Selected Program Policies

Found on Page #25 of the Student Academic Catalog

The LMU Tampa PA Program is committed to maintaining and developing excellent clinical rotation sites and preceptors. The Program assumes all responsibility for establishing clinical rotation sites. Under NO circumstance will a student be required or permitted to contact and/or obtain their own clinical rotation sites. Any student who contacts a potential preceptor directly to make arrangement for their own clinical sites will be referred to the SPC for disciplinary action. Although it is the responsibility of the Program and not the students to arrange clinical rotation sites, a student may suggest a new clinical site. The clinical team will make students aware of this option and disperse appropriate forms at a designated time during the didactic year. Until the clinical team has this discussion with students, the students are asked to refrain from requesting preceptors or clinical sites. If a student chooses to submit a request at the designated time, the program will determine if the site is adequate for the student to meet program learning outcomes and legal requirements. All final decisions on site adequacy are made by the clinical team.

Found on Page #25 of the Student Academic Catalog

The Program is divided into a 12-month didactic year and a 12-month clinical year. Course content is delivered through both live and virtual lectures, case discussions, problem-based learning (PBL) and team-based learning (TBL) sessions, simulated patient encounters, laboratory sessions, and clinically supervised patient encounters. Course content is communicated via the LMU Blackboard Learning Management System. Active course engagement and participation are required. Reading assignments will involve course texts, articles, and materials available online at the LMU Medical Library.

Curriculum Delivery (Required Curricular Components) (A3.12d )
Found on Page #25 of the Student Academic Catalog

The Program is divided into a 12-month didactic year and a 12-month clinical year. Course content is delivered through both live and virtual lectures, case discussions, problem-based learning (PBL) and team-based learning (TBL) sessions, simulated patient encounters, laboratory sessions, and clinically supervised patient encounters. Course content is communicated via the LMU Blackboard Learning Management System. Active course engagement and participation are required. Reading assignments will involve course texts, articles, and materials available online at the LMU Medical Library

During the didactic year conducted on the Tampa Campus, students receive education in basic medical sciences, clinical skills, clinical medicine, and other topics influencing medical care in order to lay the foundation for the subsequent clinical year. The didactic phase will be conducted on the Tampa Campus and via hybrid virtual learning, with approximately 25% of course material being delivered in virtual and asynchronous formats. Unique to our program, students are taught medicine in a modular format. Each module covers all aspects of that body system, from anatomy and pathophysiology to diagnosis and treatment. A case-based clinical integration course taught alongside each module allows students to apply lecture materials in a timely and synergistic manner, and a medical Spanish course allows students to integrate medical Spanish communication along with each body system-based module.

The clinical year is conducted in outpatient and hospital settings with licensed medical providers serving as preceptors. Students will have a four-week transition to clinical practice course followed by nine supervised clinical experiences. Halfway through the year, students will return to campus for a two-week mid-year evaluation followed by a two-week service to underserved populations course. During the year, students will receive further training in Medical Spanish, compile a portfolio of medical cases, log clinical skills, and complete a professional development project. At the end of the year, students will return to campus for a clinical conference and final evaluation in preparation for the national certification exam.

Found on Page #24 of the Student Academic Catalog

The LMU Tampa PA Program is a full-time, 24-month, 115-credit graduate program that awards successful graduates with a Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree.

 

Found on Page #9-11 of the Student Academic Catalog

This section describes the student services available to all LMU students regardless of location and during both the clinical and didactic year.

•   LMU Financial Services

  LMU Financial Services provides students with the appropriate documents and counseling to secure financial assistance in the form of loans, scholarships, and grants. Accepted and enrolled students can receive assistance and information at https://www.lmunet.edu/student-financial-services/index. Services include but are not limited to financial aid application and eligibility requirements, loan programs, understanding cost of Program attendance, and seeking scholarships.

•   LMU Accessible Education Services

  LMU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to assist students with disabilities in reaching their academic potential. If you have a disability that may impact your performance, attendance, or grades, please contact the Director of Accessible Education Services to discuss your specific needs at [email protected] or 423.869.6587 (800-325-0900 ext. 6587). For more information regarding accommodations, see www.lmunet.edu/student-life/accessible-education-services/accessible-education-services. Students are responsible for requesting services through the Office of Accessible Education Services prior to matriculation or as soon as possible after any condition that may qualify arises. The LMU Tampa PA Program will attempt, to the best of its ability, to develop mechanisms by which students can be accommodated; however, the integrity of the curriculum must be maintained. Our affiliate organizations, such as outpatient clinics and hospital systems that administer the clinical portion of the program curriculum, expect students to perform their duties in a timely and efficient manner, as is critical for patient care. Therefore, extra time will generally not be granted during clinical rotations or clinical performance assessments. Similarly, the use of trained intermediaries will generally not be approved in clinical situations.

•   LMU Counseling Services (A3.10)

  LMU Counseling Services are provided to help students with any non-academic issue that is impeding a student’s progress. At PA program student mentee meetings, which are scheduled a minimum of once a semester, problems may be identified for which a student’s mentor will provide timely referral to counseling services (A3.10). Students may also self-initiate an appointment. Common reasons to seek services or to be referred for counseling include but are not limited to sadness; personal situations that are causing social or academic difficulties; roommate or dating issues; stress or anxiety; eating disorders; low self-esteem; family issues; social anxiety; alcohol/drug issues; anger control or just having a safe place to discuss life’s challenges and identify healthy ways to deal with them.

  Counseling appointments are confidential and free of charge to all LMU students. Appointments are conducted via message, chat, phone, or video, depending on student preference. Due to state license requirements for medical providers, LMU Tampa PA students must use the LMU counseling links that are specific to the LMU Tampa Campus. Although the services provided are from two different companies, the services are comparable between the main campus and Tampa campus locations. (A3.12h) To initiate an appointment:

  1. Login at www.WELLCONNECTForYou.com with the code LMU STU
  2. Click the “Online Therapy” banner at the top of the page
  3. Select “START ONLINE THERAPY”
  4. Complete registration and get matched with a therapist
  5. Download app and start therapy

  To access counseling after business hours, call 866-640-777. If students have difficulty initiating services, please contact LMU Counseling at (423)-869-6401. If students are experiencing a mental health emergency and need immediate assistance and are not able to access counseling services, they are encouraged to immediately call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention number at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

•   LMU Office for Diversity and Belonging

  The LMU Office for Student Diversity and Belonging facilitates an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles and the value of inclusive environments that respect the dignity of all individuals—ultimately fostering a culture of "belonging" at Lincoln Memorial University. Goals of the Office for Diversity and Belonging are:

  1. Support students from historically underrepresented groups
  2. Celebrate diverse experiences and identities
  3. Foster an atmosphere of community, support, and mutual respect
  4. Create a culture of "belonging"
  5. Provide co-curricular and leadership experiences to foster greater critical and independent thinking skills
  6. Prepare students for entering a global workforce

  Office of Diversity and Belonging information and contact information are found at: https://www.lmunet.edu/inclusion-and-diversity-engagement/index

•   LMU Transcript Services

  Students may obtain or have forwarded to designated parties’ copies of his/her academic transcript by submitting a written request to the Office of the Registrar for a minimal processing fee. The student’s account with the Finance Office must be paid in full, and student loans must be in a non-defaulted status before the release of official academic transcripts. LMU follows FERPA guidelines in fulfilling all transcript requests.

•   The LMU Bookstore

  The LMU Bookstore, https://lmu.bncollege.com/, is hosted online. Here, students can purchase new or used textbooks and other materials necessary for classes.

•   The LMU Medical Library

  LMU’s Lon and Elizabeth Parr Reed Medical Library is found at http://library.lmunet.edu/medlib/. The LMU Medical Library provides students with access to medical texts and 158 databases.

•   LMU Career Services

  The LMU Office of Career Services provides career counseling, career exploration, interest assessments, and other resources such as resume construction, cover letters, and interview preparation. LMU Career Services information and contact information can be found at: https://www.lmunet.edu/career-services/index.

•   LMU Email and Internet Services

  All students are given an LMU e-mail address and an LMU account which grants the student access to University network resources and the Internet.

   

•   LMU Information Services (IS)

  LMU Information Services helps ensure that students can access LMU teaching resources successfully. The IS help desk strives to respond to each inquiry in a timely manner and will ask for information about the caller and the problem so that calls can be logged and problems tracked to resolution. IS will strive to resolve the issue during the initial call or, if not feasible, within a reasonable timeframe. Certain problems may need to be researched or referred to the next level of support in order to be resolved and, thus, may take longer. IS will correct emergency issues as quickly as possible. Software/hardware/technology that is not required by LMU and maintenance of student’s personal devices are outside the scope of Help Desk support parameters.

  To access IS go to https://www.lmunet.edu/information-services/index.php
  Contact the IS help desk at [email protected],  or call 423.869.7411/ 800.325.0900
  
  IS Hours:
  Phone/Walk-in Support Hours: Monday - Friday - 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
  Phone/Web-Based Extended Hours: Monday - Friday - 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
  Phone/Web-Based Weekend Hours: Saturday - 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM, Sunday - 12:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Found on Pages #12-14 of the Student Handbook

LMU deems student and faculty security of utmost importance at all LMU sites. Because of this, they have several services and recommendations. Security officers will be on campus during all open hours to assist with student needs. Please read the following section carefully to ensure full knowledge of all security services, policies, and recommendations.

•   LMU Tampa Building Access and Security (A1.02g)

  During regular business hours, the LMU Tampa PA Program building is open to students and employees. During non-business hours, access is not permitted. Typical business hours are 7:00 am-4:30 pm. Additional access hours may be scheduled to allow students to study and practice clinical or physical examination skills. Students will be made aware of the study hours schedules when they become available. Students trying to enter the building during non-approved hours may be subject to disciplinary action.

•   Contact information for Reporting On Campus Crime and Emergencies (A1.02g)

  All crime or emergencies, including fire, hazardous materials spills, police emergencies, or anything that threatens imminent harm to people, must be reported to Campus Security at (813)-331-4613, to 911, or to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813)-247-0600.      

•   LMU Emergency Notification System (LiveSafe) (A1.02g)

  LMU utilizes the FREE LiveSafe alert system to notify university members in the event of any emergency. All employees and students are automatically enrolled in LiveSafe by email and alerts are sent to their LMU email address. Students MUST download the LiveSafe App. If they wish to also receive alerts by phone:

  1. Visit the Google Play or App Store and search for "LiveSafe."
  2. Download the app, register with your email, and fill out your profile.
  3. Search for and select "Lincoln Memorial University" as your school.

  The LiveSafe notification system is initiated during severe weather, violent conditions, or hazardous incidents that pose danger to the safety of LMU students and employees. Notifications include a description of the situation, its exact location, and any emergency procedures that are to be followed. Local police and emergency responders are also alerted of any immediate threat, on-campus emergency. Immediate threats include but are not limited to active shooter incidents, mass acts of violence, tornadoes, terrorist attacks, or hazardous materials incidents

•   Reporting Stalking (A1.02g)

  The State of Florida criminalizes stalking. A person commits the crime of stalking if, with intent to harass another person, the person engages conduct that is reasonably likely to harass that person and cause credible threat, threat made with the intent to cause a person to reasonably fear for his or her safety. In Florida, misdemeanor stalking is punishable by up to one year in jail, and felony or aggravated stalking, is punishable by up to five years in State Prison. All stalking incidences or suspicions should be reported to the LMU Police and Security Department at 423.869.6911 or to 911.

•   LMU Weapons Policy (A1.02g)

  Visitors, students, and employees are prohibited from possessing weapons of any kind, including but not limited to firearms, fireworks, guns, explosives, bows and arrows, knives, paintball guns, etc. while on LMU property, at any university-sponsored activity, or while at any clinical site, even if the weapons are legally registered. Visitors, students, and employees are also prohibited from keeping weapons in their personal vehicles parked on LMU’s premises. LMU reserves the right, based upon reasonable suspicion of a violation, to search an office, vehicle, or property of a visitor, student, or employee or require them to remove a jacket or sweater and to turn out their pockets. Individuals are permitted to carry mace, pepper spray, and pocketknives with blades no longer than three (3) inches as long as they are concealed in a pocket, purse, briefcase, or other personal belonging. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action or arrest. Some clinical sites may have additional weapons regulations that must be followed.

•   Sex Offender Registry Awareness

  It is recommended that students visit the Florida Sex Offender Registry for information about registered sex offenders living near campus. https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/sops/offenderSearch.jsf

•   Off Campus Crime Involving LMU Students (A1.02g)

  If the local authorities are contacted about criminal activity off-campus involving LMU students, they may notify the LMU Police and Security Department. Students in these cases may be subject to arrest by the local police and also to University disciplinary proceedings.

•   LMU Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (The Clery Act) (A1.02g)

  The LMU Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) will be published online by October 1^st of each year and can be found at Campus Police and Security (lmunet.edu) The LMU ASFSR contains three previous years of crime statistics, campus policies, and procedures, including alcohol, drug, weapons, sexual violence, etc., and law enforcement authority. This publication is required to be in compliance with the Clery Act, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) To request a paper copy, contact the Clery Act Compliance Coordinator at 423-869-6301 or in person at: Tex Turner Arena, 330 Mars/DeBusk Parkway, Harrogate, TN  37752. Additional information on LMU Crime reporting and the Clery act can be found in Appendix E of this manual.

Found on Page #13 of the Student Handbook

Freedom and liberty from unwanted, unwelcomed, or coerced sexual contact is the right of every member of the LMU community. Individual responsibility and recognition of the intrinsic value of high moral and ethical standards are guiding principles for every member of the LMU community to foster an atmosphere that does not tolerate unwanted sexual contact or sexual violence. LMU does not tolerate sexual misconduct or other sexual violence committed on or off campus by or against any sector of the LMU community, faculty, staff, students, or third parties. The Title IX Coordinator provides consultation, investigation, and disposition of all inquiries and complaints of alleged discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, non-consensual sexual contact, non-consensual sexual intercourse, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, stalking, and any other forms of discrimination on the basis of sex. Students may contact the Title IX Coordinator (https://www.lmunet.edu/about-lmu/office-ofinstitutional-compliance/title-ix-policy-and-procedure) to report allegations of discrimination on the basis of sex as listed above.

Cancellation and Refund Policy (A1.02k)

Notification of cancellation of enrollment to any LMU program must be made in writing or by email to the Registrar and appropriate Program administrators, and an official withdraw form must be submitted to the LMU registrar. Students who cancel enrollment prior to the semester start date will receive a  full tuition refund, excluding payment plan enrollment fees and book and supply costs, if applicable.

If a student withdraws or is dismissed for disciplinary, personal, or financial during a semester, the student’s eligibility for a refund of tuition charges will be prorated as indicated below. If a student withdraws from the program for any reason, they must self-initiate the process by completing an LMU withdrawal form and submitting it to the Registrar’s Office. Oral requests do not constitute official notification. Should the student fail to complete this process, all semester charges will become immediately due. The official date of withdrawal used to compute the refund is based on the date the withdrawal form is received by the Registrar. Refunds are issued according to the following schedule:

During the first week of the semester: 100%

During the second week of the semester: 75%

During the third week of the semester: 50%

During the fourth week of the semester: 25%

After the fourth week of the semester: 0%

No refunds are made after the fourth week of the semester. Specific dates affecting the schedule of refunds appear on the Registration Policies page on the LMU website. If a refund is due to the student, it will be disbursed within 30 days of the withdrawal date. Email [email protected]  with any questions.

 

Return of Title IV Funds Policy (A1.02K)

The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 regulate how colleges and universities handle Title IV funds when a recipient withdraws from school. This policy is separate from the university’s refund of institutional charges. The return of Title IV funds includes Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, PLUS/GRAD PLUS Loans, Perkins Loans, and Stafford Loans. The policy states that up through the 60% point in each semester, a pro-rata schedule will be used to determine how much Title IV aid the student has earned. For example, if the student has attended 31% of the enrollment period, the student has earned 31% of his/her Title IV aid, and 69% of the aid must be returned to the federal government. After the 60% point in the semester, the student has earned 100% of the aid for which the student was eligible. Additional information on the return of Title IV funds available from the Office of Admissions and Student Advancement.

 
The official date of a student’s withdrawal is the date that the Office of Admissions and Student Advancement receive the student’s written notification of withdrawal or request for a leave of absence. The percentage of time completed in the enrollment period determined by dividing the number of days completed by the number of days in the enrollment period. If 60% of the semester completed, there is no return of Title IV funds.

Found on Page #19 of the Student Handbook

Due to the significant time commitment required, outside employment is strongly discouraged while enrolled in the LMU Tampa PA Program. Students who still elect to work outside the program may not be employed more than eight hours per week during any semester. No assignments, examinations, or schedules will be adjusted due to a student’s outside work schedule. A violation of this policy may result in an SPC referral for disciplinary action, including the possibility of program dismissal.

Students are not permitted to work for the LMU Tampa PA Program or any Clinical Affiliate while enrolled in the Program. Students are never required to or permitted to substitute for or function as Program faculty or staff or as clinical rotation staff during the didactic or clinical year, regardless of prior experience.

Found on Page #18 of the Student Handbook

All students must identify themselves as a PA Student (PA-S) at all times and in all settings. Students must never present themselves as a physician, resident, medical student, PA-C, or a current colleague of Clinical Preceptors. Use of titles earned prior to matriculation are not permitted (e.g., EMT, RN, Ph.D., etc.) while in the Program. Students must wear their ID badge in a clearly visible location, identifying them as a PA student, while at ALL clinical settings and University sponsored events. Students failing to follow this policy will be referred to the SPC for disciplinary action.

Found on Pages #10-11 of the Student Handbook

Prior to matriculation and again prior to clinical rotations students must have a licensed health care provider (1) verify the student's vaccination status for all CDC recommended vaccines for health professionals and (2) submit the Program’s Medical Clearance Form. Failure to submit initial documentation as directed in matriculation paperwork will prevent the student from beginning the program and failure to submit documentation again prior to the clinical year will prevent students from beginning clinical rotations. Requirements include:

1. Annual PPD- TB Skin test OR if positive, a negative chest radiograph within 3 years
2. Hepatitis B immunization- Complete three vaccination series or a positive antibody titer
3. Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis immunization- Tdap or Td vaccination within the past 10 years
4. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization- 2 MMR vaccinations or a positive antibody titer
5. Varicella immunization- 2 varicella vaccinations, a positive antibody titer, or verification from a healthcare provider of past infection with varicella
6. Influenza immunization- Vaccine for the current flu season

 

Additional Vaccination and Health Clearance Requirements: Clinical Rotation Affiliates may require additional vaccines and health clearances that are not listed above. Students are responsible for obtaining all clearance requirements for individual clinical affiliates prior to attending that clinical rotation as requested by that clinical affiliate, failure to do so may delay clinical rotations and progression in the program, delay of graduation, or result in the inability to complete the program within the required 38 months.

COVID-19 Vaccination/Booster: Students are encouraged to obtain and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Students may apply for an exemption through LMU. The Program will make every reasonable effort to accommodate clinical site placement for students who do not have proof of COVID-19 vaccination or who have an exemption through LMU; however, since clinical sites may require proof of COVID-19 vaccination and may not accept an exemption, this may result in a delay in graduation result in the inability to complete the program within the required 38 months.

Found on Pages #21-22 of the Student Handbook

If a student experiences a needle stick, sharps injury, or is exposed to a patient’s blood or other hazardous contagious disease exposure while participating in clinical care, the student is responsible for reporting and initiating care. The student must file all medical claims to their personal medical insurance first, then to the LMU intercollegiate policy (*see financial responsibility statement below). The student is required to hold personal health care insurance and must use that insurance first. If exposures occur, use following procedures:

1. Immediately perform first aid as needed. Wash needle sticks and cuts with soap and water. Flush the nose, mouth, or skin with water. For ocular exposures, flush eyes with water, normal saline solution, or sterile irrigates for several minutes.
2. Immediately report the incident (within two hours) to the Didactic Director during the Didactic year or to the clinical preceptor and clinical team during the Clinical Year.
3. Immediately initiate a visit with a medical provider in order to initiate all posttreatment testing and treatment protocols as recommended by the CDC (Ex. For HIV exposure postexposure prophylaxis is initiated within two hours of the incident.)
4. Submit all claim forms as directed by Program Faculty. Claim forms will be provided to the student by program faculty ; they must be completed and submitted to the Program via email within two days. Forms may include an Incident Claim Form, a Disclosure of Health Information form, and/or a Contact Information form. Students will also need to submit health insurance card copies.
5. Keep medical bills and communication from insurance companies or the clinical site associated with the injury in a folder to submit to the Program’s Administrative Assistant.

 

*Financial Responsibility for Medical Costs (A3.08c): The University will endeavor to assure that medical insurance coverage for students is in effect throughout the duration of the LMU Tampa PA Program, but it is understood that students are financially responsible for their own medical insurance and for any medical care they receive at any affiliate clinical site and care received due to injury or exposure that occurs during the didactic year or clinical year.

Found on Page #10 of the Student Handbook

Student health records are confidential and are not accessible to or reviewed by Program Faculty or staff except for immunization and tuberculosis screening results. Except in an emergency situation, the Program Director, Medical Director, and Principal Faculty may not participate as health care providers or behavioral health counselors for students in the Program.

Found on Pages #19-20 of the Student Academic Catalog

•   Academic Performance and Progression (A3.15b)

  Due to the sequential nature of the didactic year curriculum, students must successfully complete all courses in a given semester before becoming eligible to advance to the next semester during the didactic year. This is usually the case during the clinical year; however, there may be rare occurrences when clinical rotation courses may be taken in a later semester. These determinations are made carefully by the Program’s Student Progress Committee (SPC). At the conclusion of each semester, the SPC reviews each student’s academic and professional performance. Students must be recommended for progression by the SPC to be eligible to take courses in the subsequent semester.

•   Academic Progression Standards (A3.15b)

  In order to be academically approved progress to the next semester, at the end of each semester, a student must have obtained a minimum grade of 70.0% (C) in each course. Students who do not meet academic progression requirements are referred to the SPC.

•   GPA of 3.0 or Greater Policy

  Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in order to remain in good academic standing. If at the end of any semester, a student’s overall GPA falls below 3.0, they will be placed on academic probation and given one semester to raise their GPA to 3.0 or greater. If a student fails to raise their overall GPA to ≥3.0 within one semester, they will be dismissed from the program. A student may also be dismissed if it is mathematically impossible to improve their GPA to ≥3.0 within one semester. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of ≥3.0 is required to graduate from the program.

•   Academic Standing (A3.15a, b)

  Students are considered in good academic standing if they have met all the following criteria:

  • Receive a passing score of 0% (C) or higher in all courses
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

  Students who do not meet the above standards will be placed on academic probation and are no longer in good academic standing. Students who are not in good academic standing will be sent to the SPC for recommendations.

•   The C grade Policy

  Students who obtain three or more final course grades of C in any given semester will be sent to the SPC for recommendations.

•   Prerequisites to Progress to Clinical Rotations
  1. Be in good academic standing according to program requirements
  2. Timely and correct submission of all pre-clinical paperwork and tasks as assigned
  3. Complete PAS642 Transition to Medical Practice and all didactic year courses with a grade of >70%
•   Prerequisites to Pass a Clinical Rotation

  Students will require remediation and/or an SPC referral if they do not achieve all of the following components that indicate the student was able to meet learning outcomes on any given clinical rotation:

  1. A > 70%/C on the preceptor-student evaluation form.
  2. A “meets overall expectations” on the preceptor-student evaluation form.
  3. A > 70%/C on the EOR examination  or EOR assignment for the rotation
  4. A passing grade on all professionalism scores and expectations for the rotation, which include the timely submission of the following items as well as graded professionalism scores and attendance/punctuality on all assigned clinical days:
  5. Student-Preceptor/Site Evaluation
  6. Typhon Logging of procedures and patient encounters
  7. The Clinical Procedures and Skills Passport
  8. NEJM assignments

   

  Students who do not achieve ALL of the above components will require an intervention. That intervention may involve recommendations and assignments from only the clinical team if the deficiencies are minor and remediable or a referral to SPC if the deficiencies are more concerning. Outcomes of the intervention may include the student repeating a rotation and delaying graduation, the student being required to complete remediation assignments and reassessments, or the student being dismissed from the program. Situations of a more serious nature will be referred to SPC for recommendations and final decisions.

   

  If the deficient components are remediable, the student will pass the rotation if ALL of the following criteria are met within the specified timeline set by the clinical team and/or the SPC:  

  1. A final* passing grade (> 70%/C) on the remediation reassessment(s) for the deficient portions of the preceptor-student evaluation
  2. A final “meets overall expectations” on the remediation reassessment(s) for the deficient portions of the preceptor-student evaluation
  3. A final* passing grade (> 70%/C) on the EOR examination/clinical case presentation remediation reassessment for the clinical rotation
  4. A final* passing grade on all professionalism scores and expectations for the rotation

  *The final grade may include the successful completion of remediation assignments that are assigned as a result of identified deficits or rotation day absences during a clinical rotation. Clinical rotation failure occurs when a student receives a final course grade of < 70%  or does not meet passing expectations on any one of the above components.

•   Professionalism and Grades

  Since professionalism is a core medical competency, it is often evaluated with a grade throughout the program (ex., professionalism components are included on OSCE rubrics and on Preceptor evaluation forms). Any student assigned a grade less than a “B” on any professionalism assessment is required to schedule an appointment with their faculty mentor for improvement recommendations. If a student should continue to receive poor marks on professionalism components, they will be referred to the SPC for recommendations.

•   Graduation Requirements (A3.15a, b)

  Students must have a >70% in all courses and a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of ≥3.0 to graduate from the program. Students who do not meet graduation requirements will be referred to the SPC for recommendations. The SPC will meet at the end of the two-year program to confirm that each student has met all graduation requirements necessary for degree conferral.

   

  Each student must complete the following requirements before graduation:

  1. Complete all Program courses within 38 months;
  2. Achieve a minimum of >70% (C) final grade in all courses;
  3. Achieve a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 (C);
  4. Pass all summative assessments, demonstrating the ability to meet all of the Program’s Technical Standards and Competencies;
  5. Fulfill all financial obligations to LMU;
  6. Demonstrate compliance with all Program policies, procedures, and professionalism expectations.
•   Time to Completion of Program

  Students are allowed a maximum of 38 months to complete the program. However, any extension of the 24-month program due to extenuating circumstances must be pre-approved and authorized by the program. Any extensions that will cause a student to exceed the 38-month timeline will result in either dismissal or the need of the student to withdraw from the program.

Found on Pages #22-24 of the Student Academic Catalog

•   Withdrawing from the Program (A3.15d)

  A student who is not able to continue in the program for any reason can choose to voluntarily withdraw from the Program. They must provide the PA Program Director with written notification via email and follow withdraw procedures through the LMU Registrar as outlined in Section I of this manual. Any student who leaves the Program for any reason MUST go through the proper check-out procedure before their withdraw is final. The check-out procedure is as follows:

  • Notify the registrar in writing and fill out all required paperwork
  • Complete an exit interview with financial aid
  • Return the student ID badge and parking sticker to security
•   Unofficial Withdrawal

  Any student who ceases attending classes before the end of the semester, or summer term, without completing the official withdrawal from the University automatically receives the grade “F” for such courses(s), so noted on the student’s academic transcript, and may be administratively withdrawn.

•   Administrative Withdrawal

  Students who have not attended courses by the ninth class meeting of the semester (or equivalent) will be reported to the Registrar’s Office and Financial Aid and may be administratively withdrawn with a WD recorded on the transcript for each course. Students who cease attending classes prior to the end of the semester, mini-term, or summer term without completing the official withdrawal from the University may also be administratively withdrawn, with an “F” recorded on the transcript for each course.

•   Didactic Course Failure (A3.15c, d)

  The program does not allow deceleration for any reason during the didactic year. Students who have assignment failures during the didactic year will meet with the course director and/or faculty mentor to provide a remediation plan for the assignment failure(s) and will be given the opportunity to remediate and reassess the individual course assessment(s). If after being given opportunity to remediate and reassess assignment(s) in a particular course, the student is still not able to achieve a >70% in that course, that student will receive a failing grade for that course and will be dismissed from the program.

•   Clinical Rotation Course Failure (A3.15c, d)

  Students who fail a component of the clinical course grade may be given remediation assignments at the discretion of the course director. If after being given opportunity to remediate and reassess the component, the student is still not able to achieve a >70% in that course, that student will receive a failing grade for that clinical rotation. Students who fail a clinical rotation are referred to the SPC. The SPC may either dismiss the student or, in rare cases, decelerate the student by allowing the student to repeat the rotation. Any decisions that result in a repeated rotation will delay the student's graduation date. Students who fail more than one clinical rotation will be sent to the SPC for recommendations, which may include program dismissal.

•   In Progress (IP) Grades

  A grade of in progress (IP) is given when a student has not completed all coursework before the end of the semester or module. If a student does not complete all coursework by the end of the following semester, the IP will automatically become an “F” grade.

•   Early Clinical Rotation Termination That is Not Due to Student Failure

  Rarely, due to unforeseen circumstances, a student may need to stop working with their assigned preceptor and/or stop working at a rotation site before the rotation is complete. (Ex. an emergency occurs where the preceptor must leave town or the student is not able to get enough clinical hours with their assigned preceptor to meet learning outcomes for that clinical rotation). If a student believes this to be the case, they must contact the clinical team immediately. The final determination for this will be made after carefully considering all pertinent information by the clinical team. If this occurs, every effort will be made by the program to provide a preceptor replacement at the same site, provide an alternate site location, or to provide virtual clinical coursework to enable the student to meet all learning outcomes for that clinical rotation within the allotted time frame.

•   Taking a Leave of Absence from the Program

  In rare cases, a student may need to take a leave of absence from the program for medical or personal emergencies. The request for a leave of absence must be submitted by the student in writing to the program director, and a meeting must be scheduled with the program director to discuss the decision. The program director must first approve the leave of absence for it to be official. If a student in the didactic year takes a leave of absence, they will restart the Program with the next matriculating class and be required to retake all Program courses from the beginning. If a student in the clinical year takes a leave of absence, they will restart clinical rotations at the beginning of the semester where they left off and have a delay in graduation for the length of time the leave of absence has been granted; they will not be required to retake all previous Program courses. Students who take an extended leave of absence may be required to complete additional assignments to assure they are well-prepared to continue in the program. All students must complete the LMU Tampa PA program curriculum within 38 months. If a leave of absence will cause the student to go over the 38-month allotted time frame for program completion, the student will need to withdraw permanently from the program and reapply at a later date when they are able to fulfill the academic requirements.

  Leave of absence stipulations are as follows:

  • The student must be in good academic standing according to program policy to be considered.
  • The student must submit a written request for a leave of absence to the PA Program Director.
  • The student must discuss the reason for the leave with the Program Director.
  • The Program Director will be the one who approves or denies the request.
  • The maximum amount of time allowed for a leave of absence is 12 months.
  • The start date of the leave of absence, if granted, is the date the student’s written request was received. Any tuition refunds or outstanding balances will be based on this date.
  • If a student is granted a leave of absence, will receive a letter from the PA Program Director outlining the requirements for the student’s return to the Program.
  • Students returning from a leave of absence must complete all requirements related to the leave of absence and provide written notification of completion of requirements and desire to return to the program to the Program Director at least four (4) months prior to the anticipated date of return.
  • Students seeking to return from a medical leave of absence must have a licensed healthcare provider certify in writing that the student’s physical and/or mental health is sufficient to continue their training in a capacity consistent with the Program’s technical standards. This letter must be submitted to the PA Program Director.
  • Students seeking to return from a financial leave of absence must provide the financial aid office with sufficient documentation to demonstrate their financial capability to advance their education.

  A leave of absence may be granted the following reasons:

  • Medical emergency or maternity
  • Financial emergency
  • Call to active military service
  • Personal or family emergency
•   Program Dismissal (A3.15 d)

  Circumstances warranting program dismissal may be of academic, professional, or legal nature. The LMU Tampa PA Program reserves the right to dismiss any enrolled Student at any time with due cause. If a student is dismissed from the Program, they will be notified by the SPC Chair and will be advised to complete the LMU check-out procedure. Any student who is dismissed from the program will need to reapply as a new student prior to program reentry; however, that student is not guaranteed readmission. Any student who is dismissed for professional or legal reasons is NOT eligible for Program re-admittance.

  Due cause for dismissal includes, but is not limited to the following:

  • Arrest, criminal activity, or felony charges
  • Academic misconduct (cheating, abetting, plagiarism, etc.)
  • Social media misconduct
  • Blatant or continued Professionalism violations
  • Alcohol or Drug use misconduct
  • Blatant or continued disregard of program policies (outside employment, dress code, self-misidentification, etc.)
  • Continued poor Academic standing or course failures after remediation efforts are made

Found on Pages #26-28 of the Student Handbook

The program aims to maintain the same level of professionalism that we expect from students. At times, students may not be satisfied with situations that have occurred; thus, they need to be able to report, receive assistance, and see that situations are addressed in a fair and timely manner. This section outlines the various grievance and reporting procedures to ensure that all issues are addressed in a timely manner.

•   Accreditation Grievances

  Students wishing to file a complaint related to the accreditation standards should make these complaints in writing to the Dean of the School of Medical Sciences.

•   Academic Grievances

  If a student has a grievance about an academic issue, the student must first discuss the matter with the Course Director. If the academic grievance is unresolved after meeting with the Course Director, the student may discuss the matter with the Didactic Director (during the Didactic year) or the Clinical Director (during the Clinical year). If the academic grievance remains unresolved, the student may bring the matter to the Program Director for final resolution. If an appeal process is required, this would be brought to the Program Director, whose decision would be final.

•   Assignment or Test Grade Disputes

  Once an individual assignment or test grade is entered into Blackboard, the student has five (5) working days to dispute the grade with the course director. The student is responsible for monitoring all posted grades. The course director will review and address discrepancies.

•   Final Course Grade Disputes

  Beginning on the day final grades are published, the student has three (3) working days to dispute a final grade with the course director. If the course director does not resolve the issue satisfactorily, the student may request a grade reconsideration in writing to the Program Director, who will make a final course grade determination for the student within five working days. That decision is final.

•   Reporting Grievances or Misconduct Involving Another Student (A1.02j)

  Individuals who wish to report any grievance or misconduct of a fellow student should first speak to the classmate about the issue with the intent to resolve the complaint on an informal basis. If, however, harassment is involved or that conversation might exacerbate the situation, then the incident should be reported directly to the student’s faculty mentor in writing or in person. All parties in receipt of a student grievance will respond as soon as possible following receipt of the grievance. Reports must include the following information:

  1. Name and contact information of the reporter
  2. Date and Time of Report
  3. Date, Time, and Location of Incident and names of those involved
  4. Description of concern/incident (be as detailed as possible and include names of any witnesses)
  5. What do you hope will be the outcome of this report?

   

  When a report alleging student misconduct is submitted, the student is immediately notified of the allegations. The accused student MUST respond within twenty-four hours acknowledging receipt of the notification. The Program Director will investigate by taking statements from the person making the allegations, witnesses and the student who is charged with the misconduct. Once all sides have been heard, the Program Director will determine a plan of action that may include SPC referral or determination of an autonomous plan of action, depending on the nature of the allegation. The student may temporarily be suspended from participating in class until the issue is resolved.

•   Reporting Mistreatment/Grievances Regarding Program Faculty, the Program, or the University (A3.15f)

  Any non-academic grievance against LMU employees, the Program, or the University such as abuse of authority, abusive or intimidating behavior, discrimination, unprofessional relationships, mistreatment, or harassment, should be reported as follows:

  1. Direct program-specific grievances to the Program Director or the School of Medical Sciences Dean.
  2. Direct any SMS-specific grievances to the Dean of the School of Medical Sciences.
  3. Direct any University-related grievances toward the LMU Vice President of Academic Affairs.
  
  In each circumstance, the individual receiving the grievance will forward the grievance to the appropriate department or committee. Students should expect a response regarding the action taken on the grievance within five (5) business days. If the grievance involves title IX complaints, please follow the Title IX reporting procedures.

•   Clinical Rotation Grievances/Problems

  The program makes every attempt to keep in close contact with each student and clinical site. If any problems occur during clinical rotations, whether academic, professional, or personal in nature, the Clinical Director is available for consultation whenever necessary. Students should use the following guidelines in dealing with any grievances or problems that occur during clinical rotations.

  1. If there is a safety issue, contact the clinical team immediately.
  2. For other issues, attempt to resolve the problem with the preceptor first, and if not possible, contact the clinical team via email or call the Clinical Director’s office number.

•   Clinical Rotation Preceptor Evaluation of Student Grievances

  If the student is dissatisfied with a clinical rotation evaluation and has already met with the preceptor to discuss the evaluation, the student should contact the Clinical Director by writing a statement that outlines specific reasons why he/she disagrees with the preceptor’s final evaluation. The statement needs to be submitted within 3 days of the rotation completion. The statement will be reviewed by the Clinical Director. A meeting with the student will take place if further information is required. If no further action is necessary, a written decision will be sent to the student within seven days.

•   Reporting Title IX Offenses (Discrimination or harassment) (A1.02j)

  LMU has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment, discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in all University programs and activities. Individuals who experience, witness, or are informed that an incident of sexual misconduct, harassment, or discrimination has occurred should report it as soon as possible. Reports should be directed to the LMU Title IX Coordinator at [email protected]; contact information and incident forms are located at https://www.lmunet.edu/office-of-institutional-compliance/title-ix-policy-and-procedure.

   

  All LMU employees are Mandatory Reporters for sexual harassment on campus. This means that if you inform any LMU employee of a situation that may involve sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, dating violence, or any other form of prohibited gender or sex-based discrimination, the employee is required to report the information to the Title IX Coordinator.

   

  A prompt, thorough, and confidential investigation will be conducted by the LMU Title IX office. Investigations will include obtaining statements from involved parties and witnesses. Complainants and witnesses will be protected from retaliation for making a report or assisting in an investigation. Students should immediately report retaliation to the Title IX coordinator. If the investigation reveals that the complaint is valid, prompt corrective action designed to stop the harassment immediately and to prevent recurrence will be taken. If a complaint or report determined to be invalid, was made for an improper purpose, or individuals provided false information, disciplinary action may be taken against any individual who gave false information.

Students enrolled in the Program must maintain and provide evidence of health insurance coverage prior to matriculation and prior to beginning supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs). Students are responsible for all costs associated with health insurance coverage. LMU does not provide health insurance coverage for students.