Physician Associate Medicine, M.M.S. Program Policies and Procedures

All policies of the UNH physician associate program apply to all students, faculty, and the program director. During the clinical phase, site policies may supersede program policies; if such occurs, students will be notified of this circumstance prior to beginning the Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) at such site.

The UNH physician associate program provides all required, and an elective SCPE to all students. Students may not solicit their own sites. If a student has a previous relationship with a potential site, a request for the program to evaluate the site and preceptor may be submitted to the Director of Clinical Education. Such requests are handled on a case-by-case basis and the program does not guarantee that the site will be evaluated for student placement in a SCPE.

Students may not, under any circumstance or in any role, work for the program.

Students may not, under any circumstance, substitute for instructional faculty nor provide administrative support to the program. This policy extends through the entire program; students may not serve as administrative or clinical staff during their SCPEs.

Students must wear a name tag attached to their clothing that is clearly visible and that identifies them as a “University of New Haven Physician Associate Student” in every clinical setting.

Students are required to have met the University of New Haven requirements for immunization prior to entering the program. Immunizations required by the University are:

• MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). Vaccines after December 1956 or given before the first birthday are not valid. MMRV is also acceptable.
• Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccine. Two doses required or proof of history of disease, or blood test to prove immunity required. MMRV is also acceptable.
• The State of Connecticut requires that all students living in university housing receive 1 injection of the Meningitis (MCV 4 Sero Groups, A, C, Y and W135) vaccine within five (5) years of enrollment.

Additionally, the program requires the following immunizations based upon current CDC recommendations for immunization of healthcare workers.

• Hepatitis B Series of three injections. If a student has received the series, but does not have documentation of such, documentation of a Hepatitis B titer must be submitted.
• Tetanus – students must submit documentation of Td or Tdap within the last eight years. (CDC recommends every 10 years. The program’s 8-year requirement assures this recommendation is met for the duration of the program.) If a student is delayed in graduation, increasing this time frame, the immunization status will be evaluated at time of return to program.
• TB screening – students must submit documentation of screening (TB blood test or skin test) completed within the two months prior to beginning the program. Yearly screening is required while in the program.
• Influenza – the program strongly encourages annual influenza vaccination. Influenza vaccination may be required for students to complete SCPEs in certain sites and/or specialties. If a student chooses to not receive annual influenza vaccination, graduation may be delayed due to no clinical site availability that does not require this vaccination. In this circumstance, students will incur the added debt associated with extending the duration of their time in the program beyond 24 months. (Tuition, fees, and living expenses, etc.).
• Covid-19 – the program does not require immunization against Covid-19. However, clinical sites where SCPEs are completed may require immunization. If a student chooses to not receive a Covid-19 vaccination, graduation may be delayed due to no clinical site availability that does not require this vaccination. In this circumstance, students will incur the added debt associated with extending the duration of their time in the program beyond 24 months. (Tuition, fees, and living expenses, etc.).

All students entering the University of New Haven must have a completed Health Examination Report on file, thus enabling the Health Services staff to render optimum health care when needed. All students must complete the health examination report before classes begin in the initial enrollment term.

If the required immunizations cannot be received due to medical conditions, a Medical Exemption Certificate should be filled out by a healthcare provider and submitted to the upload email for review. Health services will submit the required documents to the DPH portal as state law requires. Only medical exemptions will be accepted, as religious exemptions are not permitted per state law.

The University of New Haven uses MyChart document submission to our Office of Health Services. This includes the required physical examination form and required vaccination records. Physician Associate program faculty, program director, and medical director do not access to a student’s health information. The University Office of Health Services notifies the program of each student’s compliance with submission of health form and immunization status.

All full-time undergraduate students, graduate physician associate students, and all full-time international students are required to have health insurance. The University of New Haven offers student health insurance for those who do not have private insurance. Information about the University student health insurance program and the online waiver system for those with private insurance can be found on the Bursar’s Office webpage. For specific questions regarding health insurance, please contact Health Services at (203) 932-7079.

Students must purchase and maintain a supplemental accidental insurance policy while enrolled in the program. The cost is approximately $50.00 annually per student. Plan participation information will be provided to students prior to the program start date.

The University of New Haven does not offer international SCPEs or any other out of country experiences. Thus, there is not a travel health policy.

The University of New Haven Physician Associate (PA) Program is committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of its students, faculty, staff, and patients. As part of their professional training, PA students may encounter infectious and/or environmental hazards in both academic and clinical settings.

These risks may include, but are not limited to:

• Latex or other allergenic materials, including gloves and medical supplies.
• Communicable infectious diseases, transmitted through airborne particles, mucous membrane contact, or needlestick injuries during clinical training. Examples of potential exposures include tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Additional considerations exist for students who are pregnant or of childbearing age, who may require special precautions to limit exposure to teratogens, certain chemicals, or ionizing radiation.

Although the risk of disease transmission is low, the program has implemented several protocols to minimize exposure:

• Immunization Requirements: Prior to beginning clinical activities, students must provide documentation of required immunizations or immunity as part of the matriculation process.
• Infection Control Education: During the didactic phase, students receive training on standard precautions, infection control, and procedures for preventing the spread of communicable diseases. These sessions are integrated into the orientation process and in coursework.
• Exposure Response Training: Students are taught how to recognize and report exposures, and how to seek appropriate care. If an exposure occurs on campus, students will be referred to a local emergency department or urgent care facility. The Director of Academic Education will complete an incident report and notify the appropriate university official.
• Respiratory/Gastrointestinal Illness: Students experiencing symptoms of infectious illnesses are expected to follow healthcare provider guidance regarding self-isolation and return to class or clinical duties.

• Students with known or suspected latex allergies must provide documentation from a healthcare provider. This documentation should be submitted to the Accessibility Resource Center - https://www.newhaven.edu/student-life/accessibility-resources-center/index.php . Approved accommodations may be available.
• During the transition to the clinical phase, students will receive additional instruction on exposure prevention and site-specific reporting procedures. If an exposure occurs during a clinical rotation, students must follow the site's protocols and notify the Director of Clinical Education to ensure proper documentation and follow-up.

• Students are financially responsible for any medical treatment related to exposure to infectious or environmental hazards.
• Contracting an infectious disease may temporarily or permanently impact a student's ability to participate in academic or clinical activities. Students must continue to meet published health requirements and technical standards throughout the program.
• If a student is diagnosed with a communicable disease that poses a potential risk to others, the program will follow CDC and public health guidelines to prevent further transmission.
• Certain communicable diseases are legally reportable to county or state health authorities. For a current list of reportable conditions go to: https://portal.ct.gov/dph/epidemiology-and-emerging-infections/provider-reporting

To request accommodations for allergies or medical conditions (e.g., latex allergy), students must:

1. Provide appropriate documentation from a healthcare provider.
2. Submit their request to the Accessibility Resources Center
3. For questions about accommodations or documentation, contact:
   Call: (203) 932-7332
   Fax: (203) 931-6082
   Email: ARC@newhaven.edu

Except for provision of care during an emergency, the Medical Director, Program Director, Principal, and Instructional faculty are prohibited from participation as medical providers for students in the program.

Students who are experiencing personal issues that may impact their progress in the PA program will be referred to University of New Haven Counseling and Psychologic Services. Crisis support is available through these services 24/7. Faculty are trained in how to recognize such issues in students and in how to ensure that students are provided timely access and referral to student support services.

All announcements and advertising accurately reflect the program offered. Correspondence used to communicate with those inquiring about the program is standardized.

The program’s ARC-PA accreditation status as provided by ARC-PA is defined, published and readily available on the program’s website.

As the program matures, composite data will be published and readily available on the program’s website that will provide evidence of program effectiveness in meeting program goals.

Last 5 Years will be published and readily available on the program website.

All required curricular components including required rotation disciplines must be published and readily available for review.

• PHAS 6040 Clinical Medicine I (5 Credits)
• PHAS 6050 Pharmacology I (3 Credits)
• PHAS 6000 Applied Medical Science (2 Credits)
• PHAS 6001 Clinical Anatomy & Physiology (3 Credits)
• PHAS 6030 Clinical Assessment I (3 Credits)
• PHAS 6010 Diagnostic Methods I (1 Credits)
• PHAS 6020 Professional Issues (2 Credits)

Total Semester I Credits: 19

• PHAS 6041 Clinical Medicine II (6 Credits)
• PHAS 6051 Pharmacology II (3 Credits)
• PHAS 6031 Clinical Assessment II (3 Credits)
• PHAS 6011 Diagnostic Methods II  (2 Credits)
• PHAS 6021 Systems-Based Practice (2 Credits)
• PHAS 6022 Person-Centered Care (2 Credits)

Total Semester II Credits: 18

• PHAS 6042 Clinical Medicine III (6 Credits)
• PHAS 6052 Pharmacology III (3 Credits) 
• PHAS 6032 Clinical Assessment III (3 Credits)
• PHAS 6012 Diagnostic Methods III (2 Credits)
• PHAS 6060 Specialty Medicine (4 Credits) 
• PHAS 6065 Evidence-Based Medicine (1 Credit) 

Total Semester III Credits: 19

Clinical Phase 3 semesters Supervised Clinical Experience & Back to Campus Courses

• PHAS 6071 Family (Ambulatory) Medicine (4 Credits)
• PHAS 6072 Pediatric Medicine (4 Credits)
• PHAS 6073 Women’s Health (4 Credits)
• PHAS 6074 Internal Medicine (4 Credits)
• PHAS 6075 Behavioral Medicine (4 Credits)
• PHAS 6076 Surgical Medicine (4 Credits)
• PHAS 6077 Emergency Medicine (4 Credits)
• PHAS 6078 Elective Practicum (1) (4 Credits)

• PHAS 6800 Physician Associate Competencies I (2 Credits)
• PHAS 6810 Integrating Seminar I (1 Credit)

• PHAS 6801 Physician Associate Competencies II (2 Credits)
• PHAS 6811 Integrating Seminar II (1 Credit) 

• PHAS 6802 Physician Associate Competencies III (2 Credits)
• PHAS 6888 Capstone Seminar (2 Credits)

The University of New Haven Physician Associate Program offers 98 credit hours.

The curriculum is 24 months, 98 credits total, at the prevailing graduate tuition rate for that academic year (estimated to be $1,136 per credit in the first year). The total cost for the program for the 2026 cohort is estimated to be $124,000.

Year 1 (Didactic Phase): Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters
Year 2 (Clinical Phase): Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters

(Program Year 2026-2028)

	Year 1	Year 2
Tuition	$63,616	$47,712
Lab Fees	$6,000	$6,000
General & Technical Fees	$175	$175
Total Tuition & Fees Per Year (estimated)	$69,791	$53,887
Total Billed Program Cost (estimated)	$123,678

(Program Year 2026-2028)

	Year 1	Year 2
Student Accident Insurance	$50	$50
Background Check	$75	$75
Preclinical Drug Screen		$50
Total Direct Costs by Year	$125	$175
Total Direct Cost of Attendance	$300

*Direct costs are costs required to attend the program but are not billed by the university, so these costs are estimates and are subject to change

(Program Year 2026-2028)

	Year 1	Year 2
Books and Supplies	$200	$75
Equipment	$1,250
Clinical Site Travel		Varies^

*Clinical year travel and transportation costs vary based on clinical placement, site location and demographics

Within the rubrics used to score applications, an applicant with military service or an applicant for which the PA profession is a second career, are granted an extra point. If an applicant meets both criteria, only one extra point is granted.

Admissions to PA programs are competitive, so, while there are minimum requirements to be considered for admission, ideal candidates will exceed some of these requirements.

• A Baccalaureate degree
• Prerequisite courses must be completed at the time of application.
• There is no minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) required for application to the program.
• A minimum of 750 hours of direct patient contact are required at the time of application and must be verified upon acceptance.
• Applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation.
• Candidates must complete program-specific supplemental questions, in addition to the personal statement for consideration. The program does not charge a fee for our supplemental application.
• All applicants, including graduates from foreign institutions*, must hold either U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status at the time of application. Applicants with pending citizenship or temporary residency will not be considered.
• Required pre-requisite courses:
  • Microbiology with Lab (4 credit hours min)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (5 credit hours min)
  • Upper-Level Human Biology Course (3 credit hours min)
  • Inorganic or Organic Chemistry (8 credit hours min)
  • Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry (3 credit hours min)
  • Statistics or Calculus (3 credit hours min)
  • Human Psychology (3 credit hours min)

The UNH PA program does not award or grant advanced placement.

• Required pre-requisite courses (must be completed prior to application):
  • Microbiology with Lab (4 credit hours min)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (5 credit hours min)
  • Upper-Level Human Biology Course (3 credit hours min)
  • Inorganic or Organic Chemistry (8 credit hours min)
  • Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry (3 credit hours min)
  • Statistics or Calculus (3 credit hours min)
  • Human Psychology (3 credit hours min)
• A Baccalaureate degree
• There is no minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) required for application to the program.

Each student must meet the technical standards continuously and consistently throughout their enrollment in the program. No use of technology or surrogate may be utilized to meet these standards.

Motor/Tactile

• Students must be able to directly perform palpation, percussion, auscultation and all physical exam and diagnostic maneuvers.
• Students must demonstrate sufficient coordination of fine and gross motor skills, balance/equilibrium, and functional sensation.
• Students must demonstrate functional capacity to operate equipment and instruments as needed to perform diagnostic tests and procedures.
• Students must be mobile enough to move from one setting to another in a timely manner.
• Students must demonstrate stamina in physical, mental, and emotional parameters.

Communication

• Students must be able to receive and process auditory information.
• Students must be able to write clearly and concisely.
• Students must demonstrate the capacity to communicate in an empathetic and sensitive manner.
• Students must be able to synthesize complex information and literature and convey this information in a patient-sensitive and easily understood manner.
• Students must demonstrate the capacity to recognize non-verbal cues.

Observation

• Student must possess adequate sensory and mental abilities to accurately perceive information in the educational setting – including auditory, visual, tactile, and olfactory.
• Students must demonstrate the ability to interpret radiography and other graphic images.

Cognitive/Intellectual Function

• To meet program outcomes, students must demonstrate capacity to problem solve and apply critical thinking.

Social and Behavioral Attributes

• Students must possess and demonstrate emotional intelligence and stability.
• Students must show the ability to form meaningful and productive working relationships with peers and treatment team members.
• Students must demonstrate the ability to work in small and large groups.
• Students must possess interpersonal skills adequate to relate to and build meaningful relationships with peers, patients, and family members of patients.
• The student must demonstrate a compassionate and service driven focus.
• The student must demonstrate tolerance to ambiguity and flexibility.
• The student must consistently behave in an ethical and moral manner.
• The student must demonstrate the capacity to accept constructive criticism, self-assess and modify behavior as needed.

Students must attest at the time of acceptance of entrance to the program that they meet these technical standards. If at any phase of the program, a student fails to be able to meet these standards, the student is not qualified to continue in the program.

The University of New Haven Physician Associate program conducts a holistic applicant review. While the program recognizes the weight given to traditional metrics such as GPA when reviewing applicants; it also recognizes the predictive value of non-cognitive variables when weighing academic achievement. We believe qualified applicants who may have overcome significant obstacles, preserved through personal or financial hardships, or worked full-time during their undergraduate education should not be further disadvantaged. By reviewing each qualified applicant’s application in its entirety, we believe that we can identify candidates who demonstrate the academic mindset, behaviors, and perseverance required to succeed in the rigorous PA curriculum.

Ideal applicants are those whose characteristics, life experience, and traits best align with the mission and goals of the program.

• A Baccalaureate degree
• Prerequisite courses must be completed at the time of application.
• There is no minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) required for application to the program.
• A minimum of 750 hours of direct patient contact are required at the time of application and must be verified upon acceptance.
• Applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation.
• Candidates must complete program-specific supplemental questions, in addition to the personal statement for consideration. The program does not charge a fee for our supplemental application.
• All applicants, including graduates from foreign institutions*, must hold either U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status at the time of application. Applicants with pending citizenship or temporary residency will not be considered.

*Applicants educated outside the U.S. must also submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and a transcription evaluation. The TOEFL total score result must be 100 or greater and within 2 years of the application date. The applicant must utilize a transcript evaluation service to verify their degree and course work. The academic record must show credits and grades equivalent to those given by U.S. institutions of higher learning. Any additional documentation required is subject to application verification deadlines.

• The program does not accept graduates of foreign/domestic medical school programs.
• The program does not require the GRE.
• The program does not grant or award advanced placement.

All prerequisite courses must be completed before application and within 7 years of anticipated matriculation, with the exception of applicants with a history of active-duty military service, who are granted a 10-year pre-application period to complete all required pre-requisite courses. Applicants must have earned a minimum of a "C" in each prerequisite course.

• Biology
  • Microbiology with Lab (4 credit hour min)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (5 credit hours min)
  • Upper-Level Human Biology course (3 credits)
• Chemistry
  • Chemistry (Inorganic or Organic with lab (5 credit hours min)
  • Organic or Biochemistry (3 credit hours min)
• Statistics
  • Statistics or Calculus (3 credit hour min)
• Psychology
  • Human Psychology Course (3 credit hour min)

The program requires at least 750 hours of direct patient care experience at the time of application. All qualifying healthcare experiences must be compensated, occur in person, within the US healthcare system, and must be verified upon acceptance. The program recognizes that not all healthcare experience hours are equal. The program weighs an applicant's level of involvement in patient care, overall quality of healthcare experience, and the level of skill required.

Candidates will be selected for interviews after the application is processed and reviewed by the program. Interviews will be conducted in person on campus. Candidates will undergo final selection by the admissions committee after their interview day is completed. Candidates who are extended offers of admission will be notified by phone and a dated confirmation letter will be mailed to their address provided on their application. Candidates who are admitted must inform the program of their decision to accept admission within 14 days from the date noted on their official acceptance letter. Candidates must either accept or decline the offer. The program does not allow for deferral of acceptance. Students who must defer an offer of admission are required to reapply in a subsequent admissions cycle. Candidates who accept our admission offer must secure their seat with a $1,000.00 deposit. All deposits must be received by the university within the 14-day acceptance period. Candidates who deposit but voluntarily rescind their offer will not receive a refund of funds deposited.

Interviewees not extended offers of admission may be either rejected or placed on a waiting list. Interviewees who are rejected or waitlisted will be notified by letter. Waitlist candidates for admission will not be notified of their ranking on the list. Candidates who are pulled from the waitlist and admitted will be notified by phone and given 48 hours to reply if we are unable to reach them. If the waitlist candidate verbally declines our offer, then we will move on to the next candidate on the waitlist. Once a waitlist candidate verbally accepts our offer, they will be sent a dated confirmation letter and given 2 weeks to deposit and secure their seat. Candidates who are not selected for our initial round of interviews may be placed on an interview waiting list. Candidates are not updated on their status (number in line) on the waiting list.

The status of “good academic standing” is earned each semester by passing all courses, having not required remediation, and maintaining the professional behavior standards of the program. At any time during the program, a student is not considered to be in good academic status if they are not in that moment, passing all courses and maintaining the professional behavior standards of the program.

Students may be placed under academic surveillance by any member of the faculty at any time a student is found to be struggling to meet the rigor of the program. This status is not punitive and is not entered into the student record. Rather, this allows faculty members to intervene in a timely manner to lend support to student success.

Students are placed on Academic Probation after having required remediation more than twice in two courses within a semester. Academic probation is lifted after completion of a subsequent semester without requiring two remediations in two courses and meeting professional behavior standards.

Progression and Promotion

• Didactic Year – students must pass all curricular components of each semester to progress to the next semester.
• Didactic Year to Clinical Year – students must pass all curricular components of the didactic year, the End of Didactic Year Exam and didactic skills check-off to be eligible for promotion to the clinical year.
• Clinical Year – students must pass all SCPEs and the didactic courses within each semester to progress to the next semester.
• Clinical Year to Graduation – students must pass all curricular components of the Clinical Year and the Summative Evaluation to be eligible for promotion to graduate status. The Summative Evaluation includes the End of Curriculum Exam, Skills checkoffs, Objective Standardized Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and Student Behavioral and Professionalism Evaluation.

Graduation from the UNH PA program is dependent upon the following conditions being met:

• All courses in the PA curriculum, including all SCPEs, must be successfully completed with a final grade of “pass.”
• “Skill demonstrated” level or better on all areas of professional and behavioral assessment rubric as reviewed by the PPC.
• Pass all components of the Summative Evaluation

If a student’s progress is delayed for any reason, the maximum time limit for completion of the program is 48 months from the date of matriculation.

Goals of remediation

1. Early identification of students with academic deficiencies. The required remediation of individual assessments at the course level will identify at risk students in a timely manner.
2. Provide student support, encouragement and awareness of student academic support resources that are available to students to aid in their success.
3. Determination of the root cause of students’ performance issues to avoid future remediations.
4. Ensure the student has understood the learning objectives and can demonstrate competency of the learning outcomes. The PA curriculum is linear and builds upon itself such that gaps in learning outcomes if not addressed, will persist. Students must be able to correlate, recall, and build on the foundation of knowledge built throughout each term.
5. Provide a non-punitive process to bridge gaps in achieving learning outcomes. Our remediation process is meant to focus on potential causes of the student not meeting the LO while working to ensure the student has met the expected learning outcomes through their remediation assessment.

The program provides remediation for individual assessments within courses. Remediation for a failed course is not offered due to the time commitment that would be incurred by students in such an attempt. Failure of a course indicates a severe deficient in content knowledge required for success in subsequent courses. Thus, failure of a course results in dismissal from the program.

The following curricular components may be remediated:

• Didactic course exams
• Midterm and Final exams
• OSCE’s
• End of Rotation Exams (2 maximum)
• Individual learning outcomes scored below benchmark on preceptor evaluations
• Summative evaluation individual components
• End of didactic examination
• Didactic Year Review (See Examination Requirements to return in the Clinical Phase)

The following curricular components may NOT be remediated:

• Entire courses
• Entire phases of the program
• SCPE’s
• Failing receptor evaluations
• Group projects
• Individual documentation assignments and case write ups
• Clinical module assignments

If a student receives a grade of “Fail” for a curricular component that may be remediated, the student must contact the Director of Academic Education (DAE) to schedule a meeting within three business days. After meeting with the DAE to discuss the plan for remediation, the student will be given seven calendar days to retake the failed component assessment. If the student fails the first re-take, they receive another opportunity to remediate and complete the assessment. If the second attempt is unsuccessful, the failing grade for that component becomes final.

Students who require more than two remediations in two or more courses within a single semester will be referred to the Progression and Promotion Committee (PPC) for evaluation of academic performance. Possible outcomes of this evaluation are referral to the DAE for an individualized remediation plan (IRP), recommendation for deceleration, or recommendation for dismissal.

The only two components of the SCPE grade that are subject to remediation are the individual components of passing end of rotation preceptor evaluations and the EOR exam.

A failed preceptor evaluation will result in SCPE failure. However, if a student passes their preceptor evaluation but falls below benchmark for an individual learning outcome (LO), the student is required to remediate that learning outcome. Remediation of a failed LO during a SCPE will not count towards the student's maximum of two during the clinical phase. If a preceptor is unable to evaluate a LO due to being “unable to observe/evaluate” that LO will be remediated with the Director of Clinical Education (DCE) to evaluate the student on the LO. Outcomes which could not be evaluated due to lack of observation/exposure are remediated by faculty to close the gap in the LO’s but are not considered a “remediation” in the formal sense.

Students not meeting the minimal score for passing of an End of Rotation Exam on the first attempt must meet with the DCE within three business days to review the list of areas of deficiency demonstrated within the exam. Students are given seven calendar days from the time of the meeting to retake the EOR exam. If an EOR exam is failed a second time, the student is referred to the PPC for evaluation of academic performance. Possible outcomes of this evaluation are referral to the DCE for an individualized remediation plan (IRP), recommendation for deceleration, or recommendation for dismissal.

Students are not limited in the number of remediations in the clinical year. However, failure of a SCPE by failing a preceptor evaluation will result in referral to the PPC for evaluation of clinical performance. Possible outcomes of this evaluation are referral to the DCE for an individualized remediation plan (IRP), recommendation for deceleration, or recommendation for dismissal.

Recommendations of the Progression and Promotion Committee are submitted to the Program Director for a final determination of action.

Deceleration is defined by the ARC-PA as “the loss of a student from the cohort, who remains matriculated in the physician associate program." The University of New Haven PA program does not decelerate students with a history of academic and or professional/behavioral conduct deficiencies. Deceleration is not an option in lieu of disciplinary action, including but not limited to academic deficiency, suspension, or any other situation that would be considered grounds for dismissal from the program. Students with current academic deficiencies, professional, or conduct concerns are not eligible for voluntary deceleration.

Deceleration is a voluntary option for those students who are in good academic standing as defined by the student handbook. A student who voluntarily decelerates must be in good academic standing and must return in the following incoming cohort to resume their studies, starting with the term they decelerated in. A student who voluntarily decelerates is following the leave of absence policy, and their maximum time to return would be one year.

Deceleration may be offered to a student who does not meet the criteria for “good academic standing,” if all the following are true:

• The student has previously demonstrated academic success in the program.
• The student is currently experiencing life circumstances contributing to their academic deficiencies.
• The student's circumstances would be less impactful or resolved by being afforded the opportunity to leave the program and return with a future cohort.

To serve as evidence of previous academic success in the program, the student must have at least 1 semester of good academic standing.

The decision to grant a deceleration is made via evaluation of the student’s performance and circumstances that may be impacting performance by the Progression and Promotion Committee with subsequent recommendation to the Program Director for final approval or disapproval.

Deceleration is not granted or offered by the Progression and Promotion Committee or in consideration of a student's appeal of a program sanction or dismissal.

Due to the nature of course scheduling, courses are only offered once a year. Research has shown that having a student disrupt their education by sitting out two semesters in a row while waiting for a course to be repeated is not conducive to learning and could negatively impact the student’s academic success moving forward.

To ensure the success of our students returning to the program after deceleration, they must agree to complete a self-directed review before returning to the phase they decelerated in.

During the didactic phase, the student must retake the entirety of the semester during which they decelerated but did not complete.

Length of deceleration during the clinical phase is based upon the circumstances surrounding the offered or granted deceleration and will be determined on a case-by-case basis but will not exceed twelve months in duration, given that an interruption at this phase in the program puts the student at risk of not retaining critical core knowledge needed to be successful in completing SCPEs. Students must agree to complete a self-study review guided by the Director of Clinical Education, prior to resuming their clinical year.

All program components must be successfully completed within four years from the date of the original matriculation.

Students who are identified as demonstrating a deficiency in ability to successfully meet the academic or professional behavior standards of the program will be referred to the Progressive and Promotion Committee. Possible results of the meeting with the PPC include recommendation for a written warning, academic probation, professional probation, recommendation for an Individualized Remediation Plan, recommendation for deceleration, and recommendation for student dismissal from the program. The program director will make the final decision regarding the PPC’s recommendation.

The student may appeal a decision of dismissal by submitting a written appeal including all factors the student believes will support reversal of the dismissal. The program director will respond to appeals within forty-eight hours. Student appeals for reversal of dismissal must be submitted within three business days to receive consideration.

If the student appeal is unsuccessful, the student may escalate the appeal to the Dean of Health Sciences. Such an escalation must be completed within three business days of the student being notified of the program director’s decision.

To avoid dismissal from the program for academic difficulties due to outside extenuating circumstances, students are encouraged to utilize the LOA and deceleration policies.

Students may withdraw from the PA program at any time by submitting the withdrawal form to the Director of Academic Education or the Program Director. Withdrawal may result in loss of tuition and fees paid and effect financial aid based upon university policies and procedures for withdrawal found on the Financial Aid Withdrawal Policy page.

Students may work outside of the program if the work hours fall outside of the hours of program operation from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If the student’s performance within the program at any time results in being placed on Academic Probation, the student will not be allowed to be employed.

The University of New Haven Physician Associate Program provides a supportive, student focused learning environment. We strive to provide every student an inclusive, humane, and respectful learning experience. The program defines mistreatment as a student being treated unfairly or used in a capacity that is not considered reasonable for the student.

When mistreatment is believed to have occurred, we ask that it be reported to the program director as soon as possible. Report of concern of mistreatment may be made via phone, email or in person. If an acceptable resolution cannot be provided on the program level and a student wishes to file a formal complaint, contact the Online Ombuds Staff via email at onlinestudentombuds@newhaven.edu or call (203) 932-7130.

• Title IX Grievance Policy and Procedures
• Section 504/ADA Grievance Policy and Procedures