VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

The purpose of attendance at VCOM is to gain the academic and professional skills to become superior Osteopathic physicians. Participation in events outside of the academic requirements are a privilege and should complement the student’s prescribed academic program. Therefore, students should use their discretion when participating in events outside of the academic requirement. Students must remain in good academic and behavioral standing to participate in all appointed or elected extracurricular leadership positions. Students may be asked or required to remove themselves from these roles by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and/or Campus Dean if they are seen to interfere with the student’s academic success. In addition, students may be removed from their role if the student has exhibited poor professionalism or may be removed for other related reasons at the discretion of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs or the Campus Dean. Company Ambassadors/Representatives and Endorsements/Promotions VCOM students are not permitted to act as ambassadors/representatives for external companies on behalf of or in relation to their role as a medical student for VCOM, nor are they permitted to endorse, promote, or host company events, goods, or services, which includes setting up or sharing product discount offers. Students who are approached by a company regarding the above should direct the company to contact CIFSS, who will evaluate the need/interest in establishing a relationship with said company or sharing information regarding events, goods, or services from the company with students. In addition, student organizations may not endorse or promote a product, service, or company. Student organizations do not have the ability and may not sign agreements with third-parties guaranteeing their sponsorship, use of their logos or access to VCOM students or the college. This does not apply to approved community partners for outreach or volunteer opportunities approved through the Office of Student Affairs. AOA and State Society Membership VCOM enrolls all students in the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) and their choice of state osteopathic medical associations, which includes the Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association (VOMA), the North Carolina Osteopathic Medical Association (NCOMA), the South Carolina Osteopathic Medical Society (SCOMS), the Alabama Osteopathic Medical Association (ALOMA), or the Louisiana Osteopathic Medical Association (LOMA). Appointment of Members of the Honor Code Council Student appointments to the Honor Code Council are made by the campus specific Campus Dean. Students may submit a written letter of intent if they wish to be put into consideration and individuals are also nominated by the Administration and current Honor Code Council Officers. Initial appointments are typically for a period of one year. Appointments are reviewed annually and may be renewed based on the college's and council's needs. Some members will be rotated off annually to provide additional students with the professional experiences of serving on this committee. The Chair and Vice Chair are appointed by the Campus Dean from the current membership and typically serve for one year in that capacity. The Campus Dean has the authority to alter the timeframe for appointment to the Council and Chair positions based on the needs of the Council. Appointment of VCOM Student Ambassadors and Other Admissions Volunteer Opportunities VCOM Student Ambassadors are appointed annually by the Campus Dean in collaboration with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Interested students may submit a letter of intent and students are also nominated by faculty, staff or other students. Ambassadors are asked to complete a minimum of three events annually, including at least one off-campus visit to pre-med clubs at colleges and universities (preferably one at their alma mater) and at least

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