Dismissal Policy

Dismissal Policy

A student may be dismissed from the UMES PA Program for the following reasons:

  • A ≥ one (1) final course grade of “F” in the didactic year
  • Unsuccessful remediation on the Summative I Examination
  • Unsuccessful remediation on the End of Curriculum Examination
  • Unprofessional misconduct as determined by the PPC
    • Unprofessional behavior that poses a threat to the standards of orderly operation, scholarship, and conduct
    • Behavior that poses a threat to the mental or physical well-being of others
    • Violations of the principles related to academic integrity and plagiarism as outlined by UMES Student Code of Conduct
    • Gross violations of professional conduct
  • Non-adherence to academic/professional improvement plans
  • Inability to meet the academic standards of the Program
  • Inability to meet the technical standards of the Program
  • Inability to successfully pass a SCPE after remediation

The DED or CED will meet with the student to discuss the circumstances contributing to the student’s poor performance. Following this meeting, the student will be referred to the PPC for review, with a recommendation for dismissal from the program in accordance with the policies outlined in this handbook.  The PPC will conduct a comprehensive review of the student’s academic performance, including course evaluations, instructor feedback, and any other relevant information. Upon completion of the review, the PPC may make one or more of the following recommendations to the Program Director:

  1. Dismissal from the program
  2. Deceleration when appropriate
  3. Referral to the Office of Student Affairs for academic support, career guidance, and mental health counseling.

The Program Director will review the PPC’s recommendations and forward a formal recommendation to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.  The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies will review the Program Director’s recommendation and issue a formal letter to the student.  The Program Director and Dean may make an alternate determination based on their review of the evidence and alignment with program and university policies, as well as applicable state laws.  Dismissal of a student from the program has final determination by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, including permanent dismissal without readmission eligibility and dismissal appeal with consideration for deceleration reinstatement. Recommendations and outcomes will be documented in the student file. PA students and other unauthorized persons will not have access to the student’s file.

Note: A student who receives a grade of “F” during the Didactic Phase will be ineligible to apply for re-admission into the UMES PA Program.

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