Policies
Academic Integrity
Students must protect the integrity of their work and maintain a high level of academic honesty. Cheating and plagiarism constitute serious academic offenses. Students involved in an act of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Academic and Professional Standards (APS) Committee.
Academic Standards
Satisfactory academic progress in the program is defined as regular and prompt attendance, satisfactory academic performance, satisfactory clinical progress, safe clinical practice, appropriate professional conduct, effective interpersonal skills and compliance with policies and procedures. Students shall receive a final grade of C or better. Students will be evaluated regularly in these areas according to established standards.
Students will be given regular feedback on their academic progress in the program. A student who is not performing adequately according to the standards will receive notification through written feedback and/or individual advisement.
Academic and Professional Standards Committee
Academic progress may be reviewed by the APS Committee at the conclusion of each semester, and upon request of a faculty member. The APS Committee consists of a faculty chair and at least 3 additional faculty members and 1 student member.
The APS Committee may be asked to review a student who meets one of the following conditions:
- Indications of poor academic performance;
- Insufficient progress in the development of clinical skills;
- Failure to comply with College policies or procedures;
- Unprofessional conduct, unethical conduct, or illegal conduct;
- Evidence of behavior that may hinder professional competence and interpersonal or professional relations.
Substandard Grades
A substandard grade is below a C in BAVS courses provided by Pacific University. The following options are available when a student earns a substandard grade (please see APS manual for further details):
- Remediation of substandard grades that does not require actually retaking the course(s).
- Retaking courses in which a substandard or failing grade has been earned.
Each student will be allowed a maximum of three course remediations. When a student needs a third course remediation, an Academic Review by the APS Committee will be conducted following completion of the third remediation.
Any substandard grades beyond the three remediations will require a retake of the course, pending the outcome of an Academic Review.
The categories of Academic Warning, Academic Probation, and Dismissal apply to grades assigned in courses used to fulfill the requirements for the Bachelor of Applied Vision Science.
Academic Standing
Students may be either in good academic standing, on academic warning, or on academic probation. Good academic standing is reserved for those students who have never earned a substandard final grade or for those who have been removed from academic warning or probation as described below. Descriptions of academic warning and academic probation follow.
Academic Warning
The APS Committee will place a student on Academic Warning when a single substandard grade is below a C. All substandard grades must be remediated before the credit(s) can be counted toward the pursued degree. A student returning from an Academic Suspension, who receives a single substandard grade will undergo an Academic Review. Students may also be placed on Warning for Professional Misconduct if they are found to be in violation of the Code of Academic and Professional Conduct.
Students placed on Warning due to academic performance will receive written notification from the Committee outlining the reasons for the Warning. Copies will be sent to the Dean, the Associate Deans, the Office of Student Services, and the appropriate faculty. The student will be asked to sign and return the original written communication to the Office of Student [A1] [BK2] Services.[MOU3]
Students on Academic Warning are informed that, while on Academic Warning, a violation of the code of Academic and Professional Conduct will cause them to be considered for Dismissal from the College.
The Academic and Professional Standards Committee will remove students from Academic Warning following one full term in which no substandard grades are received, all substandard grades have been remediated, and the student has not violated the Code of Academic and Professional Conduct. Students placed on Academic Warning will remain on Academic Warning until removed by the Committee. Students on Academic Warning will be considered for Dismissal from the College if the Code of Academic and Professional Conduct is violated.
Academic Probation
The Academic and Professional Standards Committee will place a student on Academic Probation when more than one substandard grade (below a C) exists on the student’s transcript at any time. Students may also be placed on Probation for Professional Misconduct if they are found to be in violation of the Code of Academic and Professional Conduct.
Students placed on Probation due to academic performance will receive written notification from the Committee, outlining the reasons for Probation. Copies will be sent to the Dean, the Associate Deans, the Office of Student Services, and the appropriate faculty. The student will be asked to sign and return the original written communication to the Office of Student Services.
Students on Academic Probation are informed that, while on Probation, a violation of the Code of Academic and Professional Conduct will cause them to be considered for Dismissal from the College.
The Academic and Professional Standards Committee will remove students from Academic Probation following one full term in which no substandard grades are received, and all substandard grades have been remediated and the student has not violated the Code of Academic and Professional conduct. Students placed on Academic Probation will remain on Probation until removed by the Committee. Students on Academic Probation will be considered for Dismissal from the College if the Code of Academic and Professional conduct is violated.
Academic Review
The Academic and Professional Standards Committee will conduct an Academic Review for a student who fails to sustain satisfactory progress (separate from Academic Progress for Financial Aid Recipients) toward completion of the degree program as evidenced by:
- three or more non-remediated substandard grades existing on the student’s transcript at any time;
- a student who has two semesters of academic performance which, when considered individually, would meet the guidelines for Academic Probation;
- a student who does not receive a passing grade after sitting for a course in its entirety a second time;
- unsuccessful remediation that precludes curricular advancement;
- or a student who receives a single substandard grade after returning to the College from an Academic Suspension.
The Academic Review could result in dismissal from the program.
Academic Suspension
This requirement may occur when a student has received substandard grades in courses that cannot be remediated during the normal scheduled curriculum. A student on Academic Suspension who, upon return to the College, receives a single substandard grade will undergo an Academic Review, which could result in dismissal.
Leave of Absence
Most students will be enrolled in this program continuously and without interruption until they complete the program. However, circumstances may arise that prevent a student from being continuously enrolled in this program. Students may request a leave of absence from the program for up to one year, and then return to the program without applying for re-admission. Upon returning to the program, the student may be required to demonstrate continued competency in didactic knowledge and clinical skills.
Withdrawal
Students who are considering withdrawing from the program should meet with the director to discuss options and initiate the withdrawal process. Students who need to withdraw due to health emergencies or other emergency reasons may be granted an Administrative Withdrawal by the Associate Dean of Academic Programs. A statement from a healthcare provider or other documentation is typically required for an Administrative Withdrawal.
Dismissal
Students who receive a final grade of C-, D, F or No Pass in any Applied Vision Science course or fail to meet the terms of their remediation or academic probation may be academically dismissed from the program. Students who are academically dismissed from the program may apply for readmission. Students who are dismissed for unsatisfactory clinical progress, unsafe clinical practice or unprofessional conduct are not eligible for readmission to the program.
Consideration for Readmission
In very rare circumstances, the College of Optometry may choose to readmit a student who has previously withdrawn and/or been dismissed. In order to be considered for readmission, a former student must write a letter requesting information on the process of readmission to the Dean of the College, with copies to the Associate Deans, the Office of Student Services, and the University Dean of Students. The Office of Student Services for the College will provide input to the Dean regarding any concerns during the student’s previous tenure. If the Dean determines that readmission is possible, he or she will determine in consultation with the Academic and Professional Standards Committee, what steps are required for readmission on a case by case basis.
Time Limits to Complete Degree
Students of the Bachelor of Applied Vision Science Program must complete all degree requirements in a maximum of 2 years of academic enrollment, not to exceed 3 calendar years.
C-, Appeals
Program decisions regarding academic standing are final. All requests for appeals of rulings by the APS Committee must be submitted in writing to the Dean. Information on the appeal process may be found in the APS Committee manual.
The most up-to-date and specific policies and procedures pertaining to Student Academic Standing for the College of Optometry can be found in the Academic and Professional Standards Committee (APSC) Policies and Procedures Manual. The program-specific policies and procedures in this manual reflect the standards of the optometric profession. The content of this manual is discussed with each class at the program orientation presented by the Deans or Director at the beginning of each academic year. In addition, a copy of this manual is provided to each BAVS student.
Attendance
Regular and prompt attendance is essential for academic success. Therefore, attendance at all scheduled lectures, laboratories, clinic sessions and affiliation assignments is required. Absence does not excuse a student from responsibility for coursework or assignments that are missed. Students who have excessive absences may be reviewed by the Academic and Professional Standards Committee for possible dismissal from the program. Lateness causes inconvenience to patients, instructors, staff and fellow students. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner by being prompt in meeting their professional obligations.
Credit Load
Full-time enrollment is defined as 12 semester credits or more; half-time is 6 credits or more.
Auditing
Students may audit courses with permission of the Director. Students who audit courses are required to enroll in, pay for, and attend classes, but are not required to complete assignments or take examinations. No credit is awarded for audited courses.
Transfer Credit
Students from another vision science or optometry program will be considered for transfer into the Applied Vision Science program only after careful review of all available information. Transferred vision science courses must be completed with a grade of C or better and should be completed within the past three years. At least 26 of the last 44 credits of the applied vision science program must be completed at Pacific University.
Taking Courses Without Seeking a Degree
Students interested in taking BAVS courses without pursuing a degree may do so. No more than 5 credits may be taken each semester, and no more than 15 credits total may be taken without admission into the program.
Time Limits to Program Completion
Students are expected to complete the degree with their cohort. Exceptions may be granted for extenuating circumstances. A student may take up to two years to complete the program. Leaves of Absence may be extended to a maximum of 12 months total (either consecutive months or cumulative time) with approval from the Dean. A student may be dismissed from the program three years from his/her start date if he/she has not completed program requirements.
Concurrent Enrollment in Other Academic Programs
The Applied Vision Science program includes one years of full-time study in a professional curriculum. Students who are enrolled in this program are expected to be fully engaged in the didactic, laboratory and clinical portions of the curriculum and meet all program requirements. Students who enroll in another academic program concurrently (at the same time) must also meet the requirements of that academic program. Students who are enrolled in the applied vision science program must obtain written approval from the Program Director in order to enroll concurrently in another academic program at Pacific University or at another institution. Students who enroll in another academic program without this approval may be dismissed from the Applied Vision Science program.
Continuance in Program
A final grade of C or above (or Pass) must be attained in each course in order to continue to the following semester in the program. Students who receive a final grade below C (or No Pass) in a course will be reviewed by the Academic and Professional Standards Committee for possible dismissal from the program. Students must earn a 2.0 or higher GPA each term and maintain a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA in all coursework.
Work in Progress Grade
When unanticipated situations arise that prevent the student from completing all course requirements, the course instructor may choose to allow the student additional time to complete the work by issuing a work in progress (WP) grade to the student. A work in progress grade will only be issued if the majority of the course requirements have been completed at a satisfactory level, the student has been making satisfactory clinical progress and the student has demonstrated safe clinical practice. The student must make arrangements with the course instructor to complete the course requirements before the end of the following semester. When the student completes all course requirements at a satisfactory level, the course instructor will submit a Grade Change Request form to the Registrar’s Office to change the WP grade to the earned grade. If the student does not complete all course requirements at a satisfactory level by the end of the following term, the WP grade will change to an F (or No Pass) grade and the student will be dismissed from the program.
Incomplete Grade
When unexpected illness or emergency prevents the student from completing all course requirements, the course instructor may choose to allow the student additional time to complete the work by issuing an incomplete (I) grade to the student. An approved Incomplete Grade Contract must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. The student must make arrangements with the course instructor to complete the course requirements before the end of the following semester. When the student completes all course requirements at a satisfactory level, the course instructor will submit a Grade Change Request form to the Registrar’s Office to change the I grade to the earned grade. If the student does not complete all course requirements at a satisfactory level by the end of the following term, the I grade will change to an F (or No Pass) grade and the student will be dismissed from the program.
Repeated Courses
Courses may be counted only once towards graduation requirements. If a course taken at Pacific University is repeated at Pacific University, only the higher grade is used in computing the Pacific GPA. If a course taken at Pacific University is retaken at another institution, the Pacific grade still is counted the GPA.
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