Dismissal

Dismissal sanctions do not come lightly and have been heavily reviewed by the time a decision is rendered. In most circumstances, by the time a dismissal sanction is considered, the student has been warned, provided opportunities to change course, additional resources, etc. but are still unable to meet technical standards, fill gaps, and/or correct violation of professional standards.  Additionally, the issues are thoroughly investigated, considering multiple perspectives before a decision is rendered. 

The following conditions will result in a student being subject to dismissal from the Program:

• Violation of the Standards for Academic and Professional Conduct (including Technical Standards)

  Continued academic challenges

• A second course grade of “U”
• A second cumulative GPA < 3.00 at an academic checkpoint
• A third EOR exam grade < 70% or third SCPE course grade < 79.5%
• Failure to receive APPC recommendation for promotion from the academic to clinical phase of the program
• Any event that results in either academic or professional probation for a student who is either currently, or who previously has been on academic or professional probation
• Violation of the terms of probation as stated in a letter at the time the student is placed on probation

  Continued professional challenges

• Lack of professional or personal attributes considered appropriate for continuance in the program and profession
• Failure to meet the Technical Standards of the program
• Any event that results in either academic or professional probation for a student who is either currently, or who previously has been on academic or professional probation
• Violation of the terms of probation as stated in a letter at the time the student is placed on probation
• Failure to meet program completion requirements by 36 months from the date of matriculation

  At any time

• Being convicted of a crime that will preclude the student from participating in clinical education. A record of conviction, 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 PA student from participating in clinical education experiences.
• Falsifying admissions documents
• Blatant HIPAA violations
• Attending to patient care while impaired/under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Dismissal from a clinical practicum experience by a preceptor or health care system

Dismissal Procedures

When the Academic and Professional Progress Committee (APPC) makes a recommendation for Program Dismissal, the following procedures will be followed.

• Notification of DPAS faculty and call for “Preliminary Vote”: Upon APPC recommendation for program dismissal, the APPC will notify the program director and call a “preliminary vote” of the principal faculty and Director of Clinical Education (DCE) to determine if the concern warrants continuing the dismissal pathway. The APPC Chair will share the rationale for the decision and a link for voting. This vote will be electronic and anonymous.No additional meeting is required before this vote.
• Call for Program Decision Meeting: If the preliminary vote concurs with recommendation for program dismissal, the chair of APPC will call a “program decision meeting” of full faculty and DCE, inviting the student to prepare a statement and answer questions for the committee. Additional attendees may include the program director and a peer supporter from the Elon community. The program decision meeting may be held in person or virtually.
• Final voting: After this meeting, the full faculty and DCE will vote on a decision for program dismissal or continuation with stipulation (to be determined by the program director and APPC chair) in the same process (digital and anonymous).A quorum of 75% of those eligible for voting is necessary, with a simple majority vote needed to uphold the preliminary vote for program dismissal. The program director will only vote to break a tie.
• Communicating final decisions: The Program Director will communicate the decision to the learner in writing (digital or paper), place the communication in the student file, and send the decision to the Dean.
• Appeal process: Students may appeal a dismissal decision within 5 business days of the receipt of the written decision by notifying the Dean of the School of Health Sciences following the SHS Appeals Procedure.