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Professionalism At Risk Policy

Professionalism Reporting

Policy Statement:

A student may be designated the status of Professionalism At-Risk at the discretion of the Student Performance Committee (SPC) or the Associate Dean for Student Affairs based on a specific behavior or pattern of behaviors that demonstrate a lapse or lapses in the student’s professionalism. The status of Professionalism At-Risk alerts the student to the concerns regarding their lack of compliance with the Keck School’s professional standards and indicates that they are vulnerable to be placed on Professionalism Probation if their adherence to professional standards does not improve. The status of Professionalism At-Risk is not included in the academic record, including the MSPE, and provides the student with an opportunity to address their professional behaviors going forward to reduce their risk of placement on Professionalism Probation. The status of Professionalism Probation is noted in academic record, including the MSPE.

The following is a list of behavioral patterns that may warrant a designation of Professionalism At-Risk status; note that these examples are not exhaustive and any lapses in professionalism could result in a student designated as Professionalism At-Risk status.

  1. Submitting assignments after their posted due dates.
  2. Non-compliance with the absence policy.
  3. Non-compliance with the official correspondence policy.
  4. Documented pattern of tardiness for required activities (more than 3 in a semester).
  5. Documented disrespect toward a peer, faculty, staff, or patient.
  6. Not meeting the expected compliance threshold of assigned evaluations.
  7. Not meeting health and immunization requirements.
  8. Not completing administrative requirements (e.g., required trainings, timely registration, attendance at required meetings).
  9. Professional accountability scores of 3 on 2 or more clerkships or a professional accountability score of 2 or less on one clerkship.

Process:

Professionalism At-Risk Status

  • Students with lapses in professional behaviors may be designated the status of Professionalism At-Risk by the SPC or Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
  • Students will be notified by either the Associate Dean for Student Affairs or the chair of the SPC if placed on Professionalism At-Risk status.
  • Professionalism At-Risk status is monitored and reviewed annually, or as needed, by the SPC to determine if the status can be removed  or  escalated based on the degree of compliance with professional expectations at the time of the review and since being designated as At-Risk.
  • Students placed on At-Risk may be restricted from holding offices in student governance or student interest groups or participating in dual degree or research programs.

Related Policies

Reviewed and Approved: September 3, 2025

Medical Education Executive Council