Academics

Academic Policies & Procedures

Introduction

This page provides a summary of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine Academic Policies and Procedures. As a condition of enrollment in the Pritzker School of Medicine, each student must familiarize themselves and comply with these policies and procedures. Students are advised to pay special attention to all deadlines given in the Academic Policies and Procedures. All PSOM students are required to review the Academic Policies & Procedures and must attest to doing so each academic year. Due to this process, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine does not accept any exceptions due to an assertion of lack of awareness. In addition, no student or group of students should expect to be warned individually to conform to any of the policies or procedures here. Students who have questions or concerns about these policies and procedures should bring them to the Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement or the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education.

These policies and procedures are subject to revision.

University Policies

Please click here to review information related to University Policies.

    Medical Education Program - Curriculum Delivery

    Requirements for Matriculation Please click here for link to Admissions
    Medical Education Program Objectives (MEPOs) Please click here to read our Medical Education Program Objectives (MEPOs) for the Phoenix & Legacy Curriculums

    Phase 1, 2, and 3 Courses 

    Phase 1 Please click here for link to Phase 1 Courses
    Phase 2 Please click here for link to Phase 2 Courses
    Phase 3 TBD

    Away Rotations, Independent Study Electives, and Auditing

    Determination of Units for Away Rotations Students may do up to two months of clinical elective coursework (sub-internship or clinical elective experiences) at outside institutions for credit. Students should work with their career advisors to choose off-site rotations that will enhance their career and learning goals. Students intending to participate in an away rotation should complete a form that includes a detailed description of the off-site rotation, including learning goals, assessment methods, time commitment, and responsibilities. The form is signed by the student’s career advisor. A committee consisting of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, the Pritzker Registrar, and the Director of Medical School Education assign credit units based on comparable courses or clerkships at Pritzker. Additional information may be required from the student or the sponsoring institution in order to assign appropriate units. If a student believes that the unit assignment is not appropriate, the student can request additional review and provide supplementary information and details about the proposed experience.
    Determination of Units for Independent Study Electives Students may work with individual faculty members to create independent study electives for research, basic science, or clinical experiences. Students complete an online, independent study form that is signed by the sponsoring faculty member with whom they will be working. This form requires a detailed description of the proposed experience, including learning goals, time commitment, and evaluation methods. Credit units are assigned in a manner parallel to that for away rotations.
    Auditing Courses

    All courses in the Pritzker School of Medicine are closed to students who are not enrolled in the medical school. Under exceptional circumstances, course directors may allow auditing of a medical school course. Such circumstances require the written approval of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education.

    At times, especially prior to returning from a Leave of Absence, a Pritzker student may be required to audit designated courses or portions of courses by the Committee on Academic Promotions. Students who audit may take all exams if given course director permission, but without a grade or credit granted.

    Attendance and Participation Please click here for link to policy.
    Confidentiality of Student Records Policy Please click here for link to policy.
    Conflict of Interest Policy Please click here for link to policy.
    Student Assignment Policy Please click here for link to policy.
    Surveying Our Students Please click here for link to survey.

     

      Clinical Supervision for Medical Students Policy Please click here for link to policy.

        Guiding Principles of Professionalism 

        Professionalism

        A mark of a great medical school is the ability to create an environment which nurtures future physicians who possess knowledge of the most advanced scientific fundamentals and who demonstrate clinical competencies while behaving in ways that honor the profession of medicine. Helping students to achieve this level of professionalism is as important to a medical school as is its success in educating students in the biological and clinical sciences.

        Below are the fundamental attributes to which we ascribe as members of the Pritzker School of Medicine community in our professional responsibilities, relationships and ethic.

        Professional Responsibilities

        As a medical student and future physician, I have chosen to pursue a profession which requires personal integrity, compassion, and a constant awareness of the commitment I have made to myself, to my patients, and to the other members of the teams with whom I work. Exhibiting personal behaviors consistent with a respect for my chosen profession and having pride in my work are central tenets of professionalism which I will strive to incorporate into my daily life. To demonstrate my commitment to these responsibilities while enrolled at the Pritzker School of Medicine, I will:

        1. Seek and accept feedback and constructive instruction from teachers, peers, residents and faculty in order to continually improve my educational experience, knowledge, and clinical skills.
        2. Commit to the highest standards of competence both for myself and for those with whom I work.
        3. Recognize the importance of life-long learning and commit to maintaining competence throughout my medical career.
        4. Be mindful of my demeanor, language, and appearance in the classroom, in the presence of patients, and in all health care settings.
        5. Be accountable to all members of the Pritzker community, including students, residents, faculty, and support staff.
        6. Admit to and assume responsibility for mistakes in a mature and honest manner and develop productive strategies for correcting them.
        7. Refrain from using illicit substances. Refrain from using alcohol, non-prescription or prescription drugs in a manner that may compromise my judgment or my ability to contribute to safe and effective patient care.
        8. Be considerate and respectful of others’ (teachers, peers, residents and faculty) time, rights, values, religious, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, lifestyles, opinions, and choices, even when they differ from my own.
        9. Meet the expectations for participation and timeliness that are communicated to me by those who teach me.
        10. Take an active role in caring for the diverse patient population served by the University of Chicago Medical Center.
        11. Recognize my limitations and seek help when my expertise, knowledge, or level of experience is inadequate to handle a situation in the classroom, hospital, or research setting.
        Professional Relationships

        Establishing productive and respectful relationships with patients, faculty, residents, staff, and colleagues is an essential component of providing the best possible health care. To strive for professionalism and kindness in all of my daily encounters, I will:

        1. Maintain appropriate relationships with patients, teachers, peers, residents and faculty.
        2. Treat all members of the UCM and Pritzker community, patients, and their families with respect, compassion, and dignity.
        3. Be mindful to avoid intentionally embarrassing or deriding others.
        4. Provide feedback to others (both colleagues and superiors) in a constructive manner, with the goal of helping them to improve.
        5. Treat those who participate in my education (e.g. standardized patients) with dignity and respect.
        6. Actively work to create an atmosphere in classrooms, clinical settings and in laboratories that is conducive to optimal, interactive learning.
        7. Help and support my peers during difficult times in their academic, professional, and personal lives.
        8. Attend to my own physical and emotional well-being.
        Professional Ethic

        Certain personal values and behaviors will be expected of me as a care-giver and as an ambassador of the Pritzker School of Medicine. Through my behaviors, I will demonstrate a commitment to honoring and upholding the expectations of the medical profession, and, in so doing, I will contribute to maintaining society’s trust in it. In particular, I will:

        1. Maintain the highest standards of academic and scholarly honesty throughout my medical education, by behaving in a trustworthy manner.
        2. Recognize and function in a manner consistent with my role as a student on a team.
        3. Maintain a commitment to patient confidentiality, recognizing that patients will trust me with sensitive information.
        4. Place my patients’ interests and well-being at the center of my educational and professional behavior and goals.
        5. Treat cadaveric and other scientific specimens with respect.
        6. Adhere to the standards of the profession as put forth by the American Board of Internal Medicine Physician Charter (abimfoundation.org - Medical Professionalism in the New Millennium: A Physician Charter.) whose fundamental principles are social justice, patient autonomy, and the primacy of patient welfare.
        7. Learn about and avoid conflicts of interest as I carry out my responsibilities, including but not limited to adhering to The University of Chicago Medicine Policy and Guidelines for Interactions with the Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Device, and Research Equipment and Supplies and Services Industries.
        8. Contribute to medical knowledge through active scholarship and discovery.

        Professionalism Feedback and Concern Processes

         

        In response to student lapses in professionalism, any Faculty Member, Faculty Dean, Course Director, Clerkship Director, Staff Director, Staff Member, Track Leader or Research Mentor may provide the student with feedback on this behavior and report the situation to the Associate Dean for Medical Student Academic Advising & Advancement using a Professionalism Feedback Report (PFR) or Professionalism Concern Report (PCR).

        Professionalism Feedback Report (PFR)

        Offenses considered to be less serious will be reported through a Professionalism Feedback Report (PFR). The purpose of this form is to encourage student feedback on professionalism and to document feedback delivered to the student by the individual submitting the report. In general, PFRs will not be part of the student’s permanent academic record and will be destroyed upon graduation. Should the student’s behavior trigger more than 5 total PFR submissions, the Associate Dean for Medical Student Academic Advising & Advancement will present the case to the Committee on Academic Promotion (CAP).

        Examples of behaviors that might lead to a PFR:

        • Fails to accept and internalize feedback
        • Is unwilling to expand knowledge and competence
        • Fails to complete required tasks or requires constant reminders
        • Fails to notify appropriate staff of absences in a timely manner of absences
        • Repeatedly fails to respond to communication from staff, faculty, etc.
        • Consistently late to commitments

        Professionalism Concern Report (PCR)

        Offenses judged to be more serious may be reported by any of the aforementioned individuals through a Professionalism Concern Report (PCR). The purpose of the form is to document feedback delivered to the student by the individual submitting the form and to provide documentation to the Committee on Academic Promotion for mandatory review. All PCRs will be reviewed by CAP. Should the student’s behavior trigger more than two PCRs, the student’s behavior may warrant further sanction. Receipt of two or more PCRs will be documented in the student’s Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) Letter.

        Examples of student behaviors that might lead to a PCR:

        • Use of illicit substances
        • Use of drugs or alcohol in a way that effects patient care
        • Fails to accept responsibility for own errors
        • Engages in inappropriate relationships with patients, teachers, staff, residents and/or faculty
        • Behaves in a dishonest manner
        • Misrepresents self, others, or members of the team to others
        • Breaches patient confidentiality
        • Acts in disregard for patient welfare
        • Takes credit for the work of others
        • Misuses cadavers or other scientific specimens

        If the lapse in professionalism falls within the parameters of the University disciplinary system (e.g. plagiarism; falsification of documents; verbal or physical assault; sexual harassment), the Associate Dean for Medical School Education may refer the student to a University Disciplinary Committee or the PSOM Dean of Students for a possible Area Disciplinary Process.

          Links to PFR (here) and PCR (here) Reports

        Medical Education Program - Assessment and Advancement

        Grading System (Phoenix)

        Pass/Fail Grading System

        The Pritzker curriculum has been designed as a competency-based assessment system. Student performance is measured by the degree of achievement of the appropriate competencies rather than by a predetermined grade distribution.

        Passing grades in individual courses are necessary but not sufficient for attainment of the MD degree from the Pritzker School of Medicine. Failure to demonstrate appropriate ethical or professional behavior may in itself be a cause for dismissal from the Pritzker School of Medicine despite satisfactory academic performance.

        The Pritzker School of Medicine utilizes a Pass (P)/Fail (F) grading system, with the exception of the required clinical clerkships (Ambulatory, Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Neurology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Surgery). Clerkships are graded designated using an (Honors (H), High Pass (HP), Pass (P), Failure (F) ) format. In addition, a narrative summary is submitted to the Pritzker School of Medicine, by the respective required clerkship director, which supports the rationale for the clerkship grade designator assigned for each individual student. These narrative summaries supplied by each clerkship serve as the basis for the Medical Student Performance Evaluation Letter, which is sent to postgraduate programs for residency selection purposes. All pre-clerkship, clerkship and fourth-year grades are included on the official University of Chicago transcript.

        Pre-Clerkship Grade Designators

        Pass (P)

        A grade of Pass (P) is awarded to students, who demonstrates successful performance on course-related competency-focused assessments as determined by the course director(s) and Pritzker Education Team.

        Failure (F)

        Those students whose performance in a subject is below passing standards shall be given a grade of Failure (F). The failure grade (F) will be recorded on the student’s transcript, followed by the passing grade when the required course has been retaken and successfully remediated. A designator of Incomplete (I) or Withdrawal (W) in a previously failed course equals a grade of Failure (F). A grade of Failure (F) followed by a second grade of Failure (F to F) may result in dismissal.

        All elective courses (including Phase 3 electives and selectives) utilize the Pass/Fail grading system.

        Core Clerkship Grade Designators

        Student performance on the core clerkships is assessed using a competency-based, criterion-referenced system with the following grade designators: Honors (H), High Pass (HP), Pass (P) and Fail (F). 

        Student clerkship grades are comprised of various components including clinical performance, NBME (National Board of Medical Education) shelf examination performance, OSCE’s, oral examination and other required assignments.  

        Grading System (Legacy)

        Pass/Fail Grading System

        The Pritzker curriculum has been designed as a competency-based assessment system. Student performance is measured by the degree of achievement of the appropriate competencies rather than by a predetermined grade distribution.

        Passing grades in individual courses are necessary but not sufficient for attainment of the MD degree from the Pritzker School of Medicine. Failure to demonstrate appropriate ethical or professional behavior may in itself be a cause for dismissal from the Pritzker School of Medicine despite satisfactory academic performance.

        The Pritzker School of Medicine utilizes a Pass (P)/Fail (F) grading system, with the exception of the required clinical clerkships (Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Surgery). Clerkships are graded are designated using an (Honors (H), High Pass (HP), Pass (P), Failure (F)) format. In addition, a narrative summary is submitted to the Pritzker School of Medicine, by the respective required clerkship director, that supports the rationale for the clerkship grade designator assigned for each individual student. These narrative summaries supplied by each clerkship serve as the basis for the Medical Student Performance Evaluation Letter, which is sent to postgraduate programs for residency selection purposes. All pre-clerkship, clerkship and fourth-year grades are included on the official University of Chicago transcript.

        Students having difficulty will be counseled by course directors about ways to improve and may be advised by the Academic Progress Committee or the Committee on Academic Promotions to seek assistance from a learning specialist or other counselor.

        Pre-Clerkship Grade Designators

        Pass (P)

        A grade of Pass (P) is awarded to students who demonstrate successful performance on course-related competency-focused assessments as determined by the course director(s) and Pritzker Education Team.

        Failure (F)

        Those students whose performance in a subject is below passing standards shall be given a grade of Failure (F). The failure grade (F) will be recorded on the student’s transcript, followed by the passing grade when the required course has been retaken and successfully remediated. A designator of Incomplete (I) or Withdrawal (W) in a previously failed course equals a grade of Failure. A grade of Failure (F) followed by a second grade of Failure (F to F) may result in dismissal.

        All elective courses (including senior clinical and non-clinical electives and basic science selectives) utilize the Pass/Fail grading system.

        Core Clerkship Grade Designators

        Student performance on the core clerkships is assessed using a competency-based, criterion-referenced system with the following grade designators: Honors (H), High Pass (HP), Pass (P) and Fail (F).

        Student clerkship grades are comprised of various components including clinical performance, NBME (National Board of Medical Education) shelf examination performance, OSCE’s, oral examination and other required assignments. 

        Non-Grade Designators

         

        A student who is unable to successfully complete coursework during a course or clerkship and who has failed one more assessment prior to the conclusion of the course or clerkship may be presented with the followings options to address their academic deficiency: 

        1.    The student may opt to withdraw from the course/clerkship and take a failure in the course/clerkship. The failure will remain on the student’s transcript. When the student remediates the course/clerkship, they will receive two attempts per assessment in their complete retake of the educational experience. 

        2.    The student may opt to take an Incomplete (I) in the course and re-take the course/clerkship at a time arranged by the course/clerkship leadership and the Pritzker Education Team. The student will have the remaining attempts at any assessments when the course/clerkship is remediated (e.g. if an assessment was taken and failed, when the course/clerkship is remediated only one (1) remaining attempt will be allowed on that specific assessment). If the student is able to successfully remediate the course/clerkship within four quarters of the original course registration, the Incomplete (I) will not be recorded on the transcript. 

        Incomplete (I)

        The designator of Incomplete (I) will be assigned when a student has not successfully completed all the required work in a course or clerkship for academic or non-academic reasons. For instance, if a course offers multiple exams during the quarter, and a student fails to pass one or two of those exams, they can be given a designation of Incomplete (I) and be provided with an opportunity for remediation if approved by the course/clerkship director and the Committee on Academic Promotions (see section on Remediation for additional details regarding assessment attempts).  A maximum of two (2) attempts is permitted for each course or clerkship exam.  Attempts at assessment prior to opting for an Incomplete (I) will count toward the total number of assessment attempts. 

        All Incomplete designations should be remediated within four quarters from the original time of course registration, irrespective of student registration status. All Incomplete designations must be remediated before the student can advance to the next phase of the curriculum.

        •    If the coursework is completed within four quarters from the original time of course registration, the student will be awarded the grade earned on the education experience.

        •    If the coursework is completed more than four quarters from the original time of registration for the course, the Incomplete (I) designation will remain on the official transcript with the grade listed alongside it (e.g., I/P).

        •    If the student does not fulfill the course requirements in a satisfactory manner, a final grade of Failure (F) will be reported. This Failure (F) will be noted on the permanent transcript. In such cases, students must retake and pass the course or clerkship.

        •    Failure to pass a previously failed course may result in dismissal from the medical school.

        •    A student in Phase 3 who receives an Incomplete (I) must have completed coursework in the designated area in which the Incomplete (I) has been received prior to April 30 of the final year of enrollment in order to graduate in that academic year.

         

        Withdrawal (W) The designator of Withdrawal (W) signifies withdrawal from a course or clerkship. Once a course begins, a student who withdraws from a course must retake the entire course in order to receive credit. Withdrawal from a course or clerkship requires approval from the Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement and the Committee on Academic Promotions. Designations of Withdrawal (W) remain on the student’s official transcript. A student may not withdraw from a course more than once, unless under exceptional circumstances (such as serious illness) approved by the Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement and the Committee on Academic Promotions.

         

        Technical Requirements

        Technical Requirements Please click here for link to Technical Requirements

         Requirements for Advancement (Phoenix)

        General Requirements

        Passing grades in individual courses are necessary but not alone sufficient for attainment of the MD degree from the Pritzker School of Medicine. Failure to demonstrate appropriate ethical or professional behavior may in itself be a cause for dismissal from the Pritzker School of Medicine despite passing academic performance. In addition, students are expected to demonstrate commitment to their professional responsibility by participating in the full educational experience, including attending classes, required orientations and symposia; completing assignments and requirements in a timely manner; participating in the course evaluation process; and demonstrating respectful behavior towards patients, staff, students, faculty, and others.

        The Committee on Academic Promotions has specified the minimum academic requirements for advancement for each academic year, as well as minimum requirements to maintain enrollment. Failure to meet any one of these requirements may result in dismissal from the medical school. In all curricular years, any repeated course must be passed. A grade of Failure (F) in an individual course or clerkship followed by a second grade of Failure (F to F) in the same individual course or clerkship may result in dismissal. A grade of Incomplete (I) in a repeated course or clerkship is the equivalent of a Failure (F).

        An enrolled student in the regular MD program must complete all coursework within a maximum of six academic years. A leave of absence time period is not included in this count.

        Enrollment in the Pritzker School of Medicine is a full-time endeavor requiring sustained focus and concentration. Enrollment in courses outside of Pritzker or application to other University of Chicago programs while a full-time student at Pritzker requires prior review by the Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement and the Committee on Academic Promotions. This guideline does not apply to students actively enrolled in the Medical Scientist Training Program. PSOM students who apply and are accepted to Scholarship and Discovery-related certificate programs will require approval of the Assistant Dean for Medical Student Research.

        Specific Requirements for Phase 1, Year 1 To advance to the second year of Phase 1, all Phase 1 Year 1 courses must be passed by August 1st.
        Specific Requirements for Phase 1, Year 2 To advance to Phase 2, all Phase 1 courses must be passed. Additionally, to advance to Phase 2, students must pass the USMLE Step 1 exam. Students who are unable to pass on the first attempt will not be permitted to continue to clerkships and must take a year off to achieve a passing score prior to rejoining Phase 2 the following academic year.
        Specific Requirements for Phase 2

        Students are required to complete five core clerkships during their third year (Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Neurology, Ambulatory and Psychiatry). In addition, students must successfully complete a two-week elective rotation of their choosing.

        All Phase 2 coursework must be passed before starting Phase 3.

         Requirements for Advancement (Legacy)

        General Requirements

        Passing grades in individual courses are necessary but not alone sufficient for attainment of the MD degree from the Pritzker School of Medicine. Failure to demonstrate appropriate ethical or professional behavior may in itself be a cause for dismissal from the Pritzker School of Medicine despite passing academic performance. In addition, students are expected to demonstrate commitment to their professional responsibility by participating in the full educational experience, including attending classes, required orientations and symposia; completing assignments and requirements in a timely manner; participating in the course evaluation process; and demonstrating respectful behavior towards patients, staff, students, faculty, and others.

        The Committee on Academic Promotions (see page 19) has specified the minimum academic requirements for advancement for each academic year, as well as minimum requirements to maintain enrollment. Failure to meet any one of these requirements may result in dismissal. In all curricular years, any repeated course must be passed. A grade of Failure (F) in an individual course or clerkship followed by a second grade of Failure (F to F) in the same individual course/clerkship may result in dismissal. A grade of Incomplete (I) in a repeated course or clerkship is the equivalent of a Failure (F).

        An enrolled student in the regular MD program must complete all coursework within a maximum of six academic years. A leave of absence time period is not included in this count.

        Enrollment in the Pritzker School of Medicine is a full-time endeavor requiring sustained focus and concentration. Enrollment in courses outside of Pritzker or application to other University of Chicago programs while a full-time student at Pritzker requires prior review by the Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement and the Committee on Academic Promotions. This guideline does not apply to students actively enrolled in the Medical Scientist Training Program. PSOM students who apply and are accepted to Scholarship and Discovery-related certificate programs will require approval of the Assistant Dean for Medical Student Research. This policy does not apply to students actively enrolled in the Medical Scientist Training Program. PSOM students who apply and are accepted to Scholarship and Discovery-related certificate programs will require approval of the Assistant Dean for Medical Student Research.

        Specific Requirements for Year 1 To advance to the second year, all first-year courses must be passed by the end of the Summer Quarter in the academic year in which those courses were taken.
        Specific Requirements for Year 2 To advance to the third year, all second-year courses must be passed by the end of the Spring Quarter in the academic year in which those courses were taken.
        Specific Requirements for Year 3

        Students are required to successfully complete five core clerkships during their third year (Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Psychiatry). In addition to core clerkships, students must also complete an Interprofessional Experience, Neurology Clerkship, and a two-week elective.

        All third-year coursework must be passed before starting fourth year educational experiences.

        Specific Requirements for Year 4

        Assignment of Credit Units in the Fourth Year

        The fourth-year experience at the Pritzker School of Medicine is intended to consolidate the knowledge, skills, and habits that students will need to be successful residents and practicing physicians; it consists of both required and elective experiences. In total, students must complete a minimum of 1350 units of work over the course of the year.

        Required and elective courses are assigned units based on:

        • Intensity of workload/student level of responsibility
        • Comparability to other Pritzker courses
        • Time commitment

        Units for non-clinical and clinical experiences are recommended by a committee (Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, Pritzker Registrar, and Director of Medical School Education) and are reviewed and approved by the Curriculum and Educational Policy Committee (CEPC). All new elective proposals are reviewed in detail by the CEPC.

        Required experiences include an aggregate minimum of 400 units:

        • Sub-internship (150 units)
        • Scholarship & Discovery/Research Requirement (100-300 units)
        • Clinical Electives (total of 150 units)
        • Emergency Medicine (150 units)
        • Scientific Basis of Medical Practice Selectives (total of 150 units)

        The remainder of the senior schedule is comprised of non-clinical and clinical electives, peer educator roles, mentored independent study, and away (offsite) rotations.

         Requirements for Graduation

        Requirements for Graduation (Phoenix)
        • Successfully complete all coursework, as determined by the Committee on Academic Promotions.
        • Demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct in all personal and professional actions and interactions, as determined by the medical school administration and the Committee on Academic Promotions.
        • Complete fourteen (14) quarters of full-time enrollment and full-time tuition payment.
        • Register for and record a passing score for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 CK. Students are responsible for meeting NBME deadlines.
          • Step 1 must be taken and passed before beginning Phase 2 of the curriculum.
          • Step 2 CK must be taken by July 15 of the senior year.
          • Students may not receive the MD degree from the Pritzker School of Medicine if these exams are not completed as required.
        • Complete required credited experiences by April 30 of year of intended graduation.
        • Complete course evaluations following each course, clerkship or elective.
        • Discharge all financial obligations to the University at least four weeks prior to the June Convocation date.
        • Apply to graduate no later than the first week of the quarter in which the degree is expected (Spring Quarter of final year).

        Upon successful completion of the curriculum of the Pritzker School of Medicine, the student is recommended to the Board of Trustees of the University of Chicago for the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
         

        Requirements for Graduation (Legacy)
        • Successfully complete all coursework, as determined by the Committee on Academic Promotions.
        • Demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct in all personal and professional actions and interactions, as determined by, the medical school administration, and the Committee on Academic Promotions.
        • Complete fourteen (14) quarters of full-time enrollment and full-time tuition payment.
        • Register for and record a score for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 CK. Students are responsible for meeting NBME deadlines.
          • Step 1 is usually taken during the Spring Quarter following the completion of all second-year courses.
          • Step 2 CK must be taken by July 15
          • Students may not receive the MD degree from the Pritzker School of Medicine if these exams are not completed as required.
          • If a student fails the Step 1 exam, they should retake the exam prior to beginning the residency application process.
        • Complete required credited experiences by April 30 of year of intended graduation.
        • Complete course evaluations following each course, clerkship or elective.
        • Discharge all financial obligations to the University at least four weeks prior to the June Convocation date.
        • Apply to graduate no later than the first week of the quarter in which the degree is expected (Spring Quarter of fourth year).

        Upon successful completion of the curriculum of the Pritzker School of Medicine, the student is recommended to the Board of Trustees of the University of Chicago for the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
         

         Committees

        Academic Progress Committees (APC)

        Academic Progress Committees are responsible for monitoring student progress throughout the academic year. The committees are composed of course / clerkship directors for the respective year. The committees are chaired by Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement. The committees provide formative feedback and advice for students about their academic performance and progress as students proceed through the curriculum. The Committee also reviews aggregate student performance by assessment in each course, as well as grade distributions and aggregate NBME shelf performance for the clinical clerkships. The responsible Academic Progress Committee will hear any Professionalism Concern Reports/Professionalism Feedback Reports filed about a student in the previous quarter and attendance monitoring.

        The Academic Progress Committees report to the Curriculum and Educational Policy Committee (CEPC) and make recommendations to the Committee on Academic Promotions (CAP) for monitoring, remediation, referral to learning specialists, Extended Curriculum Option, or other interventions to facilitate student success at Pritzker. The Academic Progress Committees meet quarterly.

        Please click here to read Pritzker School of Medicine Bylaws.

        Committee on Academic Promotions (CAP) 

        The Committee on Academic Promotions is responsible for overall evaluation of student performance, determination of appropriate remediation for academic difficulty, and oversight of academic issues related to student retention and progress. Ultimately, it is the Committee on Academic Promotions’ responsibility to assure that students graduating from the Pritzker School of Medicine meet the academic, ethical, and professional standards to enter the medical profession. The Committee is appointed by the Dean for Medical Education and consists of senior faculty members who are experienced with medical student education and have no current role in student evaluation and progress at PSOM. The Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement serves as chair. The Director of Medical School Education staffs the Committee. The Committee reports to the Dean for Medical Education.

        The Committee on Academic Promotions reviews all medical students for promotion to the next year or phase, or for graduation. The Committee reviews concerns brought to its attention by the Academic Progress Committees for each year or phase; in some cases, the Committee may request that a member of an Academic Progress Committee report directly to the Committee regarding a particular issue. The Committee evaluates the success of the academic remediation; reviews the progress of students on Extended Curriculum Option; and reviews petitions from students for changes in the academic timeline, for academic credit outside the standard curriculum, or for re-entry into medical school from a leave of absence or return from another program of study (e.g. MSTP re-entry).

        The deliberations of the Committee on Academic Promotions are constructive in approach and directed toward helping students succeed. Ultimately, however, Pritzker students must be able to meet the minimum academic performance standards of the competency-based curriculum outlined in these Academic Policies and Procedures. When evaluating student performance, the Committee considers such matters as fund of knowledge, ability to organize and logically present information, test-taking skills, understanding, judgment, and professional behavior. When a student is not performing adequately, the Committee will consider all relevant information. Students may be brought to the attention of the Committee on Academic Promotions through the Academic Progress Committees or through the Dean for Medical Education and their designees.

        Ultimately, it is within the Committee’s discretion to determine whether a student is permitted to continue at the school and whether any remediation of course work should be permitted or required. The Committee on Academic Promotions may consider the status of any student at any time, even if the academic record is satisfactory. The Committee may, for reasons including but not limited to improper conduct, recommend to the Dean for Medical Education that a student be dismissed from the Pritzker School of Medicine.
         
        Voting, when necessary, is limited to full, appointed members of the committee. The Chair of the Committee (“Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement”) is a non-voting member. Decisions of the Committee on Academic Promotions are based on information submitted by Academic Progress Committees or by the Dean for Medical Education and/or designees. In some circumstances, the Committee may request and consider outside evaluations (e.g., by learning specialists), or information from the student under consideration.

        If, in the opinion of the Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement, a decision that could affect a student’s status or advancement (including placing a student on academic probation) will be made at an upcoming meeting, the dean will meet with the student to notify them. The student will be informed that they may provide a written statement to the Committee in advance of the meeting. If submitted, the Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement will present this to the Committee.

        Whenever the Committee on Academic Promotions votes to take action that affects a student’s status or advancement (including placing a student on academic probation), a letter will be sent to the student informing of CAP’s decision. The student will be informed that they may respond to the decision in writing. If the student responds, the entire Committee will review the response and revisit the decision.

        A student may appeal the decision of the Committee on Academic Promotions in a manner described in these Guidelines and Student Appeals Policy. The Committee on Academic Promotions meets quarterly, or at other times as necessary.
         

        Academic Deficiencies

        Monitored Academic Status

        A student may be placed on Monitored Academic Status by the Committee on Academic Promotions if the student, in its sole judgment and discretion:

        • Is at risk for failing to achieve satisfactory academic progress
        • Has received multiple Incomplete designations in courses or clerkships
        • Demonstrates persistent professionalism concerns

        The nature of Monitored Academic Status is one of indicating to the student that their studies must come first and that every effort should be expended in assuring success. Extracurricular activities and scholarly pursuits should be minimized, with a primary focus on academic achievement. The Committee has the discretion to impose additional requirements as part of Monitored Academic Status, (e.g. counseling or evaluation by a learning specialist). Failure to remediate could lead to the Committee recommending the student be placed on academic probation.
         

        Academic Probation

        A student may be placed on Academic Probation by the Committee on Academic Promotions if the student, in its sole judgment and discretion:

        • Is at risk for failing to achieve successful completion of the academic program
        • Has failed one or more courses or clerkships
        • Has failed to remediate concerns that led to being placed on Monitored Academic Status
        • Has received one or more Professionalism Concern Reports
        • Has engaged in unprofessional behavior that, in the committee’s judgment, calls into question the student’s suitability to become a physician

        The nature of the Academic Probation status is one of indicating significant risk of failure to complete the medical education program of the medical school. In addition to the need to focus fully on academic issues, as in the case of Monitored Academic Status, the student must meet regularly with the Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement to ensure that appropriate progress is being made toward remediation of outstanding academic issues and requirements. A student who fails to pass a course or clerkship while on Academic Probation (including a designation of Incomplete) will be considered for dismissal from medical school.  Current or prior academic probation will be reported on the MSPE letter. Professionalism concerns may also be noted on the MSPE letter, in accordance with the Committee’s recommendations and policies outlined in the Guiding Principles of Professionalism section. Failure of an assessment, whether within a course or clerkship, while on Academic Probation may also result in the student’s dismissal from medical school. Failure of an assessment while on academic probation may not result in an automatic remediation attempt, irrespective if attempts remain for the assessment. Opportunities for remediation of failed assessment while on academic probation is at the discretion of the Committee on Academic Promotions. 

        The designation of Academic Probation does not require a prior designation of Monitored Academic Status. In addition, the Committee on Academic Promotions may recommend dismissal from medical school without a period of Monitored Academic Status or Academic Probation.

        Removal of Monitored Academic Status or Academic Probation Generally, to be removed from Monitored Academic Status or Academic Probation a student must maintain at least two (2) successive quarters with passing grades in courses/clerkships and have resolved any concerns about unprofessional behavior the satisfaction of the Committee. The Committee has the sole discretion and authority to require longer periods of monitoring or probation.
        Financial Aid for Satisfactory Academic Progress Please link here for Financial Aid Policy for Satisfactory Academic Progress
        Evaluation and Feedback Policy Please click here for link to policy.
        Student Advancement and Appeal Process Policy Please click here for link to policy.
        Faculty Evaluator - Student as Patient Please click here for link to policy.

         

        Remediation

        Remediation of Coursework 

        Initial remediation of coursework is overseen by Pritzker Education Team. A course or clerkship director’s recommendation about whether remediation for academic work is permitted or expected is subject to review by the Academic Progress Committee and the Committee on Academic Promotions, having available to it a number of options, including dismissal.

        Students who are required to remediate one or more courses must meet with the Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement to discuss various options and to develop a remediation plan. While various forms of remediation may be available, the Committee on Academic Promotions (CAP) has the sole authority and discretion to identify the methods of remediation required for each student on an individual basis. The course/clerkship director is to be consulted in the selection of the plan. The Pritzker Education Team and the Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement must approve each remediation plan. Remediation is to be fair, reasonable, and commensurate with the type of activity in which the deficiency occurred.

        Students will work with the Pritzker Education Team and relevant course/clerkship directors, on the content areas and date of a re-examination for failed assessments. Students may receive no more than two (2) attempts at a single assessment (e.g. the initial assessment and the re-take). Failure of a re-take assessment will result in failure of the course/clerkship. Assessment attempts occurring prior to a student stepping away from a course (i.e. taking an Incomplete) count toward the total of two (2) attempts. Remediation will occur in the same format as the original exam. The standards used to evaluate a student’s performance when remediating a course shall not differ from the standards applied to evaluate the student’s academic year immediately preceding the remediation. Standards for performance are not to be raised or lowered.

        Timing & Scheduling of Remediation (Phoenix)

        Phase 1

        Remediation of academic difficulty in Year 1 courses should be completed by August 1st following the first year. In all cases, such remediation must be fully completed and documented before the beginning of Phase 1, Year 2 courses.

        Remediation of academic difficulty in Year 2 courses must be completed prior to the start of Phase 2 clerkships

        A course director has priority in scheduling the date when the makeup of a course should occur.

        Phase 2

        Remediation of academic difficulty in coursework in Phase 2 must occur prior to commencing Phase 3 electives and required selectives.

        When repeating one or more clerkships, all remediation should be completed at the earliest possible time, so that evaluative comments regarding clerkship performance can be included in the MSPE. Should a student’s MSPE letter need to be sent before remediation is completed, clarification of the nature of the problem and current grade information for all incomplete courses must be included in the letter.

        In instances when only a segment of a clerkship requires remediation (usually retaking an examination or making up for absences), the clerkship director has the option to specify when the remediation is to be done. When possible, make-up dates should coincide with breaks in the curriculum, and not at times when the student’s performance in an ongoing clerkship could be compromised.

        Phase 3

        Remediation of academic difficulty in Phase 3 electives must be completed by April 30th in order for the student to graduate on time at the end of the academic year.

        Timing & Scheduling of Remediation (Legacy)

        Year 3

        Remediation of academic difficulty in coursework in Year 3 must occur prior to commencing Year 4 electives and required selectives.

        When repeating one or more third-year courses, all remediation should be completed at the earliest possible time, so that evaluative comments regarding clerkship performance can be included in the MSPE. Should a student’s MSPE letter need to be sent before remediation is completed, clarification of the nature of the problem and current grade information for all incomplete courses must be included in the letter.

        In instances when only a segment of a clerkship requires remediation (usually retaking an examination or making up absences), the clerkship director has the option to specify when the remediation is to be done. When possible, make-up dates should coincide with breaks in the curriculum, and not at times when the student’s performance in an ongoing clerkship could be compromised.

        Year 4

        Remediation of academic difficulty in Year 4 electives must be completed by April 30th in order for the student to graduate on time at the end of the academic year.

        Appeal of Grades and/or Designators (Phoenix & Legacy)

        The appeal of a grade or designator is considered a grievance. Grievances should first be brought for resolution to the clerkship director from the department that issued the grade or designator. Should a student have reason to appeal further, the procedure is described in the Academic Grievances section.

        Please click here for link to Appeal of Grades Policy.

         

        Extended Study Options

         

        The curriculum at the Pritzker School of Medicine is designed for completion in four years. The Directed Study option offers a student additional time to complete the educational program under certain circumstances. It is intended for a variety of purposes, including personal, financial, to do research (but not pursue an advanced degree), and for academic reasons. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine students must be registered for a minimum of 100 units in order to be to be considered Full-Time for that quarter.

        Students may, with the approval of the Committee on Academic Promotions, take no more than six (6) years of academic enrollment to complete the program, (i.e., no more than one additional year in Phase 1, and/or one additional year for Phases 2 and 3). In addition to discussions with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education or the Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement, students who are considering taking advantage of the Directed Study Option should also meet with the Associate Director of Financial Aid to clarify the potential implications of this decision on financial aid status. Approval to extend the curriculum must be obtained from the Committee on Academic Promotions.

        Initiation of Placement in the Directed Study Options

        A request for participation in Directed Study may be initiated by any of the following:

        •    The Committee on Academic Promotions.
        •    The Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education or the Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement.
        •    The student. The student’s desire for Directed Study should be reviewed with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education or Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement prior to submitting the petition to the Committee on Academic Promotions.

        Types of Extended Directed Study

        There are two types available:

        Directed Study – Extended Curriculum Option: A student may opt for additional time to allow for a decompressed course load and/or remediation after experiencing academic difficulty, or for personal or financial reasons, at any time during the pre-clerkship or clerkship years. A student may choose to extend the curriculum of either, or both, the basic sciences or clinical sciences segment in order to pursue research. Students on an Extended Curriculum Option status must demonstrate, on a quarterly basis, that they are making academic progress during this period.

        Directed Study – Research: The Directed Study – Research status is intended for students who wish to pursue an additional year of research or other scholarly activity. This status is not intended for students in combined degree programs, who are considered to be on a leave of absence. 

        Leave of Absence
         

        Leave of Absence Guidelines

        All requests for an official Leave of Absence from the Pritzker School of Medicine must be submitted in writing via a petition to the Chair of the Committee on Academic Promotions. An accompanying letter to the Committee on Academic Promotions may also be requested. The Dean for Medical Education or the Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement may approve an emergency Leave of Absence for academic reasons, for extenuating personal circumstances, or when required by law.

        Withdrawal from any portion of the curriculum without approval through an official Leave of Absence will result in automatic grade(s) of Failure (F) for the course(s). All programmatic alterations for academic reasons must be reviewed with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education or Associate Dean for Medical Student Academic Advising and Advancement.

        The maximum length of a Leave of Absence is one year. A second Leave of Absence will be considered only in the most exceptional circumstances. Students in established combined-degree programs, such as the MSTP or MBA programs, may be on a Leave of Absence for the period they are enrolled in their non-MD graduate studies.

        If a Leave of Absence is taken for more than one year, a student may be required to audit coursework upon return. Prior to re-entry following a Leave of Absence, regardless of length, a student must submit a letter in writing to the Associate Dean for Medical Student Advising and Advancement stating all reasons why re-entry at this time is desired and complete the re-entry section on the petition to the Committee on Academic Promotions. Students returning from a Leave of Absence to fulfill a military service requirement must promptly be readmitted with the same academic status to up to three years after completing their service requirement.

        Students petitioning to return from a medical Leave of Absence will generally require medical clearance from their treating physician(s). The Committee on Academic Promotions may request additional documentation of readiness to return as appropriate.

        If a petition to re-enter after a Leave of Absence is denied, the student is considered to be dismissed from the Pritzker School of Medicine. If a student on a Leave of Absence fails to petition to re-enter at the conclusion of that leave, the student is considered to have withdrawn from the Pritzker School of Medicine.

        Involuntary Leave of Absence Policy

        As a community, our first concern is always the health and well-being of each student. To help students achieve their fullest potential and participate robustly and successfully in University life, the University provides students with a host of services, including the UChicago Student Wellness (USW). USW provides a wide range of mental health care to University of Chicago students, including assessments, emergency services, crisis intervention, medication management, academic skills counseling, short term individual, couples, and/or group psychotherapies, and referral services. USW also provides consultation to University officials who have concerns about a student.

        Sometimes, a student’s behavior raises concerns about the safety and well-being of the student or others or causes significant disruption to the functioning of the University. Anyone aware of such circumstances should immediately contact the Dean for Medical Education (or their designee). In response, the Dean will meet with the student to discuss their behavior and appropriate next steps. The Dean may require that the student be assessed by the Student Counseling Service. The Dean may determine that, in the best interest of the student and/or others, the student (1) may remain enrolled without conditions, (2) may remain enrolled with conditions that are to be described in writing, or (3) in some circumstances, must take a Leave of Absence.

        If a Leave of Absence is indicated, the student normally will be given the opportunity to take the Leave of Absence voluntarily. Often, the student may be in a better position to engage in treatment and return to stable, good health at home or in a less stressful environment. If the student declines to take a voluntary Leave of Absence, the Dean for Medical Education has the authority to place the student on an involuntary Leave of Absence by restricting or canceling the student’s existing and further registration, irrespective of the student’s academic standing. In particular, the Dean for Medical Education may require an involuntary Leave of Absence when they determine: (1) that the student has engaged, or threatened to engage, in behavior which has or could directly and substantially impede the rightful activities of others, or that has or could cause significant property damage; and/or (2) in consultation with the USW Director (or their designee) and based on an individualized assessment of the student’s ability to safely participate in the University’s programs, that the student is unable to function as a student and/or the student’s continued presence on campus poses a substantial risk to the safety and well-being of the student and/or others.

        When, in the judgment of the Dean for Medical Education, a student’s continued presence is likely to pose an imminent and substantial risk to the safety and well-being of the student or to others, the student may be placed on an emergency interim Leave before a final determination, as described above, is made. Every reasonable attempt will be made for the Dean for Medical Education to meet with the student before deciding on an interim Leave and the student will be informed in writing. The emergency Leave will remain in effect until a final decision has been made or a determination has been made that the reasons for imposing the interim Leave no longer exists.

        When the Dean for Medical Education decides that a Leave of Absence is appropriate, the decision and the conditions for resumption of studies will be communicated in writing. A student on a Leave of Absence no longer attends classes or uses University facilities, must vacate University housing, and may be entitled to refunds of tuition, fees, and room and board charges as appropriate given the timing of the start of the Leave of Absence. When the Dean for Medical Education mandates a Leave of Absence, generally such Leave will be retroactive to the beginning of the quarter.

        A student placed on an involuntary Leave of Absence may request, within 15 days of the date of the decision, in person or writing from the Office of Campus and Student Life a review of the decision. The Vice President and Dean of Students in the University (or his or her designee) will review appropriate records and documentation and when feasible the Vice President and Dean of Students in the University will meet with the student. A signed release from the student for medical records may be necessary to conduct the review. The Vice President and Dean of Students in the University may discuss the request with the Dean for Medical Education and if appropriate the USW Director. They will communicate a final decision in writing as soon as practicable. The Leave of Absence will remain in effect during the period that the Vice President and Dean of Students in the University considers the student’s request.

        A student on a leave of absence will not be permitted to resume their studies until the Dean for Medical Education and the Committee on Academic Promotions makes a fact-specific assessment of the circumstances and concludes that the student no longer poses a significant disruption to the functioning of the University and/or no longer poses a significant risk to the health and safety of the student or others. In making this determination, the Dean for Medical Education and/or the Committee on Academic Promotions will typically require the student to authorize their treating professionals to contact the Assistant Vice President for Student Wellness (USW) to discuss the student’s clinical condition, whether the student continues to pose a direct threat to the safety and well-being of themselves and/or others, as well as the student’s preparedness for (1) a return to the academic rigor of the University, (2) the ability to navigate self-sufficiently as a functioning, non-disruptive member of the University community, and (3) the capability for continuing appropriate treatment via USW or other resources, if necessary. The student may also be required to undergo an independent Fitness for Duty evaluation. If the student is to continue treatment while resuming studies, the Dean for Medical Education and/or the Committee on Academic Promotions will ask the student to sign a release that authorizes the treating professional to notify the Dean for Medical Education and/ or the Committee on Academic Promotions if the student does not adhere to the treatment plan.

        Notification of Others

        The Dean for Medical Education (or their designee) may notify a student’s parents, emergency contact, or others when, in the Dean’s judgment, the student is unable to make the notification themselves or the student’s behavior poses an imminent danger to students or others or requires an immediate disclosure of information to avert or diffuse serious threats to the safety or health of the student or others.

        A leave of absence does not preclude the application of the University disciplinary systems.

        Grievances

        Should a student have cause to request a review of any treatment that they received during any portion of the academic program while enrolled in the Pritzker School of Medicine, and should the student perceive that no satisfactory course of action was taken, the student has a right to file a grievance. Grievances, by their nature are intended to be individual. The two categories of grievances (departmental grievances and Committee on Academic Promotions Grievances) and their procedures are outlined below.

        Departmental Grievances

        Grades, Evaluations, Departmental Remediation Requirements

        Grievances of an academic nature should first be brought to the attention of the appropriate course / clerkship director. The course/clerkship director and student may work to resolve the grievance at this point. If the grievance involves the course/clerkship director personally or if the student remains dissatisfied, the complaint should be brought, in writing, to the relevant department chair. If the course/clerkship director and the department chair are the same person, or if the student remains dissatisfied, the grievance should be brought, in writing, to the Dean for Medical Education. The student must present the written grievance to the department or Dean for Medical Education within four weeks (20 working days) of the incident or receipt of the course/clerkship grade or evaluation.

        In the departmental grievance, the department chair conducts the review, consulting as appropriate with other faculty and staff, and informs the student and the Dean’s Office, in writing, of the department’s decision regarding the grievance. The department should strive to reach a decision within three weeks (15 working days) of receipt of the written grievance. If the issue cannot be resolved at the departmental level, the Dean for Medical Education will review the department’s decision, and if considered to be appropriate, may institute a review mechanism through the appointment of an Ad Hoc Committee. This committee will function in the same manner as an Academic Appeal Committee, outlined below.

        Committee on Academic Promotions Grievance

        Appeal of Decision of Committee on Academic Promotions

        For those grievances that relate to decisions of an academic nature or relate to decisions of the Committee on Academic Promotions, the following procedural guidelines pertain:

        1. A student appealing any academic decision beyond the departmental level, including decisions of the Committee on Academic Promotions, must make the request (in writing) to the Dean for Medical Education within 15 working days of the receipt of the written notification of the decision. The request should include the basis for the appeal as well as any relevant new information. Upon receipt of the written request, the Dean for Medical Education will be required to constitute an Academic Appeal Committee, which consists of the following:
          1. A minimum of five (5) senior faculty members including department chairs, committee chairs or section chiefs, and/or other senior faculty, preferably none of whom have been directly involved in the student’s educational program.
          2. The medical student initiating the appeal may request that a medical student be added to the Committee. This student must be an upperclassman and will be chosen to serve by the Dean for Medical Education.
          3. The Dean for Medical Education (non-voting) and/or their designee.
        2. The Academic Appeal Committee shall consider all pertinent materials, including any new information, and determine whether the Committee on Academic Promotions has rendered the appropriate decision. The appeal committee is not a legal proceeding and does not follow the procedures of a court of law.
        3. The student may request to appear before the Academic Appeal Committee to answer questions or to present any new relevant information. This request will be granted unless the appearance would raise issues of safety for the committee members.
          1. If and when the student appears before the Academic Appeal Committee, the student shall be allowed to select an advisor for assistance. If an advisor is to be present, the student must notify the Dean for Medical Education at the time a request for appeal is made. The advisor may not participate in the presentation or discussion.
        4. The Academic Appeal Committee may request that the student appear before the committee to answer questions or to present any new relevant information.
          1. If and when the student appears before the Academic Appeal Committee, the student shall be allowed to select an advisor for assistance. If an advisor is to be present, the student must notify the Dean for Medical Education at the time a request for appeal is made. The advisor may not participate in the presentation or discussion.
        5. The Academic Appeal Committee will review all pertinent material in the academic file of the student, including the letter of review and any additional supporting documentation that has been procured for the purpose of the appeal hearing. The student shall have the right to inspect these documents. The procedure to be followed for the hearing will be:
          1. The Dean for Medical Education or their designee will present information from the Committee on Academic Promotions that led to the decision being contested by the student.
          2. New information from the student may be considered, at the discretion of the Academic Appeal Committee, but not if it could have been presented to the Committee on Academic Promotions at the time of its decision.
          3. If so decided by the Academic Appeal Committee, the student may be requested or permitted to appear before the committee. The student will leave the meeting at the conclusion of their presentation and after the committee’s questions, if any, have been answered.
            1. If and when the student appears before the Academic Appeal Committee, the student shall be allowed to select an advisor for assistance. If an advisor is to be present, the student must notify the Dean for Medical Education at the time a request for appeal is made. The advisor may not participate in the presentation or discussion.
          4. The Academic Appeal Committee will be free to discuss the case in closed session.
          5. The Committee shall communicate a summary report of the proceedings, including the recommendation(s) of the Academic Appeal Committee to the Dean for Medical Education, who in turn will forward a final recommendation to the Dean of the Biological Sciences Division for approval.
          6. The Dean of the Biological Sciences Division will review the recommendations, make a final decision, and communicate with the student in question following the hearing. In the case of a dismissal, the Dean decides whether to uphold the recommendation or to select another alternative; either a notation of the dismissal is entered on the student’s official University transcript, or a letter detailing the conditions of retention is sent to the student. The decision of the Dean is final.

         

        Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) 

        Information Provided in the MSPE

        The Pritzker School of Medicine provides each student with a Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) letter when applying for post-graduate training to supplement the transcript.

        The letter is intended to provide a fair summary of student performance. It includes a review of the individual student’s academic history, including a summary of the clinical skills sequence, third-year clerkship summaries and the listing of the clerkship internal designators. The Pritzker School of Medicine retains some latitude in editing departmental comments in order to provide accurate information about student performance. Any formal disciplinary sanctions imposed during medical school will be included in the MSPE. The MSPE will include information about required remediation of academic performance, as appropriate. Pritzker-sponsored honors and awards, participation in research projects, community service work, summer activities and other relevant activities may be mentioned. Reference to academic performance during the basic science years will occur when warranted.

        At their discretion, a student may request an alternative writer of the MSPE who is not the MSPE Director. That request must be made to the Dean of Students in advance of the preparation of the MSPE.

        The Pritzker School of Medicine does not use a numeric ranking system. Generalized descriptors (“MSPE Designators”) given to each student including “exceptional,” “outstanding,” “excellent,” “very good,” and “good” are based on a holistic evaluation of the student’s performance in our curriculum in scholarship, and in service. The MSPE appendix includes two graphs showing 1) the distribution of clerkship internal designators within the class and 2) the distribution of summary designators within the class.

        MSPE Meeting Requirements All fourth-year medical students must conduct two mandatory meetings with the MSPE Director at times established and offered by the MSPE Director. The first of these meetings will be conducted virtually between late Spring Quarter and mid-Summer Quarter. The second of these meetings must be conducted in-person; this meeting serves as students’ opportunity to review the contents of their MSPE letter. In order to meet this in-person requirement, students must be physically present in Chicago for one of the second meeting dates offered between mid-June and mid-September. The MSPE Director and Manager of Career Advising and Student Services will work with students to ensure they are able to attend a second meeting during their available dates while also supporting their other activities required for residency application (e.g., away rotations). Failure to fulfill the in-person second meeting requirement will result in a Professionalism Concern Report (PCR) and may be noted on the final MSPE letter.
        Graduation with Honors

        Pritzker graduates may receive a designation of Graduation with Honors, a recognition of outstanding academic performance, professionalism, and scholarship. This designation is included on the final Pritzker transcript and diploma.

        Designation of Graduation with Honors is determined by the Honors and Awards Committee, consisting of selected faculty, clerkship directors, and staff appointed by the Dean for Medical Education. The Committee, chaired by a faculty member also appointed by the Dean for Medical Education, is charged with selecting 10% of the graduating class to receive Graduation with Honors, with input from the clinical departments. In order to be eligible for Graduation with Honors, students must have:

        1. Demonstrated academic excellence during their years at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
        2. Demonstrated outstanding professionalism during their years at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
        3. Performed significant research while enrolled as a student in the medical school. Ordinarily, such research will have led to publication of results in scientific journals, presentation of the research at professional meetings, or presentation at the Senior Scientific Session during their final year.

        Graduation with Honors selection takes place in the spring of the academic year, and selections are subject to approval by the Dean for Medical Education.

        Other Graduation Awards

        In addition to Graduation with Honors, the Honors and Awards Committee also selects graduating students to receive several named awards based on specific criteria, with consultation from representatives of the clinical departments, with selections subject to approval by the Dean for Medical Education. Clinical departments also make selections for their own individual Departmental Awards, recognizing outstanding proficiency by graduating students in their respective departments or sections.

        Selections for named graduation awards and Departmental Awards takes place in the spring of the academic year. For a listing of the available awards, please visit: pritzker.uchicago.edu/page/academic-honors-and-awards

        Honors and Awards 

        Alpha Omega Alpha

        Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) is the national medical honor society. Election to AΩA is an honor signifying a lasting commitment to professionalism, leadership, scholarship, and community service.

        All students at the Pritzker School of Medicine are eligible for AΩA. In an effort to promote a fair, equitable, and inclusive AΩA selection process, a committee of staff members uses the Holistic Review process, which is aligned with the holistic review used by the Pritzker Admissions Committee and assesses:

        1. Academic performance during clerkship rotations,
        2. Participation and achievements in research/scholarship,
        3. Leadership, volunteerism, and institutional service as reported on student CVs and in the Student Management System,
        4. Peer assessment as determined by an anonymous, end-of-academic year survey of MS3s.

        The Holistic Review process identifies the top third of the expected graduating class. From this top third, up to 20 percent of the class may be selected for membership in AΩA by a separate AΩA selection committee, consisting of selected faculty and staff appointed by the Dean for Medical Education.

        The AΩA constitution calls on the committee to consider not only scholastic achievement but also capacity for leadership, professionalism, a strong sense of ethics, and a commitment to service in the school and community, along with outstanding achievement in research.

        Election to the Illinois Beta Chapter of AΩA at the University of Chicago takes place at the beginning of Pritzker students’ fourth year, and selections are subject to approval by the Dean for Medical Education. For more information, visit: http://alphaomegaalpha.org/ (National AΩA Website) and http://pritzker.uchicago.edu/academics/alpha-omega-alpha-honor-medical-society

        Gold Humanism Honor Society

        The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) is a community of medical students, physicians, and other leaders who have been recognized for their compassionate care. GHHS reinforces and supports the human connection in healthcare, which is essential for the health of patients and clinicians.

        The GHHS selection process at the Pritzker School of Medicine is based upon the recommendations of third-year student peers and deliberations of the GHHS Selection Committee, consisting of faculty and staff appointed by the Dean for Medical Education.

        GHHS student chapters may induct up to 15 percent of the medical student class that has just completed their clinical clerkships. Inductees are not required to be graduating the following year. Selection takes place when the Committee commences in the summer following the completion of clinical clerkships, and selections are subject to approval by the Dean for Medical Education. For more information, visit: pritzker.uchicago.edu/academics/gold-humanism.

        Student Services

        Medical Center Policies Please click here for policy. (Accessible while on University campus or via VPN)
        Needlestick Injuries and Other Blood-borne and/or Body Fluid Pathogens Please click here for policy.
        Security, Student Safety, and Disaster Preparedness Policy Please click here for policy.
        Student Duty Hours Policy Please click here for policy.

        Policy for Academic Resources

        Academic Resources

        The Pritzker School of Medicine is committed to providing access to carefully curated and updated resources necessary for students to master the curriculum. In addition to the availability of faculty, staff, and peer educators, these academic resources include printed or digital materials (including but not limited to course syllabi, lecture slides, study guides, wikis, laboratories, problem sets) made available by individual course directors and other leaders at the Pritzker School of Medicine. All materials are intended for Pritzker School of Medicine student use and reference but should be considered internal materials not for dissemination as outlined in the “Digital Media Usage Policy”.

        1. Course and clerkship materials will be provided in the learning management system (Canvas or MedHub) whenever possible. If other resources are used, links or directions should be clearly marked and functional from the Canvas or MedHub site.
        1. Lectures and presentations will be recorded and made available to students for review through the lecture capture system (Panopto). Course and clerkship directors may, at their discretion, choose not to record lectures if the session meets one of the following criteria:
          1. Involves patients and/or sensitive patient information.
          2. Includes discussion of sensitive or controversial topics where recording may inhibit free faculty or student participation.
        1. Encounters with standardized patients may be recorded for later review by faculty or staff, but require special consideration to ensure the privacy of the student and the patient. As such, all such recording should be managed by the Clinical Performance Center.
        1. Encounters with patients should only be recorded in compliance with University of Chicago Medicine and University of Chicago Medical Center guidelines.
        1. Course materials, including individualized annotated versions, will remain available to students throughout the course of study provided that the storage and access to these materials do not place an undue technical and financial burden on the Pritzker School of Medicine.

         

        Learning Environment and Facilities

         Digital Media Use Policy

        Digital Media Use The University of Chicago Policy on Audio and Video Recording on Campus can be found in the Student manual at: studentmanual.uchicago.edu/administrative-policies/additional-administrative-regulations/petitions-audio-video- recording-on-campus
        Audio & Video Recording on Campus

        Public Lectures and Less Formal or Pedagogical Presentations

        “Public” lectures or talks are to be distinguished from lectures that are either part of or closely associated with courses, workshops, or other organized instructional activities. Typically, “public” lectures will be those where the speaker presents in her professional role as a scholar or expert, rather than as a teacher. Public lectures also should be distinguished from settings in which it is customary to present work-in-progress: the kind of thing that might be marked, “Please do not quote.” Thus, just because a lecture is advertised within a department does not make it public.

        Lectures and Presentations by Guests

        Units of the University that sponsor public lectures by invited outside speakers often record the lectures. Unless written permission has been obtained from the speakers, however, the sponsoring unit, and the University, will not have the right to distribute or disseminate these recordings. Without this right, these recordings have limited usefulness. Therefore, permission to record and to make use of the recording should be obtained using a permission form prepared by the Office of Legal Counsel which is available online at: lib.uchicago.edu/copyrightinfo & lib.uchicago.edu/copyrightinfo/pubdomain.

        Lectures and Presentations by University Faculty Members and Academic Staff

        The circulation or publication of the text of “public” lectures by University faculty or academic staff has long been considered normal and unproblematic; at the same time any reservation or refusal expressed by the presenter has always been respected. Consistent with this practice, public lectures by University faculty and staff may be recorded and used by the University, subject to University policy. The University may use for non-commercial purposes recordings of public lectures or presentations delivered by its employees within the scope of employment, even if copyright ownership is ceded to the author(s). Concomitantly, ONLY the University, acting through the appropriate University officials, has the right to make and use recordings of the faculty’s public lectures on campus unless special arrangements are made with the University. In keeping with past practice, any reservation or refusal expressed by the faculty member should be respected.

        Classroom Activity and Non-“Public” Lectures

        Recording classroom activities or informal talks may be useful for some purposes. Units should be thoughtful about setting their own policies within the broad framework of University guidelines and expectations, to ensure that the act of recording does not impede expression or class participation and that the recording is not misused.

        Members of the faculty may record, or have recorded, their own classes for their personal use or for the purpose of exchange with colleagues, e.g., for the purpose of developing or demonstrating pedagogical skills.

        Instructors may permit a student to record a class session for the convenience of the student, for the benefit of another student who is unavoidably absent, or as part of an accommodation for a student with a disability. Students must understand that under University policy, permission given by a member of the faculty to record a class is limited to permission to record for personal use only. It is, for example, never permissible to copy, file-share, sell, distribute, or Web-serve such recordings. Members of the faculty who believe that their classes are being inappropriately recorded, or that recordings are being misused, should contact their Dean of Students.

        The University may from time to time wish to record, preserve, or disseminate the exemplary work of distinguished colleagues in the classroom or lecture room. When the University undertakes to make recordings of this sort, it will secure appropriate permissions.

        University policies do not permit members of the faculty to “publish” recordings of their classroom or lecture room efforts, or to grant to others the right to distribute recordings, in any medium, of teaching or lecturing undertaken in fulfillment of teaching assignments, without prior approval by the Provost. The University has a sufficient interest in the intellectual property (Statute 18 and New Technology policy) and in the University’s reputation to justify its setting this limitation on what a member of the faculty may do. Moreover, there is a potential conflict of commitment: a teacher may feel some pressure to modify what or how he teaches to make it more marketable.

        Recordings by Student Groups (RSO or Other Recognized Groups)

        Recordings by student groups of University events, academic or non- academic, may be made only with the consent of a cognizant official of the University. RSO’s should seek consent to record from the Office of the Reynolds Club and Student Activities and other student groups (whether recognized or not) should seek permission from their dean of students. After permission has been given, the students are then responsible for securing appropriate permissions from performers, speakers, and participants. Such recordings and any derivatives made from them are the property of the University. Students may not copy, make derivatives from, distribute, or disseminate such recordings in any medium without the permission of the University. By longstanding policy, the University asserts no copyright in creative work such as film or video that is authored by students or student groups using resources normally available to them. Video or audio content posted on the internet may only utilize the Pritzker or University of Chicago name with the written approval of the Dean’s office.

        Copyright of Recordings

        Recordings made at the University should be marked, “Copyright [date], The University of Chicago.” While the copyright of the recording is in the name of the University, the author of the underlying recorded work retains all applicable rights to that work. As is the case with University publications, Websites, and other similar properties, recordings should carry the copyright of the University and not the individual unit.

        YouTube or Other Types of Posting of Recordings

        Students should not use the full University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine name or logo in videos of student productions (senior skit, talent shows) unless they receive permission from James Woodruff, MD (Dean of Students) and Tyler Lockman (tlockman@bsd.uchicago.edu). Students should get permission to post the video from all classmates who appear in the production before posting online.

        Student Use of Pritzker Graphic Identity

        Student Organizations

        When creating an item for a student organization (apparel, tote bag, travel mug, etc.) with the Pritzker name included, students should also try to include the official Pritzker logo on some visible portion of the item, unless it is cost- prohibitive (i.e. requires extra screens or color). The logo should not be warped, nor should it be manipulated so as to include only a portion of the complete logo. T-shirts, specifically, should include the Pritzker logo on the back of the shirt. Contact Candi Gard (cgard@bsd.uchicago.edu) with logo requests and for Pritzker approval of the item.

        Scholarship Use

        When presenting a scholarly poster highlighting research work, students may use the official Pritzker logo on the poster to indicate an affiliation with the institution. If a student is presenting a poster on Pritzker-sanctioned student- related activities or volunteer work (e.g. JOURNEES), they may also use the Pritzker logo. Contact Candi Gard (cgard@bsd.uchicago.edu) with logo requests.

        Additional Media Usage Information: pritzker.uchicago.edu/page/logo-use-and-student-websites

        Specific Issues for Students in the Pritzker School of Medicine in addition to University Policy
        1. Patient experiences (both real and simulated) cannot be recorded by any student’s personal recording device. This includes wearable technology with mics and/or video cameras (i.e. smart watches).
        2. While in the presence of patients [either real or simulated], students cannot have personal devices with audio or video-recording ability in view of the patient.
        3. Video-taped encounters with students and standardized patients in any clinical skills or clerkship experience cannot be publicized on any personal website, media-share site social networking site or used in the context of a student-run skit or performance.
        4. Students may not post content of lectures (video or audiotaped) on the internet.
        5. Any recorded material posted on the internet must have the written consent of all participants in the material.
        6. Recording in violation of this policy may subject you to personal criminal and civil liability under the Illinois Criminal Code and common law.
        7. Students should not use the full University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine name or logo in videos of student productions unless they receive permission (see YouTube or Other Types of Posting of Recording on page 39).
        8. Permission is needed from the Pritzker School of Medicine for any use of the University of Chicago Graphic Identity (including the Pritzker School of Medicine Identity).

        Please click link for additional details on Digital Use and Identity Guidelines

         

         

        Travel Reimbursement Please see Policies for Off-Site Clerkship Travel (here) and Uber/Lyft Clerkship travel (here)
        Student Assignment Policy Please click here for link to policy.
        International Travel Policy

        Please click here for link to policy - "International Travel Policy and Guidelines".

         

        Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct

         

        Sexual misconduct includes but is not limited to sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

        The University of Chicago is a community of scholars dedicated to research, academic excellence and the pursuit and cultivation of learning. Members of the University community cannot thrive unless each is accepted as an autonomous individual and is treated without regard to characteristics irrelevant to participation in the life of the University. Freedom of expression is vital to our share goal of the pursuit of knowledge and should not be restricted by a multitude of rules. At the same time, unlawful discrimination, including harassment, compromises the integrity of the University The University is committed to taking necessary action to prevent, correct, and, where indicate discipline unlawful discrimination.

        Sexual misconduct may violate the law, does violate the standards of our community, and i unacceptable at the University of Chicago. Sexual misconduct can be devastating to the person who experiences it directly and can adversely impact family, friends, and the larger community Regardless of the definitions within the policy, people who believe they have experienced sexual misconduct are encouraged to report the incident and to seek medical care and support a soon as possible.

        Below is the outline of the University’s policy on harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct.

        Policy effective: 14 August 2020

        To view the full policy, see: harassmentpolicy.uchicago.edu/policy

        Policy on Treatment of Students

        Student Treatment

        The Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago is committed to maintaining an academic and clinical environment in which faculty, fellows, residents and students work together freely to further education and research and provide the highest level of patient care, whether in the classroom, the laboratory or the hospital and clinics. The School’s goal is to train physicians to meet high standards of professionalism and practice in an environment where effective, humane and compassionate patient care is demanded and expected. To this end, the School recognizes that each member of the medical school community should be accepted as an autonomous individual and treated civilly, without regard to his or her race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or any other class protected by law. Diversity in background, outlook and interest among faculty, fellows, residents, students and patients inherent in the practice of medicine, and appreciation and understanding of such diversity, is an important aspect of medical training. As part of that training, the School strives to inculcate values of professional and collegial attitudes and behaviors in interactions among members of the School community, and between these members and patients and their families.

        The School has appointed two faculty members to serve as Ombudsmen to facilitate confidential reporting of potential mistreatment and to raise awareness of appropriate standards of behavior among the members of the medical school community.

        Dr. Shellie Willliams (pager 4833)
        Dr. Steven Zangan (pager 2816)

        Additional Resource: pritzker.uchicago.edu/student-life/ombudspersons

         

        Student-Faculty-Administration Relationships

        PSOM Leadership and Administration Please click here to learn more.
        PSOM Deans and Faculty Directors Please click here to learn more.