M1-M2 Grading and Longitudinal Course Grading

Authorizing Body:

Curriculum Committee

Author:

Office of Medical Education

Date Issued:

July 1, 2015

Last Update:

July 20, 2022

Rationale:

To provide a standard method of grading for M1-M2 longitudinal courses.

Scope and Applicability:

All students enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program.

Standard Practice Guideline

M1, M2 and longitudinal course grading is criterion-based on competency standards, rather than norm-referenced (curved). M1, M2, and longitudinal Course Directors evaluate students by means they judge appropriate to their respective courses. Course Directors determine the grading requirements for an individual course, including the number of examinations, required assignments, and the relative weight of all components of the course grade with approval from the OUWB Curriculum Committee.

Procedures:

Grades for the M1, M2, and longitudinal courses utilize either a three (3) grade interval (P1/P2/Fail) or a four (4) grade interval (Honors/P1/P2/Fail). The decision to utilize a three or four interval grading system for a course must be approved by the OUWB Curriculum Committee and stated in the course syllabus prior to the start of a course.

Evaluation of student performance is expressed as one of the following grades:

HN (Honors) is a permanent grade, assigned by the faculty member(s) responsible for the course, which denotes student performance exceeds expectations.

P1 (Pass on First Attempt) is a permanent grade, assigned by the faculty member(s) responsible for the course, which denotes that the student demonstrates the expected level of performance/competency in course requirements on first attempt.

P2 (Pass on Second Attempt) is a permanent grade assigned by the faculty member(s) responsible for the course, which denotes that the student demonstrates the expected level of performance/competency in course requirements after successfully retaking assessment(s).

FL (Fail) is a permanent grade, assigned by the faculty member(s) responsible for the course, which denotes student performance does not meet expectations. Students who are assigned a grade of “Fail” for a required course will need to either retake the course or will be dismissed from the medical school.

I (Incomplete) is a temporary grade, assigned by the faculty member(s) responsible for the course, which indicates work in the course is incomplete. If a student is unable to complete a course due to circumstances beyond his or her control (e.g., an emergent illness in which the student is incapacitated), the student may receive an Incomplete if s/he is in good standing in that course. The Course Director will provide a written plan for the student to complete the course by completing the Request for Re-examination/Remediation of Incomplete Grades form with signatures from the student, Course Director and Associate Dean for Preclinical Education and an identified date for remediation of the Incomplete. The form is submitted to the OUWB Director of Records and Registration. If the Incomplete is not remediated within the stated time frame (not to exceed one calendar year), the “Incomplete” will become a Fail grade. Re-examinations are not offered in remediation courses. A failure on a high-stakes exam during a remediation course will result in a grade of fail for the course.

W (Withdraw) is a permanent grade, assigned by the faculty member(s) responsible for the course, in any course in which the student withdraws prior to completion of the course. The grade can be assigned at any time prior to the completion of a course. Students who are assigned a grade of “Withdraw” will be required to retake the course.

Definitions:

High-stakes exams are exams that students must pass to receive a passing grade in a course.

Longitudinal courses include APM, Embark, MHCB, PMH, PRISM

Remediation courses are courses that are offered as a result of a student failing a previous course.

Re-examinations are exams that are offered as a result of a student failing a previous exam in the same course.

Related Policies and Forms: