Academic Standings Committee

Under the authority of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, the Academic Standing Committees are responsible for sending recommendations regarding academic standings and promotions to the Faculty Academic Standing and Promotion Committee (FASPC). This includes responsibility for the process of student evaluations, assignment of grades and academic standings in all of the courses of the MD program.

Terms of Reference:


What happens if students fail an assessment in medical school?

MD Program student failure infographic

This infographic outlines the process and response to student failure.

  • First paragraph
    • In medical school, we want every student to succeed while uplholding out responsibility to produce top-quality doctors.
  • Second paragraph
    • This journey can be challenging, especially writing major assignments. Many students may fail one throughout the year.
  • Third paragraph
    • If failure occurs, we provide support and offer rewrites to help that student achieve competency.
  • Fourth paragraph
    • The stuedent will continue to advance with their peers to the next course while working on the rewrite.
  • Fifth paragraph
    • If an abnormal number of students fail an assessment, the validity will be reviewed by the Assistant Dean, Assessment.
  • Sixth paragraph
    • If a student fails two or more major assessments in a year (dependent upon year of study), they will be recommended to repeat the year.
  • Seventh paragraph
    • If a student doesn't agree with the recommendations of the ASC, they have an opportunity to appeal.

Contact

Academic Standing Committee Chair
Dr. Brock Debenham, Assistant Dean, Academic Affairs

Administrative Support
Kim Tupper
ktupper@ualberta.ca