2021 - 2022 COM Student Handbook

Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM)—Osteopathic Medicine Program 2021–2022 163 • Nothing should prevent KPCOM from taking action deemed necessary, including removing a matter from the committee’s consideration, whenever, in the dean’s judgment, such action may prevent harm to the health, safety, and welfare of any individual; to school property; or to the integrity of the educational process. • Nothing shall limit the right of KPCOM or any of its representatives or students to file a report with any law enforcement or civil agency. B. Student Progress Committee Meeting Protocols and Process Proceedings to determine whether a student has violated a regulation, policy, behavior, or academic code of the college shall conform to the following protocols and process: • When informed of an alleged violation, the chair of the SPC will conduct a preliminary investigation. • The chair will then call a meeting of the committee and will notify the student. The student shall receive written notice of the time, place, and subject of the meeting. Legal representation or any other form of representation is prohibited during the meeting. • If necessary, the student will provide the chair with a list of any witnesses he or she may have, in writing, no later than two business days before the meeting date. The student will be responsible for ensuring the presence of his or her witnesses. • Any witnesses will be called in individually to be questioned and to provide any statements. Any witnesses may be asked to remain outside the meeting room for later recall. The student will not be present during the questioning of any witnesses. • The student will be given the opportunity to present his or her statement to the committee. The student will only be present during his or her statement and to respond to any questions from the committee. • The chair will dismiss the student and any witnesses and close the meeting for discussion. • At the conclusion of the discussion, the committee shall make a recommendation to the dean. The various disciplinary actions that may be recommended by the SPC include—but are not limited to—warning, probation, suspension, dismissal, and administrative leave of absence. • The dean will review the committee’s recommendation and the student will then be notified of the dean’s decision by email, certified mail (return receipt requested), or personal delivery. • The recommendations of the SPC and all reports, letters, and investigative records are maintained in the files of the dean for no less than five years. This information is not part of the student’s permanent records or the student’s transcript.