Undergraduate Academic Policies
Academic Progress
Each student is solely responsible for his/her academic progress. To advance, each student must meet both the quantitative and qualitative requirements of each course in the Department of Medical and Research Technology. A description and listing of requirements for each course is provided at the beginning of the semester in the course syllabus. A student cannot graduate if a grade of D or F has been received in any course and/or has an outstanding "Incomplete" in any course in the Department. A student receiving a grade of D or F in any course is required to repeat the course and obtain a passing grade of C or higher. In addition, a student will not be eligible for graduation if any prerequisite coursework remains outstanding.
Students should be familiar with the current University of Maryland Academic Regulations. Questions may be directed to the Office of Records and Registration, 601 Lombard Street, Suite 201 at (410) 706-7480.
Grading System
Final grades for didactic courses are recorded as follows:
| Period from Date Instruction Begins | Percentage Refundable |
|---|---|
| On or before the first day of semester | 100% |
| Two weeks or less | 80% |
| Two to three weeks | 60% |
| Three to four weeks | 40% |
| Four to five weeks | 20% |
| After five weeks | 0% |
PASS/FAIL
Clinical rotation/externship courses are graded on a A rough F scale. Students must pass each laboratory rotation in order to be eligible for advancement to subsequent rotations. A student CANNOT graduate without passing all clinical rotations/externships.
Final grades for laboratory practice courses and externships are recorded as follows:
A: 89.5-100
B: 79.5-89.4
C: 69.5-79.4
D: 59.5-69.4
F:<59.5
I (INCOMPLETE)
An incomplete (I) is to be used only when mitigating circumstances (i.e., illness, unavoidable absence) have prevented the student from completing the course on time. It is to be viewed as a non-prejudicial entry on the student’s record. It must be noted that the grade of "I" remains on the official student transcript. The final grade earned is recorded on the permanent record upon successful completion of the course and is indicated on the transcript as "I/final grade. The grade of "I" is given only to a student whose work in a course has been qualitatively satisfactory, "C" or above, but who has been unable to complete some small portion because of illness or circumstances beyond the control of the student. In no case will the mark of "I" be recorded for a student who has not completed the major portion of the course or is in jeopardy of not passing. The Incomplete may be removed upon completion of work assigned by Department faculty. All work must be completed before the student is eligible for graduation; otherwise, the "I" becomes terminal and equivalent to an "F."
Program Specific ACADEMIC POLICIES
70/70 RULE
For all junior and senior level laboratory based courses, the assessment of student performance will be based on two components, 1) didactic competence and 2) laboratory skills. To successfully complete the laboratory-based courses, students must attain a minimum average of 69.5% in both the lecture portion of the course and a minimum of 70% in the laboratory portion of the course. Failure to do so will result in a final grade no higher than “D”.
All examination questions and graded assessments are based on published course learning objectives. Objectives may be modified during the course at the discretion of the course coordinator, but prior notice to students will be provided.
Examination questions will not be returned for students to keep. Exams may be reviewed by appointment with the course coordinator.
Academic Program Requirements for Baccalaureate Degree Seeking Students
Students earning a Bachelor of Science degree must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better at all times. If, upon completion of any semester, the student's GPA is less than 2.0, he/she will be placed on academic probation. “Academic Probation” is noted on the student's permanent record. Once the student's GPA is 2.0 or better the student will be removed from academic probation and his/her transcript will state "removed from academic probation." A student on academic probation for any two semesters will be recommended to the Dean for dismissal. If a student receives a grade of "D" in any course the student will automatically be placed on academic probation regardless of their overall GPA.
Students with a GPA of 1.0 or below for any semester will be academically dismissed.
| GPA 1.1 - 1.9 for any semester ....................................... Academic Probation |
| GPA below 2.0 for two semesters ................................... Academic Dismissal |
Students on Academic Probation will be required to have a modified plan of study which may include a reduction in credit hours to part-time enrollment, assignment of a tutor, repeating a failed course, and/or auditing a course in which student performance was weak or marginal. Modified plans of study are developed and finalized by the DMRT Program Director.
Students must achieve a grade of "C" or better in all didactic courses. Students will be allowed to repeat a course only one time. Failure to achieve a grade of “C” or better in a repeated course will result in the student’s dismissal from the program. A student must have a grade of "C" or better in all courses as well as a minimum of 75% on all cumulative senior final exams in order to advance to clinical rotations/externships.
Academic Program Requirements for Post Baccalaureate Categorical Students
Students in Post Baccalaureate Categorical studies must maintain a 3.0 (B) average throughout their program of study. A student who’s GPA for a semester falls below 3.0 will automatically be placed on departmental academic notice and will not be permitted to progress to the clinical practicum. Any student on departmental academic notice for two semesters will be dismissed from the Program.
A student whose progress in a course is not satisfactory will be notified by the Course Coordinator. Notice will also be given to the Program Director. In such cases, the student is responsible for scheduling an appointment with the Course Coordinator. During the appointment, the Course Coordinator, in consultation with the student, will develop a remedial plan for the student. The remedial plan may include recommendations that the student seek group or private tutoring, evaluation of study skills and time management skills, financial assistance, professional counseling or other measures. It is the responsibility of the student to implement the remedial plan and to correct unsatisfactory performance. The student may also contact the Program Director for guidance and to discuss Program policies including policies governing dropping a course, academic probation, dismissal and withdrawal.
The plan of study selection for categorical students becomes final after the completion of the first semester. Categorical students interested in changing to a degree seeking study plan must request to do so at least six (6) weeks before the start of the second semester of classes.