Adams School of Dentistry: Student Reclassification and Dismissal Policy

Unit Policy

Title

Adams School of Dentistry: Student Reclassification and Dismissal Policy

I. Introduction

A. Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to establish how student reclassification and dismissal will be executed.

B. Scope

This Policy applies to all Adams School of Dentistry students and residents.

II. Policy

A. Reclassification

If the student does not, in the judgment of the respective performance review committee, show sufficient academic promise to justify allowing the student to continue his/her educational studies, the committee may approve reclassification of a student at any time during the student's enrollment. The purpose of reclassification, or requiring a student to repeat a portion of the curriculum, is to recognize that the student may have the potential to make satisfactory progress if the student's knowledge, skills, and values are improved by repetition. If a student is reclassified, it will extend matriculation time and the date of graduation.

B. Dismissal

1. General

A student may be dismissed at any time during the student's enrollment from his/her respective academic program under one or more of the following conditions:

1. The student does not, in the judgment of the respective performance review committee, show sufficient academic or professional promise to justify allowing the student to continue his/her educational studies.
2. The student has displayed a repeated lack of professionalism with respect to the management of patients or in interactions with other students, staff, or the faculty. These factors are as important as academic standards.
3. Any act by a student that constitutes a physical, emotional, or behavioral problem that conflicts with safety essential to the practice of dentistry.
4. Any act by the student that violates the Technical Standards of the ASOD
5. A student who violates the Honor Code.
6. A student who demonstrates dangerous or disruptive behavior will be evaluated by the University's Emergency Evaluation and Action Committee (EEAC). Additionally, a student who is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or violence that in any way compromises the student's ability to deliver patient care, or otherwise jeopardizes the welfare of patients, students, staff, or faculty, shall have his/her classroom and/or patient care privileges suspended and may be subject to dismissal from the ASOD or expulsion from the University.
7. Additional conditions for dismissal can be found in specific program policies or program manual (e.g., DH students must adhere to the ASOD's Academic Standing and Ethical Conduct Policy).

The student's appeal rights are set out in the School's Policy on Student Due Process. The final decision for dismissal of a student will rest with the respective performance review committee, the Dean (if the dismissal is appealed to the ASOD Administrative Board) or the EEAC. If the student is dismissed through the Honor Court process, the final decision rests with the Chancellor.

2. DDS Program

In addition to the foregoing, any of the following will be grounds for dismissal from the DDS program:

1. Any two semesters in which a student is on academic probation.
2. Any act or any physical, emotional or behavioral problems that conflict with safety essential to the practice of dentistry and do not respond to appropriate treatment or counseling within a reasonable period of time.
3. Failure to complete the first two years of the program within three years, or failure to complete the second two years of the program within three years. Exceptions are made for valid medical leaves. (Policy approved by the Dean's Cabinet, May 2018.)

The final decision for dismissal of a student will rest with the Academic Performance Committee (Student Progress Review Team), the Dean (if the dismissal is appealed to the Administrative Board) or the University's Emergency Evaluation and Action Committee.

3. Reapplication Following Dismissal (applies to DDS and DH students)

Students who are dismissed from the School may apply for readmission after three years. However, readmission will be considered (and granted) only in highly exceptional and compelling circumstances. The student will be required to provide evidence that subsequent performance is likely to meet or exceed minimum standards. Such application for readmission will be considered only when clearly exceptional circumstances can be documented to support the readmission request.

Readmission is contingent upon acceptance by the appropriate Admissions Committee and final approval by the Dean and is dependent upon a favorable assessment of the student's potential for meeting the School's standards based on consideration of all relevant facts or circumstances.

To request readmission following dismissal from the School, application must be made to the respective Admissions Committee using the same admissions process as required for all prospective students in the program. Requests for readmission, which require payment of a readmission application fee, will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee at a regularly scheduled meeting. Applicants must meet the standards of admission that are applicable at that time and must be interviewed by the Committee. Admission is neither guaranteed nor automatic, even if the student is academically eligible. If the Admissions Committee recommends that the student is readmitted and that advanced standing should be considered, the respective performance review committee will recommend the standing.

III. Contact Information