Phase 3 Grading Policy - Discovery & LCE

Discovery and Longitudinal Clinical Experience (LCE)

Discovery Course Grading Policy

The Discovery course operates on a Pass/Fail grading system. Students are evaluated based on their completion of required coursework, attendance, faculty assessments, and a final scholarly project.

1. Grading Criteria

  • Pass (P): Awarded to students who satisfactorily complete all required coursework, including:
    • Attendance at all mandatory sessions
    • Periodic evaluations by faculty
    • Completion of all assignments
    • Submission of a final scholarly project
  • Fail (F): Assigned to students who do not complete all required coursework to a satisfactory level. Students who receive a failing grade must remediate the course and will be referred to the DGSOM Year III Academic Performance Committee.

2. Incomplete Grades

  • A grade of Incomplete (I) may be assigned by the Course Chair when any portion of the required coursework is not completed.
  • The Incomplete remains on the transcript until all outstanding requirements are fulfilled.
  • To resolve an Incomplete, students must:
    • Complete all required coursework and the final project as specified by the Course Chair
    • Resolve the Incomplete prior to the NRMP verification deadline
  • Students with an Incomplete may not advance to MS4 electives unless their Discovery mentor attests to the likelihood of timely completion before the NRMP verification deadline.

3. Dual Degree Students

Students enrolled in dual degree programs must also comply with the grading policies of their respective degree programs and successfully complete all associated requirements.

Longitudinal Clinical Experience (LCE) Grading Policy

The Longitudinal Clinical Experience (LCE) course is graded on a Pass/No Pass basis.

1. Grading Criteria

  • Pass (P): Requires full attendance and a passing evaluation in all course components.
  • No Pass (NP): Assigned when a student fails to meet attendance or performance standards.

2. Incomplete and Fail Designations

  • A grade of Incomplete (I) may be issued if any course elements remain unfinished.
  • An Incomplete will convert to a Fail (F) if the student does not complete the required components within the designated timeframe.

Policy Responsibility and References

  1. RESPONSIBILITY
    Curricular Affairs Office
    Educational Measurement Unit
    Student Affairs Office
  2. REFERENCES
  3. POLICY OWNER
    Medical Education Committee
  4. REVIEWED BY
    Curricular Affairs Office
    Educational Measurement Unit
    Student Affairs Office
    Associate Dean, Curricular Affairs
    Associate Dean, Student Affairs
    Medical Education Committee
    Discovery/LCE Curriculum Committee
  5. REVIEWED DATE and REVIEW CYCLE
    March 2023, 3-year review cycle