Approved by the Faculty of the College August 19, 1992
Revised and Approved by the Faculty of the College October 1, 1992
Revised and Approved by the Faculty of the College November 18, 1993
Revised and Approved by the Faculty of the College April 18, 1995
Revised and Approved by the Faculty of the College April 28, 2000
Revised and Approved by the Faculty of the College October 7, 2003
Revised and Approved by the Faculty of the College April 10, 2006
Revised and Approved by the Faculty of the College October 20, 2006

1. Committee Responsibilities

1.0 The Committee on Student Evaluation (COSE), acting in an advisory role with the Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine (through the Associate Dean for Student Services), for the purpose of retention, promotion, and graduation, shall direct the periodic review and evaluation of the overall achievement and performance record of students pursuing the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. In accomplishing this task, the Committee may assume the additional responsibility for the review and evaluation of procedures used to determine the achievement and performance of students enrolled in the College of Osteopathic Medicine.

1.1 COSE will make decisions regarding which students' academic dismissals from the College of Osteopathic Medicine, not involving unprofessional/unethical behavior should be upheld. (See Section 4.1.3)

1.2 COSE, or its designee, will review and grant requests from students for voluntary withdrawal from the College of Osteopathic Medicine. (See Section 4.2)

1.3 COSE will review petitions for reinstatement of those students who have been academically dismissed, suspended, or who have voluntarily withdrawn. Decisions will be made on an individual basis. (See Section 7)

1.4 For those students who are reinstated to the College of Osteopathic Medicine following suspensions, academic dismissals, or voluntary withdrawals and for students placed on academic probation, COSE will recommend guidelines and/or requirements, which may facilitate successful completion of the curriculum (e.g., extension of academic program). (See Section 4.1.2) In addition, COSE will recommend guidelines and/or requirements (e.g., additional coursework, counseling) for students who are suspended, academically dismissed or who have voluntarily withdrawn from the College of Osteopathic Medicine.

1.5 All COSE decisions will be communicated in writing to the Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine who may, after further review and discussion with the COSE Chairperson or his/her representative, uphold or overturn the COSE decision. Reasons for overturning a COSE decision shall be communicated in writing to COSE by the Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. (See Section 8)

1.6 COSE will recommend to the faculty those candidates who have qualified for the awarding of the D.O. degree. (See Section 11)

2. Committee Composition

2.0 As outlined in the bylaws of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, COSE shall be composed of nine voting members: one faculty representative to be elected by and from each of the wholly administered Departments of the College, and from the jointly administered Departments, a number of faculty representatives to be appointed by the Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine sufficient to achieve the full membership of nine. All appointed members shall be subject to annual appointment. All elected members may not serve more than two consecutive terms. The Associate Dean for Student Services, the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, the Student Records Officer in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Chairperson of the Admissions Committee of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, or his/her designee, shall serve as ex-officio members without vote. With the approval of the College Advisory Council, the Dean may also appoint such other ex-officio, non-voting members to represent diverse perspectives within the College of Osteopathic Medicine as deemed appropriate.

3. Chairperson Responsibilities

3.0 The COSE Chairperson, or designee, shall serve as head of the Committee and preside over all Committee meetings.

3.1 The COSE Chairperson shall see that all Committee meetings and activities adhere to the guidelines established in the "Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Policy for Retention, Promotion and Graduation."

3.2 The COSE Chairperson, in coordination with the Student Records Officer, shall set meeting times, prepare agendas and circulate them to all Committee members.

3.3 The COSE Chairperson, or his/her designee, shall meet with the entering class during College orientation each year to discuss the responsibilities and functions of COSE, review common problems which may result in an appearance before the Committee.

3.4 The Associate Dean for Student Services, in consultation with the COSE Chairperson, shall notify personally (if possible), and in writing, each student receiving the designation academic probation, academic dismissal or unsatisfactory clinical performance. (See Sections 5.1.1, 5.1.2 and 5.1.3)

3.5 The COSE Chairperson, or his/her designee, in coordination with the Associate Dean for Student Services, shall communicate personally (if possible), and in writing, to the student who has been academically dismissed the Committee's decision concerning re-enrollment in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. (See Section 5.1.2)

3.6 The COSE Chairperson, or his/her designee, in shared responsibility with the Associate Dean for Student Services, shall communicate personally (if possible), and in writing, to the student receiving the designation unsatisfactory clinical performance the Committee decision concerning continued enrollment in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. (See Section 5.1.3)

3.7 The COSE Chairperson, or his/her designee, shall, as warranted, discuss the reasons behind all COSE decisions with the Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. (See Section 1.5)

3.8 The COSE Chairperson, via the Office of Student Services, shall receive petitions for reinstatement of those students who have been academically dismissed, suspended, or who have voluntarily withdrawn from the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Following receipt of the petition, the COSE Chairperson, via the Office of Student Services, shall place the student's name on the COSE agenda for review by the Committee. (See Section 1.3)

3.9 The COSE Chairperson, or his/her designee, along with the Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, or his/her designee, shall listen to and review student appeals of a COSE decision involving academic dismissal, suspension, or unsatisfactory clinical performance. (See Section 8)

3.10 The COSE Chairperson shall serve as a member of the Committee on Clerkship Performance. (See Section 10.1)

3.11 The COSE Chairperson, or his/her designee, shall serve as an ex-officio member of the College Advisory Council and Admissions Committee of the College of Osteopathic Medicine without vote.

4. Definitions

4.0 Grades: The College of Osteopathic Medicine employs the P/N (Pass/No grade) grading system and issuance of these grades shall be in accordance with University policy. Grading on the P/N system may be postponed by use of the I (Incomplete) grade, which may be issued only in accordance with University definition and policy. The ET (Extension) grade may be issued in those courses as approved by the University Committee on Curriculum and only in accordance with University definition and policy.

4.1 Performance:

4.1.0 Satisfactory Academic Performance: A designation given to any student who has satisfactorily completed all required academic and clinical requirements while maintaining acceptable professional behavior.

4.1.1 Unsatisfactory Academic Performance: A designation given to any student who has received one or more "N" grades in required courses consisting of less than one-third of the academic Semester's total required credits. (See Section 5.1.0)

4.1.2 Academic Probation: A designation given to any student who has received "N" grades exceeding one-third of the Semester's total required credits attempted; or "N" grades exceeding one-fifth of the total required credits earned in the program to date; or three "N" grades in any single required Department or course sequence. This is an in-house designation only. This designation is also given to a student who has achieved unsatisfactory clinical performance. (See Section 4.1.4)

4.1.3 Academic Dismissal: A designation given any student who has accumulated "N" grades, remediated and non-remediated, exceeding one-fourth of the total credits attempted in required courses. (See Section 5.1.2)

4.1.3.0 During the first and second Semesters only, Academic Dismissal is a designation given any student who has accumulated "N" grades exceeding forty percent of the total credits attempted in required courses (See Section 4.1.3.1). For all subsequent Semesters Academic Dismissal is a designation given to that student who has accumulated "N" grades exceeding one-fourth (25%) of the total credits attempted in required courses.

4.1.3.1 Students who receive an "N" grade in ANTR 551 will appear before a COSE subcommittee at the conclusion of their first semester of enrollment. The "N" grade in ANTR 551 will be taken into consideration at the conclusion of the second semester of enrollment. The forty percent retention level would apply at the conclusion of the second semester and would include the grade in ANTR 551 from the first semester of enrollment (See Section 4.1.3.0).

4.1.4 Unsatisfactory Clinical Performance: A designation given that student who has received one or more "N" grades in a clinical subject involving patient contact. (See Section 5.1.3)
4.2 Suspension: An interruption in a student's ability to participate, for a specified period of time, in the College professional curriculum leading to the D.O. degree, for unsatisfactory academic or clinical performance or unprofessional/unethical behavior.

4.3 Voluntary Withdrawal: A designation given any student who has received permission to withdraw voluntarily from responsibilities in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. (See Section 7)

4.4 Reinstatement: A designation given any student who had previously been academically dismissed, suspended, or had voluntarily withdrawn, upon re-entering the College of Osteopathic Medicine. (See Section 7)

4.5 Contingency: A designation assigned when continued enrollment or reinstatement is contingent upon the completion of specific recommendations and/or requirements as made by COSE, the Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, or the Associate Dean for Student Services.

4.6 Remediation: The method by which course objectives can be met after having received an "N" grade. (See Sections 5.1.4)

5. Procedures

5.0 Quorum: A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the duly constituted voting membership. Any faculty representative who is unable to attend a COSE meeting should designate an alternate to take his/her place on the Committee for that particular COSE meeting. The COSE Chairperson should be notified of the alternate prior to the COSE meeting.

5.1 Notification: At the end of each academic Semester during the Preclerkship Program, the course instructor or coordinator shall notify the Associate Dean/Student Services in a timely fashion of those students not earning a "P" grade in their course(s). Using the appropriate College form ("No Grade" form and "Incomplete Grade" form), the course instructor or coordinator shall indicate the basis for the assignment of a non-"P" grade ("I" or "N") including grades (percentage scores) on all examinations and final grade (percentage score) for the course(s) and shall recommend the means by which the course objectives may be met. The Associate Dean/Student Services shall convey to COSE a report of the status of those students for whom non-"P" grades have been recorded.

5.1.0 Unsatisfactory Academic Performance: The student receiving this designation shall be notified in writing by the Associate Dean for Student Services. Successful completion of course requirements shall be supervised by the course instructor or course coordinator.

5.1.1 Academic Probation: The student receiving this designation will be notified personally (if possible), and in writing, by the Associate Dean/Student Services and/or the COSE Chairperson, or his/her designee, in a timely fashion, and will be directed to appear before COSE. Preclerkship Program students who fall within the probationary range for the first time due to level of "N" grades received (excluding levels resulting in academic dismissal) will be directed to appear before a Sub-Committee of COSE for guidance and consultation. This Sub-Committee will consist of the Associate Dean for Student Services, the student's faculty mentor, and a COSE member (to be determined on a voluntary basis).

5.1.1.0 It is strongly recommended that a student directed to appear before COSE should consult with his/her faculty mentor and/or any other appropriate faculty member(s) before his/her scheduled COSE appearance.

5.1.1.1 A student failing to appear without due cause before COSE or a COSE Sub-Committee, as directed, will be judged as having unprofessional/unethical behavior and will be referred to the Associate Dean for Student Services. A letter denoting this unprofessional/unethical behavior will be placed in the student's permanent file.

5.1.1.2 Each student appearing before COSE shall be given ample opportunity to explain their academic performance.

5.1.1.3 Student performance records shall be reviewed by COSE during the meeting. The Committee will confer with the student (if present), and may accept any materials that may be offered and may hear other representatives (e.g., faculty mentor or other advocates) that may be present. COSE may recommend or require that the student alter his/her course of study, seek counsel or other aid and may prescribe levels of achievement to be attained within a designated time.

5.1.2 Academic Dismissal: The Associate Dean/Student Services and/or the
COSE Chairperson, or his/her representative, in a timely fashion, shall notify the student personally (if possible), and in writing, of his/her academic dismissal. The student shall have the opportunity to appear before COSE for consideration of reinstatement. The student seeking reinstatement must request in writing to meet with COSE for consideration by contacting either the COSE Chairperson or the Office of Student Services. (See Section 7)

5.1.2.0 It is strongly recommended that a student appearing before COSE should consult with his/her faculty mentor and/or any other faculty member(s) before his/her scheduled COSE appearance.

5.1.2.1 COSE, upon reviewing the records and performance of the student during the meeting, conferring with the student (if present), accepting any materials that may be offered, and hearing representatives (e.g., faculty mentor or other advocates) that may be present, will make a decision concerning re-enrollment in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. This decision will be communicated personally (if possible), and in writing, to the student in a timely fashion by the Associate Dean/Student Services and/or the COSE Chairperson, or his/her designee.

5.1.3 Unsatisfactory Clinical Performance: A student with unsatisfactory clinical performance will be directed to appear before COSE for review of the student's overall performance. The student receiving this designation will be notified personally (if possible), and in writing, by the Associate Dean/Student Services and/or the COSE Chairperson, or his/her representative, in a timely fashion, of his/her unsatisfactory clinical performance.

5.1.3.0 It is strongly recommended that a student directed to appear before COSE should consult with his/her faculty mentor and/or any other faculty member(s) before his/her scheduled COSE appearance.

5.1.3.1 A student directed to appear before COSE shall have all of his/her clinical evaluations completed and available for review prior to his/her appearance before COSE. Assistance may be obtained from the office of the Associate Dean for Academic Programs.

5.1.3.2 COSE, upon reviewing the records and performance of the student during the meeting, conferring with the student (if present), accepting any materials that may be offered, and hearing representatives (e.g., faculty mentor or other advocates) that may be present, will make a decision concerning continued enrollment in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. This decision will be communicated personally (if possible), and in writing, to the student in a timely fashion by the Associate Dean/Student Services and/or the COSE Chairperson, or his/her representative.

5.1.4 Remediation of "N" Grades:

5.1.4.0 If a student is academically dismissed or suspended from the College of Osteopathic Medicine, he/she cannot remediate a course in which an "N" grade was received until such time as he/she has been reinstated to the College by COSE.

5.1.4.1 In context of 5.1.4.0, academic dismissal is that status which occurs as the result of accumulated "N" grades (See Section 4.1.3) and which is determined after submission of final Semester grades to the Office of the Registrar which is no later than 11:00 a.m. on the second business day after the official University conclusion of the Semester. Students will be notified personally (if possible) and by letter of their dismissal status after submission of final grades to the Office of the Registrar. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of the College policies, which may affect his/her academic status at the conclusion of the Semester. Beginning with the determination of academic dismissal, it includes that period of time when a student may be applying for reinstatement to the College of Osteopathic Medicine, his/her appearance before COSE, and it continues until a student receives verbal communication, if possible, to be followed by a letter from COSE which indicates that he/she has subsequently been reinstated to the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Names of students dismissed from the College of Osteopathic Medicine should be submitted in a timely fashion to the Office of Academic Programs, as well as to faculty who may be remediating these students the following Semester to assure that dismissed students are not able to participate in classes, small groups, clinical activity, or participate in remediation.

5.1.4.2 In order to remediate an "N" grade, a student who was not academically dismissed, and a reinstated student, must demonstrate that he/she has mastered the course objectives. To do this he/she may either:

5.1.4.2.0 Re-take the course when it is next taught; or

5.1.4.2.1 Sign up for a Department/College Directed Study course in order to be eligible to take the remediation examination or experience. If he/she is successful in passing the remediation examination/experience, he/she will receive a "P" for the course which indicates that he/she has remediated the original course. If he/she is not successful in passing the remediation examination/experience, he/she will receive an "N" grade for the Directed Study course and he/she must re-take the course in which the original "N" grade was received.

5.1.5 Completion of "N" Grades:

5.1.5.0 If a student is academically dismissed from the College of Osteopathic Medicine, he/she cannot complete a course in which an "I" grade was received until such time as he/she has been reinstated to the College by COSE.

5.1.6 Change of "I" Grade to "N" Grade:

5.1.6.0 If a student has registered and paid fees for the current Semester and an "I" grade from a prior required course is changed to an "N" grade during the current Semester, the student will be allowed to complete the current Semester and let required credits accumulate and any action, if necessary, will be taken by COSE after conclusion of the current Semester.

6. General Considerations

6.0 No student with non-remediated prerequisites shall be permitted to enroll in advanced courses for which the deficiency is a prerequisite. No student who has any non-remediated, non-"P" grades in required basic science courses shall be permitted to take required Systems Biology courses. The Committee on Student Evaluation must approve any deviation from this policy. No student who has any non-remediated, non-"P" grades in required courses shall be permitted to begin the Clerkship Program. No student who has any non-remediated, non-"P" grades in required courses shall be recommended to the faculty for awarding of the D.O. degree.

6.1 From the date of matriculation, no student shall be granted more than six calendar years to complete the curriculum, with the exception of the D.O./Ph.D. student who may have nine calendar years to complete the prescribed coursework and may petition COSE for one additional year. Any modification must be approved by COSE.

6.2 In accordance with current statute, each student must have completed and passed/met the following requirements before entry into the Clerkship Program:

" Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for immunization of healthcare workers.
" Annual OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) training in Universal Precautions.
" Annual HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) training.
" Introductory training in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
" Urine drug screen.
" Criminal background check.

6.3 A student who has been dismissed, suspended, or voluntarily withdrawn and is subsequently readmitted to the College of Osteopathic Medicine must adhere to College curriculum requirements and retention policies in effect at the time of readmission.

6.4 Students who pursue the Extended Curricular Program (ECP) will adhere to College curriculum requirements of the class with which they matriculated.

6.5 A student may request a personal leave of absence up to one year. With supporting documentation, a student may reapply to the Committee on Student Evaluation for an additional year's leave of absence.

7. Reinstatement

7.0. After academic dismissal, suspension, unsatisfactory clinical performance, or voluntary withdrawal from the College of Osteopathic Medicine, a student shall be given the opportunity to petition COSE (with appearance before the Committee unless exempted by the Committee), either through the COSE Chairperson or the Office of Student Services, for reinstatement to the College.

7.0.0 At the beginning of the Semester following his/her first academic dismissal a student dismissed from the College of Osteopathic Medicine may petition COSE to appear at a designated meeting for consideration of reinstatement.

7.0.1 After a period of at least two consecutive Semesters following his/her second academic dismissal a student dismissed from the College of Osteopathic Medicine may petition COSE to appear at a designated meeting for consideration of reinstatement.

7.0.2 After a period of at least one Semester following his/her suspension a student suspended from the College of Osteopathic Medicine may petition COSE to appear at a designated meeting for consideration of reinstatement.

7.0.3 A student who has voluntarily withdrawn from the College of Osteopathic Medicine may petition COSE for reinstatement at any time.
8. Appeal

8.0 After academic dismissal or unsatisfactory clinical performance, a student shall be given an opportunity for an appeal to the Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine or his/her designee in conjunction with the COSE Chairperson, or his/her representative. A request for an appeal must be filed with the Dean's office within ten calendar days after the student has been notified personally (if possible) and in writing of the COSE decision.

9. Conflict of Interest

9.0 In order to avoid a possible conflict of interest, COSE members who are also course instructors/coordinators responsible for issuing an "N" grade to a student who is academically dismissed for the Semester in question and COSE members who also serve as a student's faculty mentor, will not vote; however, they may participate in the discussion with the student's knowledge.

10. Committee on Clerkship Performance

10.0 Committee Standing: The Committee on Clerkship Performance will be a Sub-Committee of COSE.

10.1 Committee Composition: The Committee on Clerkship Performance shall be composed of the Chairperson or their designees from each of the clinical Departments with required Clerkship Program training responsibilities, the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, the Coordinator of Clinical Education, the COSE Chairperson and a representative from COSE appointed by the COSE Chairperson. Additional faculty members from clinical departments not represented in the core group may be asked to serve on an as needed basis by the Chairperson. The Committee will be chaired by the Coordinator of Clinical Education. An appointed representative from the Committee will be present at COSE hearings in which a Clerkship Program student is scheduled to appear.

10.2 Purpose: The Committee on Clerkship Performance shall serve as a mechanism for monitoring and confronting issues of poor student performance in the Clerkship Program, before they reach the dimensions which generate review by COSE (See Section 10.4.0.2) or referral to the Associate Dean of Student Services (See Section 10.1.4.0.3). This includes, but is not limited to 1) students who have received marginal or poor evaluations on two or more clerkship rotations, but have not been issued an "N" grade; and 2) students who have demonstrated unprofessional/unethical behavior.

10.2.0 Marginal or Poor Evaluations: Clinical evaluations which have been ranked below average in two or more categories. With regard to required rotations, below average rankings are defined as evaluations receiving rankings of Unsatisfactory (on a scale of Unsatisfactory-Exceptional) or 3 and below (on a numerical scale of 1-7).

Remarks equivalent to an unsatisfactory performance are considered a below average ranking and subject to review by the Committee on Clerkship Performance. The Committee on Clerkship Performance may consider any evaluation that contains unfavorable remarks marginal and subject to review.

10.2.1 Unprofessional/Unethical Behavior: Actions which violate the following:

10.2.1.0 Academic Dishonesty - This includes, but is not limited to plagiarism; copying exam answers from other students, with or without their knowledge or consent; acquiring and using in any way a secured exam answer key; taking an exam on behalf of another student and subsequently submitting it under that student's name; falsifying academic or medical records.

10.2.1.1 Disrespect and Inappropriate Care for Patients - Deliberately acting or permitting others to act in ways which the student knows, or should know, would endanger the life or medical welfare of patients; failure to respect the well-acknowledged rights of patients and families or other caregivers (e.g., the rights of informed consent and confidentiality).

10.2.1.2 Disrespect and Inappropriate Care for Fellow Professionals - Insulting or degrading other students, faculty or health professionals; not seeking or providing help for peers impaired by drugs and/or alcohol.

10.2.1.3 Disrespect for the Law - Engaging in felonious criminal activity.

10.2.1.4 Violation of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Code of Ethics or Institutional Standards of Conduct - Students shall also be bound by the other precepts of professional behavior contained within the AOA Code of Ethics and the institutions in which they rotate on services.

10.2.1.5 Inappropriate Behavior - This includes, but is not limited to alcohol and other substance abuse, drunkenness, sexual harassment or abuse of others.

10.3 Procedure: The Committee on Clerkship Performance will meet on an as needed basis. Initial identification of poor student performance or alleged unprofessional/unethical behavior will be established in the Clerkship Program Office. Upon notification, the Committee will convene to review performance records of the student(s) having marginal or poor evaluations, as well as alleged unprofessional/unethical behavior. The student(s) who will appear before the Committee will be notified personally (if possible), and in writing by the Coordinator of Clinical Education in a timely fashion. The student(s) will appear before the Committee to explain the reasons for their clinical performance and/or behavior. If they so choose, they may either select a faculty member or request that one be appointed to represent and/or accompany them to the meeting. The student(s) will also have the opportunity to review any information regarding the charges, whether they are in the form of faculty evaluations, grades and/or written comments. If there are verbal complaints against a student(s), the individual making those complaints may be requested to be present at a meeting.

10.4 Committee Decisions and/or Recommendations

10.4.0 At the close of the meeting, the Committee will make decisions and/or recommendations regarding each case. These may include, but are not limited to the following:

10.4.0.0 The student registering for remediation opportunities.

10.4.0.1 The student seeking counsel or specified assistance.

10.4.0.2 The student being referred to COSE in cases involving marginal or poor evaluations in two or more clerkship rotations or refusal to comply with Committee recommendations.

10.4.0.3 The student being referred to the Associate Dean/Student Services in cases involving alleged unprofessional/unethical behavior.

11. Requirements for Graduation

To graduate from Michigan State University with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, a student must satisfactorily complete the courses (or approved equivalent) in the Preclerkship and Clerkship Programs of the curriculum, successfully completing the equivalent of twelve semesters of academic study and successfully pass the COMLEX-USA Level 2 CE and COMLEX-USA Level 2 PE (beginning with the Class of 2008 and beyond) examinations of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.

In addition, each graduating student must receive the endorsement of the Committee on Student Evaluation and an affirmative vote from the faculty of the College. An electronic copy of the Policy for Retention, Promotion and Graduation is available to each student on admission to the College of Osteopathic Medicine.