Contents
Catalog Links

Grades and Class Rank

Pre-Clerkship Grades

 Module grades for PMS 1 and PMS 2 are based on an Honors, High Pass, Pass, and Fail system. Each module provides students with its School of Podiatric Medicine Curriculum Committee (SPMCC)-approved grading rubric.

Pass/Fail Grading System (Pre-Clinical Years)

Achievement of at least 70% in module grades for PMS 1 and PMS 2 will be considered passing. All grades below 70% will be considered failing.

• 90-100% = Honors (4.0)
• 80-89.99% = High Pass (3.5)
• 70-70.99% = Pass (2.5)
• 0-69.99% = Fail (1.0)

At the end of each pre-clinical year (not including PMMD 8600), a grade point average will be calculated using a 4.0 scale to assist SOPM students with post-graduate residency education placement. Averaging the students’ numerical grade point equivalent earned for all modules for Years 1 and 2. UTRGV is developing a system for GPA calculations, which will be available yearly, at least manually, by AY 20252026 until full automation is implemented. GPA should be available at the end of each preclinical year and accessible to students, as it will be used for Dean’s List and annual ranking. 

Ranking

Class rank is based on didactic and pre-clinical modules as determined by the required coursework table and will be calculated every year. Class rank is not posted on the official transcript but is included in the Podiatric Medical Student Performance Evaluation and used as part of the determination for the Pi Delta National Honor Society. The class ranking places students in numerical rank order.

The Dean’s List will be calculated yearly and awarded to 1st and 2nd year students with a 3.5 or higher GPA.

The grading and ranking systems for clinical rotation years are outlined in Section 3 of the UTRGV SOPM Student Handbook.

Clerkship Grades

Clinical Grading & Ranking

Grading System for Year 3 Clinical Rotations:

A comprehensive and holistic approach for assessment and ranking will be utilized in the clerkship years. The podiatric medical student’s progress to clinical competency will be evaluated and measured by how well the student can translate and apply the didactic knowledge from the pre-clinical years in the clinical setting. The clinical skills and behaviors of the developing physician will be the central focus of the assessment process during the clerkship years.

Criterion vs. Norm Referenced Evaluation:

The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine uses a criterion-referenced evaluation system in clinical rotations, where students are assessed based on predefined standards. Students who meet these criteria can pass, regardless of their peers' performance. This contrasts with a norm-referenced system, which ranks students relative to one another and limits the number of top performers. The final grade for the rotation will be determined on a Pass/Fail basis. 

The final grade for the rotation will be determined on a Pass/Fail basis.

To pass the rotation, the student must meet ALL of the following requirements:

  • Over the course of the module series, third-year students are required to demonstrate competency in a manner that meets or exceeds expectations for all student learning objectives. It is anticipated that as the third year progresses, students will complete a higher volume of objectives for each subsequent PMSB module.
  • Final grades for each module are determined through a comprehensive review of multiple performance components. These include: preceptor evaluations of clinical performance, performance on the clinical shelf examination, professionalism and adherence to site expectations, and timely submission of all required documentation including logs and student evaluation of the clinical experience.
  • If multiple areas of “does not meet expectations” are marked on a student’s clinical evaluation, this will prompt a formal review by the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs (ADCA) or their designee. This review will include consultation with the preceptor and a holistic evaluation of all available documentation. The focus of this review is not solely on the pass/fail outcome, but rather on ensuring the student receives constructive feedback regarding their clinical performance and areas for growth.
  • If the student fails in any of the above sections, except for the shelf exam, they will be reviewed by the ADCA, who will make a determination regarding the passing or failing of the rotation.
  • Score 70% or higher on the shelf exam. If the student scores below 70% on the first attempt, a retake exam is required. A score below 70% on the retake exam will result in a “Fail” grade for the rotation. 

Grading System for Year 4 Clinical Rotations

** The grading for clinical rotations in Year 4 will be on a pass/fail basis, using the same criteria as Year 3, excluding the shelf exam. Mid-point assessments are not required for rotations outside the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). 

Grading System for Didactic Conferences:

Year 3

Grading: Final Grade Determination for Didactic Conferences (Grand-Rounds) The grade for this course is based on the following categories:

  • Attendance - 25%
  • Case/oral presentation - 25% 
  • Final OSCE - 50%

Students are required to attend all grand round conferences. Attendance is mandatory and constitutes twenty-five percent (25%) of the course grade. Students may be excused from a conference with a note/letter from their preceptor citing the reason for the absence, due to an illness or due to an emergency. An unexcused absence will result in a zero percent (0%) grade for attendance.

Year 4

PMSB 9501- Year 4 Didactic Conferences (Grand-Rounds) Grade Determination:

  • Attendance - 50%
  • Case Presentation - 50%   

Final Year 4 OSCE (CSPE)          100%

*** Grading for the Final OSCE in Year 4 will be on a Pass/Fail basis and is not included in the calculation of the overall GPA. The student will need to have a 70% raw score to receive a passing grade (“Pass”). A grade of 69.99% and below is considered a “Fail.”