The College of Medicine has adopted the following policies and procedures to regularly review and assess the academic progress and professional development of each student.
Appeals Process
When an adverse academic action, such as academic/disciplinary leave of absence, probation, suspension, or dismissal is taken or being considered by the ASC, the student may appeal the initial decision.
Attendance for Required Educational Activities
Students are allotted breaks (see the academic calendar for details). Third and fourth year students on scheduled clerkships and electives are NOT automatically off on official one day holidays listed on the academic calendar.
Classroom Behavior
Behavior of a medical student reflects on the student's individual’s ability to become a competent physician.
Clerkships and Electives
All University of Florida College of Medicine students must take their required third- and fourthyear clerkships on the University of Florida campus, including UFHSC Jacksonville, or at sites utilized by the required clerkships
Code of Ethics
As we learn and, subsequently, practice the art and science of medicine, we pledge to:
Dress Code
Students are expected to maintain a proper professional appearance when they are on the medical campus. Students should wear their photo identification badge at all times while on the medical campus.
FERPA Policy and UF COM Procedures
The university ensures the confidentiality of student records in accordance with the provisions of various federal, state, and university regulations, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, also known as the Buckley Amendment. The Office of the University Registrar (OUR) routinely releases directory information to the public. Currently enrolled students who want to restrict directory information, or request a full privacy hold must contact the OUR
Fitness for Duty
The goal of this policy is to address the need to assess a student’s mental/physical state when returning to medical school and/or clinical care environment for the safety of the student and patients under the student’s care.
Grade Grievance Process
Medical students may appeal a final grade or evaluation based on concerns about discrimination or the process used to assign the grade.
Graduation Requirements and Recommendations
To be considered for graduation, a student must be judged to be in good standing with a GPA of 2.0 or better, have successfully completed all required educational experiences, the Clinical Skills Exams (CSEs), and passed USMLE Step 1 and both USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS). The UF COM Executive Committee grants final approval for graduation.
Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) Instructions
An ILP defines learning outcomes and explains how outcomes are achieved. While an ILP may share common goals and objectives for a particular course, the ILP allows the student to describe and attain unique learning objectives. It is a tool to identify individual learning needs and measure competency attainment. With faculty guidance, the ILP features learning pathways and experiences that help self-assessment, with the goal of successful completion of the remediation.
Leave of Absence
Students who desire a personal leave of absence, medical leave of absence, or educational leave of absence should submit their request in writing per the policy outlined.
Limitations to Student Supervision and Evaluation
This limitation on evaluation extends to any individuals who are family members. When this conflict of interest exists, it is the responsibility of both parties to immediately disclose the conflict to the course or clerkship director or ADME and request reassignment.
Listsev and Email Lists
UF listservs and email distribution lists are created to disseminate email to groups within the UF COM. Before using the listserv or email distribution list(s), review the guidelines for use.
Medical Student Mistreatment Policy
The University of Florida College of Medicine is committed to treating all members of the college community fairly with regard to both personal and professional concerns.
Medical Student Performance Evaluation
The MSPE is prepared for all senior students by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. The document is a key part of the residency application packet.
Mobile Technology in Patient Care Areas
Students are expected to act appropriately and professionally in all clinical settings. The use of mobile devices may be appropriate, if respect for colleagues, faculty, the medical team and patients is observed.
Probation and Dismissal
Students on probation may be dismissed from school if they receive a grade less than “C” or a grade of unsatisfactory in any course or in any competency during their time on probation.
Professional Behavior
The College of Medicine expects all medical students to be professional in their interactions with patients, colleagues, faculty, and staff and to exhibit caring and compassionate attitudes.
Readiness to Return Policy
The UF COM wants to ensure that any student who has had a leave of absence for medical reasons or an extended leave of absence for educational or disciplinary reasons is evaluated for their readiness to return to registration.
Research Travel Support
UF COM students are encouraged to pursue research and present their scholarly work at conferences. They are also encouraged to represent the school in leadership capacities. Students’ research mentors are expected to provide support for students who conduct research under their guidance to attend the meetings.
Sexual Harassment Information and Procedures
Sexual Misconduct
he University of Florida is committed to providing a safe educational, working, and residential environment that is free from sexual harassment or misconduct directed towards any and all members of the community.
Social Networking Sites
Students who use these social networking websites and other applications must be aware of the critical importance of privatizing their web sites.
Student Counseling and Health Care
When students call to make medical or psychiatric appointments at the SHCC, at Shands or an associated clinic, they should identify themselves as being a medical student. Students can request an appointment with a healthcare provider who does not have a teaching role.
Student Emergency Preparedness
During emergency conditions, student safety is a priority.
Student Evaluations of Courses, Clerkships, and Faculty
There is a professional expectation that students will provide feedback for each educational experience (e.g. course, clerkship) in order to improve the quality of our teaching and curriculum.
Student Feedback
All courses and clerkships will provide summative feedback on student performance at the conclusion of each course/clerkship. Assessments will be chosen based on the learning objectives of each course/clerkship.
Student Health, Immunizations, Insurance, and Bloodborne Pathogens
The College of Medicine has a long-standing commitment to protect the health and well-being of students, faculty, staff, patients and the general public.
Substance Use Policy
Use of Illegal substances is prohibited. Positive drug screens for substances for which the student does not have a prescription will be considered in violation of this policy. Use of substances including recreational or medical marijuana on personal time may lead to positive urine drug screen and possible subsequent disciplinary actions which may include but are not limited to more random drug screening, placement on leave of absence, referral to Physician Resource Network, suspension, probation or dismissal.
Technical Standards/ Disability Services
Candidates for the M.D. degree at the University of Florida College of Medicine (UFCOM) must be capable of completing core educational requirements and achieving the UFCOM competencies and entrustable professional activities essential for the delivery of high quality medical care.
Tuition
Medical school tuition is set by the COM Dean with approval by the University’s Provost Office and the Board of Trustees. Students are assessed block tuition during the fall and spring terms. All students graduating from the UF COM are assessed a minimum of 8 tuition blocks. Students who complete a decompressed schedule or delay graduation (either electively or due to an adverse academic action) may be assessed additional tuition based on credit hour per term. Students should contact the Associate or Assistant Dean for Student Affairs or the COM Financial Aid Coordinator for questions regarding tuition
Unsatisfactory Performance/ Unprofessional Behavior
Students are expected to adhere to the Student Conduct and Honor Code of the University of Florida. In cases of alleged violation of the Student Conduct and Honor Code.
United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE)
A passing score on the United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), and Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) examinations are required for graduation from medical school. Students must have the approval of the Academic Status Committee to be sponsored for each of the three USMLE examinations.
University of Florida Policies
Includes: UF Regulations, FL Department of Education professional practices, Sexual Harassment Policy, HIPAA, FERPA, COI, Student Health, and UF Student Honor Code
Work / Duty Hours
This policy clarifies the requirements and protection to medical students regarding hours they are required to work.
Important Links