University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS) was founded in 2007 by Dr. Robert Ross. The current president is his son, Warren Ross, JD. Its main campus is in Basseterre, St. Kitts, with companion campuses in New York City, NY, and Portland, Maine. UMHS offers an excellent alternative to students who may need a medical school option beyond the United States. UMHS has a good reputation as a medical school and an excellent student retention rate of 96%. Clinical rotations can be completed at hundreds of US and Canadian hospitals. UMHS expects academic excellence and medical professionalism from its students. Students are required to follow the standards outlined in The UMHS Student Handbook and the American Medical Students Association Code of Ethics. Students who cannot meet these standards may be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal from UMHS. A dismissal proceeding is a very serious action that can threaten your entire professional career as a doctor. If you are undergoing a dismissal or appeal, contact the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm todayat 888.535.3686.
UMHS Student Policies and Procedures
UMHS updates its Student Handbook each semester and the Handbook outlines both academic and non-academic (Non-Grade Grievance) reasons for dismissal. The Handbook is not available online to the public but some of the guidelines for expected academic and professional conduct are summarized in the online Academic Policies of UMHS. UMHS requires that, “Students must comply with professional standards of medicine in both personal and professional aspects of life in order to maintain a professional learning environment during enrollment at UMHS. Students are expected to function within the framework of the American Medical Students Association Code of Ethics which is contained in the Student Handbook.” All students are required to understand and follow the guidelines in the Student Handbook and know the polices and procedures at UMHS thoroughly. The President of UMHS or their designee is the final authority on all Student Handbook regulations.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Reasons for suspension and dismissal are also outlined in the online Academic Policies of UMHS. For example, students can be academically dismissed for failing three courses in the Basic Science curriculum or failing to complete the curriculum within 150 hours. A student can be placed on academic probation for falling below a grade point of 2.0 in a semester. All dismissals for academic reasons are made by the Dean of Basic Science or Clinic Science Division based on verified records.
Non-grade grievances can consist of violations of professional standards set out in the UMHS Student Handbook Code of Student Conduct and Discipline, the UMHS regulations, the Code of Ethics violations in the AMSA Code of Ethics, and violations of legal expectations. Hazing, unlawful drug use, and sexual harassment violations are specifically mentioned in the Academic Policies of UMHS. Sexual harassment violations are listed as a particularly serious offense and could result in suspension or dismissal. Hazing violations can include disciplinary action against both the student personally and a violating student organization. As part of the process of registration at the school, all students must state in writing that they will not engage in hazing practices.
Grievance Policies and Adjudication Procedures
The process for adjudication at UMHS is outlined in the Student Handbook under Non-Grade Grievances. All allegations must be presented in writing to the Dean of Student Affairs by any member of the UMHS campus. The report must be signed and dated and describe the specifics of the incident and the standard or code that is believed to have been violated. All reports involving a faculty member are forwarded to the Dean of Basic Sciences for resolution. All reports concerning staff members will be forwarded to the Director of Administration. All requests for a hearing follow the Hearing Procedure in the Student Handbook.
All students may be disciplined, suspended, or dismissed by the Dean of Students. Students have the right to appear before a grievance committee on any issues involving disciplinary action. That committee makes a determination and gives its recommendations to the Dean of Students. This determination may be for both academic and non-academic violations and could include criminal actions or failing to meet professional conduct or academic standards.
Suspended or dismissed students receive written notification of all committee decisions. Suspended students will be given options for reinstatement. Dismissal decisions reached by the Dean of Students are considered final and may be appealed. All final grievance violations are listed on a student's transcript.
Appeals Process
For academic appeals, every student is entitled to appeal a decision made by the Promotions and Appeals Committee. An appeal must be made in writing the Friday prior to the start of the next academic semester. A student will be given an appeal interview with the committee, and the student must appear for the interview. Additional information may be submitted and considered at the review and hearing. After review, the Promotions and Appeals Committee will then give the Dean a written recommendation within two days of the hearing. Within two days of the recommendation, the Dean will notify the student via campus email. The decision by the Dean is final and may not be appealed unless the student shows evidence that due process has been violated. If the student believes a breach of due process has occurred, then an appeal must be filed within five working days of notice of the final decision to the President of UMHS. Within ten days after receiving notice of a due process appeal, the President will make a final determination in writing.
If you are facing a possible dismissal from the University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS) based on professional conduct violations or other misconduct, seek help from our experienced legal professionals today. Contact the Offices of the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team at 888.535.3686.
