VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

2022 – 2023 Academic Year CalendarX - XI
First SemesterX - XI
Mission and Objectives2
of the2
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine2
About VCOM: A Message from the Provost and President Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, D.O.4
VCOM Statement of Commitment to the Students, the Medically Underserved Regions, and the International Community6
History of the College7
Accreditation, State Licensure and Membership10
142 E. Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611-286410
(888) 626-926210
Location, Community and University Affiliations16
VCOM Virginia Campus Overview16
VCOM Carolinas Campus Overview17
VCOM Auburn Campus Overview18
VCOM Louisiana Campus Overview19
VCOM Libraries20
Notice of Nondiscrimination22
Recruitment Priorities23
Admissions Procedures24
Admissions Process and Professional Expectations24
Minimum Requirements for Interview and Admission24
Technical Standards for Admission and Successful Completion of the Osteopathic Program at VCOM26
The requirements to succeed at VCOM are those required to successfully complete the medical school curriculum and to safely practice osteopathic medicine with full practice rights. VCOM supports students with disabilities who can be reasonably accomm...26
Patient safety and well-being are considered by VCOM when accepting students or continuing the enrollment of students. Students must be able to function in a variety of learning and clinical settings, including lecture halls, laboratories (biomedical...26
As such, students must be able to quickly, accurately, and consistently learn and process large amounts of information and report that data quickly and accurately and perform their duties in the clinical setting without restriction and in a manner tha...26
Further, the mission of the college embraces primary care medicine and requires all students to gain the medical knowledge and clinical skills necessary to enter a primary care residency. Recognizing that medical school is as a career path in which s...26
The applicant must possess the abilities and skills in the following seven areas to be a successful student while at VCOM and to be a successful physician in the future:26
Students must demonstrate the capacity to make professional and ethical decisions expected of a medical professional at all times to be successful in the curriculum and to effectively and safely care for patients. This requires students to demonstrat...30
Self-Identification of Disabilities as an Applicant31
AACOMAS Application32
Official Transcripts33
VCOM Secondary Application33
Interview Selection and Admissions Process34
Rescinding Admissions Offer35
Early Decision Admissions Track35
Transfer Applicants35
Courses not taken at the previous academic institution must be successfully completed at VCOM prior to third year rotations. Additional courses required and requirements for completion of these courses will be determined by the Campus Dean.37
Tuition and Fees39
Admissions Application Fee39
Acceptance Fee39
Tuition and Fees 2022-202339
Penalty for Insufficient Funds40
Provisions for VA Beneficiaries Pending Payment40
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), VCOM adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) ...40
 Prevent the student’s enrollment;40
 Assess a late penalty fee to;40
 Require student secure alternative or additional funding;40
 Deny their access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.40
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:40
 Provide Chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility (or its equivalent) or for Chapter 31, VA VR&E’s contract with the school on VA Form 28-1905 by the first day of class.40
o Chapter 33 students can register at the VA Regional Office to use E-Benefits to get the equivalent of a Chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility. Chapter 31 student cannot get a completed VA Form 28-1905 (or any equivalent) before the VA VR&E case-man...40
 Provide written request to be certified;40
 Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.40
Tuition Refund Policy40
Form 1098-T41
The Office of Financial Aid41
VCOM Estimated Cost of Attendance42
Applying for Financial Aid42
Determining Financial Need and Awarding Financial Aid44
Additional Loan Information44
Scholarship Information47
Health Requirements49
History and Physical Examination Requirement49
Required Laboratory Tests and Immunizations50
Optional Laboratory Tests and Immunizations50
Basic Life Support Certification for Healthcare Providers Requirement52
Students must become certified in Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers by the American Heart Association (AHA) prior to the beginning of their OMS 1 year. Students must keep their Basic Life Support Certification for Healthcare Providers curre...52
Environmental and Occupational Exposure and Universal Precautions52
Insurance Requirements56
Disability Insurance56
Liability Insurance56
Students currently enrolled as full-time students in good academic standing at VCOM and who are expected to graduate with the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine are covered by VCOM's liability insurance coverage on approved curriculum such as cl...56
Medical Insurance56
Health Services57
Message from the Campus Deans60
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Programmatic Educational Objectives for Osteopathic Core Competencies61
Curriculum Description62
Graduation Requirements62
Credit Hour Policy64
Credit Hours for the Pre-Clinical Curriculum64
Credit Hours for the Clinical Curriculum65
Osteopathic Medical School - Years One and Two66
OMS 1 – Semester 1, Block 1 – Foundations of Medicine68
OMS 1 – Semester 1, Block 2 – Musculoskeletal System70
OMS 1 – Semester 2, Block 3 – Neurological System and Special Senses73
OMS 1 – Semester 2, Block 4 – Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems76
OMS 2 – Semester 3, Block 5 – Gastrointestinal and Renal Systems80
OMS 2 – Semester 3, Block 6 – Reproductive and Endocrine Systems83
OMS 2 – Semester 4, Block 7 – Integumentary, Hematologic, and Lymphatic Systems86
OMS 2 – Semester 4, Block 8 - Comprehensive Review Block89
Osteopathic Medical School - Year Three91
Osteopathic Medical School - Year Four101
Residency Assistance in the OMS 3 and OMS 4 Years111
ERAS111
Residency Match Success111
Parallel (Dual) Degree Opportunities112
Academic Assistance114
Counseling Services115
VCOM Internal Counseling Services115
External Counseling Services115
Academic Advising116
Peer Tutoring117
Assistance for Matriculated Students with Disabilities118
General Academic Policies124
Grading and GPAs for OMS 1 and OMS 2125
Satisfactory Academic Progress125
Course Remediation126
Repeated Course(s)127
Audited Course(s)128
Grading and GPAs for OMS 3 and OMS 4129
Clinical Grading for OMS 3129
Clinical Grading for OMS 4130
Satisfactory Academic Progress131
End of Rotation Exam Remediation and/or Failure132
Clinical Rotation Competency Evaluation Failure133
Clinical Rotation Repeated Performance Issues134
The Medical Student Performance Evaluation (The Dean’s Letter)134
Academic Probation134
Altered Degree Plan of Study135
Failure to Make Academic Progress While on an Altered Degree Plan135
Promotion Board135
1. At the conclusion of the academic block/rotation the appropriate Associate Dean may convene the Promotion Board:137
 The Associate Dean for Pre-Clinical Education convenes and Chairs the Board for all OMS 1 and OMS 2 cases.137
 The Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs convenes and Chairs the Board for all OMS 3 cases.137
 The Associate Dean for OMS 4 and GME convenes and Chairs the Board for all OMS 4 cases.137
2. Once a student has been deemed to be experiencing difficulty in making academic progress that warrants a Promotion Board, the appropriate Associate Dean will notify the student that he/she will be brought before the Promotion Board.137
 The secretary of the Promotion Board will contact the student to inform them of the procedures of the Board and the student’s responsibilities in the process. This includes making the student aware that:137
o Prior to the Promotion Board meeting, each student coming before the Board must submit a letter presenting any issues or considerations that they wish to make known to the Promotion Board. The student must submit any information they plan to presen...137
o The student’s attendance at the Promotion Board meeting is required. Students in the OMS 3 or OMS 4 years who are at distant clinical sites may attend via phone or Zoom.137
5. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs will report on any documentation that the Office of Student Affairs may have which may be relevant to the student's academic progress.138
6. The Registrar will report on the student's academic record including VCOM GPA, any prior failures or repeated courses, and any other VCOM information relevant to the student’s academic progress.138
7. The Course Director or Clinical Chair will report the facts surrounding the grade, including the student’s course/rotation performance, attendance, professionalism, and efforts to improve performance (i.e. seeking the Course Director/Chair’s assist...138
8. The Class President may join the meeting to discuss and answer any questions on course issues or block issues that may have impacted the student.138
Comprehensive Testing: COMSAE Phase 1143
COMSAE Phase 1: A Comprehensive Review Exam143
COMSAE Phase 1: First Attempt143
COMSAE Phase 1: Second Attempt145
COMSAE Phase 1: Third Attempt146
Comprehensive Testing: COMSAE Phase 2149
COMSAE Phase 2: A Comprehensive Review Exam149
COMSAE Phase 2: First and Second Attempt149
Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Performance Exam152
COMPE: First Attempt152
COMPE: Second Attempt152
COMLEX Level 2 CE157
Student Professional and Ethical Expectations161
VCOM Student Code of Professional and Ethical Conduct161
American Osteopathic Association’s Code of Ethics162
Osteopathic Oath165
The first version of the Osteopathic Oath was used from 1938 to 1954, at which time minor amendments were adopted. The below version has been in use since 1954 and is the Hippocratic Oath for osteopathic physicians. Students recite the Osteopathic O...165
General Professional and Ethical Policies165
Academic Freedom165
Consensual Relationships Policy165
Dress Code166
Fundraising168
Information Technology and Copyright168
Publications and Media Relations169
Social Media Policy169
Student Participation in Osteopathic Physical Examination and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Treatment in Educational Environments174
The Osteopathic Examination and Osteopathic Manipulation174
The Requirement of Touching and Examination Using Peer-to-Peer Learning174
Professionalism in the Peer-To-Peer Learning Environment175
Clinical Professional and Ethical Expectations179
 Tardiness and/or Unexcused absenteeism179
 Medical or psychological illness179
 Suspected substance abuse (alcohol and other drugs) by behavior or positive drug screen179
 Suspected illegal behavior179
 Suspected physical, sexual, or emotional abuse179
 Disruptive behavior as a member of the medical team179
 Other areas of professional concern179
Performing Patient Care Activities179
Assurance of Students Health Prior to Involvement in Patient Care180
White Coats and VCOM ID Badges180
Patient Confidentiality180
Medical Records/Charting181
Arrests, Illegal Behavior, and Background Checks181
Background Checks181
A background check is mandatory prior to matriculation and will be required on one or more occasions during the four years of enrollment. A background check is required to assure the applicant is not a risk to fellow students, faculty, staff, or pati...181
Arrests and Illegal Behavior182
Alcohol and Drug Testing182
Positive Drug Screen or Arrests for Illegal Drug Usage or Sales183
Self-Identification for Drug or Alcohol Dependence183
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention183
Acts of Discrimination, Harassment and Violence184
Violation of the Discrimination, Harassment, and Violence Policy184
Discrimination185
VCOM recognizes, values, and affirms that diversity contributes richness to the college and enhances the quality of education. Students, faculty, staff, and administrators are valued for their diversity. VCOM is committed to providing an academic an...185
VCOM’s commitment to the principles of nondiscrimination includes and extends far beyond the federally protected classes and includes, but is not limited to, age, gender, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, ancestry, marital status, et...185
Sexual Discrimination185
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (amending the Higher Education Act of 1965) prohibits discrimination based on sex, including in education programs and activities that receive federal funding. ...185
Violence186
Reporting Acts of Discrimination, Harassment, or Violence186
Grievance Procedure for Claims of Discrimination, Harassment, or Violence187
Honor Code of Conduct187
The Honor Code Council Intervention Sub-Committee (HCCIS)189
The Honor Code Council (HCC)190
Professional and Ethical Standards Board (PESB)198
Attendance/Hours of Duty Policy202
Observed Holidays202
Attendance Requirements for OMS 1 and OMS 2 Students202
Mandatory Learning Activities203
Asynchronous Learning Activities203
Mechanism to Verify Attendance – OMS 1 and OMS 2 Students204
OMS 1 and OMS 2 Tardiness204
Tardiness is defined as arriving more than 5 minutes after the scheduled time the class or other educational activity/exam begins. Tardiness or late arrival is disruptive to other students who arrived on time and who are already engaged in the academ...204
Repeated tardiness will be referred to the Honor Code Council. Students must be in their assigned seat to receive credit for attendance, if they are not present in their seat at the time the picture is taken, they will be marked as absent.204
Repeated tardiness in regard to mandatory learning activities and exams will be defined as:204
OMS 1 and OMS 2 Excused Absences for Mandatory Learning Activities204
OMS 1 and OMS 2 students requesting to attend a conference must follow the policy and procedures for requesting a planned excused absence. Those who are granted permission to attend a conference are only allowed to attend one conference per academic ...205
OMS 1 and OMS 2 Unexcused Absences207
Consequences for Not Meeting the Requirements of the Attendance Policy207
Attendance Requirements for OMS 3 and OMS 4 Students208
OMS 3 and OMS 4 Tardiness209
Didactic, Case Presentations, and OMM Workshop Attendance209
Mechanism to Verify Attendance – OMS 3 and OMS 4 Students210
OMS 3 and OMS 4 Excused Absences210
OMS 3 and OMS 4 Unexcused Absences212
Consequences for Not Meeting the Requirements of the Attendance Policy212
Leave of Absence Policies and Procedures213
Approval Process for a Leave of Absence213
Time Limits for a Temporary Approved Leave of Absence213
Time Limits and Consequences for an Unapproved Leave of Absence214
Types of Approved Leaves of Absence214
Administrative Leave of Absence214
Educational Leave of Absence215
Medical Leave of Absence and Medical Withdrawals215
Mandatory Medical Leave of Absence216
Individual Assessment Team217
Appeal Process218
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 mu...218
MMLOA Reinstatement Procedures218
Withdrawal and Dismissal Policies and Procedures218
Withdrawal218
Temporary Withdrawal219
If a student does not take the temporary voluntary withdrawal and a withdrawal period is mandatory, the student may be dismissed, with or without the ability to return.219
Permanent Withdrawal219
Classifications for Withdrawal220
Medical Withdrawal220
Military Withdrawal220
Personal Withdrawal220
Suspension220
Academic Suspension221
Disciplinary Suspension221
Emergency Mandatory Suspension221
Dismissal222
Transcript Requests from Students225
Official Transcripts225
VCOM prohibits the Registrar from releasing official transcripts directly to any previous or current student; however, students may request an official transcript to be released directly to hospitals, board licensing programs, loan companies, etc. Th...225
Unofficial Transcripts226
Enrolled students in good standing or alumni may download their own unofficial transcript at any time, free of charge.226
 Class of 2020 and Prior226
Rights through the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)226
Release of Information227
Release of Third Party Information227
International and Appalachian Outreach229
Student Research, Publication, and Presentation Opportunities and Requirements at VCOM234
Clinical Shadowing236
Recreational Activities237
Release from Liability for Participation in Activities238
Appointed, Elected, and Other Extracurricular Memberships239
AOA and State Society Membership239
Appointment of Members of the Honor Code Council239
Appointment of VCOM Student Ambassadors and Other Admissions Volunteer Opportunities239
Student Appointment to College Committees239
Student Officer Positions240
Student Organizations240
Expressing Concerns, Grievances, and Resolution Procedures244
Academic Concerns244
Non-Academic Concerns245
Discrimination Grievances246
Appeal248
Complaints by Students Regarding Non-Compliance with American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Accreditation Standards249
Phone: (888) 626-9262249
Complaints by Students Regarding Non-Compliance with State Commission on Higher Education Standards250
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education250
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia251
University of North Carolina Board of Governors251
Formal Federal Agency Grievance Procedures251
GI BILL® Feedback System251
Safety Mission254
Building and Grounds Etiquette254
Campus Safety and Access254
Fire Safety255
Cell Phones, Beepers, iPads and Computer Usage256
Classrooms256
Clery Crime Statistics Report and Clery Annual Safety Report256
Email257
Firearms and Weapons257
Food Services257
Housing257
Inclement Weather and Emergency Notifications257
Lockers258
Parking Lots258
Pets258
Photocopying and Printing258
Posting of Notices259
Telephones259
Evaluation of the Mission of the College261

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