Attendance

Attendance Expectations and Absence Reporting Requirements Policy

Attendance Expectations

All sessions for the Pathway Scholars Program are mandatory.

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix and Pathway Scholars Program to hold professionalism as a major tenant, and students, as future professionals, should conduct themselves accordingly. This includes arriving to educational activities on-time, avoiding disruptions to any educational environment and using laptops and other electronic devices only for course work during the educational activity. Absences and tardiness negatively impact others. Therefore attendance, including tardiness, is part of the behavioral assessment of professionalism and poor performance may result in decreased grades, and in severe or chronic cases lead to a formal review by the Pathway Advisory Committee.

Students pursuing the Master of Medical Studies degree have indicated they wish to enter the medical profession. A profession in which full participation in the learning environment is an essential component. Throughout students’ Master of Medical Studies education, they are expected to exhibit professional responsibility by actively contributing to their own learning, to the collective educational community at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, and ultimately to the care of their patients. Therefore, the participation is mandatory for all course learning experiences unless a student's individual learning plan indicates otherwise. As such attendance will be tracked and will be used as part of the grading process.

Mandatory Check-in Sessions

*Course syllabi will clearly identify all sessions requiring mandatory check-in or sign-in. Failure to attend a mandatory check-in session will result in an automatic unexcused absence unless approved by the course*[MR-(1]  director.

Students will indicate their presence at sessions either electronically or by signing an attendance sheet. In the case that a student attended the mandatory check-in session but did not sign in, the block director or their designee will remind the student to make sure that they do this in the future. A student who fails to sign in a second time will receive a Level 1 formative assessment and will need to complete a makeup assignment. A student who fails to sign in a third time will receive a Level 1 summative assessment and will need to complete a makeup assignment.

Procedure to report an emergency absence

The student or his/her representative is expected to contact the Course* Director or the Pathway Scholars Sr. Program Manager or the Sr. Program Manager’s designee, by telephone or email to notify them of the unexpected absence. It will be the responsibility of the Sr. Program Manager or designee to pass this information to the appropriate course* Director. The online form must be completed as soon as possible to formally document the absence.

Procedure to request an excused absence

The student may request an absence using the online form 30 days in advance of the anticipated absence. Students are encouraged to follow up completion of the form with direct communication with the Course* Director. The student will provide the requested dates of the absence AND the reason for the absence including the student’s suggestions on how to remediate the material missed. An excused absence may be granted for one of the following reasons:

• Presentation at a Professional Conference or participation in a leadership activity (e.g. AMSA committee member) or official representation of The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix or Pathway Scholars Program. The number of days excused will be decided by the Course* Director in consideration of the student’s role and duties at the conference AND by considering the requirements and experiences of the course* that would be missed. When completing the online form, the student must outline the details of their role as a presenter or leader. Exceptions to presentation or leadership activities may be considered by the Course* Director in consultation with the Sr. Program Manager of the Pathway Scholars Program.
• Religious Observance
• Extenuating personal circumstances may include significant family or personal events that acutely disrupt the student’s ability to attend to course* responsibilities. However, extended periods of absence may result in a student’s inability to successfully complete the course* as remediation of such absences, as outlined below, may not be possible. Such circumstances should be discussed with the Sr. Program Manager of the Pathway Scholars Program.

Additional considerations regarding requests for excused absences

• In the event the student is granted an excused absence, the Course* Director will establish guidelines for implementation of make up plans, where available, that are specific for the unique requirements of the course. The implementation guidelines will apply for all students in that course*.
• In the case where (1) the absence is requested 30 days in advance and (2) the Course* Director is unable to arrange an alternate make up plan because of a student’s prolonged absence or the Course* Director’s inability to recreate the needed material, the Course* Director may deny approval for the requested absence.
• Absences for social engagements, fund-raising events and non-approved conferences will not be approved as excused absences.
• In the case where (1) an absence is due to illness or unanticipated events (i.e. 30 days advance notice is impossible) the Course* Director will determine if the requirements and experiences can be made up. If the Course* Director is unable to arrange a makeup plan because of a student’s absence (based on duration of absence, inability to recreate the needed material etc.) the Course* Director, in consultation with the Pathway Scholars Program Sr. Program Manager, may refer to the Advisory Committee for review.
• See the Principles of Communication in Medicine syllabus and addenda for variation in procedure

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absences will impact student professionalism competency rating. Students are responsible for all material missed because of the absence with the understanding that some material cannot be reproduced by the Course* Director.

There will be financial ramifications for unexcused absences in the Principles of Communication in Medicine (Doctoring) course.

*Any component of the curriculum where a grade is earned.

 

Leave of Absence

POLICY STATEMENT

Due to the unique nature of the Pathway Scholars Program, extended Leave of Absences will indicate withdrawal. The Leave of Absence Policy can be found at http://grad.arizona.edu/academics/policies/enrollment-policies/leave-of-absence.

 

Criminal Background Check Policy

Policy

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix (COM – P) to provide a safe environment for patients, employees, students, visitors and the general public, as well as to protect property, by conducting criminal background checks (CBC) on all accepted applicants, on alternate applicants at the request of the Office of Admissions and periodically as required by clinical training sites.

• • Applicants must consent to and complete a criminal background check investigation as a condition of matriculation.
  • Background checks will be performed only after the applicant has received a conditional offer of acceptance.
  • An acceptance offer is contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check.

Process

The College of Medicine – Phoenix will administer a criminal background check according to the Association of American Medical Colleges’ recommendations on all applicants at the time of acceptance, on alternate applicants at the request of the Office of Admissions and periodically as required by clinical training sites.

I. Application: The American Medical College Application Service application includes an inquiry about felony convictions. Applicants who refuse to complete this section will not receive offers of acceptance.

II. The conditional admission offer will not be considered final, and enrollment will be withheld, until completion of the background check with results deemed acceptable by COM – P. If the results of the background check(s) are not deemed acceptable by COM – P, or if information received indicates that false or misleading statements were submitted, required information omitted, or if the applicant would not be permitted to participate in any portion of the curriculum based upon the content of the report, the conditional admission may be denied or rescinded.

III. Costs: All expenses associated with the CBC are the responsibility of the applicant/student.

IV. Confidentiality: CBC files will be maintained consistent with Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act guidelines and stored separately from students’ permanent files. Reasonable efforts will be made to ensure that results of criminal background checks are kept as confidential as possible with a limited number of persons authorized to review results.

V. Review of Findings:

• 1. Applicants: If a background check identifies findings which may preclude acceptance, the case will be referred to the COM – P Admissions Committee for review and action.
  2. Matriculants: Should the situation arise where a review of findings in a CBC is necessary, the College of Medicine – Phoenix Criminal History Review Committee shall review the findings. The Criminal History Review Committee will include: Associate Dean, Student Affairs; Associate Dean, Admissions and Recruitment; Associate Dean, Diversity and Inclusion; Vice Dean, Academic Affairs. The University of Arizona Office of the General Counsel will serve as an adviser.

VI. Action on Findings:

• 1. Applicants: The existence of a finding does not automatically disqualify an individual from eligibility for admission. Relevant considerations may include, but are not limited to, the date, nature and number of convictions; the relationship the conviction bears to the duties and responsibilities of the medical student; and successful efforts toward rehabilitation. Any decision to reject or accept an applicant with a conviction is solely at the discretion of the Admission Committee.
  2. Matriculants: When the Criminal History Review Committee determines a finding requires additional action or review, the case will be referred to the Honor Code Committee.

VII. Ability to Review Information: The applicant or matriculant may review their own criminal background report received by COM – P by contacting either the Associate Dean, Admissions or Associate Dean, Student Affairs in writing.

VIII. Right to Respond to Adverse Report: The applicant or matriculant will be asked to review any adverse information and to provide a written response for either the Admissions Committee or the Criminal History Review Committee, respectively. When appropriate, an in-person meeting may be requested to answer questions.

Curriculum Committee:

Approved 04/10/2018

Effective Date:

06/01/2018

Anti-Harassment and Nondiscrimination

Anti-Harassment and Nondiscrimination

POLICY STATEMENT

The University of Arizona is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation that is unlawful or prohibited by University policy. The University prohibits discrimination, including harassment and retaliation by University employees, students, contractors, or agents of the University and by anyone participating in a University sponsored activity against an individual based on a protected classification. Protected classification includes race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected category. The University also prohibits retaliation because an individual has engaged in a protected activity.

The University will take prompt and appropriate action to: (1) thoroughly investigate complaints under this policy; and (2) prevent, correct and, if necessary, discipline individuals who engage in behavior that violates this policy in accordance with University policies. All members of the University community are responsible for participating in creating a campus environment free from all forms of prohibited discrimination and for cooperating with University officials who investigate allegations of policy violations.

The College of Medicine – Phoenix adheres to The University of Arizona Policies on Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment and The Office of Institutional Equity.

Conflict of Interest and Professional Medical Training and Practice

Conflict of Interest and Professional Medical Training and Practice

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix that interactions with industry should be conducted so as to avoid or minimize conflicts of interest. When conflict of interests arise they must be addressed appropriately, as described herein.

Definitions

Conflict of interest: That situation which exists when a faculty, staff, student or trainee of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix may have a significant financial or other personal consideration that may compromise, or have the appearance of compromising, their professional judgment or integrity in clinical responsibilities, teaching, conducting or reporting research, or performing other College obligations.

Commercial interests (Industry): any proprietary entity producing health care goods or services, with the exception of non-profit or government organizations and non-health care related companies.

Purpose of Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for interactions with industry representatives for medical staff, faculty, staff, students, and trainees of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. Interactions with industry occur in a variety of contexts, including marketing of new pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and research equipment and supplies; training for newly purchased devices; the development of new devices; educational support of students and trainees; and continuing medical education. Faculty and trainees also participate in interactions with industry off campus and in scholarly publications. Many aspects of these interactions are positive and important for promoting the educational, clinical and research missions of the College of Medicine. However, these interactions must be ethical and cannot create conflicts of interest that could endanger patient safety, data integrity, the integrity of our education and training programs, or the reputation of either the College of Medicine – Phoenix or its personnel.

Scope of Policy

This policy incorporates the following types of interactions with industry:

• 1. Gifts and compensation
  2. Site access by sales and marketing representatives
  3. Provision of scholarships and other educational funds to students and trainees
  4. Support for educational and other professional activities
  5. Disclosure of relationships with industry
  6. Oversight of Conflict of Interest Policy
  7. Training of students, trainees, and staff regarding potential conflict of interest in industry interactions

I. Gifts and Compensation

• 1. Personal gifts from industry may not be accepted anywhere at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix or clinical facility operated by the College. In addition, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix faculty, staff and trainees may also not accept gifts at any non-College-operated clinical facility such as other hospitals, outreach clinics and the like. Non-faculty medical staff are strongly discouraged from accepting gifts at non-College-operated clinical facilities but are not proscribed by this policy from doing so.
  2. It is strongly advised that no form of personal gift from industry be accepted under any circumstances. Individuals should be aware of other applicable policies, such as the AMA Statement on Gifts to Physicians from Industry (http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/medical-ethics/about-ethics-group/ethics-resource-center/educational-resources/guidelines-gifts-physicians.page (link is external)) and the Accrediting Council for Continuing Medical Education Standards for Commercial Support (www.accme.org (link is external)).
  3. Individuals may not accept gifts or compensation for listening to a sales talk by an industry representative.
  4. Individuals may not accept gifts or compensation for prescribing or changing a patient’s prescription.
  5. Individuals may accept product samples from commercial interests only for patient use.
  6. Individuals must consciously and actively divorce clinical care decisions from any perceived or actual benefits expected from any commercial interest. It is unacceptable for patient care decisions to be influenced by the possibility of personal financial gain.
  7. Individuals may not accept compensation, including the defraying of costs, for simply attending a CME or other activity or conference (that is, if the individual is not speaking or otherwise actively participating or presenting at the event).
  8. Faculty, staff, students and trainees are discouraged from participating in Speaker’s Bureaus. Financial compensation to faculty from Biomedical Companies such as Consulting Fees or Speaker’s Bureaus compensation must be approved by the Department and reported to the College of Medicine – Phoenix.

II. Site Access by Sales and Marketing Representatives

• 1. Sales and marketing representatives are permitted in non-patient care areas by appointment only. Appointments will normally be made for such purposes as:
  2. In-service training of College personnel for research or clinical equipment or devices already purchased.
  3. Evaluation of new purchases of equipment, devices, or related items.
  4. Appointments may be made on a per visit basis or as a standing appointment for a specified period of time, at the discretion of the faculty member, his or her division or department, or designated hospital personnel issuing the invitation and with the approval of appropriate hospital management.

III. Provision of Scholarships and Other Educational Funds to Students and Trainees

• 1. Industry support of students and trainees should be free of any actual or perceived conflict of interest, must be specifically for the purpose of education and must comply with all of the following provisions:
  2. The College of Medicine – Phoenix department, program or division selects the student or trainee.
  3. The funds are provided to the department, program, or division and not directly to student or trainee.
  4. The department, program or division has determined that the funded conference or program has educational merit.
  5. The recipient is not subject to any implicit or explicit expectation of providing something in return for the support, i.e., a “quid pro quo.”

IV. Support for Educational and Other Professional Activities

• 1. Individuals should be aware of the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support. They provide useful guidelines for evaluating all forms of industry interaction, both on and off campus and including both University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix events, as well as other events. The Standards may be found at www.accme.org (link is external).
  2. All educational events offered by The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix must be compliant with ACCME Standards for Commercial Support whether or not CME credit is awarded.
  3. Educational grants that are compliant with the ACCME Standards may be received from industry but must be placed in a general designated account, and administered by departments or divisions, and not by individual faculty.
  4. Divisions and departments must maintain records of compliance with the ACCME Standards.
  5. Meals or other types of food or drink directly funded by industry may not be provided at University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix activities or at associated clinics.
  6. Faculty and medical staff should evaluate very carefully their own participation in meetings and conferences that are fully or partially supported or run by industry because of the high potential for perceived or real conflict of interest.
  7. This provision does not apply to faculty attending meetings of professional societies that may receive partial industry support, meetings governed by ACCME Standards, and the like.
  8. Individuals who actively participate in meetings and conferences supported in part or in whole by industry (e.g., by giving a lecture, organizing the meeting) should follow these guidelines:
  9. Financial support by industry is fully disclosed prior to the activity and at the beginning of the presentation by the meeting supporter.
  10. The meeting or lecture content is determined by the speaker and not the commercial supporter.
  11. The lecturer is expected to provide an impartial and objective assessment of therapeutic options and to promote objective scientific and educational activities and discourse.
  12. The College participant is not required by commercial supporter to accept advice or services concerning speakers, content, etc., as a condition of the commercial supporter’s contribution of funds or services.
  13. The lecturer makes clear that content reflects individual views and not the views of University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.
  14. The use of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix name in a commercially supported event is limited to the identification of the individual by his or her title and affiliation.

V. Disclosure of Relationships with Industry

• 1. Individuals are prohibited from publishing articles under their own names that are written in whole or material part by industry employees.
  2. In scholarly publications, individuals must disclose their related financial interests in accordance with the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (link is external).
  3. Faculty with supervisory responsibilities for students, residents, trainees or staff should ensure that the faculty’s conflict or potential conflict of interest does not affect or appear to affect his or her supervision of the student, resident, trainee, or staff member.
  4. Individuals having a direct role making institutional decisions regarding equipment or drug procurement must disclose to the purchasing unit, prior to making any such decision, any financial interest they or their immediate family have in companies that might substantially benefit from the decision. Such financial interests could include equity ownership, compensated positions on advisory boards, a paid consultancy, or other forms of compensated relationship. They must also disclose any research or educational interest they or their department have that might substantially benefit from the decision. The purchasing unit will decide whether the individual must recuse him/herself from the purchasing decision.
  5. This provision excludes indirect ownership such as stock held through mutual funds.
  6. The term “immediate family” includes the individual’s spouse or domestic partner or dependent children.
  7. For disclosure requirements related to educational activities, see the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support (www.accme.org (link is external)).
  8. Faculty, staff and trainees who are engaged in teaching, research, administration or business operations in the College of Medicine – Phoenix also must comply with the University’s Individual Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment Policy (see http://orcr.arizona.edu/coi/uapol/commitment) In addition to the annual reports required under that policy, faculty, staff and trainees must annually report all grants, contracts, speaker’s bureaus, consulting arrangements, gifts, or financial interests they may have with biomedical companies.

VI. Training of Students, Trainees, and Staff Regarding Potential Conflict of Interest in Interactions with Industry

All students, residents, trainees, and staff shall receive training regarding potential conflicts of interest in interactions with industry. Conflict of Interest education will be part of the New Faculty Orientation. Faculty will receive yearly reminders with a link to the Conflict of Interest Policy. Education for students will be coordinated through the Office of Academic Affairs.

Honor Code Policy

Policy

Ethical behavior, professionalism and integrity are required of every student. The State, University and College-specific policies and statements listed below define these required behaviors and attitudes and allow for mechanisms whereby formal disciplinary actions may be taken.

Principle

Society entrusts the physician with vital responsibilities, including maintaining his or her patients’ health and preventing, diagnosing and treating disease. In accepting this trust, the medical profession expects its members to act honorably in all endeavors. Practicing physicians, faculty members in academic medical centers, house officers and students must adhere to the highest standards of personal and professional conduct. This Honor Code is intended to promote an atmosphere of confidence and trust among students. The governing philosophy and premise of this Honor Code is that students striving to enter the medical profession are required to adhere to professional and ethical standards.

Every student is expected to act with integrity. The guiding principle of academic integrity is that a student’s work must be the student’s own. This Honor Code also requires that all students at the College of Medicine – Phoenix (COM-P) act honorably and honestly in all phases of their medical education. This Honor Code recognizes that students at the COM-P will be members of the medical profession and that they also are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the standards and rules applicable to physicians. (See A.R.S. § 32-1401, et seq.) This Honor Code supplements the standards of conduct established in the University’s Student Code of Conduct¹ and academic integrity, which are stated in the Arizona Board of Regents Policy Manual 5-308 (ABOR Policy 5-308), et seq.; however, the procedures set forth in this Honor Code will be the means by which misconduct will be reported and considered within the COM-P, and how sanctions will be imposed by the COM-P.

¹http://deanofstudents.arizona.edu/policiesandcodes/studentcodeofconduct

Prohibited Conduct

Conduct prohibited by this Honor Code consists of all forms of academic dishonesty, including, but not limited to: cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, and plagiarism as defined in ABOR Policy 5-308(F); modifying any academic work to obtain additional credit in the same class unless approved in advance by the faculty member or fellow student; failure to observe rules of academic integrity established by a faculty member for a particular course; engaging in unprofessional conduct or misconduct related to patient care; and attempting to commit an act prohibited by this Honor Code or ABOR Policy 5-308. Any attempt to commit an act prohibited by these rules will be subject to sanctions to the same extent as completed acts. It also is a violation of this Honor Code to intentionally falsely accuse a student of an Honor Code violation, to fail to cooperate with an Honor Code Committee investigation or meeting or a Student Progress Committee (SPC) proceeding or meeting, or to make any intentional misrepresentations in the Honor Code process.

Student Responsibility

Students engaging in academic dishonesty or unprofessional conduct diminish their education and bring discredit to the academic community and to the medical profession. Students will observe this Honor Code whether or not faculty members establish special rules of academic integrity or conduct for particular classes or whether or not faculty make special efforts to prevent cheating in their individual courses. If a student has reason to believe that another student has violated this Honor Code or ABOR Policy 5-308, he or she has an obligation to report the incident to the Chair of the COM-P’s Honor Code Committee, as set forth below.

Faculty and Staff Responsibility

Faculty and/or staff members will notify students of any special rules of academic integrity or conduct established for a particular course (e.g., whether or not a faculty member permits collaboration, use of the same paper in more than one class, etc.), and will make every reasonable effort to encourage compliance with the Honor Code. If a faculty or staff member has reason to believe that a student has violated this Honor Code or ABOR Policy 5-308, he or she has an obligation to report the incident to the Chair of the COM-P’s Honor Code Committee, as set forth below.

Student Rights

When responding to charges of an Honor Code violation, students have the right to see and/or hear the evidence against them; to a fair consideration of the charges; and to be assisted by an advisor of their choosing at a formal meeting of the Honor Code Committee. If accompanied by an advisor, the advisor may not speak for the student at an Honor Code Committee proceeding, but may advise the student during the proceeding. Records of any proceedings before the Honor Code Committee are confidential to the extent required or permitted by law. Except as otherwise permitted by law or University policy, neither faculty nor other students participating in proceedings under this Honor Code will disclose personally identifiable information regarding either the student charged with a violation of this Honor Code or other students participating in the proceedings outlined below to anyone other than those individuals directly involved in the proceedings or who have a legitimate educational interest in the information. Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, neither students nor faculty who report misconduct under this Honor Code are entitled to information related to the consideration or disposition of any matter pending before or decided by either the Honor Code Committee, the Student Progress Committee (SPC) or the Student Appeals Committee, unless the student who is the subject of those proceedings agrees in writing to the release of such information.

PROCEDURES FOR ADMINISTERING THE HONOR CODE

1. Honor Code Committee.

• 1. The College of Medicine - Phoenix will establish an Honor Code Committee, which will be responsible for investigating, conducting meetings and meetings regarding allegations of Honor Code violations, and making recommendations for disciplinary or remedial action to the Student Progress Committee (SPC). The Honor Code Committee also will be responsible for conducting a periodic review of this Honor Code and, when necessary, to recommend changes to these Procedures to the SPC.
  2. In accordance with the COM-P’s Bylaws, the Honor Code Committee will be composed of eight student representatives (two from each class), and three members of the College of Medicine - Phoenix faculty, the faculty will be appointed by the Dean or designee. The Associate Dean, Student Affairs may attend the Honor Code Committee’s formal meetings as an advisor to the Committee if requested, but not vote. Each class will elect its student representatives.
  3. Each class also will elect two alternate members of the Honor Code Committee. An alternate may participate in Committee meetings and deliberations but will sit as a voting member of the Committee only when a regular Committee member from his or her class or faculty category is unable to be present or is disqualified from participation. A quorum of one-half of the voting membership of the Committee, including at least one faculty member, is required to conduct any meeting prescribed by this Honor Code.
  4. If a member of the Honor Code Committee believes he or she will be unable to review a matter objectively or participate in a meeting or meeting required under these Procedures, then the member may recuse himself or herself from the matter under consideration and will explain the reasons for such recusal to the Chair of the Honor Code Committee. Similarly, if a Committee member directly participated in a matter that is the subject of review before the Committee, that Committee member will be disqualified from serving as a Committee member in the matter that is the subject of review. If a Committee member recuses himself or herself from a matter, then a quorum for the meeting or meeting will be a one-half majority of the membership remaining.
  5. Terms for both student members and faculty members will be set in accordance with the COM-P Bylaws.
  6. The Honor Code Committee Chair will be appointed by the Dean or designee from among the faculty on the Committee. Terms of the Committee members will be delineated in the Bylaws. The Chair will serve a one year term, and may be renewed annually. The Chair will preside at formal Committee meetings. An audio recording will be kept of the meeting and will be maintained in the Office of the Associate Dean, Student Affairs.
  7. No student who has been found guilty of a violation of this Honor Code will serve on the Honor Code Committee.

2. Preliminary Meeting.

• 1. If a student, faculty or staff member has reason to believe that a student’s behavior constitutes a violation of this Honor Code or ABOR Policy 5-308, he or she will prepare a written, signed statement and deliver it to the Chair of the Honor Code Committee expeditiously. The Chair will meet with one student member on the Committee and the Associate Dean, Student Affairs no later than ten (10) working days after receipt of the written statement, unless those individuals are unavailable, in which case, the meeting will occur on the next available work day when all parties are able to meet. The accused student will not necessarily need to be notified until a determination has been made to proceed forward with the full Honor Code Committee.
  2. If the consensus of the Chair, the student member and the Associate Dean, Student Affairs is that the allegation, if true, would constitute prohibited conduct under this Honor Code or ABOR Policy 5-308, then the matter will be referred to the Honor Code Committee for a formal meeting, as set forth in paragraph 3 below.
  3. If the consensus of the Chair, the student member and the Associate Dean, Student Affairs is that the allegation, as presented, would not constitute prohibited conduct under the Honor Code or ABOR Policy 5-308, then the matter will not proceed further. The Chair of the Committee will notify the student who is the subject of the charge (hereafter “student”) and the person providing the written statement that the matter is closed and will not proceed further. All records related to the matter will be maintained in the Office of Student Affairs in accordance with University records retention schedules.

3. Honor Code Committee Meeting.

• 1. If the matter is referred to the Honor Code Committee for a meeting, then the Chair of the Honor Code Committee will notify the student who is the subject of concern and the individual who submitted the written statement of the date and time of the Honor Code Committee meeting, which will be set no later than fifteen (15) days from the date on which it was determined that a formal meeting should occur, unless the Honor Code Committee is unable to establish a quorum of its members within that time. In that case, the matter will be heard on the next business day on which a quorum may be gathered.
  2. Formal meetings will be closed to all individuals except the Honor Code Committee, including alternates, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, the Vice Dean, the individuals(s) who made the allegations, the student and witnesses to the alleged offense.
  3. The Honor Code Committee will receive evidence from the student, the individual(s) with knowledge of the alleged Honor Code violation, and any other individuals the Honor Code Committee believes would provide relevant information regarding the matter in order to make a determination whether, based upon all the evidence presented, the student violated this Honor Code or ABOR Policy 5-308.
  4. The Committee, upon request of the student, will preclude witnesses from attending the formal meeting in whole or in part, except when such witnesses are providing information to the Committee. An audio recording of the meeting will be kept in the Office of Student Affairs. The Honor Code Committee may be assisted by a member of the University’s Office of the General Counsel throughout its investigation and through the conclusion of the proceedings to assure compliance with University policies.
  5. If, after receiving all the information presented to the Committee, two-thirds of the members of the Honor Code Committee attending such meeting find the student guilty of a violation of this Honor Code or ABOR Policy 5-308 by a preponderance of the evidence presented or if the student admits to violating either the Honor Code or ABOR Policy 5-308, then the Honor Code Committee will, within ten (10) working days following the meeting, prepare written findings and make a recommendation for appropriate remedial or disciplinary action to the Student Progress Committee (SPC).
  6. When recommending remedial action or discipline, the Honor Code Committee may consider the seriousness of the violation, the student’s state of mind, the harm done to the University, to patients or to other students, if any, and whether the student has previously been found to have engaged in conduct prohibited by the Honor Code or ABOR Policy 5-308. In addition, the Honor Code Committee will consider mitigating and aggravating factors in accordance with the provisions of ABOR Policy 5-308(H)². Recommended remedial action or discipline may include, but is not limited to: a warning; a grade of “fail” on a particular examination or assignment; a grade of “fail” in a course (block) or clerkship; suspension from the College of Medicine – Phoenix for a specified period; or dismissal from the College of Medicine – Phoenix. The Honor Code Committee may not recommend that a student submit to therapy, medical or mental health treatment or monitored rehabilitation.

²https://azregents.asu.edu/rrc/Policy%20Manual/5-308-Student%20Code%20of%20Conduct.pdf (link is external)

• 1. The Chair or designee will write an executive summary of the meeting, which will be forwarded to the SPC. The audio recording will also be made available to the SPC.
  2. If the Honor Code Committee concludes, based on a preponderance of the evidence, that the student did not violate the Honor Code of ABOR Policy 5-308, then the matter will proceed no further. All information obtained during the Honor Code Committee meeting will be maintained by the Office of Student Affairs.
  3. All statements and information obtained during an investigation or meeting will be confidential and the results of the proceedings will be revealed to no one, including any witnesses who may have appeared before the Honor Code Committee, whatever the ultimate disposition of the matter may be. At the request of the student, and if applicable, the finding of “not guilty” will be reported to such persons and places as the student may designate.
  4. Any matter referred for a formal meeting may be resolved by agreement between the group (comprised of Associate Dean of Student Affairs, the Chair of Honor Code Committee and the student designated at the time of initial meeting) and the student who is the subject of the complaint; however, any agreement with the student will be forwarded to the SPC for review.

4. Action by the Student Progress Committee.

Upon receipt of a report and recommendation from the Honor Code Committee, the Student Progress Committee (SPC) will conduct further proceedings in accordance with the Procedures for Student Progress, Academic Integrity, and Managing Grade Appeals at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

5. Appeal to Student Appeals Committee.

If the Student Progress Committee imposes disciplinary or remedial action as a result of a finding that the student violated this Honor Code of ABOR Policy 5-308 or if the student admits to such misconduct, then the student may appeal that decision and action to the Student Appeals Committee, in accordance with the Procedures for Student Progress, Academic Integrity, and Managing Grade Appeals at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

6. Records.

The records of any formal meetings under this Honor Code will remain confidential, except to members of the Honor Code Committee who participated in the meetings, the student, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, the Student Progress Committee (SPC) and the Student Appeals Committee. If the student appeals a determination of the SPC, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, and legal counsel for the College of Medicine – Phoenix will be notified.

7. Dissemination of this Honor Code and Procedures of the Honor Code Committee.

This Honor Code Policy and Procedures of the Honor Code Committee will be published in the College of Medicine – Phoenix Student Handbook, on the College of Medicine – Phoenix website and will be sent to all accepted applicants to the College of Medicine – Phoenix. Each student will be required to sign a statement annually that he or she has read and agrees to abide by this Honor Code and Procedures of the Honor Code Committee. Copies of this Honor Code and Procedures of the Honor Code Committee also will be provided to new College of Medicine – Phoenix faculty members and staff at the time of hire or appointment.

8. Amendments.

The Honor Code Committee also will conduct a periodic review of the Code, and may make recommendations to change the Code to the Educational Policy Committee for consideration and implementation, if required.

Policy is retroactive to 7/8/2013

 

Student Mistreatment

POLICY STATEMENT

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and the Pathway Scholars Program staff are committed to a safe and supportive learning environment. Mistreatment of students is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

This policy is in addition to the University of Arizona Non-discrimination and Anti-harassment Policy which primarily addresses protected classes such as race color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other protected category. Any violation of protected behavior will be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity on main campus.

 

Definition of Mistreatment against Students

Mistreatment is defined on the Association of American Medical Colleges Graduation Questionnaire as follows: "Mistreatment arises when behavior shows disrespect for the dignity of others and unreasonably interferes with the learning process. It can take the form of physical punishment, sexual harassment, psychological cruelty, and discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, sex, age or sexual orientation." Expectations as outlined by the policy are to be shared annually with all students, residents, administrators, staff and faculty teachers.

See also, Possible Examples of Student Mistreatment and How to Report Mistreatment (PDF).

 

Code of Academic Integrity

Integrity is expected of every student in all academic work. The guiding principle of academic integrity is that a student’s submitted work must be the student’s own. Students engaging in academic dishonesty diminish their education and bring discredit to the academic community. Students shall not violate the Code of Academic Integrity and shall avoid situations likely to compromise academic integrity. Students shall observe the provisions of the Code whether or not faculty members establish special rules of academic integrity for particular classes. Failure of faculty to prevent cheating does not excuse students from compliance with the Code.

Any attempt to commit an act prohibited by these rules will be subject to sanctions to the same extent as completed acts. The procedures for reviewing a suspected violation are found in the complete Code of Academic Integrity available in the Dean of Students Office, Old Main, Room 203, or online(link is external).

Audience(s):

• New And Current Students
• Faculty and Staff

Topic:

• Academic Policies

Anonymity

Anonymity

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix to expect students in a graduate-professional school to self-identify to any appropriate staff or faculty member when they are in need of help or support, and to value and promote a supportive, collaborative graduate education environment for its students. Students are assured anonymity about such information until it is evident that anonymity is disadvantaging student progression or has the potential to cause harm.

The Pathway Scholars Program administration are not part of the anonymity process. This break in anonymity is necessary to enable student support and guidance. The Pathway Scholars Program administration and the Office of Student Development may use such information to anticipate, react and help support students.

 

Block/Course Sequencing

POLICY STATEMENT

Students are expected to complete the curricular blocks/courses of the Pathway Scholars Program in the normal sequential order as outlined by the Curriculum Calendar for the Pathway Academic Year. There will be no extension to complete academic coursework beyond the Pathway Academic Year.

Teaching Contingency Plan

Teaching Contingency Plan

POLICY STATEMENT

In the event that a faculty member (or members) becomes incapacitated and unable to teach a scheduled session within a course/block, students will still be responsible for and assessed on the material.

Access the posted materials on the comphx.one45.com site.

Addendum:

• 1. Refer students to the materials posted on the one45 site (typically available the week before the scheduled session). These materials will include learning objectives, thought questions, reference reading, and a PowerPoint presentation. If a faculty member has been incapacitated prior to posting such materials, then it is recommended that the most recently archived materials be utilized in this fashion.
  2. Where possible, an equivalent archived podcast from the most recent year may be made available, along with the appropriate Power Point slides.
  3. Course/Block Directors may be able to identify a potential substitute faculty from within the College of Medicine – Phoenix to teach the session. Such a substitute should be familiar enough with the material to answer student questions during/after the presentation, but it would be expected that the substitute would utilize either the posted materials or the archived materials from the most recent year available and present that (i.e., it would not be expected that the substitute would prepare and present a de novo lecture/session unless adequate time is made available).
  4. Although not as easily arranged, the Course/Block Director /faculty member could identify a colleague at Arizona State University, the College of Medicine – Tucson, or another “local” institution who could substitute as described above. Several Course/Block Directors currently enlist the services of Tucson colleagues, so a precedent is already in place. Of course, a reciprocal agreement could easily be implemented where Phoenix faculty offer in-kind services to Tucson Blocks. In rare instances, Course/Block sessions might overlap in a way that video teleconferencing a single lecture to both student groups could occur. If no such overlap occurs, it is still possible to utilize video teleconferencing between campuses, perhaps even after hours if scheduling permits normal weekly template scheduling. In some situations, it may be required to offer compensation to a substitute faculty member depending upon length of service and academic affiliation.
  5. A final contingency, in the case of longstanding and/or widespread faculty incapacitation, should include discussion of using the summer between the Pathway Scholars and MS-1 years to cover larger sections of missed Pathway Scholars material. Discussions regarding student financial aid, impact on scholarly project, impact on vacations, etc. would need to occur if this contingency was deemed appropriate.

Course and Faculty Evaluation by Student

Course and Faculty Evaluation by Student

POLICY STATEMENT

All students are required to participate in the evaluation of faculty and courses* as delineated below. Self and peer evaluation are optional.

Evaluation Anonymity

The student's identity is withheld on all course evaluations and reports are compiled in aggregate for each of the designated Course* Directors by the Office of Assessment and Evaluation.

Required Evaluations

Blocks/Courses*

Students will be required to complete the following in each block through a mid and end of course* evaluation:

• • All assigned session evaluations
  • Either a mid or end of course evaluation, as randomly assigned

For session evaluations, students will be randomly assigned no more than 15% of the total number of sessions for each course. For Blocks, students will be randomly assigned to complete either a mid or end of course evaluation, but not both.

This system is designed so that all teaching faculty are provided feedback and student survey fatigue is minimized. Students will also have the opportunity to evaluate any session at any time as an optional and additional source of professional feedback a comphx.one45.com.

Completion of Evaluations

Students must complete required evaluations within one week after the end of each block and course*.

All comments will be expected to model constructive feedback, and must contain references and comments to specific behaviors and/or events (positive or negative). The Office of Assessment and Evaluation will review assessments immediately after all data have been submitted for the designated period.

If the student does not complete the required evaluations within one week after the end of the course*, the student will be required to submit the missing evaluation data in narrative form within the second week after the course* to the Office of Assessment and Evaluation. If this week falls during a curricular break, the student will be given an additional week to complete the evaluation.

• • Once the student has successfully submitted their evaluation in narrative form within the second week after the course*, the student will have successfully demonstrated meeting expectations in Professionalism.
  • If the student has not successfully submitted their evaluation in narrative form within the second week after the course*, the student will be considered as have not met expectations and the Level 1 rating for Professionalism will be assigned.

Optional Evaluations

As a part of the campus 360 evaluation system, students will be provided with optional opportunities to complete self and peer evaluations of developmental behavior in Interpersonal and Communication Skills and Professionalism. Reports of self and peer evaluations will be provided to the Pathway Scholars Program staff as a part of the student’s academic growth progression and holistic review.

 

Summary

Feedback is an important element to be used in progressively reviewing the curriculum and the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Pathway Scholars Program staff encourages honest input. However, if egregious comments surface during this process containing obscenities or malicious statements, the evaluation comments and the author’s name will be referred to the Director of the Pathway Scholars Program and will not be included as part of the evaluation of the faculty member.

*Any component of the curriculum where a grade is earned.

General Policies

Alcohol

POLICY STATEMENT

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix follows the University Policy regarding alcohol at all medical school and Pathway Scholars Program events.

 

Dismissal

Dismissal

POLICY STATEMENT

Automatic Dismissal

A student who meets any of the following conditions will be automatically dismissed from the Pathway Scholars program. The Pathway Scholars Program Director will notify both the student, the Matriculation Committee and the Graduate College of the criteria that triggered the automatic dismissal.

• • A student whose cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for two consecutive semesters
  • A student has not completed all requirements for the Pathway Scholars Program by the end of the Academic Year.

Other Dismissal

The Matriculation Committee may recommend to the Pathway Scholars Program Director the dismissal of a student who is unable to successfully complete their academic plan or repeatedly functions below expectations.

Suspension

A student may be automatically suspended for egregious behavior or actions by the Director of the Pathway Scholars Program for an interim period prior to the resolution of the disciplinary proceeding if the Pathway Director determines that the continued presence of the student poses a threat to any individual, property, or university function. Sanctions, as appropriate, may be imposed in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, up to and including suspension or expulsion dismissal from the College of Medicine-Phoenix, Pathway Scholars Program. In addition to any other sanction, any student who has been found responsible for threatening behavior after an opportunity for appeal may be expelled from the College of Medicine - Phoenix, Pathway Scholars Program.

Graduate College Academic Probation Policy

Graduate College Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

University's code of conduct policies and sanctions.

*Any component of the curriculum where a grade is earned.

Dress Code

Dress Code

POLICY STATEMENT

Professional dress is required for several activities and is described as follows:

1. Professional Dress is expected for all clinical activities, all patient encounters, including patient panels, and Biomedical Career Exposure clinical experiences.
   1. Men must wear appropriate slacks and a dress shirt. Cargo pants and jeans are not acceptable. Ties are suggested for most circumstances and if in doubt, wear a tie.
   2. Women must wear acceptable professional dresses, skirts or slacks. Length of the skirt should be modest in order to facilitate clinical activities which involve leaning over. Necklines should also be non-revealing. Jewelry should not invade patient space during an exam (no long necklaces, long earrings etc.).
   3. Students must wear closed toed shoes in clinical environments to be in compliance with OSHA standards. Sandals are not to be worn. High heels should be avoided.
   4. Nails should be cut short and kept clean. No fake nails. Fragrances should be avoided.
   5. Students are responsible for wearing UA name tag at all times during clinical experiences.

Individual requirements will be specified for Doctoring, Anatomy, Simulation Center, or Biomedical Career Exposure clinical experiences.

Essential Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

POLICY STATEMENT

All students must possess the capability to complete, with or without reasonable accommodations, the entire curriculum established by the College of Medicine - Phoenix for the Pathway Scholars Program which is required to matriculate into medical school to achieve an MD. The medical curriculum requires demonstrated proficiency in a variety of cognitive, problem-solving, communicative and interpersonal skills. To achieve these proficiencies, the College of Medicine - Phoenix requires that each student be able to meet the following:

• 1. Motor Skills: A student should have sufficient motor function to execute movements required to provide general care and treatment to patients in all health care settings. Students must be able to elicit independently information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers. A student must be able safely to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients.
  2. Sensory/Observation: A student must be able to acquire the information presented through demonstrations and experiences in the basic and clinical sciences. S/he must be able to observe a patient accurately, at a distance and close at hand, and observe and appreciate non-verbal communications when performing clinical assessment and intervention or administering medications. The student must be capable of perceiving the signs of disease and infection as manifested through physical examination. Such information is derived from images of the body surfaces, palpable changes in various organs and tissues, and information communicated by patients and body functions. The student must be able to adhere to the standards of patient assessment and standards of care, including the use of technological equipment.
  3. Communication: A student must communicate effectively, sensitively and rapidly with other students, faculty, staff, patients, family, and other healthcare professionals. S/he must demonstrate a willingness and ability to give and receive feedback. A student must be able to: convey or exchange information at a level allowing development of a health history; identify problems presented; explain alternative solutions; and give directions during treatment and post-treatment. The student must be able to process and communicate information on the patient’s status with accuracy in a timely manner to members of the healthcare team. A student must be able to elicit information from patients, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communications.
  4. Cognitive: A student must be able to problem solve rapidly. This critical skill demanded of physicians requires the ability to learn and reason, and to integrate, analyze, and synthesize data concurrently in a multi-task setting. In addition, the student must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures. A student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate and synthesize in the context of the study of medicine. The student must be able to comprehend extensive written material. S/he must also be able to evaluate and apply information and engage in critical thinking in the classroom and clinical setting. The student must be able to consider alternatives and make decisions for managing or intervening in the care of a patient.
  5. Behavioral/Social: A student must possess the ability to exercise good judgment, and to complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients and families. In addition, s/he must maintain mature, sensitive, and effective and harmonious relationships with patients, students, faculty, staff and other professionals under highly stressful situations. The student must have the ability to function effectively under stress and to adapt to an environment that may change rapidly without warning and/or in unpredictable ways. The student must be able to exhibit empathy, integrity and concern for others.
  6. Professional Conduct: The student must abide by professional standards of practice. The student must be able to engage in patient care delivery in diverse settings and be able to deliver care to all patient populations.

 

Financial Aid

Financial Aid

POLICY STATEMENT

General Information

Federal law and regulations require that all students receiving financial assistance maintain satisfactory academic progress. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is defined as the successful completion of degree requirements according to established increments that lead to awarding the degree within published time limits. The following policy delineates the standards for SAP at The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix.

Students not meeting the standards of academic progress will not be eligible to receive Title IV, Title VII and university grant funding. Scholarship awards will follow the terms as outlined in the scholarship agreement.

How and when is financial aid and SAP monitored?

SAP standards are continuously monitored, and progress is reviewed according to the College of Medicine Phoenix policies. The College of Medicine - Phoenix Student Progress Committee (SPC) will keep the financial aid office informed of student progress on a regular basis.

For financial aid purposes, SAP will be evaluated annually, at the end of the spring semester. A student with qualitative and/or quantitative deficiencies will be placed on financial aid probation. The student will be eligible for continued financial aid funding during the probation period if:

• 1. The Student Progress Committee develops a modified academic plan that, if followed, will ensure the student is able to meet SAP standards by a specific point in time, or
  2. The student appeals the institution’s determination that the student is not making SAP (see Appeal Process below) demonstrating that the student is satisfactorily following the academic plan as outlined.

A student is not eligible to receive financial aid for the payment period (semester) following the financial aid probation period unless the student maintains SAP or the Student Progress Committee determines that the student is meeting the requirements specified in the modified academic plan. The Financial Aid Office will notify students whose financial aid has been impacted.

Qualitative and quantitative standards

To be eligible for financial aid, students are required to successfully complete all of the College of Medicine Phoenix required courses*and examinations in order to graduate with the MD degree. There are both qualitative (measurement based) and quantitative (pace or time-related) standards that must be met.

Qualitative standard:

The College of Medicine - Phoenix does not measure academic progress by means of a cumulative grade point average but rather with grades of Pass or Fail in Years I and II and in all non-clinical electives, and with grades of Honors, High Pass, Pass or Fail in clinical courses in Years III and IV. All students are required to complete Year III with a Pass or higher in all core clerkships and, if applicable, elective experiences or approved activities, to progress to the final graduating year. In the final year, students must complete all courses* with a minimum grade of Pass to meet graduation requirements.

Quantitative standards:

Minimum standard -The normal time frame for completion of required course work for the MD degree is four academic years. Due to academic or personal difficulties or scholarly enrichment activities, a student may require additional time. In such situations, an academic plan may be established for the student that departs from the norm and that may require the repetition of all or part of a year of study (i.e. subsequent to incomplete or unsatisfactory course work or an approved leave). To be making satisfactory academic progress, students must complete the first two years of the curriculum by the end of the third year after initial enrollment; the remaining requirements of the curriculum ordinarily must be completed by the end of the sixth year after initial enrollment. Requests for exceptions are subject to review by the Student Progress Committee.

Maximum standard – The maximum time frame for a student to earn the M.D. degree cannot exceed 150 percent (6 years) of the published length of the (4 years) program.

Non-enrollment:

For students who receive financial aid and take a leave, withdraw, or are dismissed from school, federal and university regulations require that the institution recalculate the eligibility for aid disbursed in a given semester to determine whether any of the aid originally disbursed needs to be returned. This calculation is based on the percentage of time the student was enrolled for the semester. The semester in which the student is not enrolled may be excluded from the maximum time frame in which the student will be expected to complete the M.D. degree.

A student who is not approved to continue enrollment is ineligible for all sources of financial aid.

Appeal process

Eligibility for continued financial aid will only be re-established if the student subsequently meets Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements, or if the student successfully appeals the decision to the Student Progress Committee. The appeal must state the reasons for failing to meet SAP requirements, including, if applicable, special circumstances that contributed to the student’s failure to make satisfactory academic progress (e.g., an injury or illness of the student, the death of a relative, or other special circumstances), and the changes in circumstances that will allow the student to demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress at the next evaluation. If the Student Progress Committee determines that the student’s appeal should be approved, the student’s aid will be reinstated.

Financial aid probation

Once an appeal has been approved, a student is placed on financial aid probation and is eligible for financial aid. The Student Progress Committee, in conjunction with Student Development, will develop an academic plan for the student that will ensure, if followed, that the student is able to meet the COM Phoenix SAP standards by a specific point of time. Ordinarily, this time frame will be for an academic year. The student is eligible for financial aid during the time frame stated in the academic plan. At the end of the time frame stated in the academic plan, the student must have met the SAP standards. A student who does not comply with each SAP standard by the end of the financial aid probationary period is suspended from financial aid eligibility. A student shall be reinstated for financial aid eligibility when he/she has satisfactorily completed sufficient coursework to meet the standards of progress within the maximum time frames delineated above.

 

 

Denied appeals

If there are new or additional extenuating circumstances, a student may file a second appeal. The student should submit additional information which explains the circumstances during which the student was unable to meet the standards for SAP. Students are notified of the decision of the second appeal in writing, and the decision is final. Students may apply for a private loan if the second appeal is denied.

Reinstatement

A student who is denied financial aid for failing to maintain SAP may regain financial aid eligibility by meeting the qualitative standard of SAP towards the M.D. degree.

Supervision of Pathway Students in Clinical Learning Situations

Supervision of Pathway Students in Clinical Learning Situations

POLICY STATEMENT

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix recognize and support the importance of graded and progressive responsibility in student education.

This policy outlines the requirements to be followed when supervising students. The college’s goal is to promote safe patient care and maximize students’ development of skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to enter the practice of medicine.

Supervising Physician Definition

An attending physician employed by the College of Medicine; a community/rural attending physician with an associate faculty appointment at the College of Medicine; a resident or fellow physician training in a graduate medical education program at or associated with the College of Medicine.

Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the supervising faculty member and/or site director to assure that the specifications of this policy are followed for all students of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

Allied Healthcare Providers

When a student is participating in a private practice setting in which allied healthcare providers are present, it is the responsibility of the supervising faculty physician to assure that the allied healthcare providers are appropriately credentialed and capable of student supervision within the scope of their practice.

When a student is participating in a hospital-based practice, it is assumed that all allied healthcare providers employed are appropriately credentialed by the hospital and capable of student supervision within the scope of their practice.

Supervision Levels

Direct Supervision With Supervising Physician Present: The supervising physician is physically present with the student and the patient and is prepared to take over the provision of patient care if/as needed.

Direct Supervision With Supervising Physician Available: The supervising physician is on duty and is available to provide direct supervision.

Clinical Supervision

In the clinical setting (in-patient or out-patient), MS 1 - 4 students will be directly supervised with the supervising physician present or with the supervising physician available based on supervising physician’s discretion.

Faculty physicians will identify those patients for whom student supervision may be provided by fellows, residents, and/or appropriately credentialed allied healthcare providers.

Students, in the course of their educational curriculum, may take patient histories and perform complete physical examinations. Refer to Pathway Student Chaperone Policy.

Students may only enter findings in the medical record of the patient with the approval of the patient’s supervising physician, based on the clinical sites policies.

The supervising physician will review student documentation and provide feedback for educational purposes.

Clinical decisions and orders are never formulated or enacted by students without a supervising physician’s input and approval.

All on-call experiences in which students participate are subject to the supervision rules described above.

Procedure Supervision

A supervising physician is required to directly supervise (physician present or available) all procedures (clinical, inpatient bedside, emergency department, and/or operating room) in which a student is involved.

The degree of supervision (direct supervision with supervision physician present or available) will take into account the complexity of the procedure, potential for adverse effects, and the demonstrated competence, maturity and responsibility of each student in order to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient. This will be determined at the discretion of the supervising physician

The supervising physician must have privileges or authorization to perform the procedure being supervised.

Relevant LCME Standard

ED-25A.

At a medical education program, students in clinical learning situations involving patient care must be appropriately supervised at all times. While students learn through graded responsibility as their skills progress, supervision at all times must ensure patient and student safety.

The accountability of physicians and non-physicians who supervise students in clinical learning settings will be clearly described in the program’s policies and procedures. The level of responsibility delegated to the student by the supervisor will be appropriate for the student’s level of training, and the activities supervised will be within the scope of practice of the supervising health professional.

Distribution

This policy is distributed to all faculty within the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix including clerkship directors, residency program directors, fellowship directors, and community/rural faculty preceptors.

Pathway Student Chaperone Policy

Pathway Student Chaperone Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

Pathway students are permitted to take patient history and vital signs under direct supervision with supervising physician available. They may observe and participate in other components of the exam in the presence of an appropriately qualified healthcare professional (e.g., nurse, resident, midwife, physician, gynecologic teaching assistant and medical assistant). Pathway students may and should decline to participate if they do not feel comfortable with the circumstances of the examination.

Refunding Tuition

Refunding Tuition

POLICY STATEMENT

The College of Medicine – Phoenix campus will follow The University of Arizona main campus policy for refunding tuition and fee payment to students who have withdrawn or been dismissed.

This policy can be found at http://www.bursar.arizona.edu/students/refunds.

Although the College of Medicine - Phoenix academic calendar differs from the main campus academic calendar, the tuition refund schedule of main campus applies.

Refund Policies

In order to be eligible for a refund of tuition and mandatory fees (if applicable), students must drop or withdraw from courses by the specified refund deadline. Tuition will be automatically recalculated or reversed during this time when:

• • In-state students drop below 7 units (one unit equals one credit hour), OR
  • Out-of-state students drop below 12 units

Tuition and fees will not be recalculated or reversed after the refund deadline. Students are responsible for all tuition and fees remaining on their account.

Tuition recalculation may result in a credit balance on the student's account. The credit balance will be applied to any encumbrances owed to the University first before being sent to the student.

Per our credit card merchant agreement, if the student made a credit or debit card payment within the past 60 days, the card will be refunded first. Remaining credit balances that exceed the original credit/debit card payment(s) will be sent directly to the student.

Financial Aid Recipients

Students should consult the Office of Student Financial Aid regarding rules and regulations pertaining to ANY award if they plan to drop units.

Complete Withdrawal

During a Fall or Spring semester, if the student decides to drop all of his/her classes and leave the University on or after the first day of the semester, the student must contact the Associate Dean of Student Affairs to process a Complete Withdrawal. This maintains eligibility to register for the next semester.

Students who withdraw from the University on or before the refund deadline will receive a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees. Exceptions to the deadlines must be authorized by the Dean of Students Office upon submission of a Complete Withdrawal.

Financial Aid Recipients

Students should refer to the Financial Aid Withdrawal Policy to understand how a complete withdrawal will affect financial aid.

Changing Registration after the Refund Deadline

If the student is adding and dropping courses after the Refund Deadline, both transactions should be completed at the same time on the same Change of Schedule form. Processing the transactions at different times could cause an increase in fees and/or late charges.

Separation of Academic Assessment & Provision of Health Services to Students

Separation of Academic Assessment & Provision of Health Services to Students

POLICY STATEMENT

Accreditation standard MS-27-A requires that health professionals at a medical education program who provide psychiatric/psychological counseling or other sensitive health services to a student must have no involvement in the academic assessment or promotion of the student receiving those services.

POLICY

Health professionals at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix who provide psychiatric/psychological counseling or other sensitive health services to University of Arizona - College of Medicine – Phoenix, Pathway Scholars Program students (hereafter for purposes of this policy referred to as “health professionals”) will not be involved in the academic assessment or promotion of the student to whom he or she provided such services. Health professionals who also provide psychiatric/psychological counseling or other sensitive health services to students may only give lectures in a large class setting, but may not facilitate small group discussions, serve as clinical preceptors, be course/block/clerkship directors, or serve on the student progress or student appeals committees.

Procedures by which this policy is implemented include:

 

• 1. Health professionals from the University of Arizona Campus Health Service or the Arizona State University Student Health Service may not serve as instructional faculty in a block/course/clerkship in which the faculty member is expected to participate in academic assessment or promotion decisions for students.
  2. At the beginning of each block or small group sessions, each faculty member who serves as a facilitator in small group learning sessions will be asked to review the students assigned to his or her group and assure that he or she has not provided psychiatric/psychological counseling or other sensitive health services to any of these students. If a faculty facilitator has provided such services to a student in that group, the faculty member will, without disclosing to whom he or she has provided such services, notify the block/course/clerkship director that he or she cannot facilitate the group. The block/course/clerkship director will reassign the faculty member to a different group using the same procedure set forth above.
  3. In the event that faculty with appointments at the College of Medicine practice at a facility where students seek health services or counseling, students will not be assigned to those providers to receive care.
  4. Students who determine that a faculty member from whom they have received psychiatric/psychological counseling or sensitive health services might be involved in assessment of their performance should notify the block/course/clerkship director or the Associate Dean of Student Affairs immediately; the student will then be reassigned.
  5. When students who are participating in a preceptorship or a rural health professions placement located outside the Tucson or Phoenix metropolitan areas require urgent or emergency health services, preceptors should refer the student to another physician who has no involvement in the academic assessment or promotion of the student unless either a delay in referral would cause harm to the student, or no other healthcare provider is available to provide such care.
  6. If a health professional who has taught in the student curriculum receives a student performance assessment form to complete regarding a student to whom they have provided psychiatric/psychological counseling or sensitive health services, he/she will check the box at the top of the assessment form and return the blank form: Pursuant to accreditation standards, I will not participate in assessment of this student’s performance.

Social Media

Social Media

POLICY STATEMENT

The COM - Phoenix and Pathway Scholars Program abide by the UA Social Media Policy.

Student International Travel

Student International Travel

POLICY STATEMENT

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Pathway Scholars Program adhere to the University policies regarding international travel, which can be accessed at:

• http://global.arizona.edu/resources/travel-policy-procedures
• http://policy.arizona.edu/research/international-travel-safety-and-compliance-policy-interim

Student Photo

Student Photo

POLICY STATEMENT

Photos of students are intermittently obtained and used for educational purposes.

Use of University-Sponsored Educational Material Policy

Policies

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix that all university-sponsored educational material, including but not limited to, lesson plans, lecture notes, PowerPoint slides, podcasts, digital videos, examinations, etc. are under copyright protection.  Students may not post, distribute, sell or buy any of these educational materials in whole or in part without the faculty author’s written permission.

References

• AZ Board of Regents Intellectual Property Policy.
• UA Intellectual Property Policy.

Curriculum Committee

:Approved

10/9/2018

Training Site Safety

Training Site Safety

POLICY STATEMENT

All training sites are reviewed and evaluated for the following criteria:

• 1. Safety and appropriate nature of the physical environment for a teaching experience.
  2. Absence of ethically questionable activities.
  3. Access to emergency care.
  4. Preceptor agreements and site agreements are in place prior to student placement.

Evaluation of the site may include a site visit by the Director as a part of the review of the educational experience.

PROGRAM COMPLETION & PROGRESSION

Block/Course Failure

Block Failure

POLICY STATEMENT

In the event of a course failure, retake examination(s) will be offered in Introduction to Medical Studies (IMS), Principles of Molecular Basis of Life and Disease (MBLD), Principles of Organ Systems (I & II) and Principles of Cardiovascular Hemetology (CVHeme). If the examinations are failed a second time the student will have a failure in the course.

The coursework in Principles of Communication; Leadership, Learning, and Ethics (I & II); Clinical Practicum; and Master’s Report are graded as pass/fail.

Academic Probation

Degree-seeking Students

Students enrolled in a graduate degree program must maintain a 3.000 grade-point-average (GPA) and meet their departments academic progress criteria toward degree completion. The minimum 3.000 GPA is based on all course work taken for graduate credit, whether or not the courses are offered in satisfaction of the specific requirements for a specific graduate degree. Additionally, each program has its own criteria by which a student is evaluated on satisfactory academic progress. Failure to meet those academic progress requirements will result in the student being placed on academic probation by the Dean of the Graduate College. Students on probation are required to meet with their Major Advisor, discuss the steps to be taken to remediate the problems that led to the probationary status, and devise a written plan of action. After the first semester a student completes with a cumulative GPA less than 3.0 or fails to make satisfactory progress, they will be allowed to register for one additional semester. The student will be blocked from registering after that.  Students whose GPA is below 3.0 or fail to make satisfactory progress for two consecutive semesters will be disqualified from their program.  Disqualification results in the student being blocked from registration.  Departments may petition for a one semester extension(link is external) if the student has a high probability of succeeding.

If a grade changes or completion of an Incomplete causes a prior semester's cumulative GPA to drop below 3.0, the student will retroactively be placed on probation and that semester will count as the student's first semester below 3.0.

Disqualified students may

• Apply as non-degree seeking and continue to take graduate courses in non-degree status, OR
• Apply for Academic Renewal(link is external) if they wish to apply to a different major and the other major has agreed to accept them.  The graduate GPA will NOT be changed until the student has been admitted to the new program. 

Students can apply for readmission to a degree program as early as the semester after their disqualification if they achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 through additional graduate course work. A re-admission request must be supported by the head of the major department and approved by the Graduate College. There is no guarantee of re-admission.

Certificate Students

Students who have a cumulative grade-point average of less than 3.0 at the end of a given semester will be placed on academic probation. After the first semester a student completes with a cumulative GPA less than 3.0, they will be allowed to register for one additional semester. The student will be blocked from registering after that unless their cumulative GPA reaches 3.0 at the end of the second consecutive semester of probation.  Students whose GPA is below 3.0 for two consecutive semesters will be removed from the certificate and disqualified from their program.  Disqualification results in the student being blocked from registration.  Departments may petition for a one semester extension(link is external) if the student has a high probability of succeeding.

Disqualified students may

• Apply as non-degree seeking and continue to take graduate courses in non-degree status, OR
• Apply for Academic Renewal(link is external) if they wish to apply to a different major.

Students can apply for readmission to a certificate as early as the semester after their disqualification if they achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 through additional graduate course work. A re-admission request must be supported by the head of the major program offering the certificate and approved by the Graduate College. There is no guarantee of re-admission.

 

Audience(s):

• New And Current Students
• Faculty and Staff

Topic:

Course/Block Remediation and Course Incomplete

Block/Course Remediation and Course Incomplete

POLICY STATEMENT

Due to the nature of the Pathway Scholars Program remediation is not available. Pathway Scholars Program students may retake failed exams one time and therefore have an incomplete until the retake exam score has posted. A failure of the retake exam will result in a course failure.

Competency Assessment

Competency Assessment

POLICY STATEMENT

Ethical behavior, professionalism and integrity are required of every student. The State, University and College-specific policies and statements listed below define these required behaviors and attitudes and allow for mechanisms whereby formal disciplinary actions may be taken.

Assessment of Student Performance in Behavior

Students will be assessed on acquisition of knowledge and skills, as well as demonstration of professional behaviors. Appropriate professional behaviors are expected of students throughout all stages of the change to Pathway Scholars Program and are gauged by developmental levels of progress. In the category of behavior, students will be developmentally assessed in each course*.

• • Level 1 (not meeting expectations)
  • Level 2 (meeting expectations)
  • Level 3 (exceeding expectations)

Comments will be required to support ratings from all three levels. All comments will be expected to model constructive feedback, and must contain references and comments to specific behaviors and/or events (positive or negative). The Office of Assessment and Evaluation will review assessments immediately after all data have been submitted for the designated period.

Examples of these ratings can be found in the Assessment and Evaluation section of this website.

Assessments

Throughout the curriculum, students will be assessed using the Educational Program Objectives (EPOs) within the ACGME-related behavioral competencies:

• • Medical Knowledge
  • Professionalism
  • Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Patient Care
  • Critical Appraisal and Quality Improvement

Within the curriculum, students will receive assessment feedback from their facilitators, Course Directors, and/or preceptors at the mid and end of Leadership, Learning and Ethics I & II, Principles of Communication in Medicine, and Master’s Report I & II. Assessment feedback for Clinical Practicum I will be formative, and Clinical Practicum II assessment feedback will be summative.

• • Competencies will not be assessed in Introduction to Medical Studies, Principles of Molecular Basis of Life and Disease, Organ Systems I & II, and Principles of Cardiovascular Hematology.

• All midpoint competency assessments will serve as a formative assessment of developmental progress that will be discussed with the student, but not accumulate toward the collective summation of leveled ratings.
• Formative assessment feedback must be provided to students at midpoint so that progress can be made if a deficiency is identified.

In Pathway blocks/courses students will receive assessment feedback in the applicable competency areas as outlined in block/course syllabus.

Behavior Competency Assessment and Progression

All behavior competency data from the blocks and courses will be compiled by Assessment and Evaluation and presented to the Pathway Scholars Program Student Affairs Team (PSP SAT) to be included as part of the holistic review with the student for purposes of matriculation eligibility to be considered by the Advisory Committee. Cumulative level ratings are retained throughout the student’s enrollment in the Pathway Scholars Program.

A. A single Level 1 rating

1. As soon as a student receives a Level 1 rating either in a single or multiple competency, it will result in the requirement that the student meet with the PSP Director, and/or the PSP Assistant Director, and/or the Course Director to collaboratively develop an action plan** which will address the competency deficiencies. The student will complete the action plan in a designated time frame.

a. If the student successfully completes the action plan**, student will have met expectations in the deficient competency area(s).

b. If the student does not successfully complete the action plan**, the student will be referred to PSP Advisory Committee and placed on a remediation plan***.

i. If the student successfully completes the remediation plan***, student will have met expectations in the deficient competency

area(s).

ii. If the student does not successfully carry out the remediation plan***, the student will have not met expectations in the

deficient competency area(s) and will be referred back to the PSP Advisory Committee for potential dismissal.

For significant, urgent concerns in any competency area, the student will be immediately referred to the Pathway Scholars Program Director. Such behavior may result in immediate suspension or dismissal until the student is presented to the PSP Advisory Committee. See Code of Conduct policy.

Definitions

*Course: All blocks and courses.

**Action Plan: A collaborative, individualized plan developed by the PSP SAT and the student to meet the expectations of the deficient competency program objective/s. Completion date is dependent upon issues raised.

***Remediation Plan: A collaborative, individualized plan developed by the Pathway Scholars Program, Student Affairs Team, the student, and faculty, to meet the expectations of the deficient competency program objective/s. Completion date is dependent upon issues raised

Level 1 Competency Appeal Policy

Level 1 Competency Appeal Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

Competency Rating Level Appeals

If a student believes that he or she has been awarded a Level 1 behavior competency rating level that does not adequately represent his or her performance in the course*, the student may appeal the rating level under these Procedures.

Process for Appeals of Competency Rating Levels

1. Within ten (10) working days of receipt of his or her rating level, the student will contact the Pathway Scholars Program Director in writing stating the basis upon which the student believes he or she should have been awarded a different rating level. The PSP Director will facilitate and attend a meeting within 15 days of the appeal being filed between the student and the person(s) who submitted the rating level and comments. The rater or the student may attend the meeting by telephone or Skype. If the rater is unavailable within the 15 days but will be available within an additional 15 days, the PSP Director may choose to postpone the meeting. The outcome of the meeting will either be to retain the Level 1 or to change to a Level 2. The PSP Director will forward a summary of the points of the meeting along with the decision, in writing, to the student and person(s) who submitted the rating level comments.

*Any component of the curriculum where a grade is earned.

Reporting Timeline for Final Grades

Reporting Timeline for Final Grades

POLICY STATEMENT

All Course* Directors will report final grades within two (2) weeks of the end of the course.

*Any component of the curriculum where a grade is earned

Examinations

Course Examination Absence

Course Examination Absence

POLICY STATEMENT

• 1. Pre-excused absences
     1. A request to take a Block/Course exam at an alternative time (no earlier than one day before the scheduled test start date and no later than one week after the scheduled test date) may be granted if the following requirements are met:
        1. The reason for the early administration involves a valid personal or academic reason for an excused absence (Attendance policy) on the scheduled test dates.
        2. The Block Director approves the early or late administration.
        3. The request is made a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance of the scheduled test start date.
  2. Postponement Request to take an exam for reasons not pre-excused

• • 1. An acute illness, personal emergency or similar scenario (that do not lend themselves to advance request per #1, above) that prevents the student from taking the exam during the scheduled time period must be reported to, and the absence approved by, the Block Director. The student must complete the "Test Date Change Request" online form within three (3) days of the exam absence. For emergency health issues, a healthcare provider's note may be required.
    2. The student must arrange with the Block Director and Pathway Academic Coordinator for an alternative test date*. The test should be taken within the first week of the student’s return, at a time not to conflict with other scheduled academic requirements. A student may not be able to sit for the missed exam until a health care provider’s note has been received by the Block Director.

• 3. A test postponement because of a chronic (> 2 weeks), persistent, or recurrent medical problem needs to be approved by both the Block Director and Pathway Scholars Program Director. A postponement of this nature needs to be confirmed by student health or a private physician, without identifying the exact nature of the condition. The makeup exam date needs to be arranged with the Block Director at the earliest possible time at a time not to interfere with other scheduled academic requirements.
  4. Any exceptions to 1-3 above need the approval of the Pathway Scholars Program Director.

*Once the test date has been identified, the date will be verified with the Exam Coordinator. A confirmation email will be sent to the student, with the following individuals cc’d on the email: Pathway Scholars Program Director, Pathway Learning Specialist, Assistant Director, Exam Coordinator and Pathway Academic Coordinator.

Course Examination Retake

PSP Block Grading and Course Examination Retake Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

General Requirements:

• 1. Each syllabus must clearly state how the final grade will be determined.
  2. Each syllabus must clearly state when and how students will be able to review their final grade.

To pass a block, a total score equal to or greater than 70% (no rounding) in Medical Knowledge must be achieved as assessed by exams. The score will be calculated as total number of correct responses divided by the total number of questions on all exams combined throughout the block. Scores will be converted to a letter grade as follows:

• A = >= 85%+
• B = > = 70% - 85%
• C = > = 60% - 70%
• D = > = 50% - 60%
• F = < 50%

In the event of a cumulative exam score of < 70% at the end of any given block, a student will be offered a one-time retake examination. The retake examination will only cover material from the block exam(s) that received a score of < 70% (no rounding).

A score equal to or greater than 70% (no rounding) in Medical Knowledge on the retake examination will result in a passing grade for the block.

A score of less than 70% on the retake examination will result in a failing grade for the block.

Every effort will be made to notify students in academic risk early of the need for a retake exam to allow time to review the failed material in preparation for taking the retake exam on a date determined by the Block Director and the Pathway Learning Specialist. A retake examination serves as course remediation for a failed block. If needed, students will be allowed up to one week of independent study time per failed examination. The student is advised to schedule at least one meeting with the Course Director during the independent study period to discuss content and review performance on prior examinations. Students will also work with the Pathway Learning Specialist to develop an ‘exam retake study plan’.

The student must score 70% cumulatively (no rounding) on the remediation exam(s) (total questions correct/total questions on all exams) X 100). The score will be calculated cumulatively as the total number of correct responses divided by the total number of questions on both exams. Challenges will be made directly to the Block Director. The challenge policy will remain the same as that for the course and the director’s rebuttals will be final.

Course/Block Examination Timing

Course/Block Examination Timing

POLICY STATEMENT

Block examinations will be offered on at least two separate occasions.

Students may choose which one to attend.

No regularly scheduled block examination times shall interfere with any other curricular component. Retake examinations do not fall under this policy.

No block examination shall conflict with any established university observed holiday. Official university holidays do not include the proximate weekend, see UA Holiday Schedule (PDF).

Exam Day Protocol

Exam Day Protocol

POLICY STATEMENT

All exams are expected to be taken at the scheduled time as per each individual syllabus.

 

Tardiness to an Examination:

Any student arriving after the official exam start time will:

• • be allowed to sit for the exam*
  • must complete the exam in the time remaining (no extra time given)

Late arrivals will be documented by the exam proctor and tracked by Pathway Scholars Program staff.

*If the student states that they are unable to begin the examination due to a legitimate excuse (see Block/Course Exam Absence Policy), the student will be excused and must complete the online absence request form. An alternative exam day will only be granted upon approval of the absence request.

Interruption of an Examination:

Exams:

This policy describes the steps to be followed in the event that student(s) are unable to start an examination at its designated time as well as interruption of an already open examination.

I. If the examination has not yet begun, the student(s) will notify the proctor. The proctor will determine if the difficulty lies with the student or the examination-taking system.

a. If the source of the difficulty lies with the examination-taking system, the proctor will attempt to rectify the situation.

i) If the problem is resolved, the student(s) will be instructed to start the examination, with the full allotted time given.

ii) If the examination-taking system cannot be corrected, the examination will be rescheduled. The student(s) will take the examination during the alternative time period, if possible. If not, the Director will reschedule the examination for the soonest possible time. The Director can consider the student(s) wishes for an examination time, but because of potential scheduling difficulties, the final decision will be made by the Director.

b. If the student states that they are unable to begin the examination, the student will be excused. The student will then take the examination during the alternative time period, if possible. If not, the Director will reschedule the examination for the soonest possible time. The Director can consider the student(s) wishes for an examination time, but because of potential scheduling difficulties, the final decision will be made by the Director.

II. If the examination has begun and an interruption occurs, the student(s) will notify the proctor. The proctor will determine if the difficulty lies with the student or the examination-taking system.

a. If a difficulty arises in the examination-taking environment or with the examination-taking system, the proctor will attempt to rectify the situation.

i) If successful, the examination will resume, with the length of the delay added to the originally scheduled ending time of the examination, so that the student(s) will have the full time allotted to take the examination.

ii) If the proctor cannot rectify the situation, then rescheduling of the examination will occur as in a.ii, above. At the rescheduled time the student will complete the remaining questions within the remaining time allotted for the examination.

b. If the student states that they are unable to continue with the examination the student will be excused.

The proctor will sign the student out of the examination-taking system. When able, the student and Director will discuss a time for completing the examination. The student will complete the remaining questions within the remaining time allotted.

Appropriate provisions will be made for review of previously answered questions while adhering to the original designated time allotment.

Examination Question Challenge

Examination Question Challenge

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix to provide students with the opportunity to challenge pre-clerkship block examination questions at a designated time post-examination. Block Directors review challenges submitted in the appropriate format, write rebuttals and inform the class of outcomes via email. The email will clearly indicate if a challenge has merit and if any scoring adjustments were made. If a submitted challenge is not deemed valid, the Block Director will not respond in the email to the class, but may respond individually to the student who submitted the challenge. A successful challenge will result in additional credit given to all students who answered the additional correct option(s).

This process lasts no longer than 10 days from the time that students sit for the examination, with the exception of final block examinations in which this process is expedited to accommodate preparation for a possible retake examination. Block examination grades, and thus block final grades themselves, are only finalized post-challenge.

Students eligible for a block retake examination may have the opportunity to challenge questions using the same procedure as outlined in the block syllabus for challenging regular block examination questions. The challenge/rebuttal/scoring/final block grading processes must be completed within five business days of the retake examination date.

Process

Students submit examination question challenges at an optional examination review session. More than one student can challenge the same question. Only challenges submitted using the examination question challenge form are considered, and must include:

• 1. Student’s full name.
  2. Question number being challenged (the number as sequenced on the computerized version).
  3. Answer option letter the student selected and is requesting additional credit for.
  4. Learning session/format where taught (provide multiple sessions if applicable).
  5. Persuasive argument for the answer option the student selected, including:
     1. 1. Claim: The reason why another answer should be considered as correct.
        2. Data: Evidence gathered to support the claim. Students may review one45 lecture material/handouts or other learning material. This data must be obtained from the school review computers.
        3. Warrant: Explanation of why or how the data supports the claim, the underlying assumption that connects data to the claim.
        4. Backing: Additional logic or reasoning that may be necessary to support the warrant.

Examination question challenge form submissions will be displayed on a classroom monitor to ensure that students have correctly submitted a challenge and all participants can view already submitted challenges. Student names will be redacted so that the only visible information is the question number, answer option for additional credit and the claim/data/warrant/backing.

No question will be thrown out. Students must challenge one additional answer option at a time. Submitting a challenge for multiple answers (for example, “ALL answers” or “A, B, and C”) will not be considered.

If the correct answer was mis-keyed, students do not need to submit a challenge form.

Commenting on the quality of a question, for example typos or incorrect learning objective, does not require the submission of a challenge form.

Students should contact the Block Director for comments about question clarity and/or correct learning objectives. Students should meet with the Block Director during office hours to discuss content rather than using review sessions to write about their preparedness/understanding of content.

Program Completion Requirements

Matriculation Requirements

Upon successful completion of the program, students will have the opportunity to earn acceptance into the MD program if they meet the following requirements:

• • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Achieve a 3.0 or higher in the following courses:
    • Introduction to Medical Studies (MEDP 697)
    • Principles of Molecular Basis of Life and Disease (MEDP 618A and MEDP 618B)
    • Principles of Cardiovascular Hematology (MEDP 620)
    • Principles of Organ Systems (MEDP 615A, MEDP 615B, and MEDP 615C)
  • Demonstrate professional preparedness by obtaining a Level 2 Behavioral Competency in the following courses:
    • Leadership, Learning, and Ethics (MEDP 619A and MEDP 619B)
    • Principles of Communication in Medicine (MEDP 608A and MEDP 608B)
    • Master's Research Report (MEDP 909A and MEDP 909B)
    • Clinical Practicum I & II (MEDP 605A and MEDP 605B)
  • Completion of a 100% of their individual USMLErx Question Bank for Step 1, as assigned in MedStep units within the Leadership, Learning and Ethics course.

• Receive Pathway Scholars Program Advisory Committee recommendation for matriculation to the College of Medicine – Phoenix

Master of Medical Studies Completion Requirements

Master of Medical Studies Completion Requirements

POLICY STATEMENT

The following details specific requirements for a student to receive a Master of Medical Studies from the University of Arizona Graduate College.

Graduation Requirements:

• Completion of "Plan of Study" and "Responsible Conduct of Research" forms in GradPath
• Passage of all required courses* (Successfully complete each required course with an 80% or higher)
• Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
• Must ultimately achieve a Level 2 or higher in all behavioral competencies
• Completion of a minimum of 45 hours educational experience in Biomedical Career Exposure sites per semester.
  • Completion of all educational requirements within one year from Pathway Scholars Program matriculation date

*Any component of the curriculum where a grade is earned.

Repeating the Pathway Scholars Program Academic Year

Repeating the Pathway Scholars Program Academic Year

POLICY STATEMENT

Given the unique nature of its curriculum, The Pathway Scholars Program Academic Year is not eligible to repeat.

PROFESSIONALISM

Professionalism Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

Ethical behavior, professionalism and integrity are required of every student. The State, University and College-specific policies and statements listed below define these required behaviors and attitudes and allow for mechanisms whereby formal disciplinary actions may be taken.

State of Arizona

Arizona Revised Statute Chapter 13 Unprofessional Conduct (link is external) (A.R.S. § 32-1401)

University of Arizona

Arizona Board of Regents Chapter 5 Student Code of Conduct (link is external) (ABOR 5-301 through 5-404)

Competency Assessment

Competency Assessment

POLICY STATEMENT

Ethical behavior, professionalism and integrity are required of every student. The State, University and College-specific policies and statements listed below define these required behaviors and attitudes and allow for mechanisms whereby formal disciplinary actions may be taken.

Assessment of Student Performance in Behavior

Students will be assessed on acquisition of knowledge and skills, as well as demonstration of professional behaviors. Appropriate professional behaviors are expected of students throughout all stages of the change to Pathway Scholars Program and are gauged by developmental levels of progress. In the category of behavior, students will be developmentally assessed in each course*.

• • Level 1 (not meeting expectations)
  • Level 2 (meeting expectations)
  • Level 3 (exceeding expectations)

Comments will be required to support ratings from all three levels. All comments will be expected to model constructive feedback, and must contain references and comments to specific behaviors and/or events (positive or negative). The Office of Assessment and Evaluation will review assessments immediately after all data have been submitted for the designated period.

Examples of these ratings can be found in the Assessment and Evaluation section of this website.

Assessments

Throughout the curriculum, students will be assessed using the Educational Program Objectives (EPOs) within the ACGME-related behavioral competencies:

• • Medical Knowledge
  • Professionalism
  • Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Patient Care
  • Critical Appraisal and Quality Improvement

Within the curriculum, students will receive assessment feedback from their facilitators, Course Directors, and/or preceptors at the mid and end of Leadership, Learning and Ethics I & II, Principles of Communication in Medicine, and Master's Report I & II. Assessment feedback for Clinical Practicum I will be formative, and Clinical Practicum II assessment feedback will be summative.

• • Competencies will not be assessed in Introduction to Medical Studies, Principles of Molecular Basis of Life and Disease, Organ Systems I & II, and Principles of Cardiovascular Hematology.

• All midpoint competency assessments will serve as a formative assessment of developmental progress that will be discussed with the student, but not accumulate toward the collective summation of leveled ratings.
• Formative assessment feedback must be provided to students at midpoint so that progress can be made if a deficiency is identified.

In Pathway blocks/courses students will receive assessment feedback in the applicable competency areas as outlined in block/course syllabus.

Behavior Competency Assessment and Progression

All behavior competency data from the blocks and courses will be compiled by Assessment and Evaluation and presented to the Pathway Scholars Program Student Affairs Team (PSP SAT) to be included as part of the holistic review with the student for purposes of matriculation eligibility to be considered by the Advisory Committee. Cumulative level ratings are retained throughout the student’s enrollment in the Pathway Scholars Program.

A. A single Level 1 rating

1. As soon as a student receives a Level 1 rating either in a single or multiple competency, it will result in the requirement that the student meet with the PSP Director, and/or the PSP Assistant Director, and/or the Course Director to collaboratively develop an action plan** which will address the competency deficiencies. The student will complete the action plan in a designated time frame.

a. If the student successfully completes the action plan**, student will have met expectations in the deficient competency area(s).

b. If the student does not successfully complete the action plan**, the student will be referred to PSP Advisory Committee and placed on a remediation plan***.

i. If the student successfully completes the remediation plan***, student will have met expectations in the deficient competency

area(s).

ii. If the student does not successfully carry out the remediation plan***, the student will have not met expectations in the

deficient competency area(s) and will be referred to the PSP Advisory Committee for potential dismissal.

For significant, urgent concerns in any competency area, the student will be immediately referred to the Pathway Scholars Program Director. Such behavior may result in immediate suspension or dismissal until the student is presented to the PSP Advisory Committee. See Code of Conduct policy.

Definitions

*Course: All blocks and courses.

**Action Plan: A collaborative, individualized plan developed by the PSP SAT and the student to meet the expectations of the deficient competency program objective/s. Completion date is dependent upon issues raised.

***Remediation Plan: A collaborative, individualized plan developed by the Pathway Scholars Program, Student Affairs Team, the student, and faculty, to meet the expectations of the deficient competency program objective/s. Completion date is dependent upon issues raised

Teacher Learner Contract

Teacher Learner Contract

POLICY STATEMENT

Ethical behavior, professionalism and integrity are required of every student. The State, University and College-specific policies and statements listed below define these required behaviors and attitudes and allow for mechanisms whereby formal disciplinary actions may be taken.

Preamble

Faculty, whether employed by the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix or affiliated through agreements with the University as community faculty, and students (who for purposes of this policy also include residents and fellows and hereafter are referred to as “learners”) are obligated under a variety of policies and standards, both at the College of Medicine – Phoenix (COM – P) and within the University of Arizona, to interact with one another in a professional manner. The COM – P is committed to ensuring that the learning environment is conducive to open communication and robust interactions between faculty and learners that promote the acquisition of knowledge and foster attitudes and skills required for the professional practice of medicine. Such activities require an environment that is free from harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or other inappropriate conduct. All faculty and learners are governed by the University of Arizona, COM – P, and Arizona Board of Regents’ policies, and are expected to adhere to them. Violations of these policies will be investigated, and disciplinary action imposed if appropriate.

Professionalism Attributes

These attributes of professional behavior describe those behaviors that are expected from all members of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix to include the faculty, residents, fellows, students, staff and community preceptors. This professional behavior is expected to be upheld during all exchanges including but not limited to face-to-face and telephone/teleconference meetings, texting, video, email, and social networking technologies. COM – P faculty approved the statement of professionalism attributes by a vote conducted in May of 2012.

• • Demonstration of sensitivity, honesty and compassion.
  • Respecting diversity of individuals.
  • Respecting the confidentiality, privacy and dignity of each individual.
  • Showing integrity and accountability in all interactions.
  • Demonstration of the balance of self-care with selfless behavior.
  • Demonstration of appropriate self-confidence that puts others at ease.
  • Demonstration of a commitment to uphold ethical principles.
  • Demonstration of the ability to collaboratively participate in team environments.
  • Maintain a teachable attitude, including giving and receiving constructive feedback, being present and accountable, prepared and engaged.
  • Respecting the physical and emotional limits of professional relationships.

Responsibilities of Educators and Administrators to Learners

Educators and administrators shall provide:

• • An environment that is physically and emotionally safe for learners.
  • An environment in which the primary purpose in assigning tasks is to enhance the learner’s educational experience.
  • Support for the learner’s professional development. This support will include a carefully planned and well-articulated curriculum. Administrators will facilitate the progress of learners through the curriculum. Educators and administrators will support learners in their personal development as they adjust to the needs and standards of the profession.
  • An understanding that each learner requires time for self-care, social and family obligations and recreation.
  • Accurate, appropriate and timely feedback to learners concerning their performance in the curriculum. In assessing learners, educators and administrators will act in a manner that is consistent with the stated goals of the educational activity, which will, in turn, be meaningful for future medical practice. In addition, educators will provide learners with professional and respectful feedback during and after educational and clinical activities.
  • Opportunities for learners to participate in decision-making in the COM – P, including participation on committees that design and implement the curriculum and tools for student performance assessment in accordance with COM – P bylaws and other governing documents.

Responsibilities of Learners to Educators and Administrators

Learners at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix shall:

• • Participate in supporting an environment that is physically and emotionally safe for educators and administrators.
  • Respect the authority of the educators and administrators in determining the proper training environment and activities for their education.
  • Meet the educational goals and objectives of the curriculum to the best of their abilities.
  • Take an active role with the educators regarding the refinement and evaluation of the curriculum.
  • Support their colleagues in their professional development.
  • Understand that educators and administrators must balance work duties with self-care, social and family obligations and recreation.
  • Provide accurate, appropriate and timely feedback to educators and administrators concerning their performance in the curriculum. In evaluating educators and administrators, learners will provide professional and respectful feedback during and after educational and clinical activities.
  • Assume an appropriate level of responsibility on healthcare teams and execute assigned responsibilities to the best of their abilities.

A Professional Conduct Comment Form has been developed. This form is intended for any faculty, fellow, resident, staff, or student to report both exemplary displays of professionalism, as well as lapses in professionalism using an electronic submission process.

STUDENT HEALTH & WELL BEING

Accommodation of Religious Observance and Practice

Accommodation of Religious Observance and Practice

POLICY STATEMENT

Students requesting Religious Accommodation need to complete the Religious Accommodations Form (PDF) and submit to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs.

University of Arizona Policy on Religious Accommodations for Students

Disability Insurance

Disability Insurance

POLICY STATEMENT

Upon matriculation into medical school all students are required to purchase disability insurance procured by the University. Incurred fees will be added to the student’s bursar account.

For more information, please visit Certificate Booklet for COM Disability Insurance.

Exposure to Potentially Infections Agents and/or Hazardous Materials

Exposure to Potentially Infectious Agents and/or Hazardous Materials

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of The University of Arizona Health Sciences Center (AHSC) that all students who are exposed (i.e. needle stick, inhalation, mucus membrane or skin exposure or percutaneously to infectious agents and/or hazardous materials including but not limited to chemicals and blood/body fluids) while engaged in a University-sponsored educational program seek and obtain prompt medical attention, including counseling, prophylactic drug treatment, and baseline and follow up laboratory values, as necessary.

Procedure

Student Occupational Exposure

A student who is exposed to contaminated body fluids while at a site located outside of the Phoenix area must contact the supervising physician at that site immediately. That physician will ensure that the student follows the appropriate protocol as listed in the procedure.

The student must then follow up with the ASU Downtown Campus Health office within 5 days of exposure.

Health Insurance for Students

Health Insurance for Students

POLICY STATEMENT

Per The University of Arizona Graduate College, the Pathway Scholars Program cannot require students to maintain personal health insurance coverage upon matriculation and as a condition of their continued enrollment. However, students who do not maintain personal health insurance coverage during their enrollment in the Pathway Scholars Program are prohibited from patient contact during any curriculum experience which involves patient interaction.

Required Immunization/Health Screening Policy

Required Immunization/Health Screening Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix campus requires all students to have an updated immunization record on file upon matriculation. Students must show evidence, either from immunization records or serologic testing of the following:

• • Measles/Mumps/Rubella
  • Hepatitis B immunization plus supplemental quantitative titer
  • Varicella
  • Tdap or tetanus
  • Annual Tuberculosis skin test (students with a history of positive TB skin test should submit documentation of CXR)

The immunization requirements are in accordance with Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS) standards, thus allowing our students to apply for VSAS electives without further requirements. A copy of the immunization policy can be found at: http://www.health.arizona.edu/health_services_immunizations_requirements.htm.

Students will be required to provide proof of immunization or immunity upon matriculation. This information is maintained by UA Campus Health. It is the student’s responsibility to check with Campus Health and to make sure that their immunizations are up to date at all times throughout their career at the College of Medicine – Phoenix. Failure to remain up to date will result in the inability to register for courses, and/or receive financial aid, and inability to participate in any clinical experience and may result in a delayed graduation date.

Students will be required to receive annual influenza immunizations and annual PPD. In the event of special circumstances, please contact the Pathway Scholars Program Director.

Student Exposure to Potentially Infectious Agents and/or Hazardous Materials Policy

Policies

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix to follow the University of Arizona Health Sciences Student Exposure to Potentially Infectious Agents and/or Hazardous Materials Policy and procedures.

Each student participating in any College of Medicine-sponsored educational program shall obtain a Student Occupational Exposure Procedure Card from the Office of Student Affairs and carry it at all times while participating in such programs.

Curriculum Committee

:Approved

11/13/2018

Disability Resource Policy

Policies

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix that, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, no qualified student (see Essential Qualifications Policy to determine qualification) will be denied access to, participation in or the benefits of any program or activity operated by the University because of disability.

• University of Arizona Resources for Students with Disabilities.

It is the University’s goal that learning experiences be as accessible as possible. If a student anticipates or experiences physical or academic barriers based on a disability, they should contact the Disability Resource Center (520-621-3268 or https://drc.arizona.edu:443/students/).

Curriculum Committee

:Approved

08/28/2018

University Policies:

Alcohol and Drug Screening Policy

Policies

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix (COM – P) that students are functioning free from the influence of illicit or illegal substances. The use of controlled substances (unless prescribed by a clinician), medical marijuana or illegal substances is prohibited. This policy is intended to delineate drug testing requirements and disciplinary sanctions that the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix may impose on students who are suspected or accused of being under the influence of alcohol or other prohibited substances.

All students are expected to comply with all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations concerning drug and alcohol use, including rules, policies and procedures of the Arizona Board of Regents, the University of Arizona, and individual clinical placement sites at which the students are assigned. See Student Code of Conduct.

Process

I. Routine Alcohol and Drug Screening

1. Timing: Upon matriculation to the College of Medicine – Phoenix and prior to beginning clinical activities at affiliate sites that require drug screening, students will be required to submit results of a standard 12-panel urine drug screening (UDS). The Office of Student Affairs will notify students if an assigned clinical site requires a UDS.
2. Cost: Students will be responsible for the costs of any routine screening.
3. Testing Location(s): Students may select a site of their choice for completion of a UDS. Certiphi, COM – P’s contracted vendor for screening services, offers discounted UDS rates at multiple local lab locations.
4. Results:
   1. Students will upload their results into Certiphi’s “myRecordTracker “ for release to assigned clinical site(s).
   2. Positive Results.
      1. A Certiphi Medical Review Officer will review any positive results and follow up with the student to determine if the positive result is due to a clinician-prescribed medication.
      2. The student is offered the opportunity to have the original sample retested at the student’s expense.
      3. Any questions or concerns about routine drug testing may be shared confidentially with the Associate Dean, Student Affairs.
      4. Students who test positive on a routine screening will be referred to the Associate Dean, Student Affairs, who will review the test results.
      5. See section IV for disciplinary actions for positive results.

II. “For Cause” Alcohol and Drug Testing

To ensure compliance with institutional policies and to promote a safe and healthy work environment, the Associate Dean, Student Affairs may require students to submit to drug and/or alcohol testing “for cause” based upon reasonable suspicion of substance abuse.

Upon suspicion a student is violating this policy, an individual or Student Progress Committee (SPC) must contact the Associate Dean, Student Affairs and document in writing the exact reason why the violation is suspected. The reporting person should make every effort to document the specific facts as to why they believe the student is violating this policy and how the behavior is affecting the student’s performance. Whenever possible, corroborating statements from other administrators, faculty, employees, students or patients should be obtained.

Reasonable suspicion of inappropriate alcohol or drug use may be based upon, but is not limited to, the following criteria:

• Direct observation of drug or alcohol use or possession and/or demonstration of physical symptoms of the influence of drugs or alcohol; or
• A pattern of abnormal or erratic behavior consistent with alcohol or drug abuse; or
• Arrest or conviction for a drug or alcohol related offense; or
• Identification of a criminal investigation into drug use, possession, or trafficking; or
• Evidence that a student has tampered with a previous drug or alcohol test; or
• Possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Associate Dean, Student Affairs will review the reasons a violation is suspected with the University of Arizona Office of the General Counsel to determine whether the criteria for reasonable suspicion is met. If criteria for reasonable suspicion is not met, “for cause” testing will not be required of the suspected student.

In instances when testing is done at the request of the Student Progress Committee, the report would come back to the Associate Dean, Student Affairs and to the SPC chair.

Upon receipt of a report of suspected violation of this policy, the Associate Dean, Student Affairs must notify the student of the charges.

If, in the judgment of the Associate Dean, Student Affairs and/or Student Progress Committee, the student represents a clear and present danger to self or to others, the Associate Dean, Student Affairs may take immediate steps to suspend the student. The Associate Dean, Student Affairs may also take additional steps that, in their judgment, may be necessary to minimize risks to the student or to others, including securing emergency professional assistance.

III. “For Cause” Testing Procedure

1. Timing: When determination to test “for cause” has been made, the student will be given a Chain of Custody form from Certiphi with instructions on where to obtain a drug screening for collection of urine sample for drugs and/or alcohol. The sample must be provided at the testing location within 24 hours of written notification that “for cause” testing is required.
2. Cost: Testing cost will be borne by COM – P.
3. Testing Location(s): Any Certiphi-associated laboratory.
4. Results:
   1. The “for cause” testing results will be uploaded into Certiphi and the Associate Dean, Student Affairs will receive the Drug Screening Report. In instances when testing is done at the request of the Student Progress Committee, the report would come back to the Associate Dean, Student Affairs and to the SPC chair.
   2. Prior to making a final decision to confirm a positive test, the student will have the opportunity to discuss the test results with the Associate Dean, Student Affairs.
5. Appealing and Retesting:
   1. Positive test results may be appealed by submitting a written request to the Associate Dean, Student Affairs within three business days after being informed of the positive test results. Upon appeal, the student has the right to have a second test performed on the original specimen for qualitative presence only at a certified laboratory of the student’s choice and all expenses of such a retest will be the responsibility of the student. The specimen transfer between laboratories will follow chain of custody protocol.

IV. Disciplinary Actions

Any student who has a positive result on an alcohol or drug test may be subject to a disciplinary hearing before the Student Progress Committee and sanctions, up to and including dismissal. A student’s participation in, and successful completion of, an approved drug or alcohol counseling program, coupled with the student’s consent to random testing, may be considered in the disciplinary process but does not ensure that dismissal will not occur.

1. Any student who is given the option to participate in a rehabilitation program will comply with the treatment and rehabilitation requirements as imposed by the Student Progress Committee which may include:
   1. Satisfactorily participate in a substance abuse assistance program or rehabilitation program approved by the Student Progress Committee for this purpose.
      1. Provide evidence satisfactory to the Student Progress Committee of continued outpatient therapy in an approved program appropriate to the treatment recommendation.
      2. Remain substance free after completing a rehabilitation program for chemical dependency and participate in random drug screening during rehabilitation for the duration of their medical education at the College of Medicine – Phoenix.
   2. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in recommendation for dismissal.

V. Refusal to Consent to Testing

Any student who refuses to consent to an alcohol or drug test or fails to provide an adequate specimen, as documented on the Drug Screening Report, will be referred to Student Progress Committee for possible sanctions, up to and including dismissal.

VI. Confidentiality

Every effort will be made to keep the results of alcohol and drug testing confidential. Students should be aware that test results may be used for administrative hearings and court cases and may be sent to state and/or federal agencies as required by applicable law.

Curriculum Committee

:Approved

04/10/2018

Alcohol Policy

Policies

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix follows the University policy regarding alcohol at medical school events.

References

University of Arizona Alcohol Policy and Regulations

Curriculum Committee

:Approved

09/25/2018

Annual Sign Off by Student Policy

Policies

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix that students must acknowledge their receipt of, and agreement with, the following items by signing off on them annually:

• Anti-Harassment and Nondiscrimination Policy.
• CITI training/requirements:
  • Bloodborne Pathogens.
  • Health Information Privacy and Security.
• Conflict of Interest – Physician-Student Health Services Relationship Policy.
• Conflict of Interest – Physician-Student Personal Relationship Policy.
• Essential Qualifications Policy.
• Graduation and progression requirements.
• Honor Code Policy and procedures for the Honor Code Committee.
• Procedures for student progress, academic integrity, and managing grade appeals.
• Student Code of Conduct Policy.
• Student exposure to blood/body fluids procedures.
• Student handbook.
• Teacher Learner Compact Policy.

Students who do not complete mandatory sign offs within the designated timeframe are referred to the Student Progress Committee.

Curriculum Committee

:Approved

10/9/2018

Anti-Harassment and Nondiscrimination Policy

Policies

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix to be committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination, harassment and retaliation that is unlawful or prohibited by University of Arizona policy. The University of Arizona prohibits discrimination, including harassment and retaliation by university employees, students, contractors or agents of the university, and by anyone participating in a university-sponsored activity against an individual based on a protected classification. Protected classifications are determined by the federal Title IX law and by the University of Arizona. The university also prohibits retaliation because an individual has engaged in a protected activity.

The university takes prompt and appropriate action to: 1) thoroughly investigate complaints under this policy, and 2) prevent, correct and, if necessary, discipline individuals who engage in behavior that violates this policy in accordance with university policies. All members of the university community are responsible for participating in creating a campus environment free from all forms of prohibited discrimination, and for cooperating with university officials who investigate allegations of policy violations.

References

The University of Arizona Policy on Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment and the Office of Institutional Equity.

Curriculum Committee

:Approved

10/9/2018

Assessment and Evaluation of Students, Faculty and Curriculum Policy

Policies

 

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix to provide constructive and timely feedback in all settings and to take an active approach to improving or enhancing teaching and assessment skills.

Feedback is provided in a manner that protects student confidentiality and any potential concerns of retribution.

Faculty and students are expected to review their evaluations with the goal of learning from both positive comments and constructive criticism.

“Faculty,” as it relates to this policy, refers to any preceptor or affiliate who teaches medical students, including residents, fellows, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.

 

 

 

Process

Required Assessments Completed by Faculty

Faculty are expected to identify students throughout the length of the curricular unit who are not meeting required elements in a timely manner and provide corrective mentoring, as well as a specific corrective plan.

Each student is provided regular formative and summative feedback based on the behavior competencies listed in the Competency Assessment Policy and the grading listed in the syllabus. The structure and timing of this feedback is listed in the following policies:

• Competency Assessment Policy.
• Grading and Progression for Clerkships Policy.
• Enrollment, Sequencing and Grading for Pre-Clerkships Policy.

Required Evaluations Completed by Students

Depending on the week length of the curricular unit, the student will be responsible for completing anywhere between one and 35 session evaluations. Ten percent of the students are randomly assigned to evaluate each session, which causes the fluctuation in the range above. This system is designed so that all teaching faculty are provided feedback and student survey fatigue is minimized. Students also have the opportunity to evaluate any session at any time as an optional and additional source of professional feedback.

The Overall Curricular Unit evaluations will use a sampled method for evaluation collection with a 90 percent confidence interval (CI) and a 10 percent margin of error (MOE). Out of 80 students, 38 will receive overall evaluations, out of 100 students, 41 will receive overall evaluations, and out of 120 students, 47 will receive overall evaluations.

Type of Response	Forms
10 percent randomly assigned, maximum of 15 percent per curricular unit	Session Evaluations
Sampled method 90 percent CI and 10 percent MOE	Overall Curricular Unit Evaluations
All Students	CBI Facilitator Evaluations, Capstone Site Evaluations, Clerkship and Selective Site Evaluations, Clerkship and Selective Faculty Evaluations, and Elective Evaluations

 

 

 

Blocks – Students are required to complete the following evaluations in each block:

• All assigned session evaluations.
• Two Case Based Instruction evaluations (mid- and end-), with-the-exception of the Oncology Block.
• Assigned Overall Evaluations.

Courses – Students are required to complete assigned mid- and end-of-course evaluations in all courses, with-the-exception of Intersessions. Additionally, students will complete site-specific evaluations at the end of each Capstone course experience.

Clerkships and Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship – Students are required to complete the following evaluations in each clerkship:

• All assigned session evaluations.
• A clerkship evaluation for each site and rotation.
• A faculty evaluation per clerkship (student’s choice).
• Assigned Overall Evaluation.

Electives – Students are required to complete an overall elective evaluation for each site.

Selective – Students are required to complete the following evaluations for each selective:

• All assigned session evaluations.
• An evaluation for each site and rotation.
• A faculty evaluation.
• Assigned Overall Evaluation.

Timeliness of Evaluations by Students

Students must complete required evaluations within one week after the middle and end of each block or course, and at the end of each clerkship, selective or elective.

If the student does not complete the required evaluations within one week after the middle or end of the block clerkship, course, elective or selective, the student is required to submit the missing evaluation data in narrative form within the second week to the Office of Assessment and Evaluation and will receive a formative Level 1 in Professionalism.

Once the student has successfully submitted their evaluation in narrative form within the second week after the block clerkship, course, elective or selective, the student has successfully demonstrated meeting expectations in Professionalism. If the narrative form is not completed within the second week after the curricular unit ends, then this will result in a summative Level 1 in Professionalism.

Multiple incomplete evaluations within the same curricular unit will only result in one summative Level 1 towards the cumulative level ratings listed in the Competency Assessment Policy.

Self and Peer Evaluations – Students are provided with optional opportunities to complete self and peer evaluations of developmental behavior in Interpersonal and Communication Skills and Professionalism. Reports of self and peer evaluations are provided to the Office of Student Affairs as a part of the student’s academic growth progression and holistic review.

Evaluation Anonymity – The student's identity is withheld on all evaluations, and reports are compiled in aggregate for each of the designated Directors by the Office of Assessment and Evaluation.

Constructive Feedback Expectations

All comments from students or faculty must be honest, respectful, succinct, focused on issues rather than emotions, be unbiased(see Conflict of Interest Physician-Student Personal Relationship Policy), supportive, genuine and solution-oriented.

Faculty and students are trained in providing feedback on an ongoing basis. They are instructed to provide feedback that contains references and comments to specific behaviors and/or events (positive or negative). The suggested format is the “3 W’s” model to identify: What worked well? What did not work well? What could be done differently next time?

The primary responsibility for identifying potentially non-constructive feedback relies on the Office of Assessment and Evaluation for written feedback and the Course Director or faculty for verbal feedback. For written assessments or evaluations, the Office of Assessment and Evaluation reviews data weekly for the designated period to identify potentially non-constructive feedback. Any comments that are not considered constructive will be returned to the writer for revision. If egregious (containing obscenities or malicious statements) or inappropriate comments are not revised, the evaluation comments and the author’s name (if known) are referred to the Associate Dean, Student Affairs for comments made by students, and to the Associate Dean, Curricular Affairs and Program Evaluation, Associate Dean, Clinical Curriculum and Senior Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education for comments made by faculty. Non-constructive comments will not be included as part of the evaluation of the faculty member or student.

Faculty Receiving and Responding to Student Feedback

Feedback is provided in a manner that protects student confidentiality and any potential concerns of retribution. The primary responsibility for monitoring the quality of teaching rests with the individual departments and is communicated with the Offices of Academic Affairs and Faculty Affairs and Development.

Blocks and Course Evaluation Circulation and Timing:

• Block/Intersession Directors who have the primary responsibility for overseeing the feedback process receive compiled summaries of all evaluations within five weeks after the block/course ends.
• The faculty teaching in the course receive their feedback for their specific sessions within seven weeks of the block ending.
• Course Directors who have the primary responsibility for overseeing the feedback process receive compiled summaries of all evaluations twice a year: at mid-year in January and at year-end in June.

Clerkship Evaluation Circulation and Timing:

• Clerkship Directors who have the primary responsibility for overseeing the feedback process receive compiled summaries of all evaluations twice a year: at mid-year in late November/early December and at year-end in July.
• Clerkship Directors share evaluation summaries with Program Directors, Site Directors and Institutional Department Chairs annually in July.
• Clinical Department Chairs receive summaries of evaluations in their department annually in July at the end of the academic year.
• Faculty, residents and fellows receive their individual evaluations annually in July through the One45 system.
• Clerkship Directors are primarily responsible for supporting the feedback process and providing specific feedback as needed. They work with Site Directors, Program Directors and Institutional Chairs as appropriate, as well as the Department Chairs in providing this feedback.

Elective and Selective Evaluation Circulation and Timing:

• Elective and Selective Directors who have the primary responsibility for overseeing the feedback process receive compiled summaries of all evaluations twice a year: at mid-year in late November/early December and at year-end in July.

Supervisory Evaluations of Faculty

Department chairs conduct reviews of their full-time faculty on an annual basis. These reviews include direct observation and data from student evaluations in the areas of teaching and delivery, student feedback, professionalism and interpersonal communication. Feedback is provided by the department chair to the faculty member as a part of their annual review. Part-time faculty are evaluated on a rotational basis and provided feedback by their department chair within a timely manner after the session is evaluated.

Peer Evaluations of Faculty

Faculty have the option of participating in a process of peer-reviewed teaching. This feedback is shared with the faculty member evaluated by their respective administrative head for developmental purposes to assist with professional growth. This data, in aggregate, is also shared with the Block, Course or Clerkship Director in the area in which they teach, as well as the Office of Faculty Development to assist with offering pertinent and relevant faculty development sessions.

Clinical Curriculum Student Evaluation Release Workflow for Faculty/Resident/Fellow/Graduate Student/Postdoctoral Fellow Feedback

Click to enlarge

Focus on Professionalism in Assessment and Evaluation

The College of Medicine – Phoenix fosters professionalism at all levels. While the vast majority of student evaluation comments are positive, the leadership of Academic Affairs, supported by the Office of Assessment and Evaluation and the Professional Resource Office, review and flag evaluations for potential professionalism and student mistreatment issues. See Professionalism Policy.

Curriculum Committee

:Approved

02/8/2022

,Amended

02/8/2022

Campus Visitor Policy

Policies

Visitors

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix kindly requests that any visitors to the campus check in with security at the front desk of the Health Sciences and Education Building. As a visitor, it is important you know who you are there to meet, so please make arrangements prior to your arrival with the point of contact. Helpful things to have on hand before coming to campus:

• Information on where and when to meet.
• The name of the person you are scheduled to meet with.
• Contact number.

Staff and Students

Please keep your badges visible at all times while on campus and report any lost or stolen cards as soon as possible. Due to the continued growth of the campus, it is difficult for everyone to know everyone. Therefore, it is important for people to know the facilities are being used by authorized personnel.

For events or general gatherings, please provide a list of attendees (this includes: guests, visitors, study participants, etc.) to security prior to the their arrival. This will help to avoid any confusion and prevent any unauthorized visitors from gaining access to the campus.

College Working Group

:Approved

12/5/2014

Classroom Visitor Policy

Policies

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix that the college classroom is intended for students who are enrolled in a curricular unit* for an ongoing learning experience with peers and faculty. That learning experience may be challenged by the presence of visitors. Therefore, as a general rule, visitors are allowed to observe the delivery (e.g. lecture, small group, clinical skills) of a session only with prior approval of the Director. No visitor may attend more than two sessions in any given curricular unit without the approval of the Senior Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education. Any student who has previously finished and passed the curricular unit is considered a visitor under this policy.

*Any component of the curriculum where a grade is earned

Curriculum Committee

:Approved

10/23/2018

Core Clinical Skills Observation Policy

Policies

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix to require that core clinical skills, behaviors and attitudes be observed and assessed throughout the curriculum. This is accomplished in particular through the Doctoring courses, clinical coursework and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Each clerkship and Doctoring course syllabus is required to outline which skills, behaviors and attitudes must be assessed.      

The Curriculum Committee is responsible for monitoring the completion and assessment of the clinical skills, behaviors and attitudes.

Curriculum Committee

:Approved

10/9/2018

Criminal Background Check Policy

Policies

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix (COM – P) to provide a safe environment for patients, employees, students, visitors and the general public, as well as to protect property, by conducting criminal background checks (CBC) on all accepted applicants, on alternate applicants at the request of the Office of Admissions and periodically as required by clinical training sites.

• Applicants must consent to and complete a criminal background check investigation as a condition of matriculation.
• Background checks will be performed only after the applicant has received a conditional offer of acceptance.
• An acceptance offer is contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check.

 

Process

The College of Medicine – Phoenix will administer a criminal background check according to the Association of American Medical Colleges’ recommendations on all applicants at the time of acceptance, on alternate applicants at the request of the Office of Admissions and periodically as required by clinical training sites.

I. Application: The American Medical College Application Service application includes an inquiry about felony convictions. Applicants who refuse to complete this section will not receive offers of acceptance.

II. The conditional admission offer will not be considered final, and enrollment will be withheld, until completion of the background check with results deemed acceptable by COM – P. If the results of the background check(s) are not deemed acceptable by COM – P, or if information received indicates that false or misleading statements were submitted, required information omitted, or if the applicant would not be permitted to participate in any portion of the curriculum based upon the content of the report, the conditional admission may be denied or rescinded.

III. Costs: All expenses associated with the CBC are the responsibility of the applicant/student.

IV. Confidentiality: CBC files will be maintained consistent with Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act guidelines and stored separately from students’ permanent files. Reasonable efforts will be made to ensure that results of criminal background checks are kept as confidential as possible with a limited number of persons authorized to review results.

V. Review of Findings:

1. Applicants: If a background check identifies findings which may preclude acceptance, the case will be referred to the COM – P Admissions Committee for review and action.
2. Matriculants: Should the situation arise where a review of findings in a CBC is necessary, the College of Medicine – Phoenix Criminal History Review Committee shall review the findings. The Criminal History Review Committee will include: Associate Dean, Student Affairs; Associate Dean, Admissions and Recruitment; Associate Dean, Diversity and Inclusion; Senior Associate Dean, Academic Affairs. The University of Arizona Office of the General Counsel will serve as an adviser.

VI. Action on Findings:

1. Applicants: The existence of a finding does not automatically disqualify an individual from eligibility for admission. Relevant considerations may include, but are not limited to, the date, nature and number of convictions; the relationship the conviction bears to the duties and responsibilities of the medical student; and successful efforts toward rehabilitation. Any decision to reject or accept an applicant with a conviction is solely at the discretion of the Admission Committee.
2. Matriculants: When the Criminal History Review Committee determines a finding requires additional action or review, the case will be referred to the Honor Code Committee.

VII. Ability to Review Information: The applicant or matriculant may review their own criminal background report received by COM – P by contacting either the Associate Dean, Admissions or Associate Dean, Student Affairs in writing.

VIII. Right to Respond to Adverse Report: The applicant or matriculant will be asked to review any adverse information and to provide a written response for either the Admissions Committee or the Criminal History Review Committee, respectively. When appropriate, an in-person meeting may be requested to answer questions.

Curriculum Committee

:Approved

04/10/2018

Disability Resource Policy

Policies

 

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix that, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, no qualified student (see Essential Qualifications Policy to determine qualification) will be denied access to, participation in or the benefits of any program or activity operated by the University because of disability.

• University of Arizona Resources for Students with Disabilities.

It is the University’s goal that learning experiences be as accessible as possible. If a student anticipates or experiences physical or academic barriers based on a disability, they should contact the Disability Resource Center (520-621-3268 or https://drc.arizona.edu:443/students/).

Curriculum Committee

:Approved

08/28/2018

Dress Code Policy

Policies

It is the policy of the College of Medicine – Phoenix that professional dress is required of all students for several activities as described below. Professional dress should allow for individuality that demonstrates respect and meets professional standards.

Frequently Asked Questions: A FAQ document will be maintained on the College of Medicine – Phoenix website that gives additional direction on appropriate professional dress and how students can obtain clarifying information.

1. Professional dress is defined as slacks, dress shirts, dresses and skirts. Ties are suggested for most circumstances. Length of skirts and dresses should be to the knees in order to facilitate clinical activities that involve leaning over. Necklines should be non-revealing. Jewelry should not invade patient space during an exam (no long necklaces, long earrings etc.). Cargo pants, jeans, and leggings are not appropriate. Scrubs may be appropriate depending on the clinical rotation.
2. Students must wear closed-toed shoes in clinical environments to comply with OSHA standards. Athletic shoes are appropriate only when on call, in the operating room or in the procedure suite. Shoes with heels higher than three inches should be avoided.
3. Nails should be natural and kept short and clean. No artificial nails or extenders are permitted due to likelihood of harboring pathogens.
4. Fragrances, perfumes and colognes should be avoided.
5. Clean and unstained white coats should be worn for all clinical activity, but not necessary for patient panels.
6. Students are responsible for wearing a University of Arizona name tag at all times while in professional dress.
7. Professional dress is required for all clinical activities, all patient encounters (including patient panels), Community Clinical Experience, as well as Years 3 and 4.
8. Individual requirements are specified for the Doctoring course, the Introduction to Medicine and Clinical Anatomy blocks, the Center for Simulation and Innovation, clerkships and clinical rotations.
9. With respect to patient and student safety, modifications that allow for cultural or ethnic traditional dress are permitted.

Any student found in violation of this policy by block/course/site director or preceptor will be addressed by this faculty and may be in jeopardy of receiving a Level 1 in Professionalism, and/or may be sent home from the site for inappropriate dress.

Curriculum Committee

:Approved

07/24/2018

 

 

Immunization and Health Screening Policy

Policies

 

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix (COM–P) for all students to show evidence upon matriculation and throughout medical school, either from immunization records or serologic testing confirming immunity, of the following:

• Measles/Mumps/Rubella.
• Hepatitis B immunization plus supplemental quantitative titer.
• Varicella.
• Tdap or tetanus.
• Annual Tuberculosis (TB) screening.
• Annual Influenza vaccine.

The immunization requirements are in accordance with UA Campus Health Service immunization requirements and the Association of America Medical Colleges (AAMC) Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS) standards, thus allowing COM–P students to apply for VSAS electives without further requirements. Annual TB screening must follow the requirements listed on the AAMC Standardized Immunization Form (PDF).

In the event of special circumstances, students will notify UA Campus Health Service and should contact the Associate Dean, Student Affairs. Students will be required to receive annual influenza immunizations and annual PPD. In the event of special circumstances, please contact the Associate Dean of Student Affairs.

Process

In order to ensure that medical student health records are maintained in accordance with legal requirements for security, privacy, confidentiality and accessibility, immunization records are maintained by UA Campus Health Service. It is the student’s responsibility to check with Campus Health and to make sure that their immunizations are up-to-date at all times throughout their career at the COM–P. Up-to-date immunization records are required to register for courses, participate in any clinical experiences, and/or receive financial aid. Failure to maintain up-to-date immunization records may result in a delayed graduation.

Immunization Tracking Process for Clinical Site Requirements

The College of Medicine – Phoenix uses MyRecordTracker to facilitate students’ ability to share up-to-date immunization records with clinical site(s). Students receive an email that directs them to upload their immunizations; the service reviews and approves immunizations for completeness. The school can verify student compliance through MyRecordTracker. Students may distribute their immunization records to clinical sites requiring immunizations through individual emails granting coordinators a one-time access to view the student’s health record.

Curriculum Committee

:Approved

12/12/2017

Student Photograph and Video Policy

Policies

 

It is the policy of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix to follow guidelines established by the University of Arizona for obtaining consent to take photographs or videos of students. Photographs and/or video recordings of students are intermittently obtained and used for educational, research, commercial or promotional purposes. Students should verify with clinical sites about the site’s specific policies regarding photography and video recordings.

Curriculum Committee

:Approved

11/27/2018