VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

Appeal Process Upon receiving written notification from the Campus Dean, the student, within seven (7) calendar days, may appeal the Campus Dean’s decision to the Provost. The Provost has discretionary power to affirm, modify, or remand the decision. The appeal must be in writing and be based upon new, relevant, and material information that was not available to the Campus Dean. After receiving the written appeal, the Provost will consider the request and will notify the student, in writing, of his/her decision generally within 14 calendar days of receiving the written appeal. However, the decision may take 30 days or longer depending upon the investigation of the case. The Provost reserves the right to obtain outside legal opinions on the review and the decisions that have been made, and to delay decisions until such time that Counsel has responded. The decision of the Provost is final.

Behavioral Probation

Behavioral Probation is a formal status imposed on a medical student as a result of a ruling by the Campus Dean or Provost as a result of recommendations made by the Honor Code Committee (HCC) or the Professional and Ethical Standards Board (PESB) due to violations of professional, ethical, or behavioral standards. Behavioral Probation serves as an official notice that the student’s conduct does not meet the expectations of the medical profession and the institution. When a student is placed on Behavioral Probation, this status replaces the student’s prior status of “good standing” for the duration of the probationary period. During the period of Behavioral Probation, the student is expected to demonstrate sustained improvement in professional behavior, comply with all conditions and requirements set forth by the HCC, PESB, Three-Person Panel, Campus Dean, or the Provost and uphold institutional standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct. Failure to meet the terms of Behavioral Probation may result in further disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Any student who fails to demonstrate adequate behavior will be placed on behavioral probation by the Campus Dean or the Provost and will be notified of this status in writing by the Campus Dean or the Provost. Upon recommendation of the HCC, PESB, or Three-Person Panel, the Campus Dean or Provost will determine the length of behavioral probation, which is generally not less than one calendar year, or until the student is formally released from behavioral probation by the Campus Dean or Provost. During the period of behavioral probation, the Campus Dean or the Provost may limit a student’s participation in extracurricular activities when deemed necessary to support the student’s success and ensure appropriate focus on remediation and progression in the curriculum and behavioral standards. Behavioral Probation is not reported on the transcript; however, behavioral probation is required to be reported as a component of the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE). The Associate Dean for Student Affairs and the Campus Dean will meet to review the record of each student on behavioral probation each block/rotation to evaluate the student’s behavioral progress. At the end of any block/rotation where a student on behavioral probation is not fulfilling the requirements of their behavioral probation, or other reasons as determined by the Campus Dean, the HCC or the PESB will meet again regarding the student’s future with the College. As the term of behavioral probation approaches completion, the Campus Dean and the Associate Dean will meet to review the student’s behavioral record and evaluate the student’s progress. The expiration date of behavioral probation alone does not determine removal of the status. Instead, the Campus Dean and Associate Dean will conduct a comprehensive review of the student’s behavioral history to determine whether the student has demonstrated sustained and significant improvement in behavioral standing. If the student has demonstrated

215