Dismissal
A student will be subject to dismissal from the program for substandard academic or professional performance, as follows:
1. Violation of the Elon Academic or Social Honor Code,
2. Any event that could result in either academic or professional warning or probation for a student currently or previously on academic or professional probation. Examples of such events include but are not limited to: a second grade of “U” in a didactic or clinical course, or a modular GPA < 3.0 following a “U” in a course occurring in a previous module.
3. A cumulative GPA that falls below 3.0,
4. Lack of professional attributes considered appropriate for continuance in the program and profession,
5. Violation of the terms of probation as stated in a letter at the time the student is placed on probation.
6. Being convicted of or having a subsequent conviction of a crime that will preclude the individual from sitting for the physical therapy licensing examination or participating in clinical education. A record of conviction of, or entered plea of guilty, or nolo contendere with respect to any felony, or any crime against a dependent population, specifically including but not limited to, elder abuse, child abuse, or child molestation, may prevent a physical therapy student from participating in clinical education experiences.
Dismissal Procedure - The following process applies when a student is subject to dismissal for substandard academic or professional performance:
1. The facts and reasons in support of the recommendation for dismissal are presented by the DPTSREC to the DPTE Chair. The student and their DPTE faculty advisor are notified that the student is being considered for academic or professional dismissal. The student is advised to obtain guidance from their DPTE faculty advisor in order to clearly understand the subsequent steps.
2. The DPTE faculty will review and consider all relevant information from the professor(s) to make a preliminary determination regarding student dismissal or continuation in the program.
3. The student will be advised of the faculty’s preliminary determination by the DPTE Chair. Potential outcomes may include but are not limited to the following:
a. Move to dismissal from the DPT program, subject to full review (Steps 4 and 5);
b. Require or highly recommend counseling to improve study skills;
c. A student with a module grade-point average (GPA) less than a 3.0 may return to the curriculum on academic probation and must improve the GPA to 3.0 or higher or be subject to dismissal from the program.
4. If the preliminary determination is to move to dismissal (Step 3a), the student may present their case to the DPTE Chair and DPTE faculty.
5. The DPTE faculty will review and consider all relevant information from the professor(s) and the student to make a final decision regarding student dismissal or continuation in the program.
6. The student will then be given a written notification of the final decision by the DPTE Chair.
7. If the student is not in agreement with a dismissal decision and wishes to pursue it through the grievance procedure, the student may submit a letter of appeal and any supporting documentation to the Dean’s Office within ten business days after receiving written notification. If the student does not submit an appeal letter by the deadline, it is assumed assume that you concur with the decision.