Grades

Core courses in the MS in Clinical Research Degree Program will be graded A, B, C, or F. An ‘F’ in a required course requires repetition of that course (or a course deemed equivalent by the student’s advisers). Practica and thesis credit hours are graded pass (P) or fail (F). An incomplete (I) grade may be assigned at the discretion of the instructor when the course requirements have not been satisfied by the end of the semester. An incomplete grade will remain on the transcript until a final grade is assigned by the instructor. If an incomplete is not changed by the end of the following semester, it will be converted to an ‘F.’

Criteria upon which grades are based are given at the beginning of each course. Students may withdraw from a course through the last class day of the term. When a student withdraws from a course, a Withdrawn Passing (WP) or Withdrawn Failing (WF) grade will be recorded depending on the student’s standing at the time of withdrawal. This WP or WF grade will remain on the transcript even if the course is repeated and passed.

Academic Conflict Resolution

Individual faculty members retain primary responsibility for grading and evaluations. The faculty member’s judgment is final unless compelling evidence suggests discrimination, differential treatment, or a mistake. In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding academic matters, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the faculty member with whom the grievance originated. If the student and faculty member cannot resolve the matter, the student should consult the academic grievance procedure described in the Student Handbook available at http://deanweb.med.uth.tmc.edu/studaff/handbook/index.html under Academic Guidelines (Grade Grievance Policy).

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The faculty of the Medical School has the responsibility for identifying students who are in academic difficulty and determining whether the deficiency can be remediated or if the student should be dismissed. Satisfactory academic progress is defined for each student by following the degree plan for that student. Each student’s Advisory Committee will review the student’s course work to assist him or her in achieving the maximum potential and in assessing progress toward academic goals. Satisfactory progress will be evaluated on an individual basis but will generally require successfully completing at least 5-8 credit hours per year. Students are expected to complete the program within 6 years, unless extraordinary circumstances warrant an extension. Overall consideration of performance will be used by the Advisory Committee to determine which students have progressed satisfactorily and which students should be placed on academic probation.

Academic Probation and Dismissal

A student will be placed on academic probation by the program director following the completion of the semester in which any of the following occur:

1) a second grade of F or WF is earned

2) the student fails to meet with his or her Advisory Committee within a 12-month period

3) the student fails to make satisfactory progress toward the degree (see above).

Once on probation, the student will be re-evaluated at least each semester by his or her Advisory Committee. A student placed on probation for failing grades will be taken off probation when he/she has passed at least 2 courses and has passed the same or an equivalent course for any required courses that were failed. The student will be given one year to satisfy these requirements or up to two years if the failed required course(s) is offered only biennially. A student placed on probation for failing to make satisfactory progress and/or meet with his or her Advisory Committee will be taken off probation when he or she successfully completes at least 8 credit hours over the next year. If the academic probation is not removed within the stated time period for remediation, the student will be dismissed by the program director.

If the student wishes to request a reconsideration of the dismissal, a written request to the dean with a copy sent to the chairman of the Student Evaluations and Promotions Committee must be submitted within five (5) working days of receipt of the dismissal letter. The Student Evaluations and Promotions Committee will review the request and render its recommendation in writing to the dean. The student will be notified in writing of the dean’s decision within five (5) working days of the committee’s recommendation. The determination of the dean is final and is not subject to further appeal. Students can be referred for evaluation and counseling for academic or personal concerns through the Office of Student Affairs.

Conduct and Discipline

Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and approach their education with honesty and integrity. Students are responsible for becoming familiar with and observing university regulations concerning student conduct and discipline as set forth in Part One, Chapter VI, Section 3 of the Rules and Regulations of The University of Texas System Board of Regents. A reference copy of the Rules and Regulation is available at:http://www.utsystem.edu/bor/rules (Chapter VI, Section 3) and in the Deans’ Office and the HAM-TMC Library.

For information regarding student academic and behavioral issues, contact:
Margaret C. McNeese, M.D.
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
6431 Fannin G.400
Houston, TX 77030
713-500-5159

Long-Term Absences

Students who are unable to maintain active status (at least 5-8 credit hours per year) may request a long-term absence of up to one year. If the absence lasts for more than one year, re-instatement will be considered at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Program students may request a change in enrollment status to non-degree student. Re-instatement in the degree program will be considered at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.

  UTHSC-H General .pdf