Michigan State University

PA Medicine
Physician Assistant Program College of Osteopathic Medicine

Student Grievance Policy

All PA Medicine Students may file an academic grievance or complaint through the procedures listed in the Medical Students right and Responsibilities document found below. If you have any questions, please reach out to any member of the PA Medicine Faculty/staff or the MSU Ombudsperson office.

The rights and responsibilities of students enrolled in Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) are defined by the medical colleges of Michigan State University, including MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, MSU College of Human Medicine, and MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Students enrolled in the curricula of these colleges are identified as “medical students”. These colleges collectively define “Medical Students Rights and Responsibilities”.

This document which applies to MSU COM PA Medicine Students, addresses academic rights and responsibilities, governance, procedures for complaints, academic appeals, due process, and other topics. Article 5 Adjudication of Cases defines policy on Academic Grievances & Complaints.

The current Medical Students right and Responsibilities document is available on the MSU Spartan Life website.

University Notice of Non-Discrimination

Notice of Nondiscrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation (pdf)

Michigan State University informs all members of its faculty, staff, student body, contractors, and guests, that MSU prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability, height, marital status, political persuasion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight in its programs and activities.

The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) reviews concerns related to discrimination and harassment based on age, color, gender, gender identity, disability status, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status and weight under the University's Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP) and Policy on Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct (RVSM).

File a Report

MSU treats all reports filed with OIE seriously. Anyone is welcome to file a report with OIE, including students, faculty, staff, and guests. Both reports involving the Anti-Discrimination Policy and Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy may be filed online via the Public Incident Reporting Form  or by calling OIE at 517-353-3922 between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Title IX

The MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive community in which students, faculty and staff can work together in an atmosphere free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that receives federal funding. It is the mission of the Title IX program at Michigan State University to cultivate a campus community that is free of sex discrimination and sexual harassment, including relationship violence and sexual misconduct.

If any member of the college community experiences attitudes or behaviors that violate that policy, you can reach out to any College of Osteopathic Medicine employee for assistance. For more information, please visit the MSU Office for Civil Rights and Title IX.

Common Ground Framework for Professional Conduct

The Common Ground Framework provides the MSUCOM community with a reminder of the unity of mind, body and spirit that underlines the field of osteopathic medicine. The framework is a set of guiding, foundational principles that underpin professional conduct and integrity and applies to all professionals at work within the shared college community, independent of their specific roles or responsibilities. 

This framework is built around the acronym CORE, representing Collaboration, Opportunity, Responsibility, and Expertise. Each domain encompasses values and examples of how they are demonstrated. 

Collaboration: Working together with others

  • ​Interactive: Interact effectively and respectfully with people you encounter; demonstrate honesty, genuineness, humility, and compassion 
  • Dynamics and communication: Demonstrate respect, civility, and courtesy in communication; communicate effectively with diverse individuals and groups for a variety of purposes using available technologies; employ active listening 
  • Use of feedback: Identify sources of feedback; deliver and receive effective feedback for initiatives, evaluations and assessments, quality improvements, conflict resolution, and peer review 

Opportunity: Encouraging an environment of mutual support

  • Shared leadership: Exhibit advocacy for self and others; accept situational leadership as needed; establish mutual support and respect: participate as a support for others regardless of title or position 
  • Problem solving: Recognize and define problems; analyze data; implement solutions; evaluate outcomes; include the perspectives of others 
  • Decision making: Fulfill commitments; be accountable for actions and outcomes; discuss and contribute your perspective in group settings; listen to multiple viewpoints prior to making a decision 

Responsibility: Supporting a shared culture of accountability

  • Effective Use of Time and Resources: Invest time, energy, and material resources efficiently in order to provide effective services; demonstrate integrity and stewardship of resources 
  • Critical Thinking Skills: Recognize and differentiate facts, illusions, and assumptions; Question logically; identify gaps in information and knowledge 
  • Mindfulness and Self- Care: Actively engage in surrounding circumstances and activities; self- assess, self-correct, and self-direct; identify sources of stress and develop effective coping behaviors 

 Expertise: Having relevant skills or knowledge

  • Core of knowledge: Develop core professional knowledge; apply the knowledge in clinical, academic, and administrative settings 
  • Technical Skills: Show competency and proficiency in performing tasks that are integral to the scope and practice of your profession. Identify needs and resources for learning; continually seek new knowledge and understanding in your profession 

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.