Policies and Forms
For general Utah State University policies, view the USU Policies library or the Emergency Alerts websites.
Forms
WIMU Academic Standards Policy
These standards relate to issues of subject knowledge and proficiency in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum. They govern academic expectations and procedures that will be followed in the event that a student fails to meet these expectations in a given discipline or field of study. Please read the full policy below.
WIMU Ideal Attributes for DVM Graduates
The WIMU Program seeks to graduate students who will be known for their knowledge base, skill, compassion, intellectual honesty, trustworthiness and ethical behavior. Please read the document below for detailed ideal attributes for DVM graduates.
WIMU Essential Requirements of DVM Students
The Washington State University Regents confer a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree only after a student has mastered the coherent body of knowledge and skills that comprises the veterinary curriculum to the satisfaction of the faculty. The faculty will expect each veterinary student to demonstrate proficiency in the use and understanding of principles and facts related to the basic sciences and in the application of these principles to the practice of clinical medicine. There are certain qualities and skills that students must possess and/or refine to accomplish these things. These essential qualities include: ethical, attitudinal, behavioral, and emotional attributes, stamina, intellectual (cognitive, integrative, and quantitative abilities) capacity, communication skills, and the visual, auditory, tactile acuity and motor skills necessary to function as a health care professional. The guidelines in the document below are meant to familiarize students with the expectations of the faculty, as well as some of the inherent demands of our veterinary curriculum. Judgments about whether a student has failed to meet any of these standards will be made in the context of the due process procedures outlined in the Procedural Guidelines section of the document below.
WIMU Grading Policies
The WIMU program utilizes a modified pass/fail grading system. It is important for you to understand that the pass/fail system does not reflect lower standards or expectations. In virtually all WIMU courses, the minimum score required to pass is substantially higher than that required for a ‘D’ or even a ‘C’ in most undergraduate courses, and 80% is not generally considered “B” level work. The following designations are used:
S Satisfactory (Pass)
M Marginal
F Fail
It is essential that all students understand the meanings of each of these grades and the implications of earning unsatisfactory (M or F) grades in the professional curriculum.
S – Satisfactory performance
Through exams or other means of evaluation, you have shown that you have gained sufcient knowledge and/or skills
in a course so that – assuming you retain most of what you have learned and perform satisfactorily in other courses –
you should be able to succeed in subsequent courses or in a clinical setting. Remember, however, that the minimum cut-off in each course is just that – the minimum acceptable level. You should strive to be well above that level in all of your courses. Students who are frequently near the low end of the passing range in their coursework (i.e. scores consistently less than about 80%) are more likely to fail subsequent courses or otherwise encounter obstacles to completion of the DVM program.
M – Marginal performance
This represents a level of performance close to but below the satisfactory level. (Note that the range for M grades is set by individual course directors and will likely vary from one course to another, just as the criteria for the S and F grades vary.) An M grade is NOT a satisfactory grade. If the deficiency is small and involves no more than one or two courses, we expect that a student will be able to “catch up” on his/her own. However, accumulation of more than 5 credit hours of M during the first 3 years of the curriculum is a clear indication of serious academic deficiency and a petition to the Dean is required to move ahead in the program (see the WIMU Academic Standards Policy ). Such a petition is likely to be granted only if it includes a specific plan for remediation and improvement. Receiving an M grade while on academic probation is grounds for dismissal. These are serious situations that faculty and staff prefer none of our students ever encounter.
F – Fail
This is probably self-explanatory. Unlike most undergraduate programs, however, a failing grade in the DVM curriculum brings your progress to a halt. You cannot move forward in concert with your classmates with an F grade on your record. The two potential outcomes are permanent dismissal from the DVM program or, if the Dean approves a petition for reinstatement, retaking the course and earning a passing grade (S). Because the curriculum is interdependent and success in clinics requires a comprehensive knowledge base, post hoc term papers or other special projects will not make up for failing a course. With reinstatement, scheduling constraints typically require a student who has failed a core course to retake the course the following year, delaying his/her expected graduation date, adding to total tuition costs, and possibly disrupting financial aid arrangements.
A Note about Grading Scales: Each course establishes its own set of standards based on the expectations and previous experiences of the participating instructors. In general, members of the teaching faculty have put considerable thought into their grading scales. The standards printed in each course syllabus reflect the instructors’ examination and grading philosophies, as well as other broader beliefs about how a veterinarian-in-training should be able to perform. You should recognize that the expectations for veterinary students change significantly as they progress through the DVM curriculum. Although students are expected to begin applying what they’ve learned almost from the outset, that expectation is amplified each semester as students are increasingly required to retain and integrate knowledge from previous and concurrent courses. In addition, the types of exam questions and activities required to adequately assess students’ knowledge and skills necessarily varies from one course to another. Likewise, instructors difer widely regarding the methods by which they assess students and their grading philosophies. As a result of all these factors, there is no standardized grading scale or set of cut-of scores that can be applied universally in all courses. You should also beware of trying to unofcially “convert” your numerical scores to letter grades based on your undergraduate experiences. Undergraduate scales just don’t apply. In general, when the CVM had traditional letter grades, the scales were much higher than in most undergraduate curricula.
Please view the adopted proposal for more information.
S Satisfactory (Pass)
M Marginal
F Fail
It is essential that all students understand the meanings of each of these grades and the implications of earning unsatisfactory (M or F) grades in the professional curriculum.
S – Satisfactory performance
Through exams or other means of evaluation, you have shown that you have gained sufcient knowledge and/or skills
in a course so that – assuming you retain most of what you have learned and perform satisfactorily in other courses –
you should be able to succeed in subsequent courses or in a clinical setting. Remember, however, that the minimum cut-off in each course is just that – the minimum acceptable level. You should strive to be well above that level in all of your courses. Students who are frequently near the low end of the passing range in their coursework (i.e. scores consistently less than about 80%) are more likely to fail subsequent courses or otherwise encounter obstacles to completion of the DVM program.
M – Marginal performance
This represents a level of performance close to but below the satisfactory level. (Note that the range for M grades is set by individual course directors and will likely vary from one course to another, just as the criteria for the S and F grades vary.) An M grade is NOT a satisfactory grade. If the deficiency is small and involves no more than one or two courses, we expect that a student will be able to “catch up” on his/her own. However, accumulation of more than 5 credit hours of M during the first 3 years of the curriculum is a clear indication of serious academic deficiency and a petition to the Dean is required to move ahead in the program (see the WIMU Academic Standards Policy ). Such a petition is likely to be granted only if it includes a specific plan for remediation and improvement. Receiving an M grade while on academic probation is grounds for dismissal. These are serious situations that faculty and staff prefer none of our students ever encounter.
F – Fail
This is probably self-explanatory. Unlike most undergraduate programs, however, a failing grade in the DVM curriculum brings your progress to a halt. You cannot move forward in concert with your classmates with an F grade on your record. The two potential outcomes are permanent dismissal from the DVM program or, if the Dean approves a petition for reinstatement, retaking the course and earning a passing grade (S). Because the curriculum is interdependent and success in clinics requires a comprehensive knowledge base, post hoc term papers or other special projects will not make up for failing a course. With reinstatement, scheduling constraints typically require a student who has failed a core course to retake the course the following year, delaying his/her expected graduation date, adding to total tuition costs, and possibly disrupting financial aid arrangements.
A Note about Grading Scales: Each course establishes its own set of standards based on the expectations and previous experiences of the participating instructors. In general, members of the teaching faculty have put considerable thought into their grading scales. The standards printed in each course syllabus reflect the instructors’ examination and grading philosophies, as well as other broader beliefs about how a veterinarian-in-training should be able to perform. You should recognize that the expectations for veterinary students change significantly as they progress through the DVM curriculum. Although students are expected to begin applying what they’ve learned almost from the outset, that expectation is amplified each semester as students are increasingly required to retain and integrate knowledge from previous and concurrent courses. In addition, the types of exam questions and activities required to adequately assess students’ knowledge and skills necessarily varies from one course to another. Likewise, instructors difer widely regarding the methods by which they assess students and their grading philosophies. As a result of all these factors, there is no standardized grading scale or set of cut-of scores that can be applied universally in all courses. You should also beware of trying to unofcially “convert” your numerical scores to letter grades based on your undergraduate experiences. Undergraduate scales just don’t apply. In general, when the CVM had traditional letter grades, the scales were much higher than in most undergraduate curricula.
Please view the adopted proposal for more information.
Guidelines for Pregnant Veterinary Students
The potential for injury during the education of veterinary students increases during pregnancy. Exposure to toxic drugs, infectious agents, inhalation anesthetics, radiation, and other agents present real hazards to unborn fetuses, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy. In addition to chemical, infectious, and radiation dangers, physical accidents incurred while working with animals may also lead to serious injuries for mother and fetus.
The potential hazards vary over the course of the curriculum and the actual situations or animals/patients the student encounters, and these are not identical for all students at all times. The following list provides an overview of the types of hazards a student might wish to consider and about which she may wish to consult with her health care provider:
Laboratories
Formalin, phenol exposure in anatomy or pathology labs
Anesthetic gas exposure in surgery labs, anesthesia labs, etc.
Zoonotic diseases or other infectious agents that may be encountered in pathology, bacteriology, animal handling labs, etc. (for example, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidia, Brucella, Salmonella, Coxiella, etc.)
Clinical Rotations
In general – long work hours, exposure to sometimes unruly small and large animals, toxic drugs and anesthetic gases, infectious diseases, physical labor of lifting heavy animals, etc.
Radiology and Oncology rotations – exposure to various types of radiation from therapeutic or diagnostic compounds or devices
Ag Animal and Equine rotations – exposure to prostaglandins, parasiticides (i.e., organophosphates, etc.), Brucella abortus vaccine, infectious organisms (Cryptosporidia, Brucella, Salmonella, Chlamydia, etc.), heat, sometimes dusty conditions, and often much standing and walking.
Other risks inherent to work with animals generally and unique to particular rotations or circumstances, some of which are not predictable and may vary over time.
Rights and Responsibilities
In addition to maintaining her established student rights, the pregnant woman has rights and the responsibility for decisions concerning her pregnancy regarding safety and childbearing.
Pregnant students are expected to complete each and every requirement of the veterinary curriculum. If the risks of completing certain components or specific assignments in the DVM curriculum are deemed unacceptable, pregnant students will develop – in consultation with faculty and the Associate Dean (or Director) of Student and Academic Affairs – an alternate equivalent plan or schedule of study deemed acceptable by the University, the student, and her attending physician that can be implemented and by which any inherent risks are deemed reasonable and assumable by the student and her physician or qualified health care provider. Once it is approved by the Associate Dean (or Director) of Student and Academic Affairs, the student will follow this alternate plan, and copies of all documents pertaining to revised assignments will be kept on file in the Office of Student Services. Medical information in that file, if any, shall be kept separately and shall not be made available, except to personnel of Student Services with a need to know.
For activities requiring a physician’s release for any student, pregnant students will also be required to provide such a release.
Best Interests
It is in the best interests of pregnant students to maintain regular contact with their physicians/health care providers and to take appropriate steps to minimize exposure to hazards inherent to veterinary medical education and the veterinary profession. However, the University cannot fundamentally alter its established curriculum or academic program. Although pregnancy is not generally considered a disability, pregnant students may wish to inform the Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs as early as possible to facilitate communication and to take advantage of available options. Notification of the CVM of pregnancy is not mandatory, but effective steps to address risks cannot be taken unless the student provides this notice.
Available Options
A pregnant student may pursue the following options in consultation with her physician and the College as outlined in this guideline:
The student may opt to continue regular student enrollment with selected schedule and assignment changes. This option is not without risks and may or may not delay completion of the DVM program. It depends upon:
A student in good academic standing may submit to the Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs a written request to take a leave of absence from the DVM program for a period of time not to exceed one academic year. Requests for longer leaves require a review by the Student Progress Committee and approval of the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. This option minimizes health hazards and risks associated with attempting to continue a veterinary medical education while maintaining a pregnancy.
A student whose pregnancy poses a known significant risk to personal safety or the safety of others may be provided several options by the College of Veterinary Medicine in consultation with the student, health care provider(s), and other experts as relevant, including adjustment of course or clinical rotation schedules, adjustment of the requirements of particular course or rotation so long as the fundamental requirements of the rotation are not altered, or medical leave.
The potential hazards vary over the course of the curriculum and the actual situations or animals/patients the student encounters, and these are not identical for all students at all times. The following list provides an overview of the types of hazards a student might wish to consider and about which she may wish to consult with her health care provider:
Laboratories
Formalin, phenol exposure in anatomy or pathology labs
Anesthetic gas exposure in surgery labs, anesthesia labs, etc.
Zoonotic diseases or other infectious agents that may be encountered in pathology, bacteriology, animal handling labs, etc. (for example, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidia, Brucella, Salmonella, Coxiella, etc.)
Clinical Rotations
In general – long work hours, exposure to sometimes unruly small and large animals, toxic drugs and anesthetic gases, infectious diseases, physical labor of lifting heavy animals, etc.
Radiology and Oncology rotations – exposure to various types of radiation from therapeutic or diagnostic compounds or devices
Ag Animal and Equine rotations – exposure to prostaglandins, parasiticides (i.e., organophosphates, etc.), Brucella abortus vaccine, infectious organisms (Cryptosporidia, Brucella, Salmonella, Chlamydia, etc.), heat, sometimes dusty conditions, and often much standing and walking.
Other risks inherent to work with animals generally and unique to particular rotations or circumstances, some of which are not predictable and may vary over time.
Rights and Responsibilities
In addition to maintaining her established student rights, the pregnant woman has rights and the responsibility for decisions concerning her pregnancy regarding safety and childbearing.
Pregnant students are expected to complete each and every requirement of the veterinary curriculum. If the risks of completing certain components or specific assignments in the DVM curriculum are deemed unacceptable, pregnant students will develop – in consultation with faculty and the Associate Dean (or Director) of Student and Academic Affairs – an alternate equivalent plan or schedule of study deemed acceptable by the University, the student, and her attending physician that can be implemented and by which any inherent risks are deemed reasonable and assumable by the student and her physician or qualified health care provider. Once it is approved by the Associate Dean (or Director) of Student and Academic Affairs, the student will follow this alternate plan, and copies of all documents pertaining to revised assignments will be kept on file in the Office of Student Services. Medical information in that file, if any, shall be kept separately and shall not be made available, except to personnel of Student Services with a need to know.
For activities requiring a physician’s release for any student, pregnant students will also be required to provide such a release.
Best Interests
It is in the best interests of pregnant students to maintain regular contact with their physicians/health care providers and to take appropriate steps to minimize exposure to hazards inherent to veterinary medical education and the veterinary profession. However, the University cannot fundamentally alter its established curriculum or academic program. Although pregnancy is not generally considered a disability, pregnant students may wish to inform the Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs as early as possible to facilitate communication and to take advantage of available options. Notification of the CVM of pregnancy is not mandatory, but effective steps to address risks cannot be taken unless the student provides this notice.
Available Options
A pregnant student may pursue the following options in consultation with her physician and the College as outlined in this guideline:
The student may opt to continue regular student enrollment with selected schedule and assignment changes. This option is not without risks and may or may not delay completion of the DVM program. It depends upon:
- the student’s ability to participate in a revised educational program acceptable to the College and not fundamentally altering the DVM educational program; and
- the ability of the College to make changes in the student’s schedule of courses and/or clinical assignments in advance.
A student in good academic standing may submit to the Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs a written request to take a leave of absence from the DVM program for a period of time not to exceed one academic year. Requests for longer leaves require a review by the Student Progress Committee and approval of the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. This option minimizes health hazards and risks associated with attempting to continue a veterinary medical education while maintaining a pregnancy.
A student whose pregnancy poses a known significant risk to personal safety or the safety of others may be provided several options by the College of Veterinary Medicine in consultation with the student, health care provider(s), and other experts as relevant, including adjustment of course or clinical rotation schedules, adjustment of the requirements of particular course or rotation so long as the fundamental requirements of the rotation are not altered, or medical leave.
Injury Incident Policy and Injury Report Form
To help ensure a safe working and learning environment, the following form should be filled out within one week of an incident where an injury occurred requiring medical assistance. A copy should be submitted to and retained by the Office of Student Services, and a copy sent to the Risk Management Office at Utah State University.
Helpful Links
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Title IX and Non-Discrimination
- Attendance Policy
- Attendance Policy Addendum
- Accomodations
- Service Animals