Academic Progress and Remediation

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai supports all students in making academic progress to graduation from the MD program. The School’s academic policies in this section address yearly progress requirements, graduation requirements, satisfactory academic progress, academic standing, academic remediation, and due progress and disciplinary action.

Please note:

  • Students who matriculated in 2024 and thereafter are subject to ASCEND policies.

  • Students who matriculated in 2023 or earlier and who are graduating in 2027 or earlier are subject to the LEGACY curriculum policies.

  • Students who matriculated in 2023 or earlier who are graduating in 2028 or thereafter will be subject to a mix of policies depending on when their progression was delayed or temporarily halted. These students will be subject to ASCEND policies when they resume or continue their studies.

Legacy Policies

Academic Standing Policy This policy provides students with definitions of academic standing and status for the MD program

Applicable for: Graduating Classes of 2025, 2026, 2027

Approved by: Executive Oversight Committee

Relevant LCME Standards: 9.9 Student Advancement and Appeal Process 10.3 Policies Regarding Student Selection/Progress and their Dissemination

Approval Dates: 6/7/24

RELATED POLICIES

  • Due Process and Promotion

  • Yearly Progress Requirements

POLICY

The Office of Student Affairs internally tracks student's academic and professional performance during medical school to proactively identify and support students experiencing difficulty in or out of the classroom. Students may be placed into an academic status based on their overall academic and professional performance. The status designations ensure that students meet the School’s Yearly Progression Requirements and can maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. The School’s academic status designations are:

  1. Satisfactory Academic Status: Satisfactory Academic Status means that a student has met all course/clerkship requirements or has successfully remediated any course/clerkship failures or other issues pertaining to academic or professional performance.

  2. Monitored Academic Status: A student is put into Monitored Academic Status for failed examinations, unexcused absences or a lapse of professionalism. An academic and/or professionalism plan will be sent to the student outlining required services and resources that a student must utilize. This status is an internal designation and is not reported on the Transcript or Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE).

  3. Serious Academic Status: A student is put into Serious Academic Status for a failed course or clerkship, failure of multiple NBME shelf examinations, failure of a USMLE board examination, multiple unexcused absences, multiple occurrences or a serious occurrence of unprofessionalism, failure to adhere to an academic or remediation plan, or failure to complete owed or remediate failed requirements by the end of an academic year. An academic and/or professionalism plan will be sent to the student outlining required services and resources that a student must utilize. Students in serious academic status are also reviewed by the Promotions Committee. They are charged with reviewing the list of students not meeting set standards of academic performance and for the advancement of students who have satisfactorily completed requirements each year. Students will be reviewed to determine eligibility for promotion, including but not limited to alteration of academic timeline and remediation, implementation of learning and wellness resources, up to and including dismissal.

This status is an internal designation and is not reported on the Transcript or Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) unless the student is not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Students who enter an academic status are reviewed at the end of each academic semester. Students may step down in their academic status after a full semester of no continued concerns.

PROCEDURE

  1. Monitoring of Academic Status: Any circumstance that warrants a student being placed into an academic status will be reviewed monthly by the Office of Student Affairs

  2. Documentation: A student will receive an email from the Office of Student Affairs documenting their academic status, the reason for the change and an academic plan to support student success.

  3. Academic Status Removal: Students who enter an academic status are reviewed at the end of each academic semester by the Office of Student Affairs and will receive a communication of this status change. Students may step down in their academic status after a full semester of no continued concerns and will be notified of this status removal.

  4. Designation of Standing for Purpose of Applications.

    1. A student in Satisfactory or Monitored Academic Status is considered in “Good Standing” for the purposes of funding and special applications (scholarly year, away rotations, summer research, etc).

    2. A student in Serious Academic may be considered in “Good Standing” for the purposes of funding requests and special applications (scholarly year, away rotations, summer research, etc.) if they are on track to meet Yearly Progress Requirements by successfully completing and/or remediating all required program requirements prior to the end of the academic phase in which the academic or professionalism concern occurred.

    Student Affairs reserves the right to deny approval, alter the timeline or pull a student from an experience due to the individual circumstance leading to serious academic status, and students will be referred to the Promotions Committee for further review.

  5. Promotions Committee: A student in serious academic status may be required to appear before the Promotions Committee to review if they are on track for Satisfactory Academic Progress; whether their academic plan is or is not sufficient to support successful promotion to the next academic phase per the Year Progress Requirements; if they are not able to adhere to the academic plan when put into serious academic status; and/or if additional resources, interventions, or disciplinary action is needed.

  6. Academic Status Triggers:

Monitored Academic Status

Class Year
Academic Concerns
Professionalism Concerns

Year 1/2

Two failed examinations in a semester or in two consecutive courses

Two unexcused absences in a semester

Confirmed lapse of professionalism resulting in an incident report

Year 3/4

One failed NBME subject examination

Two incomplete NBME subject examinations

One unexcused absence in a semester

Confirmed lapse of professionalism resulting in an incident report

Serious Academic Status:

Class Year
Academic Concerns
Professionialism Concerns

Year 1/2

One failed course

A failure on USMLE Step 1 on a first attempt

Three unexcused absences in a semester

Multiple occurrences of unprofessionalism or one serious occurrence as determined by the Office of Student Affairs resulting in an incident report

Failure to adhere to an academic or professionalism remediation plan as communicated by the Office of Student Affairs.

Year 3/4

One failed clerkship

Two failed NBME subject examinations within an academic year

Three owed NBME subject examinations due to lack of academic readiness or failure

A failure on USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 CK on a first attempt.

Failure to complete or remediate M3 curricular requirements by end of academic year

Two unexcused absences in a semester

Multiple occurrences of confirmed unprofessionalism or one confirmed serious occurrence as determined by the Office of Student Affairs resulting in an incident report

Failure to adhere to an academic or professionalism remediation plan as communicated by the Office of Student Affairs.

Graduation Requirements Policy This policy outlines the graduation requirements for all Icahn School of Medicine medical students.

Applicable for: Graduating Classes of 2025, 2026, 2027

Approved by: Executive Oversight Committee

Relevant LCME Standards: 9.9 Student Advancement and Appeal Process

Approval Dates: 6/2/23 3/8/24

RELATED POLICIES

POLICY

All medical students at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) are expected to maintain continuous enrollment and meet the same academic, technical, and professional standards for advancement and graduation within a prescribed time frame, with or without accommodations.

Prior to degree conferral, ISMMS verifies that each medical student has met the degree conferral requirements set forth by the Executive Oversight Committee (EOC) of the MD program, with a maximum of six (6) years to MD degree completion and 10 years for completion of MD/PhD degrees. These time limits may be extended when granted by the respective program(s) committee for extenuating and/or compelling cases.

  1. Academic Requirements

  • Students must meet all the medical education program objectives.

  • Students must pass required courses, clerkships, the minimum number of weeks of electives, and Acting Internship (AI).

  • Students must take and pass USMLE Step 1 by August 31 of the fourth-year curriculum and Step 2CK by December 31 of the fourth-year curriculum

  • Students must complete a scholarly project and present it at an annual Medical Student Research Day prior to graduation.

  1. Primary Care Scholars Program (PCSP) Requirements

  • In addition to the academic requirements, students in the PCSP are required to pass the InterACT clerkship.

PROCEDURE

The ISMMS Registrar’s Office verifies that all medical students have met graduation requirements and earned passing grades in all courses, clerkships, and electives prior to conferring of the MD degree. For those students in the PCSP, the program director will verify that the PCSP students have met the additional program requirements prior to graduation.

Yearly Progress Requirements This policy outlines the requirements students must complete to complete each year of education.

Applicable for: Graduating Classes of 2025, 2026, 2027

Approved by: Executive Oversight Committee

Relevant LCME Standards: 9.9 Student Advancement and Appeal Process

Approval Dates: 6/6/25

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

At the time of degree conferral, the Icahn School of Medicine verifies that every student is adequately trained to function in a constantly changing professional milieu, and that the public can be assured of students’ competence to practice. The following academic requirements are designed to ensure the success of all our graduates.

YEAR 1 REQUIREMENTS

Fall Semester

  • Art and Science of Medicine Year 1

  • Structures

  • InFocus Week 1

  • Molecular, Cellular, and Genomics Foundations

Spring Semester

  • Art and Science of Medicine Year 1

  • Immunology

  • General Pathology

  • InFocus Week 2

  • Physiology

  • Medical Microbiology

Other Requirements

  • All first-year courses must be passed or remediated prior to August 1 of the summer in between Year 1 and Year 2.

  • In addition, students must complete all required Year 1 milestones by the end of the spring semester of Year 1.

YEAR 2 REQUIREMENTS

Fall Semester

  • Art and Science of Medicine Year 2

  • Brain and Behavior

  • InFocus Week 3

  • Cardiovascular Pathophysiology

  • Pulmonary Pathophysiology

Spring Semester

  • Art and Science of Medicine Year 2

  • Hematology Pathophysiology

  • Gastrointestinal-Liver Pathophysiology

  • Musculoskeletal Pathophysiology

  • InFocus Week 4

  • Endocrine Pathophysiology

  • Sexual and Reproductive Health

  • Renal Pathophysiology

Other Requirements:

  • All second-year courses must be passed or remediated by June 15 of Year 2.

  • Students must complete all required Year 2 milestones by the end of the spring semester of Year 2.

YEAR 3 REQUIREMENTS

Year 3 Requirements for Class of 2026 and prior classes

Core Clerkships and Courses

  • Inpatient Medicine

  • Ambulatory Care - Geriatrics

  • Pediatrics

  • Surgery - Anesthesiology

  • Online Radiology Course (ORC)

  • Obstetrics - Gynecology

  • Neurology

  • Psychiatry

  • InFocus Weeks 5, 6, and 7

Other Requirements

  • All required Year 3 clerkships and courses must be passed before taking Year 4 clerkships.

  • Students must successfully complete a total of 28 weeks of elective credit across Years 3 and 4 in order to graduate. For those students in the InterACT Program, a total of 22 weeks are required across Years 3 and 4.

  • Students must complete all required Year 3 milestones by the end of the spring semester of Year 3.

Year 3 "Transitional Clerkship Year" Requirements (Class of 2027 only):

The Class of 2027 will complete the Transitional Clerkship Year (June 23rd, 2025 through February 12th, 2026) inclusive of the following Core Clerkships and Courses:

  • Inpatient Medicine (5 weeks)

  • Pediatrics (4 weeks)

  • Surgery - Anesthesiology (5 weeks)

  • Online Radiology Course (ORC) (longitudinal)

  • Obstetrics - Gynecology (4 weeks)

  • Neurology (4 weeks)

  • Psychiatry (4 weeks)

  • InFocus Week 5 (1 week)

  • Direct Observation Week (1 week)

Transitions Block (February 16th through June 26th, 2025)

  • Class of 2027 students may complete the Ambulatory Care-Geriatrics Clerkships either during Transitions Block or during Year 4.

  • Only Class of 2027 students that have successfully completed ALL of the above "Transitional Clerkship Year" requirements may progress to the Acting Internship and/or the Emergency Medicine Clerkship.

Other Requirements:

  • Students may complete a maximum of 47 weeks of curricular effort (inclusive of courses, clerkships, acting internships, and electives) during Year 3 (Note: In AY 2025-2026, Year 3 extends from June 23rd, 2025 through June 26th, 2026.)

  • Student must successsfully complete a total of 28 weeks of electitve credit across Years 3 and 4 in order to graduate. For those students in the InterACT Program, a total of 22 weeks are required across Years 3 and 4.

  • Students must complete all required Year 3 milestones by the end of the spring semester of Year 3.

YEAR 4 REQUIREMENTS

Year 4 Requirements for Class of 2026 and all prior classes:

Year 4 Required Core Clerkships and Courses

  • Introduction to Internship

  • Emergency Medicine

  • InFocus Week 8

  • One Acting Internship (either Medicine, Pediatrics, General Surgery or Surgical sub-Specialties)

Other Requirements

  • Students must complete a minimum of 30 weeks of curricular effort (inclusive of courses, clerkships, acting internships, electives, and dedicated interview block time) during Year 4.

  • Students in the classes of 2023 and beyond must successfully complete a total of 28 weeks of elective credit across Years 3 and 4 in order to graduate. For those students in the InterACT Program, a total of 22 weeks are required across Years 3 and 4.

  • All required clerkships must be passed or remediated in order to graduate.

  • Students must complete all the graduation requirements (see Graduation Policy linked below.)

Year 4 Requirements (Class of 2027 only):

Year 4 Required Core Clerkships and Courses

  • Transition to Residency

  • Emergency Medicine *

  • One Acting Internship (either Medicine, Pediatrics, General Surgery or Surgical sub-Specialties) *

  • Ambulatory Care-Geriatrics**

  • InFocus 6, 7, and 8 (1 combined week)

Other Requirements:

  • *Only Class of 2027 students that have successfully completed ALL of the Transitional Clerkship Year requirements listed above may progress to the Acting Internship and/or the Emergency Medicine Clerkship.

  • **Class of 2027 students may choose to take the Ambulatory Care-Geriatrics Clerkship either during Year 3 or Year 4.

  • All required clerkships must be passed in order to graduate.

  • Students in all the classes of 2023 and beyond must successfully complete a total of 28 weeks of elective credit across Years 3 and 4 in order to graduate. For those students in the InterACT Program, a total of 22 weeks are required across Years 3 and 4.

  • Students must complete all the graduation requirements (see Graduation Policy linked below.)

Remediation - Years 1 and 2 This policy includes information about remediations in the MD program for Years 1 and 2.

Applicable for: Graduating Classes of 2025, 2026, 2027

Approved by: Executive Oversight Committee

Relevant LCME Standards: 9.6 Setting Standards of Achievement 10.3 Policies Regarding Student Selection/Progress and their Dissemination

Approval Dates: 5/5/23 6/21/24

RELATED POLICIES

  • Grade Submission Policy

  • Yearly Progress Requirements

POLICY

Students must remediate a course in which they received a Fail grade.

If a student successfully passes the remediation assessment, a separate grade of ‘Pass’ is reported to the Registrar for a remediation version of the course. The Fail grade is retained on the transcript for the initial attempt of the course. If a student fails the remediation assessment, they will be required to repeat the course.

Students may not remediate a course while actively engaged in other coursework. First year students must achieve a Pass on the remediation or equivalent course by August 1 in order to progress on to the next academic year. The ability of first year students to participate in research during the summer is dependent on the timing and extent of any remediation. Second year students must achieve a Pass in the remediation or equivalent course by June 15 in order to progress to the next academic year.

PROCEDURE

Communication with the student regarding the need to remediate a course must occur within five business days of release of the final course grade.

If a student fails a course, the Course Director will identify or develop a remediation assessment targeted to content where the student did not meet expectations. The remediation assessment may be the same as that failed by the student or may be designed to address specific content or competencies. The remediation assessment passing cutoff will be set by the Course Director.

Student Affairs will work with the student and Course Director to determine timing of remediation.

Remediation - Years 3 and 4 This policy includes information about remediations in the MD program for Years 3 and 4.

Applicable for: Graduating Classes of 2025, 2026, 2027

Approved by: Executive Oversight Committee

Relevant LCME Standards: 9.6 Setting Standards of Achievement 10.3 Policies Regarding Student Selection/Progress and their Dissemination

Approval Dates: 7/8/22 8/4/23

RELATED POLICIES

  • Required Clinical Experiences

  • Grade Submission Policy

  • 'Absence Policy

  • Yearly Progress Requirements

POLICY

Students must remediate a course or clerkship in which they received a Fail grade.

If a student successfully passes the remediation assessment, a separate grade of ‘Pass’ is reported to the Registrar for a remediation version of the course or clerkship. The Fail grade is retained on the transcript for the initial attempt at the course or clerkship. If a student fails the remediation assessment, they will be required to repeat the course or clerkship.

A student who fails a course or clerkship in Year 3 must remediate the course/clerkship by August 1 to progress on to Year 4. A student who fails a course/clerkship in Year 4 must remediate the course or clerkship by one week prior to graduation.

YEARS 3 AND 4 COURSES PROCEDURE

Communication with the student regarding the need to remediate a course must occur within five business days of release of the final course grade.

If a student fails a course, the Course Director will identify or develop a remediation assessment targeted to content where the student did not meet expectations. The remediation assessment may be the same as that failed by the student or may be designed to address specific content or competencies. The remediation assessment passing cutoff will be set by the Course Director.

Student Affairs will work with the student and Course Director to determine the timing for the remediation assessment. This communication must occur within five business days of release of the final grade.

YEARS 3 AND 4 CLERKSHIPS PROCEDURE

Communication with the student regarding the need to remediate a clerkship must occur within five business days of release of the final clerkship grade.

A student who receives a failing grade for a Year 3 clerkship must remediate the clerkship. The remediation is based upon the specific criteria leading to the failure. The narrative paragraph will describe the remediation.

The table below indicates the types of remediation required for failure of specific clerkship components. Not all components relate to every clerkship

Component Failed
Remediation Required

NBME Exam score <5th percentile national

Retake the NBME Exam

Clinical Performance Domain does not meet standards (as listed in Clerkship Information Sheet)

At discretion of clerkship director related to specific domain(s) - may include (but is not limited to) repeating a part of the clerkship, attending weekend rounds, and/or completing written assignments

Direct Observation (Morchand) 1 st attempt

Retake the DO

Direct Observation (Morchand) 2nd attempt

Retake the DO with coaching until competency demonstrated

Log Required Clinical Experiences (RCEs) on one45

Completion of the logbook for outstanding RCEs

Clerkship-specific Assessments (e.g. case presentations, online modules, quizzes, skills/procedure cards)

At discretion of clerkship director related to specific assessment(s)- may include repeating a part of the clerkship, attending weekend rounds, and/or completing written assignments

Student Affairs will work with the student and clerkship director to determine the timing of remediation.

YEARS 4 ACTING INTERNSHIPS

Communication with the student regarding the need to remediate a clerkship must occur within five business days of release of the final clerkship grade.

A student who receives a failing grade for a Year 4 acting internship must remediate the acting internship. The remediation is based upon the specific criteria leading to the failure.

The table below indicates the types of remediation required for failure of specific clerkship components. Not all components relate to every clerkship.

Component Failed
Remediation Required

Clinical Performance Domain does not meet standards (as listed in Clerkship Information Sheet)

At discretion of acting internship director related to specific domain(s) - may include (but is not limited to) repeating a part of the acting internship, attending weekend rounds, and/or completing written assignments

Acting internship specific Assessments (e.g. case presentations, online modules, quizzes, skills/procedure cards)

At discretion of acting internship director related to specific assessment(s)- may include repeating a part of the clerkship, attending weekend rounds, and/or completing written assignments

Student Affairs will work with the student and clerkship director to determine the timing of remediation.

ASCEND Policies

Academic Standing Policy This policy provides students with definitions of academic standing and status for the MD program for those students in the ASCEND curriculum.

Curricular Structure: ASCEND

Approved by: Executive Education Committee

Relevant LCME Standards: 9.9 Student Advancement and Appeal Process

10.3 Policies Regarding Student Selection/Progress and their Dissemination

11.1 Academic Advising

Approval Dates: 6/20/25

RELATED POLICIES

  • Due Process and Promotion

  • ASCEND Progression Requirements

  • ASCEND Retake Phase 1

  • ASCEND Remediation Policy Phase 1

POLICY STATEMENT

In order to provide support in a timely manner for students in academic or professionalism difficulty, a monitoring system is in place that tracks a student’s performance across all years of medical school. Based on a student’s performance, a student may be placed in academic monitoring or in intensive academic monitoring.

A student may remain in ‘Good Standing’ if they are making progress towards completion of the MD degree. Students who are not making progress may be placed on academic probation, suspended, or dismissed.

Below are the categories of student standing:

  1. Good Standing: A student will be considered in good standing if they are meeting

    academic standards, professional standards and other expectations of the MD program

    and meet the criteria for progression.

  2. Academic Probation: Students who do not meet the criteria for progression are considered not in good academic standing. They may be placed on Academic Probation. Once a student is placed on Academic Probation, degree progress must be made within a specific time frame as detailed in the student’s remediation plan. If performance continues to be unsatisfactory or the time frame is not met, students may be suspended or dismissed from the program.

  3. Suspension: Academic suspension may occur when the School suspends the student’s enrollment for failing to meet the educational requirements of the degree program. Students who are suspended from the School are required to spend a defined period of time away from the School. During this period, the student may be required to successfully complete activities defined by the Schools’ Deans or Promotions Committee if they are to be considered for re-enrollment to ISMMS. Students on suspension are not considered enrolled and are not eligible to register for additional courses or engage in

    further educational, research or clinical activities.

  4. Dismissal: Dismissal may occur when the student fails to meet the educational requirements of the degree program and fails to remediate or complete the required activities defined by the Schools’ Dean or Promotions Committee.

Academic Monitoring

The Office of Medical Student Affairs internally tracks student's’ academic and professional performance during medical school to proactively identify and support students experiencing difficulty in or out of the classroom.

Students may be placed into academic monitoring based on their overall academic and professional performance. The designations ensure that students meet the School’s Progression and Graduation Requirement Policies and can maintain Good Standing.

  1. Academic Monitoring: A student is placed into Academic Monitoring for failed examinations, unexcused absences or a lapse of professionalism. A personalized academic and/or professionalism plan will be emailed to the student outlining required services and resources that a student must utilize, as well as a timeline and plan for remediation. Academic Monitoring is an internal designation and is not reported on the Transcript or Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE).

  1. Intensive Academic Monitoring: A student is placed into Intensive Academic Monitoring for a failed module or clerkship, failure of multiple assessments in the pre-clerkship phase, failure of multiple NBME shelf examinations in the clerkship phase, failure of a USMLE board examination, multiple unexcused absences, multiple occurrences or a serious occurrence of unprofessionalism, failure to adhere to an academic or remediation plan, or failure to complete owed or remediate failed requirements by the end of an academic phase. An academic and/or professionalism plan will be provided to the student outlining required services and resources that a student must utilize, as well as a timeline and plan for remediation. The Promotions Committee reviews all students for eligibility for promotion to the next academic phase or graduation as per the remediation, progression, and graduation policies. The Committee also reviews all students in Intensive Academic Monitoring for satisfactory completion of phase requirements and adherence to their personal plan. Interventions for students in Intensive Academic Monitoring include, but are not limited to, alteration of academic timeline and/or remediation, required usage of learning or wellness resources, and periodic review to determine if a student is meeting degree requirements. The Committee may recommend disciplinary action including Academic Probation, Suspension or Dismissal for students not meeting progression requirements. Intensive Academic Monitoring is an internal designation and is not reported on the Transcript or Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) unless the student is not meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

Students who enter a monitoring plan are reviewed at the end of each academic semester. A student's monitoring level may be adjusted to a lower level after a full semester with no continued concerns. Students who are unable to meet the terms of their monitoring plan may not meet the requirements of the Progression Requirements Policy.

PROCEDURES

  1. Monitoring: Any circumstance that warrants a student being placed into academic monitoring will be reviewed monthly by the Office of Medical Student Affairs

  1. Documentation: A student will receive an email from the Office of Medical Student Affairs outlining the reasons for academic monitoring and an academic and professionalism plan to support student success.

  1. Semester Review: Students who enter academic monitoring are reviewed at the end of each academic semester by the Office of Medical Student Affairs and will receive a communication stating whether academic monitoring will be removed, stepped down, continued or advanced. Students may be stepped down after a full semester of no continued concerns.

  2. Designation of Academic Monitoring for Purpose of Applications.

    1. A student in Academic Monitoring is considered in “Good Standing” for the

      purposes of funding and special applications (scholarly year, away rotations,

      summer research, etc).

    2. A student in Intensive Academic Monitoring may be considered in “Good

      Standing” for the purposes of funding requests and special applications

      (scholarly year, away rotations, summer research, etc.) if they are on track to

      successfully complete and/or remediate all required program requirements as

      outlined in the Progression Requirements policy. The Office of Medical Student Affairs reserves the right to deny approval, alter the timeline or remove a student from an experience due to individual circumstances, and students will be referred to the Promotions Committee for further review.

  3. Promotions Committee: A student in Intensive Academic Monitoring may be required to appear before the Promotions Committee to review if they are on track to return to Good Standing; whether their academic plan is or is not sufficient to support successful promotion to the next academic phase per the Progression policy; if they are not able to adhere to the academic or professionalism plan when put into Intensive Academic Monitoring; and/or if additional resources, interventions, or disciplinary action is needed.

  4. Academic Status Triggers:

Academic Monitoring

Class Year
Academic Concerns
Professionalism Concerns

Year 1/2

Two failed examinations and/or clinical assessments in a semester or in two consecutive modules

Used the retake policy for one module

Two unexcused absences in a semester

Confirmed lapse of professionalism

resulting in an incident report due to

communication concerns or non-adherence to administrative responsibilities

Year 3/4

One failed NBME subject examination

Two owed NBME subject examinations

One unexcused absence in a semester

Confirmed lapse of professionalism

resulting in an incident report due to

communication concerns or non-adherence to administrative responsibilities

Intensive Academic Monitoring:

Class Year
Academic Concerns
Professionialism Concerns

Phase 1

Three failed examinations and/or clinical assessments in an academic year

Used the retake policy for two modules

A failure on USMLE Step 1 on a first attempt.

Failure to complete or remediate Phase 1 curricular requirement

Three unexcused absences in a semester

Multiple occurrences of confirmed

unprofessionalism or one confirmed serious

occurrence due to a violation of the

Academic Integrity, Title IX policy or

Student Code of Conduct policies that result

in a disciplinary action.

Failure to adhere to an academic or

professionalism plan as communicated by

the Office of Student Affairs.

Phase 2 and Phase 3

One failed clerkship

Two failed NBME subject examinations

Three owed NBME subject examinations

A failure on USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 CK on a first attempt.

Failure to complete or remediate Phase 2 curricular requirements as outlined in the Progression Policy.

Two unexcused absences in a year

Multiple occurrences of confirmed

unprofessionalism or one confirmed serious

occurrence due to a violation of the

Academic Integrity, Title IX policy or

Student Code of Conduct policies that result

in a disciplinary action.

Failure to adhere to an academic or

professionalism plan as communicated by

the Office of Student Affairs.

Graduation Requirements Policy This policy outlines the graduation requirements for all Icahn School of Medicine medical students in the ASCEND curriculum.

Curricular Structure: ASCEND

Approved by: Executive Oversight Committee

Relevant LCME Standards: 9.9 Student Advancement and Appeal Process

Approval Dates: 4/5/24

RELATED POLICIES

  • Curriculum Completion Requirements Policy

  • Electives Requirements Policy

  • USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Completion Policy

  • Mentored Scholarly Project Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

To ensure the comprehensive education and assessment of medical students, this policy delineates the core requirements that all students must fulfill to be eligible for graduation from the medical program. These requirements are integral to verifying that graduates possess the necessary medical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional attributes required for the next stage of their medical careers. The MD degree will be conferred by the Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai to persons who have met the following requirements as determined by the faculty:

  1. Competency and Coursework: Students must satisfactorily complete all competency and coursework requirements.

  2. Electives: Students must complete the minimum number of weeks of electives, as specified by the MD Program curriculum.

  3. Licensing Examinations: Students must achieve passing scores on the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK exams.

  4. Scholarly Project: Students must fulfill all requirements of a mentored scholarly project For detailed policies and guidelines related to each specific requirement, students and faculty should refer to the corresponding policy documents that elaborate on the standards, procedures, and criteria for satisfactory completion.

PROCEDURES

  1. Monitoring of Progress:

  • Module, course, and clerkship directors are responsible for ensuring the satisfactory achievement of competencies and completion of the coursework required for their respective areas. They must oversee the students’ performance and submit final assessments upon completion. The Office of Curricular Affairs is tasked with monitoring students’ progress through regular evaluations and assessments, ensuring that all students comply with the competency and coursework requirements set forth by the curriculum.

  • Students are responsible for submitting their elective choices to the Office of Curricular Affairs (Student Electives functional area) by the designated deadlines to receive approval and scheduling. Upon completion of their electives, students must submit an evaluation form, endorsed by their supervising physician, to the Director of Medical Student Electives. It is the responsibility of the Director of Medical Student Electives to ensure that students have satisfactorily completed their electives and to report this to the Office of the Registrar.

  • Students are responsible for registering for the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK exams and should take advantage of the resources and support offered by the Office of Student Affairs for exam preparation. Upon achieving passing scores, students must submit the documentation of these scores to the Office of Student Affairs. The Office of Student Affairs will then verify the results and report them to the Office of the Registrar by the established deadlines.

  • The Director of the Office of Scholarly Engagement is responsible for tracking students’ achievement of this requirement and ensuring the completion is reported to the Office of the Registrar.

  1. Record Keeping and Verification:

  • The Office of the Registrar will maintain records of all academic and extracurricular requirements, including elective completion and USMLE scores.

  1. Graduation Clearance:

  • The Office of the Registrar will conduct a final review of each student’s academic record to confirm that all graduation requirements have been met.

  • Students who have met all requirements will be cleared for graduation and will be eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Progression Policy This policy outlines the requirements students must complete to complete each phase of education in the ASCEND curriculum.

Curricular Structure: ASCEND

Approved by: Executive Education Committee

Relevant LCME Standards: 9.9 Student Advancement and Appeal Process 10.3 Policies Regarding Student Selection/Progress and their Dissemination

Approval Dates: 7/11/25

RELATED POLICIES

  • ASCEND Graduation Requirements Policy

  • ASCEND Electives Requirements Policy

  • ASCEND Scholarly Product Policy

  • ASCEND Remediation Policy

  • ASCEND Promotions Committee Policy

POLICY PURPOSE AND OVERSIGHT

This policy outlines the requirements for students enrolled in the MD Program to advance through the ASCEND curriculum: Phase 1 (Pre-Clerkship), Phase 2 (Clerkship), and Phase 3 (Integration and Transitions). The Promotions Committee is the governing body responsible for evaluating student readiness to progress through each phase of the curriculum. Decisions are based on the student’s overall academic performance, professionalism, and ability to meet MD Program Technical Standards. Students who fulfill all passing and completion requirements within the specified time frames will be deemed to be making satisfactory academic progress and will be eligible for formal advancement.

Definitions:

  • Successful Completion refers to a student’s fulfillment of all required activities or components of a module that must be completed for participation or feedback purposes. These requirements do not carry a formal passing threshold and therefore do not require remediation.

  • Passing as defined in the Grading Policy. If a student does not meet this threshold, they must complete a structured remediation process to address identified deficiencies. The module or clerkship is considered complete only upon successful remediation. The remediation process is governed by the Remediation Policy - Phase 1.

POLICY

I. PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS FROM PHASE 1 (PRECLERKSHIP PHASE) TO PHASE 2 (CLERKSHIP PHASE)

The MD Program’s Phase 1 consists of three semesters: two in Year 1 and one in Year 2. Satisfactory academic and professional performance in Phase 1 is required for promotion to Phase 2 (Clerkship Phase).

A. Phase 1 to Phase 2 Advancement Requirements

To make successful progress in Phase 1 and be approved by the Promotions Committee for advancement to Phase 2 and its elective offerings, a student must meet ALL the following requirements:

  • Passing all required Phase 1 modules, including:

    • All foundational and system-based modules

      • Basecamp

      • Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Foundations

      • Anatomy

      • Immunology-Microbiology

      • Pathology

      • Neuroscience

      • Behavioral Science

      • Hematology

      • Cardiology

      • Pulmonary Medicine

      • Endocrinology

      • Gastroenterology

      • Genitourinary (GU), Sexual and Reproductive Health

      • Renal

      • Musculoskeletal

    • Practice of Medicine (POM) 1-3

    • The Inquiry (THINQ) Curriculum

  • Successful completion of Clinical Apprenticeship Experience (APEX)

  • Successful completion of Periodic Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (PEAKS) 1 Week

  • Successful completion of Transition to Phase 2 Module

  • Meet MD Program Technical Standards

B. Completion Timeline Requirements

  • Students who have failed any Phase 1 required module must be reviewed by the Promotions Committee. Students who appear before the Promotions Committee will be reviewed to determine eligibility for promotion, including alteration of timeline, remediation, implementation of learning and wellness plans, suspension, probation, repeat of the year, or dismissal.

  • All Year 2 Phase 1 modules and other requirements must be passed or remediated by the end of the Phase 1 academic period in order to progress to Phase 2.

C. Academic Failure and Promotions Review Process

  • Students who fail one or more modules in Year 1 of Phase 1 will be reviewed by the Promotions Committee in accordance with the Remediation Policy – Phase 1. In cases where two modules are failed, the standard recommendation is to repeat Phase 1 Year 1one act in its entirety. This recommendation will be reviewed by the Promotions Committee, which may consider individual circumstances in its final progression decision.

D. Remediation Timing and Scheduling

  • All remediation activities and timelines are governed by the Remediation Policy – Phase 1.

II. PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS FROM PHASE 2 (CLERKSHIP PHASE) TO PHASE 3 (INTEGRATION AND TRANSITIONS PHASE)

The MD Program’s Phase 2 (Clerkship Phase) consists of required clinical clerkships, the Phase 2 THINQ curriculum, and PEAKS 2 clinical competency assessments. Satisfactory academic and professional performance in Phase 2 is required for promotion to Phase 3 (Integration and Transitions Phase).

A. Phase 2 to Phase 3 Advancement Requirements

To make satisfactory academic progress in Phase 2 and to be approved by the Promotions Committee for advancement to Phase 3, a student must meet ALL the following requirements:

  • Passing all required Phase 2 clerkships, including:

    • Emergency Medicine

    • Inpatient Medicine

    • Neurology

    • Obstetrics and Gynecology

    • Palliative Medicine

    • Pediatrics

    • Psychiatry

    • Surgery-Anesthesiology

  • Completion of the Phase 2 THINQ curriculum

  • Completion of PEAKS 2 Week

  • Completion of the Transition to Phase 3 module

  • Meet the MD Program Technical Standards

B. Completion Timeline Requirements

  • All required Phase 2 clerkships, THINQ and PEAKS 2 requirements must be passed, completed or successfully remediated by the end of Phase 2, before beginning Phase 3.

  • Students may not initiate Acting Internships, Chronic Care Clerkship, electives or other Phase 3 modules with any outstanding clerkship completion or remediation. A plan to complete Phase 2 requirements or remediation must be in place and may require approval from the Promotions Committee. Students who appear before the Promotions Committee will be reviewed to determine eligibility for promotion, including alteration of timeline, remediation, implementation of learning and wellness plans, probation, suspension, repeat of the year or dismissal.

  • Students on a modified academic plan must meet with the Office of Medical Student Affairs to outline the timing and requirements for completion of Phase 2 requirements.

C. Academic Failure and Promotions Review Process

  • Students who fail one or more clerkships in Phase 2 will be reviewed by the Promotions Committee in accordance with the Remediation Policy – Phase 2.

D. Remediation Timing and Scheduling

  • All remediation activities and timelines are governed by the Remediation Policy – Phase 2.

III. PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS FROM PHASE 3 (INTEGRATION AND TRANSITIONS PHASE) TO GRADUATION CONSIDERATION

The MD Program’s Phase 3 includes the Chronic Care clerkship, acting internships, electives, and the Transition to Residency module. Satisfactory academic and professional performance in Phase 3 is required for formal consideration for graduation from the MD Program

A. Phase 3 to Graduation Advancement Requirements

To be eligible for degree conferral, a student must meet all of the following requirements by the end of Phase 3:

  • Pass all required Phase 3 clerkships, modules, and acting internships, including:

    • Chronic Care Clerkship

    • One Acting Internship in one of the following areas:

      • General Surgery

      • Medicine

      • Pediatrics

      • Subspecialty Surgery (Cardiothoracic Surgery, ENT, Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Urology, and Vascular Surgery) f

    • Transition to Residency Module

    • Completion of the Phase 3 THINQ curriculum

    • Completion of PEAKS 3 Week

    • Complete required elective weeks

    • Meet MD Program Technical Standards

B. Completion Timeline Requirement

  • All required Phase 3 clerkships, modules, acting internships, electives must be passed or successfully remediated by the end of the Phase 3 academic year.

  • All THINQ and PEAKS 3 requirements must be fully completed by the end of Phase 3.

  • Students on a modified academic plan must meet with the Office of Medical Student Affairs to outline the timing and requirements for completion of Phase 3 requirements.

  • Students may not be certified for graduation with any outstanding remediation or incomplete requirements, unless a specific plan is approved in writing by the Promotions Committee.

  • All graduation requirements must be resolved prior to the MD degree conferral deadline.

C. Academic Failure and Promotions Review Process

  • Graduation eligibility and remediation for Phase 3 failures are governed by the Remediation Policy – Phase 3. Students with unresolved academic issues will be reviewed by the Promotions Committee.

  • The Graduation Requirements Policy further outlines all requirements for graduation from the ISMMS MD Program.

D. Remediation Timing and Scheduling

All remediation activities and timelines are governed by the Remediation Policy – Phase 3.

Retake Policy - Phase 1 This policy describes how a student can retake an assessment.

Curricular Structure: ASCEND

Approved by: Executive Oversight Committee

Relevant LCME Standards: 9.6 Setting Standards of Achievement 9.9 Student Advancement and Appeal Process

Approval Dates: 5/17/24

RELATED POLICIES

  • Grade Submission Policy

  • Absence Policy

  • Progression Policy

  • Remediation Policy - Phase 1

POLICY

If a student’s module grade is below the passing cutoff prior to final grade determination, they can retake one assessment to improve their grade. The retake assessment will relate to the content competency that is most deficient for the student. The assessment is selected by the Module Director.

Upon completion of the retake, the student’s module grade is then recalculated. If the retake assessment leads to a module grade above the pass cutoff, the student will receive a Pass grade for the module. If the retake assessment does not lead to a module grade above the Pass cutoff, the student will receive a Fail grade.

Scheduling of the retake is dependent on the assessment and is coordinated with the student. Students may retake assessments for two modules in Phase 1. Regardless of outcome, students who do not meet the pass cutoff for a module after having used two retakes will automatically receive a Fail grade for the third or more module. A student has the right to decline taking a retake if they do not want to use one of their allotted retakes.

Until the student retakes the necessary assessment, they will receive a grade of Conditional on their transcript. This will be changed to Pass or Fail based upon the retake.

PROCESS

  1. The Office of Assessment and Evaluation (OAE) notifies the module director of any students at risk of failing based upon preliminary grade calculations. Together they identify the content and assessment(s) leading to the current grade and identify the assessment for retake.

  2. Students will be notified by the Office of Assessment and Evaluation if their grade does not meet the pass cutoff and the identified assessment for retake. Students may retake failed assessments on alternate exam dates as identified on BlackBoard or on listed proctored exam dates during Winter break 1, Summer break, and Winter break 2.

  3. Scheduling of the retake is coordinated between the student (with input from Student Affairs) and the OAE. If the retake requires a proctored assessment, these can only be scheduled on alternative testing dates identified in the academic calendar.

  1. If a student fails the exam retake, the student must remediate the module.

  2. Students must have an approved retake plan in place for all modules and complete the plan prior to the beginning of Phase 2.

USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK Completion Policy This policy outlines the requirements for passing the USMLE Step 1 and 2 exams prior to graduation.

Curricular Structure: ASCEND

Approved by: Executive Oversight Committee

Relevant LCME Elements: 9.9 Student Advancement and Appeal Process

Approval Dates: 6/21/24

RELATED POLICIES

  • Graduation Requirements Policy

  • Progression Requirements Policy

  • Academic Status Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

This policy mandates that all medical students must successfully pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 CK to be eligible for graduation from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. This requirement is in place to ensure that all graduating students are adequately prepared for professional practice and possess the necessary medical knowledge and skills.

POLICY REQUIREMENTS

A. Deadlines to Sit for Examination:

  • USMLE Step 1: Students must take Step 1 by August 1 of the academic year in which they intend to graduate.

  • USMLE Step 2: Students must take Step 2 CK by December 1 of the academic year in which they intend to graduate.

  • Students unable to sit for the examination by the deadline may request a two (2) week delay for illness, Prometric cancellation/NBME error, personal emergency, or if not entering the Match. Students must fill out the USMLE Exception Form, which will be reviewed by the Office of Student Affairs.

B. Pass of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK Examinations:

  • All medical students are required to pass the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK Examinations by April 1 of their graduation year as part of their graduation requirements.

C. Failure to Meet Requirements:

  • Failure to take these examinations within the prescribed timeframe will result in a review by the Promotions Committee, which may recommend required resources or modifications to the student's academic track, potentially delaying graduation or dismissal.

  • If a student fails an exam, the student is placed on Serious Academic Status. They must meet with the Office of Student Affairs to create and commit to an individualized remediation plan.

  • Failure to adhere to the remediation plan or testing timeline may be reported to the Promotions Committee.

  • Students must pass the exam(s) with a max of 3 attempts. Failure to pass on the third attempt may result in dismissal.

PROCEDURES

A. Registration and Scheduling for Examinations:

  • Students must register for the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK exams through the United States Medical Licensing Examination Program.

  • Students are encouraged to meet with the Office of Student Disability Services 9 months prior to their test date.

  • Students are responsible for scheduling exams to ensure their ability to meet the deadlines listed in this document

B. Monitoring Deadlines and Scores:

  • The Office of Student Affairs will monitor compliance with the exam deadline requirements.

C. Failure to Meet Requirements:

  • Students who meet the deadline but do not pass must meet with a learning specialist within the Office of Student Affairs to create a written plan for successful completion of the USMLE Step Examination. Student Affairs will also notify the Promotions Committee. For Student Affairs to:

    • certify students for match, students must record a passing score by February 1.

    • clear for graduation: students must record a passing score by April 1 of their graduation year.

  • Students who fail to meet these deadlines will be required to appear before the Promotions Committee. Students may be required to alter their graduation timeline, may be placed on academic probation or may be dismissed.

Scholarly Product Policy This policy describes the requirements to meet the scholarly product requirements

Curricular Structure: ASCEND

Approved by: Executive Oversight Committee

Relevant LCME Elements: 9.9 Student Advancement and Appeal Process

Approval Dates: 6/7/24

RELATED POLICIES

  • Graduation Requirements Policy

  • Progression Requirements Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

As part of the graduation requirements at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), all students must complete and present an approved scholarly project designed to develop skills and tools that can be applied to important problems in health care.

POLICY REQUIREMENTS

The scholarly product graduation requirement must meet all the following components approved by the Medical Student Research Office:

Carried out in one of the scholarly areas of study listed below:

  • Basic Science, Clinical, or Translational Research

  • Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

  • Biomedical Innovation & Entrepreneurship

  • Quality Improvement/ Healthcare Administration

  • Community Health

  • Global Health

  • Medical Humanities

  • Medical Education

  • Anti-Racism Transformation in Medical Education

  1. Pose a scholarly question or problem statement,

  2. Provide an objective, methodical, and analytical evaluation with results and conclusions,

  3. Mentored by a faculty or mentor otherwise approved by the Medical Student Research Office (note: mentor cannot be a current trainee),

  4. Project presentation on Medical Student Research Day (MSRD) in any year in Phase 2 or Phase 3, and

  5. Completed as a medical student.

Inclusions/Exclusions/Exemptions

  1. A peer reviewed publication or a national presentation is not an exemption to this requirement.

  2. Case studies, literature reviews, reflection pieces are excluded from eligible project types.

  3. A summer or scholarly year project can be used to fulfil this requirement if #1-8 above are met.

  4. Completion of an ISMMS MD dual degree program (PHD, MPH, MSCR, MHA) exempts the medical student from this requirement.

Failure to meet milestone requirements and completion of the final product puts a student at risk of possible unprofessional behavior and not graduating.

PROCEDURES

  1. The Medical Student Research Office (MSRO) will oversee, monitor, and document the completion of this graduation requirement.

  2. The MSRO will plan and host the annual Medical Student Research Day (MSRD).

  3. Students must fulfill the scholarly product milestones leading to approval to present on MSRD:

    1. The milestones define specific progression tasks and due dates.

    2. The MSRO publishes and communicates the milestones to students based on the stage of their progression.

    3. The milestone dates are updated annually and available on the MSRO Medical Student SharePoint site, which is accessible to students.

  1. Monitoring progress, record keeping and verification:

    1. The MSRO will monitor milestone completion, project progression and readiness to present on MSRD.

      1. Emergency or otherwise extenuating circumstances. Students who have completed all but their last milestone (i.e., the presentation at MSRD) and who were approved to present but are unable to do so will be provided with an alternative presentation format or setting.

    2. Once the student has presented this requirement is fulfilled. Students will be sent an email verifying their completion.

    3. Notification of successful completion will be sent annually to the Office of Curricular Affairs, Office of Student Affairs (OSA), Promotion’s Committee, and the Registrar.

    4. Students falling behind on milestones will:

      1. Meet with MSRO faculty to devise a plan, project timeline, identify a new project mentor and project as needed,

      2. Be sent reminder communications, non-adherence incident reports with increasing escalations as needed, given extensions, etc.

      3. Be reported to the OSA annually via the student reporting form, which allows for individual submissions of Commendation, Professionalism & Student Support needs or concerns. Additionally, a summary list will also be emailed to the OSA. The reporting is part of the process, but OSA is not charged as the decision makers.

    5. Students failing to meet milestone requirements and completion of the final product will be reported to the Promotion’s Committee for review, which may recommend required resources or modifications to the student's academic track, potentially delaying graduation or dismissal.

      1. Students who have not submitted a final complete scholarly product abstract by January of their graduating year will be reported Or

      2. Students who have not presented their completed scholarly product by April of their graduating year will be reported.

Electives Policy This policy describes the required number of electives a student must complete in order to graduate.

Curricular Structure: ASCEND

Approved by: Executive Oversight Committee

Relevant LCME Elements: 9.9 Student Advancement and Appeal Process

Approval Dates: 5/17/24

RELATED POLICIES

  • Graduation Requirements Policy

  • Curriculum Completion Requirements Policy

  • USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Completion Policy

  • Mentored Scholarly Project Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

This policy ensures that all medical students gain diverse and substantial elective experiences that are integral to their professional development and readiness for residency. Students are encouraged to pursue electives that align with their interests and career aspirations, within these requirements.

It establishes the elective requirements for medical students during the Clerkship Phase (Phase 2) and Integration and Transitions Phase (Phase 3). It defines the duration, type, and allocation of elective experiences necessary for graduation.

POLICY REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete 20 weeks of elective rotations during Phase 2 and Phase 3 combined: A. Clinical Electives (14 Weeks minimum) of which at least 4 weeks must be dedicated to a medicine subspecialty or critical care elective. B. Remainder of elective time can be fulfilled through

  • Additional clinical electives

  • Scholarly pursuit beyond the 4 week AOC requirements

  • Non-clinical MD rotations/courses

  • Service/longitudinal electives (up to a maximum of 4 weeks)

MD/PhD legacy curriculum students re-joining during Ascend curriculum

Students must complete 16 weeks of elective rotations during Phase 2 and Phase 3 combined: A. Clinical Electives (12 Weeks minimum) of which at least 4 weeks must be dedicated to a medicine subspecialty or critical care elective. B. Remainder of elective time can be fulfilled through

  • Additional clinical electives

  • Scholarly pursuit beyond the AOC requirements

  • Non-clinical MD rotations/courses

  • Service/longitudinal electives (up to a maximum of 4 weeks)

For Primary Care Scholars Program students who have completed the InterACT clerkship in the legacy curriculum and re-joining during ASCEND curriculum.

Students must complete 14 weeks of elective rotations during Phase 2 and Phase 3, of which 8 weeks must be clinical. A. Clinical Electives (8 Weeks minimum) B. Remainder of elective time can be fulfilled through

  • Additional clinical electives

  • Scholarly pursuit beyond the AOC requirements

  • Non-clinical MD rotations/courses

  • Service/longitudinal electives (up to a maximum of 4 weeks)

PROCEDURES

A. Elective Planning and Approval:

  • Students must submit an elective plan to the Office of Curricular Affairs for approval 2 weeks before the elective period begins.

  • The elective plan must specify the chosen electives, including the duration and objectives of each.

B. Documentation and Monitoring:

  • The Office of Curricular Affairs will document the approval of elective plans and monitor the completion of elective requirements.

  • Students must provide evidence of completion for each elective, which includes a supervising faculty member’s evaluation and any other required documentation.

C. Assessment of Electives:

  • Each elective will have its own set of competencies and assessment criteria, which will be communicated to the student before the elective starts.

  • Successful completion of an elective is contingent upon meeting these criteria.

D. Non-Clinical and Service Elective Restrictions:

  • For non-clinical MD rotations/courses and service/longitudinal electives, students must demonstrate how these electives will contribute to their medical education and career goals.

  • A maximum of 4 weeks can be allocated to service/longitudinal electives.

E. Submission Deadlines:

  • All elective plans must be submitted for approval at least 2 weeks prior to the start date of the elective period.

  • Documentation of completion for each elective must be submitted no later than 6 weeks after the elective rotation ends.

Remediation Policy - Phase 1 Policy This policy includes information about remediation for Phase 1 of the ASCEND curriculum.

Curricular Structure: ASCEND

Approved by: Executive Education Committee

Relevant LCME Elements: 9.6 Setting Standards of Achievement 10.3 Policies Regarding Student Selection/Progress and their Dissemination

Approval Dates: 6/6/25

RELATED POLICIES

  • ASCEND Grade Submission Policy

  • ASCEND Absence Policy

  • ASCEND Exam Retake Policy

  • ASCEND Progression Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

This policy defines the remediation process for Phase 1 of the ASCEND MD curriculum. It outlines the responsibilities of students, faculty, and staff in the event that a student receives a failing grade in a module. The aim is to support student mastery of core content and competencies while upholding academic standards and progression timelines.

Governance and Roles :

  • Module Director: Creates the remediation plan with goals, assessments, and criteria aligned to the competency gaps in consultation with Office of Curricular Affairs (OCA)

  • Office of Student Affairs (OSA): Coordinates scheduling of remediation with the student and ensures timing supports adequate preparation.

  • Office of Assessment and Evaluation (OAE): Issues failure notifications and communicates outcomes of remediation assessments.

  • Office of Curricular Affairs (OCA): Oversees policy implementation, ensures alignment with the academic calendar, and maintains documentation

POLICY

  • Students who receive a final grade of Fail in a Phase 1 module (per ASCEND Retake Policy) are required to complete a structured remediation plan to demonstrate achievement of the expected competencies. Remediation is required for graded modules only and must be completed within the timeline defined by the academic calendar.

  • Remediation plans must be aligned with the original module learning objectives and clearly define the format of reassessment, the performance criteria for passing, and the preparatory resources available to the student.

  • All remediation activities must be documented and approved by the Office of Curricular Affairs.

  • Students who successfully complete remediation will have a Pass grade and will be eligible for academic progression. The transcript will reflect the original failing grade along with a second entry indicating successful remediation with a final grade of Pass.

  • A student who fails one or more Phase 1 module(s) is referred to the Promotions Committee.

  • Students who fail remediation will be referred back to the Promotions Committee for further review.

  • Progression to Phase 2 is governed by the ASCEND Progression Policy.

Eligibility for Remediation

  • Students are eligible for remediation if they receive a final grade of Fail in a Phase 1 module. A Fail is determined according to the ASCEND Grading Policy. Remediation is not applicable to completion-based requirements unless specified otherwise. Refer to the ASCEND Progression Policy.

PROCESS

  1. Failure Notification : The OAE notifies the student, OSA, and OCA of the failing grade.

  2. Remediation Plan Creation: The Module Director drafts a remediation plan that includes defined goals, assessment formats, and a passing threshold aligned to the module’s learning objectives in consultation with OCA.

  3. Scheduling : OSA works with the student to determine a remediation date and communicate the date with OAE. Remediation dates are listed in the academic calendar.

  4. Assessment Format : Proctored exams (e.g., CAS exams, standardized patient encounters) must occur on published remediation dates in the academic calendar. Non-proctored assessments (e.g., written assignments, quizzes) may occur at other times as agreed upon by the student and OCA.

  5. Completion and Communication: After completion, OAE communicates the remediation outcome to the student, OSA, and the Preclerkship team.

  6. Grade Submission : If the student passes remediation, the Preclerkship team submits a Pass grade to the Registrar and updates the Grade Center on Blackboard. The transcript and Bb Grade Center will reflect the original failing grade along with a second entry indicating successful remediation with a final grade of Pass.

  7. Failure of Remediation Assessment : A student who fails a remediation assessment is referred to the Promotions Committee.

ASCEND and Legacy Policies

These policies are applicable to students in the Legacy Curriculum and the ASCEND Curriculum.

Time to Degree Policy This policy describes the timeframe to complete the MD degree.

Curricular Structure: ASCEND

Approved by: Executive Oversight Committee

Relevant LCME Elements: 10.3 Policies Regarding Student Selection/Progress and their Dissemination

Approval Dates: 06/07/24

RELATED POLICIES

  • Academic Standing

  • Due Process and Promotion

  • Yearly Progress Requirements/Progression Requirements

  • Leave of Absence Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

The timeframe to complete the MD program is four (4) years of full-time enrollment. The maximum time limit a student may be enrolled to meet the MD program Time to Degree requirement is six (6) years. The following will be counted in assessment of pace: a student who extends their graduation date with a Scholarly Year, a Leave of Absence, or is placed on an academic plan that increases their time in the program.

Students in the MD-PhD program should refer to the Graduate School Handbook for Time to Degree requirements.

PROCESS

Frequency of Review: the Office of Student Affairs assesses each student’s Time to Degree progress annually.

Request for Additional Time: Students who ask for additional time to complete the MD program must make the request to the Office of Student Affairs. The request will be referred to the Promotions Committee for review. Decisions may include approval, approval with guidelines for completion of the MD program, or a denial of additional time. A denial may result in a continuation of the student's existing academic timeline or recommendation for withdrawal from the MD program

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Eligibility

Academic progress refers to the satisfactory completion of coursework, research experiences, clinical experiences, as well as all other degree requirements established by each academic program within the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Federal regulations require that students receiving federal aid make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in accordance with these standards set by the School to maintain their eligibility for federally funded financial support.

Each student’s academic progress is assessed on a semester/trimester basis. A student not making satisfactory academic progress is placed on academic probation and is required to meet with their Program Director and/or Student Affairs Dean to develop and implement a remediation plan. A student may also be required to appear before the Graduate School’s Committee for Academic Review or the Medical Education Program’s Promotion Committee as part of their academic progress remediation planning.

A student who fails to meet SAP for financial aid eligibility will be ineligible for financial aid beginning with the term immediately following the term in which the SAP requirement(s) were not met. If the Committee for Academic Review or the Promotion Committee approves a remediation plan for the student that will support meeting SAP within no more than a year, a student can be placed on financial aid probation and continue to receive financial aid. A student will be removed from financial aid probation, and/or be eligible again for financial aid, when they have met SAP for financial aid eligibility. A student who does not meet the SAP requirements by the end of the financial aid probationary period is again ineligible for financial aid.

The Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Eligibility Policy requires students to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, meet their program’s annual curricular progression requirements, as well as maintain timeliness towards degree completion.

Office of Student Financial Services Email: studentfinancialservices@mssm.edu Phone: (212) 241-5245 Office: Annenberg Building, 12th Floor, Room 12-80

Due Process and Promotion/Disciplinary Action Policy This policy provides information regarding due process and potential disciplinary actions.

Curricular Structure: All Medical Students in Legacy and ASCEND

Approved by: Executive Oversight Committee

Relevant LCME Elements: 9.9 Student Advancement and Appeals Process

10.3 Policies Regarding Student Selection/Progress and their Dissemination

Approval Dates: 2/4/22

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Outline the charge of the Promotions Committee, including the actions the Committee may decide to make.

POLICY STATEMENT

Students may appear before the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Promotions Committee if any of the following occurs:

  • A student is in Serious Academic Status (see section on Academic Status).

  • A student is in Serious Academic Status and fails another course or clerkship while being monitored.

  • A student receives one Incident Report that demonstrates egregious behavior or more than one Incident Report that demonstrates a pattern of concerning behavior.

  • Any student whose conduct may warrant disciplinary action (see section on Disciplinary Action) for violation of the Student Honor Code, Student Code of Conduct or relevant school or institutional policies.

  • A student who switches from the MD/PhD program to the regular MD program

  • A student who requests a course of study that is different than the established tracks. (For example, a MD student who wishes a leave to pursue a PhD after Year 3 outside of the traditional MD/PhD program path).

  • A student who requests scholarly leave or leave of absence for more than two continuous years.

  • A student who appeals a grade (appeal is to a subcommittee).

  • A student who requests a second decelerated year (request is to a subcommittee).

Students have the opportunity to appeal a decision by the Promotions Committee to the Dean of the School of Medicine.

The Promotions Committee is the guarantor of excellence in the School of Medicine graduates and its main constituency is the future patients of our graduate physicians. The Promotions Committee is charged with:

  • Reviewing medical students not meeting set standards of academic performance and/or professional behavior.

  • Recommending to the Dean of the School of Medicine that the degree of Doctor of Medicine be awarded to those students who have satisfactorily completed the requirements of medical school education in accordance with the requirements of the Board of Regents of the State of New York and the faculty of Icahn School of Medicine, and satisfactorily fulfilled the ethical and moral responsibilities inherent in the practice of medicine.

  • Recommending advancement of the students who have satisfactorily completed each year’s requirements to the next academic year.

  • Convening an ad hoc sub-committee for grade appeals.

  • Convening an ad hoc sub-committee to examine charges of student misconduct and/or unprofessional behavior.

  • Convening an ad hoc sub-committee to review student requests for decelerating an academic year.

Actions of the Committee may include but are not limited to:

  • Approval, modification or rejection of proposed academic plans

  • Remediation plans

  • Disciplinary actions, including: Warning, Probation, Suspension, or Dismissal

  • Decisions about grade appeals

  • Decision about academic plans for student seeking to decelerate a second year of the curriculum.

Decisions of the Promotions Committee shall be made by a majority vote. A quorum is defined as nine voting members present. A quorum is required for any vote.

Any ex-officio or voting member with a conflict of interest must recuse him/herself from any discussion and/or vote pertaining to a student case. A conflict of interest includes, but is not limited to, a course/clerkship director who has issued a failing grade, familial relationship, mentor/mentee relationship, physician-patient relationship, colleague referral or any other significant professional or social relationship (e.g., preceptor, elective teaching, advising).

PROCEDURE

The Promotions Committee or an Ad Hoc Subcommittee may consider the student’s entire School profile as it relates to overall School performance in academics and professionalism in reaching its decision.

Students presented before the Promotions Committee are permitted to make a statement to the Committee explaining their perspective on the issue(s) before the Committee. Students are also permitted to bring another individual to the meeting to provide them support. The student may not be represented by an attorney and the accompanying individual may not speak during the meeting.

The Chair may appoint an ad hoc Subcommittee to investigate and evaluate the circumstances which brought the student to the Committee’s attention and to propose remedial, disciplinary, or other action to the full Committee. The ad hoc Committee may meet prior to a full Committee meeting or after the student is initially considered by the Committee. The Subcommittee will consist of a minimum of three Committee members, two of whom must be faculty. One faculty member will serve as Chair of the Subcommittee.

Before the ad hoc Subcommittee review, the student shall be accorded an opportunity to challenge any member of the Subcommittee for “cause” where, in the student’s view, the Subcommittee member would not be able to render an impartial decision. It shall be in the ad hoc Subcommittee Chair’s sole discretion (or the Promotions Committee Chair, if the challenge is to the Chair of the Subcommittee) whether to excuse such member.

The student shall be permitted to meet with the ad hoc Subcommittee and prior to that meeting shall have the right to know the reason for the Subcommittee investigation. The Student shall be permitted to attend the meeting of the ad hoc Subcommittee with an adviser of his/her choice and to present relevant evidence and witnesses on his/her own behalf to the ad hoc Subcommittee. The student may not be represented by an attorney. The ad hoc Subcommittee may, at its discretion, further define, expand or limit the role of any such representative and may make such additional rules in its discretion to assure fair and expeditious handling of the matter, provided such rules are consistent with these procedures.

The Subcommittee shall present to the Promotions Committee its findings and recommendations. The Promotions Committee will discuss and vote on a decision and notify the student in writing of that decision and the basis for it. The Promotions Committee decision shall be made by a majority of the full Committee.

Ad-hoc subcommittees for grade appeals and second decelerated years should include a minimum of the Committee Members and will make decisions by majority vote. The decisions will be final.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

The Committee may decide to issue a Disciplinary Action, including:

  • Warning: An official notice in writing which describes consequences contingent on a student’s future actions or behaviors.

  • Probation: An official notice in writing that specifies a time period that must pass without incident or conditions that a student must meet to avoid further consequences, including but not limited to disciplinary action.

  • Suspension of Enrollment: A removal of the student from educational activities or patient care settings. Immediate suspensions may be made in circumstances where the student poses a risk to patient care, other members of the School community, the School, or the learning environment.

  • Dismissal: Expulsion of a student from the School.

COMMITTEE DECISIONS AND APPEALS

Committee decisions will be rendered verbally to the student by the Committee Chair and will be confirmed in writing. If in agreement with the outcome and letter, students are required to return a signed copy of the letter within two (2) weeks.

If a student chooses to appeal the decision of the Promotions Committee, he or she must submit a written request stating the reason for the appeal to the Dean of the School of Medicine within two (2) weeks of receipt of the decision letter. The Dean’s review will determine whether procedures outlined in the Student Handbook were substantially followed and that the decision was reasonable, or the Dean may make an alternate recommendation. The Dean may, at their discretion, form an advisory committee to assist in reviewing the appeal. The advisory committee should not include any voting or non-voting members of the Promotions Committee. If no appeal is taken as provided above, the decision shall become final.

If a student’s appeal is successful, the Promotions Committee may reconvene to determine an further plan or monitoring necessary.

These rules are intended to establish fair and reasonable guidelines for disciplinary action. Breaches of these rules shall not be grounds for a new proceeding unless in the opinion of the Dean the breach is of such a material nature that the validity and the truthfulness of the result are prejudiced.

The decision of the Dean of the School of Medicine shall be final.

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