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Professional Behavior Probation

Professionalism Reporting

Policy Statement

The Student Performance Committee (SPC) may place a student on probation for cause at any time during the student’s enrollment. Probation status may have financial aid implications and consequences.

Policy Requirement

A student may be placed on Professional Behavior Probation for violations of the Keck School of Medicine MD Program Code of Professional Behavior, USC Student Conduct Code, MD Program polices or University of Southern California policies. Once a student has been placed on Professional Behavior Probation, any additional violations of these codes, expectations or policies may constitute the sole reason for further disciplinary action or dismissal from the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Procedure

  1. A student referred to the SPC for concerns about professional behavior will be notified in writing of the referral and their opportunity to appear before the SPC at least ten (10) business days prior to the meeting.
  2. A student who is referred to the SPC for concerns regarding professional behavior shall meet with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs prior to the SPC meeting at which time the student will be provided information about rules and procedures to be followed at the SPC meeting.
  3. The student will be given an opportunity to appear before the Student Performance Committee. The student should notify the Associate Dean for Student Affairs in writing within five (5) business days prior to the meeting of their intent to appear. The student may also waive their right to such an appearance by notification to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs in writing within five (5) business days prior to their scheduled appearance.
  4. The student will be provided information relevant to their appearance before the SPC at the time they are notified of the meeting including student records, and other documentation to be used in the SPC’s review of the student’s behavior.
  5. The student will have the opportunity to present any relevant information to the SPC including affidavits, exhibits and oral testimony. If the student wishes to present written materials to SPC members, the student must submit them to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs at least three (3) business days before the meeting.
  6. Students must author any written submissions and speak on their own behalf during any meetings or hearings on the matter. If they wish to be accompanied by an adviser or wish for the university to share information with their adviser, the adviser must sign a confidentiality agreement, and agree to abide by the protocol outlined above.
  7.  Once a quorum is established, a simple majority of the members present is necessary to place a student on probation.
  8. Recommendations for student professional behavior probation must be based upon the information presented at the SPC meeting.
  9. The Chairperson of the SPC will orally transmit the final determination of the Student Performance Committee to the student after completion of the meeting. The final decision of the SPC will be transmitted in writing to the student and the Vice Dean for Medical Education within three (3) business days following the close of the meeting.
  10. The student’s status will be reviewed at least yearly by the SPC. During this review, the student may be removed from professional behavior probation status at the discretion of the SPC based on subsequent behavior.
  11. A student on professional behavior probation who wishes to be released from this status, may request a review by the SPC prior to completing one year of probation. The student on probation must give the SPC at least one-month advance notice to complete a review.
  12. Students must be off professional behavior probation at the time of graduation in order to be eligible to receive the MD degree.
  13. The status of professional behavior probation is permanently noted in the MSPE and Addendum to the MSPE if applicable. There is no avenue provided to appeal for removal.
  14. Students on probation are not eligible to pursue a dual degree, Dean’s Research Scholar, or hold any student government or interest group office. In addition, a student may risk removal from, or eligibility for, merit scholarships or funding and/or designation as a Dean’s Research Scholar. Additionally, students on probation may have their clinical site location or community service activities limited at the discretion of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs or the SPC.

Appeal Process for Probation

A student who has been placed on probation by the Student Performance Committee may appeal the decision in accordance with the KSOM MD Program Appeal Process and USC Student Handbook.

Reviewed and Approved: April 16, 2025
Medical Education Executive Council