Student Handbook for Academic Policies and Procedures

2024-2025 Academic Year

PREFACE

 The CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program outlines school-wide and program- specific policies and regulations for the students in the Program. The handbook is designed to supplement, rather than supplant existing college policies and procedures, including those found in the Graduate Bulletin of the City College of New York. The August 2024 edition of the handbook supplants any previous version of the Handbook.

 While this Handbook covers polices for the entire curriculum, there are more specific guidelines and additional regulations for the clinical year. A separate Clinical Year Handbook, with additional policies specific to the clinical year, will be distributed and reviewed during the clinical year orientation.

 Students will be bound to the academic policies delineated in the handbook of their admitting cohort, unless revisions were needed and students are made aware of new changes. Therefore, all students entering in calendar year 2024 or prior years will be bound by this edition of the handbook, even if they should prolong their tenure in the PA Program.

All CUNY Medicine PA Program policies apply to all students, principal faculty and the program director regardless of location. Policies listed and detailed on the CUNY School of Medicine and the City College of New York Web Pages and in the CUNY Medicine PA Program Student Handbooks are subject to change. Enrolled students are informed when significant changes are made to published policies.

Importantly, CUNY Medicine PA Program Policies may differ from policies noted in the CUNY School of Medicine and/or City College of New York. When a difference exists, the CUNY Medicine PA Program policy should be considered the policy of record.

 Table of Contents

 Overview of the CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program 1

Program Mission 1

Program Learning Outcomes, Goals, and Achievements 1

Brief Program Description 1

Physician Assistant Graduate Functions and Tasks 2

History of the Program 3

Technical Standards 3

Perception/Observation 3

Communication 4

Motor/tactile function 4

Cognition 5

Master’s Curriculum 7

The Didactic Curriculum 8

Prior Coursework & Advanced Placement Courses 8

The Clinical Curriculum 8

Identification and background requirements for entrance into didactic and clinical years 9

Harlem Hospital Application Packet 9

Criminal Background Checks 9

Toxicology Screening 10

Health Clearance 10

Requirements for Health Clearance 10

Didactic Year Calendar 12

Fall, 2023 Basic Science 12

Spring, 2024 Basic Science 13

Summer, 2024 Basic Science 13

Tuition, Fees, and Refunds 14

Financial Aid 15

Faculty and Staff Contact Information 16

Program Policy 17

Work Policy 17

E-mail 17

Dress Code and Identification 17

Student Teaching in Program Curriculum 18

Program Faculty and Student Healthcare 18

Employee/Student Dating and Relationships 18

Confidentiality 19

Mandatory Attendance Policy 20

Overall 20

Timely Access to Services Addressing Personal Issues Which May Impact Student Progress in the CUNY Medicine PA Program 20

Personal Days During Didactic Phase of the Program 20

Absences for clinical phase students job interviews 21

Absences from Required Activities 21

Extended Absence Request 21

Attendance and Absence Policies Specific to Clinical Year 22

Absenteeism Policies: Excused Absences 22

Absenteeism Policies: Unexcused Absences and Tardiness 22

Academic Integrity 23

Professional Conduct 23

Social Media Policy 24

Student Advisement 25

Class Representative 25

Student Society 25

Director Meetings 25

Standard for Written Assignments 26

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 26

Universal Precautions 26

Change of Name, Phone Number, or Address 27

Academic Policy 27

Student Evaluation 27

Examination Policy 28

Examination Administration Policy 28

Examination Review Policy 29

Academic Accommodations 29

Academic Advisors 30

Academic Standing 30

Achieving and Maintaining Good Academic Standing 30

Academic and Professional Probation 30

Reassessment of Failing Grades 32

Stand-Alone Course Failure & Reassessment 32

Clinical Medicine & Integrated Medicine Course Failure and Reassessment 33

Identification and Remediation of At-Risk Students 34

Didactic Phase Students 34

Clinical Phase Students 35

Remediation of Academic Difficulties 35

Deceleration & Dismissal Policies 35

Deceleration 35

Academic Dismissal 37

Professional Probation & Dismissal Policies 38

Student rights regarding a required meeting with Course & Standing Committee 38

Repeated Courses 39

Learning Resource Center 39

Student Support and Wellness 39

On-Campus Resources 39

The Committee on Course and Standing 39

Appeal of Dismissal 40

Leaves of Absence 40

Resignation for the CUNY School of Medicine PA Program 42

Academic policies & requirements for promotion & graduation 42

Academic Progression in the PA Program 42

Progression within the Didactic Year 42

Progression from the Didactic to Clinical Year 42

Didactic Year Exit Exam 43

Progression Within Clinical Year 43

End of Curriculum Examinations 44

Graduation Requirements 45

CCNY Grievance Procedure 46

Important Notice of Possible Changes 46

City College of New York Standards, Policies, and Regulations 47

Program Forms 48

Agreement to Abide 48

Student Absence Form (Didactic Phase) 49

Overview of the CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program

 Program Mission

 The mission of the CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program is to improve the health of underserved communities and to eliminate healthcare disparity by providing increased access to physician assistant education to students from historically underrepresented populations. Through education and mentoring, we will create a workforce that will provide highly skilled health services to the communities of greatest need.

Program Learning Outcomes, Goals, and Achievements

 The CUNY School of Medicine PA Program goals align with program mission and are supported by the Competencies for the PA Profession delineated, updated and revised in 2020 by the four leadership organizations of the PA Profession (AAPA, ARC-PA, PAEA and NCCPA). 

GOAL 1: Graduate qualified and competent Physician Assistants 

 BENCHMARK: 85% of graduates are successful on PANCE first time takers attempt.

OUTCOMES:  <NCCPA REPORT FORM WEBSITE>

BENCHMARK:100% of graduates meet Program Learning Outcomes as evidenced by Summative Evaluation (written and OSCE) 

OUTCOMES: 

Cohort 2021: 100% pass rate

Cohort 2022: 100% pass rate

Cohort 2023: 100% pass rate

Cohort 2024: 100% pass rate

  GOAL 2: Provide exposure to diverse and underserved patient populations within the curriculum.  

BENCHMARK: 100% of all cohorts are exposed to a) didactic instruction and b) SCPE patient care in diverse and underserved populations as evidenced by Case Log Totals.

OUTCOMES: 

Cohort 2021: 

a) Didactic phase course grades for Cross-Cultural Competencies in Counseling -PA5023. 100% pass rate

b) 56% patients logged in underserved area/population

Cohort 2022: 

a) Didactic phase course grades for Cross-Cultural Competencies in Counseling -PA5023. 100% pass rate

b) 23% patients logged in underserved area/population

Cohort 2023: 

a) Didactic phase course grades for Cross-Cultural Competencies in Counseling -PA5023. 100% pass rate

b) 50% patients logged in underserved area/population 

Cohort 2024: 

a) Didactic phase course grades for Cross-Cultural Competencies in Counseling -PA5023. 100% pass rate

b) 50% patients logged in underserved area/population 

 GOAL 3: Provide leadership opportunities to both students and faculty.

BENCHMARK: 

a) 100% of students have leadership opportunities nationally, regionally, locally and within the institution (AAPA, NYSSPA, CUNY School of Medicine PA Program Society PA Club leaders, etc.)

b) 100% of Faculty participate in leadership opportunities nationally, regionally, locally and within the institution (PAEA, AAPA, NYSSPA, CUNY School of Medicine and other professional organizations, etc.)

OUTCOMES:

a.     Cohort 2022: 57% students enrolled in NYSSPA; 51% students enrolled in AAPA

b.     Cohort 2023: 74% students enrolled in NYSSPA; 60% students enrolled in AAPA

c.     Cohort 2024: 71% students enrolled in NYSSPA; 68% students enrolled in AAPA

b)  100% of principal faculty met the goals for 2022-2024

 GOAL 4: Graduates demonstrate professionalism in interpersonal and communication skills

 BENCHMARK: 100% of graduates demonstrate professionalism and interpersonal skills as evidence by:

a) Student Professionalism Behavior Evaluation at the end of each didactic phase course AND

b) Preceptor Evaluation of Student AND

c) Clinical Coordinator Evaluation of Student

  OUTCOMES:

 Cohort 2022: 100% of enrolled students met benchmarks in Professionalism and Interpersonal skills in all 3 areas. 

 Cohort 2023: 100% of enrolled students met benchmarks in Professionalism and Interpersonal skills in all 3 areas. 

 Cohort 2024: 100% of enrolled students met benchmarks in Professionalism and Interpersonal skills in all 3 areas.

 Brief Program Description

 The CUNY Medicine PA Program is designed as a full-time 28-month, 80 semester credit hour program consisting of seven consecutive semesters. The semesters are divided between a 16-month didactic phase and a 12-month clinical phase. All program courses must be completed.

Physician Assistant Graduate Functions and Tasks

Any graduate of the CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program will be expected to demonstrate competence in the following functions and tasks:

·         Elicit a detailed and accurate medical history, perform a complete physical examination, and record all pertinent data in written or electronic form as a medical note.

·         Interview using the patient-centered model of care.

·         Generate an appropriate differential diagnosis using evidence-based practice.

·         Perform and interpret diagnostic studies, including routine laboratory procedures, common radiological studies, and electrocardiograms.

·         Determine most likely diagnosis.

·         Plan and implement therapeutic measures.

·         Counsel patients regarding physical and mental health, including diet, disease prevention, normal growth/development, and family planning.

·         Work in collaboration with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

·         Perform life-saving maneuvers such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

·         Facilitate the appropriate referral of patients and maintain awareness of existing healthcare delivery systems and social welfare resources.

·         Communicate effectively in oral and written forms.

·         Display professionalism in all aspects of patient care.

 History of the Program

The Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education Physician Assistant Program at Harlem Hospital Center was founded in 1970 as a joint project of the Harlem Hospital Center and the Columbia University School of Public Health. The Harlem Program is one of the oldest in the country, being founded only five years after the birth of the profession. The Program was developed to train individuals with health care experience to practice primary care in communities of greatest need. The first class of four was admitted in 1971, graduating in 1973.

 In 1972, the Program developed an academic affiliation with Antioch College which continued until the New School for Social Research assumed responsibility from 1974-1978. In 1978 the Program developed a partnership with the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education of the City College of New York (CCNY) which continues today.

 In 2016, the Program transitioned to a master’s degree granting program. In the same year, the Sophie Davis BS/MD program transitioned to become the CUNY School of Medicine. The name of the PA Program changed to the CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program. Although the degree of both programs changed, the mission of the School of Medicine and of the PA Program remains the same.

Technical Standards

Students at CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program must have capacities/abilities in five broad areas:

 ·          Perception/observation

·          Communication

·          Motor/tactile function

·          Cognition

·          Professionalism (Mature and Ethical Conduct)

Perception/Observation

Students must be able to accurately perceive, by the use of senses and mental abilities, the presentation of information through:

 ·          Small group discussions and presentations

·          Large-group lectures

·          One-on-one interactions

·          Demonstrations

·          Laboratory experiments

·          Patient encounters (at a distance and close at hand)

·          Diagnostic findings

·          Procedures

·          Written material

·          Audiovisual material

 Representative examples of materials/occasions requiring perceptual abilities beginning in year 1 include, but are not limited to: books, diagrams, discussions, pharmacological demonstrations, chemical reactions and representations, photographs, x-rays, cadaver prosections, live human case presentations, and patient interviews. Additional examples from year 2 include, but are not limited to: physical exams; rectal and pelvic exams; examinations with stethoscopes, otoscopes, fundoscopes, sphygmomanometers, and reflex hammers; verbal communication and non-verbal cues (as in taking a patient's history or working with a medical team); live and televised surgical procedures; childbirth; x-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic findings; online computer searches.

Communication

Students must be able to communicate skillfully (in English) with faculty members, other members of the healthcare team, patients, families, and other students, in order to:

 ·          Elicit information

·          Convey information

·          Clarify information

·          Create rapport

 Examples of areas in which skillful communication is required beginning in year 1 include but are not limited to: answering oral and written exam questions, eliciting a complete history from a patient, presenting information in oral and written form to faculty/preceptors, participating in sometimes fast-paced small-group discussions/interactions, participating in group dissections, participating in labs. Additional examples of areas in which skillful communication is required in year 2 include, but are not limited to: participating in clinical rounds and conferences, writing patient H&Ps (histories and physicals), making presentations (formal and informal) to physicians and other professionals, communicating daily with all members of the healthcare team, talking with patients and families about medical issues, interacting in a therapeutic manner with psychiatric patients, providing educational presentations to patients and families, participating in videotaped exercises, interacting with clerkship administrators, writing notes and papers.

Motor/tactile function

Students must have sufficient motor function and tactile ability to:

 ·         Attend (and participate in) all classes, groups, and activities which are part of the curriculum

·          Read and write

·          Examine patients

·          Do basic laboratory procedures and tests

·          Perform diagnostic procedures

·          Provide general and emergency patient care

·          Function in outpatient, inpatient, and surgical venues

·         Perform in a reasonably independent and competent way in sometimes chaotic clinical environments

·          Demonstrate competencies including manual dexterity

 Examples of activities/situations requiring students' motor/tactile function beginning in year 1 include, but are not limited to: transporting themselves from location to location, participating in classes, small groups, patient presentations, review sessions, prosections, laboratory work, and microscopic investigations, using a computer, performing a complete physical exam including observation, auscultation, palpation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers, performing simple lab tests, using light microscopes, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Additional examples of experiences requiring motor/tactile function in year 2 include, but are not limited to: transporting themselves from location to location, accompanying staff on rounds and conferences, performing venipunctures, thoracenteses, paracenteses, endotracheal intubations, arterial punctures, Foley catheter insertions, and nasogastric tube insertions, taking overnight call in the hospital, performing physical, neurological, gynecological, pediatric, and obstetric examinations (with the appropriate instruments), dealing with agitated patients in emergency situations; maintaining appropriate medical records, acting as second assistant in the OR (retracting, suturing, etc.).

Cognition

Students must be able to demonstrate higher-level cognitive abilities, which include:

 ·          Rational thought

·          Measurement

·          Calculation

·          Visual-spatial ability

·          Conceptualization

·          Analysis

·          Synthesis

·          Organization

·          Representation (oral, written, diagrammatic, three dimensional)

·          Memory

·          Application

·          Clinical reasoning

·          Ethical reasoning

·          Sound judgment

 Examples of applied cognitive abilities beginning in year 1 include, but are not limited to: understanding, synthesizing, and recalling material presented in classes, labs, small groups, patient interactions, and meetings with faculty/preceptors; understanding 3-dimensional relationships, such as those demonstrated in the anatomy lab; successfully passing oral, practical, written, and laboratory exams; understanding ethical issues related to the practice of medicine; engaging in problem solving, alone and in small groups; interpreting the results of patient examinations and diagnostic tests; analyzing complicated situations, such as cardiac arrest, and determining the appropriate sequence of events to effect successful treatment; working through genetic problems.

Additional examples of required cognitive abilities in year 2 include, but are not limited to: integrating historical, physical, social, and ancillary test data into differential diagnoses and treatment plans; understanding indications for various diagnostic tests and treatment modalities - from medication to surgery; understanding methods for various procedures, such as lumbar punctures and inserting intravenous catheters; being able to think through medical issues and exhibit sound judgment in a variety of clinical settings, including emergency situations; identifying and understanding psychopathology and treatment options; making concise, cogent, and thorough presentations based on various kinds of data collection, including web-based research; knowing how to organize information, materials, and tasks in order to perform efficiently on service; understanding how to work and learn independently; understanding how to function effectively as part of a healthcare team.

Master’s Curriculum

The Didactic Curriculum

 The didactic phase is comprised of classroom and laboratory instruction in basic science, behavioral science and clinical medicine. Classes are held, for the most part, from Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 and 5:00, and Friday between the hours of 8:00 and 4, although some classes require evening, early morning or weekend sessions. Students are required to attend all classes as ALL CLASSES ARE MANDATORY. Students should have no other commitments during these hours. See “Mandatory Attendance Policy” for specific program requirements.

 At the beginning of each course, students receive a syllabus and course outline describing the purpose of the course, the format, the objectives, and required readings. Students also receive instructional learning objectives for each course, which provide the basis for examinations and guide the student in studying.

 Students are responsible for each objective delineated in the syllabus regardless of whether it is covered in class. Faculty members will determine the method of teaching and evaluation for the courses they teach. Some evaluation methods will be traditional, such as written tests, and others will not. Students are expected to meet the competencies determined by each instructor, in the manner required.

 To appropriately prepare students to practice as physician assistants, the course load during the didactic year is rigorous with substantial reading assignments. Reading/Preparation before each class is essential. Reviewing course topics each evening is the best preparation for written examinations. “Cramming” the night before will not give sufficient time to learn all the material needed. The course objectives found in the syllabus are the best guide for comprehensive preparation and gaining foundational clinical knowledge.

 There are a number of skills are required by physician assistants- medical knowledge, oral and written communication skills, clinical skills such as performing a physical examination, technical procedural skills, and most importantly, critical thinking skills. Each component is equally important. The comprehensive exam at the end of the curriculum assesses each of these modalities. Therefore, prepare for each class session equally.

Prior Coursework & Advanced Placement Courses

Neither advanced placement (AP) courses not courses taken prior to matriculation in the CUNY Medicine PA Program will be accepted or counted toward graduation requirements.

 The Clinical Curriculum

The clinical year is comprised of ten (five-week) clerkships in internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, geriatrics, critical care, and an elective. Clerkships are conducted off campus in various settings such as hospitals, private offices and clinics. The PA Program has sole responsibility for obtaining clinical sites and preceptors. At no time are students required to find clinical experiences. Students are required to report to the site as instructed by their preceptors. Some rotations will require students to report during weekends, holidays, overnight, or late into the evenings. Students return to campus for “call back” days, which are held periodically throughout the clinical year. These daylong sessions consist of oral presentations, end of rotation examinations, and special lectures related to clinical medicine. A separate handbook will be distributed during a clinical year orientation at the end of the didactic year detailing the specifics for the clinical year.

 Identification and background requirements for entrance into didactic and clinical years

All didactic students must complete the requirements below in order to be eligible for an ID badge to attend classes at Harlem Hospital (HHC) and CCNY. If a student fails to complete these requirements and is therefore ineligible to access Harlem Hospital, the student may be referred to the Committee on Course and Standing for professionalism.

 Requirements:

 Harlem Hospital Application Packet

Criminal Background Check (conducted by Harlem Hospital)

Physical Examination (including but not limited to toxicology and titers)

Complete mandatory trainings

Receive medical clearance from Harlem Hospital

 NB: These requirements are set in part by Harlem Hospital and may change. The program will relay any new information or requirements to students.

Harlem Hospital Application Packet

All students must complete an application packet for Harlem Hospital in order to be cleared to receive a hospital ID badge. The program will send students information and the application packet during the summer prior to the beginning of the fall didactic semester.

Criminal Background Checks

Current laws generally permit a state licensing board or agency to deny a license to practice in the applicant has been convicted of a felony or other specified crime. Like many state licensing boards, the Office of Professions of the New York State Education Department requires that a criminal background check be conducted prior to granting a license.

 The City College of New York does not require a criminal background check for admission. Yet a number of hospitals or other off-campus clinical training sites require a student to undergo a criminal background check and a toxicology screening before the student can be placed for clinical training. For students entering clinical year, the CUNY Med PA Program has arranged an account with Castle Branch where the students can have a background check and ‘Chain of Custody’ toxicology-screening document; both of these require a fee that students are responsible for. More details can be found in the clinical handbook.

 A site may deny a student access to its facility based upon the results of a criminal background check even if the student has already begun the clerkship, regardless of the student’s performance up until that point. Furthermore, a clinical site has the right to ask the student to pay the cost of the background check. Students frequently undergo more than one background check during clinical year.

Toxicology Screening

 Some clerkship sites also require that students undergo a drug test as a condition of their access to the site. Students may be responsible for the cost of this testing. Testing positive or refusing drug testing may result in an inability to complete the clinical year and to graduate. Please note that if a clinical clerkship site determines that a student may not take part in its training program based on the results of a criminal background check or drug test (or due to a refusal to submit a drug test) the student may be unable to complete course requirements and to continue in the PA Program.

 Neither the Physician Assistant Program nor CCNY has the obligation to refund tuition or other fees or to otherwise accommodate a student in the event that course requirements cannot be completed based on the results of a criminal background check or drug screen, or if a license to practice is denied.

 See: https://medicine.cuny.edu/criminal-background-checks/

Health Clearance

All students must provide the Program with evidence of physical fitness including non-contagion to infectious disease. The OHS (Occupational Health Service) of Harlem Hospital provides this service for free.  Copies of ALL the medical clearance documents needed for rotations are to be brought to the PA office to be filed on the students record.  Copies of all the medical clearance documents are to be uploaded into Typhon.  For rotations out of Harlem Hospital students are required to keep a copy of their medical information and present it to the preceptor or administrative personnel 4 weeks prior to the rotation start day. In addition, you must bring a copy to the site on the first day of rotation. Each site can request different protocols. Failure to maintain an updated medical clearance can/will result in removal from rotation and graduation delay.

Requirements for Health Clearance

Physical Examination

The physical examination is a part of the initial health clearance offered by the Harlem Hospital Occupational Health Services office (OHS). Medical clearance by OHS must be renewed on or near the anniversary date for each year the student is enrolled in the PA Program.

Immunity from Infectious Disease

·The titers for the following diseases must be obtained:

•       Rubeola, Mumps, Rubella

•       Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus

•       Varicella

•       Hepatitis B

The word “Immune” submitted by a PCP will not suffice for this purpose.  A childhood record of vaccination(MMR, DPT, Heb B) will similarly not suffice.  A verified record of previous titers will be acceptable, however.  If the titers are not available, serum titers must be obtained.  If titers show insufficient immunity, re-vaccination will/might be necessary, according to CDC guidelines.

Tuberculosis

As there is no vaccine against tuberculosis, all students will receive either a PPD (Mantoux) or QuantiFERON test as part of their physical exam. If the test is positive, or if previous prophylaxis or treatment for tuberculosis has occurred, a chest X-Ray will be required. Students who had a negative PPD or QuantiFERON test in the past, and who subsequently test positive will be required to undergo prophylactic treatment, even if their chest x-ray is negative.

Vaccinations

Influenza vaccination

Influenza vaccine is now a mandatory part of the health clearance, consistent with NYC department of Health criteria.  Anyone possessing a Harlem Hospital identification badge will not be allowed access to the hospital without a sticker verifying receipt of the flu vaccine.  To that end, all PA students must provide documentation of annual influenza vaccination by December 31, 2021. Similarly, clinical year students will not be able to attend clinical rotations until vaccination has been documented.  Some sites are also requiring proof of COVID 19 vaccination, this will be updated as needed.

COVID vaccination

COVID vaccination is now mandatory as part of the health clearance in many hospitals and facilities.  Some facilities are requiring proof of negative COVID test as well.  Clinical year students will not be able to attend clinical rotations until proof of vaccination has been documented or proof of negative COVID test has been documented.

 All of these procedures will need to be repeated as part of the transition to clinical year. Details can be found in the clinical handbook.

Didactic Year Calendar

 Fall, 2023 Basic Science

Spring, 2024 Basic Science

Summer, 2024 Basic Science

*Pending Approval by CCNY*

Tuition, Fees, and Refunds

Tuition and Fees per Semester

 Program Costs

Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice pursuant to City University on New York Board of Trustee resolution.

Tuition is set by the University Board of Trustees and is subject to change without notice of their actions. Students should arrange to pay their total tuition, fees and charges to complete their registration if they wish to be admitted to classes. The Bursar's Office is located on the ground floor of the Wille Administration Building. Telephone number: 212-650-8700.

 Tuition Refunds

 A full refund of appropriate tuition and fees will be made when courses are withdrawn by the College. In other cases, tuition refunds will be made or liability reduced only in accordance with The CUNY Board of Trustees regulations. Further information can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. On approved applications, proportionate refunds of tuition will be made in accordance with the schedule below. The date on which the application is filed, not the last date of attendance, is considered the official date of the student's withdrawal and serves as the basis for computing any refund.

 ·         Withdrawal before first day of classes (as published in the Academic Calendar) 100%

·         Withdrawal before completion of the first full scheduled week of classes 75%

·         Withdrawal before completion of the second full scheduled week of classes 50%

·         Withdrawal before completion of third full scheduled week of classes 25%

·         Withdrawal beyond third week 0%

·         Consolidated and activity fees are not refundable.

 New York State Residency Requirements

Students are assigned residency status when admitted to the College. Since residency determines tuition rates, students should know their classifications. If there is a question of status, it is the responsibility of the student to prove residency. An "Application for Proof of Bona Fide Residency" is available at the Office of the Registrar. New students must apply through the Office of Admissions.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office administers federal and state funds, as well as those provided by special programs and the College itself. Federal funds may be disbursed only to those students who maintain their academic standing and are not in default on a student loan or owe a refund on a federal grant.

 The financial aid office of the CUNY School of Medicine is located in Harris Hall Suite 1B. For further Financial Aid information please contact the Medical School Financial Aid Director, Michelle Bolton at 212.650.7804 or at mbolton@med.cuny.edu .

Faculty and Staff Contact Information

CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program 160 Convent Avenue Harris Hall-15

New York, NY 10031

Program office number: (212)-650-7745 Program fax number: (212)-650-6697

Program Policy

 Work Policy

The program strongly discourages any type of outside employment during the course of studies in the program. Program responsibilities are not negotiable and will not be altered due to student work obligations. Furthermore, working has been the chief cause for academic difficulty in past years.

 Students who choose to volunteer or be paid employees during the course of their physician assistant training cannot use their affiliation with the program in any aspect of that employment. Any activity undertaken by the student, independent of the program, is not covered by the liability insurance offered for clinical work associated with physician assistant training.

Furthermore, students may not be required to perform clerical or administrative work for the program.

 Students may not substitute for regular clinical or administrative staff during the clinical year. Should such a request be made of a student, it should be reported to the program director immediately.

 Additionally, as per the ARC-PA standard A3.04, the PA students must not be required to work for the program.

 E-mail

E-mail is the preferred mode of communication between the program faculty/staff and students.

All students must use their City College e-mail account and must check this account daily. Students should empty mailboxes to allow for regular e-mail from program staff and faculty. Failure to check an e-mail account is not an allowable excuse for missing a program event or notification.

 Dress Code and Identification

 A clean, white, short lab jacket with PA Program logo must be worn at all times in class and during clinical rotations.  Students must also wear the university issued name tag that clearly identifies them as a CUNY Medicine PA Program student, and, when supplied by clinical sites, wearing their facility issued identification badge. Students are not permitted to identify themselves as CUNY School of Medicine PA students in activities not approved by the program.

 Clothing Specific Guidelines:

 Shirts, Tops, and Jackets:

 Acceptable: Collared shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, tops and turtlenecks are acceptable attire. Women’s dress length should be appropriate for professional wear. Most suit jackets or sport jackets are also acceptable attire. Men should wear slacks, dress shirts and a tie.

 Unacceptable: Tank tops; midriff tops; shirts with potentially offensive words, terms, logos, pictures, cartoons or slogans; halter-tops; tops with bare shoulders; sweatshirts; hoodies; plunging necklines, and t-shirts unless worn under another blouse, shirt, jacket or dress; bare- back dresses; blouses, tank-tops, muscle shirts and tube tops; denim or jeans; shorts or hats. Scrubs are prohibited outside of the hospital or lab, unless prior written permission is obtained from the Program Director.

Shoes and Footwear:

 Acceptable: Shoes with closed toes. Walking shoes, loafers, clogs, boots, flats, and dress shoes are acceptable. All shoes should be kept clean.

 Unacceptable: Sneakers/gym-type footwear (except when permitted to wear scrubs), slippers or sandals

 General Guidelines:

 ·         Men may wear mustaches and beards that are neatly trimmed.

·         Nails must be kept trimmed.

·         Students must wear their hospital I.D. card and the Program I.D. at all times

·         If a more specific dress code is mandated by a clinical rotation site, please adhere to that dress code.

·         Repeated documented violations of this dress code will be subject to action by the Committee on Course and Standing.

Student Teaching in Program Curriculum

 Some students may be particularly knowledgeable in an area of medicine or possess advanced clinical skills because of prior health care related experience. Although such expertise is commendable, PA students are not permitted to participate in the teaching of any component of the curriculum.

 Program Policies

 Program policies apply to all full-time program faculty, instructional faculty, and students regardless of location. 

 Program Faculty and Student Healthcare

No faculty member, including the Program Director and the Medical Director, are permitted to provide health care for CUNY School of Medicine PA Students. Provision of health care includes giving medical advice. Program faculty can refer students for medical and mental health care, if needed.

Employee/Student Dating and Relationships

Because of the commitment to maintaining an environment that supports our education goals, CUNY Med PA program prohibits romantic, sexual, and exploitative relationships between employees (faculty and staff) and students. This includes, but is not limited to, dating students, asking students for dates, engaging in romantic or sexual activities with students, asking students to engage in romantic or sexual activities, or engaging in any activities designed to encourage or which does encourage a romantic or sexual relationship. In principle, such relationships call into question the professional integrity of the faculty member and staff, create an appearance of impropriety, and raise potential conflicts of interest. In

addition, such relationships jeopardize the academic freedom of the University community insofar as academic freedom demands an environment in which no person is intimidated, exploited, or coerced. The claim of mutual consent to such relationship will not prevent the faculty or staff member from being subject to disciplinary actions. This policy does not apply if the spouse or partner of an employee is a student at the University. Additionally, some circumstances in which faculty members, administrators, staff members work with students can have the potential for the exploitation of students. For example, a work-study student might be asked to perform services that go beyond the terms and conditions of the work-study assignment, e.g. child care, personal business transactions. In such cases, it must be clear that the student may decline such personal invitations without any adverse consequences. It may be that a work-study student will respond to an invitation to provide personal assistance, but this relationship must be one in which the student volunteers, is offered and accepts a fair wage for services, and one which bears no relationship to the continuation of or the evaluation of the work-study assignment. CUNY Med PA program reserves the right to take whatever action is appropriate, in its discretion, to protect the University's interests in the event of employee/student relationships or violation of this policy. This may include sanctions up to and including dismissal of the employee involved.

Confidentiality

In compliance with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 and Accreditation Standards for Physician Assistant Education, student materials, grades, records and files are considered privileged and confidential. All student records are stored in locked files when not in use. Faculty and clerical staff are the only individuals who have access to these files. No information contained within a student record will be given, either verbally or in writing, without the written consent of the student. Written consent for release of records will be kept in the student file. Written clearance is also necessary for the release of any medical information as discussed in the health clearance section of the Handbook.

 Mandatory Attendance Policy

Overall

 The CUNY Medicine PA Program has a mandatory attendance policy for required activities. PA students are expected to be in attendance for all didactic and clinical activities. The CUNY Medicine PA Program’s block schedule specifically includes time when students are not involved in class, lab or other program related activities such that, if needed, students can attend to outside appointments (e.g., medical appointments). Attendance and punctuality are mandatory for all program activities. Absences or lateness must be reported to the course instructor, the academic coordinator and Ms. Lopez via e-mail, phone message, or in person prior to the start of class. It is unacceptable to report an absence or lateness of another student. Excessive absences whether excused or unexcused, and chronic lateness, will be referred to the Committee on Course and Standing. Please be advised that merely reporting an absence does not constitute approval.

Timely Access to Services Addressing Personal Issues Which May Impact Student Progress in the CUNY Medicine PA Program

 The CUNY School of Medicine and the CUNY School of Medicine PA Program are committed to the personal and academic success and well-being of all students, including timely access to services addressing personal issues which may impact progress in the PA program. Although it is ideal if students receive services outside of their classroom hours, and, as noted below, time is included in the schedule for such activities, given the course load in the program this is not always possible. In such cases when timely access is otherwise not possible due to severity, access, or after-hours availability, the CUNY Medicine PA Program permits students class release time to receive services from healthcare providers and the Wellness Center - including academic success services, counseling, and disability support services.

Personal Days During Didactic Phase of the Program

Additionally, the CUNY Medicine PA Program allows the student to take one personal day each semester to attend to urgent personal needs. Recognizing the incredible time commitment in the didactic phase of the program, and understanding that many students will greatly benefit from a rare day off without risking academic success, the CUNY Medicine PA program faculty have adopted a policy permitting one personal day off per semester for didactic phase students. Personal days do not need to be excused by program faculty, but students must adhere to the following:

• A maximum of one personal day per semester is permitted and can only be taken in the didactic-phase summer, fall, and spring semesters. 

• Partial personal days (e.g., missing one course) count as full personal days (i.e., time cannot be saved or banked). 

• Students are fully responsible for any materials presented on missed days. 

• A personal day cannot be taken on the day of any written, practical or lab examinations or on the day before any written, practical or lab examinations. 

• A personal day cannot be taken on the day of Clinical Skills lab activities 

• A personal day cannot be taken on the day of any group assignment activities in any course. 

• A personal day cannot be taken during Orientation and the Program’s White Coat Ceremony. 

• A personal day cannot be taken during Supervised Clinical Phase Experiences (SCPE) Orientation. 

• A personal day cannot be taken in succession with school breaks, School or Program holidays, or requested excused absences. 

• Students must still submit the Didactic-Phase Student Absence Form Program Activity Form. 

• The Didactic-Phase Student Absence Form Program Activity Form must be submitted to all course directors at least 24 hours in advance of the absence. 

• The CUNY Medicine PA Program reserves the right to deny personal days for students at risk of or on academic and/or professional probation, and for students taking two or more absences during one or more semesters. 

• Violation of any of the above policies will result in an unexcused absence and enforcement of the CUNY Medicine PA Program policies as detailed in the CUNY Medicine PA Program Student Handbooks.  

• The program reserves the right to place a moratorium on all personal days for all students for any reason. 

Absences for clinical phase students job interviews

• All attempts must be made to schedule an interview so it does not interfere with the rotation. In the event that this cannot be accomplished, students must first obtain the permission of the Clinical Coordinator to attempt to arrange for an excused absence.  

 Absences from Required Activities

 Other than posted holidays, semester breaks, personal day, and when released from the program, students should expect to be present on campus from 8:00am to 6:00pm EST, Monday through Thursday and 8:00am – 4:00pm Friday, in addition to one-to-two weekly evening hours for scheduled lectures, sim lab, and service activities, and occasional Saturday hours for make-up classes.

Extended Absence Request

 The Program defines an extended absence as more than 1 (didactic) and 2 (clinical phase job interviews) consecutive days missed. The Policy for Extended Absence Request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Students can request in writing to the Program Director, through their faculty adviser.  This leave is up to 5 consecutive business days’ absence from the program (e.g., illness/death/family emergencies). All missed assignments must be made up within 1 week of return. The student must be advised; this may result in difficulty with progression due to the fast pace and rigor of a PA Program. Leave of absence and deceleration should also be discussed with the student as an option. No guarantee is made of approval or length of approved absence. The program strongly feels any more than 5 consecutive days missed must result in a leave of absence or withdrawal. The student cannot request an alternate delivery of course work from the rest of the cohort.  For longer leaves, please refer to the appropriate section in the Student Handbook.

The first unexcused absence will result in a conference between the student and his/her advisor. A second unexcused absence will result in a conference with the director. A third unexcused absence will result in referral to the Committee on Course and Standing.

 The student is responsible for obtaining all information related to any missed class time and to make up any work missed due to an absence. Instructors are not obligated to provide material to students due to an unexcused absence or to provide the opportunity to make up missed material due to an unexcused absence.

Attendance and Absence Policies Specific to Clinical Year

Students are expected to follow arrival-on-site reporting instructions and to notify the program of any changes or difficulties.

A suitable work schedule will be determined by the preceptor or his/her designee and should include at least an average minimum of 40 hours of clinical activities per week, a minimum of (200) hours over the course of the entire five weeks rotation, as determined most appropriate by the preceptor or their designee. The student is required to continue working with the preceptor or their designee for the entire five weeks, according to the preceptor’s (or their designee’s) schedule, even if the 200 hours is completed prior to the end of the scheduled five-week rotation. Students should expect to work any time their preceptor is working to include some nights and weekends on all rotations. Permission from the Clinical Coordinators must be obtained prior to absence from any rotation activities (unless an emergency occurs, please refer to the policy for notifying the program of emergencies while on SCPE’s).

Absenteeism Policies: Excused Absences

• Incapacitating illness or injury, such as those requiring bed rest and unexpected personal or family emergencies are considered valid reasons for absenteeism; however, the procedure for absenteeism must be followed. 

• All absences must be made-up with similar activities. All attempts should be made to make-up the time during the same rotation. Otherwise, such absences will result in a grade of “I” (incomplete) for the rotation until the time is made-up at a later date; this may result in delay of graduation. Rotations, in which you receive a course grade of Incomplete due to excused absences, may be completed at a later date, depending on the availability of the rotation and at the discretion of the Clinical Coordinators and preceptors.   All such activities may cause a delay of graduation. 

• Absences for scholarly and service activities (e.g., attendance at NYSSPA or AAPA conferences) or committee work, may be granted on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the Program Director and Clinical Coordinators. Students who wish to attend such activities must submit their intentions in writing to the Clinical Coordinators two months in advance. 

• A leave of absence may be granted by the Program Director for extended illness or absence (i.e., >3 days). The Program Director, on an individual basis, will consider all requests for a leave of absence if done prior to failure of a rotation. 

Absenteeism Policies: Unexcused Absences and Tardiness

• Absenteeism not reported as outlined above will be considered unexcused regardless of cause. 

• As arriving on-time is considered a part of professionalism, tardiness to rotations and/or end-of-rotation events is not acceptable and may be counted as unexcused absences at the discretion of the Clinical Coordinators. 

• Unexcused absences are considered a violation of professionalism and subject to consequences up to and including course failure and delay of graduation. 

• Chronic tardiness and absenteeism are violations of professionalism standards and the student will be referred to the C&SC.

 As the clinical experiences are vital to the PA student’s education, missing clinical experiences represents a significant obstacle to success in the CUNY Medicine PA Program. Given this, the Program has developed the following policies specific to unexcused absences in SCPE courses:

• The first occurrence will result in a decreased score on appropriate items from the Clinical Coordinator Evaluation of Student Grading Rubric for that specific SCPE course and a mandatory meeting with the Clinical Coordinators. 

• The second occurrence will result in a mandatory meeting with the Program Director for consideration of placing the student on Behavioral Probation and either (a) further reductions in score on appropriate items from the Clinical Coordinators Evaluation of Student Grading Rubric if in the same SCPE course or (b) decreased score on appropriate items from the Clinical Coordinators Evaluation of Student Grading Rubric for that specific SCPE course. 

• The third occurrence will result in a mandatory meeting with the Course & Standing Committee (C&SC) which will result in either course failure or an ‘incomplete’ grade for the course at the discretion of the Clinical Coordinators and the C&SC, and will mandate repeating the SCPE at the end of the year and delaying graduation; note, students are fully responsible for all tuition and fees associated with any delayed course or course activity completion.

Academic Integrity

Cheating and plagiarism are grave infractions of academic and professional ethical behavior and are contrary to the standards of any educational institution. Faculty are required to report all suspicions of academic dishonesty. Faculty may require students suspected of cheating or plagiarizing to confirm the originality of their work. Student breaches of academic standards will be subject to disciplinary or academic action and referral to the Committee on Course and Standing. Please refer to URL:   

 https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/legal-affairs/policies-resources/academic-integrity-policy/

Professional Conduct

Professional behavior is expressed through respect for instructors, PA Program faculty and staff, fellow students, patients, and colleagues. Professional behavior is evaluated throughout the course of study but is formally evaluated once a year during advisement sessions. Breeches in professionalism may result in appearing before the Committee on Course and Standing. The Committee on Course and Standing may mandate professional probation or dismissal from the Program. Some issues may arise that necessitate a referral to the Committee for Physician Health (CPH), a New York State Department of Health agency. While a referral to CPH will result in a very costly evaluation, meeting criteria mandated by them can facilitate licensure in individuals with professional issues, and who may otherwise be denied a license. Students from PA programs have been referred to CPH for chronic absences, anger management and bullying, as well as suspected drug and alcohol abuse. Failure to meet CPH criteria can lead to dismissal.

 Examples of unprofessional behavior include, but are not restricted to:

 ·         Poor attendance or tardiness

·         Plagiarism or cheating

·         Inability to accept constructive criticism

·         Lack of respect for the rights of patients to competent, confidential service

·         Failure to follow protocol, or directions of supervising physician, physician assistant or program faculty

·         Performing unauthorized procedures or administering services not permitted by the supervisor, the facility, or the program

·         Violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

·         Failure to perform all or part of assigned tasks and responsibilities

·         Leaving the clinical setting without permission of supervising physician or physician assistant

·         Performing any activity which is beyond the scope of the role of a student

·         Failure to identify as a physician assistant student

·         Failure to report all observed unethical conduct by other members of the health profession, including other students.

 Professionalism extends to behavior in the classroom. Therefore, the following behaviors will not be tolerated:

 ·         Engaging in conversation with others during a class or lecture

·         Leaving the classroom during lectures

·         Using personal e-mail or Facebook while in class

·         Neglecting to turn off cell phones

·         Utilizing technology for reasons other than current lecture

Social Media Policy

It is strictly prohibited to take photographs of patients, including in the operating room, even if the patient is not identified. Similarly, the posting of diagnostic images or any form of patient data on a social media platform such as YouTube, Facebook, iTunes, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, PA Student Forum or class blogs is strictly prohibited.

 Violation of this policy will result in referral to the Committee on Course and Standing and possible dismissal from the program. Witnessing any violation of this policy should be immediately reported to the program director. Similarly, private postings on Facebook or any other form of social media regarding program personnel, including faculty and fellow students, may be subject to disciplinary action. Assume all postings are visible to the program faculty.

Student Advisement

 Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who is available for counsel on matters concerning academic performance, professional behavior or personal issues. Formal student advisement will occur at a minimum of twice during the program. Should a student become concerned about a personal matter, the student should contact their advisor or the program director. The faculty can facilitate the acquisition of counselling services offered by the CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program.

Class Representative

 Each year several students are elected by their class to serve as liaison between the cohort and program administration. Class representatives convey concerns or information to and from the class. This is a voluntary position; students must be in good academic standing in order to serve as class representative.  Students will be selected after the midterms to ensure professionalism, good academic standing and academic success.  Class representatives must demonstrate professionalism through appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication skills and respectful interactions with others (including fellow students, faculty, staff, administration, preceptors, patients, and inter-professional healthcare team members). Class representatives must also demonstrate sound work ethic by showing integrity, responsibility, and initiative.

Student Society

Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (SAAAPA)

 The CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program is a charter member of SAAAPA. There are six elected positions in the didactic year class and five elected positions in the clinical year class.

 President (clinical)

Vice- President (didactic) Treasurer (clinical) Secretary (didactic)

State Chapter Student Representative (clinical) Assembly of Representatives (AOR)

AOR Representative (clinical)

AOR Alternate (didactic)

Student Diversity Committee Representative (didactic)

Historian (didactic)

Outreach Chair (clinical) Green Chair (didactic)

 Besides participation in AAPA and NYSSPA events, the Student Academy hosts monthly meetings for SAAAPA to discuss matters related to the Student Academy. Students must be in good academic standing in order to serve as an SAAAPA officer.

Director Meetings

 Didactic and clinical year classes will regularly meet with the Associate Dean/Program Director to discuss problems that arise with the Program, including within individual courses. These meetings are mandatory. All students are free to suggest topics to be addressed at these meetings and may approach the director regarding conflicts that need to be discussed by the class at any time. Students may discuss issues of a more personal nature with the Associate Dean in private at any time by appointment.

Standard for Written Assignments

 All written assignments must use the most recent edition of American Psychological Association (APA) or (AMA) Manual of Style. In addition, all papers must be free of typographical errors, spelling and grammatical errors, and plagiarism. Written work must also be sensitive to gender, racial, sexual orientation, religious, and ethnic bias. Non-adherence to any of these requirements may affect the grade received for that paper. Students are advised to make an extra copy of all written assignments for their own protection and records prior to submission. Style and formatting information for each style (AMA, APA) can be found at:

 https://library.ccny.cuny.edu/researchtoolkit/citing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

AI-tools, such as ChatGPT are based on a large language model- They are basically crowdsourcing information and providing likely answers based on the vast amount of text on their databases. While they can provide some helpful information, and may spur your thinking in some areas, they are NOT reliable sources and cannot provide citations or references to reliable data or evidence.

 Things you can do: You may use ChatGPT for brainstorming purposes. That is, you may ask it questions. Given the concerns about the accuracy and veracity of the output, you’ll then need to do some research to find peer reviewed and reliable evidence that might corroborate (or contradict) what the AI tool told you. Use those articles to find other articles that consider the same question (review the citation list for other articles to read). Either before or after you ask ChatGPT a question, conduct a more traditional search (e.g., PubMed, other CCNY library resources, Google Scholar). Review, compare, and investigate. Repeat this cycle, keeping in mind that what you’re getting from AI is crowdsourced information, not the reliable product of research and assessment.

 Things you cannot do:

Do not use ChatGPT to draft your clinical case/PowerPoint presentations. Do not use ChatGPT to give you citations. This is important both for the purpose of coming up with reliable evidence and also from an academic integrity (i.e., cheating) standpoint. If you didn’t write it, don’t put your name on it and claim that you wrote it. Don’t modify a few words here and there and claim you wrote it either. Close the search/chat window before you start drafting and put the real evidence and articles you’ve found into your own words. Do your own analysis and critical thinking.

Universal Precautions

 While the risk of infection due to contact with infectious tissue or fluids is far greater in the clinical year, students use sharp objects during the didactic year as well, and therefore should learn to practice universal precautions. The principle of universal precautions has been adopted to protect clinicians from exposure to infectious disease because any patient may harbor microorganisms that could cause infection if transmitted. Although blood-borne pathogens are of particular concern, all body fluids secretions, and excretions are included in universal precautions. Since infected patients may be asymptomatic, it becomes necessary to use basic precautions with every patient. Observance of universal precautions will help to provide better protection for every staff member. Students should also familiarize themselves with the hospital/clinical sites specific policies regarding universal precautions. The material below reviews guidelines and preventative techniques.

 ·         Avoid direct contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, non-intact skin and lesions

·         Avoid injuries from all sharp objects such as needles or scalpels

·         Avoid direct contact with items, objects, and surfaces contaminated with blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions

·         Dispose of all sharp objects promptly in special puncture resistant containers

·         Dispose of all contaminated articles and materials in a safe manner prescribed bylaw

·         Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, especially if they become contaminated with blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions

·         Depending on job duties and risk of exposure, use appropriate barriers, which can include gloves, gowns, aprons, caps, shoe covers, leggings, masks, goggles, face shields and resuscitation devices. These barriers are to be used to protect:

§  Skin, especially non-intact skin (where there are cuts, chapping, abrasions or any other break in the skin)

§  Mucous membranes, especially eyes, nose and mouth.

Note: Protective apparel, including gloves, must be removed after each use and are to be PROPERLY disposed of, and not worn from one patient or activity to another.

Change of Name, Phone Number, or Address

Any student who changes his or her name, address or telephone number must immediately notify the PA Program office in H15 of the Harris Hall building (telephone 212 650-7745), and the Office of Academic Records in Room 10 of Harris Hall (telephone 212 650-7156, 7160). The PA Program is not responsible for problems that are due to the failure of a student to notify the school of changes in personal information.

 If a social security number has been changed, the student must obtain an application for a change of name or social security number from the City College Registrar's Office in Room 102 of the Administration Building. Supporting documentation must be submitted to the City College Registrar's Office along with the application for a change.

Academic Policy

Student Evaluation

Various evaluation tools are used to evaluate student competency, including tests, written and oral presentations, discussion boards and group projects. All examinations are the property of the Program. The type of evaluation used in each course will be delineated in the course syllabus. Although some courses may be graded on a pass/fail basis, most course work will be evaluated by a letter grade. These letter grades will be converted to a Quality Point Index as follows:

The grade point average (GPA) is obtained by multiplying the numerical grade by the number of credits for each course (quality points). The total quality points are then divided by the total number of course credits completed.

 Examination Policy

Each course director is responsible for examining each student to assess the degree to which the student has met the course objectives. While many examinations will be written, the examination format is the prerogative of the course director with approval of the Physician Assistant Program.

The PA Program makes every effort to secure optimal testing accommodations within the parameters of our control. The following policies concern all examinations, regardless of format:

 ·                  Examination scores will be cumulative for the course.

·                  Course work, assignments and presentations must be handed in on the date and time indicated by the instructor. No late assignment will be accepted.

·                  Unauthorized retention, possession, copying, distribution, disclosure, discussion or receipt of any examination question is strictly prohibited.

 Examination Administration Policy

·         All students must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of each exam.

·         Additional time will not be provided for late arrivals. Time lost due to tardiness will not be compensated.

·         Doors will be locked at the start time of the exam, and no late arrivals will be permitted to enter the testing area. If you arrive late, please email the course director or faculty immediately to arrange for your makeup. Upon a second incidence of tardiness for an exam, the highest possible score that you can achieve is 75%.

·         No books, book bags, cellular, electronic or any other devices, such as smart watches or calculators, will be allowed in the exam room.

·         Communication with other classmates is strictly forbidden during the exam.

·         Proctors will not answer questions regarding exam questions.

·         Students should use the “flag” link to express concerns with particular questions. If a question is flagged, a comment should also be written. Flagged questions without comments will not be reviewed.

·         If a student experiences software or other technical issues, he/she should immediately seek the assistance of the proctor(s).

·         Scrap paper provided will be collected at the end of each exam.

·         Any misconduct or irregularity observed by the exam proctor must be reported to the program director and the Committee on Course and Standing.

Examination Review Policy

Examination reviews for CML components are held to reinforce core knowledge and identify deficits in topic areas. While not mandatory, students who receive a failing grade on an examination are encouraged to attend the examination review.

 NOTE: This policy only applies to the CML components. Course directors of stand- alone courses may have their own policies regarding exam review.

 ·                  Immediately after the submission of an exam, each student will be allowed 10 minutes to review their exam questions and answers on Exam Soft.

·                  During the review, questions referencing specifics of the exam or explanations of any part of the exam will not be accommodated. Questions that arise during the review should be submitted within 24 hours of the exam, which will then be reviewed by either the course director or didactic/academic coordinator

·                  Students have 72 hours to contest exam questions. References must be cited. Questions may not be contested after the 72-hour period.

·                  During the review, no one will be allowed to leave the room for any reason.

·                  Before exiting the examination room, each student will be required to log out of Exam Soft, and then be ‘forced-closed’ out of Exam Soft by an exam proctor.

·                  After exiting the room, no one will be allowed to re-enter the room.

·                  In the event of a technical problem making exam review impossible, a student may meet with the academic coordinator to review his or her exam.

·                  Students may not reproduce exam questions or parts of exam questions and may not discuss exam questions with other students during the review.

·                  Any misconduct or irregularity observed by the proctor will be reported to the program director and the Committee on Course and Standing.

·                  There will be no exam review for summative exams such as course final examinations, OSCE exams, clinical clerkship examinations, Exit Exams or End of Curriculum Exams. The didactic/clinical coordinator(s) and advisors will be available to discuss any content area needing further explanation.

Academic Accommodations

 In compliance with CCNY policy and equal access laws, appropriate academic accommodations are offered by the AccessAbility Center. Students who are registered with the AccessAbility office and are entitled to specific accommodations must arrange to have the Office notify the Professor in writing of their status at the beginning of the semester. If specific accommodations are required for a test, students must present the instructor with a form from the AccessAbility Office at least one week prior to the test date to receive their accommodations.” Academic accommodations will extend through the review process.

https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/accessability ; Email: disabilityservices@ccny.cuny.edu or call 212.650.5913.

Academic Advisors

All students are assigned an academic advisor from matriculation to graduation, within the program to monitor their progress and to recommend resources if experiencing academic difficulties (importantly, students do not need referral from program faculty to receive services for college resources). Students who fail to maintain the academic requirements are subject to probation, deceleration, or dismissal (details are noted in the CUNY Medicine PA Program Student Handbooks).

Academic Standing

Achieving and Maintaining Good Academic Standing

A student must achieve and maintain the required course grade and Cumulative semester Grade Point Averages (GPAs) to remain in good academic standing and graduate from the PA Program. Performance in courses is commonly assessed by written and/or practical examinations, oral presentations and/or research papers. In designated courses throughout the program, grades will be recorded as a raw score and a percentage. At the end of each course the percentage scores will be converted, to a grade, A through F, for each of the core PA courses. The grading scale itself can be found under Student Evaluation in this handbook.

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to be in Good Academic Standing and for degree conferral. The minimum semester GPA for the first semester is 2.7. Students not meeting the first semester GPA of 2.7 will be dismissed from the program. Students who earn a cumulative GPA between 2.7 and 3.0 will be referred to the Committee on Course and Standing (CCS) and are eligible for academic probation. Should the cumulative grade point average fall below 3.0 at the end of any semester, the student will be referred to the CCS. Failure to meet a cumulative GPA of 3.0 during the first academic year may result in academic probation or dismissal. The student may remain on academic probation for a maximum of two semesters. Once on probation, a student must reach a minimum of 2.85 during the first semester of probation. If the cumulative GPA remains below 2.85 at the end of the first semester of probation, the student is eligible for dismissal. Should a student not attain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 by the end of the first academic year (semester 3) dismissal from the program will result. A student may not fall below a cumulative GPA of 3.0 at any point in the program.

Academic and Professional Probation

Probation is a designation that alerts the student that professional or academic circumstances are such that dismissal is possible. There are two types of probation: Academic and Professional. Academic Probation is the result of failing to maintain good academic standing. Professional probation is a status designated by the Course and Standing Committee when a student violates one of the tenets of professional conduct or those set forth by CCNY. Failing to meet the conditions of probation may result in dismissal from the program.

The conditions of Professional Probation will be determined by the CCS. A student on any type of probation may not serve as class representative, Student Academy officer, or as a member of the Medical Challenge Bowl team.

Reassessment of Failing Grades

There are two types of courses in the didactic year, stand-alone courses and component courses. Component courses are: Clinical Medicine I, II, and III and Integrated Medicine courses. Stand-alone courses are:

Stand-Alone Course Failure & Reassessment

Stand-alone Course Failure is defined as:

·         Earning a final grade below 70% in any stand-alone course

·         Only two stand-alone courses may be reassessed during the entire didactic phase of the PA program.

·         A third course failure will result in dismissal.

·         Should a student fail a stand-alone course with a grade less than 70%, s/he will be referred to the Committee on Course and Standing for determination of continued academic status.

Stand-Alone Course Reassessment

 Students are eligible for reassessment if grades of 60-69% and other academic criteria are met.

Students who earn a passing grade on a reassessment will receive a grade of “C” for the course regardless of the grade earned on the exam. Students who do not pass the reassessment will be referred to the Committee on Course and Standing for determination of continued academic status.

Clinical Medicine & Integrated Medicine Course Failure and Reassessment

Clinical Medicine I, II & III and Integrated Medicine Courses are comprised of:

 Each of the Clinical Medicine Lecture courses (PA 5041, PA 5052, and PA 5033) and Integrative Medicine (PA 5043) is made up of multiple components, representing various disciplines of medicine. A passing grade of 70% in each component is required in order to pass the entire course. Should a student fail any one component with a grade of 60-69% s/he will be offered a reassessment in the failed component. The highest grade that can be awarded in a component reassessment is 70%, which will be averaged in with the remaining components to calculate a new final course grade.

 Clinical Medicine & Integrated Medicine Course Reassessment

 ·         Students may reassess a maximum of two components in Clinical Medicine I, II, and III, and Integrative Medicine.

·         Students must pass the reassessment exam with a grade of 70% or better.

·         Students who achieve a passing grade on the reassessment examination will receive a “C” for the component grade.

·         Should a student fail a reassessment examination in CML I, II or III and/or Integrative Medicine he/she will be referred to the Committee on Course and Standing for determination of continued academic status.

·         Failure of three or more components or failing a component with less than 60% in CML I, II or III and/or Integrative Medicine results in failure of the course and referral to the Committee on Course and Standing for determination of continued academic status.

·         Policies regarding clinical year course failure are outlined in the Clinical Handbook.

Identification and Remediation of At-Risk Students

Throughout and at the end of each semester, the Course & Standing Committee will meet to discuss each student’s level of success. Students who do not attain and maintain a 3.0 semester GPA, do not achieve a passing grade in individual courses, or have student conduct issues during the semester, will receive a letter/email from the Committee and/or Department Chair/Program Director notifying them of their evaluation within the Course & Standing Committee and their individual progression status. In such cases, progression status can include:

• For didactic phase coursework: 

  • At risk for academic probation, deceleration, or dismissal 

  • At risk for professional probation, deceleration, or dismissal 

  • Academic probation, deceleration, or dismissal 

  • Professional probation, deceleration, or dismissal 

• For clinical phase coursework: 

  • At risk for academic probation, deceleration, or dismissal 

  • At risk for professional probation, deceleration, or dismissal 

  • Academic probation, deceleration or dismissal 

  • Professional probation, deceleration, or dismissal 

  • Required repeat of an SCPE course resulting in delay of graduation 

 In the End of Curriculum Exam and the Summative OSCE, which takes place in the last 4 months of the program, the student must pass all components to pass the course.

• Upon passing, and with the completion of all other program requirements, students will be recommended for graduation. 

Student success plan (ie: remediation of at-risk students)

Didactic Phase Students

Any student receiving a grade of less than 80% in a midterm and/or mid-semester evaluation will be viewed by the program as ‘at risk’. At risk didactic students will be required to complete the following:

1. For the first incident of ‘at risk’ performance: the student must meet with their advisor, and specific course director if deemed necessary by the advisor, to develop a unique student success plan (e.g. develop study calendar, LRC referral, retrieval learning assignments) and complete this within 4 weeks demonstrating improvement. 

2. If continuing to demonstrate ‘at risk’ performance or for a second instance: the student must meet with the specific course director for an enhanced student success plan (e.g. Scholar RX review, UWorld Review, Aquifer cases, research, NEJM KnowledgePlus review, remediation of clinical skills, additional time at the Learning Center) and must complete over 4 weeks demonstrating improvement. 

3. For further continuing to demonstrate ‘at risk’ performance or for a third instance: the student will meet with the course director and didactic coordinator, and if deemed necessary, the Course & Standing Committee (C&SC) for possible deceleration or other requirements as recommended by the C&SC to the Program Director.  

Clinical Phase Students

Any student receiving grade/s less than 80% or scoring ‘non-competent’ on any graded component will be viewed by the program as ‘at risk’.  At risk clinical students will be required to complete the following:

1. For the first incident of ‘at risk’ performance: the student must meet with Clinical Coordinators to develop a unique student success plan (e.g. develop study calendar, Learning Center referral, retrieval learning assignments) and complete this within 4 weeks demonstrate improvement. 

 Remediation of Academic Difficulties

Students who fail to demonstrate the requisite knowledge or skills necessary to perform at an acceptable level for a course may be required to remediate those deficiencies. Remediation is a process intended to correct a student’s academic deficiencies and includes such activities as special assignments, examinations, tutoring, assessment and development of study skills. Students are strongly recommended to meet with their faculty advisor. Referral to the Learning Resource Center, the CUNY Med office of Academic Affairs (Makhtar@ccny.cuny.edu) or to the Wellness and Counseling Center (vschwartz@med.cuny.edu) may be recommended as well.

Deceleration & Dismissal Policies

 Deceleration

For the purposes of this handbook, deceleration is defined as halting progression in the program while awaiting the start of a future semester to retake coursework, and dismissal is defined as being dismissed from the program without opportunity to return or continue later. Specific to the clinical phase of the program, failing a supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) and repeating that course at the end of the clinical phase of the program, is considered ‘course remediation’ rather than deceleration. 

Deceleration is meant as a safety net, to provide supportive measures to prevent academic dismissal. Should a student fail one course they will be referred to the Committee on Course and Standing who may consider deceleration. A cumulative GPA of 2.7 or above in all remaining coursework is required to be eligible for deceleration.

Failure to receive a grade of ‘C’ (≥70.0%) in any course is considered course failure and, in the case of didactic phase coursework, will prevent the student from progressing to the next semester. Depending on the course, course exams may be able to be remediated for grade change, as noted in course syllabi. However, course grades cannot be remediated or changed once finalized by the course director. 

·         In the case of a didactic phase course failure, a student will be automatically dismissed or offered the option of deceleration, at the discretion of the Course & Standing Committee. 

• Failure of more than one course in the didactic phase of the program will automatically result in immediate dismissal from the program. 

• Failure or remediation of more than two Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) courses in the clinical phase of the program will automatically result in immediate dismissal from the program. 

• Academically decelerated students will be given a time period to consider their return to the program, typically this date will fall within 3 months of the return date. The student must confirm, in writing, and by the assigned due date, to the PA Program their intent to return to the PA Program. Failure to notify the PA Program of their intended return by the due date will be considered by the Program as a declination of the deceleration offer and this will result in the deceleration offer being withdrawn resulting in permanent removal from the PA Program. 

• Academically decelerated students who return to program participation and subsequently fail a course, fail to attain and maintain a cumulative semester 3.0 GPA, and/or fail to meet all technical standards will automatically be dismissed from the program. 

• Academically decelerated students who return to program participation and have subsequent behavioral issues are subject to the conduct policy in the CUNY Medicine PA Program student handbook. 

• Deceleration automatically results in delay of graduation and additional financial burdens to the student and may affect financial aid processes. 

  • Students are fully responsible for any additional tuition and fees, including changes in tuition and fees resulting from deceleration. 

  • Students are advised to discuss these issues with the College’s financial aid personnel prior to making any decisions regarding returning to the program if granted the option of deceleration. 

• If decelerating, the student can miss no more than two consecutive semesters from continuing in the program (i.e., from the time of course failure to the time of reattempt of course). At the end of this time if the student has not re-entered the PA Program, their opportunity to return from the deceleration will be withdrawn resulting in permanent removal from the PA Program. 

• Decelerated students will be required to demonstrate maintenance of competency to resume progression in the program. 

  • Decelerated students will be assigned a faculty advisor during the deceleration period whom the student is expected to remain in contact with. (The PA program policies regarding response to Program initiated emails within 24 hours will remain in effect during the deceleration). Failure to promptly respond to the advisor (per policy), or failure to complete assignments and return them by the assigned due dates, will be considered by the PA Program as the student is no longer interested in the deceleration pathway and will result in the deceleration offer being withdrawn resulting in permanent removal from the PA Program. 

·         This advisor is responsible for assigning continued material for the student to review and/or complete to help ensure the student maintains competency on Program taught materials in order to be successful upon return to the Program. These requirements must be completed prior to resumption of the program.  

·         Demonstrating competency may involve auditing previously completed courses, and/or other activities deemed necessary by the Program. As decelerated students are participating with the next cohort of students, these evaluations will be comprised of material covered in the sequence of the cohort the decelerated student will be joining upon return to the program. These policies apply to academic performance only, academic infractions (e.g., honor code violations etc.) are addressed under the Professional Policy section below.

• The following students are automatically placed on academic probation and may be subject to deceleration or dismissal: 

  • Any student who fails to attain and/or maintain a 3.0 cumulative semester GPA. 

  • Any student subject to academic deceleration. 

• Students on probation or at risk for probation, may be required to meet with the following individuals/centers by the Course & Standing Committee: 

  • Academic Advisor 

  • Course & Standing Committee

  • CUNY School of Medicine Learning Resource Center

  • Counseling and Wellness Office

• In the didactic phase of the program, a course failure will result in automatic academic probation and either deceleration or dismissal from the program, at the discretion of the Course & Standing Committee. 

• Students cannot be on academic probation for more than two consecutive semesters.

• Students placed on academic and/or professional probation may be removed from any program, school, and/or college student leadership roles and student committee participation as students must be in good academic standing to be in these roles.

• If a behavioral or conduct issue is involved along with academic, the policies governing behavioral probation and dismissal will be applied at the discretion of the Course & Standing Committee. 

Students are eligible for only one deceleration year during their tenure as PA students at the CUNY School of Medicine PA Program. Therefore, once a student resumes course work, any further course failure in the didactic phase will result in dismissal.

 Academic Dismissal

 Students will be dismissed in any of the following situations:

 ·                Failure of two or more standalone courses and/or multiple components of a clinical medicine course.

 ·                Inability to attain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 by the end of the didactic year (semester 3).

 ·                Cumulative GPA falling below 3.0 after successful completion of academic probation.

Students will be referred to CCS. Notification of dismissal will be made via e-mail and letter mailed to the address provided by the student. A student who refuses to accept the notification of dismissal within 10 business days loses the right to appeal the decision.

Professional Probation & Dismissal Policies

A student, faculty member, administrative officer, or employee of the College may charge a student with a conduct violation. Further, complaints from SCPE sites or the community, at the discretion of the Program Director, will be investigated thoroughly by the Course & Standing Committee as the program expects student professionalism to be maintained at all times.

 Students found to be in violation of the student conduct policies/standards and/or unable to meet the Program defined technical standards are subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the program. Students placed on professional probation are immediately removed from any program, school, and/or college student leadership roles and student committee participation and are not able to serve as mentors to other students. 

 Depending on the violation, and at the discretion of the Department Chair/Program Director, students may be referred to the Course & Standing Committee for determination of recommended disposition (i.e., probation vs. deceleration vs. dismissal). Egregious violations, including, but not limited to, issues of cheating and/or plagiarism (also termed an academic infraction), and issues adversely affecting the safety and welfare of others involved in the college and/or clinical sites (e.g., classmates, principal faculty, instructional faculty, staff, patients, campus/clinical site visitors) may result in consequences up to and including immediate dismissal at the discretion of the Course & Standing Committee.

Student rights regarding a required meeting with Course & Standing Committee

• Students will be notified by the Course & Standing Committee Chair in writing, of their required attendance at the committee meeting, no less than 24 hours in advance of the required meeting. 

• Students will be advised that the committee meeting is considered confidential and is not to be discussed with other students. 

• Students may request a CUNY Medicine advocate** to accompany them to the C&SC Committee meeting, but the advocate must be approved or confirmed by the Program Director and remain silent during the meeting. 

• Students are not allowed to bring any outside advocates to any program related meetings. 

• If students continue to exhibit behavioral issues while on professional probation, they will be automatically considered for a leave or dismissal by the Course & Standing Committee called at the discretion of the Program Director. 

• If students are placed on professional probation on more than one occasion, consecutive or nonconsecutive, they will automatically be considered for a leave or dismissal at the discretion of the Course & Standing Committee. 

• In addition to the above, a notation that the student had professionalism and/or conduct issues during their enrollment in the program, including but not limited to that the student was placed on Professional Probation, will be noted in any Program and/or faculty letters of reference/recommendation. 

 **The CUNY Medicine PA Program has defined advocate as a member of the medical school faculty and/or Student Affairs Office, excluding the program director, who functions to ensure that the student understands the allegation and the policies to which the allegation pertains. The advocate role is to ensure the student receives due process. If a faculty member called to serve as a student advocate is recused from the decision-making process of the Course & Standing Committee. 

***Course & Standing Committee meetings are considered confidential and may not be discussed with other students.

 Repeated Courses

 During the didactic phase of the CUNY School of Medicine PA Program, any stand-alone course that a student fails, will result in an F on the transcript and will be factored into the GPA. Should a student retake the failed course, the F will remain on the transcript but will not count towards the GPA; the highest grade the student will receive for the repeated course will be a C, regardless of the student’s scores on the course assignments, quizzes and exams.  The program will work with the CUNY Med Registrar's Office to ensure that this process is followed.

Learning Resource Center

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides free academic counseling to PA students. This includes instruction regarding study skills and test-taking, as well as content information in some areas. Students with academic difficulty are mandated to visit the LRC, but any student is free to use these services. The LRC is located in Harris Hall – Room 114. (212) 650-8408.

 Student Support and Wellness

On-Campus Resources

The CUNY School of Medicine provides all students with access to the CCNY Health and Wellness Center (https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/shs), the Wellness and Student Life Center, Learning Resource Center, the Accessibility Center/Student Disability Services.  

The Committee on Course and Standing

The Committee on Course and Standing (CCS) enforces academic standards of the PA Program. The Committee hears cases of students in academic or professional difficulty, takes all information into account and makes decisions regarding further action. The Committee is appointed by the Associate Dean of the PA Program and consists of a minimum of two (2) core PA Program faculty members, two (2) faculty of the CUNY School of Medicine BS/MD program, the Medical Director of the PA Program, and two ex-officio members, the Associate Dean of PA Program and the School of Medicine Director of Academic Records. The CCS acts through the Program Director, who communicates the decisions of the CCS in writing to the student. Students have the right to appeal the CCS decision through the Dean's office and or Student Academic Progress Committee (SAPC).

 All leaves of absence, withdrawals, placement on or removal from probation, course failures, professional breeches and potential dismissals are brought before the CCS. For academic concerns, students may provide the Committee with a letter explaining extenuating circumstances or may appear before the Committee if they wish. Should a student choose to appear, providing a letter beforehand is advised. Students may bring a support person to the meeting, however, only the student will be permitted to speak to and with the committee. Students are not permitted attorney representatives to a CCS meeting or to record the meeting.

 Once a student is referred to the Committee on Course and Standing, each situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Appeal of Dismissal

A student may appeal an adverse decision of dismissal in writing to the Dean of the CUNY School of Medicine within 10 (ten) business days of the official notification. The Dean will then appoint an Ad Hoc Appeals Committee, which will be provided with a copy of the student's appeal, the minutes of the CCS meetings at which the adverse recommendation was made, and the complete academic student record. The Appeals Committee is charged with determining:

 ·         If the adverse decision was made in accordance with the approved and established policies of the PA Program Committee on Course and Standing

 ·         If the student was accorded due process, or if the adverse decision was arbitrary, capricious or reflected prejudice against the student

 ·         It is not within the purview of the Appeals Committee to critique the academic judgment of the PA Program Committee on Course and Standing.

 The student has the right to be present at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Appeals Committee, and to make an oral or written statement. Should the student wish to appear, the Dean of the School will notify him/her of the time and place of the meeting at least 10 (ten) business days beforehand.

 The Appeals Committee may request, in writing, that the appropriate course coordinator, instructor and the PA Program or the Chair of the CCS attend the meeting. Within 7 (seven) business days of the meeting, the Appeals Committee will send its written recommendation to the Dean.

 The Dean will review the report of the Appeals Committee. After finding that the Appeals Committee properly carried out its charge, the Dean will accept or reject the recommendation. The Dean will promptly notify the student in writing of the final decision. If the original recommendation is reversed, the Dean will return the matter to the PA Assistant Dean/Program Director for action. The decision of the Dean in such cases is final; no further institutional recourse is available to the student.

Leaves of Absence

There are two types of leaves of absence: medical leave and personal leave.

 Medical Leave of Absence

 The Committee on Course and Standing (CCS) may grant a student a leave of absence for medical reasons for up to one year. To apply for a medical leave of absence, a student must submit the following to the Chair of the CCS and to the Assistant Dean/Director:

 ·         A letter from the student describing the reasons for requesting a medical leave.

·         A letter from a clinician substantiating these reasons.

 To return from a medical leave of absence, the student must submit a letter declaring intent to return to the Program, as well written medical clearance from your provider recommending that the student be allowed to return to the program to the Chair of the CCS committee and to the Associate Dean/Director.

 The student must submit an additional letter for clearance to return by June 1 for a fall readmission, December 1 for a spring readmission and May 1 for a summer readmission. If, by the end of the leave, a student fails to notify the CCS committee regarding intent to return or fail to register, s/he will be considered to have resigned from the CUNY School of Medicine PA Program.

 Personal Leave of Absence

 Under extenuating circumstances, the Committee on Course and Standing (CCS) may grant a student a personal leave of absence for a period of up to one year. It may be granted regardless of academic standing. A personal leave of absence is designed to allow students the time to address personal matters so that they can better prepare to meet the academic rigors of the curriculum. A personal leave should not substitute for a medical leave of absence or be seen as a solution for academic difficulty.

 To apply for a personal leave of absence, a student must submit a letter to the Associate Dean & Program Director. The letter must include the length of the leave, the reason(s) that precipitated the request for the leave and what the student hopes to resolve during the course of the personal leave of absence. The Committee on Course & Standing will then meet to decide whether to grant the student's request. The committee may request the student to attend the meeting.

 Requests for personal leaves should be made no later than the tenth week into the semester. This date is in accordance with the College's deadline to drop courses without an academic penalty (assign a grade "W" [withdrawal without penalty]). Extraordinary circumstances will be forwarded to the Committee on Course and Standing for consideration.

 The student will be notified in writing of the decision of the Course & Standing committee. Should the leave be granted, the terms will be specified in the approval letter. If the request for a leave is denied, the student may appeal the decision to the Dean of the CUNY School of Medicine.

The student must notify the Associate Dean/Director of the PA Program in writing of his or her intention to return to the Program. The student must submit this letter by June 1 for a fall readmission, December 1 for a spring readmission and May 1 for a summer readmission. If, by the end of the leave, a student fails to notify the CCS regarding intent to return or fail to register, s/he will be considered resigned from the CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program.

Resignation for the CUNY School of Medicine PA Program

A student considering resignation from the CUNY School of Medicine PA Program is encouraged to discuss the issue with his/her faculty advisor and Assistant Dean/Director of the PA Program. Once a decision to resign is reached, the student submits a letter to the Associate Dean/Director of the PA Program notifying the Program of their intention to withdraw.

Academic policies & requirements for promotion & graduation

All CUNY Medicine PA Program policies apply to all students, principal faculty and the program director regardless of location. Policies listed and detailed on the CUNY School of Medicine and the City College of New York Web Pages and in the CUNY Medicine PA Program Student Handbooks are subject to change. Enrolled students are informed when significant changes are made to published policies.

Importantly, CUNY Medicine PA Program Policies may differ from policies noted in the CUNY School of Medicine and/or City College of New York. When a difference exists, the CUNY Medicine PA Program policy should be considered the policy of record.

The CUNY Medicine PA Program is designed as a full-time 28-month, 80 semester credit hour program consisting of seven consecutive semesters. The semesters are divided between a 16-month didactic phase and a 12-month clinical phase. All program courses must be completed.

 Academic Progression in the PA Program

 Progression within the Didactic Year

 The following policies apply to student progression in the CUNY Medicine PA Program:

• Students are required to complete the designated professional curriculum, as designed, in the full-time sequence specified. 

• Progression will be a function of successfully passing all required courses, with a grade of 70% or greater, in each semester, achieving a minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 3.0, continuing to meet all technical standards, and meeting all other program policies/standards in each semester.

• Didactic Phase 

  • Each semester’s course work is to be considered pre-requisite to the next semester. 

  • Students are expected to complete each semester on time as a cohort. 

  • Failing to receive a passing grade in didactic phase coursework, following all offered exam remediation opportunities, will prevent students from progressing to the next semester. 

    • In such cases, students are either dismissed from the program or offered deceleration as explained in the deceleration section below. 

Progression from the Didactic to Clinical Year

Several conditions must be met in order to progress from the didactic to the clinical phase:

·                 Successful completion of all didactic phase courses.

·                 A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 must be earned for the didactic year.

·                 All incomplete grades, probationary issues or pending assignments must be resolved.

·                 A passing grade must be earned for the didactic phase exit examination.

·                 A faculty evaluation of professional behavior evaluation must be satisfactorily completed.

Didactic Year Exit Exam

Upon the completion of the didactic phase of instruction all students are required to take a written, comprehensive, examination of basic medical knowledge prior to beginning the clinical year of instruction. The passing grade for this examination is a 70%.  Students who fail to achieve 70% will be delayed in starting the clinical year by five weeks during which time s/he will work with a faculty member to remediate deficits. A second exam is given after these five weeks. Should a student fail the second exam, s/he will be granted an additional five- week period in order to prepare for a third examination. These three attempts must occur within a 10-week period. After three failed attempts, the student will be referred to the CCS for recommendations.

Progression Within Clinical Year

·         Clinical Phase Coursework includes Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs), Research coursework, and the Summative Course. 

·         As with the Didactic Phase, coursework will be full-time in the sequence designated and as assigned at the beginning of the clinical phase of training. 

·         Although, at the discretion of the Director of Clinical Education, there may be a necessity to change the order of the Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs), there is no possibility to change the order of didactic, research, or summative course work. 

·         Students are expected to complete each semester on time as a cohort. 

·         Failing to receive a passing grade in SCPE coursework, will either require SCPE course remediation or result in deceleration or dismissal as described in the Student Clinical Handbook. 

·         Remediation for Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) courses will automatically result in delay of graduation. 

·         Students are responsible for any associated tuition and fees related to SCPE course remediation. 

·         Students are permitted to remediate - via course repeat - a maximum of two SCPE courses. 

·         Any repeated SCPE course will take place after the summative phase of the student’s program and, as such, will automatically result in delay of graduation. The student is responsible for any additional tuition and fees related to the additional course or coursework. 

·         If a student, on reattempt, fails the same individual SCPE course (i.e., failing the same SCPE course twice), the student will automatically be dismissed from the program. 

·         If more than two individual SCPE courses (i.e., two different SCPE courses) are not passed successfully, students will automatically be dismissed from the program. 

·         When a student does not meet minimum requirements for a SCPE course they receive a “no grade”, and must repeat the SCPE course, which will result in a delay in graduation.

·         See the information detailed in the CUNY Medicine PA Program Student Handbook within the Academic Policies/Requirements for Promotion & Graduation and Policies and Procedures for Academic & Professional probation, Deceleration & Dismissal sections of this handbook. 

·         Students must achieve a score of 70% or greater on the End of Curriculum MCQ exam and a 70% or greater on the summative OSCEs to graduate. Failure to achieve a final grade of 70% or greater in the End of Curriculum and/or the summative OSCE will require remediation. 

End of Curriculum Examinations

A series of examinations are taken throughout the clinical year and advanced didactic semester:

·         End of Rotation Exams: comprehensive, standardized, 120- question multiple-choice examinations given at call back sessions for 7 of 10 rotations. These exams are intended to assess medical knowledge gained during Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs) and make up a part of students’ final grades for clerkships.

·         PACKRAT: a standardized exam developed by PAEA, modeled on the PANCE is given once per year. This exam is also based on the NCCPA Blueprint. Results are reported both by organ system (cardiology, pulmonology, etc.) and by critical thinking area (history taking skills, therapeutics, management, etc.). A national mean is set as the benchmark. Students not achieving the benchmark will meet with their advisors.

·         Summative Exam: a two-part, pass/fail, final assessment given within the last four months of the curriculum. It assesses basic competence in the following areas:

 o   Medical Knowledge: Demonstrate knowledge of etiology, risk factors, signs and symptoms of a medical condition.

o   Affective skills: Demonstrate effective communication to elicit and provide information; demonstrate compassionate and respectful behavior when interacting with patients.

o   Oral and written communication: Accurately and adequately document information regarding care; orally present a patient encounter with precision and poise.

o   Critical thinking: Demonstrate the ability to conduct a complaint-focused interview and physical exam; develop an accurate and detailed differential diagnosis.

o   Patient care: Obtain essential and accurate information; counsel and educate patients and their families; provide education aimed at disease prevention and health maintenance; develop and implement patient management plans.

 The format of the summative examination consists of: (1) a clinical simulation using standardized patients, and (2) a comprehensive 300-question standardized, multiple choice exam.

 For the simulated patient case, students are given a chief complaint and perform a focused history and physical examination on the standardized patient. The student then orders laboratory tests for which results will be given. Interpretation of the tests is integrated into a SOAP note, which includes a differential diagnosis and plan. The final phase is oral presentation of the patient to a faculty member.

 The secnod component is the PAEA End of Curriculum Examination, a comprehensive, five-hour, 300- question multiple choice examination. This test is developed and standardized by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) and based on the NCCPA Blueprint. Like the End of Rotation exams, students not meeting the benchmark will meet with their advisor for remediation prior to graduation.

 This examination is pass/fail. In the event of failure, students will be given the opportunity to remediate and take a reassessment examination, prepared by the faculty. Should a student fail a second time, s/he will appear before the Committee on Course and Standing and may be asked to delay graduation for six weeks in order to remediate deficiencies.

Graduation Requirements

·         Graduation is dependent upon successful completion of the following:

·         All courses in the physician assistant curriculum including all clinical rotations

·         A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 must be earned across the clinical and didactic phases of the program

·         Successfully pass the summative examinations (End of Curriculum Exam and Summative OSCE)

·         Meeting all patient and procedural log requirements

·         Faculty review of professional behavior throughout the entire program.

 Attaining the CUNY Medicine PA Program degree will require the successful completion of all didactic and clinical phase coursework. Specifics regarding course completion deadlines/requirements are noted in course syllabi. Unless otherwise noted in the syllabi, failing to complete all required course assignments may result in a failing grade for that course and subsequently prevent the student from progressing to the next semester.

Satisfactory progress through the program requires a minimum passing grade of C (70%) in each course; a 3.0 GPA in each semester, and a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Failing to receive a final passing grade in any didactic phase coursework included in the first 4 semesters will result in either deceleration or dismissal and automatically prevent students from progressing to the next semester. Failing to receive a passing grade in clinical phase SCPE coursework will result in deceleration or dismissal or require remediation (e.g., repeating a supervised clinical practice experience) automatically resulting in delay of graduation.

Students in the CUNY Medicine PA Program are expected to complete all coursework in the program, successfully completing all required courses each semester to progress to the next semester. In the didactic phase of the program, withdrawal from a course is the equivalent of decelerating and/or withdrawing from the program. In the clinical phase of the program, withdrawing from a Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPE) course does not necessarily prevent the students from progressing to the next course, depending on the issues involved, but would automatically result in a delay of graduation.

Students must secure and maintain stable and consistent wi-fi capability to use the platforms such as, but not limited to, Zoom for participation in online/distance learning class requirements and activities. 

 Eligibility to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination is contingent upon successful completion of all program requirements.

CCNY Grievance Procedure

Students with grievances concerning classroom matters other than grades should first attempt to resolve the grievance at the department level through discussion with the faculty member(s) or department chair. If the matter is not resolved, the student or department may refer the problem to the appropriate academic dean, CSOM Office of Student Affairs, the Ombudsman, or the CCNY Vice President for Student Affairs, who shall, if necessary, refer it to the Office of the Provost for further consideration and possible action.

Important Notice of Possible Changes

All CUNY Medicine PA Program policies apply to all students, principal faculty and the program director regardless of location. Policies listed and detailed on the CUNY School of Medicine and the City College of New York Web Pages and in the CUNY Medicine PA Program Student Handbooks are subject to change. Enrolled students are informed when significant changes are made to published policies. All PA Students in the CUNY School of Medicine are subject to the policies/procedures as outlined in the PA student handbook from matriculation through graduation. When changes occur, students are subject to the updated policies and procedures. The CUNY School of Medicine reserves the right to change policies and procedures at any time and without prior notice.  Errors or omissions in published documents may be corrected at any time. The handbook is not a contract.

 The City University of New York reserves the right, because of changing conditions, to make modifications of any nature in the academic programs and requirements of The University and its constituent colleges. The academic requirements, policies, and procedures set forth in this handbook are subject to change without advance notice. Circumstances may require that a course be withdrawn or that an alternative offering be made without advance notice. The responsibility for compliance with the regulations in each catalog rests entirely with the student.

City College of New York Standards, Policies, and Regulations

·         Office of Diversity and Compliance

https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/affirmativeaction

·         Sexual Harassment Policy

·         https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2021-02/Sexual-Misconduct-Policy.pdf

·         The City University of New York Policies on Equal Opportunity and Non-

Discrimination

http://www2.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/page- assets/about/administration/offices/hr/policies-and-procedures/PEONon- Discrimination12.4.2014.pdf

·         Sexual Assault Policy

http://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/la/CUNYSexualAssaultPolicy.pdf

·         Sexual Assault Information (Aid to Victims of Violence)

http://www1.cuny.edu/sites/title-ix/homepage/

·         The City University Of New York Policy on Drugs and Alcohol

·         https://www.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/page-assets/about/administration/offices/legal-affairs/policies-resources/Policy-Against-Drugs-and-Alcohol.pdf

·         Information for The CUNY Community on The Risks and Consequences of Drug and Alcohol Use

·         https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/CUNY%20Policy%20Drugs%20%26%20Alcohol%20and%20Information%20on%20risks%20and%20consequences%20of%20drug%20and%20alcohol.pdf

·         University Policy Relating to Drugs and Alcohol

·         https://www.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/page-assets/about/administration/offices/legal-affairs/policies-resources/Policy-Against-Drugs-and-Alcohol.pdf

·         Student Conduct

Students should become familiar with policies regarding student conduct at The City College of New York. Policies are located at the website indicated below: https://policy.cuny.edu/bylaws/text/#Navigation_Location

·         Public Safety Awareness & Crime Prevention Programs https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/safety

Program Forms

Agreement to Abide

 STUDENT HANDBOOK AGREEMENT

 I have received and read a copy of the Student Handbook on Academic Policies and Procedures of the CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program. I understand that as a student of the Physician Assistant Program that I am also bound by the academic policies and regulations of the City College of New York.

 My signature attests that I agree to abide by all rules and regulations governing my matriculation in the Physician Assistant Program.

 Print Name

 ______________________________________________________________

 Signature

 ______________________________________________________________

 Date

______________________________________________________________

Student Absence Form (Didactic Phase)

Didactic-Phase Student Absence Form

The CUNY School of Medicine PA Program (CUNY Med PA Program) considers student education a participatory activity. Student attendance and participation in scheduled CUNY Med PA Medicine courses is mandatory and can be used in faculty's assessment of student performance. Please refer to the Attendance and Absence Policy for full details and student responsibilities. This form must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of planned absence and within 24 hours of an unplanned absence.

Process:

·         For planned absences, submit this form at 24 hours in advance to both of the following people: Adrian Llewellyn, Associate Dean and Program Director (allewellyn@med.cuny.edu),  and Fabiola Lopez, Office Assistant (flopez@med.cuny.edu)

·         For unplanned absences, please notify the both the Program Director and Secretary via email as soon as possible, and then submit this form within 24 hours to the same people as above.

·         Please attach any supporting documentation (doctor’s note, etc.)

·         You will be notified if this absence will be categorized as excused or unexcused within 3-5 business days

·         You are responsible for following up with the course director(s) for the content, labs, or assessments that were missed during the absence, per program policy.

Student name: ______________________________________________________________________ Date(s) absence: ___________________________________________________________________ Courses/Sessions missed: ______________________________________________________________ Reason for absence request (state general reason without detail about illness/condition/personal issue):

Student signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________

Program Use Only:                                                                                                                                                 ☐Excused ☐Unexcused Comments:                                                                                                                        Program Director Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ________________