Dental school is an incredibly competitive atmosphere. Every student is vying to prove themselves. At the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry, students are expected to uphold the university's prestigious reputation, both academically and professionally. With all that pressure and competition, it's no wonder some students find it hard to excel. If you or someone you love has been referred for dismissal from UCSF School of Dentistry or they have been denied a remediation plan, Lento Law Firm can help. Call our offices today.
University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry Code of Conduct
At UCSF School of Dentistry, students are given a specific set of conduct rules they must follow. These rules cover both their professional and their academic behavior, including:
- Being honest, trustworthy, and ethical
- Treating all others with respect and kindness
- Acting responsibly with patients, visitors, and other students
- Appreciating and celebrating the differences in others
- Giving their best every day
- Maintaining satisfactory grades
Also found in the code of conduct is maintaining academic integrity so that the school can continue to provide its students with an academic environment that fosters learning and education. Students are asked to refrain from committing any act of academic misconduct, including:
- Cheating: using or attempting to use any materials on an exam, paper, or other assignment without the instructor's permission; or helping another student use or attempt to use unauthorized material on an exam, paper, or other assignment
- Plagiarism: presenting the work or ideas of someone else as if they were your own on an exam, paper, or other assignment
- Fabrication: making up information and using it like it is factual
- Helping other students violate the academic integrity policy
If a student at UCSF is caught violating these policies, they may be referred for dismissal. But don't worry, an attorney-advisor can help salvage your place and your reputation in dental school if you are brought before a dismissal hearing committee.
Remediation at UCSF School of Dentistry
Students at UCSF School of Dentistry are given the option to remediate a course, exam, or assignment if the university discovers the student is struggling to pass. At the end of each year, student files are reviewed to determine if they should be allowed to continue to the next year. When the university discovers that a student is struggling to pass, they will devise a remediation plan for them to follow to get them back on track.
Initially, students are given the option to attempt remediation during the course, but if they are unsuccessful, they will have to enter the Formal Guidance Plan. During the Formal Guidance Plan, the student will have to meet regularly with the faculty and meet specific benchmarks. If a student is unable to overcome their deficiencies, they will first be given a chance to repeat the course. If they fail again, they will repeat the year. And if they are unsuccessful again, they will be referred for dismissal.
Dismissal Proceedings at UCSF School of Dentistry
At UCSF School of Dentistry, students are evaluated throughout the year. The Student Status Committees (SSC) will review any students' performance if their records indicate they are having a hard time understanding the material or mastering the course content or if they have already been placed on academic warning or probation.
If the SSC determines that a student should be referred for dismissal, they will review the student's files in-depth and determine if dismissal is appropriate. If the student disagrees with this decision, they will have an opportunity to submit information for them to consider. After they have made their final decision, they will notify the student. If a student is dismissed after these proceedings, they will be given directions on how to appeal.
Generally, to appeal, students must show that either:
- There was a factual error in the record that wasn't identified during the hearing that would have changed the decision
- The hearing committee did not follow its own procedures, and without this failure, the result would have been different
The appeal must be received by the Dean within ten working days. The Dean will review the appeal and make a decision to modify the sanction, uphold it, or strike it down within five working days. This decision is final and cannot be appealed further.
How a Skilled Attorney-Advisor Can Help
If you are facing a dismissal proceeding or are unable to receive a remediation plan from your university, an attorney-advisor will best be able to advocate for you. Not only do attorney-advisors have the experience of being an attorney, but they also understand the fundamentals of university proceedings and will fight to mitigate any unnecessary consequences you may face. For instance, if you believe you should be allowed to remediate a course or exam, but the university has denied you access to a remediation program, an attorney-advisor will help you organize and present a defense.
In some cases, students attempt to face these proceedings alone and find themselves wholly unprepared. Unfortunately, this results in dismissals that could have been overcome. There are several consequences to an early dismissal from dental school, including having the dismissal noted on your final transcript – which could affect your ability to get into another dental school to finish your education.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento and Lento Law Firm have years of experience helping dental students facing university hearings. They will work diligently to create a strong defense, presenting witnesses and gathering evidence to guarantee you the best possible outcome for your case. Call our offices today at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation or visit us online.
