The SPC is composed of faculty members and medical students. The Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education, Associate Dean for Student Programs and Career Development, Associate Dean for Medical Education and Competency Achievement, Associate Dean for Minority and Cultural Affairs, and the Associate Dean for Admissions are ex officio members of the committee without voting privileges. All committee members sign confidentiality agreements that comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA") regulations. All discussions of student records and actions of the SPC regarding individual students are strictly confidential. Faculty members are appointed to the SPC by the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education. Student members are appointed from nominees advanced by the Medical Student Senate. Students are appointed for a three-year term. The students selected must show evidence of a strong academic record and high personal behavior standards.
The SPC reports to the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education. The Associate Dean for Student Programs and Career Development acts as an advocate for the student. Student appeals are managed by the Dean for Education and are ultimately decided by the Dean of the medical school.
The SPC has the following specific responsibilities: - To review and recommend to the Dean of Education policies on academic and non-academic student performance standards.
- To recommend to the Dean of Education the promotion and graduation of those students who have met the requirements defined by the medical faculty and documented in this official Medical Student Handbook.
- To review student records and make determinations when:
- course or clerkship failures occur
- student performance is of marginal caliber
- recurring academic difficulties occur
- unprofessional behaviors or qualities are demonstrated
- alleged violations of the Behavioral and Academic Integrity Standards of the Feinberg School occur (see Behavioral Standards and Observed Misconduct for more information)
- alleged violations of Northwestern University’s Academic and Behavioral Standards occur (see NU Handbook for the Academic and Behavioral Standards)
- students have academic grievance issues
- requests for a leave of absence and for readmission after a LOA are made
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