Academic Policies and Recovery Pathways

Section 1: Academic Standards and Expectations

Understanding Your Academic Requirements

The DVM curriculum is built on clear, consistent standards that apply to every student. Understanding what is expected helps you stay on track and act early when challenges arise.

Passing Standards (Years 1–3)

To successfully complete core courses in Years 1–3, students must earn a passing grade of C (73%) or above. Some courses may also require students to achieve a minimum score within specific discipline groups or modules in addition to the overall course minimum.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 2 – DVM Degree Academic Requirements

The Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Pass/Fail	Percentage	Interpretation
A	P	93–100	Excellent performance / exceeds expectations
A–	P	90–92.9	Excellent performance / exceeds expectations
B+	P	87–89.9	Good performance / meets expectations
B	P	83–86.9	Good performance / meets expectations
B–	P	80–82.9	Good performance / meets expectations
C+	P	77–79.9	Satisfactory performance / meets expectations
C	P	73–76.9	Satisfactory performance / meets expectations
C–	F	70–72.9	Unsatisfactory / does not meet expectations
D+	F	67–69.9	Unsatisfactory / does not meet expectations
D	F	60–66.9	Unsatisfactory / does not meet expectations
F	F	<59.9	Unsatisfactory / does not meet expectations
I (Incomplete)	F	N/A	See note below

Note on Incomplete (I) grades: An incomplete may be assigned when a student is unable to finish coursework due to unforeseen, exceptional, and uncontrollable circumstances — such as a serious illness, bereavement, or accident — that significantly impair the student's ability to meet obligations.

Semester Progression

Each semester serves as a prerequisite for the next. Students must earn a passing grade in all core courses to proceed. If a passing grade is not earned, the student must undergo academic review by the Student Progress Committee (SPC) and fulfill any designated requirements before advancing.

Students may remediate a maximum of four courses across Years 1–3. Students who exceed this limit will undergo additional academic review with the SPC.

A semester or clinical rotation may only be repeated once. The DVM degree must be completed within six years from the initial start date, except in cases of documented extenuating non-academic circumstances requiring petition to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs (ADAP) and the Dean of the CVM.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 2 – DVM Degree Academic Requirements; Section 4.2 – End of Course Remediation

Clinical Year Passing Standards (Year 4)

Successful completion of clinical rotations requires a Pass grade (73% or above). Students must complete all required clinical rotations and demonstrate competence in all required clinical competencies at established entrustment levels in order to graduate.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Sections 2 and 7 – Clinical Year Requirements

Section 2: Mid-Semester Check-In and Early Intervention

Catching Concerns Early – Before They Become Bigger Problems

One of the most important things a student can do when struggling academically is to act early. The DVM program has a structured early intervention process designed to help.

How It Works

At or around the midpoint of each semester, the Office of Academic Programs (OAP) will identify students whose course assessment scores average below 73%. These students are considered at risk of failing one or more courses and will be invited to participate in an early intervention program.

Participation is voluntary — but strongly encouraged.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 4.1 – Mid-Semester Check-in and Early Intervention Program

What Participation Looks Like

If a student elects to participate, the early intervention program provides an opportunity to:

• Meet with course instructor(s) and/or a member of the Student Progress Committee (SPC)
• Create a performance improvement plan tailored to the remainder of the semester
• Receive referrals to university and college resources, which may include:
  • Tutoring
  • Advising
  • Counseling
  • Student Health

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 4.1 – Mid-Semester Check-in and Early Intervention Program

Important to Know

Participation in the mid-semester check-in does not guarantee that a student will pass a course — but it does open the door to support and a structured plan. Acting early gives students the best chance of successfully completing the semester without needing further remediation.

Clinical Year Early Intervention

For students in the clinical year, early-intervention triggers and response procedures are defined in the DVTP Clinical Year Handbook and associated clarifying documents.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 10 – Definition of Terms: Early Intervention Program

Section 3: Academic Recovery Pathways — What Happens After a Failed Course

Understanding Your Options After a Course Failure (Years 1–3)

Failing a course is a serious academic event — but it does not automatically mean dismissal from the program. There are established pathways for review and recovery, and understanding them clearly can help students navigate the process with less anxiety.

The Remediation Process — Years 1–3

What Remediation Involves

When remediation is provided as an option by the SPC, it consists of:

• A defined study timeframe to review and remediate course material
• A comprehensive examination covering all aspects of the course

Key details

• The content and format of the remediation exam are determined by the course instructor(s)
• The exam is proctored at the Logan campus
• Remediation is coordinated by the course instructor of record (IOR)
• No additional instruction will be offered during the remediation study period
• Students retain access to all course materials on the learning management system and may contact the course instructor within appropriate limits
• Official accommodations granted through the Disability Resources Center (DRC) apply to remediation examinations

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 4.2 – End of Course Remediation

Remediation Exam Timing

• The comprehensive remediation exam takes place no earlier than one week and no later than three weeks after the end of the semester
• Students must contact the course instructor of record to schedule the exam at a mutually agreed-upon date and time

Grade submission deadlines:

• Fall semester: Remediation grades must be submitted to the USU Registrar's Office, the OAP, and the SPC, and made available to the student by the Friday before the start of the Spring semester
• Spring semester: Remediation grades must be submitted and made available to the student by the end of the three-week remediation period

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 4.2 – End of Course Remediation

Special Consideration: End of Year 3

If provided as an option by the SPC, remediation for the Spring semester of Year 3 may take place during the student's first clinical rotation, which becomes their four-week vacation block. Students will work with the Office of Clinical Programs (OCP) to modify their clinical year plan.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 4.2 – End of Course Remediation

Remediation Limits

Students may remediate a maximum of four courses during Years 1–3 of the DVM program. Those who exceed this limit will undergo additional academic review with the SPC.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 4.2 – End of Course Remediation

Academic Probation — What It Means and What to Expect

When Academic Probation Applies

Students are placed on academic probation when they:

• Fail a course (grade of C- or below) but successfully complete remediation (earn a C or above on the remediation exam), OR
• Are required to repeat a semester or academic year

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Sections 4.2 and 4.3 – Requirements for Students on Academic Probation

What Academic Probation Requires

Students on academic probation must:

1. Attend a meeting with their SPC faculty liaison to create an academic success plan — this meeting must occur before the end of the second week of the probationary semester
2. The academic success plan includes utilizing available resources such as counselors, tutors, learning specialists, and study groups
3. Agree on a regular check-in schedule with the faculty liaison throughout the semester

During the probationary semester, students are not permitted to:

• Hold an office position in a student class or organization
• Attend local or national meetings that interfere with class attendance or assessment preparation (e.g., studying)
• Remediate any failed courses — if a student fails a course during this period, the SPC may recommend dismissal or require repetition of the academic semester or year

Academic probation status is removed once the student successfully completes the probationary semester.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 4.3 – Requirements for Students on Academic Probation

Pathway Summary for Years 1–3

Situation	What Happens Next
Pass all core courses (C or above)	Progress to next semester — good standing
Fail a course; remediate successfully (C or above)	Progress with academic probation
Fail a course; fail or decline remediation	Academic review by SPC; possible repeat or dismissal
Exceed four course remediations	Academic review by SPC
Fail a course while on probation	SPC may recommend dismissal or repeat semester/year

Section 4: Clinical Year Remediation

When Remediation Applies in the Clinical Year

In the clinical year, students are expected to successfully complete all required clinical rotations and demonstrate competence in all required clinical competencies. When a student does not meet these requirements, a clinical remediation process is available.

The purpose of clinical year remediation is to provide students with an opportunity to correct identified deficiencies and demonstrate the competencies required for graduation as practice-ready veterinarians.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 8 – Clinical Year Remediation

What Can Trigger Clinical Remediation

Clinical year remediation may be initiated under two circumstances:

1. Rotation Failure — A student fails to meet the minimum requirements of a required clinical rotation
2. Clinical Competency Deficiencies — A student fails to demonstrate the required number of assessments or the required entrustment levels for each clinical competency

Students identified in either circumstance will be notified of the deficiency and the requirement for remediation.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 8.2 – Identification of Deficiencies

The Remediation Plan

The Associate Dean for Clinical Programs (ADCP) coordinates the development of an individualized remediation plan in consultation with appropriate academic and student support offices.

The plan will specify:

• The deficiencies to be addressed
• The activities required to correct those deficiencies
• The timeframe in which remediation must be completed

Students will be notified of the plan and expectations for successful completion.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 8.3 – Development of a Remediation Plan

Types of Remediation Activities

Remediation activities may include, but are not limited to:

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Sections 8.4.1 and 8.4.2

Timeline and Responsibilities

Clinical remediation must normally be completed no later than the end of the summer semester following the conclusion of the clinical year, unless an extension is approved due to documented non-academic circumstances.

Students are responsible for any tuition, fees, or other costs associated with remediation activities.

Students will not receive a diploma until all graduation requirements have been satisfied.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 8.5 – Timeline for Completion

If Clinical Remediation Is Not Completed

If a student does not successfully complete the required remediation plan, the case is referred to the SPC for review. The SPC may recommend to the Dean of the CVM:

1. Repetition of the clinical year following an approved remediation plan, or
2. Dismissal from the DVM degree program

The Dean of the CVM has final authority regarding the outcome of SPC recommendations.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 8.6 – Failure of Clinical Remediation

Graduation Implications

• Students who successfully complete clinical year remediation remain eligible for graduation
• Students who have not satisfied all clinical year requirements at commencement will not receive their diploma until all requirements are met
• Students may be permitted to participate in commencement ceremonies in accordance with University policies; however, participation does not confer completion of degree requirements
• All clinical year remediation plans and outcomes are documented by the Office of Clinical Programs

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 9 – Graduation Implications

Section 5: Student Progress Committee (SPC) Guidance

Understanding the Role of the SPC

The Student Progress Committee (SPC) plays a central role in supporting student success and maintaining the academic and professional standards of the DVM program. Understanding what the SPC does — and does not do — can help reduce uncertainty during difficult academic situations.

What the SPC Is

The SPC is comprised of faculty from across the CVM who are committed to the academic and professional well-being and progress of students. The committee is responsible for:

• Reviewing students' academic records in Years 1–3
• Providing recommendations to the Dean of the CVM regarding student progression

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 11 – Roles and Responsibilities: Student Progress Committee

The SPC's Academic Role (Years 1–3)

The SPC becomes involved in a student's academic situation when:

• A student receives a non-passing grade in a course
• A student refuses, fails, or cannot complete remediation
• A student exceeds remediation limits
• Academic review is required for any other reason outlined in the Academic Standards policy

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 4.4 – Academic Review

The Academic Review Process — Step by Step

The entire academic review process must be completed within four weeks following the report of remediation exam results.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 4.4 – Academic Review

If a student believes a grade was assigned in error, the appropriate first step is to speak directly with the course instructor. If the matter is not resolved, the student should follow the process outlined in the USU Academic Grievance Policy.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 4.4 – Academic Review (Note)

The SPC’s Professionalism Role

In addition to academic review, the SPC also oversees the review of professionalism violations by students in the DVM program and may make recommendations to the Dean.

The SPC's review of professionalism concerns is designed to support resolution, remediation, and accountability — not to be punitive in nature. Possible outcomes from professionalism review include:

• Conflict resolution strategies
• Formal professionalism remediation plans
• Additional academic or professional development requirements for advancement in the DVM program
• Escalation to the USU Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for more serious University policy-level violations)
• Recommendation to the Dean for dismissal (in severe cases)

Source: Professionalism Standards and Conduct Policy, Sections 8.1 and 8.4 – Student Progress Committee (SPC) Actions

Confidentiality and Fairness

Unsatisfactory academic performance reviewed by the SPC is treated with respect and confidentiality. When necessary, the SPC may consult with faculty, staff, administrators, and others in the professional community, as well as review a student's prior academic record, in order to understand the nature of a student's difficulties and recommend an appropriate course of action.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 2 – DVM Degree Academic Requirements

Section 6: Student Status During Non-Enrollment Periods

What Happens to Student Status During Academic Review or Repeat Periods

Students who are required to repeat a semester or year, or who are on an approved leave of absence, are not considered enrolled DVM students during any period in which they are not registered for DVM courses and not paying DVM student tuition and fees.

During non-enrollment periods, these individuals are not permitted to access:

• Student recreation facilities
• Athletic events or other fee-based student services
• University library services
• Student Health & Wellness Center services (unless they independently maintain student health insurance)
• University IT systems and digital services
• Financial aid or scholarships
• Coverage under Professional Liability Insurance (PLIT)
• Student housing

In addition, such individuals will not be permitted to participate in student activities, including CVM student club activities or clinical activities at USU or in USU-sanctioned programs.

Students regain access to these services, resources, and activities only upon resuming active enrollment as a DVM student.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 6 – Student Status During Non-Enrollment Periods

Section 7: Grade Replacement for Repeat Students

Understanding How Grades Work When Repeating a Semester or Year

When a student is required to repeat coursework:

• The student re-enrolls, pays associated fees/tuition, and receives new grades for all courses retaken
• If satisfactory, the most recent grade and GPA hours are used to recalculate the student's GPA
• The previous grade and GPA hours for the same course remain on the academic record with the OAP for purposes of calculating total failing grades, class rank, and other academic or professional distinctions

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 5 – Grade Effects: Grade Replacement for Repeat Students

Section 8: Student Complaints and Grievances

How to Address Concerns About Instruction or Grading

Students who have complaints about instruction or grading should first address them directly with the course instructor. If the issue is not resolved after speaking with the instructor, the student should follow the process outlined in the USU Academic Grievance Policy.

Grievance procedures related to the Disability Resources Center (DRC) are available on the DRC website.

Source: Academic Standards Policies and Procedures, Section 3 – Student Complaints and Grievance Process

Reporting Professionalism Concerns

If a student observes a professionalism concern involving a peer, faculty member, staff member, or AVIP preceptor, the appropriate steps depend on who is involved:

• Concerns about a peer: When safe and appropriate, attempt direct, respectful communication first. If unsuccessful or not feasible, the matter may be reported to the SPC.
• Concerns about a faculty or staff member: Per USU policy, first attempt direct, respectful communication with the individual. If unsuccessful, elevate the concern to that person's direct supervisor (for staff) or department head (for faculty).
• Concerns about an AVIP preceptor or clinic staff: First attempt direct, respectful communication. During the clinical year, also submit an Incident Report in CORE ELMS documenting the concern.

Serious violations involving academic integrity, discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, criminal behavior, or threats to health and safety must be immediately reported to the correct office. Reporting forms are available through the USU Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.

Source: Professionalism Standards and Conduct Policy, Sections 8.3, 8.5, 8.6, and 9