Are you a student at Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) in Philadelphia and received an academic dismissal? Do you feel the dismissal was unwarranted or too harsh? Are you looking to appeal your dismissal so you can continue your studies and graduate? Maybe you're afraid the school will dismiss you because of recent events, or you received notice of a disciplinary hearing.
Whatever your case, you have a right to be concerned. You have invested a lot of time, money, and resources toward getting your medical degree, and you want to follow your passion for helping others.
Academic dismissal is a serious matter, and you want to do all you can to reinstate your academic status or avoid dismissal altogether. You need to understand the reasons for your dismissal and how you can appeal the decision. You also need to consult an experienced student defense attorney in Pennsylvania for help in defending yourself.
Sidney Kimmel Medical College Code of Conduct
SKMC publishes its Shared Code of Values and Professionalism in its student handbook. The following requirements apply to all faculty, students, and staff:
- Comply with state, local, and University regulations on and off campus
- Comply with all Jefferson Health COVID-19 testing requirements and any recommended follow-up.
Failure to follow the codes of conduct will be seen as a professionalism lapse and will be subject to possible disciplinary action.
Who Decides Disciplinary Issues at SKMC?
SKMC's Committee on Student Promotions (COSP) handles all disciplinary issues involving students, and it is composed of at least 10 Senior Faculty members, five basic science faculty members, and five clinical faculty members.
Students must exhibit “appropriate standards of professional and ethical conduct” and must demonstrate honesty, integrity, compassion, and good judgment. Students must have good interpersonal skills and a willingness to assume responsibility. They must also show logical thinking and not be dependent on chemicals or substances that would cloud their judgment.
A student can face dismissal if they fail to meet these standards. COSP may also immediately dismiss a student if they threaten the safety, welfare, or health of any other student or SKMC staff. COSP may also order a student to undergo psychiatric evaluation if they feel the student's actions warrant it.
Also, students must not have “legal or other impediments” that would prevent them from continuing their studies and graduating. If a student has legal impediments, the issue “will be resolved by the joint action of the Judicial Board and COSP, in consultation as necessary with college administration and legal counsel.”
When Can a Student Face Disciplinary Actions?
Students can face dismissal from SKMC for a variety of reasons. The most common are:
- Academic issues, such as failing a course or clinical clerkship. If a student fails a course while on academic probation, they can receive dismissal.
- Professional misconduct, such as violating any rules regarding acceptable professionalism in a learning or clinical environment
- Sexually or physically assaulting a colleague, staff member, or patient
- Violating any local, state, or federal laws that result in arrest or conviction
- Violating other SKMC or Thomas Jefferson University codes of conduct.
COSP must invite a student to attend a meeting to learn of the allegations and provide information about their “academic deficiencies.” Students may have one “support person” with them during the meeting, but the person cannot be legal counsel, nor can the person participate in the meeting.
Additionally, students are only allowed to repeat one academic year during their time at SKMC, and they must pass all courses. COSP can terminate a student's enrollment “if they fail to pass any course in its timely sequence during a second attempt at a curricular year.”
What Is the Process of Dealing with Disciplinary Actions?
COSP provides students with a “fair and formal process for taking any action” that could affect their academic status. The process typically involves:
- Notifying the student of impending actions
- Providing evidence on which COSP will base its decision
- Providing the student an opportunity to respond to the allegations
SKMC must also offer students a chance to appeal any adverse decisions, including appealing a dismissal.
Appealing an Academic Dismissal
After receiving notice of academic dismissal from COSP, a student may submit a written request for appeal to the Dean of the Medical College and the Office of Academic Affairs/Undergraduate Medical Education within 10 days.
- The request must state the basis for the appeal and “should include new information that would warrant a reconsideration of the decision to dismiss.”
- The Dean may deny the appeal or refer the case back to the Appeals Committee on Student Promotions for additional consideration. If the Dean denies the appeal, their decision is “final and binding.”
- The student will receive notification of the Dean's decision within 14 days of the office receiving their written request for appeal.
- If the Dean refers the matter back to the Appeals Committee, the Committee will review the case and evaluate the appeal within 30 days. The student has the right to attend the meeting and answer questions and offer an explanation or defense. As in the COSP disciplinary meeting, the student can have one support person who is not legal counsel. The Committee may choose to maintain the dismissal or rescind it. The Committee may also postpone its decision up to 10 days if more information or evidence is needed.
- After making its determination, the Appeals Committee's decision will become final and binding.
The Appeals Committee is comprised of an ad hoc panel of five senior faculty members and one Dean-appointed designee. The COSP Chair may attend the appeals meeting but will not take part in voting or deliberations.
Can a Student Be Reinstated After Academic Dismissal?
Any dismissed student who wishes to continue their medical studies may apply to COSP in writing within two years of their dismissal. COSP will evaluate the reinstatement request and will “consider all factors related to the student's performance and potential to succeed.” Students may have to repeat courses, complete remedial work, or make up any required examinations. COSP may also request additional information from the student or conduct a personal interview, and the COSP Chair will meet with Deans from Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to decide how best to reinstate the student.
Where Can I Get Help with My SKMC Dismissal Appeal?
Although SKMC states you can't have legal counsel with you during any disciplinary or appeals meetings, that does not mean you cannot benefit from having an attorney. An attorney is essential for advice on how to best handle the situation and what you should and should not do or say. An attorney can help you gather evidence, question witnesses, formulate your responses, and prepare for the meeting so you stand the best chance of getting favorable outcomes.
Student Defense Attorneys at the LLF Law Firm Education Law Team have helped thousands of students throughout Pennsylvania and across the country defend themselves against allegations of academic or behavioral misconduct.
Contact us today at 888.535.3686 or online to request a confidential consultation concerning your academic dismissal and how we can help you appeal the decision.
