StudentHandbook

Academic Information and Policies This handbook contains regulations of importance to your enrollment and status at the College. You will be responsible for familiarizing yourself with the information contained herein. It is the objective of the SUNY College of Optometry to provide a sound educational experience with emphasis on the needs of the students as individuals while they pursue a rigorous course of study. The following policies are determined by faculty committees and are subject to change. CourseDescription Abbreviated course descriptions are presented on the College’s website. At the commencement of each course, students will be provided with a full course outline or syllabus indicating the course objectives and goals, a list of required and recommended readings, a grading policy, the method(s) of student evaluation, assessment, and examination, a list of course topics to be covered and a statement of classroom attendance requirements. In addition, all students are required by the college to complete course and instructor evaluations as part of the course requirements. Policy for Student Leave Requests fromCourses and Clinic Students wishing to obtain leave from scheduled classes and clinics for personal, religious and/or EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (See below), must request an excused absence for the activities they will be missing. Students must make the request in writing at least 4 weeks in advance to the Instructor of Record (IOR) and/or respective Service Chief(s) (for internal clinics), or primary clinic supervisor (for external clinics).

Students with excused absences are responsible for any missed material or assignments and may be required to switch sections to make up a missed lab or clinic.

Any excused absence will be granted at the discretion of the IOR, Service Chief or, in the case from students at external rotations, by the external site supervisor, with approval by the director of externships, and may be denied if it coincides with a written test, quiz, or practical assessment, or if the student’s course performance is unsatisfactory. Any change in class or testing schedule to accommodate an excused absence is at the discretion of the IOR. If a large percentage of the class seeks permission to attend an activity at the same time, the instructor may elect to reschedule or hold class at his or her discretion.

Students are responsible for making up any examinations or assessments that may be missed during their absence.

Notes for student leave requests: 

While it is recognized that there are many legitimate reasons for requesting leave, including several excellent extracurricular professional opportunities, students must also recognize that meeting requirements for completion of the professional degree program is their highest priority.  Some considerations for granting leave will be the reason for leave, the number of leave requests the student has requested, and the student’s academic standing in the program. Accordingly, students should consider their priorities and anticipate their reasons for requesting leave well in advance, e.g. not requesting leave if a student will be participating in residency interviews at a later date.  With regard to mission trips, the college supports volunteerism and encourages community engagement. While it will make every effort to accommodate a request for mission trips, the college’s priority is the student’s successful completion of the professional degree program.  Service chiefs may require the intern to obtain coverage in the clinic to lessen the impact on patient care

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