Deceleration
This plan defines the conditions, process, and outcomes for deceleration within the Elon University PA Program in Charlotte. The intent is to provide clear guidance to students and faculty while ensuring compliance with ARC-PA standards and institutional policies. (A3.14d)
I. Definition and Scope
1.ARC-PA Definition
a. Deceleration is defined as “the loss of a student from the cohort, who remains matriculated in the physician assistant program.”
2.Program Application
a. In the Elon University PA Program in Charlotte, deceleration refers to a student leaving their original cohort but remaining matriculated, with the opportunity to rejoin a subsequent cohort.
3.Not a dismissal
a. Deceleration does not constitute re-matriculation or a new admissions decision.
II. Program Delivery Model and Time-to-Degree
1. Cohort-Based Curriculum
a. The PA curriculum is designed as a full-time, lock-step sequence completed with a cohort.
b. No part-time track or standing deceleration plan is offered.
2. Maximum Timeframe for Completion
a. All students must complete degree requirements within 36 months of the original matriculation date, inclusive of any deceleration or leave.
b. Deceleration does not automatically extend the maximum timeframe.
III. Pathways to Deceleration and Process
1.Reasons for Deceleration
a. Academic progression concerns, as determined under the Academic Progression and Dismissal Policy.
b. Following an approved Leave of Absence (LOA) for remediation, wellness, or personal reasons, per the LOA Policy.
2.Status During Deceleration
a. The student remains matriculated but is not actively progressing with their original cohort.
3.Return to Curriculum
a. Students may return only upon readiness and program approval.
b. Re-entry is into the next available appropriate cohort as defined in deceleration plan
c. All current curricular requirements apply at the time of return.
4.Administrative Requirements
a. Written notification of deceleration.
b. Development of an individualized deceleration plan that identifies the point of re-entry.
c. Confirmation of the 36-month completion deadline.
d. Financial aid advising to review implications.
e. Compliance updates (e.g., immunizations, background checks, certifications) as required for clinical education.
IV. Curricular Repetition After Deceleration
1.Coursework Requirement
a. Decelerated students must repeat all prior coursework in sequence with the rejoining cohort, regardless of previously earned grades or pass/fail outcomes.
b. This includes didactic courses, labs, simulations, assessments, and any clinical experiences scheduled before the point of re-entry.
2.Current Standards Apply
a. All requirements, competencies, exams, skills checks, and professionalism expectations in effect for the new cohort apply.
b. Prior assessments do not carry forward.
3. Grading and Record
a. Original grades remain on the official transcript per university policy.
b. Repeated course grades are used to determine academic standing and progression.
4. Timeline Constraint
a. Completion must occur within the 36-month window from the original matriculation date.
b. Deceleration and coursework repetition do not extend the maximum timeframe.
5. Financial and Operational Considerations
a. Tuition, fees, aid eligibility, clinical placements, and space availability are governed by current program-year policies at the time of return.