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, actions will proceed in accordance with University of Florida policies. Unprofessional behavior should be reported through the Professionalism Lapse Report. Reported concerns will follow the flowchart in Appendix B.

Preclinical Courses (Phase 1: Principles of Medical Practice)

If a student’s initial cumulative score is unsatisfactory in one of the preclinical courses, competencies, or Clinical Skills Examinations, the student’s academic performance will be reviewed by the Academic Status Committee (ASC). The course director will present a plan for remediation, which will be reviewed by the Committee.  The remediation plan may be as straightforward as an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP, see Appendix C) or an independent study followed by re-examination. Exams are scheduled during non-curricular times, such as winter, spring or summer break. Alternatively, successful remediation may require repeating the entire course.  If a student successfully completes remediation, the transcript will show a grade of “Satisfactory”. Students who fail to satisfactorily complete their remediation will receive a grade of “Unsatisfactory,” will be reported to the ASC, and may be subject to adverse academic action such as a leave of absence, probation or dismissal. If the student fails to make adequate academic progress due to multiple failures; the ASC may require the student to repeat the academic year, see Appendix D.

No student is allowed to begin the clinical clerkships until all foundational courses have been satisfactorily completed and the student’s promotion is approved by the Academic Status Committee.

Exam Grade Policy

Any student who scores below a passing grade on any major examination in the foundational courses must meet with the course director to discuss their performance and learning strategies.

If a student performs two standard deviations below the mean on any Exam or Course during Phase 1, the student will be required to meet with the Learning Specialist for an intake. Failure to meet with the Learning Specialist within two weeks of the exam will result in an appearance before the Academic Status Committee.

Clinical Clerkships (Phases 2 & 3)

If a student receives a grade less than a B- or receives an unsatisfactory rating in any of the clinical competencies, the student’s academic performance will be reviewed by the Clerkship Directors Committee. The Clerkship Directors Committee will refer students with repeated poor performance in more than one of the clinical clerkships to the Academic Status Committee (ASC) and present a plan for remediation. The remediation plan may range from re-examination to repeating clerkships.  The ASC must formally approve the remediation plan.  Repeated poor performance in the clinical clerkships may result in an adverse academic action such as probation or dismissal from school.

Academic Concern/Academic Progress

Students who achieve 2 or more initial failures in any course or unsatisfactory grades of less than B- in a clerkship will receive an academic concern notice from the ASC, even with the successful remediation of course/clerkship. This action may be reconsidered by the ASC. The reconsidered decision of the ASC is final. After successful remediation and one additional semester of demonstrated academic success (passing all exams and courses), students will automatically be removed from academic concern.

Academic Probation for Academic Progress

Students who achieve 2 or more deficient grades (U or less than a C) on their transcript will automatically be placed on academic probation. This action may be reconsidered by the ASC. The reconsidered decision of the ASC is final. See the policy on probation and dismissal for additional information and period of review.

Academic Probation during Repeated Year

Any student who must repeat a school year for academic reasons will be placed on academic probation.  The student must appear before the ASC to review their academic progress prior to removal from probation. This may be reconsidered by the ASC. The reconsidered decision of the ASC is final.

Academic Standards for Students Who Hold Leadership Positions in University of Florida Campus Organizations/Activities

The College of Medicine strongly encourages students to assume leadership positions in various sanctioned campus organizations and activities (e.g., class officer positions, student interest groups, health outreach missions, Equal Access Clinic). Students who accept such leadership positions should be in “good academic standing,” defined as:

•           A passing grade in each course.
•           Successful completion of USMLE Step 1 on the first attempt.
•           A grade of at least “B” in each required third- and fourth-year clerkship.

If students fall below this specified standard of academic performance, they may be required to relinquish their leadership position until their academic performance returns to the acceptable level. They also should seek assistance from appropriate advisers, counselors and mentors.

Adequate Academic Progress and the NRMP Match

In the event that a student receives an adverse academic action, failure of Step 2 CK, or receives an unsatisfactory evaluation of a competency after submission of the MSPE, a revised version of the MSPE will be submitted reflecting the changes to the student’s academic progress.

Students not making adequate academic progress, based on successful completion of graduation requirements including passing the USMLE Step 2 CK examination, may not be sponsored by UF COM for the Match.