The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

EAA024 Medical Student Disciplinary Action Policy

Policy Number: EAA024
Policy Title: Medical Student Disciplinary Action Policy

A. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidelines to address academic disciplinary action.

B. Persons Affected

This policy will cover the students participating in the UTRGV SOM curriculum.

C. Implementation Date

This policy is effective with the UTRGV SOM inaugural class, the Class of 2020, and will remain in effect for future classes unless otherwise amended.

D. Policy

Any academic disciplinary action/sanction(s) recommended by the MSEPC shall be in accordance with applicable SOM and UTRGV policies. The following sanctions may be assessed by the MSEPC or the Dean of SOM (herein referred to as the Dean):

  1. Warning
  2. Probation
  3. Withholding of grades, official transcript, and/or degree
  4. Bar against readmission
  5. Suspension of rights and privileges deriving in whole or in part for the SOM, including participation in extracurricular activities
  6. Suspension of eligibility for any student office or honor
  7. Cancellation of credit for scholastic work done
  8. Failing grade or reduction of a grade for an examination, assignment, or course
  9. Suspension from the UTRGV SOM for a specified period of time
  10. Dismissal
  11. Denial of degree
  12. Revocation of degree and withdrawal of diploma
  13. Formal letter of reprimand in the academic file
  14. Other sanction(s) as deemed appropriate under the circumstances

If a voting member of the MSEPC has already taken an action (e.g., awarded a failing grade in a course/clerkship or been an faculty academic mentor) that contributes to the adverse action being proposed against the student, they must disclose this to the committee chair and recuse themselves from discussions and voting.

At the MSEPC meeting during which the student’s status is reviewed:

  • Student may attend in person
  • Student may submit a written brief statement
  • Student may represent themself

The decision of the MSEPC may be appealed to the Dean whose decision is final. The sanctioned student may file a written appeal to the Dean within five (5) business days from receipt of the MSEPC written decision. The student must also inform the Associate Dean for Student Affairs of the Intent to appeal, also within the same five (5) business days. The student's appeal portfolio must include a justification statement for appeal and all documentation provided to the MSEPC.

On appealing to the dean:

  • Student may submit additional information.
  • Student may request a meeting with the dean.
  • Student shall remain enrolled and continue to attend scheduled curricular sessions.

Upon review of the student's record and appeal portfolio, the Dean may elect to:

  1. Take no action, allowing the MSEPC decision to stand;
  2. Modify the MSEPC decision;
  3. Make an alternate decision;
  4. Impanel an ad-hoc committee to re-examine the decision and make recommendations.

Within fifteen (15) business days from receipt of the student's appeal, the Dean will provide a written decision to the student, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, the Associate Dean for Educational Affairs and the Chair of the MSEPC. The decision of the Dean is final appellate review.


Appendix A

LCME Standard(s)

10.3 POLICIES REGARDING STUDENT SELECTION / PROGRESS AND THEIR DISSEMINATION

The faculty of a medical school establish criteria for student selection and develop and implement effective policies and procedures regarding, and make decisions about, medical student application, selection, admission, assessment, promotion, graduation, and any disciplinary action. The medical school makes available to all interested parties its criteria, standards, policies, and procedures regarding these matters.


Dates Reviewed or Amended

Approved by the Faculty Assembly on December 19, 2019.

Approved by the Central Curricular Authority Committee (CCAC) on August 23, 2017.

Reviewed, amended, and approved by the Central Curricular Authority Committee (CCAC) on December 11, 2019.

Non-substantive changes made on February 18, 2021.

Approved by Dean's Advisory Council on December 14, 2023

Approved by the Dean/Chief Academic Officer on December 19, 2019; December 19, 2023.