Although Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine’s (VCOM) Auburn campus is relatively new (established in 2014), it has adopted the centuries-old practice of expelling students. If you have become the target of this trend, or you might soon face an order of dismissal from VCOM, now is the time to fight for your medical career.

Dismissal is often an improper way to address students’ academic struggles, difficulties understanding professional expectations, and alleged misconduct. Many alternatives, from a probationary period to remediation, a decelerated curriculum, and a formal reprimand, can all be more suitable, depending on the student’s unique circumstances.

Convincing a DO program’s leadership to implement an alternative to dismissal can require a compelling argument, especially if the school has already elected to dismiss you. Presenting these compelling arguments is what the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team does, which is why you should allow us to be your aggressive advocates.

Call the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online about how we will fight for you to avoid dismissal from VCOM’s Auburn campus and continue pursuing your medical career.

Possible Grounds for Dismissal from VCOM – Auburn Campus

The most common reasons for students to be dismissed from VCOM are:

Academic Progression Issues

VCOM students are rigorously evaluated for their academic and clinical performance. The VCOM College Catalog notes that students can be dismissed if they:

  • Continually score in the “unsatisfactory” category in clinicals or academics

  • Are repeatedly evaluated as “performs some of the time, but needs improvement” in their clinicals

  • Do not “improve over time”

  • Fail one or more rotations

  • Fail to comply with an Altered Degree Plan of Study

DO programs are rigorous, and students deserve patience when they struggle academically or in clinical settings. Yet, many of them ultimately face dismissal if they don’t progress at the rate that decision makers expect them to.

Unprofessionalism Allegations

The VCOM College Catalog lists Professional and Ethical Attributes that students are expected to exhibit “at all times.” The policy notes that “students who perform in an unethical or unprofessional manner are subject to dismissal.”

Several behaviors can be deemed unprofessional, from substance addiction to illegal activity and “immoral decisions.” Professionalism concerns are subjective by nature, which is grounds we often cite when contesting dismissal decisions based on alleged unprofessional conduct.

Behavioral Misconduct

Several forms of behavioral misconduct, ranging from plagiarism to violence against others, can result in a student’s dismissal from VCOM’s Auburn campus.

The Roads That Can Lead to Dismissal from VCOM

Expelling a student is not a decision to be made hastily, and VCOM has well-documented procedures that may ultimately lead to a student’s dismissal.

Addressing Academic Progression Issues

When students fail multiple courses or rotations or fail to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress, the VCOM Promotion Board becomes involved. The Promotion Board is often called after final grades have been posted, though special sessions can also be called.

The “appropriate Associate Dean” typically initiates Promotion Board meetings. When an Associate Dean determines that a student should be referred to the Promotion Board, then:

  • The student receives notice of the referral

  • The student provides a letter or statement contextualizing their performance in advance of the Promotion Board’s review

  • The student attends the Promotion Board meeting, at which time they will likely be asked questions and prompted to give any statements they deem necessary

  • The Associate Dean, Registrar, and any other informed parties contribute relevant information

  • The Promotion Board decides (by majority) how to respond to the student’s academic or clinical struggles

The Promotion Board can choose from a range of actions, from remediation to placement on academic probation and, yes, dismissal.

Adjudicating Behavioral Misconduct (Including Certain Unprofessionalism Allegations)

VCOM’s Professional and Ethical Standards Board (PESB) and Campus Dean are the primary bodies responsible for addressing alleged unprofessional conduct. If a student is accused of unprofessional conduct, academic misconduct, or other violations of school policy related to their behavior, then:

  • The Campus Dean or their designee will investigate the complaint, typically including a discussion with the accused student

  • If there is “reasonable probability” that a student has violated the Honor Code, the Campus Dean may convene the PESB

  • The student accused of wrongdoing may elect for a three-person panel to review their case or have the Campus Dean make a unilateral decision (though the Campus Dean can deny the request, in which case the student must choose between a three-person panel and the PESB)

The adjudication process may vary depending on which body is handling the case. Typically, the student participates in hearing-like procedures, with the Campus Dean ultimately deciding the outcome after considering any recommendations from a three-person panel or the PESB.

Appeals Are a Time-Tested Means of Avoiding Dismissal from DO Programs

Appeals are always an important topic when a student’s enrollment is at risk, and we will help you lead any necessary:

  • Appeals of Promotion Board rulings: The Campus Dean receives the VCOM Promotion Board’s recommendation in cases of academic progression issues. A student has seven working days to appeal the Dean’s decision to the VCOM Provost.

  • Appeals of rulings stemming from alleged behavioral misconduct: When a student learns of a Campus Dean’s decision to dismiss them for alleged behavioral misconduct, they have seven days to appeal the decision to the Provost.

Our Student Defense Team will help you identify all credible grounds for appeal and lead the appeal process on your behalf.

Here Are a Few Alternatives to Dismissal That May Be Available to You

In many cases, when a student is facing dismissal, they may have no choice but to accept some form of discipline or address academic failures.

Our Student Defense Team will help you identify plausible alternatives to dismissal, including academic or behavioral probation, an adjustment to your course load, remediation, or another resolution that keeps you enrolled at VCOM.

We know how daunting an order of dismissal (or just the prospect of dismissal) is. Let us help. Our team comprises experienced, passionate advocates for students—trust in our experience and reputation, which are both rock-solid.

Call the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to discuss your circumstances and chart the course ahead.

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn Campus

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