The Academic and Professional Progress Committee

The DPAS Academic & Professional Progress Committee (APPC) functions to uphold the academic, clinical education and professional conduct policies of the Elon University Department of Physician Assistant Studies, including the program's Technical Standards. The committee approves students for advancement within the professional component of the curriculum and reviews the academic records of each student on a regular basis. In addition, the committee notes any exceptional or concerning professional behaviors.

The APPC is comprised of four principal program faculty members.  The program director may also be present for the discussion but will only cast a vote to break a tie.  Any DPAS faculty or staff, instructional faculty member, medical director, or other Elon community member may bring a concern to the committee. Viable concerns must include the violation in question (academic standard, professional behavior, technical standard) with evidence.

The committee meets and discusses the concern. A student may be requested to appear before the APPC who could be at academic, clinical, or professional risk of program completion. Recommendations for sanctions are brought to the Program Director who will render a decision and notify the learner. Probation recommendations will include a plan designed by the APPC. Appeals for probation, suspension, or dismissal sanctions may be made to the Dean of the School of Health Sciences following the SHS Appeals Procedure.

Positive and negative feedback regarding academic progress and professional comportment should be reported to the student’s advisor or APPC Chair to aid in the professional development of individual students. The student advisor or APPC Chair may discuss and document feedback with the student prior to an APPC meeting. Persistent or extreme negative professional behaviors will lead to a student meeting with the APPC which may result in placement on professional probation, temporary failure to progress in the Program, or dismissal from the Program. The committee will invite the student to share their experience and perspective on the matter in question. In special instances, the APPC may be convened at other than scheduled times to consider cases of unusual circumstances, such as those involving probation or dismissal.