Overview
Assessments are measurements of student performance conducted using instruments such as written exams or observational checklists. Evaluations are comprehensive summaries of student performance measured against a performance standard.
A wide variety of assessment types are used to measure students' academic and professional performance in relation to the Emory University School of Medicine Student Physician Activities (SPAs) and are incorporated into grades for courses and clerkships. In addition to written exams and academic papers, instructor observational assessments are often used during small group work, during patient care on clerkships, for elective courses, and in research labs. Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCEs) are a regular and vital element of student assessment.
Students receive both narrative and summative assessments during the 4-year curriculum. See policies regarding narrative assessments and summative assessments.
Grading Scales
S/U
- "S" indicates satisfactory work; Pass
- "U" indicates unsatisfactory work
- A grade of "U" carries no academic credit. A student cannot be promoted to the next phase of the curriculum with a grade of "U" on their transcript. Any student who receives a "U" will, at a minimum, have to successfully remediate the course and may be susceptible to additional actions such as probation or dismissal, as determined by the Progress and Promotions Committee.
IP and I
- "IP" indicates 'in-progress' course work. Final transcripts cannot carry grades of "IP."
- "I" indicates incomplete course work. Final transcripts cannot carry grades of "I".
- The grade of "I" will be assigned to students who have been unable to complete the requirements of the course/clerkship. The grade of "I" is appropriate only when enough work has been completed at an acceptable level of performance such that the student can complete the remaining work without repeating the entire course/clerkship.
- If a student receives a grade of "I," the remaining work must be completed within a reasonable time, as determined by the dean's office, or the grade of "I" will automatically convert to an "IU." The grade of "I" cannot be assigned for unsatisfactory work. The grade of "I" is to be viewed as a non-prejudicial entry on the student's record.
W
- "W" indicates withdrawal from course or clerkship without penalty
- "WU" indicates unsatisfactory withdrawal
Grading in the Foundations Phase
In the Foundations phase of the curriculum, grades "S" or "U" are assigned to students for each course. Students will receive a grade of Satisfactory in any course during the Foundations phase if they meet either of the following criteria: A student's total score for the course is greater than 2 standard deviation units below the mean (i.e., z > -2.0) OR the student's total percentage score is greater than 68.2%. When appropriate, students may also be assigned the grades of "I," "IP," "W," or "WU."
Students may not progress to the Application phase of the curriculum without receiving a final grade of "S" in all Foundations courses.
Grading in the Application, Discovery, and Translation Phases
In the Application, Discovery, and Translation phases of the curriculum, grades "S" or "U" are assigned to students for each clerkship/course. When appropriate, students may also be assigned the grades of "I," "IP," "W," or "WU."
If a student fails any aspect of a clerkship that is required to pass the clerkship, the student will receive a failing grade ("U") for the clerkship and be required to repeat the clerkship in its entirety. The student will be re-enrolled in the clerkship and a second grade will be issued after repetition of the clerkship; however, the "U" grade earned after completing the clerkship for the first time will remain on the student's official transcript.
Students must successfully complete all Application requirements before proceeding to the next phases of the curriculum.
Completion of Clerkship Requirements
All clerkship requirements, as defined by the individual clerkship directors, must be completed by 5pm on the final day of the rotation, including but not limited to required clinical experience patient logs in OASIS and direct observation forms. Students who fail to complete clerkship requirements on time will be subjected to penalties outlined by the clerkship directors and may result in an unsatisfactory grade for the clerkship.
Conflicts of Interest in Grading
Residents and faculty members with a conflict of interest (e.g., professional, personal, or familial relationship to a student, including providing health services or psychiatric/psychological counseling) should not participate in assessing a student in which a conflict exists. The EUSOM Separation of Roles outlines this in further detail.
Grade Appeals
Students are encouraged to discuss their final grades with the course, clerkship, or elective director. Although grades are assigned as an accurate and fair representation of a student's work, students have the right to appeal a grade and to receive an independent review of the grading criteria and their performance.
If a student wishes to appeal a final grade, this should be presented in writing to the Executive Associate Dean of Medical Education and Student Affairs within 14 days of receiving the grade. The appeal may be based on the process that led to the grade and/or questions of factual content used in the evaluation process. The Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs or their designee will then review the basis for the appeal of the grade.
Upon review, the Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs may find that based on process or factual content, there is no basis for a change of an evaluation or grade.
Alternatively, the Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs may recommend that the grade be changed.
After review by the Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs and submission of the reconsidered grade, the student may appeal any decision to the dean of the medical school. The decision by the dean shall be final.
It should be noted that all grade appeals should be conducted in a professional manner by the student involved; that is, demonstrating respectful disagreement with the perspective and judgment used by faculty members. Failure to exhibit appropriate professional attitudes may immediately terminate the appeal process and lead to an unprofessional conduct report.
Last modified: 07/15/2024.