Faculty Handbook

4. The student has the right to appeal a decision of the Department Chair by applying in writing to the Dean for Academic Affairs who will review the case and make a final decision. Academic Advancement Students must achieve passing grades in all courses and required optometric clinics before advancing to the next academic year. If other than a passing grade is received ("F", “U” or "I"), it must be remediated as described above or in a manner determined by the Committee on Course and Standing and the Dean for Academic Affairs. These decisions may be modified on an individual basis by appeal upon recommendation of the Department Chair and with the final approval of the Dean for Academic Affairs. Evaluation of Student Academic Performance Evaluation of student academic performance is done through the Office of Academic Affairs, the Registrar, and the Committee on Course and Standing. Additionally, the IOR in collaboration with the Committee on Course & Standing and the Office of Academic Affairs will identify and communicate with students considered by course IORs to be at risk after the midterm period. The Committee on Course and Standing meets with the Dean for Academic Affairs at the conclusion of each semester to review student academic performance. When a student's performance is less than satisfactory as defined by criteria below, the committee may recommend the issuance of a letter of concern, probation, retaking course work or dismissal. In cases where a student is ineligible to advance (see below), the committee may recommend special requirements for retention. When a student is on probation or in a special academic program, the committee will review the student's performance and may recommend removal of probation or dismissal on academic grounds if performance indicates. Students having academic difficulties are considered individually by the committee and recommendations are made to the Dean for Academic Affairs. The Dean will make final decisions after considering the recommendations of the IOR and the committee and will then communicate decisions to the student and the committee. For students on academic probation and/or in a special program, the Dean for Academic Affairs, with the advice of the Course and Standing Committee, may mandate specific criteria (such as a specified GPA or minimum course grades) for the student to advance following the repeated portion of the academic program. Students who are on academic probation will not be permitted to hold class or student leadership positions. Students for whom action other than advancement has been recommended shall have the opportunity to communicate information directly to the Course and Standing Committee in person or by written statement when the committee is considering such action and before a recommendation is made. See below for more information. Academic Probation The Dean for Academic Affairs, in consultation with the Committee on Course and Standing, may place a student on academic probation if the student’s current level of achievement is deemed seriously deficient. If a student fails any course that has a clinical laboratory component, consideration of academic probation is mandatory. Academic probation is mandatory when: 1. The term GPA falls below 2.00; or,

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