession or distribution of illicit drugs on campus is prohibited.
It shall be a violation of the Code of Conduct to possess, distribute or consume alcohol beverages and/or any illegal drug on campus. Violation of these provisions of the Code of Conduct shall result in the imposition of one or more of the disciplinary actions set forth in the Substance Abuse Policy and Drug-Free Workplace Statement. Violation of these standards of conduct may result in severe criminal penalties under local, state and federal law. Federal legislation requires that these penalties be set forth in writing.
Student Immunization Policy
Meharry Medical College is committed to providing a safe environment for the education of its students in the health professions and sciences, particularly those students who work in the hospital or with patients. Students, faculty and staff in the health sciences setting are vulnerable to communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and polio. Those students who may come in contact with blood or blood products also have the potential of being infected with hepatitis, HIV or other viruses. These diseases are susceptible to control by appropriate immunizations.
Required Immunizations
Meharry Medical College requires that all students entering the schools of Medicine, and Dentistry and the Program in Allied Health Professions undergo tuberculosis skin testing during registration and document prior immunity to tuberculosis, hepatitis B, measles, varicella, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, polio, and tetanus either by serological evidence, previous physician-diagnosed disease, or validated immunization. Students known to have the Hepatitis B antigen or an antibody-positive (or already immune) or for whom contraindications are established by Student Health Services may be exempted from immunization. Student Health Services will determine whether immunization documentation is adequate. Students, who cannot provide adequate documentation of prior immunization or physician-diagnosed diseases, (as indicated by serological evidence) must receive immunization to these diseases prior to the beginning of the fall semester of the said academic year.
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