The academic status or grading of student performance is determined at the end of each course and/or semester. Grades are determined based on scores collected throughout the course, including assignments, quizzes, practical exam results, and course exams. Each course has a syllabus that explains in detail how the grades are calculated. It is the student’s responsibility to read the course syllabi to ensure understanding of course grading policies.
For pre-clinical courses, within seven working days after the final course/system exam (as applicable), the course/system director submits a final grade report. For clinical courses, within thirty working days after the final assignment submission/successful completion of COMAT exam and receipt of preceptor evaluation (as applicable), the rotation director submits a final grade report. The grade report includes the percentage grade achieved in the class and a letter grade – either A, B, C or F. At the end of every semester, students will receive an unofficial copy of their transcript. The GPA on the transcript is calculated based on the letter grades (A, B, C, or F) for each course. A = 90- 100%, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, F < 70%. Percentage grades are not reported on the transcripts; however, they are used in class rank calculation. For example, a percentage score of 87% in a course would appear as a B on the transcript, and the multiplier used to calculate the GPA would be 3.0.
However, for determining class rank the actual percentage grade of 87% would be used. Likewise, a grade of 81% percent would be recorded as a B on the transcript, 3.0 would be the multiplier used in the GPA calculation, and 81% would be used for calculating class rank.
Class Rank
Class rank is determined at the end of the first two academic years. Class rankings will be reported in the fall semester for the previous year’s coursework. To treat all students fairly, the rank order will be based on students who went through a similar program. Therefore, students who previously completed approved and equivalent coursework prior to matriculating into the LMU-DCOM DO program will not be given a class rank designation. Likewise, students who remediate or retake coursework during medical school will not be included in class rank.
Student Grievances Regarding Grades
Students should note that exam and/or final course grade appeals may not be based on disagreements with the course requirements, or the grading standards established by the professor. Good faith on the professor's part shall be presumed unless the student can offer convincing arguments to the contrary. The student's desire or "need" for a particular grade shall not be considered "good cause" for purposes of appeal. An appeal should be in reference to course and/or exam policies and procedures not being followed appropriately.
Academic Due Process - Exam Grade or Final Grade Reconsideration: if a student has a grievance about an exam or a final course grade, the student must discuss the matter with the course/system director before the end of the next working day after the grade has been posted. Thereafter, if the student still believes that there are grounds for an exam and/or final course grade appeal the student must submit the appropriate form along with evidence to the Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs before the end of the next working day after the grade has been posted. If the appeal meets “good cause" for the purpose of appeal, the Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs or their designee will arrange a meeting between the student, the appropriate Dean(s) (Preclinical or Clinical), and the course director if appropriate. After the meeting has occurred, the student will be notified of a decision regarding the appeal within five working days.