Academic Actions
Remediation
The Program’s preclinical, clinical, and supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPE) course-specific remediation tasks will differ due to the uniqueness of their learning outcomes. However, the general process for both years is similar. Remediation should never be viewed as punitive. Rather, it is an individualized plan to promote optimal student success. All remediation tasks must be complete in order to progress in or graduate from the program.
Deceleration
Students who do not meet the requirements for progression in the program (see Progression and Graduation Requirements) will enter deceleration status. Students who are approved for a medical or personal leave of absence will also enter deceleration status. This means that they have to take part in additional remediation and repeat coursework. Preclinical courses are only offered once per year and SCPEs are scheduled or rescheduled based upon availability, so deceleration will impact progression in and completion of the program.
Probation
A student will be placed on academic probation if their cumulative GPA drops below a 3.00 at the end of any academic trimester. If this occurs, the student may continue in the next trimester and additional remediation will be developed. Students have one academic trimester to bring their cumulative GPA to 3.00 or higher after being placed on probation. If this does not occur, then he or she will be suspended, per Baylor policy. Similarly, any student who is placed on probation a second time will be suspended (see Academic Actions—Suspension and Dismissal).
Suspension and Dismissal
If a student does not attain the required minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 at the end of the trimester immediately following when they were placed on probation, or if they are placed on probation a second time, they will be suspended. Students may also be suspended based upon Baylor University Student Code of Conduct (professionalism) violations. “Suspension” means they may not register or enroll in any courses at Baylor University. They may appeal their suspension within the Graduate School if they feel their circumstances warrant special consideration. If an appeal is denied or not requested, that student will be dismissed from the program.
Withdrawal
Students must follow University policies regarding withdrawals: University Withdrawal | Office of the Registrar | Baylor University
The academic implications of withdrawals can be found here, in the Graduate Catalog: Cancellations, Drops, and University Withdrawals | Baylor University Academic Catalog
*More information on all policies on this webpage can be found in the PA Student Handbook that will be provided to accepted students prior to matriculation and thoroughly reviewed with them at orientation. Questions on any of these policies should be directed to: PAStudentAffairs@baylor.edu.