Admission and Academic Regulations

Return to: Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry  

Admission

See Admission to Undergraduate Programs  and General Admission Requirements  for general admission requirements to the University. See Admission Requirements by Faculty  for specific admission information for the DDS, Dental Hygiene, MD, BSc in Medical Laboratory Science and BSc in Radiation Therapy programs.

Combined Program for the Degrees of MD and PhD

Highly qualified students wanting to pursue a career of teaching and research in basic medical science or clinical medicine may enrol in a program of approximately six to eight years leading to the acquisition of both an MD and a PhD degree.

Students in the first year of the MD program may apply to the Combined Program. If acceptable to the appropriate department, to the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, and to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, the student is admitted to the PhD program. Normally, on completion of two years of the MD program, the student registers in the PhD program. The time needed to complete the requirements for the PhD depends on the applicant’s previous training and the nature of the research. On completion of the PhD program, the student reenters the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and completes the requirements for the MD degree.

Students interested in such a program may obtain further information from the Office of Research, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, 2-13 Heritage Medical Research Centre.

Combined Program for the Degrees of MD/MBA

The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and the Faculty of Business offer a program of combined study which permits highly qualified students to earn both the MD and MBA degrees in five years.

Each student must apply separately to the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (for admission into the MD program) and at any time in the first two years of the MD program, may apply to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (for admission into the MBA program).

Academic Standing and Graduation

DDS Degree

The program leading to the DDS degree is conducted in four years (1, 2, 3 and 4) under the direction of the Faculty committees (see DDS Degree .)

1. No credit will be granted for courses completed in preprofessional years and no course exemptions will be allowed.
2. The Dean, or Supervisor acting on behalf of the Dean, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions or site of practicum/clinical placement if the Dean or Supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the Public Interest. (See Practicum Intervention Policy ).
3. The Council of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry approves the principle that the means of assessing a student’s progress and determining a student’s grades may vary from one course to another in accordance with the nature of the course. Factors other than examination results may be used to a variable extent by instructors in determining grades.
4. Students are advised at the beginning of each course and year of the procedures to be used in their evaluation, the determination and reporting of their grades, and the standards required by the Faculty. Students are also advised of the procedures for appeal established with the Faculty and the University.
5. On their official transcripts students are not ranked or assigned a numeric grade, but are designated as having passed (received credit) or failed a course.
6. Reexaminations and Reassessment
   1. Reexaminations
      1. Students are allowed reexamination only in courses or didactic components of courses that are failed.
      2. For any failed course or didactic component of a course, the following reexamination policies apply:
         • The Associate Chair, Academic may allow reexamination of a course or didactic component of a course only where the Final Examination is a 40% or greater component of the course grade.
         • The Associate Chair, Academic may allow reexamination of a didactic component of a course if a student fails the didactic component of a clinical or laboratory course but passes the clinical or laboratory  portion. Reexamination is not permitted in courses that are entirely clinical or laboratory or in clinical or laboratory components of courses that include both didactic and clinical or laboratory components.
         • If a reexamination is approved, satisfactory completion of a remedial program may be required by the Associate Chair, Academic before the student is permitted to take the reexamination.
         • The reexamination mark will replace the original final exam mark. For the course to be passed, the new grade with the new reexamination final exam mark, must equal or surpass the required passing grade for the course.
         • Students may be granted rewrites at the end of each term for failed courses within that term that meet the above requirements, but not exceeding more than two overall in an academic year. The Academic Standing Committee would be notified of all reexaminations granted.
         • Students with more than two failed courses in the academic year will not be allowed further reexamination privileges and may be assigned Conditional Standing and placed on probation. (see Conditional Standing and Probation)
         • A student who does not take a reexamination within the period of time prescribed by the Faculty will remain with a failed course, and a failed year and will not be eligible for promotion or graduation. (See  Conditional Standing and Probation)
   2. Reassessment
      1. Students are allowed reassessment only in courses or course components that are failed.
      2. For any failed course or course component, the following reassessment policies apply:

YEAR 1 and YEAR 2

• The Associate Chair, Academic may allow reassessment of any failed course or component of a course as follows: didactic components where the final examination is less than 40% course weight, laboratory, and/or clinical components.
• If a reassessment is approved, satisfactory completion of a remedial program may be required by the Associate Chair, Academic before the student is permitted to take the reassessment.
• If reassessment is approved for a failed course or course component, the student will be informed of the required reassessment activities, the expected level of achievement to successfully complete them and the timelines for completion.
• Students with more than two failed courses in the academic year will not be allowed further reassessment privileges and may be assigned Conditional Standing and placed on probation. (See Conditional Standing and Probation)
• If reassessment is successfully completed, the grade attained for the course will be the established pass score for the course.

YEAR 3 and YEAR 4

• No reassessment is permitted for the year-long clinical courses DDS 530 (3rd yr) and DDS 540 (4th yr).
• The Associate Chair, Academic may allow reassessment of DDS 531 (3rd yr clinical skills) and DDS 542 (4th yr electives) courses or their course components if this is the only failed course or course component in that academic year.
• If a reassessment is approved, satisfactory completion of a remedial program may be required by the Associate Chair, Academic before the student is permitted to take the reassessment.
• If reassessment is approved for a failed course or course component, the student will be informed of the required reassessment activities, the expected level of achievement to successfully complete them and the timelines for completion.
• If reassessment is successfully completed, the grade attained for the course will be the established pass score for the course.
• A student who does not complete required reassessment within the period of time prescribed by the Faculty will remain with a failed course, and a failed year and will not be eligible for promotion or graduation. (see Conditional Standing and Probation)

7. Conditional Standing and Probation
   1. Conditional Standing is assigned to a student who at the end of the year, fails to achieve a pass in all courses.
   2. A student assigned Conditional Standing will be placed on academic probation and will have academic progress regularly reviewed and reported upon at the end of each term.
   3. YEAR 1 and YEAR 2
      • A student who fails more than two courses within a year, or unsuccessfully completes a failed course through reexamination or reassessment, will be assigned Conditional Standing and will be placed on probation and given the opportunity to enroll in a repeat of the year.
      • To clear Conditional Standing and probation and to qualify for promotion, the student must achieve Satisfactory Standing in all courses in the probationary year. Students who fail to do so will be Required to Withdraw. Any student in a probationary year who fails a course will be required to withdraw immediately and subsequent registration will be cancelled.
   4. YEAR 3 and YEAR 4
      • A student who fails to achieve a pass in a year-long clinical course (DDS 530 , DDS 540 ) or to successfully complete reassessment of a failed course (DDS 531 , DDS 542 ) during either third or fourth year will be assigned Conditional Standing.
      • A student who has been assigned Conditional Standing will be reviewed by Academic Standing Committee and either Required to Withdraw from the program or placed on Probation. A student placed on Probation will be offered the opportunity to enroll in a repeat of the year.
   5. To clear Conditional Standing and Probation and to qualify for promotion or graduation, the student must achieve Satisfactory Standing in the probationary (repeat) year at assessment checkpoints at the end of each term during that year. Students who fail to perform satisfactorily at any of those assessment points will be Required to Withdraw immediately and subsequent registration will be cancelled.
   6. Only one year of probation is allowed while registered in the DDS program.
8. Academic Standing: Decisions regarding academic standing and promotion to the next year or graduation are made by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Academic Standing and Promotion Committee.
   1. Each student’s academic standing will normally be assessed at the end of the regular academic year. Students with Conditional Standing who are on probation will be assessed at the end of each term.
   2. No student may proceed to any subsequent year of the DDS program or graduate unless they have passed all courses for that academic year.
   3. For promotion and graduation, students need to adhere to and meet the requirements as stated in the department’s current Attendance Policy.
   4. Awards distribution will be based on a full course load only and utilizing original not reexamination or reassessment grades in calculation of the GPA.
   5. Students are advised of Faculty and University appeals processes at the beginning of each academic year.
9. Regulations Concerning Continuation of Fourth Year:
   1. Special Category Continuing Fourth Year Student: a student who fails to meet all clinical competency requirements or attendance policy requirements in the final-year of the program may be designated a Special Category Continuing student. In order to be considered as a Special Category Continuing student in fourth-year Dentistry, the student must
      1. have clinical deficiencies in no more than two clinical disciplines and have been advised that the deficiencies could be corrected within one term of instruction; and
      2. have successfully completed all other assessments in the DDS program.
10. Time Limit For Completion of Degree
    1. Students must complete their degree requirements within six academic years from the time of their initial admission. This time limit includes all time during which a student is not in attendance, either for personal reasons (see Voluntary Temporary Withdrawal) or as a result of suspension or academic probation. Any failure or inability to complete the program within six years is cause for Requirement to Withdraw from the program.
11. Course Load:
    1. Students in the DDS program are required to participate in a full course load due to the sequential and integrated learning expectations of the professional degree program. As necessary prerequisite material is covered in previous courses, all preceding courses are considered as prerequisite courses for the next course(s) in sequence.
12. Voluntary Temporary Withdrawal: A student wishing to temporarily withdraw registration from the DDS program is required to make written application to the Associate Chair, Academic (Dentistry), stating the reasons for withdrawal and the intended period of withdrawal. Readmission to the DDS program following voluntary temporary withdrawal is based on the following:
    1. a review, by the Associate Chair, Academic, of the reasons for withdrawal and of the student’s academic record.
    2. availability of a place, within quota, in the class to which the student seeks readmission. Priority is assigned in the following order:
       1. students who have met normal promotion requirements
       2. Associate Chair, Academic-approved repeating students and students returning after voluntary withdrawal, in order of academic standing
    3. The length of time the student interrupts studies leading to the DDS degree must not exceed two years, either at one time or cumulatively.
13. Withdrawal from Program: A student wishing to withdraw permanently from the DDS program with no intention to return to the program is encouraged to make written application to the Associate Chair, (Dentistry), stating the reason for withdrawal from program.
14. Faculty Advisor: At the discretion of the Faculty, an advisor may be assigned to students having difficulty meeting promotion requirements. The method of assignment and role of the advisor is determined by the Faculty and/or Department.
15. All students registered in the Dentistry program are permitted in the practice of dentistry within the confines of the formal dental curriculum under the Province of Alberta Health Professions Act: Dentists Profession Regulation. As noted in the Code of Student Behaviour, students in the DDS program are required to adhere to the professional code of ethics of the Alberta Dental Association and College. (Amendments to the Code of Student Behaviour occur throughout the year. The official version of the Code of Student Behaviour, as amended from time to time is housed on the University Governance website at www.governance.ualberta.ca.)
16. Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements: See University Infectious Diseases Regulation  
17. Certification in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) at the Basic Rescuer Level is required to be current during each year of the program. Opportunities for this certification and annual maintenance of that standing may be provided during each year of the program.
18. Technical Standards Policy defines the necessary knowledge, skills, professional behaviours, and attitudes required of students. Students must be able to meet the technical standards throughout their program.

DDS Advanced Placement Program

The program leading to the DDS Advanced Placement is conducted in a minimum of two years (see DDS Advanced Placement Program  Years 3 and 4 of the DDS Program).

1. No credit will be granted for courses completed prior to admission and no course exemptions will be allowed.
2. The Dean, or Supervisor acting on behalf of the Dean, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions or site of practicum/clinical placement if the Dean or Supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the Public Interest. (See Practicum Intervention Policy )
3. The Council of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry approves the principle that the means of assessing a student’s progress and determining a student’s grades may vary from one course to another in accordance with the nature of the course. Factors other than examination results may be used to a variable extent by instructors in determining grades.
4. Students are advised at the beginning of each course and year of the procedures to be used in their evaluation, the determination and reporting of their grades, and the standards required by the Faculty. Students are also advised of the procedures for appeal established with the Faculty and the University. Students must satisfactorily complete all components of all courses.
5. On their official transcripts students are not ranked or assigned a numeric grade, but are designated as having passed (received credit) or failed a course.
6. Reexaminations
   1. Students are allowed reexamination privileges only in courses that are failed.
   2. The Associate Chair, Academic must approve reexaminations for students who fail two or fewer courses or components of DDS 545 , DDS 565 . Students with more than two (2) failed courses or components of DDS 545 , DDS 565  in any academic year will not be allowed reexamination privileges.
   3. The Associate Chair, Academic may allow reexamination of a didactic component of a course if a student fails the didactic component of a clinical or laboratory course but passes the clinical or laboratory portion. Reexamination is not permitted in courses that are entirely clinical or laboratory, or in clinical or laboratory components of courses that include both didactic and clinical or laboratory components.
   4. If a reexamination is approved, satisfactory completion of a remedial program may be required by the Associate Chair, Academic before the student is permitted to take the reexamination.
   5. Students may be granted rewrites at the end of each term for failed courses within that term that meet the above requirements, but not exceeding more than two overall in an academic year. The Academic Standing Committee would be notified of all re-examinations granted.
   6. A student who does not take a reexamination within the period of time prescribed by the Faculty will not be allowed to continue in the program.
   7. The reexamination mark (as in the case of a deferred mark) will replace the original final exam mark.
   8. See Reexaminations  for further information regarding when reexaminations are not permitted.
7. Academic Standing: Final decisions regarding academic standing and promotion to the next year or graduation are made by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Academic Standing and Promotion Committee.
   1. No student may proceed to next year of the Program and will be required to withdraw unless they have passed all courses for that academic year.
   2. A student who fails more than two courses in any year of the program will be required to withdraw from the program.
   3. For promotion and graduation, students need to adhere to and meet the requirements as stated in the department’s Attendance Policy. 
   4. Awards distribution will be based on a full course load only and utilizing original not remedial grades in calculation of the GPA.
8. Regulations Concerning Repetition of a Year because of Academic Failure: Students in the DDS Advanced Placement Program will not be permitted to repeat a year.
9. Voluntary Withdrawal: A student in the DDS Advanced Placement Program who chooses to withdraw, forfeits the position and will not be readmitted.
10. Faculty Advisor: At the discretion of the Faculty, an advisor may be assigned to students having difficulty meeting promotion requirements. The method of assignment and role of the advisor is determined by the Faculty and/or Department.
11. All students registered in the DDS Advanced Placement Program are required by provincial legislation to be registered in the Educational Register of the Alberta Dental Association and College. This registration permits the practice of dentistry within the confines of the formal dental curriculum. Students in the program are required to adhere to the professional code of ethics of the Alberta Dental Association and College (Amendments to the Code of Student Behaviour occur throughout the year. The official version of the Code of Student Behaviour, as amended from time to time is housed on the University Governance website at www.governance.ualberta.ca.).
12. Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements: See University Infectious Diseases Regulation  
13. Certification in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) at the Basic Rescuer Level is required.

Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene)

The following applies to students in the BSc (Dental Hygiene) program overall:

1. Students entering the Dental Hygiene program may be granted credit for courses completed that are deemed by the Program Director, in consultation with the course coordinator and the Chair of the Department Academic Standing Committee, to be demonstrably equivalent to courses for which credit is being sought.
   Students carrying an academic load reduced by ★6 or more from the full course load of their academic year will not be eligible for awards.
2. Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements: (See University Infectious Diseases Regulation ).
3. Certification in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) at the Health Care Provider Level is required and provided by the Program.
4. The Associate Dean/Department Chair, or Supervisor acting on behalf of the Associate Dean, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions or site of practicum/clinical placement if the Associate Dean or Supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the Public Interest. (See Practicum Intervention Policy )
5. The Council of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry approves the principle that the means of assessing a student’s progress and determining a student’s grades may vary from one course to another in accordance with the nature of the course. Students are advised at the beginning of each course and year of the procedures to be used in their evaluation, the determination and reporting of their grades, and the standards required by the Faculty. Students are also advised of the procedures for appeal established within the Faculty and the University. Students must satisfactorily complete all components of all courses.
   1. Students are held accountable to the Code of Student Behaviour and should be familiar with it. (See Professional Standards for Students in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry).
6. Voluntary Temporary Withdrawal: A student wishing to temporarily withdraw registration in the Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene) program is required to make written application to the Associate Chair & Director, Dental Hygiene Program, stating the reasons for withdrawal. Re-admission to the Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene) program following voluntary temporary withdrawal will be based on the following:
   1. Review, by the Associate Chair & Director, Dental Hygiene Program of the reasons for withdrawal and the student’s academic record;
   2. Availability of a place, within quota, in the class to which the student is seeking readmission. Priority will be assigned in the following order:
      1. Students who have met normal promotion requirements.
      2. Faculty approved repeating students, and students returning after voluntary withdrawal, in order of academic standing.
   3. The length of time the student interrupts studies leading to the Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene) program must not exceed two years, either at one time or cumulatively.
7. Withdrawal from Program: A student wishing to withdraw permanently from the Dental Hygiene program with no intention to return to the program is encouraged to make written application to the Associate Chair & Director, Dental Hygiene Program, stating the reason for withdrawal from program.
8. Advisor: At the discretion of the Dental Hygiene Program, an advisor may be assigned to students having difficulty meeting promotion requirements. The method of assignment and the role of the advisor is determined by the Dental Hygiene Program.

Academic Standing, Promotion & Graduation

1. Recommendations for promotion and graduation are based on passing grades in each subject and a minimum GPA of 2.0.
2. The notation of “With Distinction” is awarded to a graduating student registered in a minimum of ★24 in the BSc (Dental Hygiene) program who has obtained an average GPA of 3.5 or higher in the last two years of the program with a minimum GPA of 3.3 in both years, and no failing grades over the entire program
3. Students in the Dental Hygiene program are not permitted to repeat any year, except for exceptional cases as determined by the Department of Dentistry Academic Standing Committee. Repeating students are considered for awards, if taking a full course load.
4. A failed student who repeats the failed year may retain credit for passed courses, other than laboratory and clinical courses, only at the discretion of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Academic Standing and Promotion Committee acting on the advice of the Dental Hygiene Program. During the repeated year, a grade of at least C+ is required for Dental Hygiene courses.
5. A Special Category repeating dental hygiene student;
   1. has achieved a minimum GPA of 2.7 in the year requiring repetition;
   2. has clinical/practicum deficiencies in no more than one clinical course and is advised that the deficiency could be corrected within a four-month period of instruction; and
   3. has successfully completed all written examinations in the Dental Hygiene program.
6. Reexaminations:
   1. Students are allowed reexamination privileges only in courses that are failed.
   2. The Department of Dentistry Academic Standing Committee and the Faculty Academic Standing and Promotion Committee must approve reexaminations for students who fail one or two courses. Students with more than two failed courses in any academic year will not be allowed reexamination privileges.
   3. Students must achieve a GPA of 2.0 in the academic year, inclusive of the failed course, in order to be considered for reexamination.
   4. Students are advised that it may not be possible to make a ruling regarding remediation or reexamination until all grades for the year are received and recorded.
   5. If a reexamination is approved, satisfactory completion of a remedial program may be required by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Academic Standing and Promotion Committee before the student is permitted to take the reexamination.
   6. For fall term courses, reexamination must be completed by the end of February Reading Week. For two-term courses and winter term courses, reexamination must be completed by June 30. Students in the Post Diploma Degree Completion Programs write reexaminations after the applicable term. Students are advised to consult the Dental Hygiene Program Director.
   7. The weight of reexamination is at least that of the final examination, but may be more (at the discretion of the Program Director in consultation with the course coordinators).
   8. The reexamination mark (as in the case of a deferred mark) will replace the original final exam mark.
   9. Any student who, after reexamination and/or evaluation fails to meet promotion/graduation requirements, is deemed to have failed the year.
   10. A student who does not take a reexamination within the time period prescribed by the Faculty will not be allowed to continue in the program.
   11. For students registered the BSc Dental Hygiene program, the total reexamination privileges will not exceed five reexaminations or a maximum of ★20 in total over all three years of the program.
   12. The Department of Dentistry Academic Standing Committee may allow reexamination of the didactic component of a course if a student fails the didactic component of a clinical course but passes the clinical portion. Reexamination is not permitted in courses that are entirely clinical or in clinical components of courses that include both didactic and clinical components.
   13. A student repeating a year is not allowed reexamination privileges in that year of the program.

MD Program

The program leading to the MD degree is conducted in four Years (1, 2, 3 and 4), under the direction of the Faculty committees. (See MD Degree )

1. No credit will be granted for courses completed in preprofessional years and no course exemptions will be allowed.
2. The Dean, or Supervisor acting on behalf of the Dean, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions or site of practicum/clinical placement if the Dean or Supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the Public Interest. (See Practicum Intervention Policy )
3. The Council of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry approves the principle that the means of assessing a student’s progress and determining a student’s grades may vary from one course to another according to the nature of the course. Factors other than examination results may be used to a variable extent by instructors in determining grades, but students are informed at the beginning of the course how grades are to be determined.
4. Students are advised at the beginning of each course, and year of the attendance requirements of the procedures to be used in their evaluation, the determination and reporting of their grades, and the standards required by the Faculty and the University. Students who are absent for more than two days in any course in which attendance is compulsory will not be given credit for that course and will be asked to repeat the course. Students must satisfactorily complete all components of a course to receive a passing grade, irrespective of the overall mark. Students must satisfactorily complete all components of all courses.
   1. All students enrolled in the MD program are bound by and shall comply with the Professional Code of Ethics governing the profession and practice of medicine. The Professional Code of Ethics refers to all relevant professional codes and practice standards for medical doctors including:
      1. Code of Applicant Behaviour
      2. Canadian Medical Association Code of Ethics
      3. College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta Code of Conduct
      4. Professional Standards for Students in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
      5. Student Pledge of Conduct
      6. Faculty Code of Conduct
   2. Students are held accountable to the Code of Student Behaviour and should be familiar with it. (See Professional Standards for Students in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry)
   3. Thereinafter, any reference to students’ academic performance will encompass the adherence to the Professional Code of Ethics.
5. Comprehensive Examinations:
   1. At the end of second year, students take a preclinical comprehensive examination (denoted as MED 520 ) covering material presented in the first two years of the program.
   2. After completing year three requirements, students must successfully complete an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) as the first component of MED 540 , comprehensive examination. This first exam covers material presented in the first three years of the program.
      At the end of fourth year, students will then be required to successfully complete the second component of MED 540  comprehensive examination by completing a knowledge-based assessment. This exam will cover material presented in all four years of the program
      All other program requirements must be successfully completed in order to be eligible to take the second examination knowledge-based assessment.
   3. Students must pass the above comprehensive examination(s) before being promoted to the next academic year (MED 520 ) or allowed to graduate (MED 540 ).
6. Students are not ranked or assigned a numeric grade, but are designated as having passed (received credit) or failed a course.
7. Reexaminations
   1. A student will not be granted reexamination privileges if the student has passed the course/clerkship.
   2. A student repeating a year is not allowed reexamination privileges in that year.
   3. Students are advised that reexamination may not be granted until all grades for the academic year are received and recorded.
   4. If the student has not yet been granted a previous reexamination in the current academic year, reexamination privilege may be granted at the discretion of the Course/Clerkship Coordinator in consultation with the Associate Dean, MD Program. 
   5. If reexamination is not granted by the Course/Clerkship Coordinator, the student will be brought to the appropriate Academic Standing Committee where reexamination may be considered. 
   6. If the student has already been granted reexamination privileges in other courses/clerkships in the current academic year, reexamination may only be granted by the appropriate Academic Standing Committee after student performance from the entire academic year is considered.
   7. If a reexamination is granted, the reexamination mark will replace the original final exam mark (as in the case of a deferred mark).
   8. If a reexamination is granted, satisfactory completion of a remedial program may be required before the student is permitted to take the reexamination. 
   9. Reexamination of MED 540  Comprehensive Examination: Students who fail this comprehensive examination may be granted a reexamination. Only the Associate Dean, MD Program may grant this reexamination.
   10. A student who does not take a reexamination within the period of time prescribed by the Faculty will not be allowed to continue in the program.
   11. A student who fails reexamination will be deemed to have failed the course and will be referred to the appropriate Academic Standing Committee.
8. Academic Standing: Final decisions regarding academic standing and promotion to the next year of graduation are made by the Faculty Academic Standing and Promotion Committee with recommendations from the Academic Standing Committees.
   1. No student may proceed to any subsequent year of the medical program and will be required to withdraw unless they have passed all courses for that academic year.
   2. Students who do not pass all Year 3 and 4 courses, except MED 540  will not be allowed to write the comprehensive exam and will be required to withdraw.
9. Regulations Concerning Repetition of a year because of Academic Failure:
   1. No student will be allowed to repeat Year 1 of the MD program. At the discretion of the Dean, students in Year 2, 3 or 4 may be allowed to repeat a failed year.
   2. A student repeating a year is not allowed reexamination privileges in that year of the program.
   3. No student is allowed to repeat more than one year of the MD program.
10. Voluntary Withdrawal: A student wishing to temporarily withdraw registration from the MD program is required to make written application to the Associate Dean, MD program, stating the reasons for withdrawal and the intended period of absence. Readmission to the MD Program following voluntary withdrawal will be based on the following:
    1. review, by the Faculty, of the reasons for withdrawal and of the student’s academic record;
    2. availability of a place, within quota, in the class to which the student seeks readmission. Priority is assigned in the following order:
       1. students who have met normal promotion requirements.
       2. Faculty approved repeating students and students returning after voluntary withdrawal, in order of academic standing.
    3. The length of time the student interrupts studies leading to the MD degree must not exceed two years in total.
11. Faculty Advisor: At the discretion of the Faculty, an advisor may be assigned to students having difficulty meeting promotion requirements. The method of assignment and role of the advisor shall be determined by the Faculty.
12. All students registered in the MD program are required by provincial legislation to be registered in the Educational Register of the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons. This registration permits the practice of medicine within the confines of the formal medicine curriculum. Students in the MD program are required to adhere to the professional code of ethics of the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons. (Amendments to the Code of Student Behaviour occur throughout the year. The official version of the Code of Student Behaviour, as amended from time to time is housed on the University Governance website at www.governance.ualberta.ca.)
13. Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements: See University Infectious Diseases Regulation  

BSc Program in Medical Laboratory Science

Academic Standings and Graduation

All students enrolled in the BSc MLS program are bound by and shall comply with the Professional Code of Ethics governing the profession. The Professional Code of Ethics refers to all relevant professional codes and practice standards for medical laboratory technology including:

• Code of Applicant Behaviour
• Code of Student Behaviour
• College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Alberta Code of Ethics
• College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Alberta Standards of Practice
• Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science Code of Ethics
• Professional Standards for Students in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
• Faculty Code of Conduct

The Dean, or Supervisor acting on behalf of the Dean, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions or site of practicum/clinical placement if the Dean or Supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the Public Interest. (See Practicum Intervention Policy .)

Academic Standing

Final decisions regarding academic standing and promotion to the next year or graduation are made by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Academic Standings and Promotion Committee based on recommendations of the Medical Laboratory Science Academic Standing Committee.

Progression in the program is term by term.

Final approval of academic standings is conducted at the end the academic year, with the exception of “Unsatisfactory Standing”. In any term if a student falls under the category “Unsatisfactory Standing” their academic standing will be assessed immediately.

1. First Class Standing:

Awarded to students with a GPA of not less than 3.5 while enrolled in a normal academic course load

2. Satisfactory Standing:

Promotion in the Medical Laboratory Science program depends on passing grades in all subjects of the previous year with a minimum GPA of 2.0, as well as the following requirements:

Phase I

Each laboratory instructor assesses the competence in communication, comprehension, and technical skills of each student several times throughout the academic year. These assessments are documented as a written evaluation that the student is asked to sign. At the end of the Phase, the instructors assign each student a pass or probationary rating based on these evaluations. Students with a GPA of 2.0 who have a majority of unsatisfactory technical ratings are permitted to proceed into Phase II on probation. Students in Phase II who are on probation must withdraw if they receive an unsatisfactory technical rating in any one course. Students entering Phase II with a majority of pass ratings from all the Phase I Medical Laboratory Science courses are assessed as having satisfactory standing.

Phase II

For those Medical Laboratory Science courses with both technical and academic demands, the student must successfully complete the requirements of both components to receive a passing grade.

Each student’s competence in communication skills, comprehension of material, technical skills and professional behaviour will be assessed according to the Competency Based Objectives (CBOs) for each Medical Laboratory Science course. To pass each course, students must demonstrate competence in each CBO as outlined in the course manual. Students who do not achieve this level of competence in any one course will be required to satisfactorily fulfill specified course or performance competence standards within a given period of time. Students requiring additional training time in more than one course may be required to withdraw from the program. Students who have entered Phase II on probation (see Phase I) or Academic Warning (see below) will not normally be allowed additional remedial training to reach competence and will be required to withdraw from the program if they do not meet the CBOs in the normal period of time.

3. Marginal Standing-Academic Warning:

Students with a GPA of 1.8 to 1.9 inclusive may be considered to be in Marginal Standing and may be permitted to continue on Academic Warning.

To clear academic warning and return to satisfactory standing, a student must obtain a minimum 2.0 GPA in the subsequent fall/winter term. Students who fail to clear academic warning are required to withdraw.

4. Unsatisfactory Standing:

Assigned to students whose GPA is below 1.8 or has failed a course. Any student whose technical work and academic performance is deemed unsatisfactory may be required to withdraw from the Faculty.

5. A student permitted to repeat a course or an entire phase must withdraw unless a minimum average grade of 2.7 is obtained on the repeated work.

6. Reexamination:

1. Students are allowed reexamination privileges only in courses that are failed.
2. Students must achieve a GPA of 2.0 inclusive of the failed course in order to be considered for reexamination.
3. The Division of Medical Laboratory Science Academic Standings Committee must approve reexamination.
4. If reexamination is approved, satisfactory completion of a remedial program may be required before the student is permitted to take the reexamination.

7. Faculty Advisor

At the discretion of the Faculty, a Faculty advisor may be assigned to students having difficulty meeting promotion requirements. The method of assignment and the role of the Faculty advisor is determined by the Faculty.

8. Voluntary Withdrawal

A student wishing to temporarily withdraw registration from the MLS program is required to make written application to the Director, stating the reasons for withdrawal and the intended period of absence. Readmission to the MLS program following voluntary withdrawal will be based on the following:

a. review, by the Faculty, of the reasons for withdrawal and of the student’s academic record;
b. availability of a place, within quota, in the class to which the student seeks readmission.
c. The length of time the student interrupts studies leading to the BSc in MLS degree must not exceed two years in total.

Graduation

1. Students must be in satisfactory standing and complete all program requirements in order to graduate.
2. With Distinction: awarded to graduating students who have obtained an average GPA of not less than 3.5 during the final 60 credits of course work

BSc in Medical Laboratory Science Post- Professional Certification degree completion

Academic Standings and Graduation

All students enrolled in the BSc MLS program are bound by and shall comply with the Professional Code of Ethics governing the profession. The Professional Code of Ethics refers to all relevant professional codes and practice standards for medical laboratory technology including:

• Code of Applicant Behaviour
• Code of Student Behaviour
• College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Alberta Code of Ethics
• College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Alberta Standards of Practice
• Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science Code of Ethics
• Professional Standards for Students in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
• Faculty Code of Conduct

Academic Standings

Final decisions regarding academic standing and promotion to the next year or graduation are made by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Academic Standings and Promotion Committee based on recommendations of the Medical Laboratory Science Academic Standing Committee.

Progression in the program is term by term.

Final approval of academic standings is conducted at the end the academic year, with the exception of “Unsatisfactory Standing”. In any term if a student falls under the category “unsatisfactory standing” their academic standing will be assessed immediately.

1. First class standing

Awarded to students with a GPA of not less than 3.5 while enrolled in a normal academic course load

2. Satisfactory Standing

Promotion in the Medical Laboratory Science program depends on passing grades in all subjects of the previous year with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

3. Marginal Standing-Academic Warning

Students with a GPA of 1.8 to 1.9 inclusive may be considered to be in Marginal Standing and may be permitted to continue on Academic Warning. To clear academic warning and return to satisfactory standing, must obtain a minimum 2.0 GPA in the subsequent fall/winter term. Students who fail academic warning are required to withdraw.

4. Unsatisfactory Standing

Assigned to students whose GPA is below 1.8 or has failed a course. Any student whose technical work and academic performance is deemed unsatisfactory may be required to withdraw from the Faculty.

A student permitted to repeat a course or an entire phase must withdraw unless a minimum average grade of 2.7 is obtained on the repeated work.

5. Reexamination:

1. Students are allowed reexamination privileges only in courses that are failed.
2. Students must achieve a GPA of 2.0 inclusive of the failed course in order to be considered for reexamination.
3. The Division of Medical Laboratory Science Academic Standings Committee must approve reexamination.
4. If reexamination is approved, satisfactory completion of a remedial program may be required before the student is permitted to take the reexamination.

6. Faculty Advisor

At the discretion of the Faculty, a Faculty advisor may be assigned to students having difficulty meeting promotion requirements. The method of assignment and the role of the Faculty advisor is determined by the Faculty.

Graduation

1. Students must be in satisfactory standing and complete all program requirements in order to graduate.
2. With Distinction: awarded to graduating students who have obtained an average GPA of not less than 3.5 during the final 60 credits of course work.

BSc Program in Radiation Therapy

The following apply to students in the Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy.

1. Grades
   1. The means of assessing a student’s progress and determining a student’s grades may vary from one course to another, according to the nature of the course. Factors other than examination results may be used to a variable extent by instructors in determining grades. Students are informed at the beginning of each course how grades are to be determined.
   2. Students must satisfactorily complete all components of all courses in order to receive passing grades in those courses, irrespective of their overall mark.
2. Promotion and Academic Performance
   1. Academic Performance: Progression in the program is term by term. Accordingly, all students in a particular co-hort of the program will be registered in the same courses in each term (see Degree of BSc in Radiation Therapy ) Students are also held accountable to the University’s Code of Student Behaviour and should be familiar with it. See Code of Student Behaviour. 

For promotion and graduation, students need to adhere to and meet the requirements as stated in the program’s Attendance Policy.

All students enrolled in the Radiation Therapy program are bound by and shall comply with the Professional Code of Ethics governing the profession and practice of Radiation Therapy. The Professional Code of Ethics refers to all relevant professional codes and practice standards for the practice of Radiation Therapy including: 

1. Professional Standards for Students in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.
2. Student Pledge of Conduct
3. CAMRT Member Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
4. ACMDTT Code of Ethics 

Hereinafter, all references to students’ academic performance will encompass the adherence to the Professional Codes of Ethics. Students are also held accountable to the University’s Code of Student Behaviour and should be familiar with it. See Code of Student Behaviour.

2. Academic Standing: Final decisions regarding academic standing and promotion to the next year or graduation are made by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Academic Standing and Promotion Committee based on recommendations of the Radiation Therapy Program Academic Standing Committee.

Final approval of academic standings is conducted at the end of each student’s academic year, with the exception of students that fall into the categories of “Unsatisfactory Standing” and “Required to Withdraw”. Students falling in either of these categories will be assessed at the end of the term in which they received either of these standings. 

1. First-Class Standing: Awarded to a student who obtains a GPA of 3.5 or above and passes all courses while enrolled in the full normal academic/clinical course load after the completion of the academic year.
2. Satisfactory Standing: For promotion, a student must pass all courses and obtain a minimum GPA of 2.7.
3. Conditional Standing: Whenever a student receives a final grade of less than a B- in a Radiation Therapy Program course, the student’s total academic and clinical performance in the program will be reviewed. This review will be considered in determining continuation in the program. To clear conditional standing, the student must achieve a minimum of Satisfactory Standing in all terms of the proceeding academic year.
4. Unsatisfactory Standing: Students who fail any academic course in an academic year (Fall, Winter, Spring & Summer) will not be allowed to progress to the next term, will placed on probation and may be required to repeat the full program year in which the failure occurred. 
5. Required to Withdraw: 

Any student who

1. fails any clinical course;
2. is unable to obtain a minimum GPA of 2.7 in any term;

3. Probation: Students who have either been required to withdraw and who have successfully appealed or have an unsatisfactory standing will be placed on probation. 
   To clear probation and qualify for promotion, the student must achieve Satisfactory Standing in all terms during the probationary year. Students who fail to do so will be required to withdraw. A course failure during the probationary period may result in a required to withdraw. 
   Only one year of probation is allowed while registered in the BSc in Radiation Therapy program. 

3. Clinical Performance:
   1. A student who is absent more than two clinical days in any one clinical course may need to make up the lost time before being allowed to continue in the program.
   2. The Program Director, or designate acting on behalf of the Program Director, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions or site of a practicum/clinical placement if the Program Director or designate has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the public interest. (See Practicum Intervention Policy ).

4. Voluntary Withdrawal: A student wanting to temporarily withdraw registration from the Radiation Therapy Program is required to make written application to the Program Director of the Radiation Therapy Program, stating the reasons for withdrawal and the intended period of withdrawal. Each request will be considered on a case by case basis. Readmission to the Radiation Therapy Program following voluntary withdrawal will be assessed on a case by case basis. Readmission is not guaranteed due to quota. If the length of time the student interrupts their studies exceeds two years, the student will not be granted readmission into the Radiation Therapy Program.
5. Faculty Advisor: At the discretion of the Faculty, a Faculty advisor may be assigned to students having difficulty meeting promotion requirements. The method of assignment and the role of the Faculty advisor is determined by the Faculty.
6. Reexamination: See Reexaminations 
   1. Reexamination is not permitted in clinical courses.
   2. The Radiation Therapy Program Academic Standings Committee must approve all reexaminations.
   3. Students are advised that it is not possible to make a ruling regarding remediation or reexamination until all grades for a term are received and recorded.
   4. If a reexamination is approved, satisfactory completion of remedial coursework may be required by the Radiation Therapy Program Academic Standing Committee and/or the Faculty Academic Standings and Promotion Committee before the student is permitted to take the reexamination.
   5. The weight of reexamination is at least that of the final examination.
   6. The reexamination mark (as in the case of a deferred mark) will replace the original final exam mark.
   7. A student who does not take a reexamination within the time prescribed by the Faculty will not be allowed to continue in the program. 
7. Graduation:
   1. Academic Performance for Graduation: Students must achieve Satisfactory Academic Standing or First Class Standing in their final year of the program; successfully complete all program requirements; and present a graduation average of at least 2.7. The graduation average is a cumulative measure of a student’s grade points obtained while registered in the program in all years and terms, including Spring/Summer. It is the quotient of (a) the total number of grade points earned by a student in courses credited to the degree and (b) the total weight of those courses.
   2. The notation of “With Distinction” is awarded to a graduating student who has obtained an average GPA of 3.5 or higher and no failing grades over the entire program.
8. Clinical Placement Policies and Requirements: All students must comply with all Clinical Placement Policies and Requirements.
   1. Clinical Placements will be facilitated at various cancer centres in Alberta that provide radiation therapy services. Students are responsible for their transportation to clinical placements and for the costs of travel, living and accommodations.
   2. Students must purchase two lab coats and may wish to purchase uniforms for the clinical courses during the program.
   3. Valid certification of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) at the Healthcare Provider Level is required and must be maintained throughout the program. A CPR-Healthcare Provider certificate is valid for one year from the date of the course. Evidence of recertification in each subsequent year is required.
   4. Technical Standard: Students whose skills and abilities change during their studies must declare this change to the program designate for clinical placements immediately. The program will attempt to provide reasonable accommodation, however the student may be required to withdraw from the program if this is not possible.
   5. Medical Testing and Immunization: See University Infectious Diseases Regulation  
   6. N-95 Respirator Fit Testing: Students are required to be fit tested for N 95 respirators. Check with the Program office for the procedures to obtain this fit testing. Fit testing is required every two years.  The associated costs are the responsibility of the student.
   7. Police Information Check: Students must clear a Police Information Check requiring a Vulnerable Sector Check. Refer to Requirement for Police Information Checks  
   8. The Program Director, or Designate acting on behalf of the Program Director, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions or site of practicum/clinical placement if the Program Director, or Designate has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the Public Interest. (See Practicum Intervention Policy )

Appeals and Grievances

Students may appeal academic standing decisions in the Faculty. There are informal ways to appeal as well as strict deadlines for submission of formal appeals. Students may obtain the Faculty’s complete appeal regulations from the Office of the Dean, 2J2 Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre. Under certain conditions, an unsuccessful appeal in the Faculty may be carried to the General Faculties Council Academic Appeals Committee. See Appeals and Grievances .

Students who have a grievance about a grade in an individual course taught in this Faculty should consult Appeals and Grievances , which describes the informal process for addressing concerns about grades. There is also a formal process in the Faculty for appealing a grade. This process, including deadlines for submission of an appeal, is set out in the Faculty’s academic appeal regulations, available from the Office of the Dean, 2J2 Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre.

Professional Standards Expectations for Students and Applicants in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

The University Code of Student Behaviour describes a range of non-academic and academic offences deemed unacceptable and for which a student may be penalized. Refer to the Code of Student Behaviour and the Code of Applicant Behaviour. Amendments to the Codes occur throughout the year. The official version of the Codes, as amended from time to time is housed on the University Governance website at www.governance.ualberta.ca. 

Please note: Medicine, Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, Medical Laboratory Science and Radiation Therapy are regulated health professions that are governed by the Health Professions Act in a manner that protects and serves the public interest. Students selected for admission to these programs will be expected to uphold specific ethical principles and values reflected in the professional code of ethics of their respective professional/licensing bodies. As such, student conduct during the admissions process, including (but not limited to) any and all communications and interactions with the Faculty before and during admission, are considered part of the admission process and may be taken into account during admission deliberations. Admission may be denied to applicants who communicate or act in a manner that may be considered inappropriate or unprofessional regardless of academic standing.

Also see Code of Applicant Behaviour .