I. Purpose
This policy defines the structure, requirements, and regulations governing assessment within the Pre-Clinical Program. It establishes standards for examination administration, grading, excused absences, and the role of assessment outcomes in academic progression and review.
II. Scope
This policy applies to all students enrolled in the Pre-Clinical Program and to all assessments administered as part of the program, including course-based examinations and program-level comprehensive examinations.
III. Definitions
- Pre-Clinical Program: The preparatory phase of study preceding entry into the 4-Year MD program.
- Completion Examination: An examination administered to students who were unable to sit a scheduled examination due to an approved excused absence.
- Medical Excuse (ME): A formally submitted and approved request for absence from one or more examinations due to medical reasons.
- CAPPS: Committee for Academic Progress and Professional Standards, responsible for review of academic standing and progression decisions.
- PCSCE: Pre-Clinical Science Comprehensive Examination.
- PBSCE: Postbaccalaureate Science Comprehensive Examination
IV. Structure of Assessment in the Pre-Clinical Program
Assessment consists of:
- Course-based assessments (including quizzes, block exams, midterms, and final examinations as appropriate per course)
- Program-level comprehensive examinations (PCSCE and, where applicable, PBSCE)
All assessments are designed to evaluate achievement of course and program learning outcomes.
Assessment outcomes contribute to:
- Course grades and GPA
- Academic standing
- Eligibility for progression and promotion
V. Course-Based Examinations
Students are required to sit all scheduled examinations. Failure to attend a scheduled examination without an approved excuse will result in a grade of zero (0). Examination schedules, formats, and grading criteria will be communicated in advance by Course Directors.
VI. Completion Examinations
Completion examinations are assessments that are administered only to students with an approved excused absence. Students granted an approved Medical Excuse or other approved excused absence must sit the designated completion examination.
Completion examinations are scheduled and administered by the Course Director. Failure to sit a scheduled completion examination will result in a grade of zero (0).
VII. Pre-Clinical Science Comprehensive Examination (PCSCE)
The PCSCE is a mandatory examination for students in the Pre-Clinical Program as defined in Promotion Policy (0426001).
The PCSCE is comprehensive and assesses:
- Core pre-clinical science coursework
- Communication for Health Professionals I and II
The PCSCE consists of:
- A Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) component
- A written (essay) component
Passing Standard:
- Students must achieve a minimum score of 70% in each component of the examination.
The PCSCE is administered only on scheduled, published examination dates. Students may attempt the PCSCE a maximum of two times. A student who does not achieve a passing standard on the first attempt must sit the next available scheduled examination. Failure to achieve a passing standard after two attempts will result in referral for academic review and recommendation for dismissal in accordance with Promotion Policy (0426001).
VIII. Postbaccalaureate Science Comprehensive Examination (PBSCE)
The PBSCE applies to students enrolled in the Postbaccalaureate pathway.
The PBSCE consists of two components:
- PBSCE I, administered at the end of Term 1 (40% weighted for aggregate)
- PBSCE II, administered at the end of Term 2 (60% weighted for aggregate)
The examination is conducted in a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) format.
Passing Standard:
- Students must achieve a minimum aggregate score of 75% across PBSCE I and PBSCE II. *Please note the weighting between PBSCEI and PBSCEII – VIII.ii
Students may attempt each component a maximum of two times. A student who does not achieve the required aggregate passing standard first time must sit the next available scheduled examination(s). Failure to achieve the required passing standard within the permitted attempts will result in referral to CAPPS and may lead to dismissal in accordance with Promotion Policy (0426001).
IX. Excused Absences from Examinations
General Principles
- Excused absences are granted only under limited and documented circumstances.
- Approval of an excused absence results in eligibility to sit a completion examination.
Medical Excuse (ME)
- Students must submit an ME through the official system prior to the first missed examination.
- An approved ME applies to examinations within a defined period as determined by program policy.
- Students may submit one ME within a 12-month period.
- A second ME request within 12 months will not normally be approved.
- Students unable to meet examination requirements due to ongoing medical conditions will be advised to consider a Medical Leave of Absence.
Non-Medical Excused Absences
Excused absences may be granted under the following circumstances:
- Religious Observance
- Must be declared within the first 30 days of the academic term
- Applies only to official observance dates
- Scholarly or Institutional Activities
- Includes approved academic presentations or official university activities
- Catastrophic or Exceptional Events
- Includes bereavement or significant personal emergencies
Requests must be submitted in writing to the Office of Student Affairs. Approved absences will be communicated to relevant academic leadership.
X. Failure to Attend Examinations
Failure to attend a scheduled examination without an approved excuse results in a grade of zero (0).
Failure to attend a scheduled completion examination results in a grade of zero (0).
XI. Role of Assessment in Academic Review
Assessment outcomes are reviewed in determining academic standing.
Students who meet GPA/WMPG requirements but have first time D and F grades will be directed by APRC.
Students who fail to meet GPA/WMPG academic thresholds, or who have F and D upon repeat will be referred to CAPPS.
CAPPS may determine outcomes including:
- Course repetition
- Monitored Academic Status
- Dismissal
- Other actions consistent with institutional policy
XII. Academic Integrity
All assessments are subject to the University’s Academic Integrity and Professional Conduct policies. Violations may result in academic penalties and/or disciplinary action.
XIII. Authority
Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences; reviewed every 3 years.
XIV. Version History
0426002