VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

2023 – 2024 Academic Year CalendarX - XI
First SemesterX - XI
Mission and Objectives2
of the2
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine2
About VCOM: A Message from the 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 Applicants36
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 2023-202439
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 Four99
Residency Assistance in the OMS 3 and OMS 4 Years108
ERAS108
Residency Match Success108
Parallel (Dual) Degree Opportunities109
Academic Assistance111
Counseling Services112
VCOM Internal Counseling Services112
External Counseling Services112
Academic Advising113
Peer Tutoring114
Assistance for Matriculated Students with Disabilities115
General Academic Policies121
Educational Conflicts of Interest and Recusal122
Grading and GPAs for OMS 1 and OMS 2123
Satisfactory Academic Progress123
Course Remediation124
Repeated Course(s)125
Audited Course(s)126
Grading and GPAs for OMS 3 and OMS 4127
Clinical Grading for OMS 3127
Clinical Grading for OMS 4129
Satisfactory Academic Progress129
End of Rotation Exam Remediation and/or Failure130
Clinical Rotation Competency Evaluation Failure131
Clinical Rotation Repeated Performance Issues132
The Medical Student Performance Evaluation (The Dean’s Letter)132
Academic Probation132
Altered Degree Plan of Study133
Failure to Make Academic Progress While on an Altered Degree Plan133
Promotion Board133
1. At the conclusion of the academic block/rotation the appropriate Associate Dean may convene the Promotion Board:135
 The Associate Dean for Pre-Clinical Education convenes and Chairs the Board for all OMS 1 and OMS 2 cases.135
 The Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs convenes and Chairs the Board for all OMS 3 cases.135
 The Associate Dean for OMS 4 and GME convenes and Chairs the Board for all OMS 4 cases.135
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.135
 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:135
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...135
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.136
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.136
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.136
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...136
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.136
Comprehensive Testing: COMSAE Phase 1141
COMSAE Phase 1: A Comprehensive Review Exam141
COMSAE Phase 1: First Attempt141
COMSAE Phase 1: Second Attempt143
COMSAE Phase 1: Third Attempt144
Comprehensive Testing: COMSAE Phase 2147
COMSAE Phase 2: A Comprehensive Review Exam147
COMSAE Phase 2: First and Second Attempt147
Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Performance Exam150
COMPE: First Attempt150
COMPE: Second Attempt150
COMLEX Level 2 CE155
Student Professional and Ethical Expectations159
VCOM Student Code of Professional and Ethical Conduct159
American Osteopathic Association’s Code of Ethics160
Osteopathic Oath163
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...163
General Professional and Ethical Policies163
Academic Freedom163
Consensual Relationships Policy163
Dress Code164
Fundraising166
Information Technology and Copyright166
Publications and Media Relations167
Social Media Policy167
Student Participation in Osteopathic Physical Examination and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Treatment in Educational Environments172
The Osteopathic Examination and Osteopathic Manipulation172
The Requirement of Touching and Examination Using Peer-to-Peer Learning172
Professionalism in the Peer-To-Peer Learning Environment173
Clinical Professional and Ethical Expectations177
 Tardiness and/or Unexcused absenteeism177
 Medical or psychological illness177
 Suspected substance abuse (alcohol and other drugs) by behavior or positive drug screen177
 Suspected illegal behavior177
 Suspected physical, sexual, or emotional abuse177
 Disruptive behavior as a member of the medical team177
 Other areas of professional concern177
Performing Patient Care Activities177
Assurance of Students Health Prior to Involvement in Patient Care178
White Coats and VCOM ID Badges178
Patient Confidentiality178
Medical Records/Charting179
Arrests, Illegal Behavior, and Background Checks179
Background Checks179
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...179
Arrests and Illegal Behavior180
Alcohol and Drug Testing180
Positive Drug Screen or Arrests for Illegal Drug Usage or Sales181
Self-Identification for Drug or Alcohol Dependence181
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention181
Acts of Discrimination, Harassment and Violence182
Violation of the Discrimination, Harassment, and Violence Policy182
Discrimination183
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...183
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...183
Sexual Discrimination183
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. ...183
Violence184
Reporting Acts of Discrimination, Harassment, or Violence184
Grievance Procedure for Claims of Discrimination, Harassment, or Violence185
Honor Code of Conduct185
The Honor Code Council Intervention Sub-Committee (HCCIS)187
The Honor Code Council (HCC)188
Professional and Ethical Standards Board (PESB)196
Attendance/Hours of Duty Policy200
Observed Holidays200
Attendance Requirements for OMS 1 and OMS 2 Students200
Mandatory Learning Activities201
Asynchronous Learning Activities201
Mechanism to Verify Attendance – OMS 1 and OMS 2 Students202
OMS 1 and OMS 2 Tardiness202
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...202
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.202
Repeated tardiness in regard to mandatory learning activities and exams will be defined as:202
OMS 1 and OMS 2 Excused Absences for Mandatory Learning Activities202
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 ...203
OMS 1 and OMS 2 Unexcused Absences205
Consequences for Not Meeting the Requirements of the Attendance Policy205
Attendance Requirements for OMS 3 and OMS 4 Students206
OMS 3 and OMS 4 Tardiness207
Didactic, Case Presentations, and OMM Workshop Attendance207
Mechanism to Verify Attendance – OMS 3 and OMS 4 Students208
OMS 3 and OMS 4 Excused Absences208
OMS 3 and OMS 4 Unexcused Absences210
Consequences for Not Meeting the Requirements of the Attendance Policy211
Leave of Absence Policies and Procedures211
Approval Process for a Leave of Absence211
Time Limits for a Temporary Approved Leave of Absence211
Time Limits and Consequences for an Unapproved Leave of Absence212
Types of Approved Leaves of Absence212
Administrative Leave of Absence212
Educational Leave of Absence213
Medical Leave of Absence and Medical Withdrawals213
Mandatory Medical Leave of Absence214
Individual Assessment Team216
Appeal Process216
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...216
MMLOA Reinstatement Procedures216
Withdrawal and Dismissal Policies and Procedures217
Withdrawal217
Temporary Withdrawal217
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.217
Permanent Withdrawal218
Classifications for Withdrawal218
Medical Withdrawal218
Military Withdrawal218
Personal Withdrawal218
Suspension219
Academic Suspension219
Disciplinary Suspension219
Emergency Mandatory Suspension219
Dismissal220
Transcript Requests from Students223
Official Transcripts223
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...223
Unofficial Transcripts224
Enrolled students in good standing or alumni may download their own unofficial transcript at any time, free of charge.224
 Class of 2020 and Prior224
Rights through the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)224
Release of Information225
Release of Third Party Information225
International and Appalachian Outreach227
Student Research, Publication, and Presentation Opportunities and Requirements at VCOM232
Clinical Shadowing234
Recreational Activities235
Release from Liability for Participation in Activities236
Appointed, Elected, and Other Extracurricular Memberships237
AOA and State Society Membership237
Appointment of Members of the Honor Code Council237
Appointment of VCOM Student Ambassadors and Other Admissions Volunteer Opportunities237
Student Appointment to College Committees237
Student Officer Positions238
Student Organizations238
Expressing Concerns, Grievances, and Resolution Procedures242
Academic Concerns242
Non-Academic Concerns243
Discrimination Grievances244
Appeal246
Complaints by Students Regarding Non-Compliance with American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Accreditation Standards247
Complaints by Students Regarding Non-Compliance with State Commission on Higher Education Standards248
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education248
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia249
University of North Carolina Board of Governors249
Formal Federal Agency Grievance Procedures249
GI BILL® Feedback System250
Safety Mission252
Building and Grounds Etiquette252
Campus Safety and Access252
Fire Safety253
Cell Phones, Beepers, iPads and Computer Usage254
Classrooms254
Clery Crime Statistics Report and Clery Annual Safety Report254
Email255
Firearms and Weapons255
Food Services255
Housing255
Inclement Weather and Emergency Notifications255
Lockers256
Parking Lots256
Pets256
Photocopying and Printing256
Posting of Notices257
Telephones257
Evaluation of the Mission of the College259

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