VCOM Institutional Policy and Procedure Manual

VCOM Policy and Procedure

Policy #S003

In emergency situations, the Campus Dean (or designee), in the exercise of reasonable judgment, may bypass some or all of the above steps and considerations, in order to ensure campus safety or patient safety in the clinical sites, and/or the safety of other students. Nothing in this or other policies shall be construed to prevent VCOM from requiring students to, at all times, meet the College/program essential eligibility requirements and technical standards, and the policies and procedures that assure campus safety. The imposing of a MMLOA is an academic decision and is not a disciplinary action; however, separate disciplinary action may also occur as a result of a separate action by the student or an action from an underlying behavior of the student, pursuant to the College Catalog and Student Handbook. Individual Assessment Team The purpose of the Individual Assessment Team (IAT) is to conduct an individualized review of a student's ability to meet the Technical Standards for Admission and Successful Completion of the Osteopathic Program when questions arise regarding the student's eligibility for admission, continued enrollment, or participation in educational or clinical activities. The IAT reviews relevant information, including academic, medical, psychological, behavioral, and other pertinent documentation, to determine whether the student can safely perform the essential functions of the curriculum, with or without reasonable accommodations. In making its recommendations, the IAT shall consider the student's ability to satisfy the Technical Standards, protect patient and student safety, comply with clinical training requirements, and successfully progress through the curriculum. 2.1 In situations where there is a need for a student to have an individualized assessment, the Campus Dean shall appoint members of an Individual Assessment Team (IAT) to perform such individualized assessment. The IAT shall include, if possible, the Vice President for Institutional Policy and Administrative Law, the Executive Director for Academic Support Services for the Center for Institutional, Faculty, and Student Success, and two additional Associate Deans. The Campus Dean, within his/her discretion, may appoint different or additional members as the circumstances may require and shall appoint one of the members as Chair. The IAT shall convene as soon as possible to conduct the assessment. As the assessment is an academic proceeding, and not a legal proceeding, legal counsel is no allowed in the assessment. If a student believes a legal proceeding is warranted, this must be done through an outside court system. The IAT may adjourn and reconvene as necessary to appropriately investigate and receive evidence, including, but not limited to, testimonial and medical evidence. Within seven (7) working days of the conclusion of the assessment, the Chair of the IAT shall provide a written report and recommendations to the Campus Dean. A copy shall be provided to the student. The Campus Dean shall issue his/her decision within seven (7) working days and will notify the student, in writing of the decision. Decision of the Campus Dean If VCOM decides to impose a MMLOA, the Campus Dean will advise the student, via official VCOM email, followed by a letter delivered via certified mail and verbally by the appropriate administrator, of the leave and duration of the leave, any restrictions from coming on campus or 2.2

VCOM Mandatory Medical Leave of Absence Policy and Procedures

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