Unit Policy
Title
School of Medicine: Translational Education at Carolina (TEC) 2.0 Foundation Phase Exam and Quiz Policy
Introduction
Purpose
This Policy establishes the conditions for indicating an absence from an exam or quiz and specifies the parameters for making up a missed exam or quiz.
Scope
This Policy applies to all students (Students) in the Foundation Phase (the first three (3) semesters, the preclinical curriculum) of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (University) School of Medicine (SOM). The Policy also applies to all faculty, residents and attending physicians teaching Students.
Policy
Policy Statement
SOM uses routine exams and quizzes to test and prepare students for progress in the Program. SOM faculty are committed to protecting the integrity and fairness of exams and quizzes. Students are expected to take all exams and quizzes at the scheduled time. Students may not use an absence during exams and quizzes other than Peer Accelerated Learning Session (PALS) quizzes. Students must use the Qualtrics excused absence form to note their absence from a PALS session. Preparing for, arriving in a timely manner with functional technology which meets SOM technical specifications, and completing major exams and quizzes at scheduled times is a demonstration of professionalism.
Conditions of an Absence for an Exam or Quiz
Students may not take an absence during a PCC exam, microbiology in lab assignments, anatomy practical, NBME exam or Clinical Reasoning Exam. It is possible that extreme or emergency circumstances may prevent a student from taking an exam or quiz. In such situations, the student should email SALeadership@listserv.med.unc.edu and fill out the Qualtrics absence form to note their absence before the start of the exam or quiz or as soon as is possible. Curricular Affairs staff will follow up with the student within four (4) business days on scheduling a make-up date and the absence will be recorded in the Canvas attendance system, with the absence deducted from the four allowed absences per semester. When a student indicates that they are missing an exam or quiz under emergency circumstances, the Office of Student Affairs will attempt multiple means of communication with the student until they are contacted, and it is confirmed that the student is or will be safe. If a student cannot be contacted within six (6) hours, the Office of Student Affairs will initiate an in-person health and safety check.
Timeframe to Make-Up a NBME Exam
Students must make up missed exams within four (4) business days of the exam's original date. No exams will be administered in advance of scheduled times. Curricular Affairs staff are responsible for scheduling the make-up exams and will contact the student with the details. Students may not reschedule their make-up exams unless the Associate or Assistant Dean for Student Affairs grants an additional excused absence. Students risk forfeiting the opportunity to complete an exam if they do not attend the scheduled make-up session. Curricular Affairs and Student Affairs Leadership will make the final determination on whether an exam is to be forfeited.
Timeframe to Make-Up a Quiz
Curricular Affairs staff schedule the designated quiz make-up days at the beginning of each course. Students are required to make-up the missed quiz at the first available quiz make-up time following their absence. No quizzes will be administered in advance of scheduled times. Students may not reschedule their make-up quizzes unless the Associate or Assistant Dean for Student Affairs grants an additional absence. Students risk forfeiting the opportunity to complete the quiz if they do not attend the scheduled make-up session.
Electronic Submission of Quizzes
Students are required to have functional technology, either a working laptop or iPad provided by SOM, to complete required quizzes. Students must submit the quizzes electronically. No paper copies will be provided unless indicated by a University-approved testing accommodation.
Exceptions
In some instances, challenging life circumstances may make compliance with this Policy difficult. The Office of Student Affairs leadership will review individual Exception requests as needed. Exception requests should be sent to SALeadership@listserv.med.unc.edu.
Related Requirements
Unit Policies, Standards, and Procedures
Contact Information
Primary Contact
Name: Heather Tarantino, Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs
Email: Heather_Tarantino@med.unc.edu
Other Contacts
Name: Kathleen Barnhouse, Assistant Dean for Preclinical Curriculum
Email: Kathleen_Barnhouse@med.unc.edu