Coursework and Professionalism Remediation Policy

PURPOSE
To outline processes developed to assist students in meeting academic and/or professional requirements for satisfactory progress in the curriculum.

AUDIENCE
All medical students, faculty, and staff

LCME STANDARDS
9.5 Narrative Assessment
9.7 Formative Assessment and Feedback
9.9 Fair and Timely Summative Assessment

POLICY

Definitions

  • Remediation: working to convert a Y mark to a passing grade, retaking an F graded course to earn a passing grade, passing a previously failed USMLE Step exam, or addressing deficiencies related to professionalism.
  • Y mark: a placeholder for a course grade that indicates the coursework is provisional and of non-passing quality. (See References: Regulation 70)
  1. To assist students in meeting academic and/or professional requirements for satisfactory progress in the curriculum, the School provides remediation opportunities. (See References: Regulation 70 and 80).
  2. All remediation plans require official approval by the Committee on Student Promotions (CSP).
    1. All students are required to follow their approved remediation plan.
    2. During the pre-clerkship phase of the curriculum, all remediation exams are taken at predetermined times.
    3. The remediation timeline and requirements are developed by the Course Director and curriculum support staff. 
      1. Student academic support in preparation for the remediation attempt is provided by the Office of Academic Support and Individual Success (OASIS).
      2. Students are encouraged to work with their Academic Coach for additional support and guidance.

PROCEDURE

  1. Pre-Clerkship Remediation
    1. Remediating a Y mark in the pre-clerkship phase may mean taking a cumulative exam, or completing other work (including but not limited to addressing lapses in professionalism) determined by the Course Director(s), in conjunction with CSP.
      • Students are given one attempt to remediate a Y mark.
    2. Remediation of an F grade entails retaking the course in its entirety; additional work, such as addressing lapses in professionalism may also be required.
      • In unique situations, a student may be approved to apply for and take the course through credit by examination. (See References: Regulation 76 and 80)
  2. USMLE Step 1 Remediation: See the USMLE Step 1 Readiness Policy
  3. Clerkship Remediation
    1. Remediation for a Y mark includes retaking a written, oral, or clinical skills exam and/or retaking the clerkship rotation; other work (including but not limited to addressing lapses in professionalism) may also be required.
      • Students are given one attempt to remediate a Y mark (see References: Delayed Submission of Required Clerkship Activities and Assignments Policy).
    2. Remediation of an F grade will be determined by the Course Director(s) in conjunction with CSP.
  4. Post-Clerkship Remediation
    1. Remediation for a Y mark may include completing additional clinical work, written assignments, and/or clinical skills exam, other work (including but not limited to addressing lapses in professionalism) may also be required, this will be determined by the Course Director(s) in conjunction with CSP. 
      • Students are given one attempt to remediate a Y mark.
    2. Remediation of an F grade will be determined by the Course Director(s) in conjunction with CSP.
  5. USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) Remediation: See the USMLE Step 2 Policy
  6. Addressing professionalism lapses contributing to a Y mark or F grade during any curricula phase:
    1. Professionalism remediation is determined by CSP and may include the development of an individualized professionalism improvement plan in consultation with the Associate Dean for Students.
    2. In circumstances where professionalism deficiencies are so significant that they prevent a student from performing patient care responsibilities and/or functioning appropriately in a clinical environment, CSP may require a written clearance from a Committee-approved, qualified professional before the student is allowed to return to duty/school (“fitness for duty”).

RESPONSIBILITY
Committee on Student Promotions

REFERENCES
UC Davis School of Medicine Bylaws and Regulations, Regulations 70, 76, and 80

RELATED POLICIES
Delayed Completion of Required Clerkship Activities and Assignments Policy
Professionalism Policy
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Student Code of Academic and Social Conduct Policy
USMLE Step 1 Readiness Policy
USMLE Step 2CK Policy

POLICY OWNER
Committee on Student Promotions

REVIEWERS
Committee on Student Promotions*
Committee on Educational Policy

REVIEW DATE and REVIEW CYCLE
September 2026, 2-year cycle

* Indicates the Policy Owner