Academic Integrity
Violations of academic integrity, also called academic dishonesty, includes but is not limited to plagiarism, cheating, fabrication/falsification misuse of academic material and collaborarion that contributes to academic dishonesty. Thie policy applies but is not limited to essays, papers, forums, assignments, tests/quizzes, presentations, online material, H&P’s, DC summaries, Admitting orders, and SOAP notes. Individuals who commit acts of academic dishonesty violate the program’s values and principles, which support the search for knowledge and truth.
Types of Academic Dishonesty:
- Cheating: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials or methods in any exercise. E.g., having a substitute take a test, having another person complete a research or writing paper/SOAP note/DC summary, H&P, utilizing artificial intelligence (such as ChatGPT), using concealed notes during exams, hinting during practicums, providing information to other students during OSCEs or board type exams. Passing on information about test questions to students in subsequent classes and reconstructing exams (as stated above).
- Fabrication: Falsifying or inventing any information, evidence, or records, or neglecting to follow established guidelines of research and documentation. E.g., distortion of evidence, creation of false sources or fictitious evidence.
- Collaboration: Assisting others in engaging in scholarly wrongdoing. E.g., stealing and distributing tests, copying/pasting/print screens of exam content, permitting others to use a research paper and permitting another to copy from his/her paper/laptop during an exam. Collaboration includes uploading course materials and or personal course work to third party sites with the intent or foreknowledge that others will misuse information. “Buying” a research paper.
- Destruction of Reference Sources: Denying others access to learning materials. E.g. destruction
of journal articles in the program and/or library collection. Stealing of books and other materials from the program/library or other sources.
- Plagiarism: Representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own. E.g., not giving credit for referenced information and not acknowledging a paraphrase. Using another author’s material as one’s own.
Note: The student who provided the information and the student who received the information in a case of academic dishonesty will both be held accountable.
In an examination setting: the student will be permitted to complete the examination and submit/surrender it (as applicable). The PA Program Director and/or the exam proctor will meet with the student privately, immediately, or at an appointed time to discuss the details of the unsatisfactory behavior. A written report will be placed in the student’s file. The PA program director in conjunction with the student progress committee will decide on further disciplinary action.
In a non-examination setting: the PA Program Director will meet privately with the student to discuss the details of the behavior. A written report will be placed in the student’s file. The PA program director in conjunction with the student progress committee will decide on further disciplinary action.
NCCPA Code of conduct: https://www.nccpa.net/code-of-conduct
WLU PA Studies Program Grievance and Appeal Procedure
This policy outlines the process for appeal of course grades, course failures, probation, deceleration, or dismissal. A student may appeal a course grade/course failure only on the basis that A) the grade was arbitrary, capricious or prejudiced or B) the grade assigned was awarded as the result of an error in calculating, recording, or reporting the final grade. When considering course grades, the evaluation of student performance is based upon the professional judgements of instructors and matters of academic judgement cannot be appealed. Only final course grades may be appealed. A student who believes their probation, deceleration, or dismissal from the university or from the PA program was based on inadequate evidence or prejudicial judgment, may appeal this action. The student has the burden of proof in establishing cause for all appeals.
The appeals process is the following:
Step I
It is recommended that a PA student consult with their academic advisor before and while initiating the filing of an appeal/grievance.
- The PA student shall request a meeting with the instructor (for problems involving a single class) or program director (for problems involving the program in general) within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of notification of the grade or disciplinary action and attempt to resolve the issue.
Step II
- If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved in Step I, the PA student may appeal this action in writing (hard copy or email) to the program director who will then bring the student’s appeal before the student progress committee within ten (10) calendar days of the receipt of such notification. The appeal will be brought before the committee for arbitration.
Step III
- If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved in Step II, the PA student has the right to file an appeal/grievance with the Graduate Health Sciences Council. The PA student wishing to file an appeal/grievance must submit a letter (petition) to the Dean of the College of Sciences in writing within five (5) calendar days of the completion of step II. The letter must state the action being challenged, including a statement of the facts and sufficient evidence to reasonably support the challenge.
The Graduate Health Sciences Council will hear the PA student’s case (using the procedure below). The decision of the Graduate Health Sciences Council will be forwarded to the Dean of the College of Sciences within five (5) working days of the hearing. The Dean of the College of Sciences will deliver the decision of the council within five (5) working days to the student with copies to the registrar, the program director, and the provost. If an appeal of the Graduate Health Science’s Council’s decision arises, the dean can affirm or overturn the decision. The dean will inform the PA graduate student, the council, the registrar, the program director, and the provost of the final decision of the appeal of the council’s decision. The dean’s decision is final and therefore, there is no appeal of it.
Health Sciences Council Grievance and Appeals Policy
- The Graduate Health Sciences Council will be comprised of 3 WLU faculty from the College of Sciences. The members, as well as the Chair of the Graduate Health Sciences Council, will be selected by the Dean of the College of Sciences in consultation with the PA program director. The program director will provide the PA student with a copy of this procedure.
- The PA student may select a WLU faculty or staff member as an advocate to assist in the preparation and presentation of the appeal/grievance. The advocate may appear with the student before the Council. The advocate can consult with the student but may not speak directly to the Council.
- The student, working with his/her advocate, will produce a written allegation describing the appeal/grievance, a summary of the circumstances surrounding it, the related evidence, and what has already been done in attempting to resolve it. An electronic copy or three hard copies of this document must be delivered by the student to the chair of the Graduate Health Sciences Council at least 48 hours prior to the hearing for distribution to the committee members.
- The PA student will work with the chair of the Graduate Health Sciences Council to schedule the hearing at a mutually agreeable time. The student is entitled to a hearing within ten (10) working days of the time the student first contacts the Chair of the Graduate Health Sciences Council.
- At the hearing, the PA student will have a reasonable amount of time (about 15 minutes) to present his or her appeal/grievance. The faculty member and/or program representative will then have a similar amount of time. Neither of the affected parties will be present to hear the other party’s presentation; neither of the affected parties will be present during deliberations. The Graduate Health Sciences Council may hear additional witnesses at the chair’s discretion. A decision will be forwarded to the Dean within five (5) working days of the hearing.
- The Graduate Health Sciences Council shall maintain confidentiality concerning any information presented in the hearing; all materials shall be maintained in the Office of the Dean of the College of Sciences.
- The Graduate Health Sciences Council and PA program director shall have access to all materials that are relevant to the case.
- Cases brought before Graduate Health Sciences Council will be decided by a simple majority vote.
- The PA student may withdraw the appeal/grievance at any point in the proceedings by requesting in writing to the Dean or Chair of the Graduate Health Sciences Council.
- The Dean or Chair of the Health Sciences Council may grant an extension of the time limit of this procedure for good cause.
- Neither party is permitted to bring legal counsel into any of the described steps of the Health Sciences Council Grievance and Appeal policy.
PLEASE NOTE: The policies and procedures stated in the WLU PA Program Student Handbook take precedence over West Liberty University policies and procedures.
Policy Regarding Remediation
Student Assessment
The WLU PA Program is a competency-based program. Students are required to complete each component of the program successfully before progressing on to the next phase. The minimum passing score is 70% on all didactic exams, a Z-score of ≥ -1 based upon the national mean and standard deviation for the rotation-specific PAEA EOR Exam and a grade of “satisfactory” on end of clerkship evaluation of student, professionalism, skills, written assignments, and required assignments for clinical clerkships. The minimum passing grade is a C for each course using a letter system. A “satisfactory” must be obtained in all courses graded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Remediation is required for any assessment that does not meet the passing standard.
Student progress is monitored and documented in a manner that promptly identifies deficiencies in knowledge or skills. Students who are identified through self-referral or through faculty observation as being at risk for failure will be referred for remediation. Remediation may include, but is not limited to, tutoring, self-study, reading assignments, completion of specific tasks, written response to selected exam items, completion of additional exams, or referral to the Student Success Center for counseling or coaching.
Guidelines for Remediation
- Remediation is required for any failed written assessment or skills assessment. As soon as possible upon grade release, it is the student’s responsibility to approach the respective instructor after any failure to successfully complete remediation. Assessments requiring remediation include written exams, skills assessment written tests, check-offs, lab practical exams, papers, presentations, OSCE’s, end-of rotation (EOR) exams, medical documentation assignments, and clerkship assignments.
- Remediation of exams and skills assessments must be completed within two weeks during the didactic phase and as directed in the clinical phase.
- Remediation is student and/or situation specific and is determined by the PA faculty and the course director/instructor/clinical coordinator.
- Arrangements for remediation are made with the course director/instructor/clinical coordinator
- Remediation is for learning, and the student must demonstrate they have learned the material for the areas in which the deficiency was identified.
- Successful remediation will allow the student to progress, however, the original assessment score will be recorded for courses utilizing numeric/letter grading and will count toward the final course score.
- Remediation may also be required when an academic or professional deficiency is identified by a faculty member in any other activity associated with the PA program.
Failure to successfully remediate will trigger a comprehensive review of the student’s academic record resulting in disciplinary action which will include probation, deceleration, or dismissal from the program.
Program Disciplinary Actions
Decisions concerning disciplinary actions are made in consultation with the student progress committee and/or faculty committee.
Written Warning:
A letter of concern is a written warning initiated by the faculty that involves the student receiving and signing a document that includes the reason for the warning and a written reminder of the standards required by the program related to the warning.
Probation
Probation is a program status that is issued in response to failing to meet academic or professional standards or violations of program policies in any phase of the PA program (see Guidelines for Probation). The student will meet with the program director and academic coordinator or clinical coordinator to be issued a probation contract that includes a statement of the reasons for placement on probation, conditions for removal of the probation, and the consequences for failure to complete the conditions for removal from probation. The contract is signed by the student, the academic or clinical coordinator, and the program director.
Deceleration
Deceleration from the program is a temporary separation from the program. The student will meet with the student progress committee and be presented with a document that indicates the reason for deceleration, the duration of the time away, the activities that the student will be required to complete before they can be reinstated into the program, and the consequences for failure to complete these activities. The student will be required to sign the document verifying receipt and understanding. A student may only be decelerated one time while enrolled in the program. The maximum total allowed time for program completion is 48 months. Should a student not have completed requirements for graduation by that time, they will be dismissed from the program.
Dismissal
Dismissal from the program is a final disciplinary action resulting in permanent separation from the WLU PA Program. The student will meet with the student progress committee and be presented with a document that indicates the reason(s) for dismissal from the program. The student will be required to sign the document verifying receipt and understanding. Reasons for dismissal from the program include, but are not limited to, failure to maintain minimum academic standards, failure to successfully complete a remediation plan, failure to meet the terms of a probation contract, academic dishonesty, unprofessional conduct, unsatisfactory attendance in classes or clinical assignments, positive drug testing, and inability to pass a background check.
Guidelines for Voluntary Withdrawal from the Physician Assistant Studies Program
Students may voluntarily withdraw at any time prior to a formal notice of dismissal from the PA Program but, must file a “Withdraw from All Classes Form.” However, if a student withdraws after the 2/3 point of any term and at that time has an overall failing grade in the course (< 70%), he/she will be issued a “WF” on their transcript. If a student withdraws after the 2/3 point of any term and at that time has an overall passing grade in the course (>= 70%), he/she will be issued a “WP” on their transcript. If a student voluntarily withdraws from the program at any time, this signifies permanency which means the student will not be allowed to return to the program. It is not permissible to withdraw from single courses from within the PA program.
Guidelines for Leave of Absence
Under exceptional circumstances, a leave of absence may be granted or required for a period of time no longer than one academic year for a leave of absence (medical or personal). A leave of absence constitutes formal permission to delay progression through the PA Program but does not excuse the student from any course requirements. If a student misses more than 5 days for any reason, they must take a leave of absence.
A leave of absence that extends the student’s academic program beyond the usual 24 consecutive months will require the assignment of a new program completion date, new graduation date, and may require assignment to a new class. The new graduation date assigned will depend on the length of the leave and the official PA program graduation date. In addition, a new completion date will delay eligibility for taking the PANCE examination and will delay the temporary and/or permanent licensing process in various states including West Virginia. The maximum total allowed time for program completion is 48 months. Should a student not have completed requirements for graduation by that time, they will be dismissed from the program.
If a matriculated student in the PA Program encounters a situation that requires a prolonged absence from the program, that student may either withdraw from the program or request a leave of absence. A request for a leave of absence must be submitted in writing to the Program Director with sufficient information to explain the situation. In no case will a student be granted more than one leave of absence as a matriculant of the program.
If the request for leave seems reasonable, and if the student is in good academic standing at the time, the Program Director (in consultation with the Program Faculty) may grant the leave. Otherwise, the Program Director may, at his/her discretion (in consultation with the Program Faculty), deny the leave, require the student to withdraw from the Program or require the student be dismissed from the Program. Conditions will be determined individually according to the merits of each case.
A student who is granted a leave of absence is expected to complete all missed work upon return to the Program. This could mean that a student may have to withdraw from courses, if allowed by West Liberty University, register, and take the courses from the beginning upon return to the Program.
Due to the cumulative nature of the material, the constant changes in curriculum presentation, class size restrictions, and the limited number of clinical sites the PA Program director reserves the right to determine the conditions and timing for re-entry after a leave of absence of more than five days. Coursework, exams, and clinical experiences missed during any leave must be made-up within a time-frame agreed upon by the course instructor and the Program Director of the PA Program before the student may continue in the program in good standing. Additional tuition and time may be required to complete this program after re-entry. This additional time required may cause a delay in graduation from the program. The timing of reentry could be dependent upon the availability of a clinical site.
If more than one semester lapses between the start of a leave of absence and the student’s re-matriculation into the PA Program, the student may be required to demonstrate competencies (e.g., didactic and or clinical skills) and/or take a proficiency exam before restarting the Program. The student must receive 70% or higher on any evaluation in order to proceed in the Program.
The student is responsible for the financial consequences of taking a leave of absence. Students must review financial arrangements with the Business Office and the Office of Financial Aid prior to finalizing the leave of absence.
When a leave of absence is granted, the Program may require that the student meet additional academic requirements for effective and safe reintegration into the classroom or clinic (e.g., remedial course work, ACLS/PALS course work, physical exam proficiency, etc.) and/or submit specific documentation (e.g., a medical release to return to classes).
When a leave of absence is granted, students must notify the course coordinators of all classes in which they are enrolled of their withdrawal from course work.
A student who has been granted a leave of absence is responsible for notifying the Program Director in writing of his/her intention to return to classes on the appointed date no later than two months before the start of classes. Without this notification, the student’s place in the class will be forfeited. Re-entry into the Program will then require re-application through the usual admissions process of the Program.
Upon re-enrollment following a leave of absence, the student will be subject to all rules and regulations which pertain to the new class.
Military Leave of Absence
Eligible service members will be granted a military leave of absence in accordance with State and Federal Law.
Leave for Military Drill
In accordance with the “Military Friendly” designation, WLU faculty may allow students who are members of the US Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Active Reserve) to make up tests and assignments that are missed during a term if the student is officially called up for military service requirements for a limited period and if the delayed coursework completion will not irreversibly impact the student’s ability to appropriately master the required subject matter. Absence due to required military obligation that exceed 5 days requires a leave of absence. Students should notify faculty members of the circumstances of their absence as far in advance as possible and work with faculty members to agree upon a plan of action for completing course requirements.
In 2008 Congress enacted a law giving students USERRA – like protections when their educational programs are interrupted by voluntary or involuntary service. Congress codified that provision in title 20 of the United States Code, section 1091c (20 U.S.C. 1091c). The United States Department of Education is charged with enforcing this provision, and the Deptartment promulgated regulations which can be found in Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, at section 668.18 (5 C.F.R. 668.18).
Guidelines for Consideration for Reinstatement to the Physician Assistant Studies Program
Because of constant changes in curriculum presentation, re-admission, if desired, must be negotiated with the Program Director for the Physician Assistant Studies Program. Requests for reinstatement must be made in writing. The student must show that the problem leading to the leave of absence or deceleration has been resolved such that success in this program will follow if the student is reinstated. Reinstatement is also dependent on the availability of a clinical training site.
University Prohibited Conduct
The below are excerpts and information taken from Board of Governors Rule 1.5: Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Domestic Misconduct, Stalking, Retaliation, and Relationships. (https://westliberty.edu/bog/rules/)
West Liberty University is committed to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational enterprise. The University prohibits Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Domestic Misconduct, Stalking, and Retaliation as defined in this Policy (collectively referred to as “Prohibited Conduct”) by or against any Member of the University Community occurring within the University’s Jurisdiction.
This policy applies to behaviors that take place on campus and West Liberty-sponsored events and may also apply to off campus if determined to reasonably interfere with education or orderly operation of the University community or would endanger the health and safety of the University community.
Inquiries about this policy may be made internally to either the Title IX coordinator, in person, via telephone or via e-mail at kate.billings@westliberty.edu; or Human Resources, via e-mail at hr@westliberty.edu. Contact information for these individuals is located on the West Liberty University website, at https://westliberty.edu.
Student Code of Conduct
In order to (1) to promote a campus environment that supports the overall educational mission of the
University; (2) to protect the campus community from disruption and harm; (3) to encourage appropriate
standards of individual and group behavior; and (4) to foster ethical standards and civic virtues, all
students must comply with the university “Student Code of Conduct” which may be found:
Student Conduct – Student Conduct (westliberty.edu)
Policy Regarding Tuition Refund
A student who withdraws from the program and withdraws from all classes by following the proper procedure will be issued a refund of tuition and fees upon receipt of a withdrawal slip signed by the Registrar. A student who is required to withdraw for disciplinary reasons shall not be entitled to any refund. Refunds are calculated from the first day of classes. Lab and course fees and capital fees are not refundable. Students who officially withdraw shall receive a refund of regular fees in accordance with the following schedule:
Refund Schedule | |
| During the first and second weeks | 90% Refund |
| During the third and fourth weeks | 75% Refund |
| During the fifth and sixth weeks | 50% Refund |
| Beginning with the seventh week | No Refund |
