Student Handbook
10
750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 132
2015-2016
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2015 - 2016
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW
YORK
UPSTATE MEDICAL
UNIVERSITY
Policy at an academic institution
is a complex and dynamic thing.
It changes periodically, as it should.
The Student Handbook accurately reflected
the policies of the institution at the time of its
publication. However, Upstate reserves the
right to change the policies, including academic
requirements, at any time. Upon its publication,
the most recent version of the Student Handbook
supercedes all previous iterations. Students
are responsible for reviewing, understanding,
and abiding by the University’s regulations,
procedures, requirements, and deadlines as
described in all official publications.
Note: The most current version of the
Upstate Medical University Student Handbook
is available at: www.upstate.edu/currentstudents/
document/handbook.pdf
The State University of New York Upstate Medical University is committed to maintaining an environment that is free from unlawful discrimination on
the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status in the recruitment and employment of faculty or staff, in the recruitment of students, or in the operation of any of its programs and activities as specified by Federal and State laws
and regulations. Individuals with concerns relating to discrimination on the basis of any protected status are encouraged to discuss their concerns with
the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Jacobsen Hall, Room 711, (315) 464-5234.
Dear Upstate Medical University Student:
Welcome (or welcome back) to Upstate! This Student Handbook is
intended to serve as an insider’s guide to life on campus, whether you
are new to campus or returning as an “experienced” student. Please
understand however, this is only one of many resources you can use to
get the most from your Upstate experience.
You should be aware that as an Upstate student, you are encouraged to
be a smart consumer, willing to invest the effort necessary to get what
you want, to be aware of your resources, and to take responsibility
for using them to manage your education while you are here. This
handbook includes information about academic requirements,
university policies and procedures, student and faculty rights and
responsibilities, and will provide the detail you need to help resolve
many issues you may encounter here.
Included in this publication are also the names and contact information
of helpful people and offices, including the staff in the Division of
Student Affairs. Located in the Campus Activities Building (CAB)
and in Weiskotten Hall, Student Affairs staff members are willing and
knowledgeable resources for you. Please, we’re here for you, don’t
hesitate to contact us!
The most recent version of this handbook is available on-line at
www.upstate.edu/currentstudents. The website will also lead you to
additional information and resources that you may find helpful. I wish
you all the best for a productive and enjoyable academic year.
Sincerely,
Julie R. White, Ph.D.
Dean of Student Affairs
750 East Adams Street | Syracuse, NY 13210 | Ph: 315.464.4816 | www.upstate.edu | State University of New York
The Upstate Code of Conduct
(Complementary to the Student Code of Conduct)
Our Mission
The mission of SUNY Upstate Medical University is to improve the health of the communities we
serve through education, biomedical research, and health care.
Our Values
• We drive innovation and discovery by empowering our university family to bring forth new
ideas and to ensure quality.
• We respect people by treating all with grace and dignity and embracing diversity.
• We serve our community by living our mission.
• We value integrity by being open and honest to build trust and teamwork.
Expected and acceptable behavior fosters mutual respect. This includes, but is not limited to:
1. Holding yourself and others accountable to our mission, vision, and values.
2. Interacting with others in a considerate, patient, and courteous manner.
3. Promoting equality and acceptance of people from diverse backgrounds.
4. Demonstrating a caring and positive attitude: smile, greet, and acknowledge others, make eye
contact, say please and thank you. Give recognition and praise.
5. Respecting confidentiality and privacy at all times.
6. Providing a secure, clean, and safe environment for patients and fellow staff.
7. Working together by promoting cooperation, participation, and sharing of ideas and information
to promote team success. Foster open and honest communication.
8. Actively listening to the perspective of others and seek to resolve conflicts promptly. Apologizing
when mistakes are made or misunderstandings have occurred.
9. Utilizing proper channels to express dissatisfaction with policies and administrative or supervisory actions and without fear of retaliation.
10. Being honest and truthful at all times.
11. Being knowledgeable with and following applicable policies and procedures (e.g., Customer
Service Standards, Workplace Violence Policy, Student Code of Conduct, Infection Control,
etc.).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Contents
WHO’S WHO ON CAMPUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
CAMPUS DIRECTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ACADEMIC CALENDARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS AND SUPPORT SERVICES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
DEAN'S OFFICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
BOOKSTORE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
BURSAR'S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES AND RECREATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
CAMPUS ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
CAREER DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
CENTER FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
CHILD CARE CENTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM (E.O.P.) – COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . 21
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
FACULTY-STUDENT ASSOCIATION (F.S.A.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
LOCKERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
MENTORS IN HEALTHCARE (MIH) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
MYUPSTATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
PARKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
REGISTRAR'S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
STUDENT COUNSELING SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
STUDENT GOVERNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
STUDENT HEALTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
STUDENT RISK EVALUATION COMMITTEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
UNIVERSITY HOUSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
VETERANS AFFAIRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
UNIVERSITY POLICIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
UNIVERSITY POLICIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ADDRESS AND CHANGE OF ADDRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ANIMALS ON CAMPUS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES ON CAMPUS, DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED INFORMATION . .
CLASS ATTENDANCE ON RELIGIOUS BELIEFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL) - STUDENT NOTIFICATION BY UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . .
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, NONDISCRIMINATION AND TITLE IX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EX-OFFENDER POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FACILITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GRADE APPEAL PROCESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HEALTH CLEARANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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HIV TRAINING/CONFIDENTIALITY LAW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I.D. CARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MANDATORY REPORTING AND PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MISTREATMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PARKING ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PAYMENT OF FEES AND FINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PLAGIARISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PROHIBITION ON THE MARKETING OF CREDIT CARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RECOGNITION OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITY OF STUDENT EXPRESSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SERVICE ANIMALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
STUDY ABROAD (ACADEMIC CREDIT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TRANSFER CREDIT APPEAL PROCESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VISITORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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FINANCES AND FINANCIAL AID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
TUITION RATES & FEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TUITION BILLING AND PAYMENT POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BURSAR’S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FINANCIAL AID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
ACADEMIC POLICIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NON-MATRICULATED STUDENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
COURSE ENROLLMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ACADEMIC EVALUATION AND PROMOTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ADVISING AGREEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
QUALIFYING EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN (CDP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DISSERTATION/THESIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ASSESSMENT POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GRADUATE STUDENT EMPLOYEES UNION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TECHNICAL STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
PHILOSOPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ACADEMIC POLICIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
COURSE ENROLLMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHANGE IN CREDIT STATUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ACADEMIC EVALUATION AND PROMOTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GRADE APPEAL PROCESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PROMOTION AND ACADEMIC STATUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GRADUATION HONORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DRESS CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TECHNICAL STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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93
93
COLLEGE OF NURSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
MISSION OF THE COLLEGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PHILOSOPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ACADEMIC STATUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ACADEMIC POLICIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
COURSE ENROLLMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CREDIT STATUS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ACADEMIC EVALUATION AND PROMOTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PROMOTION AND ACADEMIC STATUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DRESS CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
COMPUTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
103
103
103
103
103
105
106
107
110
112
112
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CPR COURSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SIGMA THETA TAU INTERNATIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PRACTICE OF CLINICAL NURSING SKILLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TECHNICAL STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
xi
112
112
112
112
113
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS/HONORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
College of Medicine Graduation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pathway to Medical Licensure and the USMLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clinical Skills Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graduation Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alpha Omega Alpha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gold Humanism Honor Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ACADEMIC STATUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Academic Evaluation and Promotion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part-time Study Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leave of Absence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Academic Probation Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dismissal Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ACADEMIC REVIEW BOARD AND APPEAL COMMITTEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TECHNICAL STANDARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ACADEMIC SUPPORT PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
POLICY ON LEARNING ENVIRONMENT & MISTREATMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PROFESSIONALISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Medical Professionalism Charter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Faculty Code of Professional Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Student Professionalism Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
POLICY ON STUDENT COMPLETION OF EVALUATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For MS1 and MS2 Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For Required Clerkships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MS1 AND MS2 SPECIFIC INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy on Students Being Excused from Exams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CLERKSHIP INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policies on Clerkship Tracks and Clerkships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Between Syracuse and Binghamton Campuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy on Clerkship and Clinical Elective Absences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy on Clinical Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy on Holidays for Required Clerkships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy on Duty Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy on Medical Student Supervision and Conflicts of Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy on Rotations/Electives with Family Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy on Transportation in Clinical Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rural Medical Scholars Program (RMSP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MD/PhD Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MD/MPH Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central New York Master of Public Health (CNYMPH) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Academic Integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graduation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
117
117
117
118
118
118
119
119
119
122
122
122
122
123
124
125
126
127
127
129
130
131
131
131
131
131
131
131
132
132
132
132
133
133
133
133
133
133
134
135
135
138
139
PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
BIAS RELATED CRIME PREVENTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
CAMPUS DISRUPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
LOITERING/TRESPASSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
MISSING STUDENT POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
PERSONAL SAFETY COMMITTEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PUBLIC ORDER MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SEXUAL ASSAULT, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND STALKING PREVENTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SEXUAL HARASSMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UNIVERSITY POLICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIOLENT FELONIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
143
148
154
154
155
COMMON DRUGS: SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE & PENALTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
CAMPUS MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
WHO’S WHO ON CAMPUS
WHO’S WHO
ON CAMPUS
1
2
KEY:
WHO’S WHO ON CAMPUS
BLDG 49
CAB
CS
CW
GT
JH
LIB
MAD
PBS
SAB
SH
UH
WH
WW
175 or 105 EB
Building 49
Campus Activities Building
545 Cedar Street
Computer Warehouse
Geneva Tower
Jacobsen Hall
Library
Madison Towers
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Bldg.
Setnor Academic Building
Silverman Hall
University Hospital
Weiskotten Hall
Wide Waters
Elizabeth Blackwell Street
WHO’S WHO ON CAMPUS
3
Administration
Interim President of the Upstate Medical University . . . . . . . . Gregory Eastwood, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-4513
Senior Vice President and Dean of College of Medicine . . . . . David Duggan, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-9720
Associate Senior Vice President of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wanda M. Thompson, Ph.D. . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-4513
Vice President for Administration and Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB . . . . . 464-4510
Senior Vice President for Hospital Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John McCabe, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UH . . . . . 464-4223
Chief Information Officer, UH, WW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terry Wagner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WW . . . . . 464-4252
Vice President & Executive Director of the
Upstate Medical University Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eileen Pezzi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB . . . . . 464-7853
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education . . . . . . . Paul Ko, M.D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-5387
Dean, College of Graduate Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Schmitt, Ph.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH. . . . . . 464-4538
Dean, College of Health Professions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald D. Simpson, Ph.D., MPH . . . SH . . . . . 464-6560
Dean, College of Nursing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joyce Griffin-Sobel, Ph.D., RN. . . . . . CS . . . . . 464-4277
Dean, Student Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie R. White, Ph.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-4816
Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and
Faculty Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paula Trief, Ph.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-1681
Assistant Vice President for
Government and Community Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan Hurley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JH . . . . . 464-4832
University Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Alexander. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MT . . . . . 464-4700
Medical Director, Employee/Student Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bruce Simmons, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . JH . . . . . 464-4260
Director of Diversity and Inclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maxine Thompson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JH . . . . . 464-5234
Executive Director of Medical Alumni Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul E. Norcross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SAB . . . . . 464-4361
CHP & CON Alumni Affairs Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laurena Riedl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB . . . . . 464-4416
Director of Health Sciences Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cristina Pope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-4582
Director of Educational Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . 464-4860
Chief of University Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Waltz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BLDG 49 . . . . . 464-4134
Bursar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corinne Spartano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB . . . . . 464-5148
Administration – Binghamton Campus
Dean, Binghamton Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rajesh Dave, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Associate Dean. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lenore Boris, J.D., RN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Swoboda, M.D.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Director of Student Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Levine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
607-763-6690
607-772-3535
607-772-3521
607-772-3532
Division of Student Affairs
Dean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie R. White, Ph.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-4816
Associate Dean of Student & Multicultural Affairs. . . . . . . . . Sharon Huard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-8855
Associate Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Welch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-4816
Director of Admissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donna Vavonese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-4570
Assistant Director of Admissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy Abernatha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-4570
Assistant Director of Admissions & Pre-Health Advisor . . . . . Isabelle Appler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-4570
Sr. Assistant Director of Admissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wendy Meyer-Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-4570
Director of Campus Activities and Special Projects . . . . . . . . . Charles Simpson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB . . . . . 464-5618
Assistant Director of Campus Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB . . . . . 464-5618
Co-Director of Student Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holly Vanderhoff, Ph.D. . . . . . . . . . . PBS . . . . . 464-3120
Co-Director of Student Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Miller, Ph.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PBS . . . . . 464-3258
Student Counselor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sipho Mbuqe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PBS . . . . . 464-3120
Director of Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Alsheimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB . . . . . 464-4570
Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid . . . . . . . . Michelle Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB . . . . . 464-4570
Admissions and Financial Aid Advisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tanya Milazzo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB . . . . . 464-4570
Director of Multicultural Recruitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-8834
Director of Academic Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MaryAnn Grandinetta . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-8851
Coordinator of Cross Cultural Awareness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lamees Galal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-5433
Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Martin Tse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB . . . . . 464-4604
Assistant Registrar/International Student Advisor . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Abbott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB . . . . . 464-4604
Assistant Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jean Moehringer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB . . . . . 464-4604
Assistant Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Hrybinczak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB . . . . . 464-4604
Information Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicole Morgante . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH . . . . . 464-8812
Director of University Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anthony Adamitis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GT . . . . . 464-9408
4
WHO’S WHO ON CAMPUS
CAMPUS DIRECTORY
CAMPUS
DIRECTORY
5
6
CAMPUS DIRECTORY
CAMPUS DIRECTORY
7
Academic Advisement
Academic Advisor
Program Director
Student Affairs Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1225. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4816
Office of Student Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LIB, Rm. 125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-8855
Office of Academic Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LIB, Rm. 125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-8855
Academic Procedures
Add & Drops
Program Chairs
Instructor
Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courses, Selection of
Academic Advisor
Program Chairs
Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Credit Transfers
Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Re-Admission
Admissions Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1213. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accident (also see Medical Service)
On Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Public Safety/University Police . Bldg. 49, 1st Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
University Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GT, Rm. 103. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . JH, Rm. 404E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Campus Activities . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WH or SH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . JH, Rm. 404E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . JH, Rm. 404E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
464-4604
464-4604
464-4604
464-4570
464-4000
464-9407
464-5470
464-5618
464-5470
464-5470
Accounts, Student (tuition, financial aid, checks, etc.)
Bursar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5148
Activities, Campus
Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Information Desk . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 114 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5618
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Campus Activities . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5618
Address Change
On Campus & Off Campus
Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4604
University Housing Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GT, Rm. 103. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-9407
Adult Education (See Continuing Education)
Affirmative Action
Diversity and Inclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JH, Rm. 711 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5234
Alumni Association
College of Medicine
Alumni Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SAB, Rm. 1510 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4361
College of Health Professions/College of Nursing
Alumni Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 305 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4416
Athletics
Campus Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5618
Automobile (See Parking)
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CAMPUS DIRECTORY
Bookstore
Campus Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 113 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5560
Bus
Parking (Shuttle Bus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4801
Centro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 614 S. Salina St.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442-3400
Adirondack Trailways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-858-8555
Child Care Center
SUNY-Upstate Medical University Child Care . . . . . . . . . . . . 650 S. Salina St.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4438
Commuter Students
Student Support Services Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LIB, Rm. 125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-8855
Campus Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5618
University Housing Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GT, Rm. 103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-9407
Computers
Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1210. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4860
Help Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4115
Counseling
Academic
Academic Advisor
Department Chair
Student Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1225. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4816
Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Support Services . . . . . LIB, Rm. 125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-8855
Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4570
Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Counseling . . . . . . . . . . PBS, Rm. 318. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-3120
Student Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Health Office . . . . . . . . JH, Rm. 404E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5470
Legal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amer. Civil Liberties Union . . . 2100 E. Genesee St.. . . . . . . . . . . . 471-2821
Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Better Business Bureau . . . . . . . 120 E. Washington St. . . . . . . . . . . 479-6635
Sexual Assault/Rape . . . . . . . . . Rape Crisis Center . . . . . . . . . . 423 W. Onondaga St. . . . . . . . . . . . 422-7273
Sexual Assault Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.upstate.edu
LGBT Resource Center at Syracuse University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443-3983
Suicide & Crisis . . . . . . . . . . . . Crisis Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 474-1333
Career Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LIB, Rm. 125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-8855
Cultural Activities
Campus Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5618
Multicultural Affairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1217. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-8855
Curriculum Office (College of Medicine)
Administrative Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1251. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5187
Associate Dean for Curriculum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5387
Degree
Evaluation
Program Director
Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4604
Diploma
Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4604
Requirements
Program Director
Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4604
Disabilities
Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Support Services . . . . . LIB, Rm. 125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-8855
CAMPUS DIRECTORY
9
Discrimination
Diversity & Inclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JH, Rm. 711. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5234
Student Affairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4816
Duplicating
Student Organization. . . . . . . . . Information Desk . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 114 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5618
Emergency (911 IS NOT ACCESSIBLE FROM CAMPUS PHONES)
Public Safety/University Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bldg 49, 1st Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4000
Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UH, 1st Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5555
Employment
Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of College Activities . . CAB, Rm. 202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5618
College Work Study. . . . . . . . . . Director of Financial Aid . . . . . WH, Rm. 1213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4570
After Graduation . . . . . . . . . . . . Career Development . . . . . . . . LIB, Rm. 125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-8855
Environmental Health and Safety
Safety Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 302 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5782
Escort Service
On Campus University Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bldg 49, lst Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4000
Examinations
Adv. Placement. . . . . . . . . . . . . Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4604
USLME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4604
Facilities (Reservations)
CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Information Desk . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 114 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5618
Geneva Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University Housing . . . . . . . . . . GT, Rm. 103. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-9407
Weiskotten Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . Educational Communications . . WH, Rm. 210. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4860
Financial Aid
Director of Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4570
Fitness
Campus Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5618
Fire (911 IS NOT ACCESSIBLE FROM CAMPUS PHONES)
Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contact Upstate Medical University Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5555
City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Syracuse Fire Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 471-1161 EMERGENCY 911
Food Service
Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Food & Nutritional. . . . . . . . . . UH, 2nd Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4203
Meal Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Food & Nutritional. . . . . . . . . . UH, 2nd Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4308
International Students
Admission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office of Admissions . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1213. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4570
International Student Advising. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4604
Graduate School
College of Graduate Studies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 3118. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4538
Graduation
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Support Services . . . . . LIB, Rm. 125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cap & Gown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Support Services . . . . . LIB, Rm. 125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Invitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 113 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
464-4604
464-8855
464-8855
464-5560
10
CAMPUS DIRECTORY
Housing
Geneva Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University Housing . . . . . . . . . GT, Rm. 103. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Married Students . . . . . . . . . . . . University Housing . . . . . . . . . GT, Rm. 103. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Campus Lists . . . . . . . . . . . University Housing . . . . . . . . . . GT, Rm. 103. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bursar’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
464-9407
464-9407
464-9407
464-5148
Identification Cards (ID’S)
New & Replacement: Payroll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JH, 1st Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4840
Lost: Public Safety/University Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bldg 49, 1st Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4000
Information
Building, Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marketing/Communications. . . 250 Har . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-6548
Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telecommunications . . . . . . . . . CW, 3rd Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5444
Telephone Assistance . . . . . . . . On – Campus Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Telephone Assistance . . . . . . . . Off – Campus Operator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1-555-1212
Insurance (Student) . . . . . . Student Support Services. . . . . . LIB, Rm. 125. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-8855
Library Services
Main Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4582
Loans
Educational. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bursar’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
464-4570
464-4570
464-4570
464-5148
Lost and Found
On Campus. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .Public Safety/University Police. . Bldg 49, 1st Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4000
CAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Information Center . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 114 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-8860
Geneva Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University Housing . . . . . . . . . . GT, Rm. 103. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-9407
Medical Services
Accident
On Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Public Safety/University Police . Bldg 49, 1st Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Student Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . JH, Rm. 404E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hospitalization . . . . . . . . . . . Student Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . JH, Rm. 404E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . JH, Rm. 404E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Student Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PBS, Rm. 318 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
464-4000
464-5470
464-5470
464-5470
464-8120
Multicultural Affairs
Associate Dean of Student and Multicultural Affairs . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1217. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-8855
Organizations and Clubs
Director of Campus Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5618
Orientation, Student
Campus Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5618
Parking
Parking Permits & Regulations. .Parking Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . UH, Rm. 1801 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4801
Placement Information
Career Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LIB, Rm. 125. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-8855
Police (See Security and Safety 911 IS NOT ACCESSIBLE FROM CAMPUS PHONES)
Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Safety/University Police. . . Bldg 49, 1st Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4000
Syracuse Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . 511 S. State St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425-6111 EMERGENCY 911
NYS Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 699-6281 EMERGENCY 911
CAMPUS DIRECTORY
11
Postal Service
City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University Station . . . . . . . . . . . 729 S. Crouse Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . 472-0278
On-Campus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mail Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CW, 1st Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5391
Recreation
Campus Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5618
Residence Life (See Housing)
Reservations (See Facilities)
Security and Safety (911 IS NOT ACCESSIBLE FROM CAMPUS PHONES)
Public Safety (Campus)/University Police. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bldg 49, 1st Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4000
Sexual Assault
Public Safety/University Police. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bldg 49, 1st Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4000
Student Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm 1225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4816
Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PBS, Rm. 318. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-3120
Rape Crisis Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Onondaga Street, Syr. . . . . . . . . . . . 422-7273
Sexual Assault information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.upstate.edu
Sexual Harassment
Diversity and Inclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JH, Rm. 711 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5234
Student Affairs Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1225. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4816
Special Programs
Director of Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5618
EOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4570
Multicultural Affairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1217. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-8855
Traffic
Auto Registration . . . . . . . . . . . Parking Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UH, Rm. 1801 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appeals (Tickets) . . . . . . . . . . . Public Safety/University Police . Bldg 49, 1st Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accidents . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Safety/University Police . Bldg 49, 1st Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towed Cars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Safety/University Police . Bldg 49, 1st Fl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
464-4801
464-4000
464-4000
464-4000
Transcripts
Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4604
Transfer Students
Admissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1213. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4570
Program Director (CHP)
Career Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LIB, Rm. 125. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-8855
Veterans Affairs
Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4604
Wellness/Fitness
Campus Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-5618
Withdraw from College/Leave of Absence
Student Affairs (College Medicine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 1225. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4816
Registrar's Office(CHP/Nursing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAB, Rm. 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4604
College of Graduate Studies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WH, Rm. 3118 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-4538
12
KEY:
CAMPUS DIRECTORY
Bldg 49
CAB
CS
CW
GT
HAR
JH
LIB
MT
PBS
SAB
SH
UH
WH
Building 49
Campus Activities Building
545 Cedar Street
Computer Warehouse
Geneva Tower
250 Harrison
Jacobsen Hall
Library
Madison Towers
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Bldg.
Setnor Academic Building
Silverman Hall
University Hospital
Weiskotten Hall
ACADEMIC CALENDARS
ACADEMIC
CALENDARS
13
14
ACADEMIC CALENDARS
15
SUNY UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2015-2016
Fall 2015
College
COM
COM
COM
COM
All
All
All
All
COGS
COM
COM
COGS/CHP/CON
All
All
COGS/CHP/CON
COGS/CHP/CON
CHP/CON
All
COGS/CHP/CON
COGS/CHP/CON
All
Mon
May
11
May 20-22
Mon May
25
Tues May
26
May 28-29
Mon June
1
Fri
July
3
Jul 18 - 21
Jul 20 - 31
Aug 6-7
Mon
Aug 10
Aug 10 - Aug 28
Aug 20 - 21
Mon Aug
24
Mon Aug
31
Fri
Sept
4
Fri
Sept
4
Mon Sept
7
Tues Sept
8
Mon Sept
14
Mon Sept
14
COGS/CHP/CON Mon
All
Wed
SPRING 2016
All
All
CHP/CON
CHP/CON
CHP/CON
CHP/CON
COGS
All
All
CHP/CON
CHP/CON
CHP/CON
CHP/CON
All
All
COGS/CHP/CON
COM/COGS/CHP
COGS/CHP
COGS/CHP
CHP
All
CON
COGS/CHP
COGS/CHP
CON
CON
COGS/CHP
CON
CON
CON
Sept
Sept
21
23
Sept 23 - 26
Mon Oct
12
Tues Oct
13
Fri
Oct
16
Oct 19 - Nov 6
Fri
Nov
6
Nov 30 - Dec 11
Thurs Nov
26
Mon Nov
30
Mon Dec
7
Tues Dec
8
Dec 9-14
Thur Dec
17
Sun
Dec
20
Sat
Jan
2
Dec 21 - Jan 8
Mon Jan
4
Mon Jan
11
Fri
Jan
15
Fri
Jan
15
Mon Jan
18
Tues Jan
19
Tues Jan
19
Mon Jan
25
Mon Jan
25
Fri
Jan
29
Mon Feb
1
Mon Feb
1
Mon Feb
8
Mon Feb
15
Deadline to Sit for USMLE Step 1
Clinical Orientation MS III (Required) **Syracuse students only**
Memorial Day - No Classes
MS III & MS IV Fall Semester Begins
New Student Orientation (as assigned)
Fall Semester Begins for "Long Fall" Programs
Independence Day Observed - No Classes*
E'Id al-Fitre - contact faculty if unable to attend due to religious beliefs
Fall Semester Open Enrollment - Matriculated Students
New Student Orientation (as assigned)
MSI and MSII Fall, Med Scholars Semester Begins
Nonmatriculated Student Registration
New Student Orientation (as assigned)
FALL SEMESTER Begins (except as otherwise noted)
30% Tuition Liability for full semester courses
Last Day to Add or Drop courses without a late fee
Last Day to Drop a full semester course without a grade
Labor Day - No Classes*
50% Tuition Liability for full semester courses
70% Tuition Liability for full semester courses
Rosh Hashanah - No Classes COM*, CON and COGS all others contact
faculty if unable to attend due to religious beliefs
100% Tuition Liability for full semester courses
Yom Kippur - No Classes COM*, CON and COGS; all others contact faculty
if unable to attend due to religious beliefs
E'Id al-Adha - contact faculty if unable to attend due to religious beliefs
Columbus Day - No Classes*
Fall Break - No Classes (Except PA students)
Mid-Semester Grades Due
Spring Semester Open Enrollment-Matriculated Students
75% of the Semester Completed (WP/WF grades assigned)
Spring Semester Open Enrollment-Matriculated Students
THANKSGIVING Vacation Begins*
Classes Resume
Last Day of Classes
Study Day
Final Exams (No exams on Sunday)
Student Evaluation Committee Meeting
Fall Semester Ends
Degree Conferral for Fall Graduates
Nonmatriculated Student Registration
SPRING SEMESTER Begins
30% Tuition Liability for CHP and COGS courses
Last Day to Add or Drop courses without a late fee
Last Day to Drop a full semester course without a grade
Martin Luther King Day - No Classes*
SPRING SEMESTER Begins Nursing Courses
50% Tuition Liability for CHP and COGS courses
70% Tuition Liability for CHP and COGS courses
30% Tuition Liability for CON courses
Last Day to Add or Drop CON courses without a late fee
100% Tuition Liability for CHP and COGS courses
50% Tuition Liability for CON courses
70% Tuition Liability for CON courses
100% Tuition Liability for CON courses
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
SP
16
Spring Vacation Begins Perfusion Sr and Rad Ther Sr Students
Mid-Semester Grades Due
Spring Vacation Begins (except 3rd year DPT, Perfusion Sr, PA and Rad Ther Sr)
Classes Resume Perfusion Sr and Rad Ther Sr Students
Classes Resume (except 3rd year DPT, Perfusion Sr, PA and Rad Ther Sr)
Summer Semester Open Enrollment - Matriculated Students
Spring Vacation Begins Graduate Studies Students and PA Students
Fall Semester Open Enrollment - Matriculated Students
Classes Resume Graduate Studies Students and PA Students
75% of the Semester Completed (WP/WF grades assigned)
Last Day of Classes MSII
Good Friday - contact faculty if unable to attend due to religious beliefs
75% of the Semester Completed (WP/WF grades assigned)
Last Day of Classes except DPT Year 3, PA & Med Scholars Year 1
Study Day
Final Exams (No exams on Sunday)
Passover - contact faculty if unable to attend due to religious beliefs
Student Evaluation Committee Meeting
Spring Semester Ends - MSIV, Nursing, & Health Professions
(except DPT Year 3, PA, & Med Scholars Year 1)
COM
Fri
May
13 Spring Semeseter Ends MSII
COM
Sun
May
22 Semester Ends MSI and MSIII
All
Sun
May
22 COMMENCEMENT Ceremony
All
Sun
May 22 Degree Conferral for Spring Graduates
All
Mon May
30 Memorial Day - No Classes
COM/COGS/CHP Fri
June
3 Semester Ends Graduate Studies, DPT Year 3, PA & Med Scholars Year 1
All
Mon June
20 Alternate Degree Conferral for Spring Graduates
Apr 18 - May 6 Nonmatriculated Student Registration
CHP/CON
Mon May
2 SUMMER SEMESTER Begins
CHP/CON
Fri
May
6 Last Day to Add or Drop courses without a late fee
CHP/CON
Fri
May
6 Last Day to Drop a full semester course without a grade
CHP/CON
Mon May
9 30% Tuition Liability for full semester courses
CHP/CON
Mon May
16 50% Tuition Liability for full semester courses
CHP/CON
Mon May
23 70% Tuition Liability for full semester courses
All
Mon May
30 Memorial Day - No Classes
CHP/CON
Tues May
31 100% Tuition Liability for full semester courses
CHP
Sat
June
11 Med Tech & Med Biotech vacation begins
CHP
Sat
June
18 Perfusion vacation begins
CHP
Mon June
20 Med Tech & Med Biotech Classes Resume
CHP
Wed June
22 Last Day of Arts and Sciences Classes
CHP
Mon June
27 Perfusion Classes Resume
CON
Wed June
29 Last Day of Classes for Nursing
CHP
Thurs June
30 Last Day of Classes for Medical Imaging BPS
All
Mon July
4 Independence Day Observed - No Classes
CHP
Fri
July
15 Last Day of Classes Respiratory Care
CHP
Fri
July
22 Last Day of Classes for Med Tech Jr & Med Biotech Jr
CHP
Fri
July
29 Last Day of Classes for Medical Imaging BS
CHP
Fri
Aug
5 Last Day of Classes for Rad Ther Jr
CHP
Fri
Aug
12 Last Day of Classes for Perfusion and Transitional DPT
CHP
Tues Aug
16 Student Evaluation Committee Meeting
CHP/CON
Tues Aug
16 Summer Semester Ends
All
Tues Aug
30 Degree Conferral for Summer Graduates
4/30/2015
College Codes
COGS College of Graduate Studies
CHP College of Health Professions
COM College of Medicine
CON College of Nursing
*Note: COM MSIII and MSIV students should refer to holiday policy for time off as this differs from the calendar
SUMMER 2016
CHP
CHP/CON
CHP/CON
CHP
CHP/CON
CHP/CON
COGS/CHP
CHP/CON
COGS/CHP
CHP
COM
All
CON
CHP/CON
CHP/CON
CHP/CON
All
CHP/CON
CON/CHP/COM
Sat
Fri
Sat
Mon
Mon
Feb
20
Feb
26
Feb
27
Feb
29
Mar
7
Mar 7-18
Sat
Mar
12
Mar 21 - April 8
Mon Mar
21
Wed Mar
23
Fri
Mar
25
Fri
Mar
25
Wed Mar
30
Mon April 18
Tues April 19
Apr 20-25
Apr 23 - 30
Thur April 28
Fri
April 29
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
17
DIVISION OF
STUDENT AFFAIRS
AND
SUPPORT SERVICES
18
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
19
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
The Division of Student Affairs is comprised of several offices
and numerous service areas:
Academic Support Services. . . . . . . 215, LIB . . . . 464-8851
Admissions & Financial Aid . . . . . 1213, WH . . . . 464-4570
Campus Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, CAB . . . . 464-5618
Multicultural Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . 1217, WH . . . . 464-5433
Office of the Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . 203, CAB . . . . 464-4604
Student Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1225, WH . . . . 464-4816
Student Counseling . . . . . . . . 713 Harrison St . . . . 464-3120
Student Support Services. . . . . . . . . 215, LIB . . . . 464-8855
University Housing . . . . . . . . . Geneva Tower . . . . 464-9407
These offices provide a wide range of services which
complement the academic programs. Since the SUNY Upstate
Medical University is a small academic institution, staff
members frequently wear several "hats" and have multiple areas
of responsibility and expertise. To assist you, we have tried to
provide a brief description of our Division. If you are not sure
who to call, people at the numbers above can direct you to the
right office.
STUDENT AFFAIRS DEAN'S
OFFICE (Rm 1225, WH 464-4816)
studaff@upstate.edu
The Dean's Office commitment to students is demonstrated by
the services provided but, just as important, by the "safe space"
and friendly atmosphere students experience here. The staff also
work closely with the faculty on various institutional committees
related to academic policies and programs. Students visit the
Dean's Office for a variety of reasons: academic advising;
letters of recommendation; counseling (academic and personal);
general questions and concerns; and referral to appropriate
resources.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES
(Rm 215, LIB 464-8851)
academicsupport@upstate.edu
The Academic Support Services Office has a principal goal of
facilitating student success in the classroom by offering a variety
of services and programs to students of all colleges. Services
provided include workshops, academic counseling, peer
tutoring, and Upstate Academic Strategies.
ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL
AID (Rm 1213, WH 464-4570)
admissfa@upstate.edu
The Student Admissions Office at SUNY Upstate is responsible
for the recruitment and admission processes for the Colleges of
Health Professions, Graduate Studies, Medicine, and Nursing.
The staff coordinates on and off campus visitation programs,
screens applications, schedules interviews, chairs admissions
committees, and advises students prior to application.
The Financial Aid Office at SUNY Upstate enables students
to attend college who might not otherwise be able to meet its
costs. Financial aid consists primarily of loans, with limited
scholarships, grants, and part-time employment. Basic
responsibility for financing higher education rests with the
student and his/her family. Assistance from SUNY Upstate is
offered only to supplement the efforts of the student and family.
Financial aid is offered only to students who demonstrate
eligibility, and cannot exceed the amount of financial eligibility.
BOOKSTORE (CAB LOBBY, 464-5560)
www.upstate.bkstr.com
The Medical Bookstore, located in the lobby of the CAB is
operated by Follett Higher Education Group. The store carries a
wide selection of medical, nursing, and health related titles.
Other items carried include:
• Dissection equipment, medical and nursing instruments,
and related supplies. Long lab coats and consultation coats,
imprinted clothing, and general gift section
• Beverages and snacks
• School supplies
• Full line of Littmann Stethoscopes
• Special orders taken for any current medical books
• Monogramming of lab coats
• Balfour class rings
• Custom diploma frames
• FedEx Shipping for in store merchandise
• Textbook Buyback Program
Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and Bookstore
gift cards accepted. Checks accepted with I.D.
Store Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
BURSAR'S (Rm 200, CAB 464-5148)
The Bursar's Office is responsible for reporting and dispersing
to the state comptroller all monies received in the Center.
The office collects all monies except hospital patient receipts.
These collections include tuition, dormitory rents, registration
deposits, library fines and fees, and dormitory damage fees.
The office also disperses all checks made available through all
federal loan and scholarship programs, state scholarships and
TAP awards, local center loan and scholarships, and guaranteed
loans. As custodian of the operating accounts in the FacultyStudent Association (F.S.A.), the Bursar's Office disperses
checks from the student council and student activity accounts,
upon receipt of approved requests. Local Center loans are kept
under the custodianship of the F.S.A. therefore, they are billed
and collected through this office. The relationship of the Bursar's
Office to the student body is one of mutual responsibility and
service. Students may obtain information concerning their
financial status at the Center at any time. They are expected,
however, to carry on the financial affairs in a responsible
manner, i.e. timely payment of charges.
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES AND
RECREATION (Rm 11, CAB 464-5618)
campact@upstate.edu
The Campus Activities staff work to coordinate a diverse
(social, cultural, and recreational) co-curricular activities
program for the Upstate community. Specifically, this office:
advises and assists more than 65 student organizations;
produces the yearbook for the College of Medicine; facilitates a
comprehensive intramural sport program that boasts nine sports;
operates the CAB fitness and athletic facilities; and coordinates
on-going programs for Upstate students, faculty, and staff. In
addition, the Director of Campus Activities advises Student
20
Government and the Campus Activities Governing Board. The
purpose of the Campus Activities Governing Board (CAGB)
is to direct the management and administration of effective
social, cultural, and recreational programs for the benefit of
members of the Upstate Medical University community. The
CAGB, composed of faculty, staff, and students of the Colleges
of Health Professions, Medicine, Graduate Studies, and Nursing
also makes recommendations for effective use of the Campus
Activities Building.
Athletics
Student, faculty, and staff participation is very high in the
athletic intramural programs sponsored by the CAGB.
The facilities and programs at the CAB afford numerous
opportunities for those with valid ID cards (see Building Use
Policy) who seek diversion from their hectic schedules. In the
past, men’s and women’s basketball leagues, men’s and coed
volleyball leagues, coed dodgeball and indoor soccer, as well
as floor hockey, tennis, squash and racquetball tournaments,
have provided scheduled competition. For those wishing less
structured exercise, the gym, free-weight room, and Nautilus
Fitness Center are available whenever the building is open.
There are general swim sessions daily. Ping pong and pool
equipment may be checked out with a valid I.D. card.
CAMPUS ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS
College of Medicine: Since the Medical Alumni Association/
Foundation was established in 1955, the Medical Alumni Association's mission has always been to promote the interests and
improve the effectiveness of the College of Medicine, to foster
fellowship among our alumni, to assist in the recruitment of students, and to provide opportunities to network. Along with this
mission, we strive to ensure our students' educational experience
at Upstate Medical University is complete. We do this by providing funding for student-centered projects and awards such as
$225,000 worth of scholarships each year, selected complimentary textbooks, a rotational library for clerkships, our student reimbursement program, and the creation and maintenance of our
career advisory network. We welcome the opportunity to meet
you and invite you to become active in our Alumni Association.
Our offices are located on the first floor of the Setnor Academic
Building. For more information on the Medical Alumni Association/Foundation, please call 464-4361.
College of Nursing: This Alumni Association is comprised of all
graduates of the former Associates Degree Program (19591977), graduates of the former Nurse Practitioner Certificate
program (1974-1984), and graduates of the current College of
Nursing established in 1986. The Upstate Medical University
Nursing Alumni Association was organized and incorporated
in 1992 and operates under an independent board of directors
with liaison through the Upstate Medical University Foundation
Office. Members are welcomed into the Association upon graduation or program completion. There are no dues for annual membership. The Alumni Association helps to fund scholarships,
services to alumni and students, the annual white coat ceremony,
and Nursing Alumni Association activities. Annual campaign
gifts to the Nursing Alumni Association provide scholarships
to nursing students, as well as teaching aids and equipment for
the College of Nursing. The Nursing Alumni Office is located in
Room 301 of the Campus Activities Building. For more information on the Alumni Association or any of its programs please
call 464-4416.
College of Health Professions: The College of Health Professions Alumni Association is comprised of all graduates of the
college and its programs since the offering of its first certificate
program in Cytotechnology in 1956. (Graduates of the nursing
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
programs once organized as part of this college are members of
the Upstate Medical University Nursing Alumni Association).
The Health Professions Alumni Association was organized and
incorporated in 1992 and operates under an independent board
of directors with liaison through the Upstate Medical University
Foundation Office. Members are welcomed into the Association upon graduation. There are no dues for annual membership.
The Alumni Association helps to fund scholarships, services
to alumni and students, and the College of Health Professions
White Coat ceremony. Annual campaign gifts to the college of
Health Professions Alumni Association provide scholarships
to health professions students and teaching aids and equipment
for the College of Health Professions. The Health Professions
Alumni Office is located in Room 301 of the Campus Activities
Building. For more information on the Alumni Association or
any of its programs please call 464-4416.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
(Rm 215, LIB 464-8855)
Career Development for students in the College of Medicine is
offered on an individual basis through assigned faculty advisors
and through Deans in the division of Student Affairs. Student
Affairs Deans and members of the clinical faculty make formal
presentations to College of Medicine students concerning the
process and procedures involved in obtaining a Residency.
Career Development is offered in the College of Nursing and
the College of Health Professions on an individual basis through
departmental faculty and through the Career Development
Coordinator in the division of Student Affairs.
Career Development for students in the College of Graduate
Studies is offered on an individual basis through assigned
faculty advisors.
A list of career resources is available through the division of
Student Affairs web site, and includes information on career
related opportunities, fellowships, electives, and summer
positions as well as resource links to job search/career guidance
web sites.
CENTER FOR CIVIC
ENGAGEMENT (LIBRARY 464-8577)
This office organizes and facilitates volunteer and educational
opportunities with local agencies, schools and clinics as well as
in underdeveloped countries. Through their involvement with
individuals in the multiple diverse neighborhoods of Syracuse,
students gain insight into the spectrum of socioeconomic and
cross-cultural parameters that impact the patient population
that they treat. The global health education program introduces
students to cultural, social, and political factors as well as ethical
concerns that accompany delivering effective and sustainable
health care initiatives in third world countries.
CHILD CARE CENTER
(560 S. Salina St. 464-4438)
Upstate Medical Center is fortunate to have a child care center
for the children of students and employees. The center operates
year-round, with the exception of eight major holidays. Current
hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and the program
is full-time only. The current facility is licensed for 134 children
ages 6 weeks through age 5. Children are admitted to the Upstate
Child Care Center on a first come, first-served basis with a
percentage of slots available to students as a first priority.
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
PROGRAM (E.O.P.) – COLLEGE OF
HEALTH PROFESSIONS
(Rm 1213, WH 464-4570)
The Educational Opportunity Program (E.O.P.) is a state
funded program limited to academically and economically
disadvantaged New York State residents who can demonstrate
the potential for academic success. To be eligible for E.O.P., a
student transferring from a New York College must have been
admitted to college as an E.O.P., H.E.O.P., or S.E.E.K. student
at their prior college. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid
if you have any questions regarding the program or eligibility
at the above telephone number or through our office e-mail at:
admissfa@upstate.edu.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND
SAFETY (Rm 302, CAB, 464-5782)
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for
ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all employees,
students, and patients of the Upstate Medical University.
EHS provides assistance to the University on issues related to
compliance with Environmental and Safety regulations, fire
safety, removal of chemical wastes from our laboratories, and
safety education. EHS is available to assist students of the
Upstate Medical University with their health and safety concerns.
FACULTY-STUDENT ASSOCIATION
(F.S.A.)
The Faculty-Student Association is composed of representatives
of the administration, faculty, and student body. It administers
scholarships, loan funds, and student activity fees. The
Association also sponsors special projects for the general
welfare of both students and faculty.
HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY
(766 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210)
http://library.upstate.edu
The Health Sciences Library, founded in 1834, is the oldest
department of the Upstate Medical University. The Library's
mission is to meet the current and emerging health information
service, resource and facility needs of the SUNY Upstate
communities, including our patients and families. If we are not
providing the services and/or resources that YOU need, please
tell us! We will do our best to purchase the item, subscribe to
the journal/database and/or create the service that does meet
your need. The Library is open, on average, 106 hours per week.
Non-Upstate ID holders must sign in when visiting the Library.
The Library offers several types of study and collaborative space
including individual rooms, group rooms, carrels quiet space,
and a meditation room. The Library also provides space for art
exhibits and can accommodate approximately 200 persons at
special events.
Hours
315-464-4580 (recording with current hours)
or refer to the website at: http://library.upstate.edu/
Contact Information
Administration
Customer Service
Family Resources Center
4-4582
4-7109
4-4410
21
Historical Collections
4-4257
Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery
4-5116
Library Services Desk
4-7091
Reference & Liaison Services
4-4581
Resource Subscriptions & Acquisitions
4-8141
Web Services
4-8141
Library Services Desk/Borrowing Policies
464-7091
Reference and Liaison Services
464-4581
askalibrarian@upstate.edu
Family Resources Center @ Golisano
464-4410
http://library.upstate.edu/patients
Resources Center by calling
464-4410
or by email to FRC@upstate.edu
Computer Resources
464-4581
Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery Services
464-5116
Historical Collections
464-4257
Media Services
464-7191
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
SERVICES (Rm 203, CAB 464-4604)
registrar@upstate.edu
The International Student Advisor is available to help
international students with their visa and immigration questions,
employment authorizations, address changes, travel letters, and
any other matters related to their study in the United States. The
International Student Advisor can also offer advice concerning
academic matters or personal concerns.
All international students are required to purchase health
insurance and evacuation and repatriation insurance. If insurance
is not available through a graduate assistantship, International
Health Insurance and Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance
may be purchased in the Bursar's Office.
International students are financially responsible for their
tuition, fees, and living expenses while enrolled at Upstate
Medical University. International students should be aware
that financial aid is limited and difficult to obtain. Further, it
should be understood that Upstate Medical University cannot
co-sign for any loans. Prior to enrollment, international students
must indicate their understanding of this financial commitment
which will then be confirmed via the 1-20 application process.
Note: Some programs of study at Upstate Medical University
offer stipends and tuition waivers. These conditions will be
considered throughout the process.
Maintaining Lawful Status:
International students who hold an F-1 visa must remain in
lawful visa status in order to be permitted to remain in the
United States, work on campus, or pursue Curricular or Optional
Practical Training. The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services
(USCIS) is aggressively monitoring student status. International
students have two primary responsibilities.
• Enroll full time each semester. Limited exceptions to the
full time enrollment requirement can be granted for medical
or academic reasons. Permission to enroll less than full
time must be granted in advance by the International
Student Advisor.
• Notify the International Student Advisor within 10 days of
any change in address, either in the United States or in the
home country. The required notification form is available
from the International Student Advisor, or from the USCIS
website, www.uscis.gov.
22
•
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
International students currently employed by Optional
Practical Training (OPT) must notify the International
Student Advisor within 10 days of any changes in their
Employer Name/Employer Address or changes in their
personal U.S. mailing address.
LOCKERS
Lockers for student use are located in Weiskotten Hall and
University Hospital. Locker assignments may be obtained from
the Student Affairs Office. There is a limited number of lockers
available. Distribution will be on a first come, first serve basis.
This service is provided free of charge.
MENTORS IN HEALTHCARE (MiH)
(Rm 1217, WH 464-8855)
The Mentors in Healthcare program is an initiative specifically
geared toward students from traditionally under-represented
populations. This program is administered by Student Affairs
staff within the Student Success Cluster. Small group mentoring
meetings are scheduled four times a year, and students are
assigned to a specific mentoring group. The mentors are made
up of senior students, faculty and staff. We well understand that
under-represented students face unique situations and this is
especially true for those who come from a distance to be part of
our community. The MiH program seeks to assist with transition
issues, academic success, and personal connections.
MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
(Rm 1217, WH 464-8855)
http://www.upstate.edu/currentstudents/support/multicultural/
The mission of this office is to assist all students, especially
students of color and those from diverse backgrounds, in their
educational, and personal transition and development at Upstate.
The office provides academic and personal advising as well as
referral to other campus services. Staff members in Multicultural
Affairs coordinate diversity and cultural sensitivity training, skill
development workshops, and leadership opportunities to assist
in the university-wide appreciation for multiculturalism and
diversity.
Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program
(CSTEP)
The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program
(CSTEP) offers an academic and career preparation program
for promising historically underrepresented and economically
disadvantaged students enrolled in programs leading to the
STEM fields and licensure. CSTEP participants must be fulltime matriculated students in good academic standing, and are
required to participate in program offerings such as tutoring,
internships, career counseling, and professionalism workshops.
The program is funded by a grant from the New York State
Education Department.
MYUPSTATE
http://www.upstate.edu/currentstudents/
Upstate Medical University uses MyUpstate for student records.
Students may access MyUpstate through the web at the Current
Student homepage and the MyUpstate Student Info link. By
accessing the secure area of MyUpstate, students may enroll in
classes, update their mailing address and phone number, and
view their student account. In addition, students may view their
grades and grade narratives, view their schedule, and view any
holds on their student account. Students may also view and print
an unofficial academic transcript.
Once per academic year, students are required to submit an
online registration form through MyUpstate. By submitting
the online registration form, students update their student
information, including their mailing address, and affirm their
intent to be a student for the semester. Failure to submit the
online registration form will prevent a student from registering
for subsequent semesters, adding or dropping classes, and
prevent students from receiving services such as transcripts and
enrollment certifications.
PARKING (Rm 1801, UH 464-4801)
www.upstate.edu/parking
Monthly Parking
Monthly parking is available to all students. Students may
sign up for monthly parking at the Upstate Medical University
Parking Office located in Room 1801 of the hospital. Office
hours are Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00
a.m. and 4:00 p.m. For more information call the Parking Office
at 464-4801.
All students are eligible for the Garage West or a shuttle lot
based on space availability. Shuttle lots R and I are closed on
the weekends. Students who are assigned to the shuttle lots and
are current on their payment may park in the Garage East on the
weekends and the Garage West on holidays. All students who
are paid parkers may park in the B1 lot from 4:00 p.m. until
10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and all day on weekends
and holidays, A, B3 and B4 lots from 4:00 p.m. until 1:00
a.m. Monday through Friday and all day on the weekends and
holidays. A, B1 and B4 lots are gated. Students may swipe
their ID's in the readers at these locations to activate the gates.
Students may also park in the A, B1, B3 and B4 lots with a
no charge U stickers in the off hours noted above.Rates are
available at the parking website.
REGISTRAR'S (Rm 203, CAB 464-4604)
registrar@upstate.edu
The Registrar's Office is the steward of students' academic
records. To that end, the office is charged with ensuring the
accuracy and integrity of all enrollment, grade, and degree
information. The academic record is maintained permanently.
The Office provides services in the following areas: registration;
course enrollment; course schedules; grades processing; loan
deferments; licensure applications; academic transcripts;
diplomas; degree verifications; visiting student enrollment; the
certification of student status; and is the resource for Veteran’s
benefits.
SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH
DISABILITIES (Rm 215, LIB 464-8855)
stuserve@upstate.edu
Students with disabilities, like all applicants admitted to the
Upstate Medical University, enter with scholastic credentials
representative of the Upstate Medical University's high
academic standards. Applications are considered without
regard to disabilities and it is important for students to identify
themselves soon after acceptance to the Upstate Medical
University or at the time of registration, if they wish to request
special services or reasonable accommodations.
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Americans with Disabilities Act
Upstate Medical University is diligent in its effort to comply
with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. We are
committed to providing reasonable accommodations to all
technically able people with disabilities to enhance their
academic experience at our institution.
Requesting Accommodation and Registering as
Student with Disabilities
Step I: Students with Disabilities—Information Form
All Students are mailed an information letter and Student
with Disabilities Information Form with their acceptance
letter to Upstate Medical University. Please fill out and return
the Student with Disabilities Information Form to the Office
of Student Support Services as soon as possible after your
acceptance to Upstate Medical University, or at least one month
prior to classes to ensure timely accommodations.
Step II: Qualifying for Accommodations
To qualify for accommodation, a student must identify him/
her self to the Office of Student Support Services, declare
the disability or suspected disability in writing, and request
accommodation. It is also the student's responsibility to obtain
a thorough written evaluation from an appropriate professional,
documenting the presence, extent, and ramifications of the
disability. In addition, the documentation should explain what
specific types of accommodation the evaluator believes might
be most helpful in offsetting the effects of the disability to an
acceptable extent in a medical school environment. Our goal is
to provide equal opportunity without undermining the integrity
of any course, clerkship, or program.
The student must obtain this evaluation at his/her own expense
and arrange to have the evaluation form and all supporting
documentation forwarded to the Office of Student Support
Services. If an evaluation has been conducted in the past, a
determination will be made if it is recent enough. An evaluation
performed more than three years earlier may not be acceptable,
and there are instances in which an evaluation must have
been completed more recently. The Office of Student Support
Services can provide evaluation guidelines and forms before the
student meets with an evaluator, or the student may refer to the
documentation guidelines. All documentation must conform to
these guidelines.
There are specific documentation requirements for each kind of
disability, download the appropriate paperwork at http://www.
upstate.edu/currentstudents/support/disabilities/accommodation/
documentation.php (Disability Forms) or contact the Office of
Student Support Services at 315-464-8855 and we will send you
the appropriate forms.
Step III: Schedule Your Intake Appointment
Once your paperwork has been received, please call or stop
by to schedule an intake appointment. During your intake
appointment, you will meet with a Student Support Services
staff member and the process regarding your request for
accommodations will be initiated.
Step IV: Notification of Faculty
Once you have completed Steps I through III, you will be
given a letter that indicates you have registered with the Office
of Student Support Services as a student with a documented
disability and are requesting accommodations. The letter will
also outline specific accommodations that you have been
approved for. When requesting accommodations from faculty/
staff member, a student must present the letter. Faculty/Staff
members are informed not to give students accommodations
without a letter from the Student Support Services Office.
23
Step V: Requesting Accommodation in a Timely Manner
Students are responsible for requesting accommodations in
a timely manner so professors/staff members may plan for
those accommodations. For each class you choose to use these
accommodations in, it is essential that you give the faculty
member a copy of this letter during the first week of classes
so that he/she can accommodate you properly. The Office of
Student Support Services does not discuss a student's disabilities
or accommodations with faculty/staff member without written
approval/waiver from the student.
Students with questions or concerns should not hesitate to
contact the Office of Student Support Services, Rm 217, WH,
464-8855.
STUDENT COUNSELING
SERVICES (SYRACUSE CAMPUS)
(713 Harrison St., 464-3120. ext. 8)
scs@upstate.edu
http://www.upstate.edu/currentstudents/support/scc/
The Student Counseling Service promotes students' personal
well-being and professional growth through the provision of
counseling services to students and educational and outreach
programs to the University community.
Through Student Counseling, all matriculated part-time and
full-time Upstate students are eligible for free, confidential
counseling services including, short-term counseling, individual
therapy, couples counseling or family therapy, psychiatric
consultation and medication management, and consultation/
referral services.
Student Counseling generally does not provide services to
students who are on leaves of absence (voluntary or mandatory)
from their academic programs. If you must take a leave of
absence, Student Counseling can work with you to identify other
options for counseling services during your absence.
The Student Counseling Center is located in the Psychiatry and
Behavioral Sciences Building at 713 Harrison Street (waiting
room 318). Student Counseling is open from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30
p.m., Monday through Friday.
Students in Crisis
Student Counseling does not provide 24-hour crisis services.
Phone messages or emails left after business hours will not be
returned until the following business day.
In the case of a genuine emergency, students should call 911
or go directly to the nearest emergency room. Students not
wishing to be seen at Upstate's emergency room, can go to
CPEP at St. Joseph's Hospital (301 Prospect Ave., Syracuse,
315-448-6555). CPEP (Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency
Program) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to
anyone with an emotional or psychiatric crisis. CPEP provides
crisis intervention, assessment, and treatment, as well as referral
for ongoing services (if needed). Students seeking services here
or at any other emergency room will need to use personal health
insurance to cover the associated costs. Students in crisis may
also contact University Public Safety at 464-4000 for assistance.
For after hours non-emergency, crisis services, students can call
the local 24-hour crisis hotline, CONTACT (315-251-0600).
CONTACT is an agency that provides free, anonymous 24hour telephone counseling, crisis intervention, and referral for
ongoing services.
24
Students in crisis during hours of operation may contact the
center (464-3120). Let the secretary know that your need
is urgent when you call. We will return your call as soon as
possible to determine if follow-up assistance or intervention may
be indicated.
Access to Student Counseling Services
Whether referred by another campus office or self-referred, any
student interested in seeking student counseling services must
contact Student Counseling via phone or email to schedule an
initial consultation session, typically with one of the Directors
or Staff Psychologist. After this initial consultation is complete,
the Director or Staff Psychologist makes recommendations for
specific services. The vast majority of students needing ongoing
services obtain them through SCS. Students whose concerns
require specialized or more intensive treatment (e.g., advanced
substance dependence, advanced eating disorders) are referred
to community specialists in these areas. In such cases students
are responsible for the cost of services. Student participation
in any Student Counseling service is always voluntary. Student
Counseling does not provide services that are mandated or
otherwise required by any judicial, academic, or professional
body. However, referrals for such services are available through
Student Counseling.
Treatment Providers
Student Counseling is staffed by three NYS-licensed clinical
psychologists. All are also Assistant Professors in the
Department of Psychiatry but have no teaching or evaluative
roles with Upstate students. Students also may see advanced
Psychiatry Residents (e.g., PGY3 or PGY4) or Psychology
Interns (masters-level clinicians completing doctoral degrees
in Clinical Psychology) for ongoing services through SCS. All
services provided by residents and interns are closely supervised
by a licensed attending clinician. Supervision may include
review of recorded sessions. Students are provided specific
information about the use of recordings at the start of treatment
and have the right to consent or decline. Treatment providers
and supervisors associated with a student’s care are not involved
in evaluation or promotion decisions for these students. Student
Counseling policy is to limit faculty supervision of residents
who are treating students to faculty not involved in evaluative
decisions for students. Additionally, Student Counseling
procedure is to maintain a record of the treatment provider
and supervisor for all Student Counseling clients and to gather
information from the Director of the Psychiatry course and
clerkship to avoid dual relationships.
Brief Counseling and Individual Therapy
Brief counseling or individual therapy can help students address
a variety of concerns, including stress management, adjustment
difficulties, anxiety and relationship problems. Many students
find brief intervention – often six sessions or less – to be
sufficient to meet their needs; however, the length of treatment
is determined on a case-by-case basis by the student and his/her
therapist.
Couples Counseling and Family Therapy
Student Counseling offers treatment to married and unmarried
couples, regardless of sexual orientation. At least one member
of the couple must be a student at Upstate. Similarly, students
and their families may receive family therapy through Student
Counseling, provided the student participates in the treatment.
Students in need of couples or family therapy may be referred
to an outside clinic specializing in that service if there is not a
Student Counseling therapist available at the time of the initial
consultation.
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Psychiatric Referral/Treatment
Advanced residents in psychiatry work through Student
Counseling to provide consultations and ongoing management
of psychotropic medications to students in need of such services.
Although this service is free, the cost of the medication is the
student’s responsibility. Please note that resident availability is
limited. When a resident is not available to work with students,
Student Counseling will provide referrals to Student Health
or community psychiatrists for the management of psychiatric
medications. For community psychiatrists, the cost of services is
the student’s responsibility.
Referral for Special Evaluations
Students seeking academic accommodations for learning
disabilities, ADHD or psychiatric problems should be advised
that Student Counseling does not provide evaluations or letters
to document the presence of disabling disorders. Students in
need of such evaluations are invited to contact the Associate
Dean of Student Affairs directly to learn more about the process
of obtaining accommodations.
Excuse Notes
Student Counseling does not provide notes to instructors to
excuse students from classes, exams or clinical responsibilities.
At a student's request and your written authorization, a
counselor may inform an instructor of the dates and times of a
student's appointments or of general information related to his/
her counseling.
Confidentiality and Records
Confidentiality is a crucial concern when it comes to the
therapeutic relationship as well as from a legal standpoint.
The American Psychological Association (APA) ethics
code (2002, Section 4.01) states that psychologists have the
"primary obligation" of protecting confidential information
which includes all information gleaned during assessment and
treatment. The Principles of Medical Ethics (2001) states that
physicians (this includes psychiatrists) will "safeguard patient
confidences within the constraints of the law." In all but a few
rare situations, client confidentiality (i.e., your privacy) is
protected by state law and by the ethical rules of the psychology
and medical professions. Even so, there are a few limitations
on confidentiality. The APA ethics code states that therapists
must communicate the limits of confidentiality clearly at the
beginning of treatment and as any new circumstances warrant
(Section 4.02).
The Counseling Center adheres to the ethical principles of the
American Psychological Association and New York State laws
governing clinical care. We are committed to respecting your
right to confidentiality. No information, verbal or written, will
be released to a faculty member, dean, family member, friend,
etc. without your prior written consent. The confidentiality of
your information is also protected through the use of a treatment
record that is completely separate from the electronic medical
record system (EPIC) used by Upstate treatment providers.
You should be aware, however, that by law there are certain
circumstances under which confidentiality may not be protected:
•
State and federal law requires counselors to report any
suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child or dependent adult
to the appropriate authorities.
•
If your counselor determines that you are in danger of
harming yourself she/he is legally required to act to protect
you. This could include contacting emergency personnel,
a friend, a family member or appropriate University
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
25
staff. This also may involve involuntary hospitalization
or referral for additional clinical services. If involuntary
hospitalization is required, students may elect not to be
hospitalized at Upstate. When possible, this should be
arranged by the student or his/her representative with the
medical personnel involved in hospitalization decisions.
in your record and may request that this information be
released to third parties. If your records are to be released to
another professional, or anyone else, you will need to sign an
authorization to release information. This form states exactly
what information is to be shared, with whom, and why, and it
also sets time limits on how long the release is in effect.
•
By law, counselors are required to inform the appropriate
authorities if, in their opinion, you pose an imminent
threat to another person. In such cases your counselor may
contact public safety, University Police, City of Syracuse
Police, emergency personnel or University administration
to inform them of the threat.
•
Counselors must reveal confidential information if ordered
to do so by a judge in a court of law. If you are involved
in a court matter and believe that your counseling record
may be relevant to this matter, please discuss this with your
counselor in advance.
New York mental health law states that patients have the right to
request copies of their mental health records; however, mental
health law further states that mental health professionals may
deny access to all or part of the information requested or may
grant access only to a summary of the information if, after
consideration, it is determined that the information may cause
harm to the patient. If you are interested in reviewing your
mental health record, please speak directly with your therapist.
In addition, there are two situations in which your therapist
might share some information about you with another Student
Counseling therapist. If a therapist needs to be away from
the office, she/he will ask a colleague to "cover" for him/her.
The reason therapists have other therapists cover for them is
to protect you in case of emergency. Therefore, the covering
therapist would need to know some basic information about you.
Generally, your therapist will tell the covering therapist only
what he or she would need to know for an emergency. Of course,
the covering therapist is bound by the same laws and ethical
rules to protect your confidentiality.
Therapists sometimes consult other therapists or other
professionals about their clients. This helps them to provide
high-quality treatment. Your name will never be given to any
therapist with whom your therapist consults. Further, consulting
therapists are told only as much as they need to know to
understand your situation. Consulting therapists are bound by
legal and ethical mandates to protect your confidentiality.
Further, it is Student Counseling’s policy to consult with
Student Health or other medical providers if a student presents
with a significant, untreated health concern and/or if the
student’s emotional difficulties are contributing significantly
to or exacerbating a serious health problem. In all cases your
counselor will discuss this disclosure with you and request your
permission for this. Student Health and other medical providers
are legally bound to maintain confidentiality and protect your
privacy.
As with any location on campus, there is a risk that someone
may see you enter the Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
building when using Student Counseling services. However,
as students are in the building for a number of reasons and our
waiting rooms are shared with other providers, it is not possible
for others to be certain that you are using Student Counseling
services. However, if you have concerns about being seen by
other students or faculty in the building, please discuss this with
your therapist so additional efforts may be made to protect your
privacy.
Records
A record is maintained for all students using Student Counseling
services and is retained after the termination of services, in
accordance with professional standards for record keeping.
This record is not part of the electronic medical record system
used throughout Upstate (EPIC) nor is it in any way linked
to your academic record. This is a separate record that is
maintained in Student Counseling and only accessible by those
in Student Counseling. You have the right to the information
Special Note: Some agencies (e.g., the C.I.A., the Peace Corps,
residency programs) may ask if you have been in counseling
or psychotherapy on their application or employment forms.
If you tell these agencies you have received such services,
they may request permission to review your mental health
record. Even so, mental health professionals cannot release this
information unless you provide written permission to release
that information.
Program Evaluation and Research
Information in your record may be used internally to evaluate
the usage and effectiveness of our program or to suggest
alternatives or changes to our services. Any report based on
these evaluations will in no way identify individual students.
As SUNY Upstate Medical University is a research setting
as well as an educational setting, data generated from
your participation in Student Counseling services could be
requested and used in various research studies which have been
approved by the SUNY Upstate Institutional Review Board.
Confidentiality will be preserved in all cases. Any information
disclosed without your explicit consent will in no way identify
you. In cases where identifying information is requested, you
will be contacted for your express consent to use the information
prior to the initiation of the research study and the release of
information. You have the right to refuse this at any time, and
this refusal to participate in any such study will not affect your
Student Counseling services.
Student Counseling Services (Binghamton
Campus)
The Binghamton Clinical Campus maintains separate free and
confidential Student Counseling services. Students in need of
such services should contact Irma Fattal, M.D., at 607-7544769. Please identify yourself as an Upstate student when you
call. If you prefer to receive services off-campus, you may
contact Dr. Fattal or Student Counseling for referrals.
For emergencies after hours or on weekends/holidays, please
contact the Binghamton General Hospital switchboard at 607762-2200 and ask to speak with the on-call psychiatrist. In a
genuine emergency, however, please call 911 or go to the closest
hospital emergency room.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
www.upstate.edu/currentstudents/campuslife/activities
Upstate Student Government (USG) represents all students at
Upstate Medical University. Through this organization, students
voice their opinions, suggest changes within their colleges, and
insure that others hear their concerns. This organization works
closely with Upstate faculty and administrators to improve
the student educational experience and campus life. A second
26
important function of student government is to collect the
student activity fee and allocate it to events, programs, and
organizations. Each year student government also allocates a
part of the activities fee to the Campus Activities Governing
Board (CAGB), a third representative body which plans social,
cultural, and recreational activities (see CAGB). All classes
have representatives to Student Government. Although only
the elected representatives may vote on student government
business, USG and CAGB meetings are open to all students,
faculty, and staff, where all ideas and suggestions are welcome.
If you would like to have a voice in how your school operates,
we invite you to come to the schedule monthly meeting. Student
Government meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00
p.m. in the East Lounge of the Campus Activities Building and
CAGB meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at 5:30
p.m. in Room 115 of the Campus Activities Building.
Graduate Student Association (GSA)
The Graduate Student Association is an organization devoted
to increasing the interaction between graduate students. Officer
positions are generally open to any individual who desires them.
The goals of the association are flexible and depend mainly upon
input from the president for a given year. Traditionally, events
sponsored include:
1. Orientation get-togethers in each department in the fall.
2. Several Class Socials, usually in December and June.
3. GSA – sponsored annual speaker in May.
The GSA also functions as a forum for the discussion and
dissemination of information which concerns the graduate
student at the Upstate Medical University.
Student Association of the College of Nursing
(SACON)
The Student Association of the College of Nursing (SACON)
was formed in the Spring of 1990 to enhance communication
and unification between and among the programs within the
College of Nursing and the university campus. Membership
is open to any matriculated student of the College of Nursing.
Elections are held annually in May.
STUDENT HEALTH
(4th Floor, JH 464-4260)
http://www.upstate.edu/currentstudents/support/health/
Student Health provides health care for all matriculated
students at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse and at the
Binghamton Campus. The student health fee is mandated by the
State University of New York and supports the Student Health
operation.
Student Health provides primary care for medical conditions,
acute illnesses, and injuries. Annual health assessments are done
for all students in compliance with New York State Health Code,
Section 405.3.
Health Forms & Registration
A current medical history, physical exam and immunization
record must be submitted for health clearance prior to
enrollment. Registration will be delayed for any semester if
Student Health requirements have not been completed. Health
information is reviewed by Student Health medical personnel
and referred to the Director for final determination. Medical
information for each student is maintained confidentially in
Student Health office and is assessable only to Student Health
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
staff. Student medical information will not be released without
written authorization by the student or pursuant to a lawfully
issued subpoena under the authority of Section 355 of the
Education Law.
Returning/Continuing Student Registrations
All returning/continuing students must have a current Annual
Health Assessment & TB screening in order to register and/or
resume classes.
Annual Health assessments are done for all students through
the Employee/Student Health Office on the Syracuse campus.
Binghamton Campus students may report to Dr. Walid
Hammoud, Binghamton, NY.
Proof of Immunity for Students
Documentation of immunity for the following diseases is
required prior to matriculation for all students by completion of
the Student Immunization Record (www.upstate.edu/forms/pdf/
F82021.pdf)
Rubella (German Measles)
Required: Blood test (antibody titer) indicating immunity
and a copy of the laboratory report. A negative titer requires
vaccination.
Rubella (Measles)
Required: Blood test (antibody titer) indicating immunity
and a copy of the laboratory report. A negative titer requires
vaccination.
Mumps
Required: Blood test (antibody titer) indicating immunity
and a copy of the laboratory report. A negative titer requires
vaccination.
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Required: Record of (two) immunizations or antibody titer and
copy of the laboratory report.
Meningococcal Vaccine
Required: Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Response
Form completion.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis Vaccination
Required: Record of one Tdap vaccination
Hepatitis B
Recommended: Vaccination series. Provide antibody titer if
series is completed.
Mandatory Health Insurance
Upstate Medical University requires uninterrupted health
insurance for full-time and part-time students. Charges
for services beyond the scope of Student Health, such as
hospitalization, emergency care, specialty medical care, and
diagnostic testing, are the responsibility of the student and
should be submitted to the student's insurance carrier for
payment. Students should carry their health insurance card at all
times.
Student Health should be kept informed of any changes in health
insurance. Coverage should not be allowed to lapse since a lapse
in insurance could invalidate coverage for an existing or preexisting condition.
Students have the option of enrolling in the student health
insurance program currently offered through Excellus Blue
Cross/Blue Shield. Questions regarding insurance benefits or
claims can be directed to their Customer Service at 1-800-6336066 (within New York State).
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Students may contact the Student Support Services Office at
464-8855 or stuserv@upstate.edu for information or to enroll
after the initial enrollment period.
For information about the insurance plan, contact the Office
of Student Support Services, Room 217, Weiskotten Hall.
Brochures are also available from the Student Affairs Office at
the Binghamton Campus.
Student Health - Syracuse
Student Health is supported by the student health fee and
serves as primary care provider for matriculated (full and parttime) students. Student Health is staffed by a physician, nurse
practitioners, nurses, and secretarial staff. A nurse practitioner
will evaluate students initially under routine circumstances.
If the problem requires physician assessment, the student will
either be seen at that time or an appointment will be scheduled.
Calling to schedule an appointment is encouraged. Students
without a scheduled appointment will be seen on a first come,
first serve basis.
Office Location: Jacobsen Hall, 4th floor,
175 Elizabeth Blackwell Street Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone#:
(315) 464-5470
Fax#:
(315) 464-5471
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
After Hours: Nights, Weekends and Holidays: Coverage for
urgent medical concerns is provided by University Internists at
(315) 464-6527.
Director:
K. Bruce Simmons, M.D.
Assistant Director:
Jane Bennett, N.P.
Secretary:
Lori Brooks Singleton
Emergency Room Usage
In the event of an emergency when the Student Health office
is closed, report to the Emergency Department of University
Hospital and identify yourself as an Upstate Medical University
student. Inform Student Health of your emergency care the
next business day. Emergency department visits and ambulance
service are billed to the student's health insurance and payments
are the full responsibility of the student.
Services Available Through Student Health
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Primary health care, including the assessment and
management of illnesses and injuries
Referral to specialty providers as clinically indicated
Annual health assessments including annual tuberculin skin
testing
Evaluation and management of sexually transmitted
diseases and sexual counseling
Routine GYN care
Physical examinations and immunization updates for
clinical affiliations as required by NYS Health Department
and/or the clinical site
Allergy injections (written instruction required from MD
and vaccine provided by student)
Administration of required immunizations (Rubella,
Rubeola, Mumps, and Varicella vaccines are at the student's
expense)
Flu vaccine
Immunization for Hepatitis B
Meningococcal vaccine (at the student's expense)
Health education
27
Laboratory and Radiology Tests
The expense of laboratory testing and radiology procedures
required in diagnosis and management of health conditions is
the responsibility of the student or their health insurance plan.
Student Health/Binghamton Campus
Providers:
Walid S. Hammoud, M.D.
Rebecca Sedor, NP
Office Location: United Health Services Occupational Health
(across from Binghamton General)
33 Mitchell Avenue
Binghamton, NY 13903
Phone#:
(607) 762-2333
Fax#:
(607) 762-3320
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
After Hours Emergencies:
If medical care is needed at night or weekends, use the nearest
hospital emergency department.
Student Health Advisory Committee
The Student Health Advisory Committee is composed of
students from each college and representatives from Student
Health, Student Affairs, Student Counseling, and Finance and
Management.
The role of the Committee is to make decisions concerning
health services, student health fee, student health insurance
coverage, and other student health issues that may arise.
Questions or comments regarding Student Health Services may
be directed to this committee, Student Council leadership or to
Student Support Services.
Important Telephone Numbers
Student Health - Syracuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (315) 464-5470
K. Bruce Simmons, MD, Director
Jane Bennett, NP, Assistant Director
Student Health - Binghamton . . . . . . . . . . . . (607) 762-3357
Walid Hammoud, MD
Rebecca Sedor, NP
Nancy Briggs, RN
Student Counseling/Syracuse . . . . . . (315) 464-3120 Ext. 8
Holly Vanderhoff, Ph.D., Co-Director
Michael Miller, Ph.D., Co-Director
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Central New York
Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (315) 671-7073
Student Support Services - Syracuse . . . . . . (315) 464-8855
Student Affairs - Binghamton . . . . . . . . . . . . (607) 772-3528
Student Health Website
Information about Student Health, Pathway to Wellness and
Student Counseling is available at http://www.upstate.edu/
currentstudents/support/health/ or go to the Upstate.edu
homepage, click on Students, then Support Services, then
Student Health.
Important Health Information
Injuries During Clinical Rotations/Syracuse (see blood and
body fluids exposure below)
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DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
If you are injured during a student clinical rotation:
• Complete an injury/accident report at the place of injury.
• During normal hours of operation, report to the Student
Health Office.
• After hours report to University Hospital's Emergency
Department and notify Student Health of the ED visit the
next business day.
Blood and Body Fluid Exposure
Student accidental exposures to blood or body fluids require
immediate evaluation for the purpose of determining risk of
infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis
B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV), to administer post-exposure
prophylactic treatment when indicated, and arrange proper
follow-up. This applies to all Upstate Medical University
full-time, part-time and visiting students at the Downtown
campus, Community campus, and other affiliated clinical sites.
Students with clinical activities at Upstate University Hospital
Downtown and Community campuses will initiate follow-up at
those sites. Students at other affiliated sites must be informed
by that facility, at the beginning of the clinical activity, how to
immediately access follow-up care in event of an exposure.
In all cases, a determination of the need for post-exposure
prophylaxis should occur as soon as possible and ideally within
two hours of the exposure.
Initial action:
1.
Immediately treat exposure site
2. Wash the exposed skin with soap and water
3.
Flush exposed mucus membranes with water
4.
Flush eyes with at least 500 ml of water or normal saline
for at least 3 – 5 minutes.
5.
Do not apply disinfectants, antibiotics or caustic agents to
the wound
6.
Proceed to the Emergency Department if wound suturing or
other first aid is needed
Initiate follow-up without delay since prophylactic treatment,
if indicated, should be stated ideally within two hours of
the exposure. On weekdays between 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., call
Employee/Student Health (ESH) at 464-4260. Students at
Upstate University Hospital (UUH) - Downtown will be
instructed to come immediately to ESH for follow-up. Students
at UUH - Community Campus will be instructed to report to the
Employee Health office at that site. Students at other clinical
(RMED) sites will be advised how to proceed to obtain proper
follow-up.
After hours, weekends and holidays, proceed to the emergency
department at that clinical site.
Proceed to the closest emergency department if none at the
facility. Notify Student Health about the exposure by leaving a
voicemail or calling the next day of business.
Binghamton Campus students, if working out of any of below
sites, should proceed as follows:
1. United Health Services (Wilson and Binghamton General)
- report to United Occupational Medicine (Phone #:
607-762-2333), Summit Building, Suite 204, 33 Mitchell
Avenue, Binghamton. Clinic hours are 7:20 a.m. - 4:30
p.m. weekdays. After hours or on weekends, report to the
Emergency Department.
2. Lourdes Hospital - report to Health Clinic, ground
floor, near Pharmacy. Clinic hours are 7:30 a.m. - 3:30
p.m. weekdays. After hours or on weekends, call the
switchboard operator and ask for Clinical Manager on-call.
3. Robert Packer Hospital - call extension 4537 during the
hours of 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. weekdays. After hours, on
weekends, or on holidays, call the hospital operator (dial
0) and ask to have the Clinical Coordinator on duty paged.
Proceed to the Emergency Department where you will be
met by the person you just contacted.
Document the injury by completing an Injury/Incident Report at
the facility where the exposure occurred.
Blood and body fluid exposure assessment and management is
conducted as per policy ESH B-01, Sections IV – XII, which
details the investigation of the source patient, baseline testing,
post-exposure prophylaxis and counseling, follow-up, and
alternative situations. For these steps, the procedure for students
is the same as for Upstate staff.
If learning activities are interrupted, the Director of Student
Health will contact the Dean of Student Affairs. The Dean will
communicate and make arrangements with faculty regarding
absence, make up of work, and future action plan.
Cost Management for Urgent Student Blood and Body Fluid
Exposure Follow-up
By decision of Upstate leadership and Department of Emergency
Medicine, initial evaluation and management of matriculated
students for blood and body fluid follow-up at Student Health or
Upstate University Hospital Emergency Department will have
remaining expenses after insurance payment written off.
NOTE: Student with potential contact to human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and/or Hepatitis C
through blood or body fluid exposure during clinical activities
should seek immediate evaluation and consideration of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). Anti-viral medication ideally
should be administered within two hours when indicated.
Student Health Blood and Body Fluid Follow-Up (Mon. Fri., 7:30 AM - 4 PM)
1. Medical assessment, laboratory evaluation, PEP if
indicated.
2. No charges are submitted for billing.
3. No bill is generated.
Emergency Department Blood and Body Fluid Follow-Up
(all other times)
1. Medical assessment, laboratory evaluation, PEP if
indicated.
2. A bill is submitted to the student's health insurance (for
above services & professional fee).
3. Billing for charges not covered by insurance will be
generated and sent to the student.
4. Student brings the bill(s) to Student Health for verification.
5. Student Health forwards the hospital bill to Financial
Services and bill for professional services to the
Department of Emergency Medicine for write-off of
remaining charges.
This does not address expenses for additional follow-up, which
may be necessary for high risk exposures such as a puncture
from a hollow bore needle used on a HIV positive source
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
patient. In these cases, referral is made to Infectious Diseases
after the initial contact with Student Health or the Emergency
Department. In such cases, follow up costs would be the
individual's responsibility.
STUDENT RISK EVALUATION
COMMITTEE (JH 464-4260)
The Student Risk Evaluation Committee (SREC) receives and
responds to reports of concerning student behavior and works
to insure a proper response to students whose behavior may be
disruptive or harmful to themselves or others. In cases deemed
appropriate for SREC involvement, the committee will assign
members to meet with the student, determine a course of action,
and provide a report to the Dean of Student Affairs.
When concerns arise, the SREC will gather information and act
to resolve the situation in a manner that takes into consideration
the student's actions, the student's needs, and the potential
impact on teh campus community.
29
2. Dangerous Behaviors (beyond the scope of SREC)
• Physical violence
• Explicit threat of violence toward any person or part of
the Upstate campus community
• Highly disruptive behavior including hostile, aggressive, bullying, intimidating and/or violent behaviors
• Suicidal actions or self-injury
• Threat to self or self-harm
• Stalking
• Destruction of property
• Possession of weapons
• Sexual assault
Handling of matters not appropriate for SREC:
The SREC is comprised of faculty from each of the colleges
and a representative from Student Affairs. The committee
chairperson is appointed by the Dean of Student Affairs.
Representatives from Student Counseling and University Police
serve as consultants to the committee.
1. High Risk Behavior - all circumstances of clear and
imminent danger that may result in physical harm (to self
or others) or damage of property. University Police (4644000) should be notified immediately and Dean of Student
Affairs (464-4816) informed without delay.
SREC case involvement:
2. Suicide Risk
1. Appropriate: Concerning behaviors (as listed below) are
the primary focus of the SREC.
a. Referral to Student Counseling is indicated for concerns
about student self-harm. (464-3120, Ext. 8)
2. Inappropriate: Dangerous behaviors that violate the
Student Code of Conduct or are of imminent threat to the
student or the campus community are beyond the scope
of the committee. Disciplinary matters must be addressed
through proper administrative channels prior to SREC
involvement.
b. University Police should be contacted immediately for
threatened suicide or suicide in progress (464-4000) and
the Dean of Student Affairs informed without delay.
Definitions:
1. Concerning behavior (including but not limited to):
• Bizarre thoughts or behavior
3. Disruptive Behavior
a. Faculty or staff who observe or learn about highly disruptive behavior in class or elsewhere should contact
the Dean of Student Affairs without delay.
b. University Police (464-4000) should be called in a situation of escalating concern.
• Withdrawal or isolation from others
Procedure:
• Deteriorating personal hygiene
1. The SREC meets at least quarterly, but shall meet as
frequently as necessary to address active cases or referrals.
• Frequent displays of anger
• Behavior that can be reasonably interpreted as threatening
• Harassment or intimidation
• Erratic behavior that disrupts the normal proceedings of
students, staff or faculty
• Excessive use of substances
• Verbal or written expression of suicidal thoughts
• Behavior that results in concerns about personal safety
• Posting of disturbing material on social media
• Unacceptable use of profanity or pejorative language
• Disordered eating
• Failure to respect the rights of others
• Behavior that has resulted in involuntary medical care
for mental health or substance abuse issues
2. Reports of concerning student behavior may be submitted
by any member of the Upstate campus community to the
SREC chair, Director of Employee/Student Health, Dean of
Student Affairs, or any member of the committee using the
reporting form and/or by providing the same information
via an email.
3. The report is reviewed by the committee chair and two
committee members are assigned to meet with the student,
preferably within 48 hours from the day the report is
received.
4. Assigned committee members meet with the student to
discuss the concerning behavior, contributing factors and
to assess the student’s perspective on how and why the
situation has developed and how it might be resolved.
Some cases may require additional investigational steps
including further observation of the student, interviews
with individuals who have a personal connection to the
student, consultation with Student Counseling, and/or
guidance from University Counsel. The Dean of Student
Affairs will be informed at each stage of the process.
30
5. The full committee may be convened to consider the most
appropriate course of action. A written report including
their collective opinion concerning the behavior of the
student and recommendations for resolution/disposition of
the case will be presented to the Dean at the conclusion of
the investigation. Matters of greater urgency shall require
an expedited report to the Dean of Student Affairs for
action.
6. A record of each case will be maintained by the committee
chair and the Dean of Student Affairs.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
(Rm 215, LIB 464-8855)
stuserve@upstate.edu
The Office of Student Support Services is a segment of the
Division of Student Affairs which provides supportive services
to faculty and students. Services encompass: Commencement,
Student Health Insurance, Disabled Student Support Services,
Judicial Affairs, Career Development, Residence Life, and Voter
Registration. Student Support Services staff also assists the Dean
of Student Affairs with academic advisement, career advisement,
counseling, leave of absence, and letters of recommendations
for students. The Student Support Services Office is located in
Room 217, Weiskotten Hall.
UNIVERSITY HOUSING
(Geneva Tower, 464-9407)
This office also oversees the operations of SUNY Upstate
residential facilities for Upstate students that boast a variety of
single and shared room accommodations. Open year round, the
rooms/apartments are fully furnished and include such amenities
as utilities, internet access, and cable with HBO movie channel.
The buildings are locked 24-hours with a staff member on duty
at all times.
VETERANS AFFAIRS
(Rm 203, CAB 464-4604)
Veterans Affairs are coordinated by the Office of the Registrar.
This service exists to help student veterans and their eligible
dependents obtain educational benefits available through the
Veterans Administration. It provides counseling for students
on a full scope of V.A. benefits and aids in the resolution of
payment problems. New students should contact the Office of
the Registrar, Rm. 203, CAB when accepted to insure that all
necessary forms are completed before the beginning of classes.
All students receiving benefits should also contact the Registrar
whenever a change in status or address occurs, indicating that
they are receiving benefits and the effective date of the change.
This must be done whenever there is a change of credits even if
the student remains with full-time status.
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
STUDENT CODE OF
CONDUCT
31
32
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Article I: Preamble
When students matriculate at Upstate Medical University (herein
the "University"), they assume great responsibility associated
with the provision of health care. It is absolutely imperative,
as aspiring health care providers, that students maintain the
highest levels of personal honor and integrity. The Upstate
Medical University Code of Student Conduct encourages the
personal and professional development of students and sets forth
the minimum expectations for behavior. The University views
its judicial process as educative and is intended to result in
increased understanding of personal rights and responsibilities.
Ultimately, the Upstate Medical University Code of Student
Conduct supports the educational mission of the institution as it
embodies the integrity, honor and dignity that govern students’
behavior toward colleagues and patients.
Article II: Definitions and Usage
In order to ensure an understanding of the policies and
procedures contained in the Student Code of Conduct, key
words and phrases have been defined.
1. The term "University", "college", "institution", "Upstate
Medical University", or "Binghamton Clinical Campus"
means the State University of New York Upstate Medical
University and shall include any location where the
misconduct by a student toward any member of the
University Community may violate the Student Code of
Conduct.
2. The term "Upstate Medical University Campus",
"Campus", or "Binghamton Campus" includes all land,
buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession
of or owned, used, or controlled, or used for clinical
affiliations by the University (including adjacent streets and
sidewalks).
3. The term "student" includes all persons taking courses
at the University both full- and part-time, pursuing
undergraduate, graduate or medical studies.
4. The term "instructor", "faculty member", "professor", or
"clinical instructor", means any person employed by the
institution to conduct classroom, library, and/or clinical
teaching activities.
5. The term "staff" means any person employed by the
institution in any other capacity.
6. In certain situations a person may be both "student" and
"instructor" or "staff". One's status shall be determined by
the context of the particular situation.
7. The term "organization" means a number of persons who
have complied with the formal requirements of institutional
recognition.
8. The term "shall" is used in the imperative sense.
9. The term "members of the community" includes students,
faculty, staff, or organization as defined herein.
10. The term "business day" means a day on which the
administrative offices of the University are officially open
for business.
11. The term "judicial body" means a person or persons
authorized to determine whether a student has violated the
Student Code of Conduct and to impose sanctions when
necessary.
12. The term "complainant" means a person or persons who
have filed a disciplinary charge against a student(s).
13. The term "accused" means a person or persons who have
disciplinary charges against them.
33
14. The term "College Official" or "Upstate Medical University
Official", includes any person employed by the University
performing assigned administrative or professional
responsibilities.
15. The term "designated college official" or "designated
Upstate Medical University official", means any person
employed by the University and authorized by the
University to act in a prescribed manner in accordance with
the rules for the Maintenance of Public Order applying to
the University and in accordance with the Policies of the
Board of Trustees of the State University of New York.
16. The term "policy" means the written regulations of the
University as found in, but not limited to, Student Code of
Conduct, Residence Life Handbook, Student Handbook,
the Upstate Medical University web page(s), and computer
policy and Upstate Medical University Bulletin/Catalogs.
Article III: Student Rights
The University is an academic community designed to foster an
environment of trust, respect, and intellectual learning among
all members of the community: students, faculty, and staff. As
members of this community, students are entitled to certain
rights and privileges and, at the same time, students also have
certain responsibilities concomitant to these rights.
1. Speech/Expression/Press: Students have the right to
express themselves freely on any subject provided they do
so in a manner that does not violate the Code of Student
Conduct. Students, in turn, have the responsibility to
respect the rights of all members of the University to
exercise free expression.
2. Non-discrimination: Students have the right not to be
discriminated against by any employee or official of the
University for reasons of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic
or national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation,
age, disability, political or social affiliation, or veteran
status. Students have the responsibility not to discriminate
against others in their individual roles or as members of
student organizations.
3. Assembly/Protest: Students have the right to assemble
in an orderly manner and engage in peaceful protest,
demonstration and picketing which does not disrupt the
function of the University, threaten the health or safety of
any person, or violate the Code of Student Conduct or the
SUNY Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order, or local,
state, or federal law.
4. Religion/Political Association: Students have the right
to exercise their religious convictions and associate with
religious, political or other organizations of their choice
provided they do so in a manner that respects the rights of
other members of the community, complies with the Code
of Student Conduct, and is consistent with State University
and University policies on use of facilities for religious
and political purposes. Students have the responsibility
to respect the rights of other members of the University
community to freely exercise their religious convictions
and to freely associate with organizations of their choice.
5. Privacy/Search/Seizure: Students have the right to privacy
and to be free from unreasonable searches or unlawful
arrest on University property and within their on-campus
residences. Students have the responsibility to respect the
privacy of other members of the University community in
their person and in their place of residence.
6. Academic Pursuits: Students have the right to accurate
and plainly stated information relating to maintaining of
acceptable academic standing, graduation requirements,
and individual course objectives and requirements.
34
Students can expect instruction from competent instructors
and reasonable access to those instructors. Students have
the right to a productive learning environment and the
responsibility to attend class and know their academic
requirements.
7. Quality Environment: Students have the right to expect a
reasonably safe environment supportive of the University’s
mission and their own educational goals. Students have the
responsibility to protect and maintain that environment and
to protect themselves from all hazards to the extent that
reasonable behavior and precaution can avoid risk.
8. Governance/Participation: Students have the right to
establish representative governmental bodies and to
participate in University and State University of New York
governance in accordance with the rules and regulations
of the University. Students who accept representative roles
in the governance of the University have the obligation to
participate responsibly.
9. Due Process: Students have the right to due process before
and after formal disciplinary sanctions are imposed by the
University for violations of the Code of Student Conductas provided in the published procedures of this Code or
other official University publications. No change in the
status of any student shall occur for disciplinary reasons
until after the student has been given written notice of,
and opportunity for, a formal hearing-except instances in
which the student’s conduct constitutes a threat to persons
or property. All rights of due process are contained within
the Code or other official University publications. There
exists no right of due process outside of the processes
and procedures described therein. Specific examples of
processes in which due process should be expected include,
but is not limited to: Grade Appeals; Alleged Mistreatment;
Application of Transfer Credit; Alleged Unprofessional
Behavior; Change in Academic Status (e.g. dismissal,
remediation plan). Each of these processes are described in
the Student Handbook.
10. Confidentiality: Students have such rights to access and
to control access to their education records as are provided
by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
of 1974, also known as the Buckley Amendment. These
include the rights to view and challenge the content of
specified records, to control the release of personal and
academic information to third parties, and to suppress all or
some information categorized as "directory information" by
legislation.
Article IV: Violations of the Code
The following behaviors, or attempts thereof, by any student
or student organization are considered violations of the Code
of Student Conduct. Alleged violations will be adjudicated
via the judicial process and/or other applicable processes (e.g.
Ex-Offender Policy, Research Misconduct Policy, Applicable
Employment Policies, Civil/Criminal Processes).
1. Academic dishonesty, including but not limited to taking
information, tendering information, cheating, research
misconduct, plagiarism, conspiracy, misrepresentation,
bribery, and resume falsification.
2. Unprofessional behavior, including but not limited to:
dishonesty; disrespectful behavior; failure to demonstrate
integrity, compassion, and empathy; and failure to maintain
the duty and responsibility required of the professions,
patitents and society.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
3. Breach of Confidentiality - The dissemination of
information that on legal or professional grounds should
remain confidential, especially information relating to
patients or student records.
4. Furnishing false information to the University.
5. When and where possible course lectures are recorded and
these recordings are made accessible to University students.
These recordings are available to students in the library
and/or over the web with the following understandings:
a. Recorded lectures are the intellectual property of the
faculty who give the lecture and their use by students is
therefore permitted with the implied prior authorization
of the lecturer, unless the lecturer specifically denies
this authorization in writing on a case-by-case basis.
b. Individual faculty members retain the right to not
have selected lectures taped and/or made available
to students. This right may be exercised in writing at
anytime, either before or after delivery of a lecture.
c. A student may make copies of the lecture recordings
for his/her personal educational use, however he/
she may not disseminate the content of the lecture to
others.
d. Recorded lectures made available via the Internet and
through other digital media will be accessible only to
students registered for courses in which the student
is officially enrolled at the University. Access to
recordings will be controlled by a system that prevents
unauthorized access to the electronic materials in any
manner that would violate Fair Use of copyrighted
materials by students, faculty, and staff.
e. Recorded lectures will be retained for a period of one
calendar year, at which time the files (recordings) will
be deleted.
f. Violations in the terms of the use of these recorded
lectures will be considered instances of academic
dishonesty.
6. Forgery, alteration, transferring, unauthorized lending,
unauthorized borrowing, altering or misuse of University
documents, records, or identification cards.
7. Unauthorized use, taking possession or destruction
of public or private property or services (e.g., library
materials, telephone, parking, and computers) on campus,
or acts committed with disregard of possible harm to such
property.
8. Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys to any
University premises.
9. Hazing or any action which endangers the mental,
emotional, or physical health of any person for the purpose
of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a
condition for continued membership in an organization
or team whose members are, or include, students of the
University. The allowing of hazing to oneself is also
considered a violation.
10. Failure to disperse from University property after
appropriate warning by a University official or any law
enforcement officer.
11. Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages
except as expressly permitted by law and University
policy. Any alcohol – related violation will be considered a
violation of the Alcohol Policy.
12. Possession, use, delivery, manufacturing, or sale of
controlled substances as defined in New York statutes.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
NOTE: The health and safety of every student at the State
University of New York and its State-operated and community
colleges is of utmost importance. Upstate Medical University
recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using
drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time
that violence, including but not limited to domestic violence,
dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault or other serious
health-related emergency occurs may be hesitant to report
such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their
own conduct. Upstate Medical University strongly encourages
students to report incidents of domestic violence, dating
violence, stalking, or sexual assault and other health-related
emergencies (e.g. overdose) to institution officials. A bystander
acting in good faith or a reporting individual acting in good faith
that discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence,
stalking, or sexual assault or other health-related emergencies
to Upstate Medical University officials or law enforcement
will not be subject to Upstate Medical University’s code of
conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies
occurring at or near the time of the commission of the domestic
violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault or other
incident.
13. Possession or use of fireworks, explosives, dangerous
chemicals, ammunition, or weapons.
14. Misuse of communication equipment (e.g., cellular
telephones, camera, computer, computer systems, text
messaging) including, but not limited to:
a. In educational setting not approved by an instructor or
by institutional policies.
b. For the purpose of invasion of privacy, harassment, or
abuse.
c. For the purpose of academic dishonesty.
15. Smoking on the University Campus, which includes all
building and grounds.
16. Verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, repeated and willful
conduct which causes the reasonable person to be
fearful or to experience significant emotional distress,
sexual harassment of another person(s), actions which
are committed with disregard of the possible harm to
individual(s) or group(s), or which result in injury to
individual(s) or group(s).
17. Bias related incidents, acts of bigotry, harassment, or
intimidation directed at a member or group based on
national origin, ethnicity, race, age, religion, gender, sexual
orientation, disability, veteran status, color, creed, or
marital status.
18. Intentionally, recklessly, or negligently causing physical
harm to any person on university premises or at University
sponsored activities. This includes engaging in any form of
fighting.
19. Criminal sexual behavior, including but not limited to:
the implied, threatened use of force to engage in any
sexual activity against a person's will and/or engaging
in such behavior with a person who is unconscious or
substantially mentally impaired (including intoxication);
intentionally touching another person's genitals, buttocks,
or breasts without the person's consent; indecent exposure;
voyeurism.
20. Theft or other abuse of the computer facilities and
resources including but not limited to:
a. Unauthorized entry into a file to use, read, or change
the contents, or for any other purpose.
b. Unauthorized transfer of a file.
35
c. Use of another individual's identification and/or
password, including the unauthorized sharing of this
information.
d. Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere
with the work of another student, faculty member, or
University Official.
e. Use of computer facilities or resources to send obscene
or abusive messages.
f. Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere
with normal operations of the University computer
system.
g. Use of computer facilities and resources in violation of
copyright laws.
h. Any violation of the University Computer Use Policy.
21. Violations of any University policies described in the
Student Handbook, Bulletin, and Rules and Regulations for
maintenance of Public Order (see appendix).
22. Any act which obstructs or disrupts teaching, research,
administration, or interferes with the educational process
and/or the daily operation within the University.
23. Failure to comply with generally accepted safety
regulations. Such failure shall include, but is not limited to:
a. Falsely reporting a bomb, fire, or any other emergency
by means of activating a fire alarm or by other means.
b. Unauthorized possession, use, or alteration of any
University owned emergency or safety equipment.
c. Failure to evacuate a building or other structure during
an emergency, or during emergency drills.
d. Actions that create a substantial risk such that the
safety of an individual is compromised.
e. Misuse of a self defense spray devise.
f. False threats or reports of a destructive devices or
substance.
g. Flammable Materials, Explosives - Possession or
ignition of combustible material for the purpose of
cooking, heating, lighting, or display is prohibited.
Examples of these items include candles, incense,
oil burning lamps, and sterno. Fireworks, explosives,
harmful chemicals, and flammable liquids (including
oil based paints, turpentine, and gasoline) are not to be
stored in/around campus buildings.
24. Disciplinary action may be taken by the University against
a student accused of unprofessional or illegal behavior (e.g.
off-campus behavior; behavior as an employee, etc.).
25. Violation of any disciplinary sanction.
26. Abuse of the Judicial System, including but not limited to:
a. Failure to obey the summons of a judicial body of the
University.
b. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of
information before a judicial body.
c. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a
judicial proceeding.
d. Institution of a judicial proceeding knowingly without
cause.
e. Attempting to discourage an individual's proper
participation in, or use of, the judicial system.
f. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of
a judicial body prior to, and/or during the course of, the
judicial proceeding.
36
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
g. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation
of a member of a judicial body prior to, during, and/or
after a judicial proceeding.
h. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under
the Student Code or other University regulations.
i. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to
commit an abuse of the judicial system.
Article V: Policies and Procedures
1. All matters pertaining to the University Code of Student
Conduct are under the purview of the Dean of Student
Affairs and are administered by the Coordinator of Judicial
Affairs. In matters of academic dishonesty, first-time and
non-egregious violations are dealt with by College Judicial
Officer or the Professionalism Office (College of Medicine)
and repeat offenses are administered by the Coordinator of
Judicial Affairs. See "Judicial Process" for details.
2. A student charged with a violation of the Code of Student
Conduct has the right to:
a. Receive notification of the charges and to be informed
of one’s rights prior to any hearing or action.
b. Access a college-specific judicial officer who will
educate his/her on the judicial process and procedures.
Students can obtain a list of judicial officers from the
Dean of Student Affairs.
c. A student may bring an advisor or legal counsel to any
hearing/meeting. Such adviser may assist the student
but may not participate directly in the proceedings.
d. Continue attendance in a course until the hearing
process is completed unless the Coordinator of
Judicial Affairs determines that an interim suspension
is appropriate.
e. Question the person(s) making the charge and any
witnesses appearing on their behalf.
f. Produce witnesses and documentary evidence in one’s
own behalf.
g. Appeal the case, as described herein, if a sanction has
been imposed.
3. A student reporting or who is the victim of a violation may
bring an advisor or legal counsel to any hearing/meeting.
Such advisor may assist the studnet but may not participate
directly in the proceedings.
4. All notices to students shall be in writing and shall be
served via e-mail, in person, or by certified mail to the
student’s official local address.
5. A student who withdraws from the University shall not
be exempt from the proceedings described herein. The
judicial process shall be followed with the accused student
receiving notice of hearings. Any resulting sanction of
suspension or dismissal will replace the "withdrawal"
status on the transcript. Lesser sanctions shall be kept on
file in the permanent academic record for reference if the
student applies for re-admission. A student who withdraws
under these circumstances is not permitted to enter onto
University owned, operated, or controlled property nor
to participate in any class or program offered by the
University until the pending matter is resolved.
6. A student who is charged with a violation of the Code of
Student Conduct prior to the termination of a term, when
there is not sufficient time to hold a hearing before the term
ends, shall be given a hearing as soon after the term ends
as is feasible. Said student is responsible for transportation
and other expenses related to the student’s right to be
present at the hearing as scheduled.
7. Failure to appear in response to the charge(s) on the date
fixed for hearing, unless there is a continuance for good
cause approved by the Coordinator of Judicial Affairs prior
to the hearing, shall result in a decision being rendered
based on evidence presented. The hearing shall be held and
determination of sanction shall be made.
8. The standard of proof applied within the University Judicial
System is a preponderance of the evidence, which requires
a demonstration that it is "more likely than not" that the
accused student or recognized student organization has
violated the Code of Student Conduct.
9. It is the responsibility of each party to investigate,
prepare, and present his/her case. This responsibility
includes identifying and presenting any witnesses or
witness statements. The University Judicial System is not
authorized to compel the appearance of any witness at a
University Judicial System proceeding. Similarly, neither
parties nor their representatives are authorized to compel
or attempt to compel the appearance of any person at a
University Judicial System proceeding.
10. Complainants are permitted to withdraw their complaints
subsequent to filing if the Coordinator of Judicial Affairs
is satisfied that the complainant’s decision has not been
influenced by pressure or intimidation. In the event that
the complainant is determined to have been influenced
by pressure or intimidation, or in other extenuating
circumstances, or where the University’s interests would
be served by continuation of the case, the Coordinator of
Judicial Affairs (or designee) shall act as complainant and
continue the case.
11. All hearings are closed; i.e., limited to hearing officer(s),
complainants, accused student and adviser or counsel, and
witnesses. No press, general public, or campus members
shall be admitted.
12. A judicial hearing shall not be bound by state or federal
rules of evidence, but may hear and receive any testimony
or evidence which is relevant to the issues presented by
the charge(s) and which will contribute to a full and fair
disposition of the charge(s). All members of administrative
or judicial hearing committees must be present during
hearings and disposition of charges.
13. At a judicial hearing there will be a single verbatim record
such as a tape recording of the hearing. The record shall
be the exclusive property of the University and the Office
of the Judicial Coordinator will allow the accused student
to access this record for the purpose of filing an appeal.
Following the resolution, and subject to the discretion
of the Dean of Student Affairs the recording may be
destroyed.
14. Any decisions which result from a judicial hearing shall
be sent to the student and the complaintant in writing
(via email or letter) within three days, and a copy of the
decision letter shall be kept in a confidential file in the
office of the Coordinator of Judicial Affairs for a time
period stipulated in the decision letter. The file may be used
as a disciplinary record in any future proceedings involving
the student.
15. The University shall release information pertaining to
individual cases in strict accordance with the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
16. In cases where there may also be civil or criminal
allegations or charges, the Judicial Coordinator may elect
to delay the judicial process. In cases in which an interim
suspension has been employed, this status would remain
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
effective until the time the judicial process is concluded.
The complaintant and accused may request a one-time
delay of the judicial process not to exceed five business
days.
Article VI: Judicial Process
General Process
1. Allegations against any student for any infraction of
the Code of Student Conduct are made in writing to the
Judicial Coordinator or a College Judicial Officer by any
Upstate Medical University faculty member, staff member,
or fellow student, University Police, or city, state, or
federal police officers. In cases where the Dean of Student
Affairs or his/her designee learns of alleged violations
of the code, without receipt of a formal complaint, an
investigation will ensue. If then warranted, an appropriate
university official will act as complaintant. Complaints
must include a description of the charges and may include a
non-binding recommendation as to an appropriate sanction.
Complaintants have a right to copies of all materials they
submit.
2. The status of an accused student will not be changed while
a case is pending against him/her, unless the Coordinator
of Judicial Affairs determines that an interim suspension
is required to promote the safety and well-being of the
Upstate community.
3. Any student against whom there has been an allegation of
infractions of the Code of Student Conduct will receive
a written statement (via email or letter) of the specific
charge(s) from a College Judicial Officer or the Coordinator
of Judicial Affairs. Notice of charges must be delivered
within three business days of receipt of the initial allegation
unless extenuating circumstances require extension of this
time. In no case shall the charges be delivered more than 30
business days after receipt of initial allegation.
4. The student shall be afforded a full opportunity for
explanation, contradiction, or defense of said charges in
a judicial hearing. The student may waive this judicial
hearing or may decline to answer questions during the
discussion. Such action shall not be considered prejudicial
at any later hearings. The student must attend such a
hearing—or waive it in writing within six business days of
the time the notice of charges was sent.
5. At the conclusion of the judicial hearing or within six
business days after the statement of charges was sent, the
Coordinator of Judicial Affairs or College Judicial Officer
shall decide whether or not an infraction has occurred.
Personal or Social Misconduct
1. If the Coordinator of Judicial Affairs or College Judicial
Officer deems that the alleged infraction is a matter of
personal or social misconduct, the Coordinator will attempt
to reach resolution with the student or student organization.
2. Resolution occurs when a student or student organization
is found not responsible or accepts responsibility for the
alleged violation(s) and an appropriate sanction is levied.
3. If resolution cannot be reached, the student or student
organization has the right for the case to be heard by
the University Judicial Board. The Coordinator contacts
the student and offers options of written statement or
appearance in front of the Board which will convene
within six business days from his/her original meeting
with the student. The University Judicial Board reviews
the case to determine whether a violation occurred and
levies appropriate sanctions. The five person board shall
37
include three members selected by the Dean of Student
Affairs from the faculty or staff; two will be members of
the executive committee of the Upstate student government
selected by the student President of that association. All
shall serve for such terms as the Dean deems advisable.
The Dean shall designate the Committee Chair from its
membership. Please note: Faculty board members will be
selected among those previously identified via Collegespecific processes.
Academic Dishonesty
1. In cases involving first or non-egregious offenses, the
College Judicial Officer will attempt to reach resolution
with the student(s). Note: College Judicial Officer
determines severity of offense. In the College of Medicine,
issues of Academic Dishonesty and professionalism may
be adjudicated by way of that college's professionalism
pathway or Academic Review Board.
a. If determined "not responsible" then no violation and
current case file is destroyed.
b. If determined "responsible", instructor and College
Judicial Officer offers a course-related resolution
(sanction), up to and including course failure. The
instructor may require additional or alternative work in
substitution for rejected work, but has no obligation to
do so.
i. If the student accepts the resolution offered, the
instructor and College Judicial Officer will send
a memorandum describing the circumstances and
disposition of the matter to the student within six
business days of its disposition. The Coordinator of
Judicial Affairs will also receive a copy.
ii. If the student does not accept the resolution
offered by the instructor and College Judicial
Officer, the instructor and College Judicial Officer
documents the offense in writing to the student
and refers to the Coordinator of Judicial Affairs.
The Coordinator contacts the student and offers
the option of a written statement or an appearance
in front of Committee on Academic Honesty
which will convene within six business days of the
Coordinator’s receipt of the charges. Committee on
Academic Honesty reviews the case to determine
whether a violation occurred and levies appropriate
sanction(s).
2. Repeat or egregious offenses will be referred, by the
Coordinator, to a five-person Committee on Academic
Honesty for resolution. Note: College Judicial Officer
determines severity of offense.
a. The Dean of Student Affairs-appointed committee is
made up of two students, two faculty members, and
one staff member. Please note: Faculty board members
will be selected among those previously identified via
College-specific processes.
b. The Coordinator of Judicial Affairs contacts student
and offers option of written statement or appearance in
front of Committee on Academic Honesty which will
convene within six business days of the Coordinator’s
receipt of the charges.
c. Committee on Academic Honesty reviews the case to
determine whether a violation occurred.
Article VII: Sanctions
The following sanctions may be imposed upon a student for an
infraction of the Code of Conduct or Rules/Regulations of the
Upstate Medical University.
38
1. Interim Suspension: An interim administrative suspension
is an action, effective immediately, designed to prohibit
the presence of the student in the residence hall or on
campus until the student's judicial case can be resolved. In
consultation with the appropriate college dean, the decision
to enact an interim suspension is made by the Dean of
Student Affairs and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
a. A student subject to an interim administrative
suspension shall be given written notice of the
suspension either by personal delivery or by certified
mail, and shall be given a copy of the Student Code of
Conduct.
b. The student shall then be given an opportunity to
appear in person before the Dean of Student Affairs, or
a designee, within two business days from the effective
date of the interim suspension, in order to review the
following issues only:
i. the reliability of the information concerning the
student's behavior;
ii. whether the student's behavior poses a danger of
causing imminent, serious physical harm to others,
causing significant property damage, or directly
and substantially impeding the lawful activities of
others.
c. The Dean of Student Affairs and/or his/her designee
may refer a student for evaluation by a mental health
care provider if deemed by the Dean that the student
poses a danger to others, lacks the capacity to respond
to pending charges, and/or does not understand the
nature of the alleged inappropriate conduct.
d. Students referred for evaluation shall be informed in
writing. The evaluation must be completed within five
business days from the date of the referral letter, unless
an extension is granted by the Dean.
e. A student who fails to complete the evaluation as
prescribed may be suspended.
2. Temporary Suspension from Clinical Activity: When there
is evidence that the continued presence of a student at a
clinical training site poses a threat to patient safety or wellbeing, the Dean of Student Affairs (or his/her designee)
may immediately suspend the student from clinical activity
until a full investigation can be conducted. Exceptions to
a temporary suspension and the relief of such action will
require the input of the appropriate College Dean, Upstate
Legal Counsel, an impartial health care provider.
3. Academic Dishonesty Sanctions: A range of possible
sanctions exist for cases of academic dishonesty and may
include but are not limited to:
a. Written reprimand or a requirement that the student
repeat the work affected.
b. Lower or failing grade on a particular assignment or
test.
c. Lower or failing grade in a course.
d. Removal of a student from a course.
e. Assignment of X/F grade in the course. "X/F" is a
permanent transcript notation indicating academic
dishonesty.
f. A student found in violation of academic dishonesty
and not enrolled in a course, will still be subject to
judicial action.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
4. Disciplinary Warning: An official written notice to the
student that his/her conduct is in violation of institutional
policy.
5. Loss of Privileges: Denial of specified privileges for a
designated period of time.
6. Restitution for the damage and/or theft of University
property: These charges may not be in excess of the
damage or loss incurred. Restitution may be required with
any sanction when appropriate. If the student and assessors
of the sanction agree, the restitution may be in the form of
community service. Community service will be performed
in a manner acceptable to the assessors of the sanction
with one hour of service equivalent to the current federal
minimum wage.
7. Alcohol Referral: Any student found in violation of the
alcohol policy may be required to complete an alcohol
education program. The student will be responsible for
any and all costs of the alcohol education program and any
associated counseling services.
8. Disciplinary Probation: A more severe sanction than a
warning, to include a period of observation during which
the student must demonstrate the ability to comply with
the University rules, regulations, disciplinary sanctions and
other requirements stipulated for the probation period.
9. Suspension from Residence Hall
a. Precluding a student from remaining in the residence
hall or precluding a student from living in any
University housing. The specific period of the
suspension must not be less than the remainder of the
semester in progress.
b. A student whose residence hall license agreement is
terminated is responsible for full cost of the residence
hall space for the remainder of the academic year.
10. Suspension from the University: This action results in
the involuntary withdrawal of the students. A suspended
student will be withdrawn from the University for at least
the remainder of the semester in progress. The suspension
from the University will be for a specified period of time.
Compliance with any imposed conditions for re-admission
shall be a necessary prerequisite to re-admission. Students
shall not receive academic credit for the semester in which
the suspension occurred and will be liable for all tuition and
fees for that semester.
11. Dismissal from the University: Dismissal from the
University results in permanent separation from the
University. The sanction of dismissal must be approved
by the Dean of Student Affairs. Students shall not receive
academic credit for the semester in which the dismissal
occurred and will be liable for all tuition and fees for that
semester.
12. Restricted Contact: Restricted Contact results in a
directive that the sanctioned student shall not in any
way communicate or interact with particular named
individual(s). In the event that the accused and a protected
person are in the same program of study and/or in
classes at the same time, the Dean of Student Affairs
will work with program and course faculty to limit direct
interactions between the two and to provide reasonable
accommodations to the accused should academic
requirements necessitate or even encourage student
interaction.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
13. Restricted Access: Restricted Access results in a directive
restraining the sanctioned student from certain stated acts,
activity, places, people, or things.
14. Revocation of Admission and/or Degree: Admission to or
a degree awarded from Upstate Medical University may be
revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or violation
of University standards in obtaining the degree or for
other serious violations committed by a student prior to
graduation.
15. Withholding of a Degree: The University may withhold
awarding a degree otherwise earned until the completion
of the process set forth in the Student Code of Conduct,
including the completion of all sanctions imposed, if any.
16. For crimes of violence, including, but not limited to
sexual violence, defined as crimes that meet the reporting
requirements pursuant to the federal Cleary Act established
in U.S.C.1092(f)(1)(F)(i)(I)-(VIII), a notation shall be made
on the academic transcript of students found responsible.
The crimes which would require this notation currently
include: murder, rape, fondling, incest and statutory rape,
robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft,
manslaughter, and arson. Upstate Medical University
will place a notation on the academic transcript of such
finding of responsibility of either "suspended after a
finding of responsibility for a code of conduct violation"
or "expelled after a finding of responsibility for a code
of conduct violation" depending on the sanction levied.
Upstate Medical University will also place a notation on
the academic transcript "withdrew with conduct charges
pending" if a student withdraws from the University
prior to the completion of a judicial proceeding and
determination of responsibility. Student may appeal to
the Dean of Student Affairs, in writing, for removal of
a notation on the academic transcript that they were
suspended, no earlier than one year after the suspension is
completed. Notations on the academic transcript including
that a student was dismissed from Upstate Medical
University shall not be subject to removal and therefore
cannot be appealed. If a finding of responsibility is vacated
for any reason, any such transcript notation shall be
removed.
Article VIII: Appeals
1. A student dissatisfied with said determination and/or
sanction levied by the Coordinator of Judicial Affairs,
University Judicial Board or Committee on Academic
Honesty may appeal by filing a written statement with the
Chair of the Appeals Committee within three business days
of receipt of the sanction.
2. Appeals may be based only on one or more of the
following:
a. New evidence not reasonably available at the time of
the original hearing, the absence of which is shown to
have had a detrimental impact on the outcome of the
hearing;
b. Procedural error that is shown to have had a
detrimental impact on the outcome of the hearing;
c. Errors in the interpretation of College policy so
substantial as to deny either party a fair hearing; or
d. Grossly inappropriate sanction having no reasonable
relationship to the charges.
39
NOTE: The written appeal must detail the reason for the
appeal. For example, if the student appeals based on procedural
error that is shown to have had a detrimental impact on the
outcome of the hearing, the written appeal should outline the
procedural error on which the appeal is based.
3. Upon receipt of the appeal, the Chair of the Appeals
Committee will determine whether the grounds for appeal
have been satisfied and whether further process is necessary
to resolve the appeal.
4. If the request for an appeal is granted, the Dean of Student
Affairs will appoint a three-person Appeals Committee.
Two members shall be selected by the Dean of Student
Affairs from the faculty or staff; one will be a member of
the executive committee of the Upstate Medical University
student government selected by the student President of
that association. All shall serve for such terms as the Dean
deems advisable. The Dean shall designate the Committee
Chair from its membership.
5. The Chair of the Appeals Committee shall convene the
committee at a time and place on the University campus,
giving written notice of said hearing to the charged student.
The meeting of the Appeals Committee shall be convened
no later than six business days after the Chair’s receipt
of the appeal. Upon the appellant’s request, the Appeals
Committee may proceed without the student(s) present for
the hearing. In this case, all decisions would be made based
on written materials provided by the appellant and the
Coordinator of Judicial Affairs. The Coordinator of Judicial
Affairs shall be present at the request of the Appeals
Committee.
6. At the hearing, the student shall have the right to confront
and cross-examine witnesses, present proof, and make
denials and explanations, all in defense of the grounds
for his/her appeal. State and federal rules of evidence
shall not apply nor shall witnesses be sworn. The Appeals
Committee shall allow every reasonable latitude to the
student in the presentation of the case.
7. The Appeals Committee shall render a written
recommendation (which need not be unanimous)
outlining the factual basis for such decision, together
with its opinion of the sanction, to the President or his/
her designee. If the recommendation is not unanimous,
the written recommendation shall so indicate and a written
minority opinion may become part of the record. The
recommendation must be rendered within 15 days of the
Chair's receipt of the appeal request.
8. The President or his/her designee may amend or revise the
recommendation of the Appeals Committee. The President
or his/her designee shall render a final decision within three
business days of receipt of the Appeals Committee’s report.
The student shall be informed by the President or his/her
designee of the final decision.
Article IX: Parent/Guardian Notification
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act of 1974, the University may release information pertaining
to individual judicial cases to appropriate University personnel
and to parents of the students who are dependent. Information
from a student's judicial file will not be made available, without
the student's written consent, to anyone other than the student,
appropriate University personnel, and parents of dependent
students except by court order, or lawfully issued subpoena.
40
Article X: Interpretation and Revisions
1. Any question of interpretation regarding the Student Code
of Conduct shall be referred to the Dean of Student Affairs
or his/her designee for final determination.
2. The Student Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually
under the direction of the Judicial Coordinator.
Article XI: Authorization
The Education Law of the State of New York (section 356)
delegates to the State University Board of Trustees authority
to establish rules and regulations governing the operation
of collegiate units. Within this authority, the Council of the
Upstate Medical University is authorized to (Section 356, Item
G) make regulations governing the conduct and behavior of
students and (Section 356, Item H) prescribe for and exercise
supervision over student housing and safety. This version of the
Code of Student Conduct was endorsed by the Upstate Medical
University Student Governing bodies in October 2008 and by
the Council of Faculty Organization in February 2009. The code
was approved by the Council of the Upstate Medical University
in the Spring of 2009.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
41
Judicial Process for Cases of
Personal/Social Misconduct
Judicial Coordinator Receives Incident Report Alleging Violation
Coordinator Sends Student Written Statement of Charges
Coordinator Conducts Hearing with Student and Attempts Resolution
No Violation
(Current Case File Destroyed)
Student Accepts—Case Closed
Student Does Not Accept
Coordinator Contacts Student and Offers Option for Written
Statement or Appearance in front of University Judicial
Board (3 faculty**/staff, 2 students)
Coordinator Provides Information to Board:
-Charges
-Student Statement / Notification of Appearance
University Judicial Board Reviews Case to Determine
Whether Violation Occurred and Levies Appropriate
Sanction(s)
Coordinator Communicates Results to Student in Writing
No Violation
(Current Case File Destroyed)
Student Accepts
Student Does Not Accept / Appeals
Appeals Board Hears and
Recommends Resolution
(2 faculty**/staff, 1 student)
Appeal Accepted / No Violation
(Current Case File Destroyed)
Appeal Denied
Board Levies Sanction(s)
President/Designee Review
**Faculty board members selected among those
previously identified via College-specific processes
Coordinator Communicates
Results to Student
42
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Judicial Process for Cases of
Academic Misconduct/Dishonesty
Instructor Suspects Violation and the College Judicial Officer Notifies
Student of Suspicion*
College Judicial Officer Notifies Coordinator of Judicial Affairs to
Determine If Prior Violations
1st or Non– Egregious Offense:
Mediated Resolution by College
Judicial Officer
Repeat or Egregious Offender:
University Academic Honesty Committee
Resolution
(2 students, 2 faculty**, 1 staff)
Determination of Responsibility
No Violation (File Destroyed)
Student Accepts
College Judicial Officer and
Instructor Offer Resolution
Instructor or College Judicial Officer Documents
Offense in Writing to Student and Copies
Coordinator of Judicial Affairs
Student Does Not Accept
College Judicial Officer
Documents Offense &
Resolution in Writing to
Student and Copies
Coordinator of Judicial
Affairs
Coordinator Contacts Student and Offers Option for Written Statement
or Appearance in front of Committee on Academic Honesty
Coordinator Provides Information to Academic Honesty Committee
Including Instructor Charges and Student Statement/Notification of
Appearance
Committee on Academic Honesty Reviews Case to Determine Whether
Violation Occurred
Coordinator Communicates Results to Student in Writing
No Violation
(Current Case File Destroyed)
Student Accepts
Student Does Not Accept / Appeals
Appeals Board Hears and Recommends
Resolution
(2 faculty**/staff, 1 student)
*In the College of Medicine, issues of Academic Dishonesty
and professionalism may be adjudicated by way of that
college's professionalism pathway or Academic Review
Board.
Appeal Accepted / No Violation
(Current Case File Destroyed)
Appeal Denied
Board Levies Sanction(s)
President (or Designee) Review
**Faculty board members selected among those
previously identified via College-specific processes
Coordinator Communicates Results
to Student
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
UNIVERSITY
POLICIES
43
44
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Academic Evaluation and Promotion
(including grade appeals, probation and dismissal)
See college specific section.
ADDRESS AND CHANGE OF
ADDRESS
Providing a correct address is part of the registration process.
If this information is missing, registration can be declared
incomplete. It is the student's responsibility to notify the
Registrars Office, Room 203, Campus Activities Building, of
any changes of address, telephone, or home address which
occur during the year. Students may update their address via
MyUpstate.
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
As a student of the Upstate Medical University, you should
be aware of the following policy to which you will be held
accountable: The unlawful use, possession, manufacture,
dispensation, or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol in all
Upstate Medical University locations is prohibited. Students
who illegally manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or
use an illicit drug or alcohol will be subject to disciplinary
procedures consistent with applicable New York State and
Federal laws, rules, and regulations. Disciplinary measures shall
include, but not be limited to, criminal prosecution of violations
of State and Federal laws, rules and regulations and disciplinary
actions by the university judicial process, ranging from dismissal
or lesser sanctions of suspension, probation or warnings, as the
facts of the situation warrant or are determined appropriate.
Referral to an appropriate rehabilitation program may also be
included in sanctions. Student policies and their effectiveness
are reviewed annually as the Student Handbook is updated.
Prevention and Assistance
Upstate Medical University recognizes that the development
of policies and procedures will not solve all the problems of
alcohol abuse. Educational programs that stress positive attitudes
and behavior, emphasizing the dangers of alcohol consumption,
are equally important. Employee/Student Health and Student
Counseling offer a wide range of services for students who
are concerned about alcohol and other drugs. These services
range from evaluations and screening to counseling. These
offices can also make referrals to area treatment and support
resources including chapters of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Employee/Student Health is
located in Jacobsen Hall and Student Counseling is located at
713 Harrison Street. In addition, Upstate Medical University
is intention in its facilitation of many social programs and
student organization offerings that are alcohol free. For more
information about all that we have to offer students related to
campus programming and social interaction, please refer to the
Campus Activities Office and/or webpage.
Philoshophy of Policy
In keeping with a philosophy of developing independent and
self-reliant professionals, the Upstate Medical University
considers the use or non-use of alcohol to be an individual
decision, as long as that decision does not interfere with the
rights of others or violate federal or state laws and is compliant
with University policies. The University is responsible for
developing policies and regulations that emphasize the legal
and moderate use of alcohol and mitigate the excessive use and
45
abuse of alcohol. The community must be concerned with the
potential waste of individual talent, loss of health, as well as
disruptive and destructive behavior that result from excessive
alcohol consumption. The guidelines governing the use of
alcohol delineate the consequences of unacceptable behavior
resulting from alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is a nationwide
concern affecting students, faculty, and staff. Therefore, the
development of policies and procedures governing the use of
alcohol at the Upstate Medical University campus must be
a shared responsibility by students, faculty and staff. While
University has limited control over individual drinking habits,
the University does have the responsibility and obligation to
monitor the university environment where drinking social events
occur, and to comply with State/Federal laws pertaining to
alcohol use. The policies and procedures reflect the importance
of an appropriate environment during social events where
alcohol is served, as well as monitor the general use of alcohol
and the quantity of alcohol provided. Finally, personal behavior,
particularly disruptive behavior, due to excessive and deliberate
use of alcohol, must be dealt with in an educational manner.
Policy
In addition to the legal requirements listed above, the following
institutional policies and practices must be observed whenever
alcoholic beverages are served. Definition of “Campus”:
Property under the control of the Upstate Medical University.
This includes all buildings, including areas adjacent to buildings,
and parking lots.
1. Persons under the age of 21 are prohibited from possessing
and/or consuming alcoholic beverage on the Upstate
Medical University Campus or at off campus, University
sponsored events.
2. Persons 21 years and over may possess alcoholic beverages
on campus within the guidelines of state and local laws and
campus policy. However, alcoholic beverages may only be
consumed in private student rooms in campus residential
facilities or at approved campus events.
3. The possession and consumption from pooled sources (e.g.
kegs) is strictly prohibited on campus, for student events,
unless approved by the Director of Campus Activities for
student events.
4. Violation of university policy or state law may result
in seizure of alcoholic beverages by University Police
and/or Upstate Medical University Officials. Disposal
and destruction of seized alcoholic beverage will be in
accordance with state law.
5. All University faculty, staff and administrators, have both
an educational and a regulatory role in promoting the
responsible use of alcoholic beverages. The University
faculty, staff and administrators shall have a responsibility
to intervene as appropriate. This may include a direct
confrontation but should include the reporting of violations
of the state and local laws and campus alcohol policy to the
appropriate campus office and/or University Police.
6. No individual is permitted to bring any alcoholic beverage
into any Upstate Medical University sponsored event.
Persons who bring alcoholic beverage into any event will
be asked to leave immediately and may also face Upstate
Medical University disciplinary action and/or prosecution
under state and/or local laws.
Student Organization Registration of Events
The Office of Campus Activities at Upstate Medical University
offers a diverse series of co-curricular programs to enhance the
overall academic and social experience of our students. The
majority of events are alcohol-free, but on occasion, there is a
46
request for alcohol to be served. For those recognized student
organizations that desire to serve alcohol at registered events on
campus, there are several steps that must be followed in order to
plan and execute a safe event.
1. The event must be formally proposed, in writing, to the
Office of Campus Activities at least fifteen (15) business
days prior to the proposed event date. *(Note: weekends
and observed holidays by Upstate Medical University do
not count as business days— please plan in advance).
2. The proposal should include: name of event, name of
hosting organization(s), date of proposed event, start/end
time of event, anticipated attendance; and a statement as to
why the event is being proposed.
3. There are absolutely no funds available for student
organizations to purchase alcohol of any kind for any event.
4. The proposal should be accompanied by a completed
Registration Form for all Events with Alcoholic Beverages
(registration forms that are not complete will not be
considered). Forms are available at the CAB Information
Center.
5. All student organization-sponsored events hosted on
campus where alcohol is present, or served, requires the
presence of the organization’s University/Faculty Advisor
at the event, for the duration of the event. No exceptions.
6. ‘BYOB’ events are strictly prohibited and thus, no requests
for BYOB events will be considered for approval. No
exceptions. In addition, there will be no open bar events.
7. All event attendees must have with them at the time/
point of entry, and for the duration of the event, a valid
government-issued identification card (i.e. state-issued
driver’s license or identification card, U.S. Passport,
Military ID, etc.) documenting their date of birth. Expired
IDs are not acceptable, and are strictly prohibited to verify
attendee age.
8. Event attendees are not to have (or be given) direct access
to alcohol—the hosting organization(s) must provide,
and identify, servers, who are 21 years of age or older, to
dispense alcohol to all attendees for the duration of the
event. Servers may not consume alcohol.
9. All alcohol must remain in the identified and approved
event venue.
10. No hard liquor (i.e. vodka, gin, rum, tequila, cordials, etc.)
is to be served at student events.
11. All entry/exit points of the event venue must be clearly
accessible, and staffed by members of the hosting
organization(s) to assist event attendees if needed.
12. No person(s), regardless of age, appearing to be intoxicated
upon arrival shall not be admitted to the event.
13. No person(s) appearing to be intoxicated upon leaving the
event/event venue shall be allowed back at a later time.
14. Any person appearing to be intoxicated at the event shall
no longer be served, and if warranted, may be asked to
leave the event.
15. The amount of food and non-alcoholic beverages served
must be proportionate to the total number of attendees and
must be easily accessible to all event attendees.
16. The hosting organization(s) shall ensure (and identify by
name) the number of responsible, non-drinking monitors
that will be present at/staffing the event on behalf of the
hosting organization(s); and also ensure that this number is
proportionate to the total number of event attendees.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
17. No alcoholic beverages may be sold at the event without
obtaining a valid permit from the New York State Liquor
Authority. A request for a permit must be filed and obtained
at least thirty (30) business days prior to the event. The
sale of any alcoholic beverage without a permit is a
violation of New York State law. The staff in the Campus
Activities Office will assist in obtaining needed permits
and permissions and, in fact, only they are able to obtain
such documentation on behalf of requesting student
organizations.
18. The Office of Campus Activities will inform University
Police of the proposed event upon its approval.
19. University Police reserves the right to arrive at the event
at any time (announced or unannounced) to ensure that all
points identified within this policy are being adhered to
for the safety and well being of not only event attendees,
but the University community as a whole. Any violation of
this policy is grounds for immediate event cancellation or
closure by University Police, or an administrator within the
Division of Student Affairs.
Recognized student organizations are authorized to hold events
and programs off campus, however, it is important to ensure
that organizations plan and execute a safe one event. Should an
organization like to host an event off campus, the venue must be
identified in the Registration Form for all Events with Alcoholic
Beverages. The venue identified must possess a current, valid
New York State liquor permit, and must also mutually agree to
host the event on the specified date/time.
It is important to remember that although an event will be
held off campus, both the student organization hosting venue
are representing Upstate Medical University. The conduct and
behavior of event attendees should reflect this. All provisions
stated in the On-Campus Events with Alcohol Policy are to
be fully adhered to at all off-campus events that have/serve
alcohol. To ensure compliance with these provisions, the hosting
organization(s) are to provide the off-campus event venue with a
copy of the Events with Alcohol Policy for review, and obtain a
signature from either the venue’s general manager or bar/liquor
manager. The hosting organization’s president must also sign the
form. The signed form should accompany the request to hold an
event with alcohol off campus.
Quantities of Beverage - Alcoholic and NonAlcoholic and Food Required
At all student organization events where alcoholic beverages
are served, alternative non-alcoholic beverages and food must
be provided in sufficient quantity and must be in convenient
locations. “Sufficient Quantity” will be subject to review by the
Director of Campus Activities. The following chart is a reference
to assist in planning events where alcohol is served. This chart
is based on 50 people. You can multiply or divide the figures
depending on the numbers you plan to have at any event. The
quantities listed are the maximum allowed for Upstate Medical
University events and are not to be exceeded.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
47
BEER
WINE
MIXED
DRINKS
Number of
people
50
50
50
Serving Size
12 oz.
4 oz.
6 oz.
Gals of
Alcohol
15.5 gals.
4 gals.
2 gals.
Drinks per hr/
person
1-2/3
1
1-1/2
*Average BAC
after 2 hrs.
.05
.02
.04
*BAC - Blood Alcohol Concentration Based on Average Weight of 150
lbs.
Violations of the Alcohol Policies
Student or student organization violations of the Alcohol
Policies and Practices may be referred to the Upstate Medical
University Judicial System and appropriate action will be taken.
The claim of being under the influence of alcohol will not be
accepted as an excuse of misconduct, and/or the violation of the
Code of Student Conduct an applicable laws/regulations.
Common Drugs: Symptoms of Abuse and
Penalties - Refer to section in this Handbook.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
ACT
The University is diligent in its effort to comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. We are committed to
providing reasonable accommodations to all technically able
people with disabilities to enhance their academic experience at
our institution. If you are a person who needs an accommodation
for a disability, please inform the Office of Student Services
soon after acceptance to ensure that you will be provided
with such accommodations in a timely manner. The College
reserves the right to request medical documentation which
must be provided no later than the first week of the beginning
of the semester in which you are enrolled. The requested
documentation will be held as confidential medical records only.
ANIMALS ON CAMPUS
The campus is not a sanctuary for unsupervised animals. Persons
who wish to bring their pets on campus are not prohibited from
doing so, but must take personal responsibility for their care.
The Pets on Campus Policy can be found by visiting the website
at: www.upstate.edu/policies/documents/intra/CAMP_P-01.pdf.
BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL
ACTIVITIES ON CAMPUS,
DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED
INFORMATION
In accordance with SUNY board of trustees resolution number
66-156 of 5/12/66 (amended February 28, 1973):
No authorization will be given to private commercial enterprises
to operate on State University campuses or in facilities furnished
by the University other than to provide for food, campus
bookstore, laundry, and cultural events. This resolution shall not
be deemed to apply to Faculty-Student Association activities
approved by the University.
The contract between SUNY and Faculty-Student Association
provides for the operation of activities such as those described
above plus other auxiliary services and facilities for students,
faculty, and staff as authorized by the university president or his
designee.
Approval for authorized activities in the Campus Activities
Building other than those operated by the Faculty-Student
Association must be obtained in advance from the Office of
the Director of Campus Activities. Approval for the use of
other University facilities by organizations or individuals for
commercial purposes or the establishment on campus of any
business activity or enterprise which may be authorized, must
be obtained in advance in writing from the Vice President
for Finance and Management. This includes all activities
which involve the promotion or the sale of goods or services
on campus, other than those operated by the Faculty-Student
Association. All student organizations engaged in selling a
product or services on campus should check with the Campus
Activities Office with regard to the proper guidelines to be
followed.
The peddling of newspapers or handbills which convey a point
of view in the public areas of a SUNY campus is protected by
the First Amendment. Public areas include the main lobby of the
Campus Activities Building and sidewalks, but not areas such as
corridors, rooms, and all other lobbies in buildings.
Harassment or intimidation of members of the campus
community by persons selling goods or services or proselytizing
points of view or cause may require the removal of individuals
from University property in accordance with the rules of
maintaining public order.
Announcements offering subscriptions to newspapers and
magazines or other goods or services may be placed on
established bulletin boards on campus only after approval has
been obtained from the University official in charge of the area
in which the bulletin board is located. Door-to-door solicitation
is not permitted on campus. Unaddressed handbills and other
notices of goods or services for sale are not to be sent through
the campus mail, distributed to persons, or placed on vehicles on
campus property.
Activities such as craft fairs and flea markets approved in
advance by the proper authority (such as the Office of Campus
Activities, Vice President for Finance and Management) may be
held on campus. Such activities are limited to participation by
students, faculty, and staff, and invited members of the public,
and must be under the on-site control of a recognized campus
organization. Commercial vendors are not permitted to sell or
offer items for sale at events such as fairs and flea markets.
Political parties are also prohibited by law from soliciting funds
or promoting membership on State facilities.
Recognized University activities such as the performing arts
and athletic, cultural, social, educational, or recreational events
are not commercial by nature and are the responsibility of
sponsoring campus organizations within the limits of their
charter and/or University policy and regulations.
When approval has been granted to authorized individuals or
organizations to engage in business or commercial activities on
campus, they are subject to all University regulations. Violations
may require revocation of approval to operate on the campus.
48
CLASS ATTENDANCE AND
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
Students Unable to Attend Classes on Certain Days Because
of Religious Beliefs (New York State Education Law Section
224A):
1. No person shall be expelled from or be refused admission
as a student to an institution of higher education for
the reason that he/she is unable, because of his/her
religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any
examination, study, or work requirements on a particular
day or days.
2. Any student in an institution of higher education who
is unable, because of his/her religious beliefs, to attend
classes on a particular day or days shall, because of such
absence on the particular day or days, be excused from any
examination or any study or work requirements.
3. It shall be the responsibility of the faculty and of the
administrative officials of each institution of higher
education to make available to each student who is absent
from school, because of his/her religious beliefs, an
equivalent opportunity to make up any examination, study,
or work requirements which he/she may have missed
because of such absence on any particular day or days.
No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution
for making available to the said students such equivalent
opportunity.
4. If classes, examinations, study, or work requirements
are held on Friday after four o’clock post meridian or on
Saturday, similar or makeup classes, examinations, study,
or work requirements shall be made available on other
days, where it is possible and practicable to do so. No
special fees shall be charged to the student or these classes,
examinations, study, or work requirements held on other
days.
5. If effectuating the provisions of this section, it shall be the
duty of the faculty and of the administrative officials of
each institution of higher education to exercise the fullest
measure of good faith. No adverse or prejudicial effects
shall result to any student because of his/her availing
himself/herself of the provisions of this section.
6. A copy of this section shall be published by each institution
of higher education in the catalog of such institution
containing the listing of available courses. It shall be
the responsibility of the administrative officials of each
institution of higher education to give written notice to
students of their rights under this section, informing them
that each student who is absent from school, because
of his/her religious beliefs, must be given an equivalent
opportunity to register for classes or make-up any
examination, study, or work requirements which he/she
may have missed because of such absence on any particular
day or days. No fees of any kind shall be charged by
the institution for making available to such student such
equivalent opportunity.
7. As used in this section, the term "institution of higher
education" shall mean schools under the control of the
board of trustees of the State University of New York or the
board of higher education of the city of New York or any
community college.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL)
- STUDENT NOTIFICATION BY
UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION
Every student receives an Upstate Medical University email
address and it becomes the electronic address for doing
business with Upstate Medical University. Offices at Upstate
Medical University will use only this address to send notices
and to correspond to you on official business, so please check
the address regularly. The email engine at Upstate Medical
University is Groupwise.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, NONDISCRIMINATION AND TITLE IX
It is the policy of Upstate Medical University to provide equal
opportunity in employment and educational programs for
qualified persons; to prohibit discrimination based on age, race,
color, disability, marital status, national origin, religion, sexual
orientation, veteran status, sex, or any other category protected
by law, and to promote the full realization of equal employment
and educational opportunity through a positive and continuing
program in accordance with existing Federal and State statutes
and regulations.
Upstate Medical University prohibits discrimination on the basis
of any protected category as specified by Federal and State laws
in the recruitment and employment of faculty, staff, and students
and in the operation of any of its programs and activities.
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 explicitly
prohibits sex discrimination in education programs and
activities. This includes sexual harassment, sexual violence,
and other forms of non-consensual sexual activity. Inquiries
regarding the Title IX and reports of violations should be
directed to the Title IX Coordinator. At Upstate Medical
University the Assistant Vice President of Diversity and
Inclusion serves as the Affirmative Action Officer and the Title
IX Coordinator.
The Assistant Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion is
available to address inquiries regarding this policy and its
application. Individuals may inquire about their options and/
or file a written complaint by contacting the Office of Diversity
and Inclusion at 315-464-5234 to arrange an appointment. More
detailed information regarding the Discrimination Complaint
Procedure can be found by visiting the website at http://www.
upstate.edu/diversityinclusion/complaint/complaint_process.php.
If the complainant is dissatisfied with the University's response
to the alleged discrimination, the complainant may, at any time
during the internal process, file a complaint with the appropriate
State or Federal agency, as referenced in the Discrimination
Complaint Procedure.
Definitions and Prohibited Acts and Behaviors
Harassment on the Basis of Protected Characteristic(s) other
than Sex/Gender - Harassment based on sex, race, color, age,
religion, or national origin (including an individual's ancestry,
country of origin, or that of the individual's family members,
or ancestors), disability, sexual orientation or other protected
characteristics may be oral, written, graphic, or physical conduct
relating to an individual's protected characteristics that is
sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to interfere with
or limit the ability of an individual to participate in or benefit
from the educational institution's programs or activities, or
terms, conditions, or status of employment.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Sexual Harassment in the Educational setting is defined as:
Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can
include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,
and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual
nature. Sexual harassment of a student denies or limits, on the
basis of gender, the student's ability to participate in or to receive
benefits, services, or opportunities in the educational institution's
program.
Retaliation - An employee or student who participates in the
procedure has the right to do so without fear of retaliation. It will
be made clear that retaliation against an employee, a student,
or a witness who filed a discrimination complaint will result in
appropriate sanctions or other disciplinary action as covered by
collective bargaining agreements, and/or University policies.
Victim's Rights
When a member of the Upstate community has been the victim
of an act of misconduct which violates the physical and/or
mental welfare of an individual, the victim should expect that
the student conduct system shall respond in a caring, sensitive
manner which allows the victim to utilize the student conduct
process unimpeded, while still maintaining the rights of the
accused student. Victim status is typically associated with
crimes of violence, such as sexual assault, rape, physical assault,
hazing, sexual harassment, and harassment. The following rights
shall be provided to victims of applicable offenses:
1. A victim has the right to be treated with dignity and
compassion by the student conduct body, and by all persons
involved in the disciplinary process.
2. A victim has the right to information pertaining to the
campus student conduct process and appropriate referrals
for information on the criminal process.
3. A victim has the right to information pertaining to
counseling assistance available to him/her.
4. A victim has the right to assistance throughout the student
conduct process, including the right to have an advisor
present at all proceedings.
5. A victim has the right to due process protections including
the right to written notification of a hearing, the right
to hear all information presented, the right to present
information and witnesses, the right to notification of the
final results of a hearing (for victims of crimes of violence
or non-forcible sexual offenses).
6. A victim has the right to testify from another location as
long as it does not infringe upon the rights of the accused
student to have a fair hearing.
7. A victim has the right to have any unrelated past behavior
excluded from the hearing process. The student conduct
body shall determine what constitutes unrelated behavior.
8. A victim has the right to provide a written impact statement
to the student conduct body. The victim impact statement
will remain a part of the record through all levels of appeal.
9. A victim has the right to not have his/her identity released
by the student conduct process in relation to campus and
other media, and from all other uninvolved parties.
10. A victim has the right to expect to be free from intimidation
and harassment throughout the student conduct process.
11. A victim has the right to request that campus personnel
take the necessary steps reasonably available to prevent
unwanted contact or proximity with an alleged assailant(s).
12. In cases where the victim is a victim of sexual harassment,
sexual assault, rape and/or sexual violence only, the victim
has the right to appeal the finding or sanction as described
in the Code of Student Conduct.
49
Options - Victims have several options for resolving complaints:
1. A student may file a complaint with the Student Support
Services and initiate charges in the student conduct system.
These proceedings are confidential.
2. A student may press charges through the criminal process.
In order to do so, a victim should contact University Police
if the incident took place on campus. For off-campus
reports, contact the appropriate police agency.
3. A student may elect to file complaints with both the student
conduct system and through the criminal process. Pursuing
both options is not a form of "double jeopardy", as this
concept only applies to criminal proceedings.
Upstate Medical University maintains an interest in the welfare
of its community members regardless of the status of parallel
criminal or civil cases.
More information regarding harassment and discrimination
complaints including definitions, processes and procedures, and
additional resources can be found here: http://www.upstate.edu/
diversityinclusion/complaint/ and Maxine S. Thompson, Upstate
Title IX Coordinator and Assistant Vice President of Diversity
and Inclusion, Rm. 711, Jacobsen Hall, Phone: 315-464-5234,
email address: thompsms@upstate.edu.
EX-OFFENDER POLICY
Upstate Medical University asks the following questions on its
primary and secondary applications:
1. Have you been expelled and/or dismissed from a college
for disciplinary reasons?
2. Have you ever been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or no
contest to, a crime, excluding:
a. Any offense for which you were adjudicated as a juvenile or;
b. Any convictions which have been expunged or sealed
by a court, or;
c. Any misdemeanor convictions for which any probation
has been completed and the case dismissed by the court
(in states where applicable)?
3. Falsification or omission of this information may result in
the denial of admission, the rescinding of your admission
or dismissal from the University. Do you verify that the
information you have submitted is correct?
The “ex-offender” committee at Upstate Medical University will
be comprised of the Director of Admissions, the Deputy Chief
of Police, the Associate Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid,
a Dean from the College the applicant is applying to, as well as
the corresponding Department Chair. This will all be done in
consultation with University Counsel.
For those that answer “Yes” to the above questions. Applicants
will be asked to submit further information about their criminal
history and explain the circumstances around it. In some cases,
the ex-offender committee may require applicants to provide
their entire criminal record in order for them to get a more
complete picture of the applicant’s past and to make a more
informed admission decision.
For those that answer “No” to the above questions and that
proves to be false, the ex-offender committee may rescind the
student’s admission or the student may face dismissal from the
University. Students will have the opportunity to appeal the
decision of the ex-offender committee, in writing, to the Dean of
Student Affairs, within three (3) days of said decision.
50
For the entering classes of 2014, the Admissions Office will be
requiring a criminal background check for all accepted students.
This is primarily being done to verify that the information
presented in the application to Upstate Medical University was
truthful. Misrepresentation or omission of the facts may cause an
acceptance to be rescinded.
Matriculating students may be required to complete additional
background checks and/or drug screening or fingerprinting, at
their expense, prior to some clinical placements.
Upstate Medical University is unable to guarantee eligibility
for professional licensure. Applicants will need to contact the
Division of Licensing Services to confirm their eligibility to
obtain a license in their program of interest, based on their
conviction.
FACILITIES
Reserving and using Rooms
1. Reserving of rooms – Most facilities for non-class use
with arrangements for set-ups, sound systems, and other
equipment, and the personnel to operate it, should be made
as far in advance as possible with the Director of Campus
Activities, or Director of Educational Communications.
Events should be planned to conform with the building
hours. Information regarding reserving of facilities may
be obtained from these offices. Use of facilities without
appropriate permission may lead to University discipline.
2. Regulations – Students using facilities which are open for
their use (i.e., library, computer facilities, CAB, gym, etc.)
are expected to abide by the rules in effect for those areas
and are expected to cooperate with those in charge. Failure
to do so may lead to University discipline.
3. Students who have been denied access to any facilities by
the person in charge of such facilities are expected to abide
by such ruling and may be subject to University discipline
if they fail to do so.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS
AND PRIVACY ACT
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their
education records. (An "eligible student" under FERPA is
a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a
postsecondary institution.) These rights include:
1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education
records within 45 days after the day SUNY Upstate
Medical University receives a request for access. A student
should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic
department, or other appropriate official, written requests
that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect.
The school official will make arrangements for access and
notify the student of the time and place where the records
may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the
school official to whom the request was submitted, that
official shall advise the student of the correct official to
whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s
education records that the student believes is inaccurate,
misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's
privacy rights under FERPA.
A student who wishes to ask the school to amend a record
should write the school official responsible for the record,
clearly identify the part of the record the student wants
changed, and specify why it should be changed.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
If the school decides not to amend the record as requested,
the school will notify the student in writing of the decision
and the student's right to a hearing regarding the request for
amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing
procedures will be provided to the student when notified of
the right to a hearing.
3. The right to provide written consent before the university
discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from
the student’s education records, except to the extent that
FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
The school discloses education records without a student's
prior written consent under the FERPA exception for
disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational
interests. A school official is a person employed by the
SUNY Upstate Medical University in an administrative,
supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position
(including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff);
a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student
serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or
grievance committee. A school official also may include
a volunteer or contractor outside of SUNY Upstate
Medical University who performs an institutional service
of function for which the school would otherwise use its
own employees and who is under the direct control of the
school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from
education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection
agent, or student volunteering to assist another school
official in performing his/her tasks. A school official has a
legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review
an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional
responsibilities for the SUNY Upstate Medical University.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of
Education concerning alleged failures by SUNY Upstate
Medical University to comply with the requirements
of FERPA. The name and address of the office that
administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
Directory Information Public Notice – FERPA permits SUNY
Upstate Medical University to disclose directory information
without prior written consent. Upstate has designated student’s
name, mailing address, telephone number, program, class year,
Upstate email address, and degrees and honors earned at Upstate
as directory information. FERPA allows the student the right to
refuse to designate any information as directory information.
FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education
records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets
certain conditions found in §99.31 of the FERPA regulations.
Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to
some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures
of directory information, and disclosures to the student, §99.32
of FERPA regulations requires the institution to record the
disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review
the record of disclosures. A postsecondary institution may
disclose PII from the education records without obtaining prior
written consent of the student –
• To other school officials, including teachers, within
SUNY Upstate Medical University whom the school has
determined to have legitimate educational interests. This
includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other
parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional
services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in
§99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(2) are met. (§99.31(a)
(1))
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
To officials of another school where the student seeks or
intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled
if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s
enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of
§99.34. (§99.31(a)(2))
To authorized representatives of the U.S. Comptroller
General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary
of Education, or State and local educational authorities,
such as a State postsecondary authority that is responsible
for supervising the university’s State-supported education
programs. Disclosures under this provision may be made,
subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an
audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education
programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with
Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs.
These entities may make further disclosures of PII to
outside entities that are designated by them as their
authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation,
or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf.
(§§99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)
In connection with financial aid for which the student
has applied or which the student has received, if the
information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid,
determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions
of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.
(§99.31(a)(4))
To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of,
the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer
predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c)
improve instruction. (§99.31(a)(6))
To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting
functions. ((§99.31(a)(7))
To parents of an eligible student if the student is a
dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§99.31(a)(8))
To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued
subpoena. (§99.31(a)(9))
To appropriate officials in connection with a health or
safety emergency, subject to §99.36. (§99.31(a)(10))
Information the school has designated as “directory
information” under §99.37. (§99.31(a)(11))
To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence
or a non-forcible sex offense, subject to the requirements
of §99.39. The disclosure may only include the final results
of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged
crime or offense, regardless of the finding. (§99.31(a)(13))
To the general public, the final results of a disciplinary
proceeding, subject to the requirements of §99.39, if the
school determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of
a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the
student has committed a violation of the school’s rules or
policies with respect to the allegation made against him or
her. (§99.31(a)(14))
To parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of
any Federal, State, or local law, or of any rule or policy of
the school, governing the use or possession of alcohol or
a controlled substance if the school determines the student
committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under
the age of 21. (§99.31(a)(15))
51
GRADE APPEAL PROCESS
The purpose of the grade appeal process is to protect the
rights of both the student in earning a grade and the faculty in
assigning a grade. Whereas it is recognized that faculty have the
right to use their professional judgment both subjectively and
objectively in determining a student’s grade based on academic
performance, faculty have the responsibility to award the grade
in a uniform manner based on established expectations and
criteria for academic (including clinical) performance. And,
whereas it is recognized that students have the right to appeal
a grade that has seemingly been awarded in an arbitrary and
capricious manner, students have the responsibility to accept the
faculty members professional judgment about quality of work
and to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the faculty and the
University.
1. Scope
a. The grade appeal process is not intended to deal with
concerns about the general conduct or instruction of the
course.
b. Grades assigned as a result of a found violation of the
Student Code of Conduct can not be appealed through
this process. Rather, the appeal is through the process
delineated in the Student Code of Conduct.
c. Only final course grades can be appealed; however,
individual assignments can be evidence if it can be
shown that the grade earned on a given assignment
resulted in a lower final grade.
2. Application - Students may appeal a grade based on the
following reasons:
a. The grade awarded is based other than upon academic
or clinical performance as outlined in the syllabus.
b. The grade awarded was not calculated according to the
prior established guidelines set forth by the faculty and
distributed to students.
c. The standards for determining the grade were more
demanding and rigorous than for other students.
d. The grade awarded was calculated on false or
erroneous information.
3. Provisions
a. The burden of proof rests with the student to
demonstrate that the final grade was awarded
inappropriately.
b. A formal appeal can not be accepted until the informal
appeal has been exhausted.
c. Falsification or fabrication of information to support
an appeal is subject to disciplinary action under the
Student Code of Conduct.
d. Informal Appeal – the student meets with the faculty or
course coordinator in the case of multiple instructors.
If a resolution is reached, the faculty submits a grade
form to the Registrar’s Office to record the grade
change. If no resolution is reached, the student may
submit a formal appeal. In most cases the discussion
between the student and the instructor should suffice
and the matter should not need to be carried further.
4. Formal Appeal
a. College of Health Professions - the formal appeal is
submitted to the Dean of the College. The Dean will
convene the Executive Committee of the Student
Evaluation Committee. The Executive Committee
will review the appeal and render a decision as to the
final grade. The review will include consultation with
the department faculty and the student. If the grade is
52
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
changed, the Chair of the Executive Committee will
so inform the Registrar. The formal appeal must be
initiated within four business days of the end of the
semester. For courses that do not run the full standard
semester, the formal appeal must be submitted within
four business days of the grade being recorded on the
student’s academic transcript. The formal appeal will
be mediated in a manner as expeditiously as possible,
usually within two business days.
b. College of Graduate Studies - The formal appeal is
submitted in writing to the Dean of the College from
which the course was taken. The Dean will refer
the appeal to the Department Chair, or designee if
necessary, for mediation of the disagreement between
the student and the faculty. If mediation brings forth
a resolution, the Department Chair will notify the
Registrar in writing of such and indicate the final
grade to be awarded. If mediation does not bring
forth a resolution, the appeal is reviewed by the Dean.
The Dean, or designee if necessary, will review the
appeal and make a final and binding determination of
the grade awarded. While the Dean does not need to
convene a formal appeals committee, it is expected that
the Dean will consult with the student, the faculty, and
the Department Chair before making a determination
of the grade awarded. If the Dean’s decision results
in a grade change, the Dean will notify the Registrar
in writing of such and indicate the final grade to be
awarded.
c. College of Medicine - The formal appeal is submitted
in writing to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate
Medical Education, who will discuss it with the
Director. If the matter remains unresolved, the
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education
will convene a committee of 2-3 other faculty to
review the appeal. The committee will determine
whether a grade should be changed. If the committee
determines there are compelling reasons to change
the grade, the Director will be asked to do so. Should
the Director decline, and the committee concludes it
would be unjust for the original grade to stand, the
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education
will notify the Registrar in writing of the Committee’s
decision. Should this occur, the Chair of the Director,
if applicable, will also be notified of committee's
decision.
d. College of Nursing – The formal appeal is submitted
in writing to the respective Program Director within
five days of the completion of the informal appeal. If
the Program Director (Undergraduate or Graduate)
is the faculty who assigned the grade, the student
will submit the formal written appeal to the alternate
Program Director. Upon receiving the formal appeal,
the Program Director will convene a committee to
hear the student’s case within five business days of
receiving the written appeal. The committee will
consist of the Program Director and one or two
faculty in the College of Nursing. The Committee
shall consider all aspects of the case before making a
recommendation. The committee shall make a written
report with recommendations and submit to the Dean
of the College of Nursing within 48 hours following
the meeting. The Dean of the College of Nursing
shall confer with the Dean of Student Affairs (or
designee). The Dean of the College of Nursing, after
full consideration of all recommendations, shall make a
final decision within five business days of receiving the
committee report. The Dean has the ultimate authority
to change the course grade. The Registrar shall accept
the Dean’s decision. The student, course faculty, and
Program Director shall be notified in writing of the
Dean’s decision.
HEALTH CLEARANCE
In order to comply with the New York State Health Code,
Section 405.3, all students are required to submit completed
health forms to the Student Health Office. A medical history,
physical, immunization record, and documentation of immunity
to Rubella, Rubeola (Measles), and Mumps is required of all
students. In addition, the Student Health Office will administer
a PPD or Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) prior to registration.
In the event of a known positive response to the PPD test,
documentation of the conversion and chest X-Ray (within six
months of start date) will be required prior to class registration.
Annual health assessments and PPD testing will also be
completed through Student Health each year of attendance.
Health Insurance and Disability Insurance Fee
Policy Statement:
Upstate Medical University requires matriculated students to
have health insurance, disability insurance, and pay the student
health fee.
• Mandatory Health Insurance
Health insurance coverage is required for all matriculated
students. Failure to provide proof of health insurance at the
time of registration will delay registration. Students who
do not register on time will not be allowed to attend classes
and will be subject to a late registration fee of $40 and a
late payment fee of $50 ($90 total).
Students who do not have health insurance may enroll
in the Blue Cross/Blue Shield policy offered by the
Upstate Medical University through BC&S Associates.
Representatives will be available during fall new
student Orientations to answer questions or to assist in
the enrollment process. Additional information may be
obtained from the BC&S agent, Ms. Kim Eastman (315671-6535). Forms are also available at the Office of Student
Services, Room 217, Weiskotten Hall.
Should a student's health insurance policy change during
the year, it is the student's responsibility to inform the
Student Health Office immediately. If a student's health
insurance policy has been found to lapse or expire for any
reason, he/she will be held responsible for all medical cost
incurred and will be barred from attending classes and
clinical courses. Failure to maintain Health Insurance may
result in disciplinary action. Please remember that most
insurance companies require continuous health insurance
coverage. If it is necessary to change/switch health
insurance companies and you allow your health insurance
to lapse, it may affect coverage on pre-existing conditions.
• M.D./Ph.D. and Ph.D. students receiving a stipend
are eligible for the Graduate Student Employee Health
Insurance Program. Enrollment for the Graduate Student
Employee Health Insurance can be done when reporting to
Human Resources to complete the stipend paperwork.
• International students who are not receiving a stipend are
eligible to enroll in HTH Worldwide health insurance, but
not required to do so, if able to prove comparable coverage.
All international students are also required to have medical
evacuation/repatriation insurance. All international students
are eligible to enroll in the MEDEX insurance program for
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
•
•
medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. Enrollment
for both HTH Worldwide health insurance and MEDEX
medical/evacuation repatriation insurance can be handled at
the Bursar's Office during registration.
Student Health Fee
All matriculated students are required to pay a student
health fee each semester (included with tuition statement).
This fee is required by the State of New York to cover
expenses in the student health office. It is not a health
insurance fee. Students are advised to use the services
provided by the Student Health Office; however, if a
referral is made to another physician or laboratory services,
the cost of the service provided will be billed to your
insurance carrier.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Students should always
carry their health insurance card. Please present
your health insurance card at the Office of Student
Health during your first visit. Your health insurance
information is necessary in case you are referred to a
specialist or for lab work. If you change your insurance
carrier, please let the Office of Student Health know
immediately.
Mandatory Disability Insurance Fee
All matriculated students at the Upstate Medical University
are required to pay an annual disability insurance fee,
which will be included on your tuition statement. Students
will receive a copy of the policy annually at time of
registration. Students who believe they are covered by an
employers disability insurance policy and wish to request
a waiver of the disability insurance fee must complete
and return the "Disability Insurance Waiver Form." Please
allow a minimum of two business days for your request to
be reviewed and approved. If your fee is not waived prior
to the payment due date, you will be liable for the disability
insurance fee. No refund will be granted after the payment
due date.
HEALTH INSURANCE
PORTABILITY AND
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA)
Upstate Medical University is committed to protecting the
privacy of our patient's and the confidentiality of the health
information they entrust to us. Although New York State
law has always afforded a high level of privacy protection,
the federal law called the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule places additional
responsibilities on healthcare organizations to assure that the
patient privacy and the confidentiality of health information is
appropriately safeguarded from inappropriate use and disclosure.
All workforce members, including faculty, staff, students,
and volunteers must sign an Upstate Medical University
confidentiality agreement and are provided with detailed
education related to the HIPAA Privacy Rule and our privacy
practices. In addition, Upstate Medical University has instituted
a Privacy Office and an Institutional Privacy Administrator to
coordinate and oversee the privacy compliance program.
HIV TRAINING/
CONFIDENTIALITY LAW
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Confidentiality Law
governs HIV testing and disclosure of HIV related information.
It is mandated by the New York State Department of Health
regulations that all health care providers, including health care
students, receive training about the Confidentiality Law.
53
All entering College of Health Professions students are required
to attend a College sponsored education program on HIV
infection and the HIV Confidentiality Law. Documentation of
this education is required prior to entrance into clinical training.
I.D. CARDS
Every registered student, whether part-time or full-time, is
issued an identification card which entitles him/her to certain
privileges in the use of facilities and services of the University.
The student to whom the I.D. card is issued is entirely
responsible for its use or misuse. Students must not lend their
I.D. cards to any other persons and students must wear their I.D.
cards when on campus. The I.D. card is the sole property of the
Upstate Medical University.
From time to time students may be asked by University Police
officers or other University personnel, including Student
Manager, Resident Advisors, and Desk Assistants to show
their I.D. cards. When such requests are made by authorized
personnel, students are expected to cooperate by producing
their I.D. cards. This helps assure that only persons with
legitimate interests use campus facilities. The I.D. card is also
useful identification off campus and is necessary on campus to
use various services (i.e., health service, gymnasiums, library,
etc.). Any person not producing an updated validated I.D. card
when requested is assumed not to be a member of the campus
community and, if the situation warrants, may be asked to leave
campus or be charged with trespassing.
Your I.D. card must be validated each year for which you are
registered as a student. If you lose your I.D. card, report it at
once, and make arrangements to obtain a replacement from the
Payroll Office, First Floor, in Jacobsen Hall (It is important to
report such a loss as soon as possible so that the library and
other areas where the card may be misused can be alerted.).
There is a fee for replacing lost or mutilated I.D. cards.
Misuse of I.D. cards may lead to University disciplinary action
and/or other legal action.
MANDATORY REPORTING AND
PREVENTION OF CHILD SEXUAL
ABUSE
Any employee or student of or volunteer for the State
University of New York who witnesses or has reasonable
cause to suspect any sexual abuse of a child occurring on
State University property or while off campus during official
State University business or University-sponsored events
shall have an affirmative obligation to report such conduct to
the relevant University Police Department immediately. Such
report should include the names of the victim and assailant (if
known), other identifying information about the victim and
assailant, the location of the activity, and the nature of the
activity. Upon receiving such a report, the applicable University
Police Department shall promptly notify the Commissioner of
University Police at SUNY System Administration who shall
report such incidents to the Chancellor for periodic reporting to
the Board of Trustees.
In addition, to aid in the prevention of crimes against children
on property of the State University of New York and/or during
official State University business at events sponsored by the
State University of New York, relevant employees should
be trained on the identification of such crimes and proper
notification requirements. Vendors, licensees or others who are
given permission to come onto campus or to use University
54
facilities for events or activities that will include participation
of children shall ensure that they have in place procedures
for training, implementation of applicable pre-employment
screening requirements and reporting of child sexual abuse.
For purposes of this policy, the applicable definitions of child
sexual abuse are those used in the NYS Penal Law in Articles
130 and 263 and Section 260.10, and "child" is defined as an
individual under the age of 17.
MISTREATMENT POLICY
Note: College of Medicine Mistreatment Policy is more
detailed. Please see that section for additional information.
An appropriate student learning environment should foster
professional growth, support academic achievement, and
encourage the attainment of educational goals. Upstate's learning
environment should model professionalism and civility and
be characterized by professional behaviors. All members of
the Upstate community, including faculty, staff, and learners
attest to the Upstate Pledge and should demonstrate the values
prescribed therein, which include personal responsibility,
respect, collegiality, integrity, trustworthiness, impartiality,
confidentiality, and compliance with laws and policies. Breaches
in professional behavior threaten the learning environment and
will not be tolerated. The Upstate Pledge can be found on the
website at: http://www.upstate.edu/hr/document/upstate_pledge.
pdf.
Students who experience possible mistreatment or observe other
students experiencing possible mistreatment are encouraged
to address the issue immediately. Students have the option of
dealing with mistreatment informally or formally.
1. Informal Resolution - whenever possible, it is preferred that students who believe they have been mistreated or those who have witnessed others being mistreated, discuss and attempt to resolve the matter with the alleged offender. It is well recognized that this may not always be a comfortable or viable approach.
2. Formal Resolution: Students formally can report inappropriate behavior in a number of ways and are encouraged to use the process that is most comfortable
for their particular circumstance.
a. Raise concerns personally to one of the following
individuals:
College Deans
Dean of Student Affairs
Course/Clerkship Director/Faculty
Department Chair
b. Students may also choose to pursue claims of unlawful discrimination or harassment in compliance
with the University's Anti-Harassment/Discrimination
Policy. More information can be found on the Office
of Diversity and Inclusion website: (http://www.
upstate.edu/diversityinclusion/complaint)
3. Responding to Concerns of Mistreatment - Every effort is
made to respond to concerns of mistreatment in a timely
and professional manner to minimize the risk of harm
including retaliation. The level of corrective response is in the hands of the student whose confidentiality at this first stage is nearly absolute until the student says otherwise; the listener's role is only to help the student
think through his/her concerns. If given permission from
the student, the complaint will be fully investigated and
measures will be taken to reach an appropriate resolution.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Except in cases of anonymous complaint, students will be
provided with clear and timely feedback concerning the
status and resolution of their complaint.
4. No Retaliation Policy: Upstate Medical University policies
strictly forbid discrimination or retaliation against any
community member who reports, in good faith, any
instances of conduct that do not comply or appear not to
comply with Federal or State laws and regulations or local
policies and procedures. Those reporting inappropriate
behavior have the right to remain anonymous and to use
confidential mechanisms to disclose non-compliant activity
without fear of retaliation. Individuals who believe they are
experiencing retaliation are strongly encouraged to contact
the Dean of Student Affairs so that the situation can be
addressed immediately.
Note: Within the constraints of the Crime Awareness and
Campus Security Act. This is a federal law that requires school
officials who have a significant responsibility for student
and campus activities (except mental health and religious
counselors) to report certain (mostly assault) crimes. The law
does not require naming anyone involved, but only supplying
enough information to Security to allow verification of the crime
and its location at the University.
PARKING ENFORCEMENT
The University Police Department issues written violation
notices to vehicles found parked contrary to the Upstate Medical
University Regulations. A copy of these notices are kept on file
in the University Police Department. Students who receive such
a notice are expected to heed the warning given and park in
compliance with the rules and regulations. Repeated violations
and/or a serious violation such as parking in a fire lane, roadway,
or other emergency zone may result in the vehicle being towed
at your expense.
(See Appendix for complete Parking Regulation.)
A complete copy of the Codes, Rules, and Regulations is
available through the Parking Office.
PAYMENT OF FEES AND FINES
A student who is delinquent in the payment of fees and charges
to the University and who fails to make arrangements for such
payment, may be subject to various penalties which include
denial of transcripts, grades, registration, degree, and diploma.
PLAGIARISM
Most information about the school’s policies for dealing with
academic dishonesty and other unprofessional conduct can be
found in the chapter on Student Code of Conduct and Related
Policies. Here, we specifically discuss plagiarism by medical
students.
Plagiarism deserves special discussion because it accounts for
most incidents of the academic dishonesty attributed to medical
students in recent years. Students and faculty seem to differ in
their estimate of its seriousness. Faculty judge it a major lapse
of integrity. In contrast, it is clear that some students think it a
minor and victimless crime. Regional school cultures differ in
their disrespect for plagiarism.
So, we wish to be quite clear in describing what we mean by
plagiarism. We would rather prevent it from occurring than deal
with the painful fallout that results when we discover such cases.
To that end, we offer the following as our standards for defining
and avoiding plagiarism in written work.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
What is plagiarism?
Plagiarism is the misrepresentation of someone else’s work
as your own. It may be intentional or unintentional, reflecting
busyness, laziness, or dishonesty. The intent or reason for
plagiarism doesn’t matter. It is your responsibility as a student
to avoid it.
One could simply argue that plagiarism matters because it
violates the Student Code of Conduct and, if discovered,
results in penalties ranging from failing the assignment to
being suspended (or even dismissed) from school. On a
more fundamental level, plagiarism is deceptive; deception
is incompatible with the aspiration of becoming a physician.
Physicians are highly trained professionals who care for patients
who are often stressed, less educated about medical matters, and
vulnerable because of illness. To merit the trust placed in them
by patients, physicians must demonstrate the highest level of
integrity. Plagiarism is absolutely incompatible with deserving
that trust.
When does plagiarism matter?
Plagiarism matters in lab reports, patient write-ups, handouts,
slides, overheads, formal papers, electronic communications,
and other written work.
What are types of plagiarism?
• representing the exact words, data, tables, or illustrations of
another as if they were your own, without explicitly citing
the original authors,
• representing the thoughts or concepts of another author as
if they were your own, without explicitly citing the original
author.
What can I do to avoid plagiarizing?
Three things:
1. Document. Specifically:
a. If you use someone else’s words (either a key phrase
or more than three consecutive words), enclose them
in quotation marks, flag the words with a reference
number, and use an endnote to give the reference.
The endnote must include the exact page number, so
someone who wants to find the full quote can go right
to the exact page.
b. If you paraphrase someone else’s ideas, information,
or data, you must still flag the information with a
reference number and use an endnote to give the
reference, with the exact page number.
2. When in doubt, ask your instructor/attending or the course/
clerkship director. Your teachers do not want you to fall
into the plagiarism trap, and they will be happy to help you
decide what sort of documentation is necessary.
3. If you still aren’t certain, err on the side of documenting.
When is the line crossed between collaborating and
plagiarism?
Sometimes it is appropriate to discuss an assignment including specific patient cases-with fellow students. For
example, in Practice of Medicine, in clinical clerkships,
and in Bioethics at the Bedside, more than one student
may write up the same case. However, each student must
independently write the facts of the case and the discussion/
analysis, unless the instructor specifically asks for a team
report. If extensive parallel phrasing of facts or duplicate
lines of analysis are submitted, the papers will be reviewed
for excessive collaboration and possible plagiarism.
55
Are there other issues of academic honesty to be aware of?
Yes. It is improper to:
a. Make up a patient case when you are asked to write
one from your own experience.
b. Present someone else’s patient as your own.
c. Quote another’s work in a way that misrepresents what
the original author claimed.
d. Fabricate a quote, reference, or patient data.
PROHIBITION ON THE
MARKETING OF CREDIT CARDS
In accordance with the State University of New York Board
of Trustees policy and pursuant to the requirements of New
York State Education Law §6437, Upstate Medical University
prohibits the marketing of credit cards to students on University
owned, operated, or controlled property, and at any Universitysponsored events. This policy has been adopted to promote
the best interests of students who have little or no experience
managing debt, credit, or any other personal finances.
RECOGNITION OF RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITY OF STUDENT
EXPRESSION
The statement below is made in response to Section 500.2 of the
guidelines established by the Board of Trustees, S.U.N.Y.
The Upstate Medical University recognizes that students have
within the law, the right of free expression and advocacy; the
Upstate Medical University seeks to encourage and preserve
freedom of expression and inquiry within the entire University.
The Upstate Medical University does not permit the use of
its name in announcements, advertisements, publications, or
reports that imply Upstate Medical University endorsement of
any commercial products or services or for personal business.
Furthermore, students are advised against using the name of the
Upstate Medical University in taking a stand on controversial,
social, or political issues. Official recognition of any student
group must be granted by the Student Councils, the Campus
Activities Governing Board, or the Office of the President. If
any doubt exists in matters of this kind, specific clearance should
be obtained from the President, either directly or through the
Director of Public Relations.
SERVICE ANIMALS
Documentation and Requirements: All service animals must
be license as set forth by the State of New York, Onondaga
County and/or the City of Syracuse. The animal must have upto-date health records and all vaccinations and shots as required
by law. The animal must display and wear vaccination and
license tags. The owner must provide written proof of training
or that the animal meets basic standards, such as: responding to
voice commands and hand and other type of control.
Conflicting Disabilities: Should conflict arise with other
students who are allergic to animals in residence halls or
classrooms the Disability Coordinator will attempt to mediate a
reasonable solution.
Areas That May Pose Health or Safety Concerns: There may
be areas on the Upstate Medical University campus that pose
hazards to an animal and its' owner (mechanical equipment/
room and certain laboratories, etc). There are also areas where
the animal may pose health concerns to others, such as certain
56
areas of the University Hospital emergency room, operation
room, etc. These areas will be discussed with the student at his/
her intake appointment.
Treatment of Animals: Faculty, staff, and students should be
reminded that the animal is here to do a job. The animal should
not be treated like a pet and should not be fed, teased, or startled.
Animal Behavior: Owner's should not allow their animals
to be disruptive or a nuisance to others by sniffing or jumping
on others, barking excessively, growling, wandering about, or
engaging in other unruly behavior.
Sanitary Concerns: The institution will designate area(s)
where animals can relieve themselves without being disruptive
or causing health and safety concerns. Owners will be
responsible for being aware of their animals need to relieve
themselves.
Emergencies: In the case of emergencies (fire, etc.) Upstate
Medical University will make every attempt to ensure proper
treatment and protection of the service animal in the event that
the animal is protecting their owner, who may be unable to
respond because of a medical condition.
STUDY ABROAD (ACADEMIC
CREDIT)
Information concerning student's enrollment in a study abroad
program and receiving academic credit may be found on the
University website. Student's requiring additional information
should check with the appropriate Dean's Office to determine
how and what circmstances credit may be awarded for
international experiences.
TRANSFER CREDIT APPEAL
PROCESS
Upstate Medical University's Transfer Credit Appeal Process
is for students who do not agree with the campus decision
regarding acceptance or placement of credit earned.
Who to contact:
Students wishing to pursue the transfer credit appeal process
should first contact the Director of Admissions or designee by
phone at (315) 464-4570 or by email at admiss@upstate.edu.
If a concern is not resolved through informal communication
with the appropriate academic program director, the following
process is available.
Appeal at the Student and campus level:
The student submits the Transfer Credit Appeal Form to the
Student Admissions Office, along with a letter outlining the
reasons for the appeal, a catalog course description of the course
in dispute from the year the course was taken, and any additional
transfer course materials available. The appeal will be reviewed
by the Appeal Process Committee which is made up of a
representative(s) from Admissions, the program director, and an
Upstate Medical University faculty member.
Within 15 business days of the date of receipt of the appeal,
a written response will be sent to the student regarding the
disposition of the appeal.
Please note: If a decision is made to reverse the campus
decision on a course, that reversal will apply only to that student,
not to the generalized acceptability of the course.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Appeal at the SUNY System Level: (Available to SUNY
Transfer students only)
Appeal at the SUNY System level (available to SUNY transfer
students only) can be found at http://www.suny.edu/student/
transfercredits.cfm under questions about transfer credits.
If the student has not had a response from the campus within 15
business days, or is not satisfied with the response at the campus
level, he/she can submit an appeal to the SUNY Provost with
supporting materials. The SUNY Provost or designee will gain
additional information from the receiving institution as needed.
The SUNY Provost will respond to the student within five
business days from receipt of completed appeal application.
If the SUNY Provost reverses the campus decision on a
course, that reversal will apply only to that student, not to the
generalized acceptability of the course. All decisions will be
officially communicated to the student and the campus.
VISITORS
Anyone not registered as a student or employed by the
University is considered a visitor. Visitors to the campus are
expected to abide by the University rules and regulations.
Visitors failing to do so may be asked to leave campus and
may be declared persona non grata, and or subject to arrest.
Ultimately, the member of the Upstate Medical University
Community whom an individual is visiting is responsible for the
visitor's behavior.
FINANCE
57
FINANCES AND
FINANCIAL AID
58
FINANCE
FINANCE
59
UNIVERSITY STATEMENT OF STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Students whether new, visiting, returning, or continuing are responsible for reviewing, understanding, and abiding by the University's
regulations, procedures, requirements, and deadlines as described in all official publications.
TUITION PAYMENT, REFUND POLICIES,
SPECIAL CHARGES AND FEES
TUITION RATES & FEES
TUITION
Medicine
Graduate
BS Degree
Prof-DT, DNP
Physician Assistant
FEES
FULL – TIME
NYS Resident
$17,545
$5,185
$3,085
$10,655
$5,900
Out-of-State Resident
$30,125
$10,095
$7,910
$19,490
$12,005
FULL – TIME
PART – TIME
NYS Resident
$1,462
$432
$257
$888
$492
Out-of-State Resident
$2,510
$841
$659
$1,624
$1,000
PART – TIME
Activity Fee*
6 - 8 credit hours — $45/semester
9-12 credit hours
$90.00/semester
5 or less credit hours — $22.50/semester
College Fee
$12.50/semester
$.85/credit hour
Health Service Fee**
$125.00/semester
$10.45/credit hour
Technology Fee
$138.00/semester
$11.50/credit hour
USMLE Review Fee
$230.00/semester (Medical Students Only)
Disability Fee
$65.00/year
*Part-time students are not eligible to buy discount tickets for off campus activities. Part-time students may elect to pay full-time activities fee.
**Non-matriculated students do not pay Health Service Fee and Activity Fee
All medical students (except those entering with advance standing) are required to pay a minimum of eight full-time semesters before graduating.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
STUDENT FEES
College Fee: Used to provide supplemental support for the
academic mission of the university.
Health Service Fee*: Used to subsidize the cost of Student
Health services.
Student Activity Fee*: Used to fund student clubs and
organizations; campus wide events and activities and the
operations of the Upstate Student Government.
Technology Fee: Used to maintain and enhance the University’s
technology infrastructure and online services provided to
students.
Disability Insurance Fee*: Students are required to pay an
annual disability insurance fee. Students who believe they are
covered by an employers disability insurance policy may request
a waiver.
*Not applicable for non-matriculated students.
TUITION BILLING AND PAYMENT
POLICY
Upstate Medical University no longer issues paper student bills.
Ebills are created on a semester basis and are available online
four weeks before the first week of classes based on a student's
registration.
1. Once your ebill is generated, an email is sent to your
Upstate email address notifying you that your bill is
available. Therefore, it is very important that you check
your email regularly.
2. To view or print a copy of your tuition statement you
must log into your MyUpstate account under the Student
Accounts tab.
3. It is vital to confirm your attendance and accept financial
responsibility each semester by the payment due date even
if the amount due is zero or a credit balance exists on your
account.
4. Confirming enrollment is a process which student refunds
are created when financial aid funds are paid to your
account.
5. Student billing statements are available online 24/7 through
your MyUpstate account.
If you do not confirm your attendance by the due date, the
College will assume you are not attending and your registration
and financial aid will be cancelled. If there is any credit balance
on your account, your refund will NOT be processed.
To maintain your class schedule your account must have a zero
balance. Students who do not pay their charges and/or confirm
their attendance each semester by the payment due date are
subject to being deregistered. Confirming your attendance will
activate registration, housing, financial aid eligibility, and access
to all on-line services.
Adding or dropping a course may result in a revised bill. You
will receive an email notifying you of the change and you
must go to your student account in MyUpstate to review. It is
important to make payment immediately for the balance due to
avoid late holds and late fees.
Payment Policy
Payment must reach the Bursar's Office by the payment due
date. Failure to pay by the payment due date will result in
an Administrative/Late Fee of up to $50.00. Additionally,
a monthly late fee billing charge of up to $50.00 will be
automatically assessed to any unpaid balance. Failure to receive
a billing statement will not be accepted as a reason to waive the
late payment fee.
60
FINANCE
Non-Payment of Your Student Account
Return of Federal Financial Aid Policy
Students with unpaid or undeferred charges after the specified
drop/add period shall be subject to registration cancellation.
In addition, no persons shall receive credit or other official
recognition for work completed satisfactorily, or be allowed to
re-register, until all tuition, fees, and all other charges authorized
by the State University have been paid, or University student
loan obligations has been satisfied.
HOLDS: Students who have a balance on their account after
the payment due date will be put on a Bursar hold. If there is a
hold on the student's record, the student will not be permitted to
register for subsequent semesters or receive transcripts until the
balance is paid in full.
Notes
1. Returned Checks - Paper checks and E-checks returned
by your bank due to insufficient funds will be assessed a
$20 returned check fee. In addition, if the returned check
or e-check was for a payment on your student account,
additional late fee charges will be assessed.
2. Financial Aid Refunds - Financial Aid in excess of
semester charges will be refunded to the student once
funds are received by the University. Refunds are available
with two options, University check or Direct Deposit.
No refunds will be issued until the student has confirmed
their enrollment and accepted financial responsibility. The
procedure for Direct Deposit can be found on the Student
Accounts website.
Federal law mandates how a school must compute the amount
of federal financial aid that a student earns if he/she withdraws
(officially or unofficially), takes a leave of absence, drops out
of school, or is dismissed prior to completing more than 60%
of the semester. Specifically, the amount of federal financial
aid that the student earns is based on the percentage of the
semester completed. All unearned federal financial aid must be
returned. Careful consideration should be given to the financial
ramifications of separating from the college prior to completing
60% of the semester. Additional information regarding this
policy is available from the Financial Aid Office.
Withdrawal Policy
If you decide not to attend Upstate Medical University, it is
your obligation to officially withdraw through the appropriate
office. Non-attendance of classes does not classify as an official
withdrawal, and does not relieve the student of his/her financial
obligation or entitle the student to a refund.
The process of withdrawing from the university is a formal
procedure which the student has the responsibility to initiate. A
student withdrawing shall be responsible for payment of tuition
and fees in accordance with the Tuition & Fee Refund Schedule.
The date recorded by the Registrar’s Office will be used as the
official date for tuition adjustment purposes.
Tuition Liability/Refund Schedule
The Tuition Liability/Refund Schedule below indicates 0%
liability is for the first week of classes only. The first week of
classes is defined as the first seven calendar days of the semester.
During 0% liability, refunds will be processed and charges
removed for tuition and all fees. After 0% liability, tuition will
be prorated according to the schedule below, and all fees are
non-refundable. After 100% liability, a student is liable for
tuition and fees in full. Students who register for courses and
who do not file the appropriate withdrawal or do not drop before
the end of the fourth week of classes are liable for their full
charges.
Refunds will not be made to students who do not attend classes
and have not completed the required withdrawal procedure. No
refunds will be issued until after the drop/add period.
The academic drop deadline is not related to the deadlines for
determining tuition liability.
Courses dropped during the
1st week
2nd week
3rd week
4th week
5th week
Tuition Refund
100% refund
70% refund
50% refund
30% refund
0% refund
Tuition Liability
0% liability
30% liability
50% liability
70% liability
No refund
Fee Liability
0% liability
100% liability
100% liability
100% liability
No refund
Determination of New York State Residency
The Colleges and Universities that comprise the State University
of New York system were established to provide a quality
education at a reduced rate for the benefit of qualified residents
of New York State. As a matter of policy, the State University
provided the benefits of higher education at a reduced cost to
those students who are domiciled in New York based upon the
quality and length of their presence in the State.
The difference between the resident and non-resident tuition rate
is significant and the requirements can be complex. The initial
determination of residency status is based on the information
provided by the student during the admissions process.
Students who have missing and/or conflicting information on
their application are coded as non-resident for tuition billing
purposes.
Applications may be downloaded from the Student Accounts
website and must be submitted by the end of the second
week of the term you are applying for. For more details and
information about applying for NYS residency, please refer to
the Student Accounts website-Residency determination or go
to the following NYS policy website: SUNY Policy Residency,
Establishment of for Tuition Purposes (Document #7810)
http://www.suny.edu/sunypp/documents.cfm?doc_id=402
Collection - Section 18 Notification
As a New York Sate agency, SUNY Upstate Medical University
is required by Section 18 of the State Finance Law to follow
certain collection procedures for past due debts. (For Section 18
details, visit NYS Finance Section 18 site)
In accordance with NYS Finance Law Section 18 Notification
and SUNY policy, we are required to pursue collection of
past due debt. As a result, accounts that are still delinquent at
the end of a semester may be transferred to private collection
agencies and/or the New York State Attorney General's Office
for collection, and are subject to additional interest and/or
collection charges. Also, students when an outstanding balance
from a previous semester are subject to being de-registered for
an ensuing semester for which they've pre-enrolled.
Other Student Fees
•
•
•
•
Academic Transcript Fee - a fee of $5 will be charged for
each transcript request.
Administrative Fee - the university will levy an
administrative fee of up to $50 for debts where the payment
due date was prior to the start of the semester and payment
was not received by that date.
Credit by Exam - a fee of $25 will be charged to process
the credit by exam when credit is awarded for a faculty
administered examination.
Late Payment Fee - the university will levy a late payment
fee of up to $50 for debts where the payment due date was
the start of the semester or after and the payment was not
received by that date.
FINANCE
•
•
•
•
Late Registration Fee - the university will levy a late
registration fee of $40.
Drop/Add Fee - a $20 drop/add fee will be charged for each
drop/add transaction occurring after the defined drop/add
prior has ended.
Licensure Application Fee - a fee of $5 will be charged for
each licensure application request.
Returned Check Fee - the university will levy a returned
check fee of $20 for checks that are returned unpaid by
the bank against which they are drawn. In addition, checks
returned in payment of your charges after the payment
deadline, will also be subject to late fees.
Housing Refund Procedures
After a student has registered for college courses and once
occupied a room, there shall be no refund, except as described
below:
Students withdrawing or taking a leave of absence from the
college are granted permission to terminate their license. The
refund will be on a prorated basis.
Note: For purpose of refunds, occupancy is defined as
acceptance of the key to the room.
BURSAR’S/STUDENT ACCOUNTS
(Rm 200, CAB 464-5148)
The Bursar’s Office is responsible for reporting and dispersing
to the state comptroller all monies received in the Center. The
office collects all monies except hospital patient receipts. These
collections include tuition, dormitory rents, registration deposits,
library fines and fees, and dormitory damage fees. The office
also disperses all checks made available through all federal loan
and scholarship programs, state scholarships and TAP awards,
local center loan and scholarships, and guaranteed loans.
As custodian of the operating accounts in the Faculty-Student
Association, the Bursar’s Office disperses checks from the
student council and student activity accounts, upon receipt of
approved requests.
The relationship of the Bursar’s Office to the student body is
one of mutual responsibility and service. Students may obtain
information concerning their financial status at any time. They
are expected, however, to carry on their financial affairs in a
responsible manner, i.e., timely payment of charges.
FINANCIAL AID
(Rm 1213, WH 464-4570)
The purpose of the Upstate Medical University’s financial
aid program is to enable students to attend college who might
not otherwise be able to meet its costs. Financial aid consists
primarily of loans, with limited scholarships, grants, and parttime employment.
Basic responsibility for financing higher education rests with
the student and his/her family. Assistance from Upstate Medical
University is offered only to supplement the efforts of the
student and family. Financial aid is offered only to students
who demonstrate eligibility, and cannot exceed the amount of
financial eligibility.
To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA
is available in January on the internet at "www.fafsa.ed.gov".
Priority will be given to students whose FAFSA is received in
the Financial Aid Office on or before March 1st for the
61
following fall semester. Applications will be accepted
throughout the academic year, so long as the application can be
processed and funds disbursed before the end of the academic
year.
Detailed descriptions of available financial aid programs,
application procedures, and financial aid policies are contained
in the Financial Aid Handbook on http://www.upstate.edu/
currentstudents/document/financial_aid_handbook.pdf.
Questions regarding financial aid should be referred to the
Financial Aid Office staff. The office is located in Room 1213
in the Weiskotten Hall Building, telephone 464-4570, E-mail:
admissFA@upstate.edu. Students with financial problems are
encouraged to meet with a member of the Financial Aid staff to
discuss their individual situation.
In addition to the regular financial aid programs, Upstate
Medical University offers a program of short-term loans to
help students meet emergency expenses. To apply, contact the
Bursar’s Office.
Student Financial Aid Rights & Responsibilities
You have the right....
1. To know what financial aid programs are available at your
school.
2. To know the deadline for submitting applications for each
of the financial aid programs available.
3. To know how financial aid will be distributed, how
decisions on that distribution are made, and the basis for
these decisions.
4. To know how your financial need was determined. This
includes how costs for tuition and fees, room and board,
travel, books and supplies, personal and miscellaneous
expenses, etc. are considered in your budget.
5. To know what resources (such as family contribution, other
financial aid, your assets, etc., ) were considered in the
calculation of your need.
6. To know how much of your financial eligibility for
financial aid has been met.
7. To request an explanation of the various programs in your
student aid package.
8. To know your school's refund policy.
9. To know what portion of the financial aid you received
must be repaid, and what portion is grant aid. If the aid
is a loan, you have the right to know what the interest
rate is, the total amount that must be repaid, the payment
procedures, the length of time you have to repay the loan,
and when repayment is to begin.
You are responsible...
1. To complete all application forms accurately and submit
them on time to the right place.
2. To provide correct information. In most cases, misreporting
information on financial aid application forms is a violation
of law and may be considered a criminal offense which
could result in indictment under the U.S. Criminal Code.
3. To return all additional documentation, verification,
corrections, and/or new information requested by either the
Financial Aid Office or the agency to which you submitted
your application.
4. For reading and understanding all forms that you are asked
to sign and for keeping copies of them.
5. For all agreements that you sign, including repayment of all
student loans.
62
6. To perform the work that is agreed upon in accepting a
Federal College Work-Study award.
7. To be aware of and comply with the deadlines for
application or reapplication for aid.
8. To be aware of your school’s refund procedures.
9. To notify the Financial Aid Office of any additional
resources (scholarships, grants, tuition benefits, employee
education benefits, and loans) which were not indicated on
your eligibility letter.
10. To notify the Financial Aid Office if you enroll for less than
full time in any given semester.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for
Financial Aid Eligibility
Federal and State student aid programs require that students
maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to be eligible
for financial aid. In order to comply with these requirements for
federal student aid, the following policies have been adopted.
Different policies exist for each college at the Upstate Medical
University. Generally, however, the policies consist of four
parts; a minimum grade point average (GPA) that students must
achieve; a minimum number of credits that must be earned each
term; a minimum percentage of courses that must be completed
each term; and a maximum time frame in which the program
must be completed.
By the end of the first semester of study at the Upstate Medical
University, all students must have achieved a "C" average (2.0)
or standards consistent with graduation requirements in order
to remain eligible for federal student aid. The Upstate Medical
University recognizes that advancement toward a degree is
progressive. Students who meet the standards outlined here
will be considered to have achieved standards consistent with
graduation requirements.
It's important for students to be aware of the effect of their
academic progress on eligibility for financial aid. Decisions to
withdraw from courses, drop below full time enrollment status,
or other changes may negatively impact financial aid. In addition,
the professional nature of the curriculums at the Upstate Medical
University limits flexibility to modify programs of study. Students
are strongly encouraged to consult with the Financial Aid Office
BEFORE withdrawing from courses or making other changes
in their academic program. Appeals should be submitted to
the Financial Aid Office, who will make recommendations for
adjudication to the Dean of Student Affairs.
Students will be reviewed each semester for SAP and notified if
they fail to meet the requirements.
Loss of Eligibility and Appeals
Students who fail to meet the academic progress standards
outlined will be ineligible for federal and/or state aid for the
next payment period or academic term. The Financial Aid Office
will notify any students who lose eligibility for aid. Students
may appeal the loss of eligibility. Appeals will be approved
when circumstances beyond the student's control contributed
to academic problems. Otherwise, eligibility for aid will be
restored when the student has regained satisfactory academic
progress.
If you are convicted of a drug offense, you will lose your Title
IV (all Federal) aid eligibility. To regain eligibility you need to
successfully pass two unannounced drug test conducted by a
drug rehabilitation program.
FINANCE
College of Medicine
Students enrolled in the College of Medicine who are receiving
federal student aid must meet the following standards of
satisfactory academic progress in order to be eligible for federal
student aid (Title IV and Title VII). The academic requirements
for the M.D. degree include the satisfactory completion of the
curriculum designated by the faculty, passing Step 1 of the
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and
taking Step 2 CS and CK of the examination.
A modified pass/fail grading system is used to measure
the academic performance of each student. This system is
described in the Upstate Medical University Catalog and in the
Student Handbook published by the Student Affairs Office and
distributed to students each year.
The progress of each student working toward an M.D. degree
is monitored carefully, and reviewed by the Academic Review
Board at least once each year. At the conclusion of each
academic year, the Academic Review Board reviews the
academic performance of each student who has taken courses
during the year. A student who does not satisfactorily complete
all course requirements may be permitted to remediate. This
may include approval to repeat one or more courses as deemed
necessary. By the end of the second year of enrollment, a student
must have successfully passed all courses attempted, or have
made satisfactory arrangements to repeat any courses, if so
required, in order to be considered to be making satisfactory
academic progress.
The normal time frame for completion of required course work
for the M.D. degree is four academic years. A student may
require additional time, due to academic or personal difficulties.
In such situations, the Academic Review Board may permit the
student to participate in the Extended Curriculum or establish
an individualized program of study. Also, the Admissions
Committee may require that individual students participate in
the Extended Curriculum. A student should complete the first
two years of the curriculum by the end of the summer following
the third year enrollment. The Academic Review Board will
monitor the progress of each student at the conclusion of each
academic year to determine that the student is making sufficient
progress to meet the time limits as specified.
The school intends that all students pass USMLE Step 1 before
entering their clinical years. For students who are not transfer
students, the following policies have been adopted by the
faculty:
1. The student must show evidence of having taken the
Step 1 exam prior to entering their clinical courses. The
student must post a Step 1 score within five weeks of
beginning the first clerkship. If the student fails to do so,
he/she will be allowed to finish that clerkship but not be
allowed to begin a second clinical rotation.
2. If the student fails to pass the exam, it is recommended
that the student not begin a second clinical rotation
immediately but rather take time off to study for a retake of
the exam.
3. The student must post a passing score for Step 1 by
January 1st of their MS 3 year, or he/she will not be
allowed to continue in the regular clinical rotations and will
be placed in an independent study program. Students placed
in the independent study program will maintain their status
as enrolled students while providing them with the time to
thoroughly prepare to retake exam.
FINANCE
63
4. Every student is expected to have passed Step 1 within one
year after completing his/her pre-clinical years of study.
Failure to record a passing score within the required period
of time constitutes sufficient reason for dismissal from the
College of Medicine.
5. For students returning from official leave of absence, the
timing of the above deadlines will be adjusted appropriately
to compensate for the time on leave so as to be comparable
to the intervals allowed other students.
6. In the case of students whose academic performance
justifies the need for additional preparation for the USMLE
examination, the Dean of Students Affairs may recommend
enrollment in the independent study program before the
student has taken the Step 1 examination.
All transfer students entering the College in the MS 3 year must
record a passing score for USMLE Step 1 prior to being enrolled
as a matriculant.
A student may be granted a leave of absence for a variety of
reasons. The period of time for such approved leave shall be
excluded from the maximum time frame in which the student is
expected to complete the program.
All students enrolling for the first time in the College will be
considered to be making satisfactory progress for their first
academic year.
Maximum Time Frame for Program Completion
BS/BPS Program
Federal Student Aid: Effective July 1, 1994, the maximum
time frame for completion of an undergraduate program of
study was limited by Federal legislation to no more than 150%
of the published program length for a full-time student. The
published program length is defined by the Financial Aid Office
as the number of credit hours required for graduation from each
eligible undergraduate programs.
Students meet this requirement so long as the number of credit
hours attempted at the Upstate Medical University, or approved
for transfer to the Upstate Medical University from other
institutions, does not exceed 150% of the number of credit
hours required for graduation from the academic program.
When calculating credit hours attempted, all courses, including
those repeated or in which the student received grades of W, WF,
or I must be counted. The only exceptions will be those courses
dropped during the add/drop period at the beginning of the
academic term.
As an example, the BS Cardiovascular Perfusion program
requires that a student earn 75 credit hours in order to graduate.
Under the maximum time frame rule, a student may attempt no
more than 112.5 credit hours while pursuing this degree. If this
limit is exceeded, the student will lose eligibility for Federal
Student Financial Aid. Students who lose eligibility have the
right to appeal.
Non-credit remedial instruction can be counted toward
a full time academic load as set forth in 145 – 2.1 of the
Commissioner's Regulations. The number of credits in this chart
refers to work completed toward the degree.
BS & BPS Programs
BPS Degree
Medical Imaging CT
Medical Imaging MR
Medical Imaging US
Radiation Therapy
Credits Required
at Upstate
Attempted
at Upstate
48
49
76
73
72
73.5
114
109.5
BS Degree
Cardiorespiratory Science
Cardiovascular Perfusion
Medical Imaging CT
Medical Imaging MR
Medical Imaging R
Medical Imaging US
Medical Technology
Nursing
Radiation Therapy
Respiratory Care
65
86
81
82
72.5
80
79
61
74
76
97.5
129
121.50
123
108.75
120
118.5
91.5
111
114
College of Graduate Studies
Students enrolled in the College of Graduate Studies pursue
individualized programs of study. These programs, and the
schedule for their completion, are established by the student's
faculty advisor and filed with the Dean of the College and the
Registrar. The faculty advisor will notify the Dean and the
Registrar if the student is not maintaining progress according
to his/her schedule. An overall average of "B" or better must be
maintained. A maximum time limit of seven years is permitted
for completion of the PhD degree; up to five years is permitted
for completion of the Master of Science degree. These limits
may be extended by the Dean of the College in individual cases.
NY State Student Aid Polices
Eligibility to receive financial aid from New York State is
determined in accordance with the following charts that have
been approved for the State University of New York by the
State Education Department. New York State does not impose
a maximum time frame for completion of the degree program.
Students may receive up to the maximum number of payments
so long as they continue to meet the other satisfactory academic
progress requirements. Maximum number of payments cannot
exceed 48.
MS, DPT Degrees College of Health Professions
& Nursing
An overall average of "B" or better must be maintained.
Programs must be completed within a time period not greater
than 2 1/2 times the standard curriculum length.
Repayment of Federal and State Aid if your
Enrollment Changes
Student aid is offered on the assumption that you will attend
classes and complete all of the courses for which you enrolled
in each academic term. If you withdraw from school (either
drop-out or take a leave of absence) or if you drop a course,
you may become ineligible for certain financial aid programs.
Depending upon the program, repayment of a pro-rated share of
your aid may be required. Repayment of federal loans may also
be required to begin. Failure to complete courses can affect your
eligibility for subsequent semesters.
CONSULT WITH THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE
BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGES IN YOUR
ENROLLMENT STATUS.
What happens if you:
Drop below full-time status (less than 12 credits per term):
• Pell Grant: If you drop below full-time status before
the end of the add/drop period, the amount will be prorated. You will receive 3/4 of the award amount for 9-11
credits, or 1/2 of the award for 6-8 credits. After the add/
drop period your Pell Grant will not be recalculated, but
you may fail to meet the academic progress requirements
needed to be eligible for federal aid.
64
FINANCE
BS AND BPS DEGREES
COLLEGES OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND NURSING
T
o maintain satisfactory academic progress, the following standards must be met at the beginning of each payment period or
academic term.
FULL-TIME STUDY
Payment Period/
Academic Term****
Accumulated
Credits
Minimum
GPA**
PACE***
DEGREE
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Sixth
Seventh
Eighth
BS*
NA
63
69
78
90
105
120
135
BS*
-
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
0%
8%
16%
25%
33%
50%
75%
100%
*
For BS degree students, accumulated credits includes prerequisites taken prior to admission. Calculation of GPA and the
percentage of courses completed will be based on coursework taken at the Upstate Medical University or accepted for
academic credit by the College.
**
Grade Point Averages will be calculated according to the approved academic policy of the student's College, as outlined in
the Student Handbook.
*** The percentage of courses completed is calculated by comparing the number of courses completed (ie. final grade other than
W, WF, or I) to 12 credits (minimum full-time study) or 6 credits (part-time study).
**** For TAP and APTS, part-time enrollment will be counted as part of the next payment period.
Part - Time Study
The Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards for students enrolled part-time will be modified as follows:
Federal Student Aid
Accumulated credits: The student must have earned the number of credits shown for the previous term, plus one half of the increased
number of credits expected. For example, in order for a BS student to be eligible for the third payment period, they must have
accumulated the 63 credits that must be earned by the beginning of the second payment period plus 6 credits by the beginning of the
second payment period (one half of the difference between the second and third payments) for a total of 69 credits.
Completed courses: The percentage of completed courses will be calculated based on half-time enrollment (i.e. 6 credits) rather than
full-time enrollment (12 credits). Minimum GPA requirements will be the same as for full-time students.
State Student Aid
Accumulated credits: The number of credits earned during periods of part-time study will be added together with credits earned in
subsequent terms. All other requirements (completed courses, minimum GPA and C average after two years of study) are the same as
for Federal Student Aid.
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit will be considered as accumulated credits, but will not be included in calculations of minimum GPA or course completion
rate unless taken simultaneously with courses at the Upstate Medical University and included as eligible for financial aid.
FINANCE
65
STANDARD OF SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS FOR PURPOSE OF DETERMINING
ELIGIBILITY FOR NYS STUDENT AID ALL CAMPUSES –
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
Calendar Semester
Programs: Baccalaureate Degree
Fifth
Sixth
Seventh Eighth
First
Second
Third
Fourth
A STUDENT MUST
HAVE ACCRUED AT
LEAST THIS MANY
CREDITS
0
3
9
21
33
45
WITH AT LEAST
THIS GRADE POINT
AVERAGE
.0
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
BEFORE BEING
CERTIFIED FOR THIS
PAYMENT
60
2.00
Ninth
Tenth
75
90
105
2.00
2.00
2.00
NA
50%
50%
75%
75%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
PERCENTAGE OF
CREDIT COMPLETED
IN THE PRIOR TERM
Non-credit remedial instruction can be counted toward a full-time academic load as set forth in 145 – 2.1 of the Commissioner’s Regulations. The
number of credits in this chart refers to work completed toward a degree.
Other Federal Aid: If you drop below full-time status
before the end of the add/drop period, the amount will be
adjusted to reflect the actual tuition and fees you owe. After
the add/drop period, you may fail to meet the academic
progress requirements needed to be eligible for federal aid
for the next academic term.
• NYS Tuition Assistance Program: If you drop below fulltime status before the end of the tuition refund period, you
will lose eligibility for TAP for that academic term. After
the tuition refund period, you may fail to meet the academic
progress requirements needed to be eligible for TAP aid for
the next academic term.
• Financial Aid from Upstate: Amounts may be adjusted to
reflect changes in actual tuition and fees.
Drop below half-time status (less than 6 credits per term):
• Pell Grant: If you drop below half-time status before
for at least 3 credit hours, the amount will be pro-rated.
Awards for less than half-time students are very limited,
and not all students who are Pell Grant recipients qualify
for awards if enrolled less that half time. If you drop below
3 credits, the grant is canceled. If you drop courses after the
add/drop period, but before the completion of 60% of the
academic term, you will be required to repay a pro-rated
share of your grant. The school may also be required to
repay a pro-rated share of your grant. If that share is greater
than the amount of your tuition refund, or if you are not
eligible for a tuition refund, the school is permitted to bill
you for the repaid amount. An example of how repayment
of Federal student aid is calculated is shown in the next
section. In addition, dropping courses after the add/drop
period will probably result in your failing to meet the
academic progress requirements needed to be eligible for
federal aid for the next academic term.
• Federal Student Aid: If you drop below half-time
status before 60% of the academic term is over, you lose
eligibility for all Federal student aid programs except
for Pell Grants (see above) and the Perkins Loan (with
repayment beginning immediately, however). You will
be required to repay a pro-rated share of the aid you have
received for the term. Loans you received are repaid in
accordance with the terms of the promissory note. The
grace period before repayment will begin. If you do not
enroll for at least half-time study before the end of the
grace period, monthly repayment will start. If you owe
•
•
•
money for grants (Pell or SEOG), you will be required to
repay one-half of the unearned aid. The school may also
be required to repay a pro-rated share of your aid. If
that share is greater than the amount of your tuition
refund, or if you are not eligible for a tuition refund, the
school is permitted to bill you for the repaid amount.
An example of how repayment of Federal student aid is
calculated is shown below. In addition, dropping courses
after the add/drop period will probably result in your failing
to meet the academic progress requirements needed to be
eligible for federal aid for the next academic term.
NYS Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS): Your award is
calculated based on your enrollment at the end of the add/
drop period. If you drop courses after this point, your award
will be adjusted to reflect the actual tuition and fees you
owe. You will probably fail to meet the academic progress
requirements needed to be eligible for TAP or APTS for the
next academic term.
Financial Aid from Upstate: All funds will be canceled.
Withdrawal, Leaves of Absence, or Dismissal from
School:
•
Federal Student Aid: If you leave school before 60%
of the academic term is over, you lose eligibility for all
Federal student aid programs. You will be required to
repay a pro-rated share of the aid you have received for
the term. Loans are repaid in accordance with the terms of
the promissory note. The grace period before repayment
will begin. If you do not enroll for at least half-time study
before the end of the grace period, monthly repayment will
start. If you owe money for grants (Pell or SEOG), you
will be required to repay one-half of the unearned aid. The
school may also be required to repay a pro-rated share
of your unearned aid. If that share is greater than the
amount of your tuition refund, the school is permitted
to bill you for the repaid amount.
Examples of how repayment of Federal student aid is
calculated are shown below.
Leaves of absence must generally be treated as withdrawals
from school. An exception may be made if you are granted
a leave of less than 180 days, and upon your return from
the leave of absence, you are permitted to complete the
coursework begun prior to the leave of absence, without
repeating the part completed.
66
•
•
FINANCE
NYS TAP and APTS: If you leave school before the end
of the tuition refund period, your award will be recalculated
based on the actual tuition paid.
Financial Aid from Upstate: All funds will be canceled.
Example 1: Medical Student
Bill enrolled on August 30, and received $10,723 in federal
student aid ($6,601 Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and $4,122
Federal Direct subsidized Loan). He withdraws on September
11, completing 13 out of 111 days in the term, or 11.712% of the
term. He is eligible for this percentage of aid, 11.712%, or $1,256
of the $10,723 of federal aid received. The balance, $9,467, must
be returned. Some of this will be repaid by Upstate Medical
University, and some by Bill.
Upstate Medical University charged Bill $6,002 in tuition and
fees for the term. Since Bill is eligible for only 11.712% of his
financial aid, the school must return the difference (88.288%, or
$5,299) to the federal student aid programs. This repayment is
required regardless of whether the federal financial aid was used
to pay his bill, or was given directly to him for living expenses.
The school can keep only 11.712% (the amount he earned) of
the aid, or $703. The school repays the $5,299 to unsubsidized
Federal Stafford Loan.
Bill is responsible for the balance of the repayment due to the
Federal student aid programs. In this case, the amount is $4,168
($9,467 that must be returned, minus the $5,299 that the school
repays). Loans are repaid in accordance with the terms of the
promissory note, so no payment is due at this time. Monthly
repayment of the loan will begin at the end of the six month
grace period.
Because Bill withdrew in the second week of classes, he has a
tuition liability of 30%. He also is liable for all of the fees he
paid. This means he owes Upstate Medical University $1,626,
plus the fees which were $522, for a total of $2,148. Since
Upstate Medical University could only keep $703 of the student
loans, Bill will have to pay the difference of $1,445 owed on
tuition and fees.
$10,723
x11.712%
= $1,256
federal student aid
$6002 original tuition & fees
eligibility
x 11.712% eligibility
amount of aid Bill is
=
$703 school’s share of aid
eligible for
$10,723 federal student aid $6002 tuition and fees
- $1,256 new eligibility
- $703 school’s share of aid
= $9,467 to be repaid
= $5299 school must return
$9,467 to be repaid$5,420 tuition
- $5,299 school must return
x 30% tuition liability
= $4,168 that Bill must return
+ $522 fee liability
= $2,148 Amount Bill owes Upstate Medical University
Since his aid was from loans, Bill repays according to the terms
of his promissory note.
$2,148 amount Bill owes Upstate Medical University
- $703 aid school keeps
= $1,445 amount Bill owes Upstate Medical University
Example 2: Undergraduate Student (College of Health
Professions or Nursing)
Mary enrolled on August 30, and received $4,632 in federal
student financial aid ($1,132 Federal Direct subsidized Loan,
$1,200 Perkins Loan, $1,500 Pell Grant, and $800 Federal
SEOG). She withdraws on October 15, completing 47 out of 110
days in the term, or 42.730% of the term. She is eligible for this
percentage of aid, 42.730%, or $1,979 of the $4,632 in federal
aid received. The balance, $2,653, must be returned. Some of
this will be repaid by Upstate Medical University, and some by
Mary.
Upstate Medical University charged Mary $4,125 for the term
($1,700 tuition, $250 fees, $2,175 rent). Since Mary is eligible
for only 42.730% of her financial aid, the school must return
the difference (57.270%, or $2,363) to the federal student aid
programs. This repayment is required regardless of whether the
federal financial aid was used to pay Mary’s bill, or was given
directly to her for living expenses. The school repays $1,132 to
the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, $1,200 to the Perkins Loan,
and $30 to the Pell Grant.
Mary is responsible for the balance of the repayment due to
the Federal Student Aid programs. In this case, the amount is
$290 ($2,653 that must be returned, minus $2,363 that Upstate
Medical University repays). Since her student loans were paid
off by the money the school returned, she must repay part of her
Pell Grant. The amount due is one-half of the calculated amount
due, or $145.
Because Mary withdrew after the fourth week of classes, she
has a liability of 100% for her tuition and fees. Her rent in the
residence hall will be adjusted to $914, reflecting the number of
days she is a resident. This means she will owe Upstate Medical
University $2,864 ($1,950 tuition and fees, and $914 rent).
Since Upstate Medical University could keep only $1,763 of the
federal aid she received, Mary will have to pay the difference of
$1,101 owed in tuition, fees, and rent.
$ 4,632 federal student aid $4,125 original school charges
x 42.730% of earned aid
x 57.270% unearned
= $2,363 amount school
= $1,979 aid earned
=
$4,632 federal student aid
$1,979 aid earned
$2,653 to be repaid
=
$2,653 to be repaid
$2,363 school owes
$290 Mary owes
$290 grant aid owed $2,864 revised school charges
x 50% grant repayment rate
- $1,763 aid school can keep
= $145 that Mary must repay
= $1,101 Mary owes school
Example 3: Student Paid The Tuition Bill
John enrolled on August 30. He received a $1,000 Federal Direct
Loan. John withdraws on September 30, completing 32 out of
110 days in the term, or 20.090% of the term. He is eligible for
this percentage of financial aid, which equals $200 of the $1,000
he received. The balance, $800, must be returned.
FINANCE
67
Upstate Medical University charged John $1,950 ($1,700 tuition
and $250 fees), which John paid for himself. The $1,000 loan
was given to him when it arrived. John is not eligible for a
tuition refund, because he withdrew after the fourth week of
classes.
Even though John paid his bill in full, and received the financial
aid directly, the Federal government assumes that the aid was
used to pay his bill. Since John is eligible for only 20.090%
of his financial aid, or $200, Upstate Medical University must
repay the unearned portion of his financial aid. The unearned
portion is 79.910% of John’s bill, which would be $1,558. Since
that is greater than the amount that must be repaid ($800), the
school only has to return $800 to the loan program. In effect,
the school is using the money John paid for tuition to repay the
student loan. Upstate Medical University will bill John for the
$800 of tuition that is no longer paid.
$1,000 federal student aid$1,000 federal student aid
x 20.090% of aid earned
- $200 aid earned
= $200 aid earned
= $800 aid that must be returned
$1,950 original school charges for tuition and fees
- $1,950 paid by John to Upstate Medical University for tuition and fees
+ $800 repaid by Upstate Medical University to Federal Direct Loan
= $800 John owes Upstate Medical University
68
FINANCE
COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
COLLEGE
OF
GRADUATE
STUDIES
69
70
COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
ACADEMIC POLICIES
The following is an Academic Policy Statement for the guidance
of students, particularly those who are new to the Upstate
Medical University campus. These regulations endeavor
to outline the parameters of academic conduct, rather than
prescribe in detail what is permitted or denied. This is a core
policy to which additional academic policies will be added as
developed and published annually in the Student Handbook.
General Academic Regulations
The Upstate Medical University expects its members to conduct
themselves in a mature, responsible, and ethical manner at all
times. Each member must respect the rights and privileges of
every other member and their fellow citizens.
The faculty reserves the right to terminate at any time the
enrollment of a student with the college who is considered in
any way unfit, or who does not meet the standards of the State
University of New York.
Changes in curriculum are at the discretion of the faculty, as
deemed necessary, and may be made without prior notice.
FERPA
As per the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (under
the Student Code of Conduct and Related Policies in the student
handbook), the College of Graduate Studies defines "school
officials with legitimate educational interests" as: A student's
potential Dissertation/Thesis Advisor (following rotation in that
laboratory), Dissertation/Thesis Advisor, Chair of the student's
degree-granting program, Members of the Advisory Committee,
Members of the Qualifying Examination Committee, Dean
of the College of Graduate Studies, and any group or person
approved by the Dean.
A "student record" is defined as everything contained in the
student's file (e.g. application, undergraduate transcripts,
standardized tests, Upstate's academic progress report, lab
rotation evaluations, qualifying exam committee reports, etc).
Note: Recommendation letters will be destroyed at the time of
matriculation and, therefore, are not part of the student record.
Academic Advisement
Before the beginning of each term, every student arranges
a program with an advisor. For the first two semesters this
advisor will be a member of the Advisory Committee and the
student will be required to take the Core Curriculum. Once the
student chooses a dissertation sponsor, his/her program will be
arranged with the approval of the sponsor in accordance with
the requirements of the sponsor's department and program. On
registration day, each student completes the appropriate forms
and pays the tuition and fees at the location designated for that
purpose.
Any unscheduled absence from the Academic Program of more
than two days must be approved by the student's Lab Mentor
and Faculty Advisor.
A degree candidate must register for no less than one semester
hour.
Unprofessional Behavior
If a student continues to display what a course instructor/advisor
considers to be unprofessional behavior in the classroom,
laboratory, or other academic setting, the course instructor/
advisor may take the following sequential actions:
1. Verbal warning from the course instructor/advisor.
2. Confirmation of the unprofessional behavior by a second
party.
3. Written warning.
71
4. Meeting with the course instructor/advisor and department
chair/program director with documentation in writing
stating the unprofessional behavior exhibited, the remedial
behavior needed, and the consequences for failing to
remediate the behavior.
5. Referral to the Graduate Council and/or the judicial process
for action, including dismissal from the college and/or legal
action.
Note:
1. All documentation, including the student's response(s), will
be maintained in the student's departmental/college file.
2. Circumstances relating to the safety of the student, as well
as the Upstate Medical University campus, may necessitate
acceleration of the above process.
Research Integrity
The integrity of science as a whole is based on researchers
holding the highest values with respect to the accuracy of
the scientific record and the reporting of the highest quality
science. A scientist's integrity is essential to his/her future in
research. The Upstate Medical University definition of research
misconduct is found at Policy CAMP E-04 in the Campus
Administrative Manual. All reports or suspicions of research
misconduct will be handled initially through the Research
Integrity Officer (RIO) following institutional procedures that
adhere to federal guidelines. Findings of research misconduct
by students will constitute grounds for immediate dismissal,
retraction of publications including theses and rescinding of a
degree that has been conferred. Findings of research misconduct
are considered a serious violation of the Student Code of
Conduct.
The procedures outlined in CAMP E-04 apply to all allegations
of research misconduct, including allegations directed at
students. Due process as to the validity of the allegations will be
provided by the Research Integrity Officer and the institutional
procedures as outlined in CAMP E-04. Subsequent student
disciplinary action will not revisit the validity of any findings,
but will decide on actions based on the seriousness of those
findings.
Definition of Research Misconduct
Research misconduct includes:
1. Fabrication, defined as making up data or results and
recording or reporting them.
2. Falsification, defined as manipulating research materials,
equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or
results such that the research is not accurately represented
in the research record.
3. Plagiarism, defined as the appropriation of another
person's ideas, processes, results, or words without giving
appropriate credit.
4. The destruction, absence of, or the respondent's failure
to provide research records adequately documenting the
research that is the subject of an allegation of research
misconduct. 42 CFR 106(b) (1)
5. Mis-expenditure/misappropriation of funds granted to the
institution or by the institution to an investigator for the
conduct of a specific research project.
6. Conducting research without compliance approvals (IRB,
CHUA, Biosafety, Radiation Safety) or without following
approved research protocols for a research project.
7. Misuse of resources in the conduct of research provided to
the institution under a Material Transfer Agreement.
72
8. Theft of resources provided to the institution for the
conduct of research or released to other institutions without
executed Material Transfer Agreements, Confidentiality
Agreements, or other required documentation.
9. Research misconduct does not include honest error or
differences of opinion. 42 CFR 93. 103(d)
10. Authorship disputes are not usually considered research
misconduct although in extreme cases may qualify as
plagiarism.
11. Misconduct in the reporting of research results by: dual
submission of manuscripts, redundant publication of
research results or republication of research results, failure
to obtain consent for publication from co-authors, failure
to disclose conflicts of interest in manuscripts, grants and
publications, or otherwise making false statements to
journal editors.
Probation/Dismissal Policy
Any student who falls below the required 3.0 cumulative grade
point average, in any semester, will automatically be placed on
Academic Probation. A student on academic probation has one
year to raise his/her cumulative grade point average to 3.0 or
higher. Two consecutive semesters with an individual semester
grade point average below 3.0 is grounds for dismissal.
Continuation in the College of Graduate Studies is contingent
upon securing an eligible dissertation advisor by mid-August of
the first academic year, and retaining an advisor for the duration
of the dissertation work. A student who leaves an advisor's
laboratory has 30 days to obtain a new dissertation advisor to
support the stipend. It is the policy of the College of Graduate
Studies to dismiss those students that fail to satisfactorily meet
this academic requirement.
A student may appeal the decision of dismissal by submitting to
the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, within 5 business
days of receipt of dismissal letter, a summary of extenuating
circumstances or mitigating factors that would warrant
consideration for an exception of decision. A sub-committee
of the College of Graduate Studies' Graduate Council will be
established to review the appeal.
A student who has successfully completed all remediated
didactic and research requirements must be removed from
probation by the Graduate Council before he/she is allowed to
defend his/her thesis.
All notations of academic probation will be removed from the
student's transcript when, having successfully completed all
degree requirements, the student is awarded the degree.
Requirements for Students Changing Programs
1. Students changing programs must meet all course
requirements of their new program, unless the program
waives specific requirements.
2. Students who are changing programs pre-qualifying exam
must take the exam under the rules of their new program.
3. Students who are changing programs after passing their
qualifying exam in their prior program will not be required
to retake the qualifying exam.
Time Limitation for Completion of Programs
The purpose of this limitation is to avoid undue delay in the
completion of the degree requirements and to insure that course
work and research is not outdated before the degree is granted.
For the doctoral degree, no more than seven years may elapse
between initial admission and conferring of the degree. For the
master of science degree, no more than five years may elapse
between beginning of the program and conferral of the degree.
COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
If these time limits are exceeded, the degree is not awarded
unless there is permission by petition to the Dean of the College
of Graduate Studies.
Following the successful defense of a dissertation/thesis, a
student has six months to submit the dissertation/thesis to the
College and fulfill any other outstanding requirements.
Off Campus Limitation for Dissertation/Thesis
Completion
Students not in residence must complete their degree
requirements within six months of leaving the dissertation/thesis
research laboratory. If the six months is exceeded, the degree is
not awarded unless there is permission by petition to the Dean of
the College of Graduate Studies.
Work Outside of Upstate Medical University
Graduate students, who are seeking their Ph.D. degree and
receiving a stipend and tuition waiver, should only be working
another paid job under limited circumstances and with prior
approval. The conditions for approval are:
1. Student is in good academic standing;
2. Written approval has been obtained from the student's
dissertation advisor, the Program Director, and the Dean of
the College of Graduate Studies; and
3. The student will be performing a limited amount of paid
work that is directly related to their graduate education and/
or career development (e.g. to gain teaching experience).
These approvals must be renewed each semester.
Requesting a Leave of Absence
A student who wishes to request a leave of absence may obtain
the appropriate form from the Office of Graduate Studies. If
conditions warrant, a leave of absence for up to one year may be
granted. A leave of absence may be extended with the approval
of the Department Chair/Program Director, the Dean of the
College of Graduate Studies, and the Dean of Student Affairs.
A student's failure to respond to correspondence from the
College of Graduate Studies or failure to apprise the college of
his/her intent to return to his/her program of study will be reason
for the student's termination from the college.
Transfer
A student who wishes to transfer to another academic institution
should contact his/her department chair/program director and
the Office of Graduate Studies. Forms can be obtained from the
Office of Graduate Studies. This procedure is necessary to be
considered for transfer status.
Withdrawal from the College
A student who wishes to withdraw from the College of
Graduate Studies should inform the Department Chairman/
Program Director and the Office of Graduate Studies, in writing.
Forms can be obtained in the Office of Graduate Studies. This
procedure is necessary to be considered "officially" withdrawn.
Degree Award
The Upstate Medical University has three graduation dates, one
each in January, May and August. There is, however, only one
commencement ceremony for all three graduation dates which
occurs in May. To be eligible for the conferral of the degree, all
degree requirements, including the successful defense of the
dissertation/thesis and its final preparation for binding, must be
completed by that graduation date's deadline. The
COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
deadlines are as follows: December 22 for January, May 1 for
May, and August 13 for August respectively. Students must also
participate in an exit interview with the College of Graduate
Studies.
Travel
The College of Graduate Studies provides a limited amount of
travel awards of up to $500 to graduate students presenting their
work at scientific meetings. Request for Travel Funding forms
can be obtained in the Office of Graduate Studies. Requests for
travel funding should be submitted before the travel occurs.
NON-MATRICULATED STUDENTS
The non-matriculated student category designates students
who are taking courses in the College of Graduate Studies
but who are not matriculated in a program. To be eligible for
registration in a graduate course as a non-matriculated student,
the candidate must have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited
college or university and meet the prerequisite requirement
for the course(s) the candidate wishes to take. Furthermore,
the candidate will be responsible for obtaining approval from
the Department Chair(s)/Program Director(s) and Course
Instructor(s). Final approval must be obtained from the Dean
of the College of Graduate Studies. Due to space limitations,
priority for non-matriculated student status will be given to
Upstate Medical University employees, students matriculated
in the University's other colleges, and bonafide students
matriculated at other accredited colleges and universities.
Non-matriculated students can take only two 500 level courses
through the College of Graduate Studies. Registration forms are
obtained at the Office of Graduate Studies.
Course Work Taken by Students Having NonMatriculated Status
The College of Graduate Studies will not automatically accept
for credit any course work taken by students having nonmatriculated status at the Upstate Medical University, College
of Graduate Studies, who subsequently matriculate into the
graduate program. However, upon written petition to the Dean,
the student may request that such course work, if applicable to
the student's program of study, be applied to the student's record,
and the course grade be calculated in the cumulative GPA.
COURSE ENROLLMENT
Registration
All matriculated students enrolled in the College of Graduate
Studies are required to register for at least one semester of each
calendar year. Students who do not register during a calendar
year (two consecutive semesters) may be withdrawn from
academic study. (Those who are on a formal, approved, leave of
absence are exempted from this requirement).
Audit
If a student desires to audit a course, permission must be
obtained from the course director and the Dean. The student is
required to complete necessary registration forms for the course
audit. Audits carry NO credit. There is an Audit Fee for students
not taking other course work.
Add/Drop/Withdraw
Adding – The decision to add a course must be made before
20% of the course is completed. An "Add/Drop/Audit" form is
obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies.
73
Drop – (Withdrawal from a course): If a course is dropped
before, and up to, the one-third mark of the course, the drop
action will not be recorded on the University transcript. If a
course is attended and dropped beyond the one-third mark of
classes held, the University transcript shall identify the drop
action as either "W/S" (Withdrew/Satisfactory), or "W/U"
(Withdrew/Unsatisfactory). W/U is regarded as a "failure" and
is included in the student's GPA until the course is completed or
re-taken with a passing grade. No academic credit will be given.
The grade given at the time of the withdrawal will accurately
reflect the student's level of academic achievement at that time.
Add/Drop requests must be approved by the student’s academic
advisor, the instructor of the course being added or dropped
and the chair/director of the department/program in which the
student is enrolled. For MD/PhD students, the signature of one
of the MD/PhD Co-Directors is also required. The completed
form is then returned to the Office of Graduate Studies for the
Dean’s approval.
Change in Credit Status
Credit to audit or audit to credit: The decision to change the
credit status of a course from credit to audit (no credit received)
or audit to credit must be made before 20% of the course is
completed. An Add/Drop/Audit form is obtained from the
Office of Graduate Studies. Requests for change in course credit
status must be approved by the student’s academic advisor,
the instructor of the course, the Chair/Program Director of the
program in which the student is enrolled, and the Dean of the
College of Graduate Studies. The completed Add/Drop/Audit
form is returned to the Office of Graduate Studies.
Drop/Add Change in Credit Status Fee
A $20 fee will be charged for each change in credit status fee
transaction occurring after the defined period has ended. This
fee is assessed for the additional workload the drop/add activity
creates in the Registrar, Bursar, and Student accounts areas. The
defined period is no later than ten academic days following the
first day of the semester.
Transfer of Credits
Credits taken at other institutions, the grades of which are "B"
or better, may be transferred to the Upstate Medical University
upon approval by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
Transfer of credits toward a degree program at Upstate Medical
University is requested by the department chair/program
director of the student's area of study for advanced students, and
requested by the Advisory Committee for first year students.
Twenty semester hours of transfer credits may be accepted to
meet graduation requirements in the doctoral programs. Six
semester hours of transfer credit may be accepted to meet
graduation requirements for a masters degree. By petition to the
Dean, a limited number of additional credits can be approved for
transfer.
ACADEMIC EVALUATION AND
PROMOTION
Grading System
The grading system includes passing grades of "A", "A-", "B+",
"B", "B-", "C+", "C", "C-", "D+", "D", "D-", "S" and failing
grades of "F" and "U", "XF" and an "Incomplete". "F" and "U"
are failing grades and are included in the student's GPA. The
Incomplete grade, as used in this College, may be changed to
another grade at the discretion of the instructor, or it can remain
on the record as a final grade indicating incomplete work. The
Incomplete carries no credit.
74
A minimum course grade of "C" is required for graduate
credit. An overall "B" average (3.0 grade point average) must
be maintained. A grade of "B" may be required for particular
courses as determined by department chairs/program directors.
Grades in dissertation/thesis research credit hours (designated
as the 700 series) are not included in the GPA. Other courses,
as approved by the Graduate Council, which are evaluated
"satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory" are also not included in the
GPA if successfully completed but may be credited towards
fulfilling the didactic requirements of a student's degree
program.
Research Courses which are not graded in the letter system
are evaluated "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". Satisfactory
indicates performance of sufficiently high quality for credit to be
assigned.
Grade Appeal Process
The purpose of the grade appeal process is to protect the
rights of both the student in earning a grade and the faculty in
assigning a grade. Whereas it is recognized that faculty have the
right to use their professional judgment both subjectively and
objectively in determining a student’s grade based on academic
performance, faculty have the responsibility to award the grade
in a uniform manner based on established expectations and
criteria for academic (including clinical) performance. And,
whereas it is recognized that students have the right to appeal
a grade that has seemingly been awarded in an arbitrary and
capricious manner, students have the responsibility to accept the
faculty members professional judgment about quality of work
and to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the faculty and the
University.
1. Scope
a. The grade appeal process is not intended to deal with
concerns about the general conduct or instruction of the
course.
b. Grades assigned as a result of a found violation of the
Student Code of Conduct can not be appealed through
this process. Rather, the appeal is through the process
delineated in the Student Code of Conduct.
c. Only final course grades can be appealed; however,
individual assignments can be evidence if it can be
shown that the grade earned on a given assignment
resulted in a lower final grade.
2. Application - Students may appeal a grade based on the
following reasons:
a. The grade awarded is based other than upon academic
or clinical performance as outlined in the syllabus.
b. The grade awarded was not calculated according to the
prior established guidelines set forth by the faculty and
distributed to students.
c. The standards for determining the grade were more
demanding and rigorous than for other students.
d. The grade awarded was calculated on false or
erroneous information.
3. Provisions
a. The burden of proof rests with the student to
demonstrate that the final grade was awarded
inappropriately.
b. A formal appeal can not be accepted until the informal
appeal has been exhausted.
c. Falsification or fabrication of information to support
an appeal is subject to disciplinary action under the
Student Code of Conduct.
COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
d. Informal Appeal – the student meets with the faculty or
course coordinator in the case of multiple instructors.
If a resolution is reached, the faculty submits a grade
form to the Registrar’s Office to record the grade
change. If no resolution is reached, the student may
submit a formal appeal. In most cases the discussion
between the student and the instructor should suffice
and the matter should not need to be carried further.
4. Formal Appeal - The formal appeal is submitted in writing
to the Dean of the College from which the course was
taken. The Dean will refer the appeal to the Department
Chair, or designee if necessary, for mediation of the
disagreement between the student and the faculty. If
mediation brings forth a resolution, the Department Chair
will notify the Registrar in writing of such and indicate the
final grade to be awarded. If mediation does not bring forth
a resolution, the appeal is reviewed by the Dean. The Dean,
or designee if necessary, will review the appeal and make
a final and binding determination of the grade awarded.
While the Dean does not need to convene a formal appeals
committee, it is expected that the Dean will consult with
the student, the faculty, and the Department Chair before
making a determination of the grade awarded. If the Dean’s
decision results in a grade change, the Dean will notify the
Registrar in writing of such and indicate the final grade to
be awarded.
Deficient Grades
A deficient grade may be remediated by repeating and passing
the course in its entirety, or as prescribed, by the course
coordinator in concert with the department chair/program
director of the program of study in which the student is enrolled.
This must be done no later than the next academic year or the
next time the course is offered.
Upon completion of the repeated course, the previous grade
received is deleted from the cumulative GPA, but remains on the
student’s transcript.
ADVISING AGREEMENT
An Advising Agreement, which outlines certain responsibilities
of both the faculty advisor and the student, has been created to
clarify the roles of students and the dissertation/thesis advisor. A
copy of the agreement should be reviewed between the advisor
and student after the student has committed to a specific lab.
QUALIFYING EXAMINATION
The student becomes a candidate for the doctoral degree after
passing a qualifying examination administered by a committee
of the graduate school.
Framework for the Qualifying Examination
The qualifying examination will have a written and an oral
component. A grant proposal will be the unifying element
of the qualifying exam for all departments and programs as
follows. The student must write a grant proposal in the style
of a 2008-2009 Kirschstein Pre-doctoral Award application, or
equivalent. Specifically, it must include a set of hypotheses and
specific aims, a critical summary of the relevant literature and
significance of the study, and the methods and experimental
design used to achieve the aims. Inclusion of relevant
preliminary data generated by the student is optional.
Information conveyed by the student in the written proposal
must fully conform to NIH guidelines for ethical behavior in
research.
COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
At their discretion, an individual program may elect to include
additional requirements in the written exam, such as an
expanded Background and Significance section of the grant
proposal or a written question that is defined by the Qualifying
Examination Committee. The format for the examination is to be
used for all students in their Department or Program; i.e., neither
the Qualifying Examination Committees nor the Program
director are at liberty to change the format of the examination
on a student-by-student basis. Each department/program format
must be approved by the Graduate Council and the Dean.
The composition of the Qualifying Examination Committee, the
format of the oral examination, and voting by members of the
Committee at the conclusion of the exam will be as currently
defined by the College of Graduate Studies and the Department
or Program.
Qualifying Examination for Students in Doctoral
Programs
1. Prerequisites
a. Each doctoral program shall define required courses
and other prerequisites which must be satisfactorily
completed prior to the qualifying examination.
b. In addition to these minimal requirements, the student's
advisor may establish other prerequisites appropriate
to the course of study undertaken by the individual
student.
2. Scheduling - The graduate program in which the student
is enrolled shall schedule the examination for the end of
the student's second year (or soon thereafter); exceptions
require approval by the Dean.
3. Committee Composition and Conduct of the Examination
The examining committee shall consist of at least six
persons, with the Advisor being one member of the
committee, appointed by the Dean on recommendation of
the student's advisor and department chair/program director.
No more than half of the committee may have their primary
appointments in the same department. The chairperson
of the examining committee shall not be a member of the
student's department/program, but must be a member of the
Graduate Faculty Organization.
The advisor and student, in consultation with all the other
committee members, will determine dates and times at
which they can all participate in the exam. These dates and
times must be communicated by the dissertation advisor,
in writing, to each committee member who, in turn,
must confirm in writing his/her continued commitment
to participate. If a committee member cannot devote the
required hours on the dates and times specified, either
that committee member must be replaced with another
faculty member approved by the Dean or other dates and/
or times must be selected which allows all the committee
members to fully attend. If a committee member later finds
he/she cannot fully participate in the entire exam and it is
not feasible to find a replacement, the oral exam can go
forth with a few as four committee members, one of which
must be the dissertation advisor, provided the remaining
committee members and the student agree to do so.
4. Nature of Program-Specific Qualifying Examination
The examination shall cover areas appropriate to the
student's training and research interests. The student
shall provide a list of his/her undergraduate and graduate
courses and training, and a brief summary of any research
undertaken, at the time the request for examination is made.
75
At the discretion of the candidate's program, the
examination may consist of a written examination, an oral
examination, or both. If no format has been specified by
the student's program, both written and oral parts of the
examination will be given.
a. Written Examination: Students should refer to their
department/program for specific details regarding the
format of the qualifying examination.
b. Oral Examination: The committee shall meet at the
call of the chairperson within two weeks after the
completion of the written section at which time the
student shall be examined orally. At the end of the oral
examination, the student shall be evaluated on the basis
of his/her performance on both the oral and written
sections, and the committee shall take action as outlined
below.
5. Voting Procedures
a. Each member of the examining committee, including
the chairperson, is entitled to one vote. For a committee
member's vote to be counted, he/she must have
participated in the entire exam and his/her vote must be
cast in person. Each department/program may, as part of
their approved format, elect to disqualify the advisor as
a voting member of the committee.
b. To reach a decision on any of the motions listed below,
more than one-half of the committee members present
must approve the motion. The vote shall be by ballot or
roll call at the discretion of the chairperson.
Motions:
i) Approve
ii) Approve with Honors (unanimous decision)
iii) Approved pending completion of
recommendation(s)
iv) Delay final action for no more than thirty days for
further examination or in order to take other action
deemed appropriate by the examining committee.
Further examination, may be either written, oral,
or both. Should the committee delay decision for
reexamination or other appropriate action, final
decision to approve or disapprove under this
section rests with the examining committee.
v) Failure
Student must receive four passing votes to successfully
complete the exam.
6. Additional Policies
a. Although the student's program or department
may administer a departmental oral or written
examination prior to the official graduate school
qualifying examination, the results of the departmental
examination shall not be considered a part of the
graduate school examination.
b. If the committee delays action following an
examination for the purpose of reexamining or other
appropriate action, these actions shall not be considered
as representing a failure.
c. If a student is failed by the committee, he/she may be
reexamined by a new committee after a minimum of 30
days but no more than 90 days.
d. Failure on two qualifying examinations shall result in
automatic dismissal from the doctoral program at the
end of the current semester. However, the department
76
COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
may petition to the Dean for permission to allow the
student to continue toward the Master of Science
degree.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN
(CDP)
To assist in the guidance of a student's career planning, the
Career Development Plan (CDP) has been created. The CDP
provides a planning process that identifies both professional
development needs and career objectives, and serves as a
communication tool between faculty advisors and graduate
students. The Plan is intended for the student mentor and
student to develop together during the first year in the lab, then
update annually. The updated Plan should be shared with the
Dissertation/Thesis Committee prior to one of the biannual
meetings for discussion at the meeting.
DISSERTATION/THESIS
Guidance of Dissertation/Thesis Research
The dissertation/thesis advisor has responsibility for the
supervision of dissertation/thesis research. As soon as the
research project is begun (normally within two years of entering
the program) the advisor and the student shall select the
student's Advisory Committee consisting of at least two faculty
consultants. The faculty consultants shall meet with the advisor
and the student at least twice a year to evaluate the progress
of the research and to make any necessary recommendations.
Within one week of each meeting, the Chair of the Committee
should complete the report form. The form must be reviewed
and signed by all members of the Advisory Committee before
submission to the Director of the Parent Graduate Program. A
copy of the final report should be sent to each member of the
committee, the student, and the College of Graduate Studies.
The advisor may select additional faculty consultants in the
course of the project.
Format of Dissertation/Thesis
An essential requirement for the Master's or Doctoral degree
from the College of Graduate Studies is the successful
completion of a written dissertation/thesis followed by an oral
defense. In keeping with the high academic and educational
objectives of the College of Graduate Studies, the dissertation/
thesis should constitute a cohesive scholarly work that reflects
a student's original writing and independent research with a
thorough understanding of the field of study. The dissertation/
thesis should include a review of the relevant scientific literature
that establishes the context in which the student's research work
may be assessed. It should include a record of his/her laboratory
experience and his/her intellectual contributions to the field.
It should be clearly written and follow standards of superior
scientific scholarship.
The "College of Graduate Studies Policy for the Written
Dissertation" may be obtained from the Graduate Studies Office,
Weiskotten Hall, Room 3122.
Defense of Dissertation/Thesis Committee
Composition – Ph.D.
The examining committee shall consist of at least six persons,
with the Advisor being one member of the committee. The
committee must be approved by the Advisor, Program Director
or Department Chair, and the Dean who will select the chair
of the committee. Three or more departments of this or other
qualified institutions shall be represented and not more than half
of the committee may be selected from persons with primary
appointments in the same department. One member should be
a recognized authority in the field of the dissertation research
from another institution; however, upon petition to the dean, the
requirement may be waived for good reason. The chairperson
of the examining committee shall not be on the faculty of the
department or program in which the student is enrolled but must
hold an appointment with the Graduate Faculty Organization.
Note: The MD/PhD program requires a faculty member from
the MD/PhD Admissions and Advising Committee to serve on
each MD/PhD student's dissertation defense committee. The
student should contact the most appropriate member based on
their research.
M.S.
The examining committee shall consist of at least three
members, with the Advisor being one member of the committee.
At least three members must be present at the defense. The
committee members shall be appointed by the Dean on the
recommendation of the advisor. The total committee shall
represent two or more departments of this or other qualified
institutions, and not more than two-thirds of the committee
members shall be from the student's department. The
chairperson of the examining committee shall not be on the
faculty of the student's graduate program but must be a member
of the Graduate Faculty Organization.
Scheduling of Defense and Acceptability of
Dissertation/Thesis
The dissertation/thesis advisor and student, in consultation with
all the other committee members, will determine a date and time
at which they can all attend the entire defense proceeding which
could be as long as four to five hours. This date and time must
be communicated by the dissertation/thesis advisor, in writing,
to each committee member who, in turn must confirm in writing
his/her continued commitment to attend. If a committee member
cannot devote the required hours on the date and time specified,
either that committee member must be replaced with another
faculty member approved by the Dean or another date and/or
time must be selected which allows all the committee members
to fully attend. Having determined the dissertation/thesis date
and time, if a committee member later finds he/she cannot
fully participate and it is not feasible to find a replacement, the
defense can go forth with as few as four committee members,
one of which must be the dissertation/thesis advisor, provided
the remaining committee members and the student agree to do
so.
The chair/director of the student's department/program can
choose to attend the defense as an observer. He/She can neither
participate in the closed-door evaluation discussion nor in the
voting. Any questions the department chair/program director
might have about the procedure (as distinguished from the
evaluation) must be addressed to the chair of the defense
committee after the student leaves the examination room but
before the final vote. If in the rare case these concerns about
the procedure cannot be resolved, the defense will continue
as usual with the committee's final vote remaining unofficial
pending a review of the department chair's/program director's
concerns by the Dean.
The dissertation/thesis, in final form, shall be submitted to the
committee members two weeks prior to the defense.
Nature of the Defense
The defense shall consist of an oral presentation of the most
important findings and of questions by the examiners to establish
the validity and significance of the dissertation/thesis submitted,
as well as the candidate's ability to explain and defend his/
COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
her methods, findings and conclusions. The dissertation/thesis
seminar shall be open to interested individuals. The voting is
closed, however, with only the committee participating.
Voting Procedures
1. Each member of the examining committee, including
the chairperson, is entitled to one vote. For a committee
member's vote to be counted, he/she must have participated
in the entire defense.
2. To reach a decision on any of the motions listed below,
more than one-half of the committee members present must
approve the motion. The vote shall be by ballot or roll call
at the discretion of the chairperson.
Motions for Dissertation Defense (Ph.D.)
a) Approve
b) Approve with Honors*
c) Approved pending completion of recommendations.
d) Disapprove with recommendation for additional
specified work to correct designated deficiencies.
e) Failure
The future status of the student is determined by
graduate council.
Student must receive four passing votes to successfully
complete the exam
*"With Honors" requires a high quality performance in each
of the four elements of the dissertaion defense: the oral
presentation (seminar), oral defense, quality of dissertation
writing and quality of research. To determine whether this level
of performance has been achieved, each of these categories will
be graded separately as follows: (0) Failure, (1) Inadequate, (2)
Pass, (3) Above Average, (4) Outstanding. A final score will be
determined from the average of these grades.
Students achieving an outstanding grade (3.75 or higher) will
be awarded the "With Honors" designation.
Motions for Thesis Defense (M.S.)
a) Approve
b) Approve with Honors (Unanimous Decision)
c) Approve pending completion of recommendation
d) Disapprove with recommendation for additional,
specified work to correct designated deficiencies.
e) Failure
Student must receive two passing votes to successfully
complete the exam.
Final Requirements
Before the degree can be awarded, the student must deposit
five copies of the completed, approved, dissertation/thesis (the
original plus four duplicates) with a completed Binding Form
to the College of Graduate Studies' Dean's Office. The bound
original plus one duplicate of the dissertation/thesis will remain
in the library, one bound duplicate will become the property of
the student's program. One bound duplicate is for the student's
advisor, and one bound duplicate is for the student. In addition,
an electronic pdf of the entire dissertation/thesis shall be
submitted with the printed copies.
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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy
Degree
Candidates for the Ph.D. degree in the biomedical sciences
function under the general administration of the College of
Graduate Studies and the direct supervision of the faculty of this
College. Programs must comply with the requirements for an
advanced degree set by the Graduate Council and the Graduate
Faculty Organization of the College of Graduate Studies.
A total of 90 credit hours is required for the Ph.D. degree.
A minimum of 30 credit hours is devoted to research and a
minimum of 30 credit hours must be taken in didactic course
work.
Residency
For the Doctor of Philosophy degree, at least one year (24 credit
hours earned during a single academic year) must be spent in
residence at the Upstate Medical University campus. A student
must be registered in the semester which he/she defends his/her
thesis/dissertation.
Teaching
The receipt of a graduate student stipend is not dependent upon
the student's teaching undergraduate or lower level graduate
courses. However, recognizing that some teaching experience is
essential for the mastery of a discipline and for the training of
future instructors at the university level, numerous opportunities
are made available for the students to gain teaching experience,
and they are strongly encouraged to do so. Although for most
students the teaching experience is currently voluntary, all
departments do reserve the right to require their students to gain
at least a modicum of teaching experience for the reasons given
above. Some departments expect its advanced graduate students
to spend some time assisting the faculty in instructing more
junior graduate students and medical students in some scheduled
laboratories.
Requirement for the Master of Science Degree
Applicants for the M.S. degree must have a bachelor’s degree
or its equivalent. Undergraduate courses in physics, inorganic
and organic chemistry, and biology are usually required as
prerequisites, as well as courses deemed appropriate by the
various departments or programs. Requirements for the master’s
degree include the following:
1. Satisfactory completion of at least 20 semester hours of
course work and 10 semester hours of thesis work or a
minimum total of 30 semester hours.
2. Preparation of a thesis based upon data derived from an
experiment originating with the student in conjunction with
his advisor. (In highly selected cases, with the approval
of the Dean following recommendation by the student's
department chair/program director, a literature review
might be presented.)
3. Successful completion of a written thesis followed by an
oral defense. The College of Graduate Studies does not
maintain a residency requirement for the master’s degree.
Requirements for the MD/PhD Program
The MD/PhD candidate must be formally accepted by the
appropriate MD/PhD Admissions Committee. A minimum of six
didactic credit hours must be taken by the MD/PhD candidate
in addition to those didactic courses for which multiple credits
is given in the combined program/department. As part of the
minimum 30 didactic credit hours required for the PhD Degree,
24 credit hours may be transferred from medical school courses.
78
Specific MD/PhD program requirements are outlined in the
description of the MD/PhD program in the College of Medicine
section of this handbook. MD/PhD students are also subject
to the academic policies of the College of Graduate Studies as
outlined in this handbook.
ASSESSMENT POLICY
Students are asked to assess various aspects of the College of
Graduate Studies and Upstate Medical University throughout
their graduate studies and subsequently as an alumni. For
accreditation purposes, we continually evaluate our program for
quality. Anonymous (non-personal) information will be reported
in aggregate, which is not associated to a specific personal
identity.
GRADUATE STUDENT
EMPLOYEES UNION
Graduate students of the Upstate Medical University who
hold teaching assistantships (TA's) and graduate assistantships
(GA's) are represented by the Graduate Student Employees
Union, a subsidiary of the Communication Workers of America.
The Graduate Student Employees Union deals strictly with
employment related matters as GA's and TA's are considered
employees of the state as well as students. However, the
university maintains the right to determine academic issues such
as admissions standards, course offerings, course content, degree
requirements, evaluation of students, assignment of students,
and the discipline and discharge of students. An important
benefit gained by graduate students through the GSEU is a
health insurance program for themselves and their families.
GA's and TA's also receive other benefits including regular
stipend increases.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Introduction
Upstate Medical University strives to select students who
possess the intelligence, integrity, and personal and emotional
characteristics that are considered necessary to become effective
health professionals or biomedical scientists.
Students admitted to the University should have the intellectual
and physical abilities to acquire the knowledge, behaviors,
and skills taught in each program of study. The curricula are
designed to provide the general education necessary for the
students selected field. Students will learn the fundamental
principles, develop critical judgement, and apply principles and
skills wisely in solving scientific and health related problems.
Curricular goals have been developed to fulfill these objectives
and to prepare graduates to pursue further education, if desired.
In addition to satisfactory academic performance in all
coursework, students are expected to fulfill the non-academic
essential functions of the curriculum in a reasonably independent
manner. These functions are specified by the physical, cognitive,
and behavioral standards (referred to collectively as technical
standards) necessary for the completion of the program.
The Upstate Medical University will consider for admission
and advancement any individual able to perform pursuant
to the standards, which are used as guidelines. Reasonable
accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with a
disability in accordance with applicable laws and policies, while
maintaining the integrity of program standards. Requests for
accommodations will be determined on a case by case basis.
Upstate Medical University requires a background check of
incoming students and employees.
COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
College of Graduate Studies Technical Standards:
The College of Graduate Studies’ curricula are designed to
provide formal Ph.D. or M.S. education in one of six fields of
study (anatomy and cell biology, biochemistry and molecular
biology, microbiology and immunology, neuroscience,
pharmacology, and physiology). Each field requires a broad
general background, as well as in-depth research and academic
training necessary to produce biomedical research scientists in
these areas of study. Included in this educational process are
opportunities to prepare students to teach knowledge of his/her
research area.
Technical Standards:
1. Acquire information presented through demonstrations,
lectures, laboratory, and other types of experience in each
area of training.
2. Acquire information from written documents and
computer-information systems (including literature
searches and data retrieval) and identify information
presented in images from paper, films, slides, or video.
3. Employ the different methods of scientific inquiry of each
area of study, interpret the data and information gathered,
and use these methods to create new knowledge.
4. Communicate effectively and efficiently with colleagues,
individually and in groups, as called for under the
circumstances.
5. Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and
problem solve using scientific information, including the
comprehension and understanding of three-dimensional
relationships.
6. Teach, prepare and give scientific presentations (e.g.
seminars, poster sessions), write and evaluate scientific
papers and grant proposals, and conduct an independent
research program.
7. Adhere to the integrity and ethical standards of the
scientific process.
8. Exhibit a high level of maturity and professionalism
expected of a research scientist.
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
COLLEGE OF
HEALTH
PROFESSIONS
79
80
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
PHILOSOPHY
"The mission of the College of Health Professions is the
education of highly skilled health professionals who serve the
needs of society in selected areas of health care. This mission is
enhanced through faculty service, scholarship, and healthcare."
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
All administrators, faculty, students, and staff mutually
recognize the right of each to be treated in a respectful manner.
All should demonstrate objectivity, equity and confidentiality,
impartiality and compassion in their dealing with others.
Behavior such as racial or sexual harassment, undue criticism,
sarcasm, public humiliation and insensitivity to the feelings of
individuals or the community at large is inappropriate. All agree
that the perception of these behaviors makes them real to the
observer. While civility may be the minimum expectation in all
interactions, collegiality is the preferred goal - more in keeping
with the desires and expectations of all campus citizens.
Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation,
color, creed, age, national origin, handicap, marital status,
or status as disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era is
contrary to University policy and cannot be tolerated.
Please refer to the Upstate Pledge for more details regarding
expectations regarding professional conduct.
http://www.upstate.edu/hr/document/upstate_pledge.pdf
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Unprofessional Behavior
If a student continues to display what a course instructor
considers to be unprofessional behavior in the classroom,
laboratory, or clinical setting, the course instructor may take the
following sequential actions.
1. Verbal warning from the course instructor.
2. Confirmation of the unprofessional behavior by a second
party.
3. Written warning.
4. Meeting with the course instructor and department chair
with documentation in writing stating the remedial behavior
needed and the consequences for failing to remediate
behavior. Failure to remediate may result in referral to
the judicial process for violations of the Student Code of
Conduct, or recommendation to the Student Evaluation
Committee for behavioral probation for failure to meet the
behavioral expectations of the department or profession.
5. Determination of whether it is a violation of the Student
Code of Conduct or a failure to meet the professional
behavioral standards of the health profession or both.
6. Referral to judicial process.
Note:
1. There should be chronological documentation of
actions taken and the student response in the student’s
departmental file.
2. Extenuating circumstances may necessitate acceleration of
this process.
Student Records and Transcripts
Student education records are confidential and are released only
to appropriate faculty and administrative offices. Release of such
records to any other college, prospective employer, or agency
occurs only with the written permission of the student except to
the extent authorized under FERPA. The Office of the Registrar
does not release student addresses or phone numbers unless
81
these appear in the student directory or except as to the extent
provided by FERPA to do so without written consent. Official
transcripts cannot be given to the student; they must be sent
directly to the college, institution, or final recipient. Transcripts
cannot be sent for any student whose financial obligations to the
University have not been met. Students may obtain unofficial
copies of transcripts from the Office of the Registrar.
As stipulated in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
of 1974 (section 513 of PL 93 – 380 and amended by section 2
of 93 – 568) any student may make an appointment with a staff
member in the Registrar's Office or the appropriate office that
maintains the record to review his/her educational records.
Academic Advisement
All matriculated students will be required to meet with their
academic advisor (or a program faculty member) during the first
semester of attendance.
Transitional DPT students must complete and sign a program
of study prior to enrollment. Any changes to the program of
study must be done in writing and must contain the requisite
signatures.
All matriculated students in a program proposing a curriculum
change must be notified in writing of the change two weeks
prior to the Curriculum Committee meeting at which the change
is to be proposed. Student notification is the responsibility of the
program.
Faculty may implement degree requirement changes without
consent if they also provide course alternatives, substitutions,
or options which would permit the student to complete
requirements in the usual time span. If the Curriculum
Committee of the General Assembly determines that changes to
the students’ Program of Study will affect either the students’
ability to graduate in the normal time frame or increase the total
course requirements, then the proposed change must have all the
affected students’ signatures affixed to the change prior to the
Curriculum Committee vote indicating their acceptance of the
proposed change.
Residency Requirements for Undergraduates
Only
To be considered for a degree from the College of Health
Professions Upstate Medical University, the student must be
matriculated in a program. A minimum of 24 credit hours
must be taken at Upstate Medical University, and credit by
examination cannot be used as a residency requirement. Students
are expected to complete the program in the required period of
time and in sequence; exceptions will be considered by petition
through the Academic Dean’s Office. Programs may have
additional residency requirements. Consult individual programs
for this information.
Matriculation
A matriculated student is one who has been accepted into a
degree granting program in the College of Health Professions
and who has completed the registration process for the current
academic term.
The admission requirements for each degree granting program
are established by the appropriate program and the Curriculum
Committee and the General Assembly of the College.
In individual cases, a program’s admissions committee
may permit a student to complete one or more admission
requirements as part of an extended/modified program of study,
and still be considered matriculated in the program.
82
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
Non-Matriculated Students
Qualified non-matriculated students may take courses from the
College of Health Professions, provided space is available. The
following steps are required of all such students:
1. Show evidence of completion of all course pre-requisites at
the time of seeking the instructor’s approval.
2. Receive written permission of the course instructor and
program director, if needed (on add/drop form).
3. Submit the completed Add/Drop form, and a completed
registration form to the Office of the Registrar.
4. Pay appropriate tuition and fees at the Office of the Bursar.
Note: No more than nine credits may be earned as a nonmatriculated student without special approval of the Dean of the
College. A student may take no more than two courses totaling
no more than eight credit hours per semester without the special
permission of the Dean of the College.
Part-Time Study Options for Undergraduates
At the discretion of the Department in which the student is
enrolled, the student may have the option of part-time status for
completion of his/her program of study.
Once matriculated, students selecting this option may take a
maximum of 11 credit hours per semester at the undergraduate
level. A minimum of one course per semester must be taken in
order to maintain part-time status.
In order to register for courses, part-time students must meet
with their faculty advisors each semester to obtain the advisor’s
written approval of courses prior to registration for the
subsequent semester. A minimum of 12 credits of coursework
must be taken in each calendar year to maintain part-time status.
(See Change in Student Status).
Part-Time Study Option for Graduate Students
At the discretion of the Department in which the student is
enrolled, the student may have the option of a part-time status
for completion of his/her program of study.
Once matriculated, graduate students enrolled in a traditionally
full-time program who select this option, may take a maximum
of eight credit hours per semester. A minimum of one course per
semester must be taken in order to maintain part-time status.
In order to enroll for courses, part-time students must meet
with their faculty advisors each semester to obtain the advisor’s
written approval of courses prior to registration for the
subsequent semester. Transfer from part-time to full-time status
or vice versa is done with the written approval of the Dean and
academic advisor.
Time Limitations for Completion of a Program of
Study- Admissions
Former students of the College of Health Professions who are
applying for readmission to the college will be reviewed by the
programs Admissions Committee. If the student is readmitted
into the program, credit for all previous academic course(s)
work will be evaluated prior to registration. The evaluation will
be conducted by the Admissions Committee in conjunction with
the appropriate course instructors. Prior to approving advanced
standing for course work previously taken at the Upstate
Medical University or transfer credit from other institutions,
the Committee may require that the student demonstrate current
knowledge or competency in the subject area. The method
of assessment will vary according to the individual student
circumstances. The student may be required to: have an
interview with the course instructor; submit course descriptions
and outlines from courses taken at other universities or colleges;
take oral exams; take clinical exams; or apply for credit by
examination.
For those students who are presently matriculated in the College
of Health Professions, but who have been on a leave of absence
or have sufficiently lengthened their course of study to be
of concern, it is the responsibility of the Student Evaluation
Committee to assure that the student finishes the program
of study in a timely fashion. Requests for a leave of absence
beyond one year or requests for extended part-time study
or other such situations where a student’s curriculum would
be protracted, must be approved by the Student Evaluation
Committee prior to the implementation of such a program.
Time Limitation for Completion of Programs
The purpose of this limitation is to avoid undue delay in the
completion of the degree requirements and to insure that course
work and research are not outdated before the degree is granted.
Programs must be completed within a time period not greater
than 2 1/2 times the standard curriculum length from the date
of matriculation. If this time limit is exceeded, the degree will
not be conferred unless permission is granted by the Student
Evaluation Committee following a student petition to the Dean
of the College.
All students enrolled in the College must complete their program
of study according to the schedule established with their faculty
advisor and on file with the Registrar. The faculty advisor will
notify the Dean of the College and the Registrar if the student is
not maintaining progress according to his/her schedule.
Professional (Entry Level) Doctor of Physical
Therapy
The Professional (Entry Level) Doctor of Physical Therapy
degree candidates must complete all the graduate requirements
outlined in the program of study within five years from the date
of matriculation.
Post Professional (T-DPT) Doctor of Physical
Therapy (last class admitted 6/2013)
All Post Professional (T-DPT) Doctor of Physical Therapy
degree candidates must complete the core portion of the T-DPT
curriculum within three years or within three program cycles,
whichever is later.
T-DPT degree candidates with a credit requirement of 15-30
hours must complete their degree within five years.
T-DPT students may take no more than five elective credits
before enrolling in PHYT 682 (Evidence-Based Practice and
Decision Making).
T-DPT degree candidates with a credit requirement of 31-50
hours must complete their degree within seven years.
Masters Level Programs
For the Master Level programs, all degree requirements are to
be completed within five years from the date of matriculation.
All students enrolled in the College of Health Professions must
complete their program of study according to the schedule
established with their faculty advisor and on file with the
Registrar. The faculty advisor will notify the Dean of the
College and the Registrar if the student is not maintaining
progress according to his/her schedule. If the time limit for
completion of the degree is exceeded, the above degrees will not
be conferred unless permission is granted by the Dean following
a recommendation from the Student Evaluation Committee.
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
Change in Student Status
Adding/Dropping/Withdrawing from a Course
Students are normally full-time unless they are admitted as parttime or extended curriculum. Any change in status requested by
the student must be approved by the department chair.
Add/Drop Period
Requesting a Leave of Absence
Any student desiring a leave of absence from the College of
Health Professions will complete the following:
1. Request a leave (in writing) on the College Leave of
Absence form obtained from the Office of the Registrar.
The request should include:
a. the length of time desired for the leave (up to one year)
b. reasons for the request
c. all required signatures
d. mailing address while on leave
2. Obtain approval from department chair.
3. Seek approval from the Bursar's Office, Financial Aid
Office, Residential Life, and Office of Registrar.
4. The student should continue coursework (barring any
emergency) until the leave of absence is approved.
5. While on a leave of absence, a student may not register
for new courses, complete courses previously taken, or do
remedial work (such as take a re-examination for a course)
at the Upstate Medical University.
Returning from a Leave
A student desiring to return from a leave of absence must:
1. Notify the Office of the Registrar in writing at least one
month before the expected return date.
2. Meet with the department/program chair or designee to
schedule courses for the academic year.
3. Notify the Student Health Office and update health records
if necessary.
Failure to return from a leave of absence as indicated in the
terms of the leave of absence will result in an administrative
withdrawal. An administrative withdrawal is a terminal
separation from Upstate Medical University.
Withdrawal from the College
A student who wishes to withdraw from the College should
complete the appropriate withdrawal form. Approval to
withdraw should be obtained from the Bursar's Office, Financial
Aid Office, Residential Life, and Student Services. Only upon
completion of this form, with all the approval signatures, will
a student be considered "officially" withdrawn. A student
who has withdrawn from the College may seek readmission
by reapplying through the Admissions Committee for his/her
particular program.
COURSE ENROLLMENT
Full-time students in a standard program of study are scheduled
for courses in their program of study by the Registrar's Office.
Any part-time student or student not following a standard
program of study will need to enroll in courses during the
advance enrollment period. In addition, any student who
wishes to modify their schedule or enroll in electives will need
to participate in the advance enrollment period. The dates for
the advance enrollment period are published in the Academic
Calendar.
83
The College of Health Professions has defined the Add/Drop
period as the first ten days of the fall and spring semesters and
the first five days of the summer semester. For courses that do
not begin on the first day of the semester, the Add/Drop period is
defined as the first 20% of the course contact hours.
Adding Courses
Starting with the first day of the semester, all adds are by
permission from the course instructor or department chairperson
of the course. Please note the course instructor or department
chairperson reserves the right to admit or exclude a person from
a course during the Add/Drop period. Therefore, adds must be
processed using an Add/Drop form and courses cannot be added
via MyUpstate. To add a course during the Add/Drop period:
1. Obtain the signature of the course instructor on the Add/
Drop form.
2. For matriculated students, obtain the signature of your
Academic Advisor or Department Chairperson.
3. Submit the completed Add/Drop form to the Registrar's
Office, Rm. 203, Campus Activities Building.
PLEASE NOTE: Switching from one section to another
section of the same course is considered the same as adding
and dropping a course. Therefore, the same process must
be followed to ensure that you are properly enrolled in your
courses.
Dropping Courses
It is important to recognize the difference between dropping and
withdrawing from a course, and that even though a course may
be dropped from your academic transcript, you may still have
a tuition liability. You may drop a course during the Add/Drop
period and no record of the course will appear on your academic
transcript. After the Add/Drop period has ended, the course is
not dropped from your academic transcript, but rather you are
withdrawn from the course. To drop a course during the Add/
Drop period:
1. Obtain the signature of the course instructor on the Add/
Drop form.
2. For matriculated students, obtain the signature of your
Academic Advisor or Department Chairperson.
3. Submit the completed Add/Drop form to the Registrar's
Office, Rm. 203, Campus Activities Building.
PLEASE NOTE: Switching from one section to another
section of the same course is considered the same as adding
and dropping a course. Therefore, the same process must
be followed to ensure that you are properly enrolled in your
courses.
Withdrawing from a Course
After the defined Add/Drop period, if you no longer want to
remain enrolled in a course, you need to withdraw from the
course. You will still have a tuition liability when you withdraw
from a course. The course will remain on the academic transcript
and a grade of "W", "WP", "WS", "WF", or "WU" will be
recorded on the academic transcript for the course, depending on
when during the semester you withdraw from the course. Refer
to the Academic Calendar for deadlines for tuition liability and
grading options. To withdraw from a course after the Add/Drop
period has ended:
1. Obtain the signature of the course instructor on the Add/Drop
form.
84
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
2. For matriculated students, obtain the signature of your
Academic Advisor or Department Chairperson.
3. Remit the late fee of $20.00 to the Bursar's Office, Rm. 200,
Campus Activities Building.
4. Submit the completed Add/Drop form to the Registrar's
Office, Rm. 203, Campus Activities Building.
PLEASE NOTE: Your schedule and your academic transcript
will only reflect an Add, a Drop, or a Withdrawal if the Add/
Drop form has been filed with the Registrar’s Office and
payment of any late fee has been made as applicable. You can
confirm an Add, a Drop, or a Withdrawal has been processed
by checking your schedule in MyUpstate or contacting the
Registrar’s Office. Failure to submit the Add/Drop form or to
pay the late fee, if applicable, will result in a final grade being
recorded as determined by the course grading policy. It is the
responsibility of the student to process a course add, drop, or
withdrawal, to adhere to the deadlines, and to remit the late fee
if applicable.
Add/Withdrawal Fee
A fee will be charged for each withdrawal/add transaction
occurring after the defined period has ended.
CHANGE IN CREDIT STATUS
The decision to change the credit status of a course from credit
to audit (no credit received) or audit to credit must be made
before 20% of the course is completed. An Add/Drop Form can
be obtained from the Registrar. Permission to make a change
in credit status must be obtained from the course instructor and
department chair/educational coordinator.
Audit
To audit a course a student must:
1. Complete an "audit" form available from the Registrar’s
Office.
2. On the Audit Form, obtain the following permissions:
a. The course instructor who, with the student,
may formulate a written agreement of the course
requirements.
b. The educational coordinator/department chair of the
division under whom the course is being taught.
c. The student’s educational coordinator/department chair.
3. Return the completed form to the Office of the Registrar.
Note: An audit fee will be charged for any student auditing
a course who is not otherwise enrolled as a student in the
University. No credit will be given and no record will be
maintained for an Audit course.
Graduate Transfer Credit Policy
Credits taken at other institutions may be transferred to the
Upstate Medical University. Transfer of credits toward a degree
program at Upstate Medical University must be approved by the
department chair.
Professional (Entry Level) Doctor of Physical
Therapy
Six semester hours of transfer credit may be accepted to meet
graduation requirements for a graduate degree. By petition to
the department chair and the Dean of the College of Health
Professions, a limited number of additional credits can be
approved for transfer.
Post Professional (T-DPT) Doctor of Physical
Therapy (last class admitted 6/2013)
Students entering with a Bachelor’s degree may transfer a
maximum of 25 credits. Students entering with a master’s degree
may transfer a maximum of 15 credits. Instructions for applying
for transfer credit are found in the portfolio instructions
Credit by Examination - Undergraduate
1. The College of Health Professions recognizes that some
students may have acquired skills and knowledge through
formal or independent studies or through experiences that
are essentially equivalent to those which students acquire in
college courses.
2. Matriculated students in the College may apply for credit
by examination in subjects which fulfill graduation
requirements for their program (refer to individual program
policies). Students should note that credits earned by this
method cannot be used to satisfy residency requirements.
3. Procedure:
a. Establish eligibility from the specific program.
b. Obtain an application form from the Registrar.
c. Complete form with approval from specific department
chair or educational coordinator and course instructor.
d. Pay the fee at the Bursar’s Office.
e. Present validated application form to instructor prior to
the examination.
4. Students wishing to earn credit by examination must take
the examination prior to the beginning of the semester
in which the course is offered. Students who do not pass
the examination should enroll in the course the following
semester, or the length of their program may be extended.
5. Credits earned by these examinations will be identified as
credit by examination (CR) on the student’s transcript and
will neither be listed as a letter grade nor calculated into
their grade point average. Students may earn credit through
the following examinations:
a. Advanced Placement Program (A.P.)
b. College Level Examination Program (C.L.E.P.)
c. Excelsior College (ECE) or American College Testing
- Pupil Evaluation Program (ACT-PEP) if taken outside
New York State
d. American Chemical Society Exams as Listed:
i. ACS Examination General Chemistry
ii. ACS Organic Chemistry
iii. ACS Biochemistry
e. Faculty Examinations
6. Credit by examination is subject to the following specified
minimum performance levels:
a. Faculty examinations - the minimum performance
level will be equivalent to a grade of "C" in the course.
b. Advanced Placement Program (A score of "3" or
higher).
c. College Level Examination Program. The mean score
obtained by persons from the standardized groups who
had earned a grade of "C" in a formal course.
d. New York State Excelsior College Examination
Performance at a grade level of "C".
e. Laboratories: If a student has a non-transferable
formal course with lab and passes the appropriate
ACS exam, then the student will have fulfilled the
course requirement for both lecture and lab. If the
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
student does not have a course in the subject area, but
successfully passes the ACS exam, the student has
completed only the lecture portion of the chemistry
course. A laboratory practical would be needed for the
laboratory portion of the course or the student would
need to successfully complete an appropriate chemistry
laboratory course.
7. Approved Examinations to Fulfill Admissions
Requirements: Listed below are the examinations which
may be used to fulfill admissions requirements. If you have
questions about exams which do not appear on the list,
please contact the Admissions Office for a determination
as to whether they will meet the requirements. Please note
that the credit hours listed in column 3 are the maximum
number of credit hours that may be awarded. Column 5
estimates exam costs. Individual test companies will alter
their charges from time to time.
Admissions
Acceptable
Requirements
Examinations
ENGLISH
SOCIAL SCIENCE
SCIENCE
LIBERAL ARTS
Potential
# of
Credits
Awarded
Minimum
Score for
Awarding Estimated
Credit
Cost =
General Examination
CLEP English
Composition with essay
6
50
Subject Examinations
1. CLEP American Literature
6
50
2. CLEP English Literature
6
50
3. CLEP Analyzing & Interpreting
Literature
6
50
4. CLEP Freshman College Composition 6
50
$46
$46
$46
$46
$46
CLEP Introductory Psychology
CLEP Introductory Sociology
CLEP American Government
CLEP History of US I
CLEP History of US 2
CLEP Educational Psychology
CLEP Human Growth & Development
CLEP Prin Macroeconomics
CLEP Prin Microeconomics
CLEP Western Civilization I
CLEP Western Civilization II
CLEP Social Science and
History Exam
ECE Abnormal Psychology
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
6
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
$46
$46
$46
$46
$46
$46
$46
$46
$46
$46
$46
$46
3
50
$130
ECE Anatomy & Physiology
CLEP General Chemistry
ECE Microbiology
6
6
3
50
50
50
$190
$46
$100
CLEP Humanities General Exam
6
50
$46
CLEP Mathematics General Exam
6
50
$46
CLEP Natural Sciences General Exam
6
50
$46
CLEP College French Level 1
6
50
$46
CLEP College French Level 2
12
62
$46
CLEP College German Level 1
6
50
$46
CLEP College German Level 2
12
63
$46
CLEP College Spanish Level 1
6
50
$46
CLEP College Spanish Level 2
12
66
$46
CLEP Calculus w/Elementary Functions 6
50
$46
CLEP College Algebra
3
50
$46
CLEP College Algebra-Trig.
3
50
$46
CLEP General Biology
6
50
$46
CLEP Trigonometry
3
50
$46
ECE Foundations of Gerontology
3
50
$130
ECE Statistics
3
50
$100
Plus the exams listed in the English,
Science (A + P, Chem., Micrs.) and Social Sciences section above
----------------------------------------------------------------
Note:
1. CLEP English Composition with essay (General Exam)
will fulfill an entire six semester English requirement.
2. A literature exam will not meet the composition admissions
requirement.
*Numerical score to be determined when normative data is
determined
Note: The exams listed in the English, Science, and Social
Science sections may be used to fulfill requirements in the
Liberal Arts area. However, the same exam may not be used to
fulfill two requirements (i.e. CLEP American Literature may not
be used to meet the English and the Liberal Arts elective hours.)
Subject to change by test company.
85
Transfer Credit Policy - Undergraduate
Transfer credit from another accredited institution to the Upstate
Medical University is granted when the following conditions are
met: 1) the nature, content, and level of credit is comparable to
that offered by Upstate Medical University; 2) the credit earned
is appropriate and applicable to the programs offered by Upstate
Medical University in light of the student’s educational goals;
and 3) a letter grade of "C" or above has been earned. Students
may transfer a maximum of 30 semester hours of college credit
to fulfill Upstate Medical University's requirements.
1. Admissions Requirements – The Office of Undergraduate
Admissions evaluates transfer credit prior to a student
matriculating. Written notification of accepted transfer
credit is provided during registration. Courses taken more
than five years prior to the date of matriculation may be
transferred only with the approval of the Admissions
Committee.
2. Program of Study Transfer Credit – The Undergraduate
Admissions Office and appropriate faculty members
will evaluate transfer credit for all accepted prior to
matriculation. Written notification of accepted transfer
credit is provided during registration. Courses taken more
than five years prior to the date of matriculation may be
transferred only with the approval of the course instructor.
3. Transfer Credit After Matriculation – Students desiring
to enroll in a course for transfer credit must complete
the Transfer Credit Request form before registering for
the course. The form is available from the Office of the
Registrar. To receive transfer credit, students must have
written approval from all of the following:
a. The course instructor
b. The Department Chair
Note: Grades from transfer credit courses are not calculated
in the student’s grade point average at the Upstate Medical
University. Credit for courses taken previously at the Upstate
Medical University is not transfer credit and is calculated in the
student’s grade point average prior to matriculation. Courses
are reviewed by program admissions committees for credit
decisions. These committees may require a student to repeat
specific course(s).
Independent Study- Undergraduate
Definition – Independent study shall constitute investigation by
a student, with faculty approval and direction.
General Information – The student must be matriculated in
order to participate in an independent study. A student may
take an independent study for a minimum of one credit hour
and up to six credit hours and must provide tangible evidence
of completion. The number of credit hours taken will be
determined prior to the start of the project. The grade issued
will be in accordance with the college’s grading system, either
a letter grade or pass/fail to be decided at the beginning of the
semester. A student shall take only one independent study course
per semester. Tuition is assessed on a per credit hour basis.
The independent study application form should be completed
prior to the first day of the semester in which the project is to be
carried out. Under special circumstances, late applications may
be accepted within two weeks after the first day of the semester.
Eligibility – Any student not on clinical or academic probation is
eligible to undertake an independent study project.
Application Procedure –
1. The student will seek a faculty member to sponsor the
project.
86
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
2. In conjunction with the faculty mentor, the student shall
obtain and complete an independent study application form
from the Registrar’s Office where the academic record will
be verified.
3. The completed and approved form must be filed with the
Registrar’s Office before independent study begins.
Class Attendance
The accrediting organizations of the various programs in the
College of Health Professions require a minimum number of
hours of exposure in certain course areas. Class attendance
requirement is at the discretion of the course instructor.
Therefore, reference should be made to the individual course
policies or, in the absence of individual course policies, to the
departmental handbook for policy on class attendance.
ACADEMIC EVALUATION AND PROMOTION
Assessment - Undergraduate
Academic assessment on this campus is conducted to help us
identify and support the learning needs of our students, and
to continually improve teaching and curriculum. Major goals
and expectations of all health professions students are that they
are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to gather relevant
information, evaluate it critically, and communicate it effectively
to patients, families, and colleagues. In addition, it is important
that all students possess basic mathematical skills that will allow
them to perform optimally in their roles as health professionals.
As a student in this College, you will be expected to be active
in a range of campus assessment activities, and you will be
expected to do so in a variety of ways, which may include
participation in testing and student opinion surveys.
A collection of designated materials intended to demonstrate
accomplishment of the SUNY General Education learning
outcomes in the areas of basic communication, critical thinking,
and information management, will be compiled and maintained
within the Division of Arts and Sciences. This will be
accomplished in the context of several courses in your program
of study; these courses are designated as SUNY General
Education (SUNY Gen Ed) courses.
Academic assessment activities are intended to help determine
where and how our programs and services are succeeding in
supporting student learning, and where curricular changes need
to be made to ensure continuous improvement. These activities
are essential to the process of identifying gaps and/or needed
changes, and are always focused on encouraging and supporting
the educational success of our students.
Cardiovascular Perfusion Program
Prior to enrolling in CVPR 450: Advanced Clinical Perfusion,
students must pass a comprehensive examination. The process
involves two four-hour written examinations. The first section
of the examination is a Basic Science Examination which covers
the theoretical knowledge base necessary to practice in the field.
The second exam is the Clinical Applications examination which
uses a problem based approach to test the applicants ability
to integrate the basic science with clinical data to design and
implement a reasonable approach to patient care. The exams will
be offered on two separate and consecutive days during the final
exam week of the fall semester. The minimum passing score on
each test is a 65%. Students not achieving the minimum score
on either or both of the tests can request to retake the section or
sections of the test which a minimum score was not achieved.
Requests for retaking the test must be received in writing by the
department chair no later than the 5th week of the spring
semester at which time the department will schedule with the
student a date during the 7th week of the spring semester to
retake the examination(s). In the event that the student does not
achieve the minimum score on re-examination, the student may
be dismissed from the program. Students failing to meet the
minimum score on any of these examinations will be expected to
meet with the department faculty and develop a course of study
which will assist the student to independently prepare for the
reexamination process.
Grading System - Undergraduate
Academic records are kept in terms of semester credit hours,
grade, grade points, grade point averages, and cumulative grade
point averages.
1. Credit Hours – indicate the amount of classroom,
laboratory, clinical and preparation time required in a
course and will vary with different courses. The number of
credit hours allotted for each course is listed with a course
description in the catalog.
2. Grades – The grades given by the College are: A, A-, B+,
B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F, XF, I, IP, P, W, WP, and WF.
Grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, and P are
considered passing grades except if otherwise designated
by a program. These exceptions in the standard grading
system will be identified in the program handbook and on
the Program of Study Form.
The "F" indicates that a student’s work has been unsatisfactory.
Pass grades are not included in the calculation of the grade
point average, and will appear on the transcript as "P". Only
pass grades earn credit toward degree requirements. Fail grades
appear on the transcript as "F" and are calculated into the grade
point average as an "F" grade.
The "IP" (In Progress) grade designates extension of course
work across more traditional semester boundaries. The IP grade
does not affect the student’s grade point average.
W, WP or WF describe withdrawal from a course. "W" will
automatically be recorded for a student who withdraws prior to
the completion of 75% of the semester or course contact hours.
After 75% of the semester time or 75% of the course contact
hours has elapsed, "WP" (withdraw passing) or "WF" (withdraw
failing) will be recorded based on the student’s academic status
at the time. A "WF" grade is calculated the same as an "F" grade.
The "XF" (academic dishonesty) grade is a failure due to finding
of guilty of academic dishonesty by the judicial process. An
"XF" grade is calculated the same as an "F" grade.
The grade "I" (Incomplete) may be granted to a student only if it
can be demonstrated that it would be unfair to hold the student
to the normal time limits of the course. Failure to complete a
required segment of the course or failure to appear for the final
examination because of illness or other reasons considered valid
by the instructor of the course can result in a tentative grade of
incomplete (I). Arrangements for removing an incomplete grade
must be made with the individual course instructor before the
student can continue into the next academic period. In no case
may such arrangements be extended beyond a one year period.
(However, where possible, it is strongly advised that students
remove incompletes within one semester.) Failure to meet this
requirement will automatically result in the assignment of the
grade "F".
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
1. "Grade Points" – indicate the quality of work done by a
student according to the following scale:
Letter Grade
Grade Point
A
4.00
A-
3.67
B+
3.33
B
3.00
B-
2.67
C+
2.33
C
2.00
C-
1.67
D+
1.33
D
1.00
D-
0.67
F
0.00
XF
0.00
2. "Cumulative Grade Point Averages" – are calculated by
dividing grade points earned by the hours carried. Transfer
credits, withdrawals, incompletes, as well as pass grades
in a pass-fail system are not averaged into the cumulative
G.P.A. The grade achieved in a repeated course is averaged
into the cumulative G.P.A. Upon completion of the repeated
course, the previous grade received is deleted from the
cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.), but remains on
the student’s transcript.
3. Students who were previously in attendance in the College
of Health Professions and who are admitted to another
program will have their grade point averages computed
as follows: If any credits from their previous course work
are applied towards their new program of study, then the
previous cumulative grade point average will also be
carried forward and applied to their new program of study.
If no credits from the student’s previous course work are
applied towards the new program of study, then a new
grade point average will be calculated based on the new
program of study course work only.
Grading System - Graduate
The grading system includes passing grades of "A", "A-", "B+",
"B", "B-", "C+", "C", "C-", "P", and failing grades of "D+",
"D", "D-", "F" and "XF", and an "I" for "Incomplete". The
Incomplete grade, as used in this College, may be changed to
another grade at the discretion of the instructor, or it can remain
on the record as a final grade indicating incomplete work. The
Incomplete carries no credit.
A minimum course grade of "C-" is required for graduate
credit. An overall "B" average (3.0 grade point average) must
be maintained. A grade of "B" may be required for particular
courses as determined by department chairs/program directors.
Passing grades in thesis research credit hours (designated as
the 700 series) are not included in the GPA. Other courses,
as approved by the General Assembly, which are evaluated
"pass" or "fail" are also not included in the GPA if successfully
completed but may be credited towards fulfilling the didactic
requirements of a student’s degree program.
87
The "IP" (In Progress) grade designates extension of course
work across more traditional semester boundaries. The "IP"
grade does not affect the student’s grade point average. "W",
"WP", or "WF" describe withdrawal from a course. "W" will
automatically be recorded for a student who withdraws prior to
the completion of 75% of the semester or course contact hours.
After 75% of the semester or 75% of the course contact hours
has elapsed, "WP" (withdraw passing) or "WF" (withdraw
failing) will be recorded based on the student’s academic status
at the time. A "WF" grade is calculated the same as an "F" grade.
A "XF" grade is failure due to a finding of guilty of academic
dishonesty by the judicial process. A "XF" grade is calculated
the same as an "F" grade. Pass grades are not included in the
calculation of the grade point average, and will appear on the
transcript as "P". Only pass grades earn credit toward degree
requirements.
The grade "I" (Incomplete) may be granted to a student only if it
can be demonstrated that it would be unfair to hold the student
to the normal time limits of the course. Failure to complete a
required segment of the course or failure to appear for the final
examination because of illness or other reasons considered valid
by the instructor of the course can result in a tentative grade of
Incomplete (I). Arrangements for removing an incomplete grade
must be made with the individual course instructor before the
student can continue into the next academic period. In no case
may such arrangements be extended beyond a one year period.
(However, where possible, it is strongly advised that students
remove incompletes within one semester.) Failure to meet this
requirement will automatically result in the assignment of the
grade "F". Grades in "700" research courses are not included.
A minimum course grade of "C-" is required for graduate credit.
An overall "B" average must be maintained. Grades in research
courses (those in the 700 series) are not included. Research
and clinical education courses which are not graded in the
letter system are evaluated "Pass" or "Fail". Pass indicates
performance of sufficiently high quality for credit to be
assigned.
Grade Points - indicate the quality of work done by a student
according to the following scale:
Letter Grade
Grade Point
A
4.00
A-
3.67
B+
3.33
B
3.00
B-
2.67
C+
2.33
C
2.00
C-
1.67
D+
1.33
D
1.00
D-
0.67
F
0.00
XF
0.00
88
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
"Cumulative grade point averages" are calculated by dividing
grade points earned by the hours carried. Transfer credits,
withdrawals, incompletes, as well as pass grades in a passfail system are not averaged into the cumulative grade point
average (G.P.A.). The grade achieved in a repeated course is
averaged into the cumulative G.P.A. Upon completion of the
repeated course, the previous grade received is deleted from the
cumulative G.P.A., but remains on the student’s transcript.
Pass/Fail Policy
(This applies only to courses not normally offered on a Pass/Fail
basis).
With the increased difficulty in transferring courses taken on a
pass/fail option, students are cautioned to be very selective about
which courses they take on such a grading system. Students
deciding to take courses on a pass/fail grading system must
comply with the following:
1. a. Undergraduate: Have a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0.
b. Graduate: Have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0.
2. Obtain permission from:
a.the course instructor
b.the student’s educational coordinator/department chair
3. Completed form must be received by the Registrar by the
end of the Add/Drop period for the semester.
4. A maximum of three credit hours can be taken on a P/F
basis in any academic year. Individual programs may
have criteria in addition to the above. Pass grades are not
included in the calculation of the grade point average, and
will appear on the transcript as "P". Only pass grades earn
credit toward degree requirements. Fail grades appear on
the transcript as "F" and are calculated into the grade point
average as an "F" grade.
Midsemester Progress Report
A student may receive a mid-semester progress report if
course work is deficient. Deficient course work may include
poor attendance, delinquent assignments, poor academic
performance, professional behavior difficulty, or unsatisfactory
clinical performance which may result in the student earning a
low final grade in the course at the end of the semester. A student
that receives a mid-semester progress report should make an
appointment with the faculty member or an appropriate advisor
to discuss performance in the course.
GRADE APPEAL PROCESS
The purpose of the grade appeal process is to protect the
rights of both the student in earning a grade and the faculty in
assigning a grade. Whereas it is recognized that faculty have the
right to use their professional judgment both subjectively and
objectively in determining a student’s grade based on academic
performance, faculty have the responsibility to award the grade
in a uniform manner based on established expectations and
criteria for academic (including clinical) performance. And,
whereas it is recognized that students have the right to appeal
a grade that has seemingly been awarded in an arbitrary and
capricious manner, students have the responsibility to accept the
faculty members professional judgment about quality of work
and to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the faculty and the
University.
1. Scope
a. The grade appeal process is not intended to deal with
concerns about the general conduct or instruction of the
course.
b. Grades assigned as a result of a found violation of the
Student Code of Conduct can not be appealed through
this process. Rather, the appeal is through the process
delineated in the Student Code of Conduct.
c. Only final course grades can be appealed; however,
individual assignments can be evidence if it can be
shown that the grade earned on a given assignment
resulted in a lower final grade.
2. Application - Students may appeal a grade based on the
following reasons:
a. The grade awarded is based other than upon academic
or clinical performance as outlined in the syllabus.
b. The grade awarded was not calculated according to the
prior established guidelines set forth by the faculty and
distributed to students.
c. The standards for determining the grade were more
demanding and rigorous than for other students.
d. The grade awarded was calculated on false or
erroneous information.
3. Provisions
a. The burden of proof rests with the student to
demonstrate that the final grade was awarded
inappropriately.
b. A formal appeal can not be accepted until the informal
appeal has been exhausted.
c. Falsification or fabrication of information to support
an appeal is subject to disciplinary action under the
Student Code of Conduct.
d. Informal Appeal – the student meets with the faculty or
course coordinator in the case of multiple instructors.
If a resolution is reached, the faculty submits a grade
form to the Registrar’s Office to record the grade
change. If no resolution is reached, the student may
submit a formal appeal. In most cases the discussion
between the student and the instructor should suffice
and the matter should not need to be carried further.
4. Formal Appeal - The formal appeal is submitted to the
Dean of the College. The Dean will convene the Executive
Committee of the Student Evaluation Committee. The
Executive Committee will review the appeal and render
a decision as to the final grade. The review will include
consultation with the department faculty and the student.
If the grade is changed, the Chair of the Executive
Committee will so inform the Registrar. The formal appeal
must be initiated within four business days of the end of
the semester. For courses that do not run the full standard
semester, the formal appeal must be submitted within four
business days of the grade being recorded on the student’s
academic transcript. The formal appeal will be mediated in
a manner as expeditiously as possible, usually within two
business days.
Deficient Grades
A deficient grade may be remediated by repeating the course in
its entirety and receiving a grade as specified by the department
chair/program director of the program of study in which the
student is enrolled. This must be done no later than the next
academic year or the next time the course is offered.
Upon completion of the repeated course, the previous grade
received is deleted from the cumulative grade point average
(GPA), but remains on the student’s transcript.
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
Professional (Entry Level) Doctor of Physical
Therapy
The student may be required to repeat a course in which the
student received a grade of "D-", "D", "D+", "F", "XF", or
"WF". The course must be repeated in its entirety the next time
the course is offered and the student must receive a grade of "C"
or better or a grade of "P" for P/F courses.
Upon completion of the repeated course, the previous grade
received is deleted from the cumulative grade point average
(G.P.A.), but remains on the student’s transcript.
Post Professional (T-DPT) Doctor of Physical
Therapy (last class admitted 6/2013)
The student may be required to repeat a course in which the
student received a grade of 'D-", "D", "D+", "F", "XF", or "WF".
A deficient grade may be remediated by repeating the course in
its entirety or by fulfilling the course instructor’s requirements
for remediation. This must be completed within one year of the
date of receipt of the failing grade.
Upon completion of the repeated course, the previous grade
received is deleted from the cumulative grade point average
(G.P.A.), but remains on the student’s transcript.
Repeat a Course
A student may be given the opportunity to repeat a course in
which a failing grade was received in one of two ways:
1. The student receives the permission of his/her department
chair, the particular faculty member teaching the course,
and the Registrar.
2. The Student Evaluation Committee recommends or
requires that the student repeat a course.
Upon completion of the repeated course, the previous
grade received is deleted from the cumulative grade point
calculation but remains on the student’s record.
Academic Performance/Academic StatusGraduate
Attendance at the College is considered a privilege and not
a right. The faculty and administration reserve the right to
terminate, at any time, the enrollment of any student within the
College if he/she is considered in any way unfit for the study and
practice of the health sciences professions or if he/she does not
meet the standards of the State University of New York.
1. To be considered in good academic standing and to
be eligible for graduation, students must maintain a
cumulative graduate grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.0 or
higher.
2. A minimum grade of "C-" must be earned in all courses
taken as a graduate student.
3. Graduate students whose cumulative G.P.A. is less than 3.0
and greater or equal to 2.33 will be placed on provisional
status. Students in provisional status for one or more
semesters will be considered for either academic probation
or dismissal. Student transcripts will not reflect being
placed on provisional status.
4. Graduate students whose cumulative G.P.A. is less than
2.33 will be placed on academic probation and considered
for dismissal. Student transcripts will permanently reflect
being placed on academic probation.
5. Any graduate student, whether full-time or part-time, who
does not register for course work for two consecutive
semesters (excluding summer session) and who fails
89
to request a leave of absence for that period, shall be
automatically withdrawn from the College at the end of the
second semester.
6. Graduate students whose professional behaviors are
deemed to be deficient or inconsistent with those of his/
her health science profession may be considered for
professional behavioral probation.
7. A graduate student whose clinical performance is judged
to be deficient or unsafe will be considered for clinical
probation.
8. Graduate students will be considered for dismissal after
having been placed on either provisional status, academic
probation, behavioral probation, or clinical probation for
one semester.
Academic Performance/Academic StatusUndergraduate
1. To be considered in good academic standing and to
be eligible for graduation, students must maintain a
cumulative graduate grade point average (G.P.A.) of 2.0 or
higher.
2. Students whose cumulative G.P.A. falls below 2.0 will be
notified by the Office of the Registrar that they have been
placed on probation. Students remaining on probation for
two or more consecutive semesters will be considered for
dismissal.
3. Any full-time student who does not register for a given
semester may be administratively withdrawn.
Final Examinations
The last exam given by a course professor in a given semester,
be it a unit exam or final exam, must be scheduled during
the final exam period. Courses that are strictly "clinical" or
"laboratory" in nature are excluded from this policy.
PROMOTION AND ACADEMIC
STATUS
Student Evaluation Committee Membership
All student grades may be reviewed by the Student Evaluation
Committee. The Student Evaluation Committee is a committee
of the College of Health Professions. The membership of the
Student Evaluation Committee includes:
1. An Executive Committee made up of three faculty
members representing different academic departments in
the College of Health Professions.
2. Two faculty members from the department in which the
student being reviewed is enrolled.
3. The Associate Dean of Student Affairs or his/her designee.
4. The Registrar or his/her designee.
Of the above, the Executive Committee and two faculty from
the department in which the student being reviewed is enrolled
shall be voting members of the Student Evaluation Committee.
The Associate Dean of Student Affairs or his/her designee and
Registrar or his/her designee shall be non-voting members.
The alternate members of the Executive Committee may be
called on:
1. In the event of the absence of a member of the Executive
Committee.
90
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
2. If an Executive Committee member is a representative
of the academic department in which the student being
reviewed is enrolled. In that case, the Executive Committee
member would recuse him/herself from voting and the
alternate would replace him/her.
The Executive Committee and two alternate members shall be
elected by the Assembly of the College of Health Professions
and Health Sciences Library (Assembly). The two alternates
shall be from different departments. Executive Committee
members will serve for three years with one member rotating off
each year. Voting members of the Student Evaluation Committee
shall elect a chair from the Executive Committee.
Responsibilities
Performance of all students with academic difficulties and/
or any student of concern identified by faculty are reviewed
by the Student Evaluation Committee after each semester. The
committees may take any of the following actions:
1. "Promote or Continue".
2. "Continue on Academic Probation".
3. "Continue on Provisional Status".
4. "Continue on Clinical Probation" whenever a student’s
clinical performance is judged to be deficient and/or
unsafe. A student may not ordinarily be carried on clinical
probation for more than two successive semesters. (This is
to include the summer semester wherever applicable.) After
this time, the Student Evaluation Committee, upon review,
may recommend dismissal.
5. "Continue on Professional Behavioral Probation" whenever
a student's classroom or clinical behaviors are deemed to
be deficient or inconsistent with expected behaviors of his/
her health profession as outlined in the academic program
student handbook. A student may not ordinarily be carried
on behavioral probation for more than two semesters. After
this time, the Student Evaluation Committee, upon review,
may recommend dismissal.
6. "Continue on Academic Probation" with a possible
recommendation that the student’s program be modified
until such time as he/she can successfully repeat the
course(s) and resume a full program.
7. "Suspension" from the program for a specified period of
time. Conditions for re-admission will be specified by the
Student Evaluation Committee.
8. "Dismissal" from the College because of deficient
academic, clinical or professional behavioral performance
or for failing the same professional course twice. A motion
to dismiss a student must be passed by a majority vote of
the Student Evaluation Committee.
9. "Repeat specific courses" for credit in which grades of
"C" or higher have been received. Students who may be
required to repeat specific courses are those with modified
programs of study, students on academic or clinical
probation, readmitted students, and students returning from
a leave of absence.
Note: The Student Evaluation Committee will consider the
student’s academic work in its entirety. This will include credit
and non-credit courses taken on or off campus. Unsatisfactory
academic progress or performance in these courses may become
grounds for dismissal.
Procedures
1. The Student Evaluation Committee does not define policy
nor does it modulate the importance of any academic
standard or policy set by the College.
2. The Student Evaluation Committee may consider whether
there are relevant personal mitigating factors that could
plausibly account for deficient academic performance and
form the basis for a decision to justify exceptions to policy.
3. The Student Evaluation Committee may solicit additional
information from faculty members or College personnel to
aid in decision-making.
4. The Student Evaluation Committee will review students'
entire record to date in making decisions about student
progress.
5. Decisions of Dismissal shall require a majority vote of
those present.
a. Students meeting criteria for dismissal will be notified,
via email, by the University Registrar or his/her designee at least two days prior to the meeting of the
Student Evaluation Committee.
b. Students will be invited to submit a statement, via
email, explaining any mitigating factors that may
have impacted his/her academic performance. Such
documentation must be received by the Registrar's
Office at least one business day prior to the Student
Evaluation Committee meeting. This provision ensures
that the students' extenuating circumstances are
presented to the Student Evaluation Committee by the
Registrar's Office.
c. When the Student Evaluation Committee dismisses a
student, the Registrar's Office will provide, via email, a
summary of its findings and any pertinent data that led
to the dismissal to the student and to the Dean of the
College of Health Professions.
6. Actions other than Dismissal shall require a majority vote
of those present.
7. A student whose status is other than "promote in good
standing", shall be notified by the Registrar or his/her
designee as soon as reasonably possible, and confirmed
in writing four business days of the Student Evaluation
Committee's decision.
Appeal and Notification
A student who wishes to appeal the dismissal decision of the
Student Evaluation Committee must submit a written appeal
to the Dean of the College of Health Professions within four
business days of the initial notification (verbal, email, etc.) of
the Student Evaluation Committee's decision. Appeals are to be
expedited within a reasonable time. Appeals for a decision of
dismissal will be considered in the following circumstances:
1. New evidence not reasonably available at the time of the
Student Evaluation Committee meeting that might have
changed the outcome.
2. Procedural error that is shown to have had a detrimental
impact on the outcome of the hearing.
3. Errors in the interpretation of College policy so substantial
that they interfere with a fair hearing.
After consultation with the Student Evaluation Committee,
Program Faculty, and the Dean of Student Affairs, the Dean of
the College of Health Professions will determine whether the
written appeal meets the criteria for appeal.
If the appeal meets the criteria outlined above, the Dean of the
College of Health Professions shall take appropriate action on
the appeal as soon as possible, usually within four business days
of receipt of the student's written appeal. Appeals are intended to
be expedited in reasonable time.
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
Note:
1. Student's are informed (at orientation and via the Student
Handbook) that they must check/use their Upstate
email accounts regularly as that is a primary means of
communication for our faculty, staff, and students.
2. Annually, students affirm their mailing address via the
registration process.
Dean's List
The Student Evaluation Committee awards Dean’s List to
full-time students at the end of each semester in recognition of
academic excellence for that semester. To qualify for Dean’s
List, a student must meet the following criteria:
Undergraduate
1. Be enrolled as a full-time student with 12 or more credit
hours for the semester.
2. Attain a semester grade point average of 3.20 with no
grades below a "C" and a maximum of one "C" grade.
3. Have a "satisfactory" or "pass" grade or performance in
clinical. (A student on clinical probation may not be placed
on Dean’s List.)
Graduate
1. Be enrolled as a full-time student with nine or more credit
hours for the semester.
2. Attain a semester grade point average of 3.50 with no
grades below a "C" and a maximum of one "C" grade.
3. Have a "pass" grade or performance in clinical. (A student
on clinical probation may not be placed on Dean’s List.)
Letters of Commendation
The Student Evaluation Committee awards part-time students
a Letter of Commendation at the end of each semester in
recognition of academic excellence for that semester. To qualify
for a letter of commendation, a student must meet the following
criteria:
Undergraduate
1. Be enrolled as a part-time student with 9 – 11 credit hours
for the semester.
2. Attain a semester quality point average of 3.20 with no
grades below a "C" and a maximum of one "C" grade.
3. Have a "satisfactory" or "pass" grade or performance in
clinical. (A student on clinical probation may not receive a
letter of commendation.)
Graduate
1. Be enrolled as a part-time student with four credit hours for
the semester.
2. Attain a semester quality point average of 3.50 with no
grades below a "C" and a maximum of one "C" grade.
3. Have a "pass" grade or performance in clinical. (A
student on clinical probation may not receive a letter of
commendation.)
Graduation Requirements - Undergraduate
To graduate, students must meet all college and program
requirements as established in the catalog. Where applicable,
students also must meet specific academic requirements as
indicated by the program. Candidates for graduation must:
1. Complete a minimum of 120 semester hours for the
Baccalaureate degree, including satisfactory completion of
all required courses. Program requirements, which appear
in the catalog under the appropriate program, may be in
excess of this minimum.
91
2. Complete all academic degree requirements for admission
to the respective program.
3. Meet all attendance, course, credit, and other stated
requirements of the program and college.
4. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
5. Satisfy clinical course requirements.
6. Meet program residency requirements.
7. Satisfy all financial obligations due to the Upstate Medical
University. Note: The student has the responsibility to register for and
satisfactorily complete all required course work. However, it is
highly recommended that each student make an appointment and
go to the Office of the Registrar prior to his/her last semester
before graduation to review his/her program of study and verify
that all degree requirements will be met.
Graduation Requirements­ – Graduate
1. Medical Technology
a. Satisfactory completion of the student’s Program of
Study as defined by the student’s Academic Advisory
Committee to include at least 24 semester hours of
course work and a minimum of six semester hours of
thesis work for a minimum total of 30 semester hours.
b. Preparation of a thesis that is an original contribution to
knowledge.
c. Successful passing of an oral thesis examination.
d. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
2. Physical Therapy (Entry Level DPT)
a. Satisfactory completion of all admissions requirements.
b. Successful completion of all graduate level courses
outlined in the "Program of Study for Physical
Therapy" with a minimum earned cumulative graduate
grade point average of 3.0.
c. Satisfaction of clinical course requirements.
d. Achievement of entry level competence in the Core
Values as outlined in the Department of Physical
Therapy Education Handbook.
3. Physical Therapy (Transitional DPT)
a. Satisfactory completion of all admissions requirements.
b. Successful completion of all graduate level courses
outlined in the "Program of Study for Physical
Therapy" with a minimum earned cumulative graduate
point average of 3.0.
4. Physical Therapy - Integrated Standardized Patient
Examination (ISPE): First and second year physical
therapy students are required to take the ISPE at the end
of the Spring semesters of each respective year. The ISPE
is used to assess students' abilities during an authentic
patient encounter to ensure readiness for upcoming clinical
experiences. A detailed description of each exam may
be found in the Program Student Handbook. Students
must pass the respective ISPE prior to participating in
the upcoming full-time clinical experiences that follow
the exam. If the student does not pass the ISPE on the
first attempt, following review and discussion of student
performance with the faculty examiner, the student will
be provided an opportunity to re-take the exam. First year
students must pass the re-take no later than one week prior
to the start of Clinic I: second year students must pass the
re-take no later than one week prior to the start of Clinic
II. In the event a student fails the re-take, the student will
be placed on clinical probation and will not be allowed
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COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
to participate in the clinical experience. The student may,
however, proceed with academic coursework in accordance
with departmental and college policies and must participate
in a formal remediation program established with the
Director of Clinical Education. Following remediation,
and no later than one month prior to the start of the next
scheduled respective full-time clinical experience, the
student will be given one more opportunity to take the
ISPE. Failure of this ISPE will result in dismissal of the
student from the program.
5. Physician Assistants
a. Successful completion of all didactic courses with a
minimum GPA of 3.0.
b. Successful completion of all clinical competency
exams during the didactic year.
c. Successful completion of all clinical rotations.
d. Successful completion of all end-of-rotation exams.
e. Successful completion of the Master's Seminar and
Master's Project.
f. Successful completion of the comprehensive Physician
Assistant written exam at the end of the clinical year.
g. Successful completion of the Objective Skills Clinical
Evaluation (OSCE) examinations at the end of the
didactic and clinical years.
Academic Standards for Physician Assistant
Studies
Physician Assistants are delegated a high level of responsibility
when participating in the assessment and management of
patients' medical problems. Accordingly, physician assistant
students must maintain certain academic and technical standards
to continue matriculation in the Physician Assistant Program.
Please see Physician Assistant Handbook for detailed description
of academic standards.
1. CLINICAL ROTATION REQUIREMENTS
a. Students may not begin their Clinical Rotations until
all first year course requirements are met
b. Students in the clinical year may be decelerated due to poor clinical performance, poor academic performance, or unprofessional conduct
c. Students assessments during the clinical year are graded as "S" (Satisfactory) or "U" (Unsatisfactory)
d. If a student receives a grade of "U" in a clinical rotation, the student will be placed on clinical probation
and will be required to repeat that rotation after
successful remediation. Failing the remediation plan or
failing the repeat rotation will result in dismissal from
the program. No more than one clinical rotation may
be repeated; failing more than one clinical rotation will
result in dismissal from the program
e. If a student receives a grade less than 75% on an endof-rotation exam, student is required to contact the
Clinical Coordinator:
i. Student will be required to remediate in a manner
described in the Student Handbook in Section titled "Remediation"
ii. Student will be required to successfully complete
an alternative end-of-rotation exam after
remediation; minimum passing grade for the exam
is 75%
2. OBJECTIVE SKILLS CLINICAL EVALUATION
(OSCE'S)
First and second year physician assistant students are
required to take an OSCE at the end of the didactic and
clinical years. Each OSCE will consist of both a practical
and written component to test and promote the development
of knowledge, skills, and core values necessary for safe
and effective clinical practice. These exams are simulated
patient encounters using standardized patients; the
encounter is viewed and assessed by physician assistant
faculty members. Students are assessed on professional
communication skills, completeness of history and physical
exam skills, and clinical decision making skills.
Students must pass all OSCE exams. If the student does
not pass the OSCE on the first attempt, following review
and discussion of student performance with the faculty
examiner, the student will be provided an opportunity to retake the exam. First year students must pass the re-take no
later than one week prior to the start of Clinical Rotation I:
second year students must pass the re-take no later than two
weeks prior to graduation.
In the event a student fails the re-take at the end of the
didactic or clinical year, the student will be dismissed from
the program.
3. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements must be completed in order for
students to graduate from the Upstate Medical University
Physician Assistant Program:
•
Successful completion of all didactic courses with a
minimum GPA of 3.0 in accordance with academic
progression policy
•
Successful completion of all clinical competency exams
during the didactic year
•
Successful completion of all clinical rotations
•
Successful completion of all end-of-rotation exams
•
Successful completion of the Master's Seminar and
Master's Project
•
Successful completion of a comprehensive Physician
Assistant written exam at the end of the clinical year
•
Successful completion of OSCE examinations at the
end of the didactic and clinical years
Deceleration of a Student
If a student needs to repeat a course due to academic
deficiencies, the student will not be allowed to enter into clinical
rotations until that course has been successfully completed. This
will cause a change in the student's Program of Study, resulting
in delayed graduation. Deceleration policies are at the discretion
of the department.
Thesis requirements
Thesis requirements are specific to each degree program.
Students will be informed by the faculty advisors about the
individual program thesis requirements. A graduate student who
has completed all degree requirements except the writing of the
thesis must register for one credit hour per semester including
the semester of the scheduled oral defense. Registration in not
required for thesis work during the summer session.
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
GRADUATION HONORS
Graduation Honors- Graduate
Graduation honors will appear on the diploma and transcript.
Honors are earned by achieving the following:
Honors: cumulative grade point average of 3.800 - 3.899.
High Honors: cumulative grade point average of 3.900 - 4.000.
Students who have received a grade of "XF" (failure due to a
finding of guilty of academic dishonesty by the judicial process)
are not eligible for graduation honors.
Students enrolled in the Post Professional (T-DPT) Doctor of
Physical Therapy program are not eligible for graduation honors
or distinction.
Graduation Honors- Undergraduate
Graduation honors will appear on the diploma and transcript.
Honors are earned by achieving the following:
Summa Cum Laude: cumulative grade point average of 3.900
– 4.000.
Magna Cum Laude: cumulative grade point average of 3.750 –
3.899.
Cum Laude: cumulative grade point average of 3.600 – 3.749.
Students who have received a grade of "XF" (failure due to a
finding of guilty of academic dishonesty by the judicial process)
are not eligible for graduation honors.
DRESS CODE
Students are expected to be professionally attired in the clinical
area. Students must wear an Upstate Medical University
Identification Badge at all times. Reference should be made
to the departmental handbook or institutional guidelines for
specifics guidelines for acceptable dress.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Introduction
Upstate Medical University strives to select students who
possess the intelligence, integrity, and personal and emotional
characteristics that are considered necessary to become effective
health professionals or biomedical scientists.
Students admitted to the University should have the intellectual
and physical abilities to acquire the knowledge, behaviors,
and skills taught in each program of study. The curricula are
designed to provide the general education necessary for the
students selected field. Students will learn the fundamental
principles, develop critical judgment, and apply principles and
skills wisely in solving scientific and health related problems.
Curricular goals and/or minimal graduation requirements
have been developed to fulfill these objectives and to prepare
graduates to pursue further education, if desired.
In addition to satisfactory academic performance in all
coursework, students are expected to fulfill the non-academic
essential functions of the curriculum in a reasonably independent
manner. These functions are specified by the physical, cognitive,
and behavioral standards (referred to collectively as technical
standards) necessary for the completion of the program.
The Upstate Medical University will consider for admission
and advancement any individual able to perform pursuant
to the standards, which are used as guidelines. Reasonable
accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with a
disability in accordance with applicable laws and policies, while
maintaining the integrity of program standards. Requests for
accommodations will be determined on a case by case basis.
93
Cardiovascular Perfusion
The cardiovascular perfusionist is the individual who operates
extracorporeal circulation equipment during any medical
situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily
replace a patient’s circulatory or respiratory function and other
procedures requiring the use of extracorporeal systems.
Technical Standards:
1. Observation:
a. Students and candidates for admission must have
sufficient visual capacity to:
i. Visualize information presented in images from
paper, slides, and video.
ii. Observe laboratory and/or lecture demonstrations.
iii. Observe patients accurately at a distance, and
close at hand, with or without standard medical
equipment.
2. Communication:
a. Students and candidates for admission should be
able to speak intelligibly, hear sufficiently, elicit and
transmit patient information in oral and written format
to members of the healthcare team, and communicate
effectively and sensitively with patients.
b. They must possess demonstrated reading skills at a
level sufficient to accomplish curricular requirements
and provide clinical care to patients.
c. They must possess excellent verbal and written
communication skills in the English language.
3. Sensory and Motor Skills:
a. Students and candidates for admission must have
functional sensory and motor skills to lift, push, and
carry clinical equipment in a safe and controlled
manner.
b. They must possess functional motor skills to
demonstrate basic clinical skills related to the use
of extracorporeal equipment, circuitry, and ancillary
clinical patient care devices and equipment.
c. They must possess functional sensory and motor skills
to execute quick and purposeful movements during
emergency treatment of patients.
4. Intellectual:
a. Critical thinking is a necessary skill for Cardiovascular
Perfusionists. Students and candidates for admission
must have the intellectual capacity to measure,
calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize
information from various modalities to effectively
evaluate extracorporeal equipment and treat patients.
b. Students and candidates for admission must have the
ability to comprehend spatial relationships of structures
and three-dimensional models.
c. Students and candidates for admission must have the
ability to comprehend relationships between patient
care parameters and anticipate cause and effect
responses based on their actions and inactions.
d. They must be able to learn through a variety of
teaching modalities including classroom lecture,
cooperative learning, small group activities, medical
simulation and laboratory exercises, individual and
group presentations, and the use of technology assisted
learning.
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COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
e. They must be able to make rapid decisions in life
threatening situations where problem solving and
critical thinking are required.
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes:
a. Students and candidates for admission must at all
times demonstrate the emotional stability to be able
to exercise good judgment, prompt completion of
all responsibilities attendant to care of patients,
participation on a patient care team, and the
development of mature, and effective relationships with
co-workers and patients.
b. They must perform problem solving skills in a timely
manner.
c. They must be able to tolerate physically taxing
workloads.
d. They must be able to function effectively under stress.
e. They must have the ability to adapt to changing
environment, display flexibility, and learn to function
in an environment of uncertainty inherent in the clinical
practice of cardiovascular perfusion.
f. They must be able to practice in a safe manner and
respond appropriately to emergencies and urgencies.
g. They must treat all patients, families, colleagues, and
other members of the health care team with dignity and
respect.
h. They must demonstrate honesty, integrity, dedication,
compassion, nondiscrimination, and motivation.
i. They must be able to accept constructive criticism and
respond appropriately with an acceptable modification
of behavior.
SUNY Upstate Medical University complies with Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act. All applicants and students are held to the
same academic and technical standards of admissions and
training. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified
individuals with a disability. However, the student is expected to
perform these functions in a reasonably independent manner.
Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Medical technologists use sophisticated instruments and
techniques to perform and supervise medical laboratory
procedures necessary for diagnosis. Medical Technology offers
the opportunity to combine a career in laboratory science with a
role in the health professions. Graduates are prepared for roles in
patient care, research, and other aspects of the profession, such
as quality control, management, and teaching.
Medical Technology students are held accountable for
the following technical standards:
1. Sensory and Observation Functions:
a. Students must have sufficient capacity to:
i. Visualize information presented in images from
paper, slides, and in digital form.
ii. Observe laboratory and/or lecture demonstrations.
iii. Operate a clinical grade binocular microscope
to discriminate among fine structural and color
differences of microscopic specimens, to include
hue, shading, and intensity.
iv. Distinguish color in reading color changes
associated with chemical/biochemical reactions.
v. Differentiate by touch, hotness/coldness, wetness/
dryness, and hardness/softness for safety purposes.
2. Communication:
a. Students should be able to speak intelligibly, hear
sufficiently, elicit and transmit patient information in
oral and written format to members of the healthcare
team, and communicate effectively with instructors and
other students.
b. They must possess demonstrated reading skills at a
level sufficient to accomplish curricular requirements
and follow laboratory procedures.
c. They must possess excellent verbal and written
communication skills in the English language.
3. Motor Function:
a. Students must have functional sensory and motor skills
to directly perform laboratory tests on body fluids,
cells, and products.
b. They must have sufficient motor function to utilize
laboratory instruments, and establish and perform
preventative and corrective maintenance and repairs.
c. They must possess functional motor skills to
demonstrate basic laboratory techniques.
d. They must possess functional motor skills to perform
procedures for collecting and processing biological
specimens for analysis, including phlebotomy.
e. They must comply with laboratory safety measures and
regulations, and practice standard precautions against
contamination with infectious pathogens (e.g. wearing
personal protective equipment; working with sharp
objects; and hazardous materials).
4. Intellectual:
a. Critical thinking is a necessary skill for laboratory
personnel. Students must have the intellectual capacity
to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and
synthesize information from various modalities to
effectively perform laboratory tests.
b. They must be able to integrate and relate laboratory
data while making judgments about possible
discrepancies, confirm abnormal results, verify quality
control procedures, and develop solutions to problems
concerning the generation of laboratory data.
c. They must be able to accept and learn through a variety
of teaching modalities including classroom lecture and
discussion, cooperative learning, small group activities,
laboratory exercises and demonstrations, individual and
group presentations, and the use of technology assisted
learning.
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes:
a. Students must at all times demonstrate the emotional
stability to be able to exercise good judgment and
promptly complete all responsibilities in the laboratory
setting.
b. They must perform problem solving skills in a timely
manner.
c. They must be able to tolerate physically taxing
workloads.
d. They must be able to function effectively under stress.
e. They must have the ability to display flexibility and
adapt to changing environments.
f. They must treat all instructors, students, and other
members of the healthcare team with dignity and
respect.
g. They must demonstrate honesty, integrity, dedication,
compassion, nondiscrimination, and motivation.
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
h. They must be able to accept constructive criticism and
respond appropriately with an acceptable modification
of behavior.
SUNY Upstate Medical University complies with Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act. All applicants and students are held to the
same academic and technical standards of admissions and
training. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified
individuals with a disability. However, the student is expected to
perform these functions in a reasonably independent manner.
Medical Biotechnology
Graduates specializing in medical biotechnology work with a
team of individuals who conduct medical research in academic
or industrial settings. In university laboratories, these individuals
assist scientists by performing experiments that are part of a
medical research study.
Graduates are prepared for roles in research and other aspects
of the profession, such as quality control, management, and
teaching. Students are expected to master the technical standards
of their program.
Medical Biotechnology students are held accountable
for the following technical standards:
1. Sensory and Observation Functions:
a. Students must have sufficient capacity to:
i. Visualize information presented in images from
paper, slides, and in digital form.
ii. Observe laboratory and lecture demonstrations.
iii. Operate a clinical grade binocular microscope
to discriminate among fine structural and color
differences of microscopic specimens, to include
hue, shading, and intensity.
iv. Distinguish color in reading color changes
associated with chemical/biochemical reactions.
v. Differentiate by touch, hotness/coldness, wetness/
dryness, and hardness/softness for safety purposes.
2. Communication:
a. Students should be able to speak intelligibly, hear
sufficiently, elicit and transmit information in oral and
written format to members of the research/healthcare
team, and communicate effectively with instructors and
other students.
b. They must possess demonstrated reading skills at a
level sufficient to accomplish curricular requirements
and follow laboratory procedures.
c. They must possess excellent verbal and written
communication skills in the English language.
3. Motor Function:
a. Students must have functional sensory and motor skills
to directly perform laboratory tests on body fluids,
cells, and products.
b. They must have sufficient motor function to utilize
laboratory instruments.
c. They must possess functional motor skills to
demonstrate basic laboratory techniques.
d. They must possess functional motor skills to perform
procedures for collecting and processing biological
specimens for analysis, including phlebotomy.
95
e. They must comply with laboratory safety measures and
regulations, and practice standard precautions against
contamination with infectious pathogens (e.g. wearing
personal protective equipment; working with sharp
objects; and hazardous materials).
4. Intellectual:
a. Critical thinking is a necessary skill for laboratory
personnel. Students must have the intellectual capacity
to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and
synthesize information from various modalities to
effectively perform laboratory tests.
b. They must be able to integrate and relate laboratory
data while making judgments about possible
discrepancies, confirm abnormal results, verify quality
control procedures, and develop solutions to problems
concerning the generation of laboratory data.
c. They must be able to accept and learn through a variety
of teaching modalities including classroom lecture and
discussion, cooperative learning, small group activities,
laboratory exercises and demonstrations, individual and
group presentations, and the use of technology assisted
learning.
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes:
a. Students must at all times demonstrate the emotional
stability to be able to exercise good judgment and
promptly complete all responsibilities in the laboratory
setting.
b. They must perform problem solving skills in a timely
manner.
c. They must be able to tolerate physically taxing
workloads.
d. They must be able to function effectively under stress.
e. They must have the ability to display flexibility and
adapt to changing environments.
f. They must treat all instructors, students, and other
members of the healthcare team with dignity and
respect.
g. They must demonstrate honesty, integrity, dedication,
compassion, nondiscrimination, and motivation.
h. They must be able to accept constructive criticism and
respond appropriately with an acceptable modification
of behavior.
SUNY Upstate Medical University complies with Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act. All applicants and students are held to the
same academic and technical standards of admissions and
training. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified
individuals with a disability. However, the student is expected to
perform these functions in a reasonably independent manner.
Medical Imaging Sciences
Medical Imaging Technologists are licensed healthcare
professionals who produce diagnostic images of patients.
Medical Imaging Technologists need to demonstrate academic
standards as well as a core of technical standards to ensure
competent imaging services are being delivered. All Medical
Imaging Sciences applicants and Medical Imaging Sciences
students are held to the same academic and technical standards
of admission and training. Technical standards must be met with
or without reasonable accommodation.
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COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
Prospective Medical Imaging Sciences candidates
and students are held accountable for the following
technical standards:
1. Observation:
a. Students must have sufficient capacity to:
i. Visualize information presented in digital images
and images on film, video, or on paper.
ii. Observe laboratory and/or lecture demonstrations.
iii. Observe patients and accurately assess special
needs.
2. Communication:
a. Students and candidates for admission should be
able to speak intelligibly, hear sufficiently, elicit and
transmit patient information in oral and written format
to members of the healthcare team, describe changes
in mood, activity and posture, and communicate
effectively and sensitively with patients.
b. They must possess demonstrated reading and writing
skills at a level sufficient to accomplish curricular
requirements and provide clinical care to patients.
c. They must possess effective verbal and written
communication skills in the English language.
3. Sensory and Motor Skills:
a. Students and candidates for admission must have
functional sensory and motor skills to directly
perform patient transfers, patient positioning, imaging
equipment maneuvers and transport, handling of image
receptors, and quality management procedures.
b. They must possess functional sensory and motor skills
to perform venipuncture and contrast media injections.
c. They must possess functional sensory and motor skills
to execute quick and purposeful movements required
for imaging procedures performed on trauma patients
and for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
4. Intellectual:
a. Critical thinking is a necessary skill for Medical
Imaging Technologists. Students and candidates
for admission must have the intellectual capacity
to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate,
and synthesize information to effectively generate
diagnostic images and to provide optimal patient care.
b. Students and candidates for admission must have the
ability to comprehend spatial relationships of structures
and three-dimensional models.
c. They must be able to learn through a variety of
teaching modalities including classroom lecture,
laboratory exercises, cooperative learning, small group
activities, individual and group presentations, the use
of technology assisted learning, online learning, and
hands-on clinical practice.
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes:
a. Students and candidates for admission must at all
times demonstrate the emotional stability to be able
to exercise good judgment, prompt completion of all
responsibilities related to the generation of diagnostic
images and to the provision of optimal patient care,
and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective
relationships with patients and their families.
b. They must perform problem solving skills in a timely
manner.
c. They must be able to tolerate physically taxing
workloads.
d. They must be able to function effectively under stress.
e. They must have the ability to adapt to changing
environments, display flexibility, and learn to function
in an environment of uncertainty inherent in the
practice of medical imaging procedures.
f. They must treat all patients, families, colleagues, and
other members of the healthcare team with dignity and
respect.
g. They must demonstrate honesty, integrity, dedication,
compassion, nondiscrimination, and motivation.
h. They must be able to accept constructive criticism and
respond appropriately with an acceptable modification
of behavior.
SUNY Upstate Medical University complies with Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act. All applicants and students are held to the
same academic and technical standards of admissions and
training. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified
individuals with a disability. However, the student is expected to
perform these functions in a reasonably independent manner.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists seek to prevent and remediate limitations
in body structures and functions, activity limitations and
participation restrictions; maintain and promote fitness, health,
and quality of life; and to ensure availability, accessibility, and
excellence in the delivery of physical therapy services to the
patient.
Students in the Physical Therapy Education program
are held accountable for the following technical
standards:
1. Acquire and accurately interpret information from
demonstrations and experiences in the basic and clinical
sciences, including but not limited to information conveyed
through laboratory dissection, physiologic demonstrations,
and physical demonstrations at a distance and close at hand.
2. Acquire and accurately interpret information from written
documents and identify information presented in images
from paper, videos, transparencies, slides, computer
monitors, and other types of visual and auditory displays.
3. Accurately elicit from a patient, a history and other
information required to adequately and effectively evaluate
a patient’s condition.
4. Select and perform examinations of aerobic capacity, gait
and balance, integumentary integrity, joint integrity, motor
function, muscle performance, neuromotor development,
pain, posture, range of motion, reflexes, self-care, sensory
integrity, ventilation, respiration, and circulation while
maintaining the safety of the patient, oneself, and others
nearby.
5. Use and interpret information from all diagnostic
maneuvers (e.g. observation, palpation, auscultation,
manipulation of equipment, movement of a patient's
entire body or portions of a patient's body) during a
comprehensive physical therapy exam.
6. Synthesize information to develop a plan of care for
patients.
7. Problem solve and critically think in order to manage all
aspects of the physical therapy care of patients.
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
8. Safely perform interventions including but not limited
to therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual
therapy, debridement and wound care, physical agents,
electrotherapeutic modalities and the prescription,
application and fabrication of assistive/supportive/
protective devices.
9. Demonstrate reading, writing, and verbal skills in the
English language sufficient to accomplish curricular
requirements and provide clinical care to patients and
clients in a variety of classroom and clinical settings.
10. Communicate effectively, sensitively, and efficiently in
oral, written, and nonverbal modes with faculty, patients,
families, and all members of the healthcare team about a
patient’s condition.
11. Develop effective, professional relationships with faculty,
patients and families, peers, and relevant others in a manner
that consistently demonstrates accountability, compassion,
and integrity.
12. Utilize intellectual ability, demonstrate emotional stability,
and exercise sound judgment in urgent and emergency
situations, as well as in a variety of situations and
environments, including but not limited to circumstances of
stress, uncertainty, and taxing workloads.
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants are licensed health care providers who
provide medical care to patients under the supervision of a
licensed physician. As physician extenders, physician assistants
need to demonstrate academic standards as well as a core of
technical standards to ensure competent health care is being
delivered. All physician assistant applicants and physician
assistant students are held to the same academic and technical
standards of admission and training. Prospective Physician
assistant candidates and students are held accountable for the
following technical standards and these technical standards must
be met with or without reasonable accommodation.
Technical Standards:
1. Observation
a. Students and candidates for admission must have sufficient visual capacity to:
i. visualize information presented in images from
paper, slides, and video
ii. observe laboratory and/or lecture demonstrations
iii. observe patients accurately at a distance, and
close at hand, with or without standard medical
equipment
2. Communication
a. Students and candidates for admission should be
able to speak intelligibly, hear sufficiently, elicit and
transmit patient information in oral and written format
to members of the healthcare team, describe changes
in mood, activity, and posture, and communicate
effectively and sensitively with patients.
b. They must possess demonstrated reading skills at a
level sufficient to accomplish curricular requirements
and provide clinical care to patients.
c. They must possess excellent verbal and written
communication skills in the English language.
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3. Sensory and Motor Function
a. Students and candidates for admission must have
functional sensory and motor skills to directly
perform palpation, percussion, auscultation, and
other diagnostic maneuvers that assist in the physical
evaluation of a patient.
b. They must have sufficient motor function to utilize
diagnostic instruments.
c. They must possess functional motor skills to
demonstrate basic laboratory techniques involving
cadaver dissection, urinalysis, pulmonary function
testing, and obtaining electrocardiographs.
d. They must possess functional motor skills to
demonstrate common clinical procedures including
phlebotomy, intravenous catheter placement, injections,
suturing, foley catheter placement, nasogastric tube
placement, lumbar puncture, and intubation.
e. They must possess functional sensory and motor
skills to execute quick and purposeful movements
during emergency treatment of patients. Emergency
procedures include intubation, cardiopulmonary
resuscitation, application of pressure to control
bleeding, administration of intravenous medication,
and the performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers.
4. Intellectual
a. Critical thinking is a necessary skill for physician
assistants. Students and candidates for admission must
have the intellectual capacity to measure, calculate,
reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize information
from various modalities to effectively evaluate and
treat patients.
b. Students and candidates for admission must have the
ability to comprehend spatial relationships of structures
and three-dimensional models.
c. They must be able to accept and learn through a variety
of teaching modalities including classroom lecture,
cooperative learning, small group activities, laboratory
exercises, individual and group presentations, and the
use of technology assisted learning.
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes
a. Students and candidates for admission must at all
times demonstrate the emotional stability to be able
to exercise good judgment, prompt completion of all
responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of
patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and
effective relationships with patients.
b. They must perform problem solving skills in a timely
manner.
c. They must be able to tolerate physically taxing
workloads.
d. They must be able to function effectively under stress.
e. They must have the ability to adapt to changing
environment, display flexibility, and learn to function
in an environment of uncertainty inherent in the clinical
practice of medicine.
f. They must treat all patients, families, colleagues, and
other members of the health care team with dignity and
respect.
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COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
g. They must demonstrate honesty, integrity, dedication,
compassion, nondiscrimination, and motivation.
h. They must be able to accept constructive criticism and
respond appropriately with an acceptable modification
of behavior.
Upstate Medical University complies with Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities
Act. All applicants and students are held to the same academic
and technical standards of admissions and training. Reasonable
accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with a
disability. However, the student is expected to perform these
functions in a reasonably independent manner.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapists are highly specialized members of the
oncology health professional team who utilize beams of ionizing
radiation produced by various specialized units to treat patients
with malignant diseases.
Radiation Therapy students are held accountable for
the following technical standards:
1. Observation:
a. Students must have sufficient visual capacity to:
i. Visualize information presented in images on
paper, computer monitors, slides, and video.
ii. Observe laboratory and/or lecture demonstrations.
iii. Observe patients accurately at a distance, close at
hand, and on a video monitor.
iv. Observe treatment set up lights and lasers in a
darkened treatment or simulation room.
v. Distinguish between red and green colors.
2. Communication:
a. Students must be able to speak intelligibly, hear
sufficiently, elicit and transmit patient information in
oral and written format to members of the healthcare
team, and communicate effectively and sensitively with
patients.
b. They must demonstrate reading skills at a level
sufficient to accomplish curricular requirements and
provide clinical care to patients.
c. They must possess verbal and written communication
skills in the English language sufficient to effectively
communicate with other members of the healthcare
team and patients.
3. Sensory and Motor Function:
a. Students must have the functional sensory and motor
skills to directly perform the physical set up of patients
for treatment.
b. They must have sufficient motor function to safely and
accurately manipulate the treatment and simulation
machines and accessory devices.
c. They must possess functional sensory and motor skills
to execute quick and purposeful movements during
emergency treatment of patients.
4. Intellectual:
a. Critical thinking is a necessary skill for radiation
therapists, so students must have the intellectual
capacity to measure, calculate, reason, analyze,
integrate, and synthesize information from various
modalities to effectively treat patients.
b. They must have the ability to comprehend spatial
relationships of structures and three-dimensional
images.
c. They must be able to accept and learn through a
variety of teaching modalities including classroom
lecture, cooperative learning, online, small group
activities, laboratory exercises, individual and group
presentations, and the use of technology assisted
learning.
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes:
a. Students must at all times demonstrate the emotional
stability to be able to exercise good judgment, prompt
completion of all responsibilities attendant to the
care and treatment of patients, and the development
of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with
patients and other members of the healthcare team.
They must:
i. Problem solve in a timely manner.
ii. Tolerate physically taxing workloads.
iii. Function effectively under stress.
iv. Have the ability to adapt to changing environments,
display flexibility, and learn to function in an
environment of uncertainty inherent in the clinical
practice of radiation therapy.
v. Treat all patients, families, colleagues, and other
members of the healthcare team with dignity and
respect.
vi. Demonstrate honesty, integrity, dedication,
compassion, nondiscrimination, and motivation.
vii. Be able to accept constructive criticism and
respond appropriately with an acceptable
modification of behavior.
SUNY Upstate Medical University complies with Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act. All applicants and students are held to the
same academic and technical standards of admissions and
training. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified
individuals with a disability. However, the student is expected to
perform these functions in a reasonably independent manner.
Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory Care is a life-supporting, life enhancing, health
care profession practiced under medical direction. Respiratory
Therapy/Care services provided to patients with disorders
of the cardiopulmonary system include: diagnostic testing,
therapeutics, monitoring, and rehabilitation.
Respiratory Therapy students are held
accountable for the following technical standards:
1. Observation:
a. Students must have sufficient visual capacity to:
i. Visualize information presented in images on
paper, computer monitors, slides, and video.
ii. Observe laboratory, clinical and/or lecture
demonstrations.
iii. Observe patients accurately at a distance, close at
hand, and on a video monitor.
2. Communication:
a. Students must demonstrate reading skills at a level
sufficient to accomplish curricular requirements and
provide clinical care to patients.
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
b. Students and candidates for admission must speak
intelligibly and hear sufficiently possessing verbal and
written communication skills in the English language
sufficient to elicit and transmit patient information in
oral and written format to members of the healthcare
team, effectively communicate with other members of
the healthcare team, family, and patients effectively
and sensitively as well as describe, assess, and record
changes in patients' mood, activity, posture, physical
appearance, and physiologic parameters.
3. Sensory and Motor Function:
a. Students must have the functional sensory and motor
skills to directly perform the physical set up and use of
equipment and patients for treatment and appropriate
diagnostic testing such as aerosol therapy, mechanical
ventilation, arterial blood gas puncture and analysis,
and complete pulmonary function testing.
b. Students must possess functional sensory and motor
skills to execute quick, purposeful and appropriate
movements during all instances of patient treatment
interventions and diagnostic testing particularly in
emergent/critical care settings such as intubation,
cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and administration of
medication by various routes.
c. Students must detect and respond appropriately to
malfunctions in medical equipment. (e.g. leaking air
and safety alarms.)
d. Students and candidates for admission must have
functional sensory and motor skills to directly perform
inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation, and
other diagnostic maneuvers that assist in the physical
evaluation of the patient.
e. Students must practice in a safe and effective manner
following appropriate rules, regulations, and guidelines
for safe, effective, and professional clinical practice
(e.g. following standard precautions).
f. Students must accurately elicit from a patient a medical
history and other information required to adequately
and effectively evaluate a patient's cardiopulmonary
condition.
g. Students must have the physical ability to transport
both patients and related medical equipment in safe
and efficient manner.
4. Intellectual:
a. Critical thinking is a necessary skill for respiratory
therapists, so students and candidates for admission
must have the intellectual capacity to measure,
calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize
information from various modalities, test results,
monitoring equipment, and patient information
to effectively treat and assist in the diagnosis and
management of patients.
b. Students must have the ability to comprehend spatial
relationships of structures and various monitoring and
diagnostic imaging.
c. Students must be able to accept and learn through a
variety of teaching and learning modalities including
classroom lecture, cooperative learning, online, small
group activities, laboratory exercises, individual
and group presentations, simulation and the use of
technology assisted learning.
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5. Behavioral and Social Attributes:
a. Students and candidates for admissions must
demonstrate the emotional stability to be able to
exercise good judgment, prompt completion of all
responsibilities attendant to the care and treatment of
patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and
effective relationships with patients and other members
of the healthcare team. Student must:
i. Problem solve in a timely manner.
ii. Tolerate physically taxing workloads.
iii. Function effectively under stress.
iv. Have the ability to adapt to changing environments,
display flexibility, and learn to function in an
environment of uncertainty inherent in the clinical
practice of respiratory therapy.
v. Treat all patients, families, colleagues, and other
members of the healthcare team with dignity and
respect.
vi. Demonstrate honesty, integrity, dedication,
compassion, non-discrimination, and motivation.
vii. Be able to accept constructive criticism and
respond appropriately with an acceptable
modification of behavior.
SUNY Upstate Medical University complies with Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act. All applicants and students are held to the
same academic and technical standards of admissions and
training. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified
individuals with a disability. However, the student is expected to
perform these functions in a reasonably independent manner.
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COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS
COLLEGE OF NURSING
COLLEGE OF
NURSING
101
102
COLLEGE OF NURSING
COLLEGE OF NURSING
MISSION OF THE COLLEGE
The faculty of the College of Nursing has defined the following
mission: To leverage the powerful, professional voice of
Nursing through outstanding education, clinical expertise, and
research to improve health across the communities we serve.
PHILOSOPHY
We believe that nursing is a public trust that promotes access
to healthcare and health equity. Nursing unifies art and science
and is devoted to compassionate concern for human beings.
Nurses practice from a holistic perspective to promote, restore,
and maintain health, comfort, and dignity throughout the life
process.
Education is a developmental process that facilitates learners
to assume increasing responsibility for their own continued
learning and professional growth. Nursing education
continuously builds on a unique body of knowledge
encompassing empirics, aesthetics, ethics, personal knowing,
intuitive, and sociopolitical patterns of knowing. Empowered
learners with a strong foundation in our unique body of
knowledge, become nursing scholars who actively contribute to
the profession.
CODE OF PROFESSIONAL
CONDUCT
See University Student Code of Conduct Policy and the Upstate
Pledge.
Social Media Policy
Students must follow National Council of State Boards of Nursing,
Social Media guidelines; State and Federal privacy laws; and
clinical facility policies, with all use of social and electronic media
on and off campus. Instances of inappropriate use of social media
will be considered as violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
ACADEMIC STATUS
Attendance at the College is considered a privilege and not
a right. The faculty and administration reserve the right to
terminate, any time, the enrollment of any student within the
College if he/she is considered, in any way, unfit for the study
and practice of nursing or if he/she does not meet the standards
of the State University of New York.
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Unprofessional Behavior
If a student displays what a course instructor considers to be
unprofessional behavior in the classroom, laboratory, or clinical
setting, the course instructor may take the following sequential
actions:
1. Verbal warning from the course instructor.
2. Meeting with the course instructor and a program
director discussing the remedial behavior needed and the
consequences for failing to remediate behavior.
3. Referral to judicial process or academic evaluation, if
appropriate.
4. Extenuating circumstances may necessitate acceleration of
this process.
In addition to behavior issues, issues such as suspected
plagiarism, requests for extensions for assignments due to
personal issues over multiple semesters, and requests for short
103
term incomplete grades due to personal issues over multiple
semesters will be handled by the college in the following
manner:
1. In the student folder there will be an orange disciplinary
sheet, notes related to actions taken regarding any of
the above will be maintained by faculty members on the
students orange sheet.
2. If the issue occurs a second time as evidenced by the sheet,
in the same or different course, the course faculty will meet
with the student and the program director to resolve the
issue.
3. If the issue occurs a third time, the Student Evaluation
Committee will be notified and the procedure followed.
**If the student requests assignment extensions or course
imcompletes within the same semester due to personal issues,
this policy does not apply.
Student Records and Transcripts
Student education records are confidential and are released
only to appropriate faculty and administrative offices. Release
of such records to any other college, prospective employer, or
agency occurs only with the written permission of the student in
accordance with FERPA. The Office of the Registrar does not
release student addresses or phone numbers unless these appear
in the student directory or except as to the extent provided by
FERPA to do so without written consent. Official transcripts
cannot be given to the student; they must be sent directly to the
college, institution, or other final recipient. Transcripts cannot be
sent for any student whose financial obligations to the University
have not been met. Students may obtain unofficial copies of
transcripts from the Office of the Registrar.
As stipulated in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
of 1974 (section 513 of PL 93-380 and amended by section 2
of 93-568), any student may make an appointment with a staff
member in the Registrar's Office or the appropriate office that
maintains the record to review his/her educational records.
Academic Advisement
All matriculated students are encouraged to meet with their
academic advisor during the first semester of attendance and
each subsequent semester, prior to registration, in order to plan
course work and track requirements for degree completion.
If the program is proposing a curriculum change, all
matriculated students must be notified by the Program Director
via the campus email system. Faculty reserves the right to
amend, modify, or add to degree requirement changes as needed.
Should this happen, the faculty will provide course alternatives,
substitutions, or options which would permit students to
complete requirements in the usual time span.
Residency Requirements
To be considered for a degree from the College of Nursing at the
Upstate Medical University, the student must be matriculated
in a program. A minimum of 30 credit hours for the BS degree,
a minimum of 48 credits for the RN to MS program (BS/MS
degrees) a minimum of 36 credit hours for the MS degree,
and a minimum of 20 credit hours for Post-Master to DNP
must be taken at Upstate Medical University, and credit by
examination cannot be used as a residency requirement. The
36 hour minimum for the MS degree includes the requirement
that Advanced Health Assessment, Pharmacology for Advanced
Practice, Clinical Pathophysiology and all clinical courses
required for the degree must be taken at the College of Nursing
at Upstate Medical University. The minor in Nursing Education
104
has a 6 credit hour residency requirement. Students are expected
to complete the program in the required period of time and in
sequence; exceptions may be considered by petition to the office
of the Dean.
Matriculated Students
A matriculated student is one who has been accepted into a
degree granting program in the College of Nursing and who has
completed the registration process for the current academic term.
The admission requirements for undergraduate and graduate
degree granting program are established by the appropriate
program and the admissions committee.
Once matriculated, the student is required to begin coursework
as presented in the Program of Study in the semester
immediately following the date when matriculation occurred.
For undergraduate students, licensure as a Registered
Professional Nurse in New York State is required by the end
of the first semester of matriculation (see Withdrawal from
the College). Graduate students must maintain licensure as a
Registered Professional Nurse in New York State.
Policies:
1. Beginning with the Spring 2015 semester, only
matriculated students are eligible to register for classes.
This applies to both undergraduate and graduate students.
2. EXCEPTION: Students with an earned college degree in a
non-nursing major:
a. Students with a degree in another field hold nonmatriculated status while completing necessary
undergraduate level prerequisites.
b. Upon successful completion of all undergraudate
prerequisites, students with a degree in another field
are then admitted to the graduate level program with
matriculated status.
3. Students must have all their undergraduate prerequisites
successfully completed before enrolling in a graduate
course. If completion of undergraduate prerequisites
exceeds one year from the time of admission, students may
have to reapply.
4. The BS student in the fourth semester of study (fourth
semester equivalent, if part-time) may be permitted
to enroll in no more than two graduate electives, with
instructor permission, prior to matriculation into the
graduate program and based on availability.
5. All exceptions to admissions policies are reviewed
and approved by the College of Nursing Admissions
Committee.
6. The College of Nursing adheres to the Application
Deadlines for Graduate and Undergraduate Programs as
posted online by the Admissions Office.
7. Deferral of admittance is allowed per campus policy for no
greater than one year, at which the student would need to
reapply.
Non-Matriculated Students
Currently outside of the bachelors in another field students and
certificate programs, students who want to take classes as a nonmatriculated student will need permission from the Dean. This
will be decided on a case by case basis.
Part-Time Study Option
This option is designed to offer students a part-time status for
completion of their program of study.
COLLEGE OF NURSING
Once matriculated, part-time students may take a maximum
of eleven credit hours per semester at the undergraduate level.
Those students in the graduate level may take a maximum of
eight credit hours per semester. A minimum of two courses per
semester should be taken in order to maintain part-time status.
Transfer from part-time to full-time status, or vice versa, is done
with the written approval of the student's academic advisor and
program director (See Change in Student Status).
Time Limitations for Completion of a Program of
Study
The purpose of this limitation is to avoid undue delay in the
completion of the degree requirements and to insure that course
work and research are not outdated before the degree is granted.
The following time limits to completion are effective beginning
with those entering in the fall of 2014.
All degree requirements for the BS, MS, and DNP programs
must be completed within five years from the date of
matriculation. If the time limit is exceeded, the degree will not
be conferred unless permission is granted following a student
petition to the Dean of the College of Nursing.
Former students of the College of Nursing who are applying for
re-admission to the College will be reviewed by the Admissions
Committee. If the student is readmitted into the program, credit
for all previous academic course work will be evaluated prior to
registration. The evaluation will be conducted by the Admissions
Committee in conjunction with the appropriate program
director. Prior to approving advanced standing for course work
previously taken at Upstate Medical University or transfer
credit from other institutions, the Committee may require that
the student demonstrate current knowledge or competency in
the subject area. The method of assessment will vary according
to the individual student circumstances. The student may be
required to: have an interview with the course instructor; submit
course descriptions and outlines from courses taken at other
universities or colleges; take oral exams; take clinical exams; or
apply for credit by examination.
Requests for a leave of absence beyond one year or requests
for extended part-time study or other such situations where a
student’s curriculum would be protracted, must be approved by
the Dean of the College of Nursing prior to continuing in the
program.
Change in Student Status
A change in student status refers to a change from part-time to
full-time, or vice versa. Changes in student status in the College
may be made for personal or academic reasons and are described
below:
1. Students may petition to change status to full or part-time
for subsequent semesters. Students must contact their
academic advisors to plan a revised program of study.
Then, a Change of Status Request form is submitted to the
program director for approval of the change. For a change
to be effective for the Fall semester, the request must be
submitted prior to February 15; for a change to be effective
for the Spring semester, the request must be submitted prior
to September 15. Permission to change registration status
at any other time is at the discretion of the Dean of the
College of Nursing.
2. Inter-program Progression: BS to RN to MS
To progress from BS to RN-MS program, students must
meet with their academic advisors to plan a revised
program of study and then complete an online Change to
RN to MS Program form through Admissions. For a change
COLLEGE OF NURSING
to be effective for the Fall semester, the request must be
submitted prior to February 15; for a change to be effective
for the Spring semester, the request must be submitted prior
to September 15.
3. Inter-program Progression: BS to MS
The student must:
a. Submit an application for graduate study to the Office
of Student Admissions. No application fee is required.
b. Submit an application to the Master's program one year
before proposed entry or no later than six months after
graduation.
c. Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0;
d. Submit one new letter of recommendation that
addresses clinical performance.
4. Progression in RN to MS Program: Students who have been
admitted to the RN to MS Program will be reviewed by the
Academic Standards Committee of the College of Nursing
at the end of each semester. Students must have a minimum
GPA of 3.0 to continue in the program. Students who have
a GPA of less than 3.0 may be considered for continuation
in the RN to MS program or may be required to transfer to
the BS nursing program.
5. Matriculated MS students who want to change tracks must
meet with the Director of Advanced Practice Programs.
Requesting a Leave of Absence
Any student desiring a leave of absence from the College of
Nursing will complete the following:
1. Request a leave (in writing) on the College's Leave of
Absence form obtained from the College, or the Office of
the Registrar. The request should include:
a. The length of time desired for the leave (up to one
year);
b. Reasons for the request;
c. All required signatures; and
d. Mailing address while on leave.
2. Obtain approval from faculty advisor, which may include
some conditions for the leave.
3. Seek approval from the Bursar's Office, Financial Aid
Office, Residential Life, and Office of the Registrar.
4. The student should continue course work (barring any
emergency) until the leave of absence is approved.
5. While on a leave of absence, a student may not register
for new courses, complete courses previously taken, or do
remedial work (such as take a reexamination for a course)
at the Upstate Medical University.
Returning from a Leave
A student desiring to return from a leave of absence must:
1. Notify the Office of the Registrar in writing at least one
month before the expected return date. This notification
should include evidence that the student's return has been
approved by their academic advisor or program director.
2. Meet with the program director or advisor to schedule
courses for the academic year and to ensure that any
conditions associated with the leave of absence have been
met.
3. Notify the Student Health Office and update health records
if necessary.
4. An approved leave, of less than one year, shall not count
toward program completion limits.
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Failure to return from a leave of absence when it expires or to
receive approval to extend the leave of absence will result in the
student being administratively withdrawn from the College.
Withdrawal from the College
A student who wishes to withdraw from the college should
complete the appropriate withdrawal form. Approval to
withdraw should be obtained from the Bursar's Office, Financial
Aid Office, University Housing, and the Registrar's Office. Only
upon completion of this form, with all the approval signatures,
will a student be considered "officially" withdrawn. A student
who has withdrawn from the College may seek readmission by
reapplying through the Office of Student Admissions for his/her
particular program.
COURSE ENROLLMENT
Open Enrollment
All students in the College of Nursing will need to enroll in
courses during the open enrollment period. Students should
contact their academic advisor for assistance in selecting
appropriate courses for their program of study. The dates for
all open enrollment periods are published in the Academic
Calendar. A student in the graduate program who has completed
all the degree requirements except the writing of the thesis must
register for one credit hour per semester including the semester
of the scheduled oral defense.
Nursing Licensure Requirement
A student who is accepted into the College on the condition that
the NCLEX for New York State registered professional nurse
licensure is passed has until the end of the first semester of
matriculation to show evidence of successful completion of the
NCLEX licensing examination. If a student does not pass the
NCLEX by this date, the student may not continue with course
work for the following semester. Upon successful completion
of the NCLEX prior to the next semester, the student will be
permitted to resume course work. Failure to show evidence
of having passed the NCLEX examination within one year of
matriculation is sufficient reason for dismissal from the College
of Nursing. Cases in which students have not passed the NCLEX
will be reviewed and acted upon by the Student Evaluation
Committee.
Adding/Dropping/Withdrawing from a
Course
Add/Drop Period
The College of Nursing has defined the Add/Drop period as the
first ten days of the fall and spring semesters and the first five
days of the summer semester.
Adding Courses
Starting with the first day of the semester, all adds are by
permission from the course instructor or department chairperson
of the course. Please note the course instructor or department
chairperson reserves the right to admit or exclude a person from
a course during the Add/Drop period. Therefore, adds must be
processed using an Add/Drop form and courses can not be added
via MyUpstate. To add a course during the Add/Drop period:
1. Obtain the signature of the course instructor on the Add/
Drop form.
2. For matriculated students, obtain the signature of your
Academic Advisor or Department Chairperson.
3. Submit the completed Add/Drop form to the Registrar's
Office, Rm. 203, Campus Activities Building.
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Please note: Switching from one section to another section of
the same course is considered the same as adding and dropping a
course. Therefore, the same process must be followed to ensure
that you are properly enrolled in your courses.
Dropping Courses
It is important to recognize the difference between dropping and
withdrawing from a course, and that even though a course may
be dropped from your academic transcript, you may still have
a tuition liability. You may drop a course during the Add/Drop
period and no record of the course will appear on your academic
transcript. After the Add/Drop period has ended, the course is
not dropped from your academic transcript, but rather you are
withdrawn from the course. To drop a course during the Add/
Drop period:
1. Obtain the signature of the course instructor on the Add/
Drop form.
2. For matriculated students, obtain the signature of your
Academic Advisor or Department Chairperson.
3. Submit the completed Add/Drop form to the Registrar's
Office, Rm. 203, Campus Activities Building.
Please note: Switching from one section to another section of
the same course is considered the same as adding and dropping a
course. Therefore, the same process must be followed to ensure
that you are properly enrolled in your courses.
Withdrawing from a Course
After the defined Add/Drop period, if you no longer want to
remain enrolled in a course, you need to withdraw from the
course. You will still have a tuition liability when you withdraw
from a course. The course will remain on the academic transcript
and a grade of "W", "WP", "WS", "WF", or "WU" will be
recorded on the academic transcript for the course, depending on
when during the semester you withdraw from the course. Refer
to the Academic Calendar for deadlines for tuition liability and
grading options. To withdraw from a course after the Add/Drop
period has ended:
1. Obtain the signature of the course instructor on the Add/
Drop form.
2. For matriculated students, obtain the signature of your
Academic Advisor or Department Chairperson.
3. Remit the late fee of $20.00 to the Bursar's Office, Rm.
200, Campus Activities Building.
4. Submit the completed Add/Drop form to the Registrar's
Office, Rm. 203, Campus Activities Building.
Please note: Your schedule and your academic transcript will
only reflect an Add, a Drop, or a Withdrawal if the Add/Drop
form has been filed with the Registrar's Office and payment of
any late fee has been made as applicable. You can confirm an
Add, a Drop, or a Withdrawal has been processed by checking
your schedule in MyUpstate or contacting the Registrar's
Office. Failure to submit the Add/Drop form or to pay the late
fee, if applicable, will result in a final grade being recorded as
determined by the course grading policy. It is the responsibility
of the student to process a course Add, Drop, or Withdrawal, to
adhere to the deadlines, and to remit the late fee if applicable.
CREDIT STATUS
The decision to change the credit status of a course from credit
to audit (no credit received) or audit to credit must be made
before 20% of the course is completed. An Add/Drop form can
COLLEGE OF NURSING
be obtained from the Registrar's Office or on-line. Permission to
make a change in credit status must be obtained from the course
instructor and program director.
Audit
To audit a course a student must:
1. Complete an Audit Form available from the Registrar’s
Office.
2. On the Audit Form, obtain the following permissions:
a. The course instructor who, with the student,
may formulate a written agreement of the course
requirements.
b. The director of the program in which the course is
being taught.
c. The student's academic advisor.
3. Return the completed form to the Office of the Registrar.
Note: An audit fee will be charged for any student auditing
a course who is not otherwise enrolled as a student in the
University. No credit will be given and no transcript record will
be maintained for an Audit course.
Credit by Examination
The College of Nursing recognizes that some students may have
acquired skills and knowledge through formal or independent
studies or through experiences that are essentially equivalent to
those which students acquire in college courses.
Matriculated students in the College may apply for credit by
examination in subjects which fulfill graduation requirements
for their program. Students should note that credits earned by
this method cannot be used to satisfy residency requirements.
Prior to earning credit by examination from an external agency,
the student must complete a Credit by Exam Form (obtained
from the Registrar’s Office or from the College) and secure
written permission from the course instructor as well as approval
in writing from his/her academic advisor or program director.
Procedure:
1. Establish eligibility from the specific program.
2. Obtain an application form from the Registrar.
3. Complete form with approval from specific program
director or academic advisor, and course instructor.
4. Pay the fee at the Bursar’s Office.
5. Present validated application form to instructor prior to the
examination.
Students wishing to earn credit by examination must take the
examination prior to the beginning of the semester in which the
course is offered. Students who do not pass the examination
should enroll in the course the following semester.
Credits earned by these examinations will be identified as credit
by examination (CR) on the student’s transcript and will neither
be listed as a letter grade nor calculated into the grade point
average.
Transfer Credit Policy
Transfer credit from another accredited institution to the Upstate
Medical University is granted when the following conditions are
met: 1) the nature, content, and level of credit is comparable to
that offered by Upstate Medical University; 2) the credit earned
is appropriate and applicable to the programs offered by Upstate
Medical University in light of the student’s educational goals;
and 3) a letter grade of "C" or above for nursing courses & "C"
or above for arts & science courses for BS students and "B"
for MS students has been earned. Students must meet specific
program residency requirements.
COLLEGE OF NURSING
1. Admissions Requirements – The Office of Admissions
and the Admissions Committee evaluate all pre-requisite
course requirements during the admissions process. Prerequisite coursework for the BS program does not have a
time limitation. Pre-requisite coursework for the graduate
program is evaluated on an individual basis.
2. Program of Study Transfer Credit – The Admissions office
and appropriate faculty members will evaluate transfer
credit for all accepted students prior to matriculation.
Courses taken more than five years prior to the date of
matriculation may be considered for transfer with the
approval of the Admissions Committee.
3. Transfer Credit After Matriculation – Graduate or
undergraduate students desiring to enroll in a course for
transfer credit must complete the Transfer Credit Request
form before registering for the course. The form is available
from the Office of the Registrar or the College of Nursing.
To receive transfer credit, students must have written
approval from all of the following:
a. The course instructor;
b. The academic advisor;
c. The program director.
All courses listed in the Programs of Study as electives, for
which transfer credit is being requested, must be approved by
the student's academic advisor and respective program director.
Note: Grades from transfer credit courses are not calculated into
the student’s grade point average at Upstate Medical University.
Credit for courses taken previously at Upstate Medical
University is not transfer credit and is calculated in the student’s
grade point average prior to matriculation. Courses are reviewed
by the Admissions Committee for credit decisions. This
committee may require a student to repeat specific course(s) if
they don't meet transfer conditions.
Independent Study
Definition – Independent study shall constitute investigation by
a student, with faculty approval and direction.
General Information – The student must be matriculated in
order to participate in independent study. A student may take
an independent study for a minimum of one credit hour and
a maximum of six credit hours and must provide tangible
evidence of completion. The number of credit hours taken will
be determined prior to the start of the project. The grade issued
will be in accordance with the College’s grading system, either
a letter grade or pass/fail to be decided at the beginning of the
semester. A student shall take only one independent study course
per semester. Tuition is assessed on a per credit hour basis.
The independent study application form should be completed
prior to the first day of the semester in which the project is to be
carried out. Under special circumstances, late applications may
be accepted within two weeks after the first day of the semester.
Eligibility – Any student not on clinical or academic probation is
eligible to undertake an independent study project.
Application Procedure:
1. The student will seek a faculty member to sponsor the
project.
2. In conjunction with the faculty mentor, the student shall
obtain and complete an independent study application
form from the College or the Registrar’s Office where the
academic record will be verified.
3. The completed and approved form must be filed with the
Registrar’s Office before independent study begins.
107
Class Attendance
The accrediting institutions of the College of Nursing require
a minimum number of contact hours in certain content areas.
Requirements for class attendance are at the discretion of the
course instructor. Reference should be made, therefore, to the
course in question for policy on class attendance.
ACADEMIC EVALUATION AND PROMOTION
Assessment
Baccalaureate students will be expected to demonstrate
the accomplishment of SUNY General Education learning
outcomes in the areas of basic communication, critical thinking,
and information management.
An electronic portfolio of graded selected course assignments
will be kept from three courses: ENGL 325: Professional
Writing; BIOL 310: Biostatistics; and NURS 481: Nursing
Research.
Grading System Undergraduate Grades
Academic records are kept in terms of semester credit hours,
grades, grade points, grade point averages, and cumulative
grade point averages. Grades given at the undergraduate level in
the College of Nursing are: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D,
D-, F, I, IP, P, W, WP, WF, and XF. Grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-,
C+, and C, are considered passing grades except in professional
courses as designated by the program. An overall "C" average
(2.0 grade point average) must be maintained in the program.
There is no rounding up of numerical grades.
W, WP or WF describe withdrawal from a course. "W" will
automatically be recorded for a student who withdraws prior
to the completion of 75% of the semester. After 75% of the
semester has elapsed, "WP" (withdraw passing) or "WF"
(withdraw failing) will be recorded based on the student’s
earned grade at the time. A "WF" grade is calculated the same
as an "F" grade. The "F" indicates that a student’s work has
been unsatisfactory.
A "XF" grade (Academic Dishonesty) is a failure due to
academic dishonesty as determined by the judicial process.
Students receiving an "XF" grade may not graduate with
honors.
The "IP" (In Progress) grade designates extension of course
work across more traditional semester boundaries. The "IP"
grade does not affect the student’s grade point average.
The grade "I" (Incomplete) may be granted to a student only if it
can be demonstrated that it would be unfair to hold the student
to the normal time limits of the course. Failure to complete a
required segment of the course or failure to appear for the final
examination because of illness or other reasons considered valid
by the instructor of the course can result in a tentative grade of
Incomplete (I). Arrangements for removing an Incomplete grade
must be made with the individual course instructor before the
student can continue into the next academic period. In no case
may such arrangements be extended beyond a one year period.
(However, where possible, it is strongly advised that students
remove incompletes within one semester.) Failure to meet this
requirement will automatically result in the assignment of the
grade "F".
"Grade Points" indicate the quality of work done by a student
according to the following scale:
108
COLLEGE OF NURSING
Cumulative Grade Point Averages
Course Grade Distribution:
A
95 - 100
A-
90 - 94
B+
87 - 89
Cumulative Grade Point Averages (GPA) are calculated by
dividing grade points earned by the hours carried. Transfer
credits, withdrawals, incompletes, as well as pass grades in a
pass-fail system are not averaged into the cumulative GPA.
The grade achieved in a repeated course is averaged into the
cumulative GPA, and the original grade earned is omitted from
the averaging.
B
84 - 86
B-
80 - 83
Midsemester Progress Report
C+
77 - 79
C
74 - 76
C-
70 - 73
D
60 - 69
F
< 60
I
Incomplete
Undergraduate Grade Distribution
Letter Grade
Percentage
*Undergraduate students must achieve a grade of "C" or higher
in all courses.
Graduate Grades (MS and DNP)
The grading system includes passing grades of "A", "B", "C",
"S", and failing grades of "D", "F", "U", "XF", and an "I" for
"Incomplete".
The grade "I" (Incomplete) may be granted to a student only if it
can be demonstrated that it would be unfair to hold the student
to the normal time limits of the course. Failure to complete a
required segment of the course or failure to appear for the final
examination because of illness or other reasons considered valid
by the instructor of the course can result in a tentative grade
of Incomplete (I). Arrangements for removing the Incomplete
grade must be made with the individual course instructor before
the student can continue into the next academic period. In no
case may such arrangements be extended beyond one year
period. (However, where possible, it is strongly advised that
students remove incompletes within one semester.) Failure to
meet this requirement will automatically result in the assignment
of the grade "F", except for 700 level research/project courses.
A minimum course grade of "B" is required in all graduates
and Doctor of Nursing Practice courses. An overall "B" or
3.0 average must be maintained. There is no rounding up of
numerical grades. For clinical courses, a student must achieve
satisfactory performance in both the didactic and clinical
components of the course. Unsatisfactory clinical performance
will result in a course grade of "F".
Practicum courses which are not graded in the letter system
are evaluated "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". Satisfactory
indicates performance of sufficiently high quality for credit to be
awarded.
Course Grade Distribution:
Graduate Grade Distribution
Letter
Percentile
A
90 - 100
B
80 - 89
C
70 - 79
D
60 - 69
F
< 60
*Graduate students must achieve a grade of "B" in all courses. A
grade of 79.99% is a failing grade in the Master's program.
A student may receive a mid-semester progress report if
course work is deficient. Deficient course work may include
poor attendance, delinquent assignments, poor academic
performance, professional behavior difficulty, or unsatisfactory
clinical performance which may result in the student earning a
low final grade in the course at the end of the semester. A student
that receives a mid-semester progress report should make an
appointment with the faculty member or an appropriate advisor
to discuss performance in the course.
Grade Appeal Process
The purpose of the grade appeal process is to protect the
rights of both the student in earning a grade and the faculty in
assigning a grade. Whereas it is recognized that faculty have the
right to use their professional judgment both subjectively and
objectively in determining a student’s grade based on academic
performance, faculty have the responsibility to award the grade
in a uniform manner based on established expectations and
criteria for academic (including clinical) performance. And,
whereas it is recognized that students have the right to appeal
a grade that has seemingly been awarded in an arbitrary and
capricious manner, students have the responsibility to accept the
faculty members professional judgment about quality of work
and to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the faculty and the
University.
1. Scope
a. The grade appeal process is not intended to deal with
concerns about the general conduct or instruction of the
course.
b. Grades assigned as a result of a found violation of the
Student Code of Conduct can not be appealed through
this process. Rather, the appeal is through the process
delineated in the Student Code of Conduct.
c. Only final course grades can be appealed; however,
individual assignments can be evidence if it can be
shown that the grade earned on a given assignment
resulted in a lower final grade.
2. Application - Students may appeal a grade based on the
following reasons:
a. The grade awarded is based other than upon academic
or clinical performance as outlined in the syllabus.
b. The grade awarded was not calculated according to the
prior established guidelines set forth by the faculty and
distributed to students.
c. The standards for determining the grade were more
demanding and rigorous than for other students.
d. The grade awarded was calculated on false or
erroneous information.
3. Provisions
a. The burden of proof rests with the student to
demonstrate that the final grade was awarded
inappropriately.
b. A formal appeal can not be accepted until the informal
appeal has been exhausted.
COLLEGE OF NURSING
c. Falsification or fabrication of information to support
an appeal is subject to disciplinary action under the
Student Code of Conduct.
d. Informal Appeal – the student meets with the faculty or
course coordinator in the case of multiple instructors.
If a resolution is reached, the faculty submits a grade
form to the Registrar’s Office to record the grade
change. If no resolution is reached, the student may
submit a formal appeal. In most cases the discussion
between the student and the instructor should suffice
and the matter should not need to be carried further.
4. Formal Appeal - The formal appeal is submitted in writing
to the Chair of the Policy and Student Affairs Committee
within five days of the completion of the informal appeal.
Upon receiving the formal appeal, the Chair will convene
the Policy and Student Affairs Committee to hear the
student’s case within five business days of receiving the
written appeal. If an involved faculty member serves on the
Policy and Student Affairs Committee, they shall recuse
themselves from the committee's work. The Committee
shall consider all aspects of the case before making a
recommendation. This may include consultation with the
student, course faculty, and members of the Student Affairs
staff. The committee shall make a written report with
recommendations and submit to the Dean of the College of
Nursing within 48 hours following the meeting. The Dean
of the College of Nursing, after full consideration of all
recommendations, shall make a final decision within five
business days of receiving the committee report. The Dean
has the ultimate authority to change the course grade. The
Registrar shall accept the Dean’s decision. The student,
course faculty, and Program Director shall be notified in
writing of the Dean’s decision.
Deficient Grades
A deficient grade (refer to "Grading System" undergraduate
or graduate for definitions of grades that are considered to be
deficient or not passing) may be remediated by repeating the
course in its entirety and receiving a passing grade. This must
be done no later than the next academic year or the next time the
course is offered.
Upon completion of the repeated course, the previous grade
received is deleted from the Grade Point Average (GPA), but
remains on the student’s transcript.
RN to MS Program Policies
Admissions to this program are currently on hold until further
notice. The policies below pertain to students currently
matriculated in the RN to MS Program.
1. To be admitted to the RN to MS program, students must
have a minimum GPA of 2.8 from their associate degree
or diploma programs and have met all other admission
criteria.
2. The residency requirement for the RN to MS program is 48
credits.
3. No prior work experience as an RN is required for
admission to the RN to MS Program.
4. Students who have a GPA of 3.0 and have completed all of
the courses included in the first year of study as outlined on
the RN to MS program of study, will be allowed to continue
in the RN to MS program. Those students who have a GPA
of less than a 3.0 may be considered for continuation in the
RN to MS program or may be required to transfer to the BS
nursing program. The Student Evaluation Committee will
review grades at the end of the semester and determine the
academic status of the student.
109
5. Students will be considered undergraduates until the
completion of all of the courses included in the first three
semesters as outlined on the RN to MS program of study
(with the exception of NURS 607 and NURS 609). After
completion of these courses, students will be considered
graduate students if they have maintained a GPA of 3.0
or higher. Students who have less than a 3.0 will not be
allowed to progress to graduate level status and continue in
the MS program.
6. Students progressing to the graduate portion of the RN-MS
program must have a minimum grade of "B" in 500 level
nursing courses.
7. Upon conferral of the BS degree, the student will be
considered a graduate student. Since beginning their
program, changes may have occurred to the graduate
program of study due to revisions in national nursing
requirements or faculty recommendations related to
maintaining an updated curriculum. The MS program of
study for such students will then be that which is most
current in the Academic Catalogue and RN to MS Program
of Study on file at the College of Nursing.
8. Students must have graduate level status or receive
permission from the instructor to take any of the courses
listed on the RN to MS program of study in the fourth, fifth,
and sixth semesters.
Academic Performance/Academic Status
Academic performance of all students is reviewed by the
Student Evaluation Committee at the end of each semester.
1. Undergraduate:
a. To be considered in good academic standing and to
be eligible for graduation, students in the BS program
must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.
b. A minimum grade of "C" must be achieved in all
undergraduate courses. In order to receive credit
in non-nursing courses in the program of study, a
minimum grade of "C" must be attained.
c. Undergraduate students whose cumulative GPA falls
below a 2.0 will be notified that they have been placed
on probationary status until the undergraduate GPA
requirement is met.
d. Any undergraduate student, whether full-time or parttime, who does not register for course work for two
consecutive semesters (excluding summer session) and
who fails to request a leave of absence for that period,
shall be automatically withdrawn from the College of
Nursing at the end of the second semester.
2. Graduate (MS and DNP):
a. To be considered in good academic standing and to be
eligible for graduation, students in the MS and DNP
programs must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or
higher.
b. A minimum grade of "B" must be achieved in all
graduate level nursing courses.
c. Graduate students whose cumulative GPA falls below
3.0 will be placed on provisional status. Students
remaining on provisional status for two or more
semesters will be considered for either academic
probation or dismissal.
d. Graduate students whose cumulative GPA falls below
a 2.33 will be placed on academic probation. Students
remaining on academic probation for more than one
semester will be considered for dismissal.
110
e. Any graduate student, whether full-time or parttime, who does not register for course work for two
consecutive semesters (excluding summer session) and
who fails to request a leave of absence for that period,
shall be automatically withdrawn from the College of
Nursing at the end of the second semester.
3. Student Evaluation and Appeals
a. Students should consult this Handbook under the
section "Promotion and Academic Status" for student
evaluation and appeal protocols regarding academic
status.
Final Examinations
The last exam given by a course instructor in a given semester,
be it a unit exam or final exam, must be scheduled during
the final exam period. Courses that are strictly "clinical" or
"laboratory" in nature are excluded from this policy.
PROMOTION AND ACADEMIC
STATUS
All student grades are reviewed by the Student Evaluation
Committee.
Student Evaluation Committee Membership
The Student Evaluation Committee (SEC) is a committee of the
College of Nursing (CON).
The voting membership of the Student Evaluation Committee
includes:
1. Director of Undergraduate Program
2. Director of Graduate Programs
3. Director of DNP Program
4. Two faculty members, each serving for two years (one
rotates on/off each year to ensure consistency)
Non-voting members of the Student Evaluation Committee
include:
1. The Associate Dean of Student Affairs or his/her designee
2. The University Registrar or his/her designee
Others may be consulted as deemed appropriate. The faculty
members shall be elected by the College of Nursing faculty
and appointed by the Dean of the College of Nursing. Voting
members of the Student Evaluation Committee shall elect a chair
from among the faculty on the Student Evaluation Committee.
Responsibilities
Performances of all students in academic jeopardy as identified
by the Registrar, and/or any student of concern identified by
faculty are reviewed by the Student Evaluation Committee after
each semester. The committee may take any of the following
actions:
1. "Promote or Continue"
2. "Continue on Academic Probation" as defined by specific
program requirements.
3. "Continue on Provisional Status"
4. "Continue on Clinical Probation" whenever a student’s
clinical performance is judged to be deficient and/or
unsafe. A student may not ordinarily be carried on clinical
probation for more than two successive semesters. (This is
to include the summer semester wherever applicable.) After
this time, the Student Evaluation Committee, upon review,
may recommend dismissal.
COLLEGE OF NURSING
5. "Continue on Professional Behavior Probation" whenever
a student's classroom or clinical behaviors are deemed to
be deficient or inconsistent with expected behaviors of his/
her health profession as outlined in the academic program
student handbook. A student may not ordinarily be carried
on behavioral probation for more than two semesters. After
this time, the Student Evaluation Committee, upon review,
may recommend dismissal.
6. "Continue on Academic Probation" with a possible
recommendation that the student's program be modified
until such time as he/she can successfully repeat the
course(s) and resume a full program.
7. "Suspension" from the program for a specified period of
time. Conditions for re-admission will be specified by the
Student Evaluation Committee.
8. "Dismissal" from the College because of deficient
academic, clinical, or professional behavioral performance
or for failing the same professional course twice. A motion
to dismiss a student must be passed by a two-thirds vote of
the Student Evaluation Committee.
9. "Repeat specific courses" for credit in which grades of
"C" or higher have been received. Students who may be
required to repeat specific courses are those with modified
programs of study, students on academic or clinical
probation, readmitted students, and students returning from
a leave of absence.
Note: The Student Evaluation Committee will consider the
student’s academic work in its entirety. This will include credit
and non-credit courses taken on or off campus. Unsatisfactory
academic progress or performance in these courses may become
grounds for dismissal.
Procedures
1. The Student Evaluation Committee does not define policy
nor does it modulate the importance of any academic
standard or policy set by the College.
2. The Student Evaluation Committee may consider whether
there are relevant personal mitigating factors that could
plausibly account for deficient academic performance and
form the basis for a decision to justify exceptions to policy.
3. The Student Evaluation Committee may solicit additional
information from faculty members or College personnel to
aid in decision-making.
4. The Student Evaluation Committee will review students'
entire record to date in making decisions about student
progress.
5. Decisions of Dismissal shall require a two-thirds vote of
those present.
a.Students meeting criteria for dismissal will be notified,
via email, by the University Registrar or his/her
designee at least two days prior to the meeting of the
Student Evaluation Committee.
b.Students will be invited to submit a written statement,
via email, explaining any mitigating factors that may
have impacted his/her academic performance. Such
documentation must be received by the Registrar's
Office at least one business day prior to the Student
Evaluation Committee meeting. This provision ensures
that the students' extenuating circumstances are
presented to the Student Evaluation Committee by the
Registrar's Office.
COLLEGE OF NURSING
c.When the Student Evaluation Committee dismisses a
student, the Registrar's Office will provide, via email, a
summary of its findings and any pertinent data that led
to the dismissal to the student and to the Dean of the
College of Nursing.
6. Actions other than Dismissal shall require a simple
majority vote.
7. A student whose status is other than "promote in good
standing", shall be notified by the Registrar or his/her
designee as soon as reasonably possible, and confirmed in
writing within four business days of the Student Evaluation
Committee's decision.
Appeal and Notification
A student who wishes to appeal a decision for dismissal by the
Student Evaluation Committee must submit a written appeal to
the Dean of the College of Nursing within four business days
of the initial notification (verbal, email, etc.) of the Student
Evaluation Committee's decision. Appeals are to be expedited
within a reasonable time. Appeals for a decision of dismissal
will be considered in the following circumstances.
1. New evidence not reasonably available at the time of the
Student Evaluation Committee meeting that might have
changed the outcome.
2. Procedural error that is shown to have had a detrimental
impact on the outcome of the hearing.
3. Errors in the interpretation of College policy so substantial
that they interfere with a fair hearing.
The Dean of the College of Nursing will determine whether
the written appeal meets the criteria for appeal. The Dean may
consult faculty, the Student Evaluation Committee, and the Dean
of Student Affairs as deemed appropriate.
If the appeal meets the criteria outlined above, the Dean of the
College of Nursing shall take appropriate action on the appeal
as soon as possible, usually within four business days of receipt
of the student's written appeal. Appeals are intended to be
expedited in reasonable time. This action will include review
and discussion with the faculty and student involved.
Notes:
1. Students are informed (at orientation and via the Student
Handbook) that they must check/use their Upstate
email accounts regularly as that is a primary means of
communication for our faculty, staff, and students.
2. Annually, students affirm their mailing address via the
registration process.
Dean's List (Undergraduate)
The Student Evaluation Committee awards Dean’s List to
full-time undergraduate students at the end of each semester in
recognition of academic excellence for that semester. To qualify
for Dean’s List, a student must meet the following criteria:
1. Be enrolled as a full-time student with 12 or more credit
hours for the semester.
2. Attain a semester grade point average of 3.50 with no
grades below a "C" and a maximum of one "C" grade.
3. Have a "satisfactory" or "pass" grade on performance in
clinical. (A student on clinical probation may not be placed
on Dean’s List.)
111
Letters of Commendation (Undergraduate)
The Student Evaluation Committee awards part-time
undergraduate students a letter of commendation at the end of
each semester in recognition of academic excellence for that
semester. To qualify for a letter of commendation, a student must
meet the following criteria:
1. Be enrolled as a part-time student with 9 to 11 credit hours
for the semester.
2. Attain a semester quality point average of 3.50 with no
grades below a "C" and a maximum of one "C" grade.
3. Have a "satisfactory" or "pass" grade on performance in
clinical. (A student on clinical probation may not receive a
letter of commendation.)
Graduation Requirements
To graduate, students must meet all college and program
requirements. Where applicable, students also must meet
specific academic requirements as indicated by the program.
Candidates for graduation must:
1. Complete a minimum of 121 semester hours (60 hours
of prerequisites and approved 61 hours in upper division
program credits) for the BS degree; 49-53 semester hours
for the MS degree; 37-41 semester hours for the MS in the
RN-MS Program; and 40 semester hours for MS-DNP. This
includes satisfactory completion of all required courses.
Program requirements, which appear in the prospectus
under the appropriate program, may be in excess of these
minimums.
2. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 for
BS program and 3.0 for MS and DNP programs.
3. Maintain a minimum grade of "C" in all nursing courses in
the BS program and a minimum grade of "B" in all courses
in the MS and DNP programs.
4. Satisfy clinical course requirements. Successful completion
of courses having both didactic and clinical components
requires that the student satisfactorily meet didactic and
clinical objectives.
5. Meet program residency requirements.
6. Satisfactorily complete clinical project, culminating
graduate project, or thesis for graduation from the MS and
DNP programs.
7. Satisfy all financial obligations due to the Upstate Medical
University.
Note: The student has the responsibility to register for and
satisfactorily complete all required course work. Each student
should contact the Office of the Registrar prior to his/her last
semester before graduation to review his/her program of study
and verify that all degree requirements will be met.
Graduation Honors (Undergraduate)
Graduation honors will appear on the diploma and transcript.
Honors are earned by achieving the following grade point
averages, calculated to two decimal places unrounded:
Summa Cum Laude: cumulative grade point average of
3.900 to 4.000.
Magna Cum Laude: cumulative grade point average of
3.750 to 3.899.
Cum Laude: cumulative grade point average of 3.500 to
3.749.
112
Graduation Honors (Graduate)
Graduation honors will appear on the diploma and transcript.
Honors are earned by achieving the following grade point
averages, calculated to two decimal places unrounded:
Summa Cum Laude: cumulative grade point average of
3.900 to 4.000.
Magna Cum Laude: cumulative grade point average of
3.750 to 3.899.
Cum Laude: cumulative grade point average of 3.500 to
3.749.
Graduate and Undergraduate Program
Valedictorians
One valedictorian will be selected from each graduating class.
The Valedictorian will be a student demonstrating outstanding
academic qualifications and commitment to the profession of
nursing and/or contribution(s) to the College of Nursing and/or
Upstate Medical University campus. The successful candidate(s)
will have achieved the highest overall grade point average in
each degree program with a minimum GPA of 3.5 considered,
and have demonstrated commitment to the College of Nursing
and/or profession through involvement with or contributions to
professional and/or campus and College of Nursing activities.
Student Leadership Award
Awarded to a student from each graduating class, who, in the
opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated outstanding qualities
of leadership, ability to work effectively with others, and active
participation in College of Nursing activities and committees.
The successful candidate(s) must be in good academic standing
with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better, have distinguished
themselves in their ability to work effectively with peers, faculty
and administration, and participated in one or more of the
following organizations or committees: Student Association of
the College of Nursing, University Student Government, College
of Nursing committees, and/or University committees.
Charles Ross Memorial Award
Presented to the graduate student whose podium or poster
presentation at the Charles Ross, MD Memorial Student
Research Day was judged as demonstrating the best evidence by
a faculty subcommittee as exhibited by the project's significance,
innovation, and methodology.
DRESS CODE
Students are expected to be professionally attired in the clinical
area. Students must wear an Upstate Medical University
Identification Badge at all times. Reference should be made to
the institutional policy for specific guidelines for acceptable
dress.
COMPUTERS
Students are expected to have the following upon admission:
• Access to a computer and internet;
• Ability to send and receive e-mails;
• Ability to attach files; and
• Microsoft Word and PowerPoint proficiency.
COLLEGE OF NURSING
CPR COURSE
All students accepted into nursing programs must provide proof
of current CPR course completion before matriculating into
the College of Nursing. A CPR course completion card must
remain current while enrolled in the program. American Red
Cross for professional rescuers and health care providers or
American Heart Association Basic Life Support for health care
professionals training is acceptable.
SIGMA THETA TAU
INTERNATIONAL
The Omicron Alpha Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International
is the Nursing Honor Society of the Upstate Medical University
College of Nursing.
Sigma Theta Tau International is the only international nursing
honor society in the United States and among the five largest and
most prestigious in the world. The society exists to:
• Recognize superior achievements in nursing;
• Encourage leadership development;
• Foster high nursing standards; and
• Strengthen commitment to the profession.
Sigma Theta Tau has more than 475 chapters, including many
international chapters.
Chartered in June 1996 at the Upstate Medical University
College of Nursing, the Omicron Alpha Chapter exists to
recognize superior academic achievement and leadership
qualities among students in the College, to foster high
professional standards, to encourage creative work, and to
strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the nursing
profession.
Membership is based upon academic and professional
achievement and occurs by invitation.
PRACTICE OF CLINICAL
NURSING SKILLS
It is the philosophy of the College of Nursing that practice is
essential in the learning of clinical nursing skills. These skills
are taught in situations that are as similar as possible to those the
student will encounter in actual client care. In some instances
students are expected to practice selected clinical skills on one
another. The faculty reserve the right to intervene and/or limit,
when appropriate, the student’s participation as a client or as a
practicing nursing student.
Additional Clinical Information
Prior to a clinical course, it is the student's responsibility to
have health clearance from the student health office, proof of
current CPR certification, and a completed preceptor approval
form on record at the College of Nursing. If students are placed
in clinical sites through the College of Nursing, time frames
may be selected at faculty discretion. Students should expect
that they may have to travel to clinical sites. All other clinical
requirements may be found in the course syllabus and the
student preceptor handbook. It is the student's responsibility to
review these documents on a regular basis.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
All students are encouraged to participate in the Student
Association of the College of Nursing (SACON), which was
established in 1989. The United States Government (USG) is
the governing body for all students. For additional information,
consult with the faculty at the College.
COLLEGE OF NURSING
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Introduction
Upstate Medical University strives to select students who
possess the intelligence, integrity, personal, and emotional
characteristics that are considered necessary to become effective
health professionals or biomedical scientists.
Students admitted to the University should have the intellectual
and physical abilities to acquire the knowledge, behaviors,
and skills taught in each program of study. The curricula are
designed to provide the general education necessary for the
student's selected field. Students will learn the fundamental
principles, develop critical judgment, and apply principles and
skills wisely in solving scientific and health related problems.
Curricular goals and/or minimal graduation requirements
have been developed to fulfill these objectives and to prepare
graduates to pursue further education, if desired.
In addition to satisfactory academic performance in all
coursework, students are expected to fulfill the non-academic
essential functions of the curriculum in a reasonably independent
manner. These functions are specified by the physical, cognitive,
and behavioral standards (referred to collectively as technical
standards) necessary for the completion of the program.
Technical standards of the College are outlined below.
Upstate Medical University will consider for admission
and advancement any individual able to perform pursuant
to the standards, which are used as guidelines. Reasonable
accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with a
disability in accordance with applicable laws and policies, while
maintaining the integrity of program standards. Requests for
accommodations will be determined on a case by case basis.
College of Nursing Technical Standards
The College of Nursing’s curricula are designed to provide
the general education necessary for the practice of nursing at
all levels of preparation. Students build on the fundamental
principles of nursing, acquire skills of critical judgment based
on education and experience, and develop an ability to use
principles and skills wisely in decision making and problem
solving pertaining to the delivery of high quality nursing
services.
Technical Standards
1. Apply information from demonstrations and experiences in
the basic and applied sciences, including but not limited to
information conveyed through lecture, group seminar, small
group activities, and clinical instruction.
2. Evaluate information from print and electronic media,
including literature searches and data retrieval.
3. Accurately elicit assessment information, including a health
history and other information required to adequately and
effectively evaluate a client’s condition, appropriate to the
level of practice.
4. Use information from diagnostic maneuvers (e.g.,
palpation, auscultation, percussion, etc.), diagnostic
instruments (e.g., sphygmomanometer, otoscope,
ophthalmoscope, etc.), and other diagnostic representation
of physiological phenomena during the course of
conducting a comprehensive physical assessment of a
client, appropriate to the level of practice.
5. Think critically to prioritize assessment information and
implement appropriate interventions in a timely manner.
6. Synthesize information to develop an appropriate plan of
care.
113
7. Develop effective and appropriate professional
relationships with clients and all members of the health
care team.
8. Perform specific procedures and interventions (e.g., Basic
Life Support) sufficient to provide safe and effective
nursing care in a variety of settings.
9. Communicate effectively with faculty, clients, and all
members of the health care team about a client’s condition
as called for in the provision of client care.
10. Practice safely by responding appropriately and adapting
effectively under the various circumstances and rigors
inherent in the clinical practice of nursing.
11. Practice standard precautions in the provision of nursing
care (e.g. wearing personal protective equipment, working
with sharp objects and hazardous materials, treating clients
with infectious diseases).
12. Adhere to ethical and legal practice standards as defined by
the university and the nursing profession.
114
COLLEGE OF NURSING
Registered Programs College of Nursing
Code
Program Title
Degree
HEGIS Code
CIP Code
24769
24770
19476
19477
19478
19479
19480
M/A
19481
M/A
19482
M/A
19483
M/A
19492
19493
19494
19495
84099
M/A
92220
19472
19473
19474
19475
19484
M/A
19485
M/A
19486
M/A
19487
M/A
19488
19489
19490
19491
19492
Medical Surgical Clinical Specialist
Adv Crt
Nursing Education
Adv Crt
Adult Health
MS
Child Health
MS
Family Health
MS
Gerontology
MS
Nursing
BS
Adult Health
MS
Nursing
BS
Child Health
MS
Nursing
BS
Gerontology
MS
Nursing
BS
Family Health
MS
Adult Health
Adv Crt
Child Health
Adv Crt
Gerontology
Adv Crt
Family Health
Adv Crt
Nursing
BS
Nursing
MS
Nursing
MS
Adult Nurse Practitioner
MS
Child Nurse Practitioner
MS
Family Nurse Practitioner
MS
Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
MS
Nursing
BS
Adult Nurse Practitioner
MS
Nursing
BS
Child Nurse Practitioner
MS
Nursing
BS
Family Nurse Practitioner
MS
Nursing
BS
Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
MS
Adult Nurse Practitioner
Adv Crt
Child Nurse Practitioner
Adv Crt
Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
Adv Crt
Family Nurse Practitioner
Adv Crt
Family Psychiatric/Mental Health
Nurse Practitioner leading to an MS
Family Psychiatric/Mental Health
Nurse Practitioner leading to Advanced (Graduate) Certificate Registered Nurse First Assist leading to an Advanced Certificate
Adult Gero CNS
DNP
Family NP
DNP
Family Psychiatric MHNP
DNP
Pediatric Primary Care NP
DNP
1203.12
1203.12
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
12.03.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.12
1203.12
1203.12
1203.12
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.10
1203.12
1203.12
1203.12
1203.12
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
51.1608
19493
19494
35633
35634
35635
35636
1203
1203
1203
1203
1203
1203
1203
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
115
COLLEGE
OF
MEDICINE
The academic policies of the College of Medicine apply to all medical students, including students at
the Binghamton Campus, unless otherwise indicated. If questions arise concerning policy, students
are encouraged to stop by the Student Affairs Office in Binghamton or the Student Affairs
Office in Syracuse.
116
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
GRADUATION
REQUIREMENTS/HONORS
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates for graduation must:
1. Satisfactorily complete the required and elective
curriculum.
2. Remediate any academic deficiencies incurred.
3. Be in good standing (i.e. not on academic or disciplinary
probation).
4. Pass Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Exam
(USMLE) in order to progress into the clinical years.
5. Show evidence of having taken each of the two components
of USMLE Step 2 prior to graduation. This evidence
must be available to the registrar no later than the close of
business prior to the graduation date. For the graduating
Class of 2018 and beyond, all students must PASS Step 2
CS and CK to graduate.
6. Pass Upstate's Comprehensive Clinical Skills Examination.
7. Satisfy all financial obligations due to the Upstate Medical
University, including at least eight semesters of tuition
(except transfer students and students admitted with
advance standing who must pay two semesters of tuition
for every year of medical education completed at Upstate
Medical University).
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more specific
information on courses and electives. http://www.upstate.edu/
currentstudents/document/academic_catalog.pdf
PATHWAY TO MEDICAL
LICENSURE AND THE USMLE
The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the
National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) have established
a single series of examinations for medical licensure in the
United States called the United States Medical Licensing
Examination (USMLE). There are three USMLE Step
examinations, each of which includes a computer-based test
(CBT). Step 2 has two components, a computer-based Clinical
Knowledge (CK) exam as well as a Clinical Skills (CS)
examination. Passing scores on both components are required
to have passed Step 2. In total there are four separate testing
exercises that comprise the USMLE licensing examination.
Step 1 - Assesses whether you can apply the knowledge and understanding of key concepts of basic biomedical science, with an emphasis on principles
and mechanisms of health, disease, and modes of therapy.
Step 2 - (CK) Assesses whether you can apply the medical
knowledge and understanding of clinical science considered essential for the provision of patient care under supervision, including emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.
Step 2 - (CS) It is a test of clinical skills (history, physical,
communication, diagnostic, and management skills)
which is carried out on 10-12 simulated patients over
the course of a day. Testing will take place at one of
five centers (the nearest in Philadelphia). A night’s
stay-over in the city where the examination is taken will be necessary in most cases.
117
Step 3 - Assesses whether you can apply the medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science considered essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine, with emphasis
on patient management in ambulatory settings. This
exam is typically taken during the first year of residency.
The USMLE program recommends that licensing authorities
establish as an eligibility requirement for Step 3 the completion,
or near completion of, at least one postgraduate training year
in a program of graduate medical education accredited by the
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. You
should contact the jurisdiction where you intend to take Step 3
for eligibility requirements.
To practice medicine in New York State, students will have
successfully completed the curriculum and received the degree
of Doctor of Medicine, completed at least one year of postgraduate hospital training (one year of residency), and passed all
three steps of the USMLE licensing examination.
Policy on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CS and CK
Exams
USMLE Step 1
Upstate Medical University College of Medicine requires that
all students pass USMLE Step 1 before entering the clinical
years. Some designated study and preparatory time is allotted
between the end of second year final examinations and the
deadline to sit for USMLE Step 1. The deadline varies slightly
from year to year and the exact date is published annually in
the Upstate Medical University Academic Calendar. Because
there is a delay of approximately four weeks from sitting for the
examination and scores being reported, students are allowed to
provisionally start clerkships pending the posting of a passing
score. Any exception to this policy requires prior approval from
the Academic Review Board.
1. All students must sit for the USMLE Step 1 by the date
published annually in the Upstate Medical University
Academic Calendar. Failure to sit for the examination by
this deadline may result in a professionalism concern note
being filed with the University Judicial Coordinator.
2. If a student does not post a passing score on the USMLE
Step 1 by the end of the first clerkship rotation, he/she
will not be allowed to start any subsequent clerkship until
reviewed by the Academic Review Board.
3. If during the first clerkship the student learns that he/she
did not pass the exam, the student will be pulled from that
clerkship and all subsequent block clerkships. A grade of
"Incomplete" will be recorded for the first clerkship. He/
She will be placed in an independent study program. The
independent study program maintains the status as an
enrolled student while providing the time to thoroughly
prepare to retake the USMLE Step 1 exam. Student should
remain in longitudinal clerkships until reviewed by the
Academic Review Board, at which time a decision will be
made about continued enrollment.
4. All student failures will be reviewed by the Academic
Review Board and a deadline to sit for a repeat exam will
be determined. After sitting for the repeat exam, the student
may reenter clerkships pending clerkship availability. It
must be recognized that failure of the USMLE Step 1 exam
may delay graduation.
5. Failure to post a passing score on a second attempt
will require that the student is pulled from all clerkship
responsibilities, block or otherwise, and enrolled in the
independent study program a second time. After the
118
Academic Review Board determines the deadline for the
third attempt, the student will not be allowed to restart
clerkships until a passing score is posted. Reentering
clerkships after posting a passing score is again subject to
clerkship availability.
6. Failure to record a passing score on USMLE Step 1 by the
third attempt, or within one year after finishing preclinical
years of study (excluding leaves of absence) will result in
dismissal from the College of Medicine.
All transfer students entering the College of Medicine in the
MS3 year must record a passing score for USMLE Step 1 prior
to being enrolled as a matriculant.
USMLE Step 2 CK and CS
1. Effective for the incoming MS1 class in Academic Year
2014-2015, graduating class of 2018, Upstate Medical
University College of Medicine requires that all students
pass Step 2 CS and CK to graduate. Students must sit
for both exams by December 1st of their 4th year. Any
exception to this policy requires prior approval of the
Academic Review Board.
a. Students who fail to pass either Step 2 CK or CS will
be subject to withdrawal from the National Resident
Matching Program.
b. All student failures will be reviewed by the Academic
Review Board.
c. Failure to record a passing score on Step 2 CK and
CS by the third attempt, or within one year after the
original December 1st deadline, will result in dismissal
from the College of Medicine.
2. Step 2 CK and CS Policy for Classes of 2015, 2016, and
2017 - All students must show evidence that they have
taken both components (Clinical Knowledge and Clinical
Skills) of the USMLE Step 2 prior to graduation. In
planning your schedule, students should know that it might
take 2-4 weeks after the exam date for the school to receive
evidence that the exam has been taken.
USMLE and Transcripts
USMLE scores are not a component of the transcript and are not
released by the school. Students should retain their scores; many
residency programs will accept copies of the USMLE scores.
Official copies must be requested from the National Board of
Medical Examiners.
CLINICAL SKILLS EXAM
All students are required to take and pass a Clinical Skills
Examination (CSE) at the beginning of the fourth year
of medical school to assess the core clinical skills of
communication, data collection (history and physical exam), and
clinical reasoning (differential diagnosis, diagnostic therapeutic
plan). A passing score on this exam is required for graduation.
Failure of this exam requires remediation and retaking the exam
on the date offered in the fall. Failure a second time is subject to
dismissal as determined by the Academic Review Board.
GRADUATION HONORS
For students graduating in 2015 only, a student is eligible to
graduate with honors if the student has received at least 32 of the
honor credits during the basic science years and at least 32 of the
honor credits during the clinical years.
1. A student is eligible to graduate "Cum Laude" when the
student:
a.has been commended in at least three of the four years,
or
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
b.has achieved 96 credits of honors in four years.
2. A student is eligible to graduate "Magna Cum Laude" when
the student:
a.has been commended all four years, or
b.has achieved 120 credits of honors in four years.
3. A student is eligible to graduate "Summa Cum Laude"
when the student has achieved 144 credits of honors in four
years.
4. A transfer student is eligible to graduate "Cum Laude"
when the student:
a.has been commended for two years and the pre-clinical
record clearly demonstrates excellence, or
b.has achieved 48 credits of honors in Upstate Medical
University approved courses and has evidence of
excellence in the pre-clinical years.
5. Regardless of other academic achievements, a student
may not graduate with honors if the transcript records any
violations of the Code of Conduct or if there have been
concerns about unprofessional behavior.
Beginning with the students graduating in 2016, a student
will be eligible to graduate "Cum Laude" when a student has
accumulated 48 credits of honors in the clinical years.
Regardless of other academic achievements, a student may not
graduate with honors if the transcript records any violations
of the Student Code of Conduct or if there have been concerns
about unprofessional behavior.
ALPHA OMEGA ALPHA
Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) is the national honor society for
medical students. The three Greek letters AOA are initials of the
essential words in the Greek version of the motto "Be worthy to
serve the suffering."
Alpha Omega Alpha is "dedicated to the belief that in the
profession of medicine we will improve care for all by:
recognizing high educational achievement; honoring gifted
teaching; encouraging the development of leaders in academia
and the community; supporting the ideals of humanism; and
promoting service to others."*
The values of the organization include "...honesty, honorable
conduct, morality, virtue, unselfishness, ethical ideals, dedication
to serving others, and leadership. Members have a compelling
drive to do well and to advance the medical profession and
exemplify the highest standards of professionalism."*
Representative activities of the Upstate Gamma Chapter in
recent years include:
1. Establishment and support of annual Student Research Day.
2. Sponsorship of an annual AOA Visiting Professor.
3. Academic support for undergraduates, including tutoring,
review sessions prior to exams in the first two years,
USMLE prep.
4. Establishment and support of a student Clerkship Liaison
program, a resource to clerkship students and directors.
5. Establishment and sponsorship of the Helping Hands for
Forgotten Feet Clinic.
6. Leadership training for medical students at all levels.
Chapter members are actively engaged in ongoing leadership,
scholarship, and service activities, and membership criteria are
designed to support this active engagement.
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Criteria for Selection to AOA
Criteria for membership established by the national organization
include high academic standing, "...leadership among ...peers,
professionalism and a firm sense of ethics, promise of future
success in medicine, and a commitment to service in the school
and community. By adherence to these criteria...the highest
ranked students by grade point average [are not always] elected
to the society."* A requirement of membership in the Upstate
Gamma Chapter is full participation in chapter activities from
election until graduation, including a minimum of 40 hours
tutoring undergraduate medical students.
The process of electing students to the Upstate Gamma Chapter
of AOA is based on national guidelines and is further refined by
chapter members:
1. Eligibility is determined by GPA in required coursework.
Students in the top 25% of the class by cumulative GPA
and without any concerns regarding professional behavior
are invited to apply for membership late in the third year or
early in the fourth year of medical school. Up to 1/6 of the
class may be elected according to national guidelines.
2. Election is determined by a process that considers
academic accomplishments (clerkship grades, USMLE
scores) and also leadership, scholarship, and service.
Eligible candidates are invited to apply for membership.
3. The rubric for ranking applicants weights academic and
non-academic components as outlined above. All submitted
information is blinded during the rating process.
4. Up to half of the members may be elected in the junior
year. This usually occurs in March or April. Senior
elections occur in August or September.
For questions please contact Patricia Gooden, the Upstate
Gamma Chapter staff administrator, or chapter councilor, Dr.
Lynn Cleary, at (315) 464-5387.
*www.alphaomegaalpha.org
GOLD HUMANISM HONOR
SOCIETY
The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) "honors medical
students, residents, role-model physician teachers and other
examplars recognized for demonstrated excellence in clinical
care, leadership, compassion, and dedication to service." This
national society was established "to elevate the values of
humanism and professionalism within the field of medicine."
Up to 15% of the senior class may be elected to each GHHS
chapter. At Upstate Medical University, students are nominated
and elected by peers at the end of the third year clerkship.
Transfer students are eligible and subject to the same nomination
and election process that is in place for non-transfer students.
ACADEMIC STATUS
Attendance at the College is considered a privilege and not
a right. The faculty and administration reserve the right to
terminate, any time, the enrollment of any student within the
College if he/she is considered in any way unfit for the study and
practice of medicine or if he/she does not meet the standards of
the State University of New York.
To be considered in good academic standing, a student must be
making reasonable progress toward graduation. Any medical
student, whether full-time or part-time, who does not register
for a given semester and who fails to request a leave of absence
for that period, shall be administratively withdrawn from the
College. Such a withdrawal will be enacted if the student is not
officially registered by the end of the third week of the semester.
119
ACADEMIC EVALUATION AND
PROMOTION
Students are evaluated through examinations, both oral and
written, and by direct observations in laboratories, discussion
groups, and in the clinical setting. Summative evaluation results
in a grade for each course, and may also include a narrative
evaluation of the student. All of the clinical clerkship grades are
accompanied by a narrative. Basic science courses may include
a narrative if the amount of personal contact between the faculty
and student allows knowledgeable assessment of performance
that is not otherwise captured by the course grade.
Each course director will make a sincere effort to provide
counsel to students whose academic performance, attitude, or
personal qualities suggest they will not be successful in passing
a particular course, or in pursuing the Doctor of Medicine
degree. The course director should discuss the evaluation
directly with the student. Each course director is further urged
to counsel students early, assist them to achieve success, and to
detect academic difficulties prior to the final grade.
Promotion or failure, especially in clinical disciplines, may
depend as much upon non-cognitive personal factors as upon
the acquisition of factual knowledge. Thus, the assessment of
a student’s ability to relate to patients and colleagues, honesty,
attitude, and professionalism may affect grades positively or
negatively.
The College may terminate enrollment at any time for due
cause. This includes deficient academic performance, clinical
incompetence, or unprofessional personal behavior as judged
by the Academic Review Boards, or for inappropriate conduct
as judged by the Judicial Board (see Student Code of Conduct
and Judicial Policies). Promotion from one academic year to the
next depends upon a student’s entire academic record rather than
solely upon performance in individual courses. The Academic
Review Board for each class makes decisions regarding
promotion, graduation, probation, or dismissal.
Grading System
Years 1 & 2: Beginning in academic year 2013/14, all required
courses and electives taken in the first two years of medical
school will be graded pass/fail:
• Pass (P) - Successful completion of all requirements for
the course.
• Credit (CR) - The CR grade is assigned whenever credit
is awarded for work completed at another institution or
another college within the Upstate Medical University.
[The exception to this is when a student repeats a course at
another institution (see remediation below).]
• Fail (F) - Failure to meet all the requirements of the
course successfully.
• Conditional (C) - A failure requiring specific remedial
work for part of the course requirements that was not
successfully completed in a first attempt. Standards for
remediation attempts for a conditional grade should not
vary from original requirements.
• Incomplete (I) - The requirements of a course have not
been completed.
• Withdrawal (W) - Withdrawal from a course prior to the
completion of 50% of the allotted time for the course.*
• Withdrawal/Passing (WP) - Withdrawal while passing
from a required course after 50% completion.*
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•
Withdrawal/Failing (WF) - Withdrawal while failing
from a course after 50% completion or not officially
withdrawing from a course. The "WF" is considered an
academic deficiency and is subject to review under the
rules of promotion and graduation.*
• Fail (Academic Dishonesty) (XF) - Student was found
guilty of academic dishonesty by judicial process.
*Withdrawal forms are available in the Office of the Registrar,
Room 203, CAB.
In addition to the grades above, honors and high pass grades are
awarded in the 3rd and 4th year.
Clinical Years: The grading system evaluates a student's
academic performance relative to his/her peers;
• Honors (H) - Outstanding performance in the subject area,
far exceeding the requirements of the course, limited to the
top 10-20% of students.
• High Pass (HP)- For performance significantly above
expectations, up to the top 40% of students, but not
qualifying for honors.
Note: Honors and High Pass grades will total no more than 40%
of the class.
Class Rank
In the first two years, grades are earned and reported as Pass/
Fail. At a student's request of the Dean of Student Affairs, class
rank can be provided for specific and limited purposes, such
as for scholarship applications. For the first two years of the
medical school curriculum, class rank will be calculated based
on the weighted cumulative average of the percentile scores
earned in all required courses. Actual numeric rank from the
first two years will not be released as class rank is reported in
percentile categories (e.g. top 10%, top 20%, etc.)
In the clinical years of the curriculum, grades are earned and
reported via a tiered system as outlined above. Class rank is
calculated based on the weighted cumulative average of the
actual grade earned where numeric values are assigned to the
letter grades as follows: Honors = 4; High Pass = 3; Pass = 2;
Conditional or Conditional/Pass = 1; and Conditional/Fail, Fail Academic Dishonesty = 0. Actual numeric rank from the clinical
years will not be released, as class rank is reported in percentile
categories (e.g. top 10%, top 20%, etc.).
Medical School Performance Evaluation Class Rank:
1. Class Rank solely will be based on required third year
courses and rotations.
2. Grades from years one and two will not be factored into
class rank.
3. Electives and acting internships will not be factored into
class rank but grades and narratives will be included in the
Medical School Performance Evaluations for residency
applications.
This policy will be implemented fully beginning with the Class
of 2017.
Class of 2016: Because this class had one year (2012-2013)
of H/HP/P grading, those grades WILL be included on the
academic transcript, but they will not be factored into the class
ranking for the Medical School Performance Evaluation.
Commendation
Commendation may be awarded to students for outstanding
performance in the required clerkships. To qualify, a student
must earn at least 24 credits of honor in any of the required
clerkship courses and have no deficient grades in the required
clerkships. Regardless of the number of credits of honor earned,
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
a student may not be commended if the transcript records any
violations of the Student Code of Conduct or if there have
been concerns about unprofessional behavior. A student who
earns Commendation will receive a letter from the Dean of the
College of Medicine and a permanent notation will be recorded
on the academic transcript.
Incomplete Grade
A grade of Incomplete may be changed to a passing grade by
satisfying the course requirements within a time span specified
by the course director, not to exceed one year. If the Incomplete
grade is not removed satisfactorily within the time span specified
by the course director, or within one year, it is converted to a
Fail grade and recorded on the student’s official transcript. A
student in the fourth year of medical studies must remove any
incomplete grade in order to be eligible for graduation.
An Incomplete grade is not considered a deficient grade for
calculating Commendation or Graduation Honors, but the
outstanding work must be completed before such honors will be
granted.
Deficient Grades (Conditional and Fail)
Deficient grades are Conditional, Withdrawal/Failing, Fail
Academic Dishonesty or Fail (see Explanation of Grades). The
department issuing the deficient grade must submit a narrative to
the Office of the Registrar, describing its recommendations and
requirements for remediating the grade to Pass. For Conditional
grades, this report may describe a period of supervised study,
followed by evaluation, re-examination at an appropriate time,
or other measures not requiring repeating the entire course. A
grade of failure means the student must retake the entire course,
or in the case of an XF, complete the specific remediations
outlined (See Guidelines for Remediation of Deficient Grades).
Guidelines for Remediation of Deficient Grades
These guidelines must be followed when a student receives a
deficient grade:
1. The student must be notified by the course director at the
time of completion of the course that performance in a
particular course is considered deficient (conditional or
failure) and what is expected in order to remediate the
deficient grade. A student who is on academic probation
will not be eligible for remediation of deficient grades prior
to review by the Academic Review Board. Students who
are not on probation and who incur a single deficiency
during an academic year may remediate that deficiency
without approval of the Academic Review Board. Students
not on probation who incur a second deficient grade during
an academic year will not be eligible for remediation
without approval of the Academic Review Board.
2. Course directors must contact the Registrar to determine
a student’s eligibility for remediation prior to arranging
remediation with the student. The Registrar will also
provide the dates when remediation is possible. Make-up
work cannot be attempted during a time when the student is
enrolled in another course, except in special circumstances
by appeal to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medical
Education and approval of the concurrent course director.
3. A failure (F) can only be remediated by repeating the
entire course. In the case of clinical courses, this can be
accomplished by successfully completing the same course
at the Upstate Medical University. Syracuse students
must remediate at the Syracuse Campus and Binghamton
Clinical Campus students at the Binghamton Clinical
Campus. Remediation of basic science courses can be
accomplished by successfully retaking the course at Upstate
Medical University, successfully completing an approved
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
4.
5.
6.
7.
summer school course (if approved by the Upstate
course director), or, if none available, then successfully
participating in an equivalent academic experience as
defined by the department and approved in advance by the
Academic Review Board. When a failure is remediated by
repeating the course, the student is eligible to receive the
grade earned. Each attempt will be listed separately on the
transcript, regardless of when they are taken during medical
school. The above policies will apply to courses remediated
at Upstate Medical University only. Those successfully
repeating a course at another institution will be eligible
only for a Pass grade on the Upstate Medical University
transcript.
Remediation for an XF grade will be determined by course
faculty in consultation with the Chair of the Academic
Review Board, the Associate Dean for Undergraduate
Medical Education or designee, and the Dean of Student
Affairs. It may include repeating the entire course, or it
may include more limited and specific remediation targeted
to the reason for the failure.
If a student fails to successfully remediate the Conditional
(C) grade, a Fail (F) shall be assigned and the student must
repeat the course. The F is attached to the conditional grade
and will appear as C/F.
When a Conditional grade (C) is remediated and accepted
by the Academic Review Board, a grade of Pass (P) is
assigned. The P is attached to the conditional grade (C) and
will appear as C/P. Students with a conditional grade are
not eligible for Honors (H) or High Pass (HP) grades when
they remediate the partial failure/conditional grade.
A student must finalize a remediation plan with the Course
Coordinator, Clerkship Director, or designee within 45 days
of the deficient grade being recorded, or in the case that the
Academic Review Board must approve the remediation,
within 45 days of being notified that the Academic Review
Board has approved a remediation plan. Finalizing a
remediation plan may involve scheduling a subject
examination date, schedule the retake of the clerkship,
or otherwise finalizing how and when the remediation
will occur. Students should know that opportunities to
remediate a course may be limited by pre-determined
subject examination dates, the student's schedule, and in
the case of clerkships, the limited capacity of the clerkship
to accommodate students. Any remediation of a clerkship
should occur as early as possible and must be completed by
the October/November period of the MSIV year.
Any deviation from or failure to follow the policy on
remediation may result in a report of professionalism or a
review by the Academic Review Board.
Grade Appeal Process
The purpose of the grade appeal process is to protect the
rights of both the student in earning a grade and the faculty in
assigning a grade. Whereas it is recognized that faculty have the
right to use their professional judgment both subjectively and
objectively in determining a student’s grade based on academic
performance, faculty have the responsibility to award the grade
in a uniform manner based on established expectations and
criteria for academic (including clinical) performance. And,
whereas it is recognized that students have the right to appeal
a grade that has seemingly been awarded in an arbitrary and
capricious manner, students have the responsibility to accept the
faculty members professional judgment about quality of work
and to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the faculty and the
University.
121
1. Scope
a. The grade appeal process does not apply to concerns
about the general conduct or instruction of the course.
b. Grades assigned as a result of a found violation of the
Student Code of Conduct cannot be appealed through
this process. Rather, the appeal is through the process
delineated in the Student Code of Conduct.
c. Only final course grades can be appealed; however,
individual assignments can be evidence if it can be
shown that the grade earned on a given assignment
resulted in a lower final grade.
2. Application - Students may appeal a grade based on the
following reasons:
a. The grade awarded is not based upon academic or
clinical performance as outlined in the syllabus.
b. The grade awarded was not calculated according to the
prior established guidelines set forth by the faculty and
distributed to students.
c. The standards for determining the grade were more
demanding and rigorous than for other students.
d. The grade awarded was calculated on false or
erroneous information.
e. The appeal must be made within 30 days after the
grade has been recorded.
3. Provisions
a. The burden of proof rests with the student to
demonstrate that the final grade was awarded
inappropriately.
b. A formal appeal cannot be accepted until the informal
appeal has been exhausted.
c. Falsification or fabrication of information to support
an appeal is subject to disciplinary action under the
Student Code of Conduct.
4. Informal Appeal – the student meets with the Course,
Clerkship, or Elective Director. If a resolution is reached,
the Director submits a grade form to the Registrar’s Office
to record the grade change. If no resolution is reached,
the student may submit a formal appeal. In most cases the
discussion between the student and the Director should
suffice and the matter should not need to be carried further.
5. Formal Appeal - The formal appeal is submitted in
writing to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical
Education, who will discuss it with the Director. If
the matter remains unresolved, the Associate Dean
for Undergraduate Medical Education will convene a
committee of 2-3 other faculty to review the appeal. The
committee will determine whether a grade should be
changed. If the committee determines there are compelling
reasons to change the grade, the Director will be asked
to do so. Should the Director decline, and the committee
concludes it would be unjust for the original grade to stand,
the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education
will notify the Registrar in writing of the Committee’s
decision. Should this occur, the Chair of the Director, if
applicable, will also be notified of committee's decision.
Course Withdrawals
1. Required Courses: A student may request a withdrawal
from a required course by submitting a Course Withdrawal
Form with approval of the course coordinator and
their Academic Advisor. The form is submitted to the
Registrar's Office along with a late add/drop fee. A
"W" will be recorded on the student's official transcript
if the withdrawal is prior to the completion of
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50% of the allotted time for the course. A "WP" or "WF"
will be recorded, according to academic status, if a student
withdraws after completion of 50% of the allotted time of
the course.
2. Elective Courses: A student may withdraw from an
elective course by completing the Elective Drop/Add
online. The course director is notified of the withdrawal
and it will become official if the course director files no
objection to it. Normally, no penalty will be incurred if
the drop is completed two weeks prior to the beginning of
the course. However, some electives may not be dropped
within six weeks of the starting date and other electives
may not be dropped without finding a replacement. These
exceptions are identified in the College's Course Selection
Book. Any student withdrawing from an elective course
without filing an approved Drop/Add form (either a hard
copy form or electronically) will receive a "WF" grade.
PART-TIME STUDY OPTION
All medical students are considered full-time students unless
otherwise requested. In order to be considered a part-time
student, you must petition to the Registrar or designee for
part-time status. Based on the nature of medical education as
an academic year curriculum and not a semester curriculum,
in order for a student to be eligible for part-time status, he/she
must enroll in less than 12 credit hours a semester and less than
24 credit hours in an academic year. Tuition liability will be
assessed based on semester credit hours.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Requesting A Leave of Absence
Any student desiring a leave of absence from the Upstate
Medical University College of Medicine will complete the
following:
1. Request a leave (in writing) and meet with the Dean of
Student Affairs. The request should include:
a. the length of time desired for the leave (up to one year);
b. reasons for the request; and
c. to the extent possible, a description of activities that
will make the leave meaningful and useful (develop a
plan)
2. The student should continue coursework (barring any
emergency) until the leave of absence is approved.
3. A student on a Leave of Absence may not register for new
courses; complete courses previously registered for or
do remedial work (such as take a re-examination for the
course).
Note: Although the Dean of Student Affairs may grant a leave,
the Academic Review Board is required to review the quality
of coursework attempted and completed by every student to
determine the student’s appropriate academic status. As an
example, students with multiple deficiencies who are granted a
leave of absence will have their academic work reviewed by the
Academic Review Board. This committee may require remedial
work, the repeating of all or part of a year, or decide to dismiss
the student. (See the section on "Academic Evaluation and
Promotion").
Returning From A Leave
A student who desires to return from a leave of absence:
1. Must submit a written request to return. This request
is submitted to the Dean of Student Affairs or his/her
designee for their consideration and approval.
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
2. Must notify the Office of the Registrar in writing at least
one month before the expected return date. Should meet
with the Registrar to schedule courses for the academic
year.
3. Must notify Student Health and update health record, if
necessary.
Failure to return from a leave of absence as indicated in the
terms of the leave of absence will result in an administrative
withdrawal. An administrative withdrawal is a terminal
separation from Upstate Medical University.
While the Dean of Student Affairs considers and approves Leave
of Absence requests, the Academic Review Board reviews
students' academic performance to determine their status upon
return to the program of study.
ACADEMIC PROBATION POLICY
Students will be placed on probation automatically at any time
during the academic year for academic deficiencies in more
than one course, in a single course with eight or more credits,
or if three deficiencies have been accumulated in more than
one academic year. Additionally, the Academic Review Board
may place students on probation for unprofessional conduct or
clinical incompetence. Further, the Academic Review Board
may define conditions of probation that must be met (i.e. use of
academic support services; specified deadlines or timeline; etc.).
A student on probation for academic deficiencies may be
removed from probation only after the student has successfully
completed the next year of the standard curriculum (i.e.
all required courses in any given academic year with no
deficiencies). A student on probation for unprofessional behavior
will be reviewed annually. In both instances, the Academic
Review Board will review the student’s record to determine
if the student should be removed from probation. Fourth year
medical students who have completed all requirements must be
removed from probation by the Academic Review Board before
they will be allowed to graduate.
DISMISSAL POLICY
The faculty and administration reserve the right to terminate
at any time the enrollment of a student who has not met the
standards of the College or who is considered in any way unfit
for the study and practice of medicine.
Academic Review Boards have responsibility for academic
decisions regarding dismissal from the College of Medicine
(students may also be dismissed through the judicial process).
Before voting on dismissal of a student, the Academic Review
Board will review the student's entire record. The student
will receive written notification of the date and time when the
committee will meet to discuss their case, and will be given
full opportunity to bring to the attention of the committee any
extenuating circumstances and to clarify any other matters
relevant to consideration of dismissal. This information will be
considered by the Academic Review Board.
A student will be dismissed from the College of Medicine under
the following circumstances:
1. Unprofessional behavior of a nature that is judged by
the Academic Review Board or the Judicial Board to be
inconsistent with being awarded the MD degree,
2. Documented pattern of clinical incompetence.
3. Failure to abide by defined conditions of probation.
4. Failure to make reasonable progress toward graduation,
regardless of probationary status:
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
a. receiving a deficient grade in three or more courses or
in over 50% of the non-elective credits attempted in
one academic year;
b. receiving a deficient grade in four or more courses in
more than one academic year;
c. receiving a deficient grade in two or more courses in
one academic calendar year while on a decompressed
or extended curriculum schedule;
d. receiving a deficient grade on a second attempt in a
course after failing on the initial attempt;
e. failing to record a passing score on USMLE Step 1 by
the third attempt, or within one year after finishing preclinical years of study (excluding leaves of absence).
Refer to USMLE policy;
f. for graduating class of 2018 and beyond - failing to
record a passing score on the USMLE Step 2 CS and
CK by the third attempt, or within one year after the
deadline. Refer to USMLE policy;
g. failure to pass the Clinical Skills Examination after
second attempt;
h. inability to meet all graduation requirements within six
years of matriculation (excluding leaves of absence).
ACADEMIC REVIEW
BOARD AND APPEAL
COMMITTEES
Academic Review Boards
The College of Medicine employs a periodic review system to
track the academic performance and progress of students. The
Academic Review Boards (ARBs) meet regularly throughout the
year. There are three Academic Review Boards: Year 1, Year 2,
and Years 3/4. In addition to reviewing academic performance,
the Academic Review Boards also follow students' achievement
of the graduation competencies, and review the professional
conduct of students and adherence to College of Medicine
policies.
Composition of each of the Academic Review
Boards
1. Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education,
Chair (non-voting)
2. Dean of Student Affairs, Executive Secretary (non-voting)
3. Associate Dean of Student Affairs (non-voting);
Representing Multicultural Affairs; Academic Support
Services; and Disability Services
4. University Registrar (non-voting)
5. Associate Dean for Curriculum, Binghamton Campus (nonvoting, Years 3/4 only)
6. Course/Clerkship Directors for their respective year
Academic Review Board
7. Guests, as determined by the Chair and Executive Secretary
Responsibilities
Academic Review Boards may take any of the following
actions:
1. Promotion (unqualified) or Graduation (unqualified).
2. Promotion (Graduation) with qualification:
a. Promotion (Graduation) contingent upon satisfactory
completion of remedial work.
123
b. Promotion with probationary status because of poor
academic record, unprofessional behavior, and/or
clinical deficiencies.
3. Repetition of all or part of an academic year, when the
student’s record does not warrant Promotion (Graduation),
but where there is the expectations that the student will
benefit from repeating all or part of a year’s studies and
still complete medical studies within the allowed time. In
cases of more than one deficient grade, the student may be
required to repeat the entire year, or at a minimum, courses
with marginal grades as well as those with deficiencies.
4. Dismissal for reasons outlined in the Dismissal Policy.
Procedures of Academic Review Boards
1. In order for the Academic Review Board to conduct
business, a majority of the voting members must be present.
2. The Academic Review Board does not define policy nor
does it modulate the importance of any academic standard
or policy set by the College.
3. Performance in medical school is a cumulative acquisition
of an interdisciplinary set of skills, knowledge, and
behaviors that requires longitudinal development and
assessment. Each Academic Review Board is responsible
for reviewing students' entire academic record. This
comprehensive academic review represents a legitimate
educational interest as the assessment of competence
leading to graduation is the primary responsibility of the
Academic Review Board to detect patterns of behavior or
performance for which intervention can be employed in the
name of student success. Student performance discussed at
the Academic Review Board is confidential.
4. The Academic Review Board may consider whether there
are relevant personal mitigating factors that could plausibly
account for deficient academic performance and form the
basis for a decision to justify exceptions to policy.
5. The Academic Review Board may solicit additional
information from faculty members or College personnel to
aid in decision-making.
6. Decisions of Dismissal shall require a two-thirds vote of
those present.
a. Students eligible for dismissal will be notified before
the Academic Review Board meeting by the Dean of
Student Affairs or his/her designee.
b. Students will be invited to submit a written statement
explaining any mitigating factors that may have impacted his/her academic performance. Such
documentation must be received by the Dean of
Student Affairs Office at least two business days prior
to the Academic Review Board meeting.
c. The student will be advised to be available during the
committee meeting in the event that the Academic
Review Board members wish to speak to him/her.
d. When the Academic Review Board dismisses a student, it will provide a written summary of its findings and any pertinent data that led to the dismissal to the student and to the Dean of the College of Medicine.
7. Actions other than Dismissal shall require a simple
majority vote. The course or clerkship director(s) of the
course/clerkship in which a student has a deficient grade
shall recuse him/herself from the ultimate discussion and
vote regarding the student's status.
124
8. A student promoted with qualification, or who must repeat
all or part of a year, or who is dismissed for any reason,
shall be notified by the Dean of Student Affairs or his/her
designee as soon as reasonably possible, and confirmed in
writing within four business days of the Academic Review
Board decision.
Appeal Process
A student who wishes to appeal the decision of the Academic
Review Board for dismissal must submit a written request to the
Dean of Student Affairs or his/her designee for an appeal hearing
within two business days of the initial notification (verbal, email,
etc.)of the Academic Review Board's decision. The student
will have no less than two additional business days from date
they submit the written request for an appeal to prepare for the
hearing. Hearings are to be expedited within a reasonable time.
Appeals for a decision of dismissal will be considered in the
following circumstances:
1. New evidence not reasonably available at the time of the
Academic Review Board meeting that might have changed
the outcome.
2. Procedural error that is shown to have had a significant
impact on the outcome of the hearing;
3. Errors in the interpretation of College policy so substantial
that they interfere with a fair hearing.
The Dean of the College of Medicine, in consultation with the
Dean of Student Affairs, will determine whether the written
appeal meets the criteria for a hearing.
Hearings regarding decisions about dismissal will be considered
by an Appeals Committee (see below) chaired by the Dean of
the College of Medicine or his/her designee which will review
the decision of the Academic Review Board and the student’s
record, hear student's appeal, and may solicit additional
information from the teaching faculty of the appropriate
departments. The student will be notified of a final decision
within five business days after the hearing of the appeal by
the Dean of Student Affairs or his/her designee with written
confirmation following within four business days.
Any other appeals (e.g., regarding a plan of remediation, an
extended curriculum, and/or special circumstances) will be
considered by the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical
Education in consultation with the Dean of Student Affairs.
They may modify the Academic Review Board decision
while attempting to adhere to the general intention of the
Academic Review Board decision and remediation plan.
Where circumstances are such that a relatively straightforward
modification is not possible, the Associate Dean for
Undergraduate Medical Education will consult with members of
the Academic Review Board.
When a student chooses to appeal a decision (other than
dismissal) of the Academic Review Board, the Associate Dean
for Undergraduate Medical Education will have the option
of approving or denying their appeal based on individual
circumstance.
Appeals Committee Membership
Voting members of the Committee will consist of the Dean of
the College of Medicine or his/her designee and four members
of the faculty or administration appointed by the Dean of the
College of Medicine. Two members will also be named as
alternates to the Committee. Every attempt will be made to have
the committee composed of a balance between basic science
and clinical departments and include representation from the
Binghamton Campus. The Dean of Student Affairs or his/her
designee shall serve as Executive Secretary of the committee
without vote. The Chair of the appropriate Academic Review
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Board shall attend the meeting that reviews their decisions,
as will the Registrar. The Associate Dean for Graduate
Medical Education and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
(Binghamton Campus) will serve as ex-officio members.
Responsibilities
1. The Appeals Committee will be guided by the academic
criteria listed in the Dismissal Policy in considering the
reason for the appeal.
2. The Committee’s task is defined narrowly. It does not set
academic policy, nor should it modulate the importance
of any academic standard or policy set by the College.
It should consider changing an Academic Review Board
decision only when there is information (outlined above)
which invalidates the decision of the Academic Review
Board. The committee may solicit additional information
from faculty members of the College to aid in reaching its
decision. The Committee will strive for consistency in its
decision-making, so that like cases are dealt with in the
same way. In order for the committee to conduct business,
at least two voting members and the Dean of the College of
Medicine or his/her designee must be present.
3. All decisions of the Appeals Committee shall require a
majority vote. The decision of the Appeals Committee is
final.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Introduction
Upstate Medical University strives to select students who
possess the intelligence, integrity, and personal and emotional
characteristics that are considered necessary to become effective
health professionals or biomedical scientists. Students admitted
to the University should have the intellectual and physical
abilities to acquire the knowledge, behaviors, and skills taught
in each program of study. The curricula are designed to provide
the general education necessary for the students selected field.
Students will learn the fundamental principles, develop critical
judgment, and apply principles and skills wisely in solving
scientific and health related problems. Curricular goals and/
or minimal graduation requirements have been developed to
fulfill these objectives and to prepare graduates to pursue further
education, if desired. In addition to satisfactory academic
performance in all coursework, students are expected to fulfill
the non-academic essential functions of the curriculum in a
reasonably independent manner. These functions are specified
by the physical, cognitive, and behavioral standards (referred to
collectively as technical standards) necessary for the completion
of the program. The Upstate Medical University will consider
for admission and advancement any individual able to perform
pursuant to the standards, which are used as guidelines.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified
individuals with disability in accordance with applicable
laws and policies, while maintaining the integrity of program
standards. Requests for accommodations will be determined on
a case-by-case basis.
College of Medicine Technical Standards
The College of Medicine’s curriculum is designed to provide
the general education necessary for the practice of medicine. It
permits students to learn the fundamental principles of medicine,
to acquire skills of critical judgment based on education and
experience, and to develop an ability to use principles and skills
wisely in maintaining health and treating illness. A candidate
for the M.D. degree must possess abilities and skills which
include those that are observational, communicational, motor
intellectual-conceptual (integrative and quantitative), behavioral
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
and social and emotional. The use of a trained intermediary is
not acceptable in many clinical situations in that it implies that a
candidate's judgment must be mediated by someone else's power
of selection and observation.
These technical standards define abilities and attributes that
are required of all admitted students, all students progressing
through the curriculum, and of graduating students. If a student
does not possess these abilities and attributes they will not be
admitted, and if for any reason they are unable to maintain them
they will be dismissed.
The technical standards include:
1. Observation: The abilities in this category necessitate the
functional use of visual, auditory, and somatic sensation.
In any case where a candidate's ability to observe or
acquire information through these sensory modalities is
compromised, the candidate must demonstrate alternative
means and/or abilities to acquire and demonstrate the
essential information conveyed in this fashion.
a. Acquire a defined level of required information as
presented through demonstrations and experiences
in the basic sciences, including but not limited to
information conveyed through lectures, small group
activities, laboratory dissection and demonstrations,
microbiologic cultures, and microscopic images of
microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic
states.
b. Observe a patient accurately, at a distance, and close at
hand. To acquire information from written documents,
computer-information systems (including literature
searches and data retrieval) and identify information as
presented in images from paper, films, slides or video.
c. Interpret x-ray and other graphic images, and digital
or analog representations of physiologic phenomenon
(such as EKGs) with or without the use of assistive
devices.
2. Communication: The abilities in this category necessitate
the abilities of oral and written communication and
proficiency in keyboarding.
a. Speak, hear, and observe patients by sight in order
to accurately elicit from a patient, a medical history
and other information required to adequately and
effectively evaluate a patient's medical condition.
b. Communicate effectively, sensitively, and efficiently
with patients, their families, and all members of the
healthcare team about a patient's condition as called for
under the circumstances.
3. Motor: The abilities in this category require coordination of
both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and
functional use of touch and vision senses.
a. Use and interpret information from diagnostic
maneuvers (e.g. palpation, auscultation,
percussion) and from diagnostic instruments (e.g.
sphygmomanometer, otoscope, ophthalmoscope)
during the course of conducting a comprehensive
physical examination of a patient.
b. Perform specific procedures including, but not limited
to Basic Life Support (BLS) techniques, such as CPR,
starting an IV, drawing arterial and venous blood,
inserting and removing a Foley catheter, obtaining
specimens, performing basic laboratory tests and
diagnostic procedures, and providing wound care (e.g.
simple debridement, simple suturing and suture
removal, dressing changes).
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4. Intellectual-Conceptual (Integrative and Quantitative)
Abilities - Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate
and synthesize, including the comprehension and
understanding of three-dimensional relationships. Problem
solving must be performed in a timely manner.
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes
a. Respond appropriately to emergencies, urgencies, and
other situations within the hospital, clinic, ambulatory
facility, or other location, and assist co-workers in
providing appropriate care.
b. Adapt and function effectively under the various
circumstances and rigors that are inherent in the
clinical practice of medicine. This includes the ability
to tolerate physically taxing workloads.
c. Utilize intellectual ability, exercise proper judgment,
timely and accurately complete responsibilities intrinsic
in patient care.
d. Develop effective and appropriate relationships with
patients, colleagues, co-workers, and relevant others,
irrespective of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, and
religion.
e. Comply with laboratory safety measures and
regulation, practice universal precautions against
contamination and cross-contamination with infectious
pathogens (e.g. Wearing personal protective equipment;
working with sharp objects and hazardous chemicals;
treating patients with infectious diseases).
6. Emotional: Doctoring is an emotional business. Patients
seek care at the very times in their lives that are most
fraught with distressing emotions, believing that their
physician can help. Therefore, the following skills of
emotional competence are required of physicians and
physicians in training:
a. Recognize, name, and converse about one's own
emotions, and those of one's patients, using situational
and expressive cues that have some degree of cultural
consensus as to their emotional meaning, while at the
same time understanding that outer expression may not
correspond exactly to inner emotional state;
b. Involve oneself empathetically and helpfully in the
emotional experience of others; and
c. Cope adaptively with distressing emotions by using
productive self-regulatory strategies that ameliorate
their intensity and/or duration.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
PROGRAMS
COM Learning Communities
Our medical school classes are divided into smaller co-horts
that have community-established identities. Each community
is made up of students from each of the four classes and is
facilitated by a team of faculty and professionals. Our learning
communities take the form of five distinct societies with the
following characteristics:
1. 128 students per society
• ~32 students from each of the four classes
• Each society is divided into four smaller groups each
lead by a clinical faculty member
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2. 7 Community Facilitators per Society
• 1 Lead Facilitator (well respected and experienced
clinical faculty member and/or clinical department
chair)
• 4 Clinical Faculty Members (from different
departments)
• 1 Basic Science Faculty Member
• 1 Student Affairs Staff Member
3. Student Advisors
The purpose of the learning community model at Upstate is
three-fold:
1. To build strong community and pride among students
2. To offer the very best advising and career development for
students
3. To facilitate a culture of professionalism and wellness
Societies meet regularly throughout the academic year in both
social and educational contexts. Three times each year there
are full society meetings/gatherings that may blend social
interaction with an educational message. In addition, there are be
targeted, population specific sessions that serve to complement
advising and career development and enhance comprehension
of such things as professionalism, cultural competence and team
work.
One of the things that leads to the success of learning
communities is their identity. Such identities are tied to the roots
of the institution. Students are encouraged to “own” the identity
through a project or shared goal.
Mentors in Healthcare (MiH)
The Mentors in Healthcare program is an initiative specifically
geared toward students from traditionally under-represented
populations. This program is administered by Student Affairs
staff within the Student Success Cluster. Small group mentoring
meetings are scheduled four times a year, and students are
assigned to a specific mentoring group. The mentors are made
up of senior students, faculty and staff. We well understand that
under-represented students face unique situations and this is
especially true for those who come from a distance to be part of
our community. The MiH program seeks to assist with transition
issues, academic success, and personal connections.
Tutoring Program
Tutoring is available to students. Many of the courses provide
tutorial sessions given by faculty in the course. Most lectures are
videotaped for review online. The Office of Academic Support
Services has a principal goal of facilitating student success in
the classroom by offering a variety of services and programs to
students of all colleges. Services provided include workshops,
academic counseling, peer tutoring, and suggested academic
strategies. For more information contact the Office of Academic
Support Services, Room 217, WH, @ 315-464-8851, email
AcademicSupport@upstate.edu.
POLICY ON LEARNING
ENVIRONMENT &
MISTREATMENT
Purpose
The College of Medicine is committed to creating and
maintaining a learning environment that supports and
encourages a culture of respect between teacher and learner.
This policy outlines expectations for behavior that leads to
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
an appropriate learning environment and mitigates the risk of
student mistreatment. This policy also defines unprofessional
behavior and student mistreatment; and it outlines reporting
procedures for incidents of student mistreatment.
Policy
An appropriate student learning environment should foster
professional growth, support academic achievement, and
encourage the attainment of educational goals. Upstate’s
learning environment should model professionalism and civility
and be characterized by professional behaviors. All members
of the Upstate community, including faculty, staff and learners
attest to the Upstate Pledge and should demonstrate the values
prescribed therein, which include personal responsibility,
respect, collegiality, integrity, trustworthiness, impartiality,
confidentiality and compliance with laws and policies. Breaches
in professional behavior threaten the learning environment and
will not be tolerated. The Upstate Pledge can be found on the
website at: http://www.upstate.edu/hr/document/upstate_pledge.
pdf.
Mistreatment in the Learning Environment
The College of Medicine is committed to maintaining an
environment where there is mutual respect between student,
teacher and between peers. Examples of inappropriate behavior
are:
1. Public embarrassment
2. Threats of physical harm or actual physical punishment
3. Requirements to perform personal services, such as
shopping
4. Being subjected to unwanted sexual advances
5. Being asked for sexual favors in exchange for grades
6. Being denied opportunities for training because of gender,
race/ethnicity or sexual orientation
7. Being subjected to offensive remarks/names directed at you
based on gender, race/ethnicity or sexual orientation
8. Receiving lower grades or evaluation based on gender,
race/ethnicity or sexual orientation
Procedures
1. Distribution of Policy to learners, house staff, nurses,
faculty, and administration. This policy will be presented:
a. To all medical students at the beginning of each Phase of their education and in each course and clerkship syllabus. Responsible: Associate Dean of
Undergraduate Medical Education.
b. Annually to all interns during their orientation. Responsible: Associate Dean of Graduate Medical
Education.
c. Annually to all house-staff, nurses, faculty, and administration in an annual email. Responsible: Dean.
2. Reporting Mistreatment Concerns: Medical students who
experience possible mistreatment or observe other students
experiencing possible mistreatment are encouraged to
address the issue immediately. Students have the option of
dealing with mistreatment informally or formally.
a. Informal Resolution - Whenever possible, it is preferred that students who believe they have been
mistreated or those who have witnessed others being
mistreated, discuss and attempt to resolve the matter
with the alleged offender. It is well recognized that
this may not always be a comfortable or viable approach.
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
b.
Formal Resolution: Students formally can report inappropriate behavior in a number of ways and are
encouraged to use the process that is most comfortable
for their particular circumstance.
i. Raise concerns personally to one of the following
individuals:
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medical
Education
Dean of Student Affairs
Course/Clerkship Director
Department Chair
ii. Submit a named or anonymous* report via the
on-line Mistreatment Report. Once submitted,
these reports are received by the Associate Dean
of Undergraduate Medical Education. (http://
www.upstate.edu/currentstudents/support/rights/
mistreatment.php)
*Medical Students requesting complete anonymity
should be made aware that doing so may interfere
with the College of Medicine's ability to investigate
the concern and their ability to receive information
about the follow-up investigation.
iii. Medical Students may also choose to pursue
claims of unlawful discrimination or harassment in
compliance with the University's Anti-Harassment/
Discrimination Policy. More information
can be found on the Office of Diversity and
Inclusion website: (http://www.upstate.edu/
diversityinclusion/complaint)
3. Responding to Concerns of Mistreatment
a. Every effort is made to respond to concerns of mistreatment in a timely and professional manner to minimize the risk of harm including retaliation. The level of corrective response is in the hands of the student whose confidentiality
at this first stage is nearly absolute until the student
says otherwise; the listener's role is only to help the
student think through his/her concerns. If given permission from the student, the complaint will be
fully investigated and measures will be taken to reach
an appropriate resolution. Except in cases of an anonymous complaint, students will be provided with clear and timely feedback concerning the status
and resolution of their complaint.
b. The Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education will provide a de-identified annual summary of reported mistreatment concerns to the Dean of the College of Medicine. The Dean will
present this annual review for discussion and comment
by the COM Department Chairs.
c. Aggregate and de-identified data on mistreatment
reports of mistreatment will be presented to Curriculum Committee twice annually by the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education. If serious or repeated concerns are identified, the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education will bring reports to the Curriculum Committee as needed.
4. No Retaliation Policy: Upstate Medical University and
College of Medicine policies strictly forbid discrimination
or retaliation against any community member who reports,
in good faith, any instances of conduct that do not comply
or appear not to comply with Federal or State laws and
regulations or local policies and procedures. Those
127
reporting inappropriate behavior have the right to remain
anonymous and to use confidential mechanisms to disclose
non-compliant activity without fear of retaliation.
Individuals who believe they are experiencing retaliation
are strongly encouraged to contact the Associate Dean of
Undergraduate Medical Education or the Dean of Student
Affairs so that the situation can be addressed immediately.
Note: Within the constraints of the Crime Awareness and
Campus Security Act. This is a federal law that requires school
officials who have a significant responsibility for student
and campus activities (except mental health and religious
counselors) to report certain (mostly assault) crimes. The law
does not require naming anyone involved, but only supplying
enough information to Security to allow verification of the crime
and its location at the University.
Please contact the Course/Clerkship Director with any issues
regarding Mistreatment and Learning Environment.
PROFESSIONALISM
MEDICAL PROFESSIONALISM
CHARTER
All teaching faculty in the College of Medicine endorse this
ABIM Foundation (2004), Medical Professionalism in the New
Millennium: A Physician Charter:
Preamble
Professionalism is the basis of medicine's contract with society.
It demands placing the interests of patients above those of the
physician, setting and maintaining standards of competence
and integrity, and providing expert advice to society on matters
of health. The principles and responsibilities of medical
professionalism must be clearly understood by both the
profession and society. Essential to this contract is public trust
in physicians, which depends on the integrity of both individual
physicians and the whole profession.
At present, the medical profession is confronted by an explosion
of technology, changing market forces, problems in health care
delivery, bioterrorism, and globalization. As a result, physicians
find it increasingly difficult to meet their responsibilities to
patients and society. In these circumstances, reaffirming the
fundamental and universal principles and values of medical
professionalism, which remain ideals to be pursued by all
physicians, becomes all the more important.
The medical profession everywhere is embedded in diverse
cultures and national traditions, but its members share the role
of the healer, which has roots extending back to Hippocrates.
Indeed, the medical profession must contend with complicated
political, legal, and market forces. Moreover, there are wide
variations in medical delivery and practice through which any
general principles may be expressed in both complex and subtle
ways. Despite these differences, common themes emerge and
form the basis of this charter in the form of three fundamental
principles and as a set of definitive professional responsibilities.
Fundamental Principles
Principle of primacy of patient welfare. The principle is
based on a dedication to serving the interest of the patient.
Altruism contributes to the trust that is central to the physicianpatient relationship. Market forces, societal pressures, and
administrative exigencies must not compromise this principle.
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Principle of patient autonomy. Physicians must have respect
for patient autonomy. Physicians must be honest with their
patients and empower them to make informed decisions about
their treatment. Patients' decisions about their care must be
paramount, as long as those decisions are in keeping with ethical
practice and do not lead to demands for inappropriate care.
Principle of social justice. The medical profession must promote
justice in the health care system, including the fair distribution
of health care resources. Physicians should work actively to
eliminate discrimination in health care, whether based on race,
gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion, or any other
social category.
A Set of Professional Responsibilities
Commitment to professional competence. Physicians must
be committed to lifelong learning and be responsible for
maintaining the medical knowledge and clinical and team skills
necessary for the provision of quality care. More broadly, the
profession as a whole must strive to see that all of its members
are competent and must ensure that appropriate mechanisms are
available for physicians to accomplish this goal.
Commitment to honesty with patients. Physicians must ensure
that patients are completely and honestly informed before
the patient has consented to treatment and after treatment has
occurred. This expectation does not mean that patients should
be involved in every minute decision about medical care; rather,
they must be empowered to decide on the course of therapy.
Physicians should also acknowledge that in health care, medical
errors that injure patients do sometimes occur. Whenever
patients are injured as a consequence of medical care, patients
should be informed promptly because failure to do so seriously
compromises patient and societal trust. Reporting and analyzing
medical mistakes provide the basis for appropriate prevention
and improvement strategies and for appropriate compensation to
injured parties.
Commitment to patient confidentiality. Earning the trust and
confidence of patients requires that appropriate confidentiality
safeguards be applied to disclosure of patient information.
This commitment extends to discussions with persons acting
on a patient’s behalf when obtaining the patient’s own consent
is not feasible. Fulfilling the commitment to confidentiality
is more pressing now than ever before, given the widespread
use of electronic information systems for compiling patient
data and an increasing availability of genetic information.
Physicians recognize, however, that their commitment to
patient confidentiality must occasionally yield to overriding
considerations in the public interest (for example, when patients
endanger others).
Commitment to maintaining appropriate relations with patients.
Given the inherent vulnerability and dependency of patients,
certain relationships between physicians and patients must be
avoided. In particular, physicians should never exploit patients
for any sexual advantage, personal financial gain, or other
private purpose.
Commitment to improving quality of care. Physicians must
be dedicated to continuous improvement in the quality of
health care. This commitment entails not only maintaining
clinical competence but also working collaboratively with
other professionals to reduce medical error, increase patient
safety, minimize overuse of health care resources, and
optimize the outcomes of care. Physicians must actively
participate in the development of better measures of quality
of care and the application of quality measures to assess
routinely the performance of all individuals, institutions,
and systems responsible for health care delivery. Physicians,
both individually and through their professional associations,
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
must take responsibility for assisting in the creation and
implementation of mechanisms designed to encourage
continuous improvement in the quality of care.
Commitment to improving access to care. Medical
professionalism demands that the objective of all health care
systems be the availability of a uniform and adequate standard
of care. Physicians must individually and collectively strive to
reduce barriers to equitable health care. Within each system, the
physician should work to eliminate barriers to access based on
education, laws, finances, geography, and social discrimination.
A commitment to equity entails the promotion of public health
and preventive medicine, as well as public advocacy on the part
of each physician, without concern for the self-interest of the
physician or the profession.
Commitment to a just distribution of finite resources. While
meeting the needs of individual patients, physicians are required
to provide health care that is based on the wise and costeffective management of limited clinical resources. They should
be committed to working with other physicians, hospitals,
and payers to develop guidelines for cost effective care. The
physician’s professional responsibility for appropriate allocation
of resources requires scrupulous avoidance of superfluous tests
and procedures. The provision of unnecessary services not only
exposes one’s patients to avoidable harm and expense but also
diminishes the resources available for others.
Commitment to scientific knowledge. Much of medicine’s
contract with society is based on the integrity and appropriate
use of scientific knowledge and technology. Physicians have
a duty to uphold scientific standards, to promote research, and
to create new knowledge and ensure its appropriate use. The
profession is responsible for the integrity of this knowledge,
which is based on scientific evidence and physician experience.
Commitment to maintaining trust by managing conflicts
of interest. Medical professionals and their organizations
have many opportunities to compromise their professional
responsibilities by pursuing private gain or personal advantage.
Such compromises are especially threatening in the pursuit
of personal or organizational interactions with for-profit
industries, including medical equipment manufacturers,
insurance companies, and pharmaceutical firms. Physicians
have an obligation to recognize, disclose to the general public,
and deal with conflicts of interest that arise in the course of
their professional duties and activities. Relationships between
industry and opinion leaders should be disclosed, especially
when the latter determine the criteria for conducting and
reporting clinical trials, writing editorials or therapeutic
guidelines, or serving as editors of scientific journals.
Commitment to professional responsibilities. As members of
a profession, physicians are expected to work collaboratively
to maximize patient care, be respectful of one another, and
participate in the processes of self regulation, including
remediation and discipline of members who have failed to
meet professional standards. The profession should also define
and organize the educational and standard-setting process for
current and future members. Physicians have both individual
and collective obligations to participate in these processes.
These obligations include engaging in internal assessment and
accepting external scrutiny of all aspects of their professional
performance.
Summary
The practice of medicine in the modern era is beset with
unprecedented challenges in virtually all cultures and societies.
These challenges center on increasing disparities among the
legitimate needs of patients, the available resources to meet
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
those needs, the increasing dependence on market forces to
transform health care systems, and the temptation for physicians
to forsake their traditional commitment to the primacy of
patients’ interests. To maintain the fidelity of medicine’s
social contract during this turbulent time, we believe that
physicians must reaffirm their active dedication to the principles
of professionalism, which entails not only their personal
commitment to the welfare of their patients but also collective
efforts to improve the health care system for the welfare of
society. This Charter on Medical Professionalism is intended
to encourage such dedication and to promote an action agenda
for the profession of medicine that is universal in scope and
purpose.
FACULTY CODE OF
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Students also have a right to know the kind of behavior they
should expect from their faculty. Below is the Faculty Code
of Conduct accepted by the Medical College Assembly, State
University of New York, Upstate Medical University.
Preamble
An institutional mechanism, the Faculty Appointments and
Promotions Committee has been established to evaluate
faculty at the time of appointment, promotion, or continuing
appointment. Elements of professional competence have been
suggested by the Policies of the Board of Trustees. The weight
of each of these elements, and other criteria which may be
defined, varies in individual circumstances by written agreement
at the time of appointment.
1. Mastery of subject matter - as demonstrated by advanced
degrees, licenses, honors, awards, and reputation in one’s
professional field.
2. Effective teaching - as demonstrated by judgment of
colleagues, development of teaching materials or new
courses and student reaction, determined from surveys,
interviews, and classroom observation.
3. Scholarly activity - as demonstrated by success in
developing and carrying out significant research in
one’s professional field, by contribution to the arts,
publications, and by reputation among colleagues.
4. Effective University service - as demonstrated by
college and University public service, by committee and
administrative work, and by work in the community.
5. Continuing growth - as demonstrated by reading, research,
or other activities to keep abreast of current developments
in one’s field.
The following Code defines a set of ideals to be pursued by
those who accept the rights and responsibilities of promoting
the intellectual and professional development of students at
the Upstate Medical University. It is intended to supplement,
not supercede, either the Policies of the Board of Trustees or
any agreements between the University and negotiating bodies
representing faculty.
Observance of Institutional Rules and
Expectations
It is the responsibility of faculty to understand and abide
by those institutional regulations which apply to their
circumstances. Examples of these include the New York State
Hospital Code, University Hospital Policies and Procedures,
public safety regulations, and other regulations described in the
Faculty Handbook, policies of the SUNY Board of Trustees,
rules of the New York State Board of Regents governing one’s
profession, and Federal regulations which apply to the conduct
129
of funded research. Also, it is the responsibility of faculty to
seek amendment of such rules, through proper channels, when
they are deemed inappropriate for prevailing circumstances.
Performance of Professional Duties
A faculty member should demonstrate honesty, fairness, energy,
diligence, punctuality, and competence in preparation for and
performance of accepted professional duties.
Interactions with Colleagues, Students and
Patients
Faculty and students mutually recognize the right of each party
to be treated in a respectful manner. Faculty should demonstrate
objectivity, equity, confidentiality, impartiality, and compassion
in their dealings with colleagues, students, patients, research
subjects, employees, and others. Behavior such as racial or
sexual harassment, undue criticism, sarcasm, public humiliation,
and insensitivity to the feelings of individuals or the community
at large is inappropriate. Discrimination on the basis of race, sex,
sexual orientation, color, creed, age, national origin, handicap,
marital status, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the
Vietnam era is contrary to University policy and cannot be
tolerated.
Performance and Reporting of Research,
Consultation, and Treatment
Faculty will comply with all appropriate requirements for the
disclosure of methods and findings; compliance with financial
reporting and informed consent requirements. Professional
standards for the acknowledgment of all contributors in
the conduct and publication of research and in professional
consulting or treatment of patients will be observed.
Support for Academic Freedom
Faculty recognizes the rights and responsibilities related to
protection and furtherance of intellectual, aesthetic, and expressive
freedoms - not only for professional scholars and artists but also for
students and other members of the academic and wider community.
Faculty should recognize, without discrimination or bias, that
students must have the freedom to pursue their own academic
growth in a positive and challenging atmosphere.
Maintenance of Professional Ethical Standards
Members of the faculty should acknowledge their personal
responsibility to initiate and cooperate with collegial efforts to
define, promote, and uphold professional and ethical standards.
Reporting and Corrective Mechanisms
Faculty members are obligated to maintain high personal
standards of conduct. They should also encourage similarly
high standards among fellow faculty members through personal
example and moral persuasion. In the event that informal
means of modifying inappropriate conduct are not successful,
alleged violations of the Code of Professional Conduct should
be reported to the departmental chairman, Dean, or other
administrative officer for appropriate action. Such reporting
by students, faculty, or staff may be channeled directly or
through the Course Feedback Committee or the Student/Faculty
Relations Committee.
Guidelines for the Roles of the Department Chair and the Dean
in the investigation of allegations of unprofessional conduct by
members of the faculty or senior administrative staff of Upstate
Medical University can be found at www.upstate.edu/facultydev.
130
STUDENT PROFESSIONALISM
POLICY
Professionalism is a cornerstone of the profession of medicine
and physicians are held to a high standard of performance.
Student enrollment in the College of Medicine demands a level
of personal honor and integrity that ensures the provision of
quality health care.
The same personal integrity that requires honesty also requires
reporting of any infraction of the Professionalism Policy and
Code of Student Conduct. Hence, faculty and students have
an obligation to report conditions or situations that may lead
to violations of either doctrine. Faculty and students must be
committed to high ethical standards of behavior, including
but not limited to: patient confidentiality; academic integrity;
personal behaviors and habits facilitate the ability to meet
professional obligations as a medical student; and adherence to
guidelines regarding relationship boundaries.
Professionalism is one of the six competencies in which students
must demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes appropriate
to a graduating medical student. Professional behaviors are
observed throughout medical school, within courses and
clerkships, and in settings outside medical school boundaries.
Unprofessional behavior may range from minor to severe,
from occasional to frequent, and the College of Medicine has
established a tiered method for evaluating and responding to
unprofessional behavior which involves a Professional Pathway,
the Academic Review Boards, and the Judicial Process.
The Professionalism Pathway provides a mechanism for faculty
members, staff, and students to submit reports about both
unprofessional and exemplary professional student behavior to
the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education. The
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education compiles
and evaluates both notes of commendation and reports of
concern brought to his/her attention.
For cases of exemplary professional behavior, any faculty
member or student may submit a Commendation Report to the
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education who will
inform the advisory deans, the appropriate course/clerkship
director, if applicable, and the Dean of Student Affairs so that
students may receive recognition for their commitment. This
may include special notation in the student’s Medical Student
Performance Evaluation Letter.
For reports regarding unprofessional behavior, the Associate
Dean may provide an educational and/or counseling
intervention, or invoke resolution via the Academic Review
Board or the University Judicial Process. In all reports of alleged
academic misconduct and unprofessional behavior, the faculty
member, staff, or student making the charges should follow the
following process:
1. Faculty member, staff, or student identifies incident and
discusses with the course/clerkship director, if applicable,
unless there is a conflict of interest.
2. The faculty member and/or course/clerkship director should
then discuss the incident with the student and inform
them if the issue will be referred to the Associate Dean for
Undergraduate Medical Education. Students and/or staff
who may not be comfortable with this step can directly
discuss it first with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate
Medical Education.
3. Faculty member, course/clerkship director, staff, or student
sends a Professionalism Concern Report to Associate Dean
for Undergraduate Medical Education. This report can
be found online or obtained from Curriculum Office. The
report includes:
a. Name of Student
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
b. Name of Individual Submitting Report
c. Date of Incident and Report
d. Description of Incident
e. Description of Any Action Taken
The Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education will
first assess the allegation, including its severity or frequency.
Based on the assessment, the Associate Dean for Undergraduate
Medical Education may choose to:
1. Utilize the Professionalism Pathway for a minor first offense and meet with the student to discuss concerns,
provide guidance, and set expectations for future behavior. The Associate Dean will then communicate the outcome to the faculty member, staff, or student who reported the incident. In addition, the Associate Dean will provide written documentation regarding the incident to the University Judicial Coordinator.
2. Refer the matter to the appropriate Academic Review Board for more significant academic professionalism concerns. Examples of such behavior may include repeated tardiness or absenteeism, lying or misrepresenting the truth, a breach of confidentiality, disregard for safety, disrespectful language or gestures,
poor hygiene, and others. The Academic Review Boards
may recommend remediation, probation, suspension or
dismissal. The Academic Review Boards, which track the
competencies of medical students, may also recommend
that comments pertaining to the incident be included in the
student's Medical Student Performance Evaluation Letter.
3. Refer the matter to the University Judicial Process for offenses as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
For each subsequent report, the Associate Dean for
Undergraduate Medical Education has each of the above options
at their disposal. However, if both a first and second offense was
handled utilizing the professionalism pathway, a third offense
immediately invokes a referral to the Academic Review Board
or the University Judicial Process. Refer to Student Code of
Conduct and descriptions of the Academic Review Boards for
complete process.
Note: In the case of a lapse of academic integrity, referral to
the University Judicial Officer will happen upon the second
offense (not third). Referral to the University Judicial Process
will be communicated to faculty member, staff, or student by the
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education.
Scope of Responsibility:
Judicial Process
Professionalism Pathway/
Academic Review Boards
• Lapse of Academic Integrity
(repeat and/or egregious
offense)
• Pattern of Unprofessional
Behavior which is outside
usual course or clerkship
academic expectations
• Offenses as described in
Student Code of Conduct
• Lapse of Academic Integrity
(first and/or minor offense)
• Inappropriate Attire
• Inappropriate use of Cell
Phones, etc.
• Poor Hygiene
• Disrespectful or Ineffective
Communication
• Ineffective Team Member
• Unethical Behavior
• Violation of Confidentiality
• Poor Attendance
• Not Punctual
• Unprofessional Demeanor
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
POLICY ON STUDENT
COMPLETION OF
EVALUATIONS
FOR MS1 AND MS2 COURSES:
It is critical that course directors receive student evaluations
of their faculty and courses in order to guide changes for the
following year. We make numerous changes each year based on
student feedback. Each course syllabus lists these changes and
the Curriculum Office also maintains a document that shows all
the changes made based on student feedback that we are pleased
to show you. We strive for 100% completion of faculty, small
group and end of course evaluations.
FOR REQUIRED CLERKSHIPS:
In each required clerkship, a component of the Professional
Responsibility portion of the grade is dependent on completed
end of clerkship evaluations.
MS1 AND MS2 SPECIFIC
INFORMATION
POLICY ON STUDENTS BEING
EXCUSED FROM EXAMS
Any student requesting an excuse from a Unit Exam, Lab Exam,
or Subject Exam must seek approval from the Assistant Dean of
Foundational Science. Course Directors may not excuse students
from these exams.
Course Directors have jurisdiction over quizzes. The Practice
of Medicine course director has jurisdiction over the Clinical
Competency Exams (CCEs).
Any other exam MUST BE adjudicated through the Assistant
Dean of Foundational Science.
CLERKSHIP
INFORMATION
POLICIES ON CLERKSHIP
TRACKS AND CLERKSHIPS
Clerkship Tracking System
Students are scheduled based on a track system for sequencing
the clerkships in the third year. Each track sequences the
clerkships and identifies the specific period in which the student
will take all clerkships. All students are expected to follow the
sequence of clerkships as delineated in their track. Clerkships
have limited capacity and it is usually not possible to move a
clerkship to another period. Clerkships must be taken at the
student’s assigned campus. Transportation to and from offcampus clinical sites (regardless of campus) is the student's
responsibility and is not provided by the university. Please see
Policy on Transportation in Clinical Years.
Students select their tracks through the Track Selection Process.
For this process, each student is assigned a randomly generated
number. This number will determine the priority for selecting
tracks. The Track Selection Process will order students by their
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track selection number and then assign a track based on the
student’s ranked preferences and track availability. The student
with number one will have first choice.
Students in the Rural Medicine (RMED) program, the MD/MPH
dual degree program, and the MD/PhD dual degree program
do not participate in track selection. Students in the RMED
program are assigned to a specific track which allows them
to complete all necessary clerkships prior to commencing the
RMED preceptorship at their community site. Students in the
MD/MPH dual degree program are assigned a specific track
which allows them to continue their coursework in the MPH
program for an additional five weeks and places one clerkship in
their fourth year. Students in the MD/PhD program are allowed
to select a track prior to the Track Selection Process .
Postponing Clerkships
1. In general, clerkships need to be taken as scheduled in the
student’s track. Based on the non-negotiable constraints
of the curriculum and the residency application process,
postponing a clerkship places the student at a decided
disadvantage.
2. Clerkships may be postponed to the MSIV year only if
extenuating circumstances exist that would significantly
encumber the student or preclude the student from taking
the clerkship at the scheduled time. Documentation of such
extenuating circumstances may be required in order to
review such a request. No students may alter the sequence
of their required clerkships. In the case of death in the
family or severe illness, the student may petition the
Academic Review Board with written documentation. In
the case of academic difficulties, the Academic Review
Board will dictate alterations in schedule. The Registrar's
Office (Syracuse students) or the Binghamton Student
Affairs Office (Binghamton students) will need to review
and approve any changes due to the above circumstances
due to maximum numbers that can be accommodated
in the clerkships in any given period. Rescheduling
clerkships may result in a delay in graduation. The Dean of
Undergraduate Medical Education will have the discretion
to consider requests that fall outside of policy with the
option of referring these to the Academic Review Board.
3. A request to postpone a clerkship for above reasons, is
reviewed by the Registrar’s Office. Binghamton campus
students may initiate a request with the Student Affairs
Office in Binghamton. The request will be forwarded to
the Registrar’s Office for a review, which may involve
consultation with the Binghamton Student Affairs Office.
The University Registrar will consult with the Associate
Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education before a
determination is made about the request. In some instances,
the Academic Review Board for the Clinical Years may be
consulted.
4. If a request to postpone a clerkship is approved, the student
will be scheduled in the clerkship in another period based
on the capacity of the clerkship. Postponed clerkships need
to be completed by the October/November period of the
MSIV year.
5. Students are allowed to postpone only one clerkship to the
MSIV year. If extenuating circumstances warrant additional
time away from the curriculum, then the student will be
required to take a leave of absence or to decompress the
clinical years schedule and delay graduation by a year.
6. Any deviation from or failure to follow the policy on
postponing clerkships may result in a review by the
Academic Review Board for the Clinical Years.
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TRANSFER BETWEEN SYRACUSE
AND BINGHAMTON CAMPUSES
At the time of acceptance to Upstate Medical University,
students are assigned either to the Syracuse or to the
Binghamton campus for their clinical years. Those assignments
are binding and students are expected to attend assigned
campuses. Transfer, most often, is very difficult. Extreme
cases (e.g. documented financial hardship; dire family
situation) should be presented to the Dean of Student Affairs
via the Site Transfer Request Form. Prior to form submission,
students should discuss their circumstance with and obtain the
endorsement of their Advisory Dean. If transfer is feasible, the
Dean of Student Affairs will confer with the Associate Dean of
Undergraduate Medical Education regarding specific cases.
POLICY ON CLERKSHIP AND
CLINICAL ELECTIVE ABSENCES
Time Off During Required Clerkships
1. Any time off from clinical rotations is at the discretion of
the clerkship director. The clerkship director may decline to
grant time off and/or may require remediation.
2. Any time off allowed by the clerkship director should not
materially change the rotation.
3. Students may not miss more than one day in a five
week clerkship and may not miss more than two days in
clerkships greater than five weeks without being required to
make up that time.
4. These days off are for excused absences (eg: illness) and
not meant for personal days and are at the discretion of the
clerkship director/site director. Any unexcused absences
will need to be remediated and may be subject to losing
Professionalism points in the final clerkship grade.
MS4 Interviewing
Senior medical students have ample credit time available to
be able to plan for periods of time off in the fourth year to
accommodate residency interviews. Because interviewing for a
house officer position is time-consuming, students are expected
to schedule blocks of time off for this purpose. Time off during
the MS4 year is governed by the same policy as above.
Practical Considerations
1. Students should request time off for planned absences as far
in advance as possible; three months or more is preferred,
but no less than one month before the start of the clerkship.
You must make this request to the contact listed for the
clerkship in the Course Selection Book.
2. Any student who anticipates needing multiple absences
over the clerkship period, and particularly over the
academic year, is directed to discuss their situation with
the Dean of Student Affairs who can then interface with
clerkship directors to facilitate appropriate scheduling
adjustments. Examples include: regularly scheduled
medical therapies, counseling, or personal/family needs.
3. When a medical student is to be absent from assigned
duties on clinical services, for any reason, it is the
responsibility of the individual student to notify the
attending faculty physician, the director of any ongoing
experiences (e.g. longitudinal Family Medicine lecture
series) of his/her absence AND the clerkship director with
as much prior notice as possible. Prospective arrangements
for absences should not unduly inconvenience other
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
members of the team including students, house officers,
faculty, or staff. When asking for time off for medical or
personal reasons, the utmost professionalism is expected of
students.
Extended Illness
On rare occasions when a prolonged illness causes a student to
miss more than one day in a less than five week clerkship, or
more than two days in a greater than five week clerkship, the
student should:
1. Visit Student Health Services to obtain written
documentation regarding duty restrictions, if any. You
should provide this documentation to your Clerkship
Director.
2. Upon recovery, you should consult with the Clerkship
Director regarding the viability of successfully completing
the clerkship as planned. Consultation with the Dean of
Student Affairs may be necessary.
POLICY ON CLINICAL LOGGING
Students will have until the registrar's official end date of each
required clerkship to have Clinical Logging 100% completed in
Medhub. After the official end date of each required clerkship,
if clinical logging is not complete, the student will receive an
INCOMPLETE in the course. If clinical logging is completed
within seven days of the end of the clerkship, the grade may
then be changed to P/HP/H. If clinical logging is NOT complete
within seven days of the end date of the clerkship, the grade will
become a CONDITIONAL. When successfully remediated, a
grade of Conditional/Pass (C/P) will be recorded.
A statement will be added to the student's narrative if logging
is not completed by the official end of the clerkship about the
student's failure to fulfill their professional responsibilities.
Students who have continued infractions of not completing
clinical logging on time may be subject to further penalties at the
discretion of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education as
governed by the Professionalism Policy.
POLICY ON HOLIDAYS FOR
REQUIRED CLERKSHIPS
Due to patient care responsibilities, student responsibilities to
their service take precedence over Holiday Time that is allotted
in the MS1 and MS2 years. The below are the official Holidays
for the students in required clerkships.
MEMORIAL DAY
11PM the day before the holiday observed until 5AM the day
after the holiday observed.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
11PM the day before the holiday observed until 5AM the day
after the holiday observed.
LABOR DAY
11PM the day before the holiday observed until 5AM the day
after the holiday observed.
COLUMBUS DAY
11PM the day before the holiday observed until 5AM the day
after the holiday observed.
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
5PM (Wednesday), the day before the holiday observed until
5AM (Monday), the day after the holiday observed.
WINTER BREAK
11PM the day before the winter break is observed until 5AM the
day after the winter break is observed.
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
11PM the day before the holiday observed until 5AM the day
after the holiday observed.
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
See University Policies, Class Attendance and Religious Beliefs.
POLICY ON DUTY HOURS
In order to provide sufficient time for reading and study, clinical
clerkships and course directors should provide student assigned
schedules for on-site clinical and educational activities that meet
the following duty hour guidelines:
1. Duty hours are defined as all clinical and academic
activities related to the program; i.e., patient care (both
inpatient and outpatient), administrative duties relative
to patient care, the provision for transfer of patient care,
time spent in-house during call activities, and scheduled
activities, such as conferences.
2. Duty hours do not include reading and preparation time
spent away from the duty site.
3. Duty hours must be limited to 80 hours per week, averaged
over a four-week period, inclusive of all in-house call
activities.
POLICY ON MEDICAL STUDENT
SUPERVISION AND CONFLICTS
OF INTEREST
Faculty or residents must not be placed in the position of
supervisor/evaluator for medical students when there might be
any conflict of interest. Conflicts of interest may include but
are not limited to family/personal relationships or providing
medical/psychiatric services to the student. Each course and
clerkship director must have a mechanism for students to request
reassignment.
POLICY ON ROTATIONS/
ELECTIVES WITH FAMILY
MEMBERS*
Medical students/Residents/Fellows may not take clerkship
rotations or medical students/Residents/Fellow electives and
receive academic credit or credit toward fulfilling program
requirements in settings where any family member is involved
with supervision or assessment of performance. For example,
they may not take a clinical or research elective for credit with
family members. The term ‘family member’ applies to those
individuals related by lineage (first, second and third degree) or
marriage or for other reasons including personal relationships.
Exceptions may be allowed in a course such as a lecture course
where the family member might give a lecture but not evaluate
the student personally (writing test questions that involve no
subjective judgment of performance is acceptable if all students
take the same test).
It is expected that students or residents will disclose any preexisting relationship with potential teachers/supervisors to
their curriculum dean, program director or graduate medical
education dean to identify the situation and to define any needed
alternatives.
At no time will a family member be allowed to assess a student
or resident or be involved in decisions related to the status
of that student or resident. Family members are expected to
declare their conflict of interest and excuse themselves from any
related discussion and/or decisions.
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*This policy relates to both Graduate Medical Education and
Undergraduate Medical Education.
POLICY ON TRANSPORTATION IN
CLINICAL YEARS
Students are required to have reliable transportation to/from
campus, and to/from off campus sites during the clinical years.
Transportation is not provided by Upstate Medical University.
Clinical sites may be off campus and it is imperative that
students arrive on time to report for duty.
Parking access is available to students. A parking fee may apply
based on assigned campus.
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES
RURAL MEDICAL SCHOLARS
PROGRAM (RMSP)
The Rural Medical Scholars Program (RMSP) is a multidepartmental program organized and coordinated through the
Department of Family Medicine. Its purpose is to enhance the
educational experience of students who may wish to practice
in a rural or small town community. The RMSP seeks qualified
applicants with an interest in rural health, provides special
training and support in the preclinical years, and includes
training in a rural community in the clinical years.
The RMED program today offers two options to the students.
RMED Traditional is 36 weeks and includes Family Medicine,
Emergency Medicine, and Surgery clerkships, an optional
Radiology elective, and up to 19 credits in Family Medicine
elective. Students are eligible for a $10,000 scholarship. RMED
Prime is 19 weeks and includes Family Medicine, Emergency
Medicine, and Surgery clerkships, and up to 4 credits in Family
Medicine elective.
Admission to and Withdrawal from the Program
Most students who participate in RMSP will apply as part of
the application to medical school. Students may also apply after
they enter medical school, and may participate in one or more
components of the RMSP program. Students who enter the
program by the end of the Freshman Orientation will receive
priority for the RMED Placement. Those who enter later may
not receive the full three credits for the preclinical elective.
Students requesting release from this commitment must appeal
to the Program Director. An appeal should include a letter of
explanation, a letter of support from the Dean of Student Affairs,
and a letter of support from the student's specialty coordinator
or academic advisor. Potential reasons for modification or
release could include: academic difficulty or significant health
or personal issues. Students who withdraw from the program in
the middle of a credit-bearing component may receive a "W"
grade on their transcript. A student's participation in the program
can be terminated at any time by the Program Director or at the
recommendation of the Academic Review Board if the student
is not able to complete the requirements of each component
satisfactorily. This could be due to academic difficulty including
academic probation, ethical or professionalism concerns, or
inadequate performance of a program component.
Further information is available from the Family Medicine
Department and in the College’s Course Selection Book.
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MD/PHD PROGRAM
General Overview
Upstate Medical University’s MD/PhD Program is designed for
individuals interested in pursuing a career as physician-scientists
in academic medicine. During the students first two years of
training they complete courses in the College of Medicine.
They then advance into the laboratory where they spend three
to four years completing additional coursework and dissertation
research under the auspices of one of the faculty members
in College of Graduate Studies. The time in the laboratory
culminates with the defense of the doctoral dissertation, after
which students re-enter the College of Medicine to complete
their training in the various clinical clerkships. The total time
spent in the program should be no more than eight years.
Throughout the training students will also participate in MD/
PhD specific coursework and activities.
Annual stipends and tuition waivers are provided for all students
during all years of enrollment in the MD/PhD program.
Student Expectations and Monitoring
The MD/PhD program is designed for students interested in
combining a career in medical research with one in academic
medicine. The program is based on an integrated curriculum
that utilizes the rich educational and research related resources
of the Colleges of Medicine and Graduate Studies. Students
also engage in educational and mentoring activities specific to
the MD/PhD program throughout their training. Although the
emphasis of a student’s training will vary over time as they
transition through the program (i.e., clinical versus research)
they are always considered to be MD/PhD students.
Owing to the integrated nature of the training, MD/PhD students
must adhere to the policies, standards and requirements of the
MD/PhD, MD and PhD programs as outlined in the Student
Handbook, at all times. Further, because a student’s performance
and conduct in each of the degree-granting programs is
considered relevant to the others all students will be monitored
by the MD/PhD program Academic Review Board, the MD
program Academic Review Board and the relevant PhD program
through Graduate Council. For the purposes of this integrated
student monitoring policy, the MD/PhD Academic Review
Board (ARB) will be comprised of the MD/PhD program codirectors, the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, the Dean
of Student Affairs and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate
Medical Education.
Although all three programs will perform regular review of a
student, the MD/PhD ARB will provide continual integrated
oversight of student performance and conduct. In this process,
the MD/PhD ARB will seek advice and input from the
applicable educational program in which a student is currently
receiving their training (i.e., either medicine or graduate), as
well as the alternate educational program, where appropriate.
In keeping with standard university practices and policies the
MD/PhD ARB will also manage the process of reviewing and
addressing any concerns in student academic performance
or conduct in the joint program. In the event concerns arise,
all programs will be kept informed through their respective
program representatives that serve on the MD/PhD ARB.
Any student who is placed on any form of probationary or
disciplinary status in one of the degree granting programs can
also be placed on a similar status in the other degree programs.
The MD/PhD program also reserves the right to take action
based upon a student’s progress in the individual programs.
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Dismissal from one program may still allow a student to remain
in one of the other programs. Students have the right to appeal
programmatic decisions as outlined in the Colleges of Medicine
and Graduate Studies Student Handbook.
MD/PhD Program Specific Policies
1. Student Advisement: In addition to the advisory
mechanisms provided by the Colleges of Medicine and
Graduate Studies students must meet with, at least, one
of the program co-directors once per semester (generally
prior to registration) to review student progress or student
concerns. The co-directors are also available for consult at
any time as needed.
2. Summer Research: All students in the program are required
to take a summer laboratory research rotation (GS612)
prior to the start of MS1 and MS2 classes.
3. Entry into Dissertation Laboratory: Students select mentors
and research projects before the end of their second year in
medical school, and begin their lab work by June 1st of that
year after sitting for Step 1 of the US Medical Licensure
Exam. Continuation of the thesis work is predicated on
passing the Step 1 Board Exam. Failure to pass USMLE
Step 1 will result in dismissal from the MD/PhD program.
4. Continuation in teh MD/PhD program is contingent
upon securing an eligible thesis advisor by no later than
mid-August (though, if not completing a third laboratory
rotation, by June 1st) of the first academic year in the
College of Graduate Studies, and retaining an advisor for
the duration of the thesis work.
5. Time limitation for Completion of the Qualifying Exam:
The PhD qualifying exam should be competed no later
than six months after entering the PhD portion of the
degree. It is required to be completed no later than one
year. Students who fail to successfully complete the PhD
qualifying exam in one year will be dismissed from the
MD/PhD program. An extension of this deadline may be
granted for extenuating circumstances by petition to the
MD/PhD Academic Review Board. Following successful
completion of the PhD qualifying exam, a thesis advisory
committee should be established and meet, at least, once
per semester (completed committee reports will be required
for registration). One of the MD/PhD program co-directors
OR a member of the MD/PhD Admissions and Advisory
Committee will serve on each student’s thesis defense
committee (students should contact the most appropriate
person based on their area of expertise).
6. Time limitation for Completion of the PhD: The purpose of
this limitation is to avoid undue delay in the completion of
the MD/PhD degree requirements and the timely return of
the student to the medical school clerkships. This benefits
the student, the program and the University as a whole.
No more than six years may elapse between matriculation
into the MD/PhD program and successful defense of the
PhD dissertation. The student and the advisor must jointly
petition the MD/PhD Academic Review Board for an
extension beyond this time limit. If granted, the student
must complete the defense of the dissertation by the end
of the 7th year or return to the medical school clerkships.
During the extended year the stipend will continue to be
supported by the sponsoring lab or department. Waiver of
tuition will continue to be in effect. Failure to complete
the PhD by the time limit will result in dismissal from the
program.
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
7. Defense of Dissertation and Return to Medical School:
Following successful defense of the PhD dissertation,
students have six months to complete all required revisions
and submit a final approved document to the College
of Graduate Studies in order to remain in the clinical
clerkships. Students who fail to submit the final document
within the time limit will be removed from the clerkships
and their stipend will be discontinued until the required
revisions are completed and accepted, as noted above.
8. Program Specific Course Requirements: MD/PhD students
are required to receive a 'Pass' or 'Satisfactory' grade in
the MDPH601, Physician-Scientist Grant Writing Course
(students may elect to take a departmental grant-writing
course in lieu of) and MDPH602, MD/PhD Grand Rounds
course in order to remain in good standing in the MD/PhD
Program.
9. Individual Pre-doctoral Fellowship (F30 or F31)
Applications: Within six months of successful completion
of the qualifying exam, students are required to submit
(typically the grant written in partial fulfillment of the
qualifying exam) and pursue an application(s) to the
NIH for a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service
Award. An extension of this deadline may be granted for
extenuating circumstances by petition to the MD/PhD
Academic Review Board.
10. Graduation Requirement: Prior to graduation from the
program each student must have at least one accepted firstauthor publication of experimental data from their thesis
work in a peer-reviewed journal.
11. Academic Performance: Except as noted below, a student
will be dismissed from the MD/PhD program for deficient
academic performance as outlined in the Student Handbook
for the Colleges of Medicine and Graduate Studies.
• With specific regard to the MD/PhD program, a student will be dismissed from the program for
receiving a deficient grade in two or more courses or in
over 25% of the non-elective credits attempted in one
academic year.
12. Voluntary Withdrawal from the MD/PhD Program: Upon
withdrawal from the program, stipend support and tuition
remission will immediately terminate. Students who
make the decision to voluntarily resign from the MD/PhD
program without completing the PhD degree requirements:
a. Will be required to pay back the tuition waived during
their time in the College of Medicine. Students may
appeal waiver of this payback requirement for special
circumstances (typically health-related), which have
forced their withdrawal from the program. The student
will not be expected to pay back the personal stipend
received while in the program.
b. Will receive careful administrative review by the
College of Medicine Academic Review Board. This
committee will make decisions as to the suitability
and specific conditions of the student’s continuation in
medical school.
c. Students resigning from the MD/PhD program, and
accepted into the medical curriculum will be placed
in the clinical curriculum as efficiently as scheduling
permits, but will not receive first priority in scheduling
their clinical years. This may require a leave of absence
of several months between leaving the PhD program
and entering the clinical curriculum. In case
135
of overloads, there may be delays in entering the
clinical courses, sub-optimal schedules, or the failure to
procure a defined track through the clinical years.
13. Involuntary Withdrawal from the MD/PhD Program: In
accordance with the processes, procedures and policies
set forth in the Student Handbook, MD/PhD students may
be dismissed from the program for reasons that include,
but are not limited to violations of the Code of Student
Conduct, University Policy and Academic Performance.
Upon dismissal from the program, stipend support and
tuition remission will be immediately terminated.
MD/MPH PROCESS
The MD/MPH Program is a joint degree program in which a
student interested in both medicine and public health can obtain
both degrees in five years. Recognizing the impact that public
health issues have on patient health and healthcare, this joint
degree is designed to train medical students to be effective
physicians using both patient-based medical education coupled
with population-based public health training. All students in the
MD/MPH program must meet the same graduation requirements
as traditional MPH students.
Admissions Process
Students interested in applying for entrance to the MD/MPH
Program at the Upstate Medical University will need to have
completed all of the requirements for admission to the College
of Medicine as outlined in the admissions package. Prospective
applicants will submit their AMCAS application indicating
the combined MD/MPH degree option and follow the regular
AMCAS application process outlined on the College of
Medicine admissions homepage.
Once selected for an interview, applicants will be asked to
complete a supplemental application with an MPH essay and
two additional letters of recommendations from people familiar
with their public health interest.
Current Upstate MD students who wish to apply to the MD/
MPH Program can do so during their second or third year of
medical school and should follow these instructions:
1. Go to MyUpstate
2. Click on the Home tab
3. Click on Apply for Another Upstate Program
4. Click on Complete or Update Application
5. Complete and Submit Application to the MPH Program
Please contact the CNYMPH Program Office for more details on
the MD/MPH Program at (315) 464-1700.
CENTRAL NEW YORK MASTER
OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CNYMPH)
Program Overview
The CNYMPH program is a CEPH accredited collaborative
program established in 2008 between Upstate Medical
University and Syracuse University. The academic program
offered through this collaborative program includes the Master
of Public Health (MPH) a professional degree and the sentinel
credential for public health professionals. With a focus on Public
Health Practice and Policy, this degree program is a 42 credit
hour graduate program designed to prepare professionals
136
to address the public health challenges of our times. Building
on the strengths of each institution, the CNYMPH Program
provides a unique experience for furthering the public health
infrastructure both regionally and beyond.
Academic Advisement
Upon matriculation to the CNYMPH program, students have up
to five years to complete the degree. Each student in the program
will be assigned an academic advisor to ensure their progress
towards degree completion. Students will work with their
advisor each semester to: a) complete or update a plan of study,
which outlines the sequence of required courses; b) register
for the appropriate courses; and c) monitor their progress in
the program. Any changes will be discussed and recorded in
student's file.
Course Directors are required to communicate with a student's
academic advisor – at appropriate course intervals – when and
if the student is experiencing academic difficulty. The advisor
will meet with the Program Director to discuss student issues
and determine, with the student, what assistance is needed to
improve the student's performance in the course(s).
Transfer of Credits into the Program
A maximum of six graduate credit hours can be transferred
into the degree program. Acceptance of transfer credits is at the
discretion of the program and is dependent on the following
criteria. The transferred course(s) must:
• Be classified as a graduate-level course;
• Have been taken within seven years of application;
• Be from a CEPH accredited program or school, for a core
course;
• Have received a grade of B or better;
• Be equivalent to one of the required core courses, if meant
to replace a core requirement; and
• Be equivalent to an elective course that meets the program's
degree requirements.
Please contact the Program Office for the complete Transfer of
Credit policy and procedure for petitioning the Program.
Course Enrollment
A minimum of nine credits is required to be considered a
full-time student and eligible for financial aid. Any student
registering for less than nine credits a semester is considered a
part-time student. Students can only register for a maximum of
12 credits per semester. All students in the CNYMPH program
will need to enroll in courses during the open enrollment period.
Students should contact their advisor for assistance in selecting
appropriate courses for their program of study. The dates for
all open enrollment periods are announced via email. Students
may enroll in courses online using "MyUpstate", except for the
following courses: MPHP697 - Independent Study; MPHP698
- Field Placement; and MPHP699 - Capstone Project. These
courses require a formal proposal and prior approval from the
program.
Adding/Dropping/Withdrawing from a Course
Adding
Subject to approval of the course instructor, a student may add
a course within seven days of the start of the course by filing an
Add/Drop form with the Registrar. The Add/Drop form may be
obtained at the Registrar's Office and requires the signatures of
the student, their advisor, as well as the course director for the
course they wish to add.
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Dropping
Students must follow the CNYMPH academic calendar and
schedule for dropping courses. Students must use an Add/
Drop form from the Registrar's Office and obtain signatures
from the course director for the course they would like to drop
as well as their advisor. Non-attendance or notification to the
course director of the intent to drop a course does not constitute
dropping the course. Students must submit the signed Add/Drop
form to the Registrar by the deadline in order to be dropped
from the course. A student dropping a course shall incur tuition
liability in accordance with the schedule set by the CNYMPH
program.
Withdrawing
Following the academic drop time period, a student may
still withdraw from a course. Students must follow the same
procedure for dropping a course outlined above. The symbol
"W" (withdrew) will automatically be recorded on the transcript
for a student who withdraws prior to the completion of the
course. A student's failure to withdraw properly from a course
does not preclude the instructor from submitting a grade for
the student on the basis of the work previously submitted.
Unsubmitted work counts as a zero in calculating a student’s
grade in a course. Students who withdraw from a required
course will have to retake the course at a later time.
Incomplete Work
A grade of Incomplete (I) may be assigned to a student when:
1. A student has been unable to complete all of the
requirements of a course due to reasons beyond the
student's control (e.g., medically documented illness) or
other unforeseeable and compelling circumstance;
2. The student has informed the course director, in writing, of
the circumstances; and
3. The student has obtained the written permission of the
course director to postpone completion of specific course
requirements beyond the semester in which the course was
taken.
The student and the course director must complete and submit
a Request for a Grade of Incomplete form. A letter grade of "I"
will be assigned to the student for the semester in which the
incomplete was earned and will be removed upon earning a
grade.
A grade of Incomplete (I) may be changed to a grade in one of
two ways:
1. If the student satisfactorily completes the outstanding
course requirements specified on the Request for a Grade
of Incomplete form by the date agreed upon with the course
director (but cannot exceed more than one semester); or
2. If the student fails to complete the course requirements in
accordance with the terms of the Request for a Grade of
Incomplete form to the satisfaction of the course director,
the incomplete grade is (automatically) converted to a Fail
(F) grade and recorded on the student's official transcript.
Auditing Courses
Students auditing a course must pay a $50.00 audit fee if
they are not enrolled in any other courses at Upstate Medical
University. Students must obtain permission of the instructor to
audit a course. Students cannot audit if the course has reached
capacity with students enrolled for credit; permission by the
instructor is not granted; or the course is listed as 'no audit
permitted'.
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Leave of Absence: Requesting a Leave
Any student desiring a leave of absence must take the steps
below:
1. Meet with the Director or Assistant Director of the
CNYMPH program.
2. Request a leave (in writing using the appropriate form
available at the Registrar's Office). The request should
include:
a. Length of time desired for the leave (up to one year);
b. Reasons for the request; and
c. To the extent possible, a description of activities that
will make the leave meaningful and useful (develop a
plan).
3. The student should continue coursework (barring any
emergency) until the leave of absence is approved.
4. A student on a Leave of Absence may not register for new
courses; complete courses previously registered for or
do remedial work (such as take a re-examination for the
course).
Note: Although a leave may be granted, a student’s work may
be reviewed by the MPH Director to determine the student’s
appropriate academic status. The Director may require remedial
work, the repeating of coursework or the dismissal of a student.
Leave of Absence: Returning from a Leave
A student who desires to return from a leave of absence must:
1. Notify the Office of the Registrar in writing at least one
month before the expected return date.
2. Meet with their academic advisor to schedule courses for
the next academic year and update their Plan of Study.
3. Notify Student Health and update health record, if
necessary.
Failure to return from a leave of absence or formally extend
the leave will result in an administrative withdrawal (terminal
separation) from the CNYMPH program.
Academic Performance
To be considered in good academic standing, a graduate student
in the CNYMPH program must maintain a cumulative Grade
Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
1. Each semester, a student's academic performance is
monitored by the course director and the program
administration to determine their ability to successfully
complete the course and to continue in the program. When
the student's academic performance does not meet these
standards, the following actions may be taken:
a. Required Course Early Warning Alert/Academic
Deficiency - At midpoint each semester, students will
be notified by the course director if their academic
performance in a required course (core, programspecific, field placement, and culminating experience)
falls below a grade of "B".
The student and course director will meet to discuss a plan
to improve the student's academic performance. Students
may also be referred to Academic Support Services at
Upstate Medical University or the Writing Center at
Syracuse University for further assistance. At the end of
the semester, if the student's academic performance in a
specific required course does not improve to at least a grade
of "B", the student will be reviewed by the program
137
administration and notified, in writing that their academic
standing is at risk. The student will receive a notice of
Academic Deficiency.
b. Academic Probation - Students will be placed on
Academic Probation when:
i. The student has received a notice of Academic
Deficiency for two or more required courses, or
ii. The student's cumulative GPA falls below 3.0.
c. Academic Dismissal - Students with a cumulative
GPA below 3.0 for two consecutive semesters will be
considered for dismissal from the program.
2. Students placed on Academic Probation will be required
to develop a remediation plan with their academic advisor
in order to successfully continue in the program. The
remediation plan may include retaking a course.
3. Students who receive a grade of "F" in a core or
program-specific or a grade of "U" for Field Placement
or Culminating Experience will be required to repeat the
course and they must officially register for the course. The
initial grade will remain on the student's transcript and
all courses (including the repeated course) will be used to
calculate the student's cumulative GPA.
4. Any graduate student, whether full-time or part-time who
does not register for course work for two consecutive
semesters (excluding summer session) and who fails to
formally request a leave of absence for that period will be
automatically withdrawn from the CNYMPH program at
the end of the second semester.
Grading System for CNYMPH
Instructors assign a letter grade reflecting the performance of
each student in the course. Grade points are assigned to each
letter grade on a 4.0 system. Cumulative grade point averages
are calculated each semester, according to the point system
below.
Letter Grade
Grade Points/Credits
A
4.0
A-
3.67
B+
3.33
B
3.0
B-
2.67
C+
2.33
C
2.0
C-
1.67
F
0
I (Incomplete)
0
W (Withdraw)
0
WF (Withdraw Failing)
0
S (Satisfactory)
N/A
U (Unsatisfactory)
N/A
Student Evaluation
Faculty is charged with evaluating student progress in
both an objective and fair manner. Student performance is
evaluated using multiple measures: course examinations, class
participation, and field placement and capstone projects. Course
instructors are obligated to inform students of the academic
138
expectations and evaluation methods utilized in their course.
This information must be provided in writing at the beginning
of the course and be available and accessible to all students in
electronic form. It is the responsibility of the course director
to inform students of their progress and to report any student
who is performing poorly and experiencing academic difficulty
to their academic advisor. It is also the course director's
responsibility to submit student grades in a timely fashion.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
When students matriculate in the CNYMPH Program (herein
the "Program"), they assume great responsibility associated
with investigating and managing public health issues. It is
absolutely imperative that students maintain the highest levels
of professional and personal honor and integrity. Both the
Upstate Medical University Student Code of Conduct and the
Syracuse University Academic Integrity Policy encourage the
personal and professional development of students and sets
forth the minimum expectations for behavior. The Program
views its academic integrity process as educational and intended
to result in increased understanding of individual rights and
responsibilities. All members of the CNYMPH community
should regard academic integrity as paramount and members
should communicate concerns about policy violations to the
Instructor of Record and/or the Director of the CNYMPH
program. Ultimately, the processes and procedures designed to
maintain academic integrity facilitate the educational mission of
the Program and its partner institutions.
CNYMPH Academic Integrity Policy
Academic integrity is violated by any dishonest act which
is committed in an academic context including, but not
restricted to: Use of Sources; Course Work and Research;
Communications and Representations; Materials Misuse. See
the Upstate Medical University Student Code of Conduct (http://
www.upstate.edu/scripts/documents/currentstudents/12_student_
code.pdf) and the Syracuse University Academic Integrity
Policy (http://academicintegrity.syr.edu/academic-integritypolicy/) for detailed explanations of expectations, processes, and
procedures. Students and faculty in the Program are required to
review both policies. For questions about the Upstate Medical
University policy, contact the Associate Dean of Student Affairs
at huards@upstate.edu or at 315-464-8855. For questions
about the Syracuse University policy, contact the SU Academic
Integrity Office at aio@syr.edu or at 315-443-5412.
Process for Addressing Academic Integrity
Violations
As Program partners, Upstate Medical University and Syracuse
University share a strong commitment to professionalism
and academic integrity. The policies and procedures of each
institution, while structured and presented somewhat differently,
reflect the following general process: The Instructor of Record
will respond to a suspected violation by contacting the College
Judicial Officer (Upstate Medical University courses) or the
School/College Academic Integrity Coordinator (SU Courses).
Upon receipt of the suspected violation report, the Officer or
Coordinator will engage the process required by the institution
of the faculty of record for the class.
Upstate Medical University Courses*: The Judicial Officer,
upon investigation, will determine if the alleged offense is “nonegregious” or “egregious” and whether the student has had prior
violations.
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Depending on these factors, the case may be resolved via
mediation by the Judicial Officer or will be referred to the
University Academic Honesty Committee for resolution.
SU Courses**: The Academic Integrity Coordinator refers all
academic dishonesty allegations involving graduate students to a
hearing panel for resolution.
• Students will be treated with fundamental fairness.
Fundamental fairness means that students will be given
notice of charges and an opportunity to be heard before any
final determination is made.
• The presumptive penalty for academic integrity violations
by CNY MPH graduate students (full- or part-time) is
suspension or expulsion from the Program. A decision to
suspend or expel a student will be a recommendation to
the Associate Provost for Academic Programs at SU and
the Dean of Student Affairs at Upstate Medical University.
Substantial deference shall be given by the Associate
Provost and the Dean of Student Affairs to determinations
made by properly constituted hearing panels and/or
judicial officers. Recommended sanctions may not be
reduced or increased unless determined to be “grossly
disproportionate” to the offense. The Associate Provost
and the Dean of Student Affairs will provide a written
explanation for any decision not to accept a hearing panel
and/or judicial officer recommendation. A decision by a
hearing panel or judicial officer to impose a penalty less
than suspension or expulsion for a graduate student requires
a written explanation and is a final and conclusive
determination not subject to appeal. NOTE: In cases of
suspension, the MPH program will not accept, for credit,
any courses taken at other institutions during the period of
suspension.***
• If the Associate Provost and the Dean of Student
Affairs disagree on a hearing panel or judicial officer
recommendation, the matter will be referred for final
resolution to the chief academic officer of the institution in
which the violation occurred.
• Final decisions will be communicated to the Instructor of
Record and the Director of the CNY MPH Program by the
Associate Provost or Dean of Student Affairs.
• Final decisions will be communicated to the student by the
Director of the CNY MPH Program.
• Records of established violations will be maintained by the
Syracuse University Academic Integrity Office and Upstate
Medical University’s Office of the Associate Dean of
Student Affairs.
---------------------------*Upstate Medical University Courses: Courses taught by a
faculty member whose primary appointment is at Upstate
Medical University.
**SU Courses: Courses taught by a faculty member whose
primary appointment is at Syracuse University.
***Periods of Suspension:
• If a student is suspended for the fall term, he/she will not
be permitted to return to courses until the following spring
term.
• If a student is suspended for the spring term, he/she will
not be permitted to return to courses until the following fall
term.
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
139
Plagiarism
Degree Certification
Plagiarism is the misrepresentation of someone else's work as
one's own. It may be intentional or unintentional. The intent
or reason for plagiarism doesn't matter. It is the student's
responsibility to understand and avoid it.
What can I do to avoid plagiarizing?
Two things:
1. Document Specifically:
a. If using someone else's words (either a key phrase
or more than three consecutive words), enclose them
in quotation marks, flag the words with a reference
number, and use an endnote to give the reference.
The endnote must include the exact page number, so
someone who wants to find the full quote can go right
to the exact page.
b. If paraphrasing someone else's ideas, information, or
data, still flag the information with a reference number
and use an endnote to give the reference, with the exact
page number.
2. Ask. When in doubt, ask the course director or consult the
Writing Center at SU.
Most information about the University's policies for dealing
with academic dishonesty and other unprofessional conduct can
be found in the chapter on Student Code of Conduct and Related
Policies. http:www.upstate.edu/currentstudents/document/12_
student_code.pdf.
Students who complete all MPH degree requirements will be
certified for graduation and receive a diploma signed by both
Upstate Medical University and Syracuse University.
TurnItIn®
TurnItInR® compares submitted assignments against a set of
academic papers in several different databases to identify areas
of overlap between the submitted assignment and existing
works. TurnItInR® is used to prevent plagiarism and to create
opportunities to help students identify how to properly attribute
sources.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Students must meet all CNYMPH graduation requirements listed
below before advancing to candidacy for the MPH degree:
1. Be in good standing (not on academic or disciplinary
probation at the time of graduation).
2. Have registered for, and successfully completed all required
course work in the MPH curriculum.
3. Have registered for, and successfully completed the Field
Placement and the Culminating Experience.
4. Have completed a minimum of 42 credit hours by the time
of graduation.
5. Have satisfactorily remediated any academic deficiencies.
6. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale.
7. Have no disciplinary charges in progress or pending.
8. Have satisfied all financial obligations to Upstate Medical
University.
9. Have completed a financial aid exit interview (if
applicable).
10. Have completed all course and program evaluation forms,
including the Graduate Exit Survey.
Commencement
The Commencement Ceremony for the MPH candidates will
be held at Upstate Medical University and occurs only once a
year in May. Commencement is the occasion for recognition
of graduates by the College of Medicine and conferring of the
degree. Graduating students will receive notification via email
regarding the process for ordering regalia and other matters
pertaining to the ceremony.
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COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
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PERSONAL SAFETY
AND SECURITY
142
PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
Please see ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS in University
Policies Section of this Handbook.
BIAS RELATED CRIME
PREVENTION
The University Police are charged with enforcing the laws of
the State of New York on Upstate campuses. The University
Police will prosecute bias or hate crimes that occur within
the campus' jurisdiction. Hate crimes, also called bias crimes
or bias-related crimes, are criminal activity motivated by the
perpetrator's bias or attitude against an individual victim or
group based on perceived or actual personal characteristics, such
as their race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion,
religious practice, age, disability, or sexual orientation regardless
of whether the belief or perception is correct. The Student
Handbook details the penalties of these crimes as well as action
taken on incidents of this nature that do not rise to the level of
criminal. Resources for victims are also included in the Student
Handbook.
CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND
STATISTICS
Available on the University Police website is the annual security
report and statistics reported to the US Department of Education.
You can also access the security report directly at http://www.
upstate.edu/universitypolice/security_report.pdf. If you are
unable to access the security report via the web you may obtain
a printed copy by calling the University Police Department at
464-4134.
CAMPUS DISRUPTIONS
Students, faculty, administration, and staff of the Upstate
Medical University realize the responsibilities that society
will place on them and should react to this trust accordingly.
Ethical ideals and conduct are essential to the health professions.
Personal honor, integrity, and dignity must be recognized and
fostered. The Upstate Medical University expects its members to
conduct themselves in a mature, responsible, and lawful manner
at all times. Each member must respect the rights and privileges
of every other member and of their fellow citizens.
In order to accomplish these ends, we as members of the medical
and health professions, maintain the following objectives: to
have the student conduct him/her self in a proper manner, both
in exercises concerned with evaluation of academic achievement
as well as in activities concerned with the welfare and life of
a patient; to encourage the treatment of students as mature,
responsible individuals, capable of intelligent and ethical selfdirection; and to protect the profession from those few who
might violate its standards.
No one shall be permitted to commit any act which interferes
with the educational process and/or the daily operation within
the Upstate Medical University. Campus visitors who commit
any act which interferes with the educational process and/or the
daily operation within the Upstate Medical University shall be
dealt with through campus and/or civil authorities. See appendix
for complete statement on "Rules for the Maintenance of Public
Order".
LOITERING/TRESPASSING
As determined by the University, unauthorized persons are
forbidden to loiter or trespass in University buildings or on
campus grounds. In terms of enforcement, it should be noted
that students are required to present identification upon request
of University personnel (see ID cards), and overnight guests
143
must be registered. While all University personnel are expected
to be aware of this regulation and to assist in its enforcement, it
is customary to ask the University Police personnel to question a
suspected loiterer or trespasser.
MISSING STUDENT POLICY
All students are encouraged to provide Upstate Medical
University with an emergency contact name, address, and phone
number at the time of registration. This information may be
updated at any time through MyUpstate.
For students in residence in campus housing, Upstate Medical
University has adopted specific procedures for collecting
emergency contact information and notifying appropriate
persons through the Office of Residence Life. In the event
that a student is deemed missing for more than 24 hours,
appropriate law enforcement agencies will be notified. In
the case of a student being under the age of 18, the custodial
parents/guardians will also be contacted. Students have a right
to designate a person to be contacted on behalf of the student
in case he/she is missing for more than 24 hours. Students also
have a right to register confidential contact information in the
event they are missing longer than 24 hours. If a student resides
off campus and is missing for more than 24 hours the University
Police will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency
within 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing.
PERSONAL SAFETY COMMITTEE
This committee is made up of students, faculty, and staff. It
is charged with reviewing security policies, procedures, and
making recommendations for improvements. The committee
promotes awareness of and practices conducive to the personal
safety of all individuals at the Upstate Medical University,
serves as an institutional forum for the discussion of issues,
and disseminates information pertaining to personal safety. The
committee reports to the President annually.
PUBLIC ORDER MAINTENANCE
The following rules were adopted by the Board of Trustees of
the State University of New York in compliance with Section
6450 of the Education Law of the State of New York and were
filed with the Commissioner of Education for the State of New
York and the Board of Regencies of the University of the State
of New York as required by that section. Said rules comprise
Part 535 of Chapter V of Title 8 of the Official Compilation
of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York.
Said rules shall be subject to amendment or revision by the
Board of Trustees of the State University of New York, and
any amendments or revisions thereof shall be filed with the
said Commissioner of Education and the said Board of Regents
within ten days after adoption.
Statement of Purpose
Nothing herein is intended, or shall it be construed, to limit
or restrict the freedom of speech nor peaceful assembly. Free
inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the objectives
of a higher educational institution. Similarly, experience has
demonstrated that the traditional autonomy of the educational
institution (and the accompanying institutional responsibility
of the maintenance of order) is best suited to achieve these
objectives. These rules shall not be construed to prevent or
limit communication between and among faculty, students
and administration, or to relieve the institution of its special
responsibility for self regulation in the preservation of
public order. Their purpose is not to prevent or restrain
144
PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
controversy and dissent but to prevent abuse of the rights of
others and to maintain that public order appropriate to a college
or university campus without which there can be no intellectual
freedom, and they shall be interpreted and applied to that end.
12. Section 6450 (l) of the Education Law requires that the
provisions of this Part which prohibit reckless or intentional
endangerment to health or forced consumption of liquor or
drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with
any organization shall be deemed to be part of the bylaws
of all organizations which operate upon the campus of any
state-operated institution or upon the property of any stateoperated institution used for educational purposes. The
statute further requires that each such organization shall
review these bylaws annually with individuals affiliated
with the organization.
Application of Rules
These rules shall apply to all state-operated institutions of the
State University of New York. These rules may be supplemented
by additional rules for the maintenance of public order
heretofore or hereafter adopted for any individual institution
approved and adopted by the State University Trustees and filed
with the Commissioner of Education and board of Regents, but
only to the extent that such additional rules are not inconsistent
herewith. The rules hereby adopted shall govern the conduct
of students, faculty and other staff, licensees, invites, and all
other persons, whether or not their presence is authorized upon
the campus of any institution to which such rules are applicable
and also upon or with respect to any other premises or property,
under the control of such institutions, used in the teaching,
research, administration, service, cultural, recreation, athletic,
and other programs and activities, providing, however, that
charges against any student for violation of these rules upon the
premises of any such institution other than the one at which he is
inattendance shall be heard and determined at the institution in
which he is enrolled as a student.
Prohibited Conduct
No person, either singly or in concert with others, shall:
1. Willfully cause physical injury to any other person, nor
threaten to do so for the purpose of compelling or inducting
such other person to refrain from any act which he/she has
a lawful right to do or to do any act which he/she has a
lawful right not to do.
2. Physically restrain or detain any other person, nor remove
such person from any place where he/she is authorized to
remain.
3. Willfully damage or destroy property of the institution
or under its jurisdiction nor remove or use such property
without authorization.
4. Without permission, express or implied, enter into any
private office of an administrative officer, member of the
faculty or staff member.
5. Enter upon and remain in any building or facility for any
purpose other than its authorized uses or in such manner as
to obstruct its authorized use by others.
6. Without authorization, remain in any building or facility
after it is normally closed.
7. Refuse to leave any building or facility after being required
to do so by an authorized administrative officer.
8. Obstruct the free movement of persons and vehicles in any
place to which these rules apply.
9. Deliberately disrupt or prevent the peaceful and orderly
conduct of classes, lectures and meetings or deliberately
interfere with the freedom of any person to express his
views, including invited guests.
10. Knowingly have in his possession upon any premises
to which these rules apply, any rifle, shotgun, pistol,
revolver, or other firearm or weapon without the written
authorization of the chief administrative officer whether or
not a license to possess the same has been issued to such
person.
11. Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts herein
prohibited with specific intent to procure them to do so.
Freedom of Assembly and Speech
Picketing and Demonstrations
1. No student, faculty, or other staff member or authorized
visitor shall be subject to any limitation or penalty
solely for the expression of his/her views nor for having
assembled with others for such purpose. Peaceful picketing
and other orderly demonstrations in public areas of grounds
and buildings will not be interfered with. Those involved
in picketing and demonstrations may not, however, engage
in specific conduct in violation of the provisions of the
preceding section.
2. In order to afford maximum protection to the participants
and to the institutional community , each state–operated
institution of the State University of New York shall
promptly adopt and promulgate, and thereafter, continue in
effect as revised from time to time, procedures appropriate
to such institution for the giving of reasonable advance
notice to such institution of any planned assembly,
picketing or demonstration upon the grounds of such
institution, its proposed locale and intended purpose
provided, however, that the giving of such notice shall
not be made a condition precedent to any such assembly,
picketing, or demonstration and provided, further, that this
provision shall not supersede nor preclude the procedures
in effect at such institution for obtaining permission to use
the facilities thereof.
Penalties
A person who shall violate any of the provisions of these rules
or of the rules of any individual institution supplementing or
implementing these rules shall:
1. If he/she is a licensee or invitee, have his/her authorization
to remain upon the campus of other property withdrawn
and shall be directed to leave the premises. In the event
of his/her failure or refusal to do so shall be subject to
ejection.
2. If he/she is a trespasser visitor without specific license or
invitation, be subject to ejection.
3. If he/she is a student, be subject to expulsion or such
lesser disciplinary action as the facts of the case may
warrant, including suspension, probation, loss of privileges,
reprimand, or warning.
4. If he/she is a faculty member having a term or continuing
appointment, be guilty of misconduct and be subject to
dismissal or termination of his employment or such lesser
disciplinary action as the facts may warrant including
suspension without pay, or censure.
5. If he/she is a staff member in the classified service of the
civil service, described in Section 75 of the Civil Service
Law, be guilty of misconduct, and be subject to the
penalties prescribed in said section.
PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
6. If he/she is a staff member other that one described in
paragraph (4) and (5), be subject to dismissal, suspension
without pay, or censure.
Procedure
1. The chief administrative officer or his/her designee shall
inform any licensee or invitee who shall violate any
provisions of these rules or the rules of any individual
institution supplementing or implementing these rules
that his/her license or invitation is withdrawn and shall
direct him/her to leave the campus or other property of the
institution. In the event of his/her failure or refusal to do so
such officer shall cause his ejection from such campus or
property.
2. In the case of any other violator, who is neither a
student nor faculty or another staff member, the chief
administrative officer or his/her designee shall inform him/
her that he/she is not authorized to remain on the campus or
other property of the institution and direct him/her to leave
such premises. In the event of his/her failure or refusal to
do so such officer shall cause his/her ejection from such
campus or property. Nothing in this subdivision shall be
construed to authorize the presence of any such persons at
any time prior to such violation nor to affect his liability
to prosecution for trespass or loitering as prescribed in the
Penal Law of the State of New York.
3. In the case of a student, charges for violation of any of
the rules of any individual institution supplementing or
implementing these rules shall be presented and shall be
presented and shall be heard and determined in the manner
hereinafter provided in Section 9 (Notice, Hearing, and
Determination of Charges Against Students) of these rules.
4. In the case of a faculty member having a continuing or
term appointment, charges of misconduct in violation of
these rules or of any individual institution supplementing
or implementing these rules shall be made, heard, and
determined in accordance with Article XIV (Termination of
Service), Title D (Termination for Cause) of the Policies of
the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York.
5. In the case of any staff member who holds a position in
the classified civil service, described in Section 75, of the
Civil Service Law, charges of misconduct in violation
of these rules or of the rules of any individual institution
supplementing or implementing these rules shall be made,
heard, and determined as prescribed in that section.
6. Any other faculty or staff member who shall violate any
provision of these rules or the rules of any individual
institution supplementing or implementing these rules shall be
dismissed, suspended, or censured by the appointing authority
prescribed in the policies of the Board of Trustees of the State
University of New York.
Enforcement Program
1. The chief administrative officer shall be responsible for the
enforcement of these rules or the rules of any individual
institution supplementing or implementing these rules and
he/she shall designate the other administrative officers who
are authorized to take action in accordance with such rules
when required or appropriate to carry them into effect.
2. It is not intended by a provision herein to curtail the right
of students, faculty, or staff to be heard upon any matter
affecting them in their relations with the institution. In
the case of any apparent violation of these rules by such
persons which, in the judgment of the chief administrative
office or his/her designee, does not pose any immediate
threat of injury to person or property, such officer may
145
make reasonable effort to learn the cause of the conduct in
question and to persuade those engaged therein to desist
and to resort to permissible methods for the resolution of
any issues which may be present. In doing so, such office
shall warn such persons of the consequences of persistence
in the prohibited conduct, including their ejection from any
premises of the institution where their continued presence
and conduct is in violation of these rules or the rules of any
individual institution supplementing or implementing these
rules.
3. In any case where violation of these rules or the rules of
any individual institution supplementing or implementing
these rules does not cease after such warning or in
other cases of willful violation of such rules, the chief
administrative officer or his/her designee shall cause the
ejection of the violator from any premises which he/she
occupies in such violation and shall initiate disciplinary
action as herein before provided.
4. The chief administrative officer or his/her designee may
apply to the public authorities for any aid which he/she
deems necessary in causing the ejection of any violator
of these rules or the rules of any individual institution
supplementing or implementing these rules and he/she may
request the State University Council to apply to any court
of appropriate jurisdiction for an injunction to restrain the
violation or threatened violation of such rules.
Communication
In matters of the sort to which these rules are addressed, full
and prompt communication among all components of the
institutional community, faculty, students, and administration,
is highly desirable. To the extent that time and circumstances
permit, such communication should precede the exercise of the
authority, discretion, and responsibilities granted and imposed
in these rules. To these ends, each state-operated institution of
the State University shall employ such procedures and means,
formal and informal, as will promote such communication.
Notice, Hearings, and Determination of Charges
Against Students
1. The term “chief administrative officer”, as used in these
rules, shall be deemed to mean and include any person
authorized to exercise the powers of that office during a
vacancy therein or during the absence or disability of the
incumbent.
2. Whenever a complaint is made to the chief administrative
officer of any state-operated institution of the State
University of New York of a violation by a student, or
students, of these rules or the rules of any individual
institution supplementing or implementing these rules, or
whenever he/she has knowledge that such a violation may
have occurred, he/she shall cause an investigation to be
made and the statements of the complainants, if any, or of
any other persons having knowledge of the facts, reduced
to writing. If he/she is satisfied from such investigation
and statements that there is reasonable ground to believe
that there has been such a violation he/she shall prepare or
cause to be prepared charges against the student or students
alleged to have committed such violation which shall state
the provision prescribing the offense and shall specify the
ultimate facts alleged to constitute such offense.
3. Such charges shall be in writing and shall be served on the
student or students named therein by delivering the same
to him/ her or them personally, if possible, or, if not, by
mailing a copy of such charges by registered mail to such
146
4.
5.
6.
7.
student or students at his/her or their usual place or places
of abode while attending college and also to his/her or their
home address or addresses, if different.
The notice of charges so served shall fix a date for
hearing thereon not less than ten nor more than fifteen
days from the date of service which shall be the date of
mailing where necessary to effect service by mail. Failure
to appear in response to the charge on the date fixed for
hearing, unless there has been a continuance for good
cause shown, shall be deemed to be an admission of the
facts stated in such charges and shall warrant such action
as may then be appropriate thereon. Before taking such
action the Hearing Committee, hereinafter referred to,
shall give notice to any student who has failed to appear,
in the manner prescribed in paragraph (c) of its proposed
findings and recommendations to be submitted to the chief
administrative officer and shall so submit such findings and
recommendations ten days thereafter unless the student has
meanwhile shown good cause for his failure to appear, in
which case a date for hearing shall be fixed.
Upon demand of any time before or at the hearing the
student charged or his/her representative, duly designed,
shall be furnished a copy of the statements taken by the
chief administrative officer in relation to such charges
and with the names of any other witnesses who will be
produced at the hearing in support of the charges, provided
however, that this shall not preclude the testimony of
witnesses who were unknown at the time of such demand.
The chief administrative officer may, upon the service of
charges, suspend the student named therein, pending the
hearing and determination thereof, whenever, in his/her
judgment, the continued presence of such student would
constitute a clear danger to himself/herself or to the safety
of persons or property on the premises of the institution or
would pose an immediate threat of disruptive interference
with the normal conduct of the institution’s activities and
functions, provided, however, that the chief administrative
officer shall grant an immediate hearing on request of any
student so suspended with respect to the basis for such
suspension.
There shall be constituted at each state–operated institution
a Hearing Committee to hear charges against students of
violation of these rules or of the rules of any individual
institution supplementing or implementing these rules.
Such committee shall consist of three members of the
administrative staff and three members of the faculty,
designated by the chief administrative officer, and three
students who designated by the chief administrative officer,
and three students who shall be designated by the members
named by the chief administrative officer. Each such
member shall serve until his/her successor or replacement
has been designated. No member of the committee shall
serve in any case where he/she is or has been directly
involved in the events upon which the charges are based.
In order to provide for cases where there may be such a
disqualification and for cases of absence or disability, the
chief administrative officer shall designate an alternate
member of the administrative staff and an alternate member
of the faculty, and his/her principal designee shall designate
an alternate student member, to serve in such cases. Any
five members of the committee may conduct hearings and
make findings and recommendations as herein provided.
At any institution where the chief administrative officer
determines that the number of hearings which will be
required to be held is, or may be, so great that they cannot
otherwise be disposed of with reasonable speed, he/she
may determine that the Hearing Committee shall consist of
PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
six members of the administrative staff and six members of
the faculty to be designated by him/her and of six students
who shall be designated by the members so designated
by him/her. In such event the chief administrative officer
shall designate one of such members as chairperson
who may divide the membership of the committee into
three divisions each consisting of two members of the
administrative staff, two faculty members and two students
and may assign charges among such divisions for hearing.
Any four members of each such division may conduct
hearings and make recommendations as hereinafter
provided.
8. The Hearing Committee shall not be bound by technical
rules of evidence but may hear or receive any testimony
or evidence which is relevant and material to the issues
presented by the charges and which will contribute to a full
and fair consideration thereof and determination thereon.
A student against whom the charges are made may appear
by and with representatives of his/her choice. He/she
may confront and examine witnesses against him/her and
may produce witnesses and documentary evidence in his/
her own behalf. There may be present at the hearing: the
student charged and his/her representatives and witnesses;
other witnesses; representatives of the institutional
administration and, unless the student shall request a closed
hearing, such other members of the institutional community
or other persons, or both, as may be admitted by the
Hearing Committee. A transcript of the proceedings shall
be made.
9. Within twenty days after the close of a hearing, the Hearing
Committee shall submit a report of its findings of fact and
recommendations for disposition of the charges to the
chief administrative officer, together with a transcript of
the proceedings, and shall at the same time transmit a copy
of its report to the student concerned or his representative.
Within ten days thereafter the chief administrative officer
shall make his/her determination thereon. Final authority
to dismiss the charges or to determine the guilt of those
against whom they are made and to expel, suspend, or
otherwise discipline them shall be vested in the chief
administrative officer. If he/she shall reject the findings
of the Hearing Committee in whole or in part he/she shall
make new findings which must be based on substantial
evidence in the record and shall include them in the notice
of his/her final determination which shall be served upon
the student or students with respect to whom it is made.
Rules for Organizations
1. Organizations which operate upon the campus of any
state-operated institution or upon the property of any stateoperated institution used for educational purposes shall
be prohibited from authorizing the conduct described in
section 6450 (1) of the Education Law (see 4. below)
2. Procedure. The chief administrative officer at each stateoperated institution shall be responsible for the enforcement
of this section, and , as used herein, the term chief
administrative officer shall include any designee appointed
by said officer.
a. Whenever the chief administrative officer has
determined on the basis of a complaint or personal
knowledge that there is reasonable grounds to believe
that there has been a violation of this section by any
organization, the chief administrative officer shall
prepare or cause to be prepared written charges
against the organization which shall state the provision
prescribing the conduct and shall specify the ultimate
facts alleged to constitute such violation.
PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
b. Such written charges shall be served upon the principal
officer of the organization by registered or certified
mail, return receipt requested, to the organization’s
current address and shall be accompanied by a notice
that the organization may respond in writing to the
charges within ten days of receipt of said notice. The
notice of the charge so served shall include a statement
that the failure to submit a response within ten days
shall be deemed to be an admission of the facts stated
in such charges and shall warrant the imposition of
the penalty described in subdivision (3) herein shall
be submitted to the chief administrative officer and
shall constitute the formal denial or affirmation of
the ultimate facts alleged in the charge. The chief
administrative officer may allow an extension of the ten
day response period.
c. Upon written request by an authorized representative
of the organization, the chief administrative officer
shall provide the representative organization an
opportunity for a hearing. A hearing panel designated
by the chief administrative officer shall hear or receive
any testimony or evidence which is relevant and
material to the issues presented by the charge and
which will contribute to a full and fair consideration
thereof and determination thereon. The organization’s
representative may confront and examine witnesses
against it and may produce witnesses and documentary
evidence on its behalf. The hearing panel shall submit
written findings of the fact and recommendations for
disposition of the charge to the chief administrative
officer within twenty days after the close of the
hearing.
d. Final Authority to dismiss the charges or to make
a final determination shall be vested in the chief
administrative officer. Notice of the decision shall
be in writing; shall include reasons supporting such
decision; and shall be served on the principal officer
of the organization by mail in the manner described in
paragraph (2) above within a reasonable time after such
decision is made.
3. Penalties. Any organization which authorizes the prohibited
conduct described in subdivision (1) of section 535.3 shall
be subject to the rescission of permission to operate upon
the campus or upon the property of the state-operated
institution used for educational purposes. The penalty
provided in this subdivision shall be in addition to any
penalty which may be impose pursuant to the Penal Law
and any other provision of law, or to any penalty to which
an individual may subject pursuant to this part.
4. Bylaws. Section 6450 (1) of the Education Law requires
that the provisions of the part which prohibits reckless or
intentional endangerment to health, or forced consumption
of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or
affiliation with any organization shall be deemed to be
part of the bylaws of all organizations, which operate upon
the campus of any state-operated institution or upon the
property of any state-operated institution or educational
purposes. The statute further requires that each such
organization shall review these bylaws annually with
individuals affiliated with the organization.
5. Distribution. Copies of the provisions of the part which
prohibit reckless or intentional endangerment of health,
or forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose
of initiation into or affiliation with any organization, shall
be given to all students enrolled in each state–operated
institution.
147
Procedures for the Giving of Reasonable
Advance Notice to this Institution of any Planned
Assembly, Picketing, or Demonstration upon the
Grounds of this Institution Statement of Purpose
Nothing here is intended, nor shall be construed, to limit or
restrict the freedom of speech nor peaceful assembly. Free
inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the objectives
of a higher educational institution. No student, faculty, or
other staff member or authorized visitor shall be subject to any
limitation or penalty solely for the expression of his/her views
nor for having assembled with others for such purpose. Peaceful
picketing and other orderly demonstrations in public areas of
ground and building will not be interfered with. Those involved
in picketing and demonstrations may not, however, engage in
specific conduct in violation of college rules, regulations, or
policy.
The following procedures are adopted and promulgated
in compliance with Section 4(b) (Freedom of Speech and
Assembly: Picketing and Demonstrations) of the Rules and
Regulations for the Maintenance of Public Order on Premises of
State-Operated Institutions of the State University of New York,
which is officially Park 535.4 (b) of Chapter V of Title 8 of the
Official compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the
State of New York in order to afford maximum protection to the
institutional community and to the participants in any planned
assembly, picketing, or demonstration; provided, however, that
the giving of the notice required in these procedures shall not
be a condition precedent to any such assembly, picketing, or
demonstration, and provided, further, that these procedures shall
neither supersede nor preclude the procedures in effect at this
institution for obtaining permission to use the facilities thereof.
These procedures shall not be construed to prevent or limit
communication between and among faculty, students, and
administration. Their purpose is not to prevent or restrain
controversy and dissent but to prevent abuse of the rights of
others and maintain the public order appropriate to a college or
university campus without which there can be no intellectual
freedom, and they shall be interpreted and applied to that end.
Notice Required
Advance notice to this institution of any planned assembly,
picketing, or demonstration upon the grounds of this institution
must be submitted in writing to the Dean of Student Affairs no
later than 3:00 p.m. on the last business day prior to the planned
assembly, picketing, or demonstration; provided, however,
that in those cases in which the procedures in effect at this
institution for obtaining permission to use the facilities thereof
require the completion and timely submission of the proper
room reservation form, said completion and timely submission
of room reservation form shall constitute compliance with the
requirements of these procedures.
Upon receipt of the notice required by this Section of these
procedures, the Dean of Student Affairs shall promptly notify
such other college offices and/or personnel of the content of said
notice as shall be deemed necessary and appropriate under all
the facts and circumstances then appearing.
Contents of Notice
With respect to the planned assembly, picketing, or
demonstration, said notice shall clearly set forth:
1. the date and time thereof;
2. the proposed locale thereof;
3. the intended purpose thereof;
4. the anticipated duration thereof;
5. the anticipated number of people taking part therein; and
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PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
6. the name(s), local address(es), and telephone number(s) of
the sponsor(s) and/or organizer(s) hereof.
Definitions
Grounds of this Institution: as used in these procedures, the
phrase "grounds of this institution" shall include the campus of
this institution and also any other premises or property, under
the control of this institution used in its teaching, research,
administration, service, cultural, recreational, athletic, or other
programs and activities as provided in Section 2 (Application
of Rules) of the Rules and Regulations for the Maintenance of
Public Order on Premises of State-Operated Institutions of the
State University of New York (Part 535.2 of Chapter V of Title 8
of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of
the State of New York).
Business Day: as used in these procedures, the phrase, "business
day" shall exclude all Saturdays and Sundays, all national
holidays, and all days recognized and observed by the Civil
Service Employees Association as vacation days for Civil
Service employees.
Penalties and Procedures
Any person who shall violate, or who shall fail or refuse to
meet or comply with, any of the provisions of these procedures
shall be subject to the penalties and procedures provided in
Section 5 (Penalties) and Section 6 (Procedure) of the Rules and
Regulations for the Maintenance of Public Order on Premises of
State-Operated Institutions of the State University of New York
(Part 535.5 and 535.6 of Chapter V of Title 8 of the Official
Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of
New York).
SEXUAL ASSAULT, DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE AND STALKING
PREVENTION
Policy Statement
Upstate Medical University aims to protect members of the
University community from sexual assault, domestic violence,
and stalking. The University has in place programs for
prevention and prosectution of these crimes that occur within the
jurisdiction of Upstate Medical University Police.
Definition of Affirmative Consent
Consent is a knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all
participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent can be given
by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create
clear permission regarding willingness to engage in sexual
activity. Silence or lack of resistance, in and of itself, does
not demonstrate consent. The definition of consent does not
vary based upon a participant’s sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, or gender expression.
• Consent to any sexual act or prior consensual sexual
activity between or with any party does not necessarily
constitute consent to any other sexual act.
• Consent is required regardless of whether the person
initiating the act is under the influence of drugs and/or
alcohol.
• Consent may be initially given but withdrawn at any time.
• Consent cannot be given when a person is incapacitated,
which occurs when an individual lacks the ability to
knowingly choose to participate in sexual activity.
Incapacitation may be caused by the lack of consciousness
or being asleep, being involuntarily restrained, or if an
•
•
individual otherwise cannot consent. Depending on the
degree of intoxication, someone who is under the influence
of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants may be incapacitated
and therefore unable to consent.
Consent cannot be given when it is the result of any
coercion, intimidation, force, or threat of harm.
When consent is withdrawn or can no longer be given,
sexual activity must stop.
Definitions, Prohibited Acts and Behaviors, and the
Law
Sexual Assault: NYS Law contains the following legal
provisions defining the crims related to sexual assault:
1. Section 130.20 - Sexual Misconduct
This offense includes sexual intercourse without consent
and deviate sexual intercourse without consent. The penalty
for violation of this section includes imprisonment for a
definite period to be fixed by the course up to one year.
2. Section 130.25/.30/.35 - Rape
This series of offenses includes sexual intercourse with a
person incapable of consent because of the use of forcible
compulsion or because the person is incapable of consent
due to mental defect, mental incapacity, or physical
helplessness. This series of offenses further includes
sexual intercourse with a person under the age of consent.
The penalties for violation of these sections range from
imprisonment for a period not to exceed four years up to
imprisonment for a period not to exceed 25 years.
3. Section 130.40/.45/.50 - Criminal Sexual Act
This series of offenses includes oral or anal sexual conduct
with a person incapable of consent because of the use of
forcible compulsion or because the person is incapable
of consent due to a mental defect, mental incapacity,
or physical helplessness. This series of offenses further
includes oral or anal sexual conduct with a person under the
age of consent. The penalties for violation of these sections
range from imprisonment for a period not to exceed four
years to imprisonment for a period not to exceed 25 years.
4. Section 130.52 - Forcible Touching
This offense involves the forcible touching of the sexual
or other intimate parts of another person for the purpose
of degrading or abusing such person; or for the purpose
of gratifying the actor's sexual desire. Forcible touching
includes the squeezing, grabbing, or pinching of such other
person's sexual or other intimate parts. The penalty for
violation of this section includes imprisonment for a period
of up to one year in jail.
5. Section 130.55/.60/.65 - Sexual Abuse
This series of offenses includes sexual contact with a
person by forcible compulsion, or with a person who is
incapable of consent due to physical helplessness, or due to
the person being under the age of consent. The penalties for
violation of these sections range from imprisonment for a
period not to exceed three months up to imprisonment for
period not to exceed seven years.
6. Section 130.65a/.66/.67/.70 - Aggravated Sexual Abuse
This series of offenses occurs when a person inserts a
finger or a foreign object in the vagina, urethra, penis, or
rectum of another person by forcible compulsion, when
the other person is incapable of consent by reason of being
physically helpless, or when the other person is under the
age of consent. The level of this offense is enhanced if the
insertion of a finger or foreign object causes injury to the
PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
other person. The penalties for violation of these sections
range from the imprisonment for a period not to exceed
seven years up to imprisonment for a period not to exceed
25 years.
7. Section 130.75/.80 - Course of Sexual Conduct Against a
Child
This series off offenses involves sexual conduct against a
child that occurs for not less than three months in duration.
A person is guilty when: 1) He/she engages in two or more
acts of sexual conduct with a child (11 years or older = 2nd
degree / less than 11 years = 1st degree); 2) In the case that
the offender is 18 years old or older and the victim is less
than 13 years old. A second degree violation is a Class D
Felony and a person cannot be subsequently prosecuted for
any other sexual offense involving the same victim within
the same time period as charged under this section. The
penalties for these sections range from 6 to 25 years.
8. Section 130.85 - Female Genital Mutilation
A person guilty of this offense knowingly circumcises,
excises, or infibulates the labia majora or libia minora or
the clitoris of another person under the age of 18. A legally
responsible custodian of a child under 18 years of age who
knowingly consents to the acts listed above is also guilty
of this offense. Medical necessity and when performed by
a medical professional do not constitute a violation. This
is a Class E Felony and the penalty is up to four years
imprisonment.
9. Section 130.90 - Facilitating a Sex Offense with a
Controlled Substance
This offense is possessing or administering any controlled
substance or compound to another person without their
consent with the intent to commit a Rape, a Criminal
Sexual Act, Sexual Abuse, or Aggravated Sexual
Abuse. The penalty for violating this section includes
imprisonment for a period not to exceed seven years.
Stalking is the term used to describe repeated harassing or
threatening behavior toward another person. A stalker can be a
stranger or someone the victim knows including a partner, an
ex-partner, or a family member. Stalking is generally considered
to be any unwanted contact between a stalker and his/her victim
that directly or indirectly communicates a threat or places the
victim in fear. Anyone can be a victim of stalking.
Domestic Violence, also called family offenses, is criminal
activity motivated by the perpetrator's relationship, or family
dynamics with the victim. Domestic Violence related crimes
have received attention in recent years, the laws in New York
State have added provisions to enhance victims' safety and hold
offenders accountable, such as mandatory arrest.
Options For Confidentially Disclosing Sexual Violence
The State University of New York and Upstate Medical
University want you to get the information and support you need
regardless of whether you would like to move forward with a
report of sexual violence to campus officials or to police. You
may want to talk with someone about something you observed
or experienced, even if you are not sure that the behavior
constitutes sexual violence. A conversation where questions can
be answered is far superior to keeping something to yourself.
Confidentiality varies, and this document is aimed at helping
you understand how confidentiality applies to different resources
that may be available to you.
In this Policy:
• Privileged and Confidential Resources;
• Non-Professional Counselors and Advocates;
• Privacy versus Confidentiality;
149
•
Requesting Confidentiality: How the College/University
Will Weigh the Request and Respond;
• Public Awareness/Advocacy Events;
• Anonymous Disclosure; and
• Institutional Crime Reporting.
Privileged and Confidential Resources:
Individuals who are confidential resources will not report crimes
to law enforcement or college officials without your permission,
except for extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety
emergency. At Upstate Medical University, this includes:
• Student Counseling Services: http://www.upstate.edu/
currentstudents/support/scc/index.php; 315-464-3120
• Upstate Medical University physicians, licensed medical
professionals or supervised interns when they are engaged
in a physician/patient relationship: http://www.upstate.edu/
currentstudents/support/health/index.php
Off-campus options to disclose sexual violence confidentially
include (note that these outside options do not provide any
information to the campus):
• Off-campus counselors and advocates. Crisis services
offices will generally maintain confidentiality unless you
request disclosure and sign a consent or waiver form. More
information on an agency’s policies on confidentiality may
be obtained directly from the agency.
o Vera House, 6181 Thompson Rd., Suite 100; 422-7273
(hotline); info@verahouse.org
o Upstate Emergency Department is a NYS Designated
SAFE program and has SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse
Examiners) services. Contact information: Emergency
Room (Downtown Campus), 750 East Adams Street;
883-5617; http://www.upstate.edu/emergency/
healthcare/safe.php
• Off-campus healthcare providers
o Note that medical office and insurance billing practices
may reveal information to the insurance policyholder,
including medication and/or examinations paid for or
administered. The New York State Office of Victim
Services may be able to assist in compensating victims/
survivors for health care and counseling services,
including emergency compensation. More information
may be found here: http://www.ovs.ny.gov/files/
ovs_rights_of_cv_booklet.pdf, or by calling 1-800247-8035. Options are explained here: http://www.ovs.
ny.gov/helpforcrimevictims.html.
Note that even individuals who can typically maintain
confidentiality are subject to exceptions under the law, including
when an individual is a threat to him or herself or others and the
mandatory reporting of child abuse.
Non-Professional Counselors and Advocates:
Non-professional counselors and advocates can also assist
without sharing information that could identify individuals.
At Upstate Medical University, this includes members of the
Student Affairs staff (http://www.upstate.edu/currentstudents/
support/index.php). These individuals will report the nature,
date, time and general location of an incident to the Title IX
Coordinator, but will consult with you to ensure no personally
identifying details are shared without consent. These individuals
are not considered confidential resources as discussed above.
Privacy vs. Confidentiality:
Even Upstate Medical University offices and employees who
cannot guarantee confidentiality will maintain privacy to the
greatest extent possible. The information provided to a nonconfidential resource will be relayed only as necessary to
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PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
investigate and/or seek a resolution and to notify the Title IX
Coordinator or designee, who is responsible under the law for
tracking patterns and spotting systemic issues. Upstate Medical
University will limit the disclosure as much as possible, even
if the Title IX Coordinator determines that the request for
confidentiality cannot be honored.
Requesting Confidentiality: How Upstate Medical University
Will Weigh the Request and Respond:
If you disclose an incident to an Upstate Medical University
employee who is responsible for responding to or reporting
sexual violence or sexual harassment, but wish to maintain
confidentiality or do not consent to the institution’s request to
initiate an investigation, the Title IX Coordinator must weigh
your request against our obligation to provide a safe, nondiscriminatory environment for all members of our community,
including you.
We will assist you with academic, housing, transportation,
employment, and other reasonable and available
accommodations regardless of your reporting choices. While
reporting individuals may request accommodations through
several college offices, the following office can serve as a
primary point of contact to assist with these measures: Office of
Student Affairs, 1225 Weiskotten Hall, 464-4816. We also may
take proactive steps, such as training or awareness efforts, to
combat sexual violence in a general way that does not identify
you or the situation you disclosed.
We may seek consent from you prior to conducting an
investigation. You may decline to consent to an investigation,
and that determination will be honored unless the Upstate
Medical University’s failure to act does not adequately mitigate
the risk of harm to you or other members of the Upstate
Medical University community. Honoring your request may
limit our ability to meaningfully investigate and pursue conduct
action against an accused individual. If we determine that an
investigation is required, we will notify you and take immediate
action as necessary to protect and assist you.
When you disclose an incident to someone who is responsible
for responding to or reporting sexual violence or sexual
harassment, but wish to maintain confidentiality, Upstate
Medical University will consider many factors to determine
whether to proceed despite that request. These factors include,
but are not limited to:
• Whether the accused has a history of violent behavior or is
a repeat offender;
• Whether the incident represents escalation, such as a
situation that previously involved sustained stalking,
• The increased risk that the accused will commit additional
acts of violence;
• Whether the accused used a weapon or force;
• Whether the reporting individual is a minor; and
• Whether we possess other means to obtain evidence such as
security footage, and whether the report reveals a pattern of
perpetration at a given location or by a particular group.
If the Upstate Medical University determines that it must move
forward with an investigation, the reporting individual or victim/
survivor will be notified and the Upstate Medical University will
take immediate action as necessary to protect and assist them.
Public Awareness/Advocacy Events:
If you disclose a situation through a public awareness event such
as “Take Back the Night,” candlelight vigils, protests, or other
public event, the Upstate Medical University is not obligated to
begin an investigation. The Upstate Medical University may use
the information you provide to inform the need for additional
education and prevention efforts.
Anonymous Disclosure:
Anonymous reports of sexual violence can be made to Upstate
Medical University Police by calling 315-464-4000. The
Hotline is for crisis intervention, resources and referrals and is
not a reporting mechanism. New York State Hotline for Sexual
Assault and Domestic Violence: 1-800-942-6906.
Institutional Crime Reporting
Reports of certain crimes occurring in certain geographic
locations will be included in the Upstate Medical University
Clery Act Annual Security Report in an anonymized manner
that neither identifies the specifics of the crime or the identity
of the reporting individual or victim/survivor. The University is
obligated to issue timely warnings of Clery Act crimes occurring
within relevant geography that represent a serious or continuing
threat to students and employees (subject to exceptions when
potentially compromising law enforcement efforts and when the
warning itself could potentially identify the reporting individual
or victim/survivor). A reporting individual will never be
identified in a timely warning.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows
institutions to share information with parents when (1) there
is a health or safety emergency, or (2) when the student is a
dependent on either parents’ prior year tax return. The Upstate
Medical University will not share information about a report
of sexual violence with parents without the permission of the
reporting individual.
Students' Bill of Rights
The State University of New York and Upstate Medical
University are committed to providing options, support and
assistance to victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic
violence, dating violence, and/or stalking to ensure that they can
continue to participate in College/University-wide and campus
programs, activities, and employment. All victims/survivors of
these crimes and violations, regardless of race, color, national
origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity
or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy,
predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic
violence victim status or criminal conviction, have the following
rights, regardless of whether the crime or violation occurs on
campus, off campus, or while studying abroad:
All students have the right to:
• Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;
• Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence,
stalking, and sexual assault treated seriously;
• Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or
violation and participate in the judicial or conduct process
and/or criminal justice process free from pressure from the
institution;
• Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides
adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
• Be treated with dignity and to receive from courteous, fair,
and respectful health care and counseling services, where
available;
• Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual
is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed,
or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such
crimes or violations;
• Describe the incident to as few institutional representatives
as practicable and not to be required to unnecessarily repeat
a description of the incident;
• Be free from retaliation by the institution, the accused
and/or respondent, and/or their friends, family, and
acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the institution;
PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
•
•
Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist
and advise a reporting individual, accused, or respondent
throughout the judicial or conduct process including during
all meetings and hearings related to such process;
• Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without
interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or
judicial or conduct process of the Upstate Medical
University.
Options in Brief:
Victims/survivors have many options that can be pursued
simultaneously, including one or more of the following:
• Receive resources, such as counseling and medical
attention;
• Confidentially or anonymously disclose a crime or violation
(for information on confidentiality and privacy, visit:
http://www.upstate.edu/universitypolice/students_faculty/
anonymous.php
• Make a report to:
o An employee with the authority to address complaints
including the Title IX Coordinator, a Student Affairs
Employee, or a Human Resources Employee;
o University Police;
o Local Law Enforcement; and/or
o Family Court or Civil Court
Sexual Violence Response Policy
In accordance with the Students' Bill of Rights, reporting
individuals shall have the right to pursue more than one of the
options below at the same time, or to choose not to participate in
any of the options below:
Reporting:
• To disclose confidentiality the incident to one of the
following university officials, who by law may maintain
confidentiality, and can assist in obtaining services (more
information on confidential report is available in the
Options for Confidentiality Disclosing Sexual Violence
Policy. Anonymously via an internet reporting system:
o University Police: http://www.upstate.edu/
universitypolice/students_faculty/anonymous.php;
315-464-4000
o Student Counseling Services: http://www.upstate.edu/
currentstudents/support/scc/index.php; 315-464-3120
• To disclose confidentially the incident and obtain services
from the New York State, New York City or county
hotlines: http://www.opdv.ny.gov/help/dvhotlines.html.
Additional disclosure and assistance options are catalogued
by the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and
presented in several languages: http://www.opdv.ny.gov/
help/index.html (or by calling 1-800-942-6906), and
assistance can also be obtained through:
o SurvJustice: http://survjustice.org/our-services/civilrights-complaints/;
o Legal Momentum: https://www.legalmomentum.org/;
o NYSCASA: http://nyscasa.org/responding;
o NYSCADV: http://www.nyscadv.org/;
o Pandora’s Project: http://www.pandys.org/
lgbtsurvivors.html;
o GLBTQ Domestic Violence Project: http://www.
glbtqdvp.org/;
o RAINN: https://www.rainn.org/get-help; and
o Safe Horizons: http://www.safehorizon.org/.
Note: That these hotlines are for crisis intervention, resources,
and referrals, and are not reporting mechanisms, meaning that
disclosure on a call to a hotline does not provide any information
151
to the campus. Reporting individuals are encouraged to
additionally contact a campus confidential or private resource so
that the campus can take appropriate action in these cases.
• To disclose the incident to one of the following college
officials who can offer privacy and can provide information
about remedies, accommodations, evidence preservation,
and how to obtain resources. Those officials will also
provide the information contained in the Students’ Bill of
Rights, including the right to choose when and where to
report, to be protected by the institution from retaliation,
and to receive assistance and resources from the institution.
The college officials will disclose that they are private and
not confidential resources, and they may still be required
by law and college policy to inform one or more college
officials about the incident, including but not limited
to the Title IX Coordinator). They will notify reporting
individuals that the criminal just process uses different
standards of proof and evidence than internal procedures,
and questions about the penal law or the criminal process
should be directed to law enforcement or district attorney:
o Title IX Coordinator at 711 Jacobsen Hall, 464-5234,
ODAA@upstate.edu;
o Student Affairs, 1225 Weiskotten Hall, 464-4816; and
o University Police, Building 49, 464-4000
•
•
•
•
•
•
To file a criminal complaint with University Police and/or
with local law enforcement and/or state police:
o University Police, Building 49, 464-4000
o Syracuse City Police, Emergency, 911; Abused Persons
Unit, 435-3016
o State Police 24-hour hotline to report sexual assault on
a NY college campus: 1-844-845-7269.
To receive assistance in initiating legal proceedings in
family court or civil court.
To file a report of sexual assault, domestic violence,
dating violence, and/or stalking, and/or talk to the Title IX
Coordinator for information and assistance. Reports will be
investigated in accordance with Upstate Medical University
policy and the reporting individual’s identity shall remain
private at all times if said reporting individual wishes to
maintain privacy. If a reporting individual wishes to keep
his/her identity anonymous, he or she may contact the Title
IX Coordinator at 711 Jacobsen Hall, 464-5234, ODAA@
upstate.edu;
When the accused is an employee, a reporting individual
may also report the incident to the Upstate Medical
University, Office of Human Resources, or may request
that one of the above referenced confidential or private
employees assist in reporting to Human Resources.
Disciplinary proceedings will be conducted in accordance
with applicable collective bargaining agreements. When the
accused is an employee of an affiliated entity or vendor of
the university, university officials will, at the request of the
reporting individual, assist in reporting to the appropriate
office of the vendor or affiliated entity and, if the response
of the vendor or affiliated entity is not sufficient, assist
in obtaining a persona non grata letter, subject to legal
requirements and university policy.
o Human Resources: Jacobsen Hall, 464-5872, http://
www.upstate.edu/hr/intra/about/directory/laborissues.
php
You may withdraw your complaint or involvement from the
Upstate Medical University process at any time.
Every college shall ensure that, at a minimum, at the first
instance of disclosure by a reporting individual to a college
representative, the following information shall be presented
152
PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
to the reporting individual: "You have the right to make a
report to University Police, local law enforcement, and/or
State Police or choose not to report; to report the incident
to Upstate Medical University; to be protected by the
institution from retaliation for reporting an incident; and
to receive assistance and resources from Upstate Medical
University."
• Alcohol and/or Drug Use Amnesty in Reporting Sexual
and Interpersonal Violence Cases: The health and safety
of every student at the State University of New York and
its State-operated and community colleges is of utmost
importance. Upstate Medical University recognizes that
students who have been drinking and/or using drugs
(whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the
time that violence, including but not limited to domestic
violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault or
other serious health-related emergency occurs may be
hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential
consequences for their own conduct. Upstate Medical
University strongly encourages students to report incidents
of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual
assault and other health-related emergencies (e.g. overdose)
to institution officials. A bystander acting in good faith or a
reporting individual acting in good faith that discloses any
incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking,
or sexual assault or other health-related emergencies to
Upstate Medical University officials or law enforcement
will not be subject to Upstate Medical University’s code
of conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use
policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of
the domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual
assault or other incident.
Resources:
To obtain effective intervention services:
• Student Counseling Services: http://www.upstate.edu/
currentstudents/support/scc/index.php; 315-464-3120.
There is no charge for on campus counseling for students.
• Upstate Medical University Student Health Services: http://
www.upstate.edu/currentstudents/support/health/index.
php; There is no charge for On Campus Health Center
services for students. Sexual contact can transmit Sexually
Transmitted Infections (STI) and may result in pregnancy.
Testing for STIs and emergency contraception is available
through the Onondaga County Health Department’s STD
Center, Room 80, 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse; 4353236; http://ongov.net/health/STD.html . There are no fees
for testing or treatment.
• Additional Resources: Title IX Coordinator at 711
Jacobsen Hall, 464-5234, ODAA@upstate.edu; Student
Affairs, 1225 Weiskotten Hall, 464-4816; University
Police, Building 49, 464-4000
• Within 96 hours of an assault, you can get a Sexual Assault
Forensic Examination (commonly referred to as a rape kit)
at a hospital. While there should be no charge for a rape kit,
there may be a charge for medical or counseling services
off campus and, in some cases, insurance may be billed
for services. You are encouraged to let hospital personnel
know if you do not want your insurance policyholder to
be notified about your access to these services. The New
York State Office of Victim Services may be able to assist
in compensating victims/survivors for health care and
counseling services, including emergency funds. More
information may be found here: http://www.ovs.ny.gov/
files/ovs_rights_of_cv_booklet.pdf, or by calling 1-800247-8035. Options are explained here: http://www.ovs.
ny.gov/helpforcrimevictims.html.
•
To best preserve evidence, victims/survivors should
avoid showering, washing, changing clothes, combing
hair, drinking, eating, or doing anything to alter physical
appearance until after a physical exam has been completed.
Protection and Accommodations:
• When the accused is a student, to have the university issue
a “No Contact Order,” consistent with college policy and
procedure, meaning that continuing to contact the protected
individual is a violation of college policy subject to
additional conduct charges; if the accused and a protected
person observe each other in a public place, it is the
responsibility of the accused to leave the area immediately
and without directly contacting the protected person. Both
the accuse/respondent and reporting individual may request
a prompt review of the need for and terms of a No Contact
Order, consistent with Upstate Medical University policy.
Parties may submit evidence in support of their request.
• To have assistance from University Police or other
university officials in initiating legal proceedings in family
court or civil court, including but not limited to obtaining
an Order of Protection or, if outside of New York State, an
equivalent protective or restraining order.
• To receive a copy of the Order of Protection or equivalent
and have an opportunity to meet or speak with a college
official who can explain the order and answer questions
about it, including information from the Order about
the responsibility of the accused to stay away from the
protected person(s); that burden does not rest on the
protected person(s).
• To an explanation of the consequences for violating these
orders, including but not limited to arrest, additional
conduct charges, and interim suspension.
• To have assistance from University Police in effecting an
arrest when an individual violates an Order of Protection
or, if outside of New York State, an equivalent protective or
restraining order within the jurisdiction of University Police
or, if outside of the jurisdiction or to call on and assist local
law enforcement in effecting an arrest for violating such an
order.
• When the accused is a student and presents a continuing
threat to the health and safety of the community, to have the
accused subject to interim suspension pending the outcome
of a conduct process. Parties may request a prompt review
of the need for and terms of an interim suspension.
• When the accused is not a student but is a member of the
university community and presents a continuing threat
to the health and safety of the community, to subject the
accused to interim measures in accordance with applicable
collective bargaining agreements, employee handbooks,
and university policies and rules.
• When the accused is not a member of the college
community, to have assistance from University Police or
other college officials in obtaining a persona non grata
letter, subject to legal requirements and university policy.
• To obtain reasonable and available interim measures
and accommodations that effect a change in academic,
housing, employment, transportation, or other applicable
arrangements in order to ensure safety, prevent retaliation,
and avoid an ongoing hostile environment. Parties may
request a prompt review of the need for and terms of any
interim measures an daccommodations that directly affect
them. While reporting individuals may request
PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
153
accommodations through any of the offices referenced in
this policy, the Dean of Student Affairs Office can serve
as a point to assist with these measures: 1225 Weiskotten
Hall, 315-464-4816.
Student Conduct/Disciplinary Process:
• To request that student conduct charges be filed against
the accused. Conduct proceedings are governed by the
procedures set forth in the Code of Student Conduct in
Student Handbook: http://www.upstate.edu/currentstudents/
documents.php?cid=123 as well as federal and New York
State law, including the due process provisions of the
United States and New York State Constitutions.
• Throughout conduct proceedings, the respondent and the
reporting individual will have:
o The same opportunity to be accompanied by an
advisor of their choice who may assist and advise the
parties throughout the conduct process and any related
hearings or meetings. Participation of the advisor in
any proceeding is governed by federal law and the
Student Code of Conduct;
o The right to a prompt response to any complaint and
to have their complaint investigated and adjudicated
in an impartial, timely, and thorough manner by
individuals who receive annual training in conducting
investigations of sexual violence, the effects of trauma,
impartiality, the rights of the respondent, including
the right to a presumption that the respondent is "not
responsible" until a finding of responsibility is made,
and other issues related to sexual assault, domestic
violence, dating violence, and stalking.
o The right to an investigation and process conducted
in a manner that recognizes the legal and policy
requirements of due process (including fairness,
impartiality, and a meaningful opportunity to be heard)
and is not conducted by individuals with a conflict of
interest.
o The right to receive advance written or electronic
notice of the date, time, and location of any meeting
or hearing they are required to or are eligible to attend.
Accused individuals will also be told the factual
allegations concerning the violation, a reference to the
specific code of conduct provisions alleged to have
been violated, and possible sanctions.
o The right to have a conduct process run concurrently
with a criminal justice investigation and proceeding,
except for temporary delays as requested by external
municipal entities while law enforcement gathers
evidence. Temporary delays should not last more than
10 days except when law enforcement specifically
requests and justifies a longer delay.
o The right to offer evidence during an investigation
and to review available evidence in the case file (or
otherwise held by the Upstate Medical University.
o The right to present evidence and testimony at a
hearing, where appropriate.
o The right to a range of options for providing testimony
via alternative arrangements, including telephone/
videoconferencing or testifying with a room partition.
o The right to exclude prior sexual history with persons
other than the other party in the conduct process or
their own mental health diagnosis or treatment from
admittance in college disciplinary stage that determines
responsibility. Past findings of domestic violence,
dating violence, stalking, or secual assault may be
admissible in the disciplinary stage that determines
sanction.
o The right to ask questions of the decision maker and
via the decision maker indirectly request responses
from other parties and any other witnesses present.
o The right to make an impact statement during the
point of the proceeding where the decision maker is
deliberating on appropriate sanctions.
o The right to simultaneous (among the parties) written
or electronic notification of the outcome of a conduct
proceeding, including the decision, any sanctions, and
the rationale for the decision and any sanctions.
o The right to written or electronic notice about the
sanction(s) that may be imposed on the accused
based upon the outcome of the conduct proceeding.
For students found responsible for sexual assault, the
available sanctions are suspension with additional
requirements and expulsion/dismissal.
o Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination
before a panel, which may include one or more
students, that is fair and impartial and does not include
individuals with a conflict of interest.
o The right to have access to a full or fair record of a
student conduct hearing, which shall be preserved and
maintained for a least five years.
o The right to choose whether to disclose or discuss the
outcome of a conduct hearing.
o The right to have all information obtained during the
course of the conduct or judicial process by protected
from public release until the appeals panel makes a
final determination unless otherwise required by law.
Copies of this policy or informative summaries with links or
information to access the full policy shall be distributed annually
to students, made available on the University’s website, and
posted in campus residence, and student union or campus center.
Judicial Affairs, 1217 Weiskotten Hall, 464-4816
Information, Support and Education
Victims of this type of misconduct may seek support services
as well as the assistance described above. Student Counseling
Services and Student Health are valuable resources and may be
reached via a telephone at 464-3120 and 464-4260, respectively.
Victims of these crimes should:
• Get to a safe place as soon as possible.
• Try to preserve all physical evidence; do not bathe, douche,
or change clothes.
• Contact State University of New York at Upstate Medical
University Police immediately (call 464-4000 in an
emergency, or use a Emergency Call Box or other campus
emergency phone).
As part of the university's educational mission, the University
Police Department attempts to teach members of the campus
community how to reduce their chances of being a victim
of a crime. Department staff members have been trained in
crime prevention techniques and serve as crime prevention
officers. The University’s crime prevention program is based
upon the dual concepts of 1) reducing or eliminating criminal
opportunities, and 2) encouraging students and employees to be
responsible for their own security and the security of others.
154
PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
The following is a listing of the University's crime prevention
programs and projects:
Escort Service: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for
anyone to any on campus location.
Personal Safety Committee: Charged by the President this
group of faculty, staff and students meets to discuss campus
safety and makes an annual report to the President with
recommendations on how to enhance campus safety and
security.
Personal Security: Crime prevention presentations are made
available on a regular basis at new student and employee
orientations. Custom presentations or surveys are made at the
request of any group.
Emergency Telephone: Emergency telephones and call boxes,
linked directly to the University Police, are located throughout
the campus. Additionally University Police can be reached by
dialing 911 from any campus phone.
Architectural Design: The University Police Department
has significant input into the design of all new and renovated
campus facilities as related to physical and electronic security
systems.
Facilities Surveys: The University Police Department and the
Personal Safety Committee conduct periodic surveys of exterior
lighting, exterior doors and campus grounds. Results of these
surveys are forwarded to Physical Plant for prompt action.
Rape Awareness: Rape awareness education and prevention
presentations are made periodically to the campus community.
UNIVERSITY POLICE
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Upstate Medical University is committed to maintaining an
environment that is free from unlawful sexual harassment.
Inappropriate and disrespectful conduct and communication
of a sexual nature will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment is a
form of sex discrimination. It is a violation of federal law under
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX
of the Education Amendment of 1972; New York State Human
Rights Law; and Executive Order 11246. In addition, New York
State Executive Order requires State agencies to prohibit sexual
harassment in the workplace.
Sexual Harassment in the Educational setting is defined as:
Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can
include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,
and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual
nature. Sexual harassment of a student denies or limits, on the
basis of gender, the student's ability to participate in or to receive
benefits, services, or opportunities in the educational institution's
program.
Federal law prohibits adverse actions against any individual
who opposes sexual harassment, files a complaint, or assists
or participates in any manner in an investigation, proceeding,
or hearing. Individuals who perceive a situation as sexual
harassment should call the Office of Diversity and Inclusion
at (315) 464-5234 to arrange an appointment to discuss their
concerns. In accordance with existing policies and laws, every
effort will be made to protect the privacy of all individuals
throughout all phases of the complaint process. Information
about complaints will be maintained in confidence to the fullest
extent possible.
More detailed information can be found by visiting the website
at www.upstate.edu/diversityinclusion/
The University Police's 24 hour operational office is located at
Room 1326 in University Hospital. The phone number is ext. 44000. University Police staff are available to serve you 24 hours
a day, seven days a week. The Administrative Offices are located
at 100 Light Court which is across the street from the Campus
West Building.
The University Police are charged with enforcing the laws of
New York State and the Rules and Regulations of the State
University of New York and the Upstate Medical University.
The Upstate Medical University community and the University
Police share the responsibility for providing an environment that
is conducive to academic and personal growth.
The University Police are sworn Police Officers and have law
enforcement jurisdiction on property owned and leased by the
State University. The University Police are supplemented by
a contract security agency and these officers are called Public
Safety Officers.
Security is a top priority at Upstate Medical University. In
reality, we are all concerned with security in one way or another.
Security is an attitude and involves the entire Upstate Medical
University community. We have our personal security standards
for safeguarding and protecting our families and friends, and
the property that belongs to us. A safe environment at Upstate
Medical University can only be achieved when each of us
applies his/her own personal security standards to the institution
as well. The cooperation of all students, faculty, and employees
is essential to assure adequate protection. The following
precautions are recommended:
1. Walking alone on campus after dark is not advised.
Although groups do not insure complete safety, traveling
with friends is a logical and easily available alternative. If
during the nighttime companions are not available and it
is necessary to walk alone from one building to another on
campus, an escort can be arranged by calling University
Police at x4-4000. When it is necessary to visit Weiskotten
Hall after dark, it is suggested that you take a route through
the hospital and connecting tunnel to your destination.
Please remember that your ID must be worn at all times
and will be checked when you enter the hospital. You will
also need your ID to swipe it through the card reader at the
tunnel.
2. Many students like to study into the night in available
rooms in campus buildings. It is advised to select areas
where other persons are in the general area so that you may
seek assistance if necessary.
3. Keep your apartment, car, and locker doors locked at all
times as a precaution against intruders and thieves. The
Upstate Medical University can not assume responsibility
for lost or stolen articles. Report all thefts immediately to
University Police.
4. No unauthorized tradesmen or solicitors are permitted
on Upstate Medical University property. Remain alert to
potential danger and report any unfamiliar or suspicious
persons or activities to the University Police. In addition to
routine patrols by University Police personnel, the parking
garage, selected areas in buildings, and some doorways
of the Upstate Medical University are continually under
surveillance by a closed circuit television system. Some
vital doorways are electronically controlled via the C.C.T.V.
Monitor Room located in the hospital. As a general rule,
access through these doors are restricted. To request access
through a controlled doorway, touch the button on the
call box. The monitor operator will respond "University
Police. May I help you?" The person(s) requesting access
PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
should identify themselves and reason for needing access.
If appropriate, the monitor operator will unlock the door.
In addition to gaining access, the call boxes can be used in
an emergency to summon the response of University Police
Personnel.
The University Police have a Website. It is accessible through
the Upstate iPage Web page. Click on "All Staff" and look for
University Police. Click on University Police. You can access it
directly by going to http://www.upstate.edu/publicsafety/.
Available on the University Police Website is the annual security
report. You can also access the security report directly at http://
www.upstate.edu/publicsafety/pdf/security_report.pdf. If you are
unable to access the security report via the web, you may obtain
a printed copy by calling the University Police Department at
4-4134.
VIOLENT FELONIES
University Police should be notified of any violent felony
offense occurring on campus property including (but not limited
to) murder, manslaughter, sodomy, aggravated sexual abuse,
assault, burglary, robbery, arson, and criminal possession of
a dangerous weapon. University Police officers work closely
with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and
University officials to gather and share as much information as
possible with victims, families, and the public.
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156
PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
COMMON DRUGS: SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE
COMMON DRUGS:
SYMPTOMS OF
ABUSE
&
PENALTIES
157
158
COMMON DRUGS: SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE
COMMON DRUGS: SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE
TYPE OF
DRUG
DRUG
NAME
STREET
NAME
METHOD
OF USE
Pot, Grass, Reefer, Weed, Most often smoked, can
Colombian, Hash, Hash
be swallowed in solid
Oil, Sinsemilla, Joint,
form
Chiba, Herb, Spliff
Marijuana
Hashish
Coke, Snow, Toot, White
Lady, Blow, Rock,
CRACK
Cocaine
Stimulants
Drugs that stimulate
the central nervous
system includes
look alike drugs that
contain caffeine,
Phenylpropanolamine
(PBA) and ephedrine
Depressants
Drugs that slow down
the central nervous
system
Speed, Uppers, Pep Pills,
Amphetamines’
Dextroamphetamine Bennies, Dexies, Moth
Crystal, Black Beauties
Methamphetamine
Drugs or synthetics
drugs that contain or
resemble opium
Substances abused by
sniffing
Intense psychological
dependence,
Sleeplessness, amnesia,
Nasal passage damage,
liver damage, death by
overdose
Loss of appetite,
hallucinations, paranoic,
convulsions, coma,
brain damage, death
from overdose
Smell of tobacco,
Cancers of the
High carbon monoxide lung, throat, mouth,
levels, Stained teeth,
esophagus, heart
yellow fingers
disease, emphysema
Swallowed in pill or
Excess activity, ircapsule form or injected ritability, nervousness,
into veins.
Mood swings, needle
marks.
Barbs, Downers, Yellow Swallowed in pill or
Drowsiness, confusion,
Jackets, Red Devils, Blue capsule form or injected impaired judgement,
Devils
slurred speech, needle
into veins
marks, constricted
pupils
Swallowed in pill form. Impaired judgement and
Ludes, soapers
performance, drowsiness, slurred speech.
Infections, Addiction
with severe withdrawal
symptoms, loss of
appetite, death from
o.d., nausea,
Death from overdose,
severe interaction with
alcohol
Swallowed in pill or
liquid form, injected
Addiction with severe
withdrawal symptoms.
Loss of a appetite,
death from over dose
Dilaudid
Percodan
Demerol
Methadone
School Boy
Injected into veins,
smoked
Needle Marks
Most often smoked
can also be inhaled
(snorted), injected or
swallowed in tablets
Slurred speech, blurred
vision, incoordination,
confusion, agitation,
aggression
Anxiety, depression,
impaired memory,
perception, death from
accidents, death from
overdose
Dilated pupils, illusions, hallucinations,
mood swings
Breaks from reality,
emotional breakdown,
flashback
Angel Dust, Killer Hog,
Weed, Supergrass,
PeeCee Bill
LSD
Acid, Cubes, Purple Haze Usually Swallowed
Mescaline
Psilacybin
Usually swallowed in
Mesc Cactus, Magic
their natural form
Mushrooms
Booze, Hooch, Juice, Brew
Swallowed in liquid
form
Impaired muscles coor- Heart and liver damage,
dination, judgment
death from overdose and
accidents, addiction
Inhaled or sniffed often Poor motor coordinawith use of paper bag or tion, Impaired vision,
memory and thought
plastic bag or rag
Gasoline
Airplane Glue
Paint Thinner
Dry Cleaning Fluid
Laughing Gas, Whippets
Nitrous Oxide
Poppers, Snappers, Rush, Inhaled or sniffed by
Locker Room
mask or balloons
Amyl Nitrite
Butyl Nitrite
Drowsiness, Lethargy
Swallowed in pill or
liquid
PCP
(Phencyclidine)
Alcohol
Inhalants
Most often smokes or
Restlessness, anxiety,
inhaled, also injected
intense, short–term high
or swallowed in power, followed by depression
pill or rock form.
Impaired memory
perception Interference
with psychological
maturation, Possible
damage to lungs, heart
and reproduction and
immune systems,
Psychological
dependence
Barbiturates
Pentobarbital
Sceobarbital
Amobarbital
Morphine
Heron
Drugs that alter
perceptions of reality
Sweet, burnt odor,
Neglect of appearance,
Lost of interest,
motivation,
Possible weight change
HAZARDS
OF USE
Found in cigarettes,
Coffin Nails, Butt, Smoke cigars, pipe and chewing tobacco
Codeine
Hallucinogens
SYMPTOM
OF USE
Nicotine
Quaalude
Sopar
Narcotics
159
High risk of sudden
death, drastic weight
loss, brain, liver and
bone marrow damage.
Abusive, violent behav- Death by anoxia,
neuropathy, muscle
ior, light headedness
weakness
Inhaled or sniffed from Slowed thought,
gauze or ampules
headache
Anemia, death by
anoxia
NOTE: Taking drugs of any type during pregnancy can be hindrance to the infant.
Adopted from “Children and Drugs,” Distributed by Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans of Vermont and New Hampshire
160
COMMON DRUGS: SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE
FEDERAL TRAFFICKING PENALTIES
Narcotics Penalties and Enforcement Act of 1965
DRUG
CSA
QUANTITY
HEROIN
1 1kg or more mixture
COCAINE
5kg or more mixture
COCAINE BASE
50 gm or more mixture
PCP
100 gm or more
LSD
1 kg or more mixture
FENTANYL
10 gm or more mixture
FENTANYL ANALOGUE
400 gm or more mixture
MARIJUANA
100 gm or more mixture
Mixture contains detectable quantity**
1000 kg or more
HEROIN
COCAINE
COCAINE BASE
PCP
LSD
FENTANYL
FENTANYL ANALOGUE
MARIJUANA
Mixture contains detectable quantity**
Others*
ALL
2 100 – 999 gm mixture
500 – 4,999 gm mixture
5 – 49 gm mixture
10 – 99 gm or
100 – 999 gm mixture
1 – 10 gm mixture
40 – 399 gm mixture
10 – 99 gm mixture
100 – 1000 kg
Any
3 Any
ALL
4 Any
ALL
Marijuana
Hashish
Hashish Oil
Marijuana Plants
Marijuana
Hashish
Hashish Oil
5 Any
1 50 ­­– 100 kg
10 – 100 kg
1 – 100 kg
100 or more plants
1 Less than 50 kg
Less than 10 kg
Less than 1 kg
Marijuana is a Schedule 1 controlled Substance
* Does not include Marijuana, Hashish or Hashish Oil
** Includes Hashish and Hashish Oil
1st Off.
PENALTY
2nd Off
Not less than 10 yrs. nor more than
life. If death or serious injury, not
less than 20 yrs. nor more than life.
Fine of not more than $4 million
individual, $10 million other than
individual
Not less than 20 yrs. nor more than
life. If death or serious injury, not
less than life. Fine of not more
than $8 million individual, $20
million other than individual
Not less than 5 yrs. nor more than
40 yrs. If death or serious injury,
not less than 20 yrs. nor more
than life. Fine of not more than $2
million individual, $5 million other
than individual
Not less than 10 yrs. nor more than
life. If death or serious injury, not
less than life. Fine of not more than
$4 million individual, $10 million
other than individual
Not more than 20 yrs. If death or
serious injury, not less than 20 yrs.
nor more than life. Fine $1 million
individual, $5 million other than
individual
Not more than 30 yrs. If death or
serious injury, life. Fine $2 million
individual, $10 million other than
individual
Not more than 5 yrs. Fine not more Not more than 10 yrs. Fine not
than $250,000 individual, $1 mil- more than $500,000 individual, $2
lion other than individual
million other than individual
Not more than 3 yrs. Fine not more Not more than 6 yrs. Fine not more
than $250,000 individual, $1 mil- than $500,000 individual, $2 million other than individual
lion other than individual
Not more than 1 yr. Fine not more Not more than 2 yrs. Fine not
than $100,000 individual, $250,000 more than $200,000 individual,
other than individual
$500,000 other than individual
Not more than 20 yrs. If death or
serious injury, not less than 20 yrs.
nor more than life. Fine $1 million
individual, $5 million other than
individual
Not more than 30 yrs. If death or
serious injury, life. Fine $2 million
individual, $10 million other than
individual
Not more than 5 yrs. Fine not more Not more than 10 yrs. Fine not
than $250,000 individual, $1 mil- more than $5000,000 individual,
lion other than individual
$2 million other than individual
COMMON DRUGS: SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE
161
NEW YORK STATE TRAFFICKING PENALTIES
SUBSTANCE
CRIMINAL ACT
AMOUNT
PENALTY
Narcotic Drugs
Possession w/intent to sell
Possession – Ordinary
Sale – All
Any Amount
4 oz. or more
2 oz. or more
1/2 oz. or more
1/8 oz. or more
500 mg. Cocaine
Any Amount
2 oz. or more
1/2 oz. or more
Any Amount
B Felony
A I Felony
A II Felony
B Felony
C Felony
D Felony
A Misd.
A I Felony
A II Felony
B Felony
Narcotic Preparations
Possession w/intent to sell
Possession – Ordinary
Sale – person under 21
Sale – All
Any Amount
2 oz. or more
1/2 oz. or more
Any Amount
Any Amount
Any Amount
D Felony
C Felony
D Felony
A Misd.
B Felony
C Felony
Methadone
Possession w/intent to sell
Possession – Ordinary
Sale – All
Any Amount
5,760 mg or more
2,880 mg or more
360 mg or more
2,880 mg or more
360 mg or more
Any Amount
D Felony
A I Felony
A II Felony
C Felony
A I Felony
A II Felony
C Felony
Concentrated Cannabis
Possession w/intent to sell
Possession – Ordinary
Sale – All
Any Amount
1 oz. or more
1/4 oz. or more
Any Amount
Any Amount
D Felony
C Felony
D Felony
A Misd.
C Felony
Stimulants
Possession – intent/prior
Possession w/intent to sell
Possession – Ordinary
Sale – Prior
Sale – Under 19/School
Sale – All Other
Any Amount
1 gm or more
Any Amount
10 gm or more
5 gm or more
1 gm or more
Any Amount
Any Amount
Any Amount
5 gm or more
1 gm or more
Any Amount
B Felony
B Felony
D Felony
A II Felony
B Felony
C Felony
A Misd.
B Felony
C Felony
A II Felony
B Felony
D Felony
Methamphetamine
Possession w/intent to sell
Possession – Ordinary
Sale – Under 19/School
Sale – All Other
1/8 oz. or more
Any Amount
2 oz. or more
1/2 oz. more
Any Amount
Any Amount
1/2 oz. or more
1/8 oz. or more
Any Amount
B Felony
D Felony
A II Felony
C Felony
A Misd.
C Felony
A II Felony
B Felony
D Felony
162
COMMON DRUGS: SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE
NEW YORK STATE TRAFFICKING PENALTIES
SUBSTANCE
CRIMINAL ACT
AMOUNT
PENALTY
Lysergic Acid
Possession – intent/prior
Diethylamide (LSD)
Possession w/intent to sell
Possession – Ordinary
Sale – Prior
Sale – Under 19/School
Sale – All Other
Any Amount
1 mg or more
Any Amount
25 mg or more
5 mg or more
1 mg or more
Any Amount
Any Amount
Any Amount
5 mg or more
1 mg or more
Any Amount
B Felony
B Felony
D Felony
A II Felony
B Felony
C Felony
A Misd.
B Felony
C Felony
A II Felony
B Felony
D Felony
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Possession – intent/prior
Possession w/intent to sell
Possession – Ordinary
Sale – Prior
Sale – Under 19/School
Sale – All Other
50 mg or more
Any Amount
1,250 mg or more
250 mg or more
50 mg or more
Any Amount
Any Amount
Any Amount
250 mg or more
50 mg or more
Any Amount
C Felony
D Felony
B Felony
C Felony
D Felony
A Misd.
C Felony
C Felony
B Felony
C Felony
D Felony
Hallucinogens
Possession – intent/prior
Possession w/intent to sell
Possession – Ordinary
Sale – Prior
Sale – Under 19/School
Sale – All Other
Any Amount
25 mg or more
Any Amount
625 mg or more
125 mg or more
25 mg or more
Any Amount
Any Amount
Any Amount
125 mg or more
25 mg or more
Any Amount
B Felony
B Felony
D Felony
A II Felony
B Felony
C Felony
A Misd.
B Felony
C Felony
A II Felony
B Felony
D Felony
Hallucinogens
Possession – intent/prior
Substances
Possession w/intent to sell
Possession – Ordinary
Sale – Prior
Sale – Under 19/School
Sale – All Other
Any Amount
1 gm or more
Any Amount
25 gm or more
5 gm or more
1 gm or more
Any Amount
Any Amount
Any Amount
5 gm or more
1 gm or more
Any Amount
B Felony
B Felony
D Felony
A II Felony
B Felony
C Felony
A Misd.
B Felony
C Felony
A II Felony
B Felony
D Felony
Dangerous Depressants
Any Amount
10 oz. or more
Any Amount
Any Amount
10 oz. or more
Any Amount
D Felony
C Felony
A Misd.
C Felony
C Felony
D Felony
Possession w/intent to sell
Possession – Ordinary
Sale – Under 19/School
Sale – All Other
COMMON DRUGS: SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE
163
NEW YORK STATE TRAFFICKING PENALTIES
SUBSTANCE
Depressants
CRIMINAL ACT
Possession w/intent to sell
Possession – Ordinary
Sale – Under 19/School
Sale – All Other
AMOUNT
Any Amount
2 lbs. or more
Any Amount
Any Amount
2 lbs. or more
Any Amount
Marijuana
Possession – 2 Prior
Possession – 1 Prior
Possession – 1st Offense
Possession – Exposed Public Any Amount
Possession – Ordinary
10 Lbs. aggregate
1 Lb. aggregate
1/2 Lb. aggregate
Sale – Gratuitious
2 gm/1 Joint
Sale – For Consideration
Any Amount
Sale – Under 18
Any Amount
Sale – All Other
16 oz. aggregate or more
4 oz. aggregate or more
25 gm aggregate or more
A I Felony
A II Felony
B Felony
C Felony
D Felony
E Felony
A Misd.
B Misd.
Violation
15 – 25 Years Min. Life Term Max.
3 – 8 Qw Years Min. Life Term Max
1 – 8 Qw Years Min. 3 – 25 years Max.
Max. 15 Years
Max. 7 Years
Max. 4 Years
Max. 1 year or $1,000 Fine
Max 3 Months or $500 Fine
$100 – $250 Fine or 15 Days
Aggregate is the gross weight of the material in which the “pure” marijuana is contained
For more information on commonly abused drugs, please visit: www.drugabuse.gov
PENALTY
D Felony
C Felony
A Misd.
C Felony
C Felony
D Felony
$250/15 Days Jail
$200 Max.
$100 max
B Misd.
C Felony
D Felony
E Felony
B Misd.
A Misd.
D Felony
C Felony
D Felony
E Felony
164
COMMON DRUGS: SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE
CAMPUS
COMMONMAP
DRUGS: SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE
CAMPUS MAP
165
166
CAMPUS
MAP
COMMON DRUGS: SYMPTOMS
OF ABUSE
CAMPUS
COMMONMAP
DRUGS: SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE
167
168
CAMPUS
MAP
COMMON DRUGS: SYMPTOMS
OF ABUSE
Student Handbook
10
750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 132
2015-2016