The medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU Medical School) has been training medical students in Virginia since the mid-nineteenth century. It's the area's only Level I Trauma Center and is a major referral center for the Southeastern region of the United States. With such a reputation for high standards, VCU School of Medicine strives to foster an equitable, inclusive environment that is free from bias, discrimination, and harassment. Students, trainees, and faculty are held to high standards and expected to act with professionalism and mutual respect at all times. To that end, the school has created a Student Handbook as well as standards for professionalism that, if violated, can lead to severe repercussions—including dismissal from VCU Medical School.
Typical Reasons for Dismissal
Dismissal from a professional program like VCU School of Medicine is a serious matter. The cause for expulsion could be academic misconduct, professionalism concerns, lack of adequate progress in your program, or unethical behavior. Not every violation of this nature leads to expulsion, but multiple “minor” infractions could force your institution to consider dismissing you from the program. For egregious violations, the school may convene a panel to issue a decision right away.
At VCU School of Medicine, the most common reasons for dismissal are:
- Severe ethical or professionalism violations
- Discrimination
- Harassment
- Giving out confidential information accessed through school devices
- Failure to maintain passing grades
Adjudication Process at VCU School of Medicine
Medical students must follow rules and guidelines set out in the Student Handbook. There are procedures for dealing with violations, including an adjudication process.
The School of Medicine defers to the VCU Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct; these university-wide rules apply to medical students. Any member of the medical school community can report a student for suspected academic dishonesty to the VCU Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. They will decide whether to open an investigation and if they do, will determine an administrative solution. If the student does not accept the administrative solution, they can request a Decision Board or Sanction Review Board to review the matter.
Students accused of wrongdoing are able to attend the Decision Board hearing and bring an advisor along, but the advisor cannot participate in the hearing. Witnesses can testify at the hearing as well, either in favor of the person who reported the violation or the accused student.
Any hearing having to do with dismissal or discipline can be stressful. You may have to face interrogations by university officials or faculty members. While you can't have an advisor represent you during the hearing, having an attorney-advisor like Joseph D. Lento by your side can still be beneficial. You can confer privately with your advisor during the hearing, plus they can help you prepare for answering questions or presenting evidence beforehand.
Appeals Process
At VCU School of Medicine, students can appeal dismissal decisions related to progression and academic requirements through the Promotion/Advancement Committee. If students want to appeal a dismissal by the Honor Council, they must use the Judicial Affairs procedures.
Progression Issues Appeal Process
To appeal a dismissal based on progression issues, students must submit the appeal in writing within 14 days of receiving notification of the decision. Two faculty members review the request and if necessary, grant an appeal hearing. Students may have an advisor participate in the hearing with them. At the end of the hearing, the Appeals Committee votes and sends a finding and recommendation to the Dean within 14 days. The Dean's decision is final, but dismissed students may later reapply to medical school as matriculating students.
Judicial Affairs Appeal Process
VCU has an Honor Council which deals with violations of the Honor System. Students who want to challenge an administrative resolution concerning their dismissal must appeal to the Honor Council. Students can request one of two boards to review their appeal:
- Sanction Review Board: Students appeal to this board if they accept responsibility for the alleged action that prompted the dismissal, but they wish to appeal the sanction applied. Students must submit written statements for the board to review and cannot appear before the board in person.
- Decision Board: Students who want to challenge the finding that they are responsible for alleged misconduct can appeal to the Decision Board. Accused students are allowed to participate in Decision Board hearings and may provide an introductory statement, present evidence, question witnesses, and answer questions from the board. Once the hearing ends, the Decision Board votes on whether to uphold the responsibility for the violation.
When to Contact a Student Defense Attorney-Advisor
As a hardworking medical student who is facing dismissal from your medical school, you might feel hopeless or defeated. But you have options. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can help you explore those options and avoid dismissal if you act quickly. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento has worked with medical students on dismissal and other issues nationwide. He understands the tough situation you're in and is here to lend support, empathy, and guidance as you move through the process.
When you have a professional team by your side, it's much easier to gather evidence and prepare for the hearing properly, rather than stress over what might go wrong. If your sanctions do lead to a dismissal, attorney-advisor Lento and his team can help you produce a strong appeal before the dismissal takes effect and ruins your future career in the medical field. A legal advisor can also help you negotiate an alternative, fairer resolution and identify problems in the process that may lead to an unfair outcome.
If you or a loved one is facing dismissal from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine due to professional concerns, progression issues, or ethical problems, consider contacting a student defense attorney-advisor. Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Contact the Lento Law Firm today for a discreet consultation by calling 888-535-3686 or online.
