The MHPE program is comprised of a Fall term (September – December) and Winter term (January – April) and Spring/Summer term (May - August). The program is designed to be completed in six semesters. A learner could choose to either complete the program in two years by registering for three terms per year (Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer) or three years by registering for two terms per year.

Most MHPE learners remain in formal registration from the start of their educational program through graduation. However, registration may be interrupted temporarily or may be terminated for a number of reasons including:

Leave of Absence - Temporary interruption in registration

Leaves of absence and related policies:

• 1. Leave of absence – Administrative

     • A student is placed on administrative leave of absence for academic difficulties. Return of a student to registration from an administrative leave of absence requires approval of the Program Director.

     • Total time spent out of registration on Personal/Medical Leaves of Absence is reviewed by the Program Manager on a case by case basis.

  2. Withdrawal - Permanent withdrawal from the program initiated by the student.

     • A student can choose to permanently withdraw from the program for personal or financial reasons. The student must fill out and sign a program withdrawal form and submit to the Student Affairs Program Manager.

  3. Suspension - Temporary removal of a student from registration

     • Suspension may occur for failure to meet MHPE Program or University requirements, or because of serious allegations of unprofessional conduct.

     • Action to suspend can be taken by a faculty member, a department, or the Executive Committee. Further review will occur as soon thereafter as is practical. If suspension is to be continued beyond one month, the extension must be reported to, and approved by the Executive Committee.

  4. Dismissal

     • Permanent removal of a student from registration when the Program Director has determined that a student’s academic performance and/or professional behavior does not meet the MHPE Program standards, or the student has violated Medical School or University Policies.

     • The Program Director can recommend dismissal; only the Executive Committee can take action to dismiss.

     • Once the dismissal process is initiated, students will not be able to withdraw from the MHPE program without Executive Committee Approval.

Student Responsibilities/Fees

The Student Affairs Program Manager registers students at the start of each term. All students will receive an email approximately 1 month before the start of a term with information regarding registration for the upcoming term. Students are expected to respond to the email indicating if they are/are not planning on registering. If a student does not respond, they will not be registered. If a student asks to be registered after the first day of the term, they will be charged a late registration fee. Beginning the first day of a term, a $50 late registration fees will be assessed for students who have not yet registered for that term. The late fee is increased by $25 at the beginning of each subsequent month.

If you withdraw after the term begins, you will be responsible for a registration/disenrollment fee regardless of the circumstances.

Withdrawal from Registration

• 1. Voluntary, permanent withdrawal from registration initiated by a student

     • Students wishing to withdraw must submit a written statement to the MHPE Program Director, Dr. Larry Gruppen (or Student Affairs Program Manager). The statement must include the student’s understanding that withdrawal is a voluntary and permanent action.

     • The MHPE program will not accept a request for withdrawal from a student facing a hearing process, disciplinary action, or dismissal recommendation. If a student chooses not to participate in the hearing, the process will proceed without him/her.

Leave of Absence

• 1. Leave of absence – Administrative

     • A student is placed on Administrative Leave of Absence by the MHPE Executive Committee for academic difficulties or issues related to professionalism. Return of a student to registration from an Administrative Leave of Absence requires approval from the Executive Committee.

  2. Leave of Absence – Personal/Medical

     • Personal/Medical Leaves of absence may be granted by the MHPE Program Director (or Student Affairs Program Manager) to students who have compelling personal circumstances that are temporarily impeding their academic progress, or for documented medical reasons.

     • The MHPE Program Director (or Student Affairs Program Manager) may return students from Personal/Medical Leaves of Absence.

Process

The MHPE Program Director will present to the MHPE Executive Committee those student(s) who have not met the requirements for advancement based on any of the following circumstances:

• 1. The student has been placed on academic probation for not making Satisfactory Academic Progress for completion of the MHPE program in 4.5 years from the first day of enrollment

As this occurs the

• 1. Student will be notified by the Program Director that recommendation for his/her dismissal will be presented to the Executive Committee. He/she will also be advised of the procedures for appeal.

  2. Program Director will review the case with the MHPE Executive Committee; in such cases the MHPE Executive Committee takes action.

  3. Student may consult with their mentor or Student Affairs Management for advice and assistance.

Appeal of Dismissal Action

• 1. If the student wishes to appeal the dismissal action, the student must inform the Program Director within five working days after receiving notification of the dismissal recommendation that an appeal is desired. After providing notice that an appeal is desired, or as soon as practicable, the student must submit a written statement in support of the appeal. Student Affairs Management will assist the student with his/her appeal.

  2. Pertinent written information, including the student’s appeal, will be provided by the Student Affairs Program Manager, and/or the student. This information will be distributed in advance to the student and the Executive Committee.

  3. The student will be given an opportunity to address the Executive Committee to present his/her appeal. The student may ask their mentor to present as well.

  4. The decision of the Executive Committee is final.