Remediation Policy
The remediation policy includes policy and process addressing assessment and course remediation as well as professionalism remediation.
Assessment Remediation
The assessment remediation process is designed to address student deficiencies in a timely manner (B4.01) and help ensure students achieve expected competencies and core academic and technical skills as outlined in each syllabus. Each course syllabus within the PA Medicine curriculum outlines the assessments (both formative and summative) used to evaluate students’ performance in meeting the course learning outcomes and instructional objectives (B4.01) and clearly specifies the passing criteria for each assessment. Students that do not achieve a passing score on a summative assessment will be required to remediate the identified deficiencies. The requirement and opportunity to remediate formative assessments will be course-dependent and specified in the course syllabus.
The Course Coordinator will determine an appropriate remediation plan to include identification of the deficient knowledge and skills, process for correcting the deficiency, remediation timeline, and the process for measuring the outcome of remediation. At the discretion of the Course Coordinator(s), combined remediation efforts to address the deficiencies associated with multiple assessments within a course may be employed. The Course Coordinator will communicate the plan including the identified deficiencies with the student. Remediation processes may include, but are not limited to, review of curriculum materials, additional readings or video assignments, self-reflection, and simulation. The processes and criteria for measuring the outcome of the remediation may include, but is not limited to, skill proficiency demonstration, written examination, verbal examination, and simulation assessment. Assessment remediation will not result in an improvement and/or change in the student’s first-attempt assessment score unless explicitly stated otherwise in the course syllabus.
Assessment remediations must be completed within the timeframe specified by the Course Coordinator. The remediation plan and outcome will be documented on the Assessment Remediation Form by the Course Coordinator, placed in the student’s official file, and communicated to the Promotion Committee. If the assessment remediation process is not successful, the student will be referred to the Promotion Committee to address these deficiencies and ensure adequate remediation in order to achieve program competencies. Failure to engage in remediation will also result in referral to the promotions committee and can affect progression in the curriculum.
Course Remediation
Each course clearly specifies the requirements for achieving a “P” (Pass) course grade. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the passing requirements specified in each syllabus. Any student receiving an "N" (No Grade) course grade is required to enroll in and achieve a “P” (Pass) grade in a corresponding remediation course to remain enrolled and progress in the program. The timeline, structure, content, and assessment methods of the remediation course will be determined at the discretion of the Course Coordinator and Promotion Committee and will be an individualized approach to remediate the relevant content and/or skills from the failed course. The remediation course will include one or more assessments to measure the correction of the identified deficiencies. Didactic course remediation must be completed no later than the end of the semester following receiving the “N” grade and will be supervised by the Course Coordinator or other person designated by the Promotion Committee. The remediation course process and outcomes will be documented on the Course Remediation Form.
For clinical practicum courses requiring remediation, when it is determined that the remediation course is not feasible to conduct prior to the completion of the clinical phase of education, the student may need to repeat the rotation after all other core and elective rotations are complete, thereby delaying graduation. Students requiring enrollment in a remediation course remain subject to maximum timeframe for completion of the program and all program requirements (33 months) per the Retention, Promotion and Graduation Policy.
The resulting grade (“P” or “N”) for a remediation course will be reflected on the student’s official university transcript. The "N" grade received for the original course will remain on the student’s official university transcript. Following completion of the remediation course, the student’s academic standing and progression in the program will be evaluated through application of the Retention, Promotion and Graduation Policy at the next scheduled Promotion Committee. For situations in which a student receives a remediation grade of "N", the student will be required to appear before the Promotion Committee. The MSU PA Medicine Promotion Committee will apply policy to determine the course of action, which may include dismissal from the program.
The details related to cumulative “N” course grades, dismissal criteria, and the dismissal process are presented in the Retention, Promotion and Graduation Policy.
Professionalism Remediation
Students are expected to adhere to professionalism guidelines set by the Professionalism Policy, Common Ground Framework for Professional Conduct, and the Medical Student Rights and Responsibilities, in addition to any other professionalism parameters set within individual courses. Additionally, professionalism is one of the core competencies of the PA program and meeting professional conduct expectations is a requirement for degree conferral.
Examples of what the program considers professionalism violations include but are not limited to: unexcused tardies, unexcused absences, late assignments, disruptive behavior in class (talking, cell phone use), inappropriate attire (undergarments and/or midriffs showing, profanity on clothing), dishonesty, disrespectful interactions with faculty, students, and/or staff, argumentative behavior.
Students will self-assess for professionalism once per semester with the program’s Professionalism Rubric, which will be reviewed by their faculty academic advisor. Faculty and staff may also make professionalism observations that may include, but is not limited to, a formal notice of violation and/or the completion of a Professionalism Rubric for a student at any point in time. The Promotion Committee will review any interim professionalism concerns during monthly faculty meetings and as a standing agenda item during regular Promotion Committee meetings. Additionally, observations of professional conduct (both accolades and concerns) may be reported to the Spartan Community Clearinghouse (SCC) by MSUCOM faculty and students, preceptors, student groups, or community members.
If a deficiency (score of 0, or “unacceptable”) is noted during any of the above formal or informal reporting mechanisms for professional behaviors, the student will be required to submit a self-reflection on the deficient behavior(s) to their faculty advisor and meet with their faculty advisor for coaching and to discuss feedback and plans for improvement. When professionalism remediation is required, a Professionalism Remediation Form detailing the process and timeline for professionalism remediation will be completed by the faculty advisor and placed in the student’s official file. Any repeat professionalism concerns and/or unsuccessful professionalism remediation will be referred to the Promotion Committee for further review and action.
Egregious or recurrent incidents of academic or professional misconduct may result in suspension and/or dismissal from the program, as outlined in the Retention, Promotion, and Graduation Policy and Dismissal Policy. Incidents of misconduct that result in dismissal would not qualify for remediation.
The Department PA Medicine faculty approved this student handbook and policies on March 16, 2020.
Revised and approved by the Faculty of the Department of PA Medicine on 3/19/2021, 3/15/2022, 4/18/2023, 12/17/24.