Dismissal

Students may be dismissed from the program if they fail to meet academic, professional, or Technical Standards. A3.14f

A student is subject to dismissal under any of the following circumstances:

Academic or Professional Conduct: Violation of program standards (including Technical Standards).

Course Performance:

• Two course grades of “U”.
• Two cumulative GPA checkpoints below 3.00.
• Three End-of-Rotation (EOR) exam scores below 70% or three SCPE course grades below 79.5%.

Progression: Failure to receive APAC recommendation for advancement from the didactic to the clinical phase.

Professionalism/Attributes: Lacking professional or personal qualities required for continuation in the program and profession.

Technical Standards: Failure to meet required program Technical Standards.

Probation:

• Violation of probation terms.
• Any new academic or professional probation while already on probation or with a prior probation history.

Legal Concerns:

• Conviction of a crime that prevents participation in clinical education.
• Felony conviction, guilty plea, or plea of nolo contendere to crimes involving dependent populations (e.g., elder abuse, child abuse, child molestation).

Falsification: Submitting false records or documents related to the PA program application or participation

Dismissal Procedure

When a student meets any of the conditions for dismissal, the following process will be followed:

Referral to the Academic and Professional Advancement Committee (APAC)

• The Program Director or faculty member will refer the case to the APAC for review.

Committee Review

• The APAC will evaluate the student’s academic record, professional conduct, and any relevant circumstances and may request additional information from faculty, preceptors, or the student.
• The student may be asked to provide a written statement or meet with the APAC to discuss concerns.

Recommendation

• After review, the APAC will issue one of the following recommendations:

Dismissal from the program
Continuation with conditions (e.g., probation, remediation)
Continuation without conditions

Program Director Decision

• The APAC’s recommendation is forwarded to the Program Director.
• The Program Director, in consultation with the Dean of the School of Health Sciences (or designee), will issue the final decision in writing to the student.

Student Status

• The student’s current academic or clinical status remains in effect until the final decision is communicated.

To appeal dismissal: Elon University - SHS General Appeal Policy (probation, suspension, or dismissal)

Student Appeals

This appeal process is available to students who wish to challenge the Academic & Professional Advancement Committee (APAC) decision that results in probation, suspension, or dismissal. Warnings are not eligible for appeal. Grade appeals follow the procedures described in the Appealing Course Grades section of this handbook. (A3.14h)

Grounds for Appeal

An appeal must be based on at least one of the following:

1.New Information

a. Substantial facts not available during the APAC meeting.
b. Must explain: source of the information, who can verify it, why it was not presented earlier, and how it may change the outcome.

2.Procedural Error

a. A significant departure from PA Program procedures impacted the outcome.
b. Must identify specific procedural errors, why they were not raised during the APAC meeting, and how correcting the error could lead to a different decision.

Filing an Appeal

Appeals must be submitted in writing within five (5) business days of the Program Director’s written notice of the APAC decision.
Appeals are submitted to the Program Director.
While the appeal is under review, the APAC’s decision remains in effect unless the Dean (or designee) makes an exception.
If an appeal meets the required criteria, the Dean of the School of Health Sciences will form an Appeal Committee, consisting of one faculty member from each program in the School of Health Sciences (excluding anyone involved in the original APAC decision).

Appeal Process

1.Notification & Scheduling: Program Director notifies the Appeal Committee and schedules a meeting. Student receives at least 5 business days’ notice of the meeting. Scheduling takes into account the academic calendar, urgency, and reasonable requests.
2.Preparation: The APAC’s written decision is shared with the Appeals Committee. The student may review their educational file and submit a written response.
3.Appeal Meeting: Attended by the student (optional), Appeal Committee members, and any others invited to provide clarification. The student may bring an advisor from the Elon community (student, faculty, or staff). The advisor cannot speak or participate. After presentations, the Committee deliberates privately.
4.Committee Recommendation: The Appeal Committee submits a written recommendation to the Dean (with a copy to the Program Director). The Appeals Committee may adjust the sanction but cannot change the determination of responsibility. Recommendations are usually issued within 5 business days after the meeting, but additional time may be required.

Final Decision

The Dean reviews the Appeal Committee’s recommendation and has final authority. The Dean may accept or modify sanctions or uphold or overturn the APAC’s decision regarding compliance with program standards. The Dean’s written decision will be shared with the student and is final.

Elon University - SHS General Appeal Policy (probation, suspension, or dismissal)