Palmer College of Chiropractic West

Academics

Academic Policies/Graduation

Enrollment Status

The definition of full-time and part-time status for tuition purposes is as follows:

• Full-time: 21 credits (or more)
• Three-quarter time: 14 to 20 credits
• Half-time: 7 to 13 credits
• Quarter-time: One to six credits

International students must complete 19 new units per quarter to maintain non-immigrant student status. Please see the International Student Adviser for further information.

Note: Quarter units are equivalent to credit hours, not clock hours.

Preregistration

Continuing students are required to preregister for the subsequent quarter during the preregistration period which is scheduled toward the end of each academic term. The schedule for preregistration will be published by the Registrar’s Office. All continuing students must preregister during their as-signed time periods, and anyone not preregistering will be assessed a registration fee of $15. Consult the Student Handbook for specific preregistration dates.

Tuition for all continuing students is due and pay-able no later than the first week of classes of each new quarter. Any special arrangements must be made with the Business Office prior to that date. Even after the preregistration procedure has been completed, the student is not formally registered for the class until all tuition obligations have been met.

Add/Drop Courses

Any student wishing to add or drop courses must request an “Add/Drop” form from the Registrar’s Office. A fee of $5 is charged for every class added or dropped. This fee also applies if elective courses are dropped.

BACK TO TOP

Course Addition

All “adds’’ must be completed before the end of the second week of instruction in the quarter. Students wishing to add courses should be aware that the attendance regulations require attending no less than 85% of laboratory and lecture hours in any class.

BACK TO TOP

Attendance Regulations

Attendance is monitored at the beginning of each class. Students are allowed 10% of the class hours as excused absences and 5% as unexcused absences. Absence in excess of the 15% total is defined as insufficient attendance. Any student exceeding those limits is issued a grade of “AF” for insufficient attendance.

BACK TO TOP

Grading Policy

Letter grades are issued for all classes. The grading system is as follows:

The GPA is used to as a measurement of scholastic achievement. It is calculated by dividing the sum of the grade points (course units multiplied by quality points) by the sum of the units with quality points completed. Only grades “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” and “F” are computed in the GPA. A 2.00 GPA (“C”) is required of all students to maintain good standing.

When a student earns a “D” grade, the student must challenge the course the following quarter or repeat the course (see “D” Challenge Procedure). Students who receive an “F” must immediately repeat the course. If the course is a prerequisite to a subsequent course, it must be repeated prior to continuing in sequence. Course requirements for “I” or “R” must be fulfilled in the following quarter of enrollment to clear the “I” or “R,” or a final grade of “F” will be posted for that class.

BACK TO TOP

Examinations

Course examinations are handled on an individual basis by each instructor and are detailed in each course syllabus.

BACK TO TOP

Conflict Examinations

Students on special schedule may occasionally have two final examinations scheduled at the same time. By definition, the upper-quarter examination will be considered the “normal” exam and the lower-quarter examination will be considered the “conflict” exam. Conflict request forms are available from and must be returned to the Assistant to the Deans in Room 311. Students needing to take their lower-quarter exam during the conflict exam time should turn in their requests before the end of the ninth week of the quarter.

A request to sit for a conflict exam when there is no actual conflict will be considered irregular test-taking activity and is subject to sanction. The veracity of the conflict exam request will be verified.

BACK TO TOP

“D” Challenge Procedure

When a student earns a “D” grade, the student must challenge the course the following quarter or repeat the course. The student challenging a “D” grade must pick up a form in the Office of the Registrar, pay a fee of $25 to the Business Office to cover administrative costs and return the form to the Registrar’s Office. The Registrar will notify the instructor.

The student is required to take course examinations and complete course requirements (other than attendance) as specified by the instructor. The student assumes all responsibility for finding out when examinations and other graded procedures are to take place. There are to be no special “extra credit” tests, papers, etc., unless such special projects are available to anyone else in the class. In order for the “D” challenge to be successful, the student must earn a grade of “C” according to the same standards as everyone else taking the course.

The challenge must be completed in the quarter immediately following the “D” grade. If a challenge exam is missed due to extenuating circumstances and approved by the instructor, the missed exam must be made up prior to the end of the quarter. The “Incomplete” policy does not pertain in these cases. A successful challenge will result in a grade of “C.” An unsuccessful challenge will result in a grade of “F.” A student challenging or repeating a course may request tutoring assistance. (See the Student Affairs section for information on the tutoring program.)

BACK TO TOP

Incomplete

A grade of “Incomplete” (“I”) signifies that a student has partially completed but not finished the work normally required for completion of the course. A grade other than “Incomplete” cannot, therefore, be issued until all course requirements are met.

It is the student’s responsibility to complete all courses and other graduation requirements in a satisfactory manner.

Situations do arise, however, such as student illness, accidents or a death in the family, that make it impossible for a student to complete all the requirements for a course. In this case, the student could elect to receive an “Incomplete” for that course, subject to regulations listed below.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor that an “Incomplete” is being taken. When a student has completed all course work normally required, the earned grade must be
forwarded to the Registrar at the end of the quarter. The grade "Incomplete" cannot be substituted for the earned grade.

An “Incomplete” (“I”) will be generated according to the following provisions:

• When a student has demonstrated satisfactory performance in course requirements partially completed, an “Incomplete” must be issued.
• When a student has demonstrated unsatisfactory performance in those course requirements which have been completed, and there exists the possibility that completion of the requirement(s) outstanding can elevate the course average to a passing level (“A,” “B” or “C”), an “Incomplete” must be issued.
• When a student has demonstrated unsatisfactory performance in course requirements completed, and there exists no possibility that completion of the requirement(s) outstanding can elevate the course average to
  a passing level (“A.” “B” or “C”), an “F” must be issued.

Mechanics Statement
Course requirements outstanding must be completed according to the following provisions:

• Course requirements outstanding must be fulfilled within the next quarter of enrollment, or a grade of “F” will automatically be posted for that class, and the student will be required to repeat the course.
• The instructor will specify course requirements that must be repeated if the grade earned on any major evaluative procedure was less than a “C.”

Examinations outstanding will be completed at the time they are scheduled during the quarter subsequent to the issuance of the “Incomplete.” It is the student’s responsibility to ascertain the test site and date and arrange a personal schedule that will allow completion of the examination(s) outstanding. Course requirements other than examination(s) can be completed any time during this quarter, at the discretion of the instructor.

Statement of Limitations of Policy
This policy will be applied to the first two quarters a student receives grades of “Incomplete.” Any further grades of “Incomplete” will convert automatically to “F.”

The “D” Challenge Procedure and “R” Course Remediation Procedure do not apply when a grade of "Incomplete" has been issued. If the completion of course requirements results in a grade less than “C,” an “F” must be issued.

Honors Policy
After completion of a quarter, students who have attained superior scholastic achievement will be placed on the Dean’s Honor List. To be eligible for this quarterly award, a student must have completed a full-time course load with a GPA of at least 3.50. Achievement of this recognition is not directly related to the evaluation of the student’s future academic performance. Honors at graduation will be awarded as follows: cum laude, 3.50-3.74 overall cumulative GPA; magna cum laude, 3.75-3.99 overall cumulative GPA; summa cum laude, 4.00 overall cumulative GPA.

BACK TO TOP

Course Withdrawal

A student who “drops’’ a course(s) before the end of the second week of instruction will be removed from the class roster and no entry will appear on the permanent record. After the second week a student will be assigned a “Withdrawal” (W). Petitions to withdraw in extenuating circumstances (after the ninth week) should be submitted to the Dean of Student Academic Affairs.

BACK TO TOP

Academic Probation/Remediation/Dismissal

Academic guidelines provide direction for the student who demonstrates difficulty in completing course requirements. These guidelines are applied by the Academic Standards Committee, which seeks to ensure fairness and equity for students while ensuring competence of the graduates of Palmer West.

In those situations where the student is unable to demonstrate an ability to make satisfactory progression through the program, the following rules will apply:

Academic Probation results when a student has two or more “F” grades outstanding and/or the quarterly GPA is less than 2.00. Academic Probation is intended to encourage students to take all appropriate actions necessary to ensure academic success. Students on academic probation are required to immediately repeat all failed courses. Failure to do so in a timely fashion will halt progress through the program.

Academic Remediation results when a student has a cumulative Grade Point Average of less than 2.00 and/or three or more non-administrative “F” grades outstanding. A student on remediation will be required to meet with the Dean of Student Academic Affairs the first week of the quarter. The Dean will define the conditions of remediation and specify a timeline. Students on remediation should be aware that it may affect their financial aid (see Financial Aid Office for details).

Academic Dismissal may result when:

• A student fails to meet the conditions of remediation within the specified timeline.
• A student earns two non-administrative “F” grades in the same course. He or she will be required to meet with the Academic Standards Committee. The committee will further define the conditions of remediation or recommend dismissal.

Upon notification of dismissal, the student may no longer take courses but may petition the Academic Standards Committee for reinstatement into the program. In addition to the dismissal process, described above, a student will be dismissed from the College upon the occurrence of any of the following:

• Pleading guilty or “no contest” or being found guilty of any crime involving moral turpitude.
• Failure to meet the generally accepted standards of ethical conduct and clinical practice.
• Repeated or continued violation of public policy or demonstration of behavior that creates safety hazards and/or disrupts the order of the institution.
• Failure to meet financial obligations or commitments to the College.

Note: Dismissal is subject to review, as described in the Student Handbook.

BACK TO TOP

Challenge By Examination

Students who have taken a course in their academic career which is similar in quality and hours to a course required by Palmer West may wish to challenge the course by examination if it has been determined the course does not qualify for advanced standing. Forms for petition to challenge a course are available in the Registrar’s Office. Continuing students must submit the forms to the Registrar no later than the end of the seventh week of the quarter prior to the quarter in which the student is scheduled to take the course. Incoming students must submit the forms by the end of the first day of their first quarter. A non-refundable fee of $25 for each course being challenged is payable to the Business Office prior to submission of each petition. A list of restrictions and detailed application procedures for challenging by examination can be obtained from the Registrar.

BACK TO TOP

Clinical Competency Evaluation

The Palmer West Clinical Competency Evaluation Program is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the progressive development of clinical skills in the student. Examinations in the 5th, 9th and 11th Quarters are designed to evaluate various clinical competencies integral to the successful practice of chiropractic.

Summative evaluations determining overall clinical competence include both quantitative and qualitative evaluations of clinic performance. These evaluations cover the intern's cognitive, psychomotor and affective performance in clinical chiropractic practice. Students are tested using a variety of methods, including: written and stationed examinations of adjusting and diagnostic skills, simulated patient encounters, and evaluation of actual patient encounters. Students must successfully complete each evaluation in order to advance through the clinical aspects of the curriculum. In order to satisfy clinical competency requirements for graduation, in addition to receiving a satisfactory Clinical Competency Evaluation, students must also receive satisfactory evaluations of their performance in the care and management of patients in the College Clinics. Clinicians provide interns with formative feedback concerning their clinical performance. Repeated failure to meet the passing criteria may result in the requirement to repeat certain courses in the curriculum.

BACK TO TOP

Clinic Participation Extension

The Clinic Participation Extension allows for continued clinic privileges, under the supervision of clinic staff, to clinic-eligible students who are not currently enrolled in other courses in the curriculum. Participation is by application only, and is restricted to clinic-eligible students who are not enrolled in Clinic I, II, III, IV or V. The Clinic Participation Extension cannot be substituted for any of the aforementioned core clinic courses. All credits earned will apply toward Clinic graduation requirements. Students will be directly overseen by an assigned Clinical Diagnostic Seminar (CDS) instructor, and are required to continue participation in a CDS class. The student must complete the application and pay an administrative fee of $150 in order to participate in the Clinic Participation Extension.

BACK TO TOP

Clinic Policies and Procedures

Students eligible to participate in the Outpatient or Student Clinics are expected to conform to the generally accepted standards of ethical conduct and clinical practice. For a detailed discussion of College Clinics policy, protocol and procedures, refer to the Clinic Policy and Procedures Manual.

BACK TO TOP

Student Conduct

Students must continually demonstrate intellectual and technical competence, as well as understanding of and adherence to the ethical standards of the chiropractic profession. Behavior that creates safety hazards or disrupts the order of the institution can be grounds for dismissal, suspension or denial of the petition for graduation. For a detailed outline of the College’s standards of conduct, refer to the Palmer West Student Handbook.

BACK TO TOP

Academic Honesty Policy

The maintenance of academic integrity is the responsibility of every student at Palmer West. Students are afforded certain rights and privileges and are charged with certain responsibilities as outlined in the Palmer West Student Handbook. When the College guarantees the students’ rights, it expects students to conform to the rules and regulations established to protect the rights and freedoms of others.

Irregular test-taking activity is a major threat to the professional stature of the College and to the value of the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic. Such violations will not be tolerated. Acts of dishonesty in connection with an academic program at PCCW are an offense for which a student may be expelled, suspended or given a less severe disciplinary action.

Refer to the Palmer West Student Handbook for the specific policy that has been implemented to minimize the opportunity for and discourage irregular test-taking activity and other acts of dishonesty.

BACK TO TOP

Procedures For Withdrawing From The College

Temporary Interruption
Students may choose to attend four quarters per year, or they may wish to temporarily interrupt their education at Palmer West during certain quarters. Students who choose not to attend the upcoming quarter must complete the "Leave of Absence" form available in the Registrar’s Office. It should be noted that College policy requires students to graduate within eight years from the first day of attendance. If students do not reenter within four consecutive quarters, they are required to reapply to the College and meet the same admission requirements completed by the class they plan to enter. Students taking one quarter off should be aware that this may affect their financial aid and that a repayment of loans could be initiated for students taking off two consecutive quarters. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details.

Leave of Absence
A student may find it necessary to temporarily withdraw from Palmer West after the quarter has already begun. If this should occur, contact the Registrar’s Office and request a “Leave of Absence” form. This will result in grades of “W” (Withdrawal) being posted for all classes currently being attempted. Students must re-enter the College within four consecutive quarters after withdrawing to avoid having to reapply and meet any new entrance requirements.

If you receive Financial Aid assistance, regulations permit one leave of absence in any 12-month period, provided that the leave of absence does not exceed sixty (60) days. The leave of absence may be extended to a total of six months, as long as one of the following conditions apply:

• The start of the next quarter begins more than sixty (60) days after the first day of the leave of absence;
• The leave of absence is requested because of a medical condition and a physician provides a written recommendation for a leave of absence longer than sixty (60) days.

Without meeting the preceding conditions, your loans will go into repayment.

Any refund of tuition as a result of a leave of absence will be calculated per the refund policy, and monies will be refunded to the lender.

Withdrawal
A student wishing to withdraw permanently from Palmer West must complete a "Request for Withdrawal" form available in the Registrar’s Office. Upon completion of this form, the Business Office will determine the amount of any refund of tuition. Any refund due will be forwarded to the student within 30 days from the date of withdrawal. Any student withdrawing from Palmer West who decides at a later date to reenter must reapply to the College and meet the current admission requirements.

A student is considered permanently withdrawn if he or she submits a permanent withdrawal form to the Registrar’s Office or if four consecutive quarters of time are taken off on a leave of absence. (Note that a student who goes on leave of absence one quarter and then registers and withdraws from all courses the next is considered on a leave of absence for two consecutive quarters.) Once a student is permanently withdrawn, no grade changes resulting from the student completing “I”, “D” or “R” grades after the effective permanent withdrawal date will be accepted or entered onto the student’s transcript.

BACK TO TOP

Re-Matriculation/Re-admission Policy

This policy pertains to students in the following categories:

1. Withdrawn
2. Leave of absence greater than four consecutive quarters
3. Failed to register for more than four consecutive quarters
4. Suspension greater than one year
5. Dismissed seeking re-admission

Note: Students returning after a hiatus of five or more years from active registration must start over from term one, are required to meet the current admissions requirements, and must apply through the Admissions Department.

Students returning after a hiatus of less than five years from active registration in the Doctor of Chiropractic program are required to re-apply in writing to the Office of the Registrar at least sixty days prior to the start of the academic term to re-enter the program. To re-apply, the student must complete an application. If the student has completed course work at other institutions during the hiatus, transcripts must be forwarded directly from those institutions.

The new materials submitted and the student’s past academic record will be reviewed by the Academic Standards Committee (in consultation with the Clinic Standards Committee if applicable). The Academic Standards Committee will decide whether to approve or deny the application. If the decision is to approve re-admission, the Academic Standards Committee will determine the point at which the student will be allowed to reenter the program. The Clinic Standards Committee will specify the student’s status with respect to clinical requirements and competency evaluations.

BACK TO TOP

Military Active-duty Call-up

In the event a currently enrolled student receives an Active-Duty Notification, the student must provide the Registrar’s Office with a copy of the Active-Duty Notification or a copy of their military orders. Upon receipt of same, the Registrar’s Office will process a withdrawal from the College for the academic term enrolled, provided the military orders are to begin prior to the end of the current term of enrollment. A grade of “W” (Withdrawal) will be placed on the student’s record. The student’s tuition fees will be refunded in full to the student’s lender, regardless of the point in the academic term that the military orders are received. The Registrar’s Office will notify the appropriate departments on campus of the withdrawal.

Upon completion of the military orders, the student may contact the Office of the Registrar for re-enrollment to the College. The academic term of enrollment from which a student withdrew due to the military orders will not be considered in Academic Progress relating to financial aid eligibility or Academic Status. In addition, the eight year rule will be lengthened based on the length of time the student was away from the College due to the specific military order. For a hiatus of more than four quarters but less than five years, the “Re-admission Policy” provides further guidelines.

BACK TO TOP