NLU MSPAS Student Dismissal Policy

Effective Date: 11/1/2026 Review Cycle: Annually and as required by university, regulatory, or ARC-PA changes Responsible Unit: NLU Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program Responsible Official: Program Director Applies To: All enrolled NLU MSPAS students, PA Program faculty, staff, administrators, and other individuals involved in PA Program academic or clinical education processes I. PURPOSE The National Louis University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (NLU MSPAS) Program is responsible to students, patients, clinical partners, and the public for graduating physician assistants who have demonstrated the knowledge, clinical and technical skills, clinical reasoning, and professional behaviors required for entry into clinical practice. This policy establishes the NLU MSPAS Program's policies and procedures for dismissal of a student from the Program. It identifies:

1. The grounds on which a student may be dismissed from the Program;

2. The relationship between dismissal and the Program's Academic Progression and Remediation Policy; 3. The procedures by which a dismissal is referred, reviewed, decided, and communicated;

4. The timelines that govern each step of the dismissal process;

5. The student's rights to notice, to be heard, and to pursue applicable National Louis University appeal processes;

6. The academic, enrollment, and financial consequences of dismissal; and

7. Documentation, record retention, and program assessment requirements.

This policy is designed to support compliance with ARC-PA Sixth Edition Standard A3.14(f), which requires the Program to publish, consistently apply, and make readily available to enrolled and prospective students its policies and procedures for dismissal, together with related Standards A3.01, A3.14(a)–(e) and (h), A3.15, and A3.16.

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II. POLICY STATEMENT Dismissal is the involuntary and permanent termination of a student's enrollment in the NLU MSPAS Program. Dismissal is a serious academic action and is used when a student has not met, or cannot meet, the published academic, clinical, professional, or institutional requirements for continued enrollment and progression.

The NLU MSPAS Program shall:

• Publish its dismissal policy and procedures and make them readily available to prospective and enrolled students; • Apply the policy consistently to all students, regardless of instructional or clinical location; • Use remediation, as defined in the Academic Progression and Remediation Policy, as the primary response to identified academic and professional deficiencies before dismissal, except where this policy identifies conduct that warrants immediate referral; • Provide written notice of the grounds for possible dismissal and an opportunity for the student to be heard before a dismissal decision is made;

• Separate the committee recommendation from the final decision;

• Provide written notice of the decision, its effective date, its consequences, and available appeal rights; • Document every dismissal action in the student's confidential educational record; and • Review aggregate dismissal and attrition data as part of the Program's continuous quality improvement process.

III. GUIDING PRINCIPLES

A. Fairness

Students shall be informed of the specific concerns that may lead to dismissal and shall have an opportunity to respond before a final determination is made.

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B. Consistency

The Program shall apply the published grounds and procedures for dismissal consistently to similarly situated students.

C. Transparency

Students shall be informed of the applicable grounds, the responsible decision-makers, relevant deadlines, and available appeal rights.

D. Objectivity Dismissal decisions shall be based on documented performance data, assessment results, remediation outcomes, evaluations, and other objective evidence, consistent with the Program's published standards.

E. Impartiality

Individuals with a conflict of interest or actual or reasonably perceived bias shall not participate in the recommendation or decision.

F. Patient and Public Safety

The Program's obligation to protect patients, clinical partners, and the public may require interim action while a matter is under review.

IV. DEFINITIONS

Dismissal The involuntary, permanent termination of a student's enrollment in the NLU MSPAS Program by action of the Program Director following the procedures in this policy.

Academic Dismissal

Dismissal resulting from failure to meet published academic, clinical, or program- completion requirements, including unsuccessful remediation.

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Professional Conduct Dismissal Dismissal resulting from violation of Program professionalism standards, the NLU Student Code of Conduct, academic integrity requirements, clinical-site requirements, or standards of ethical conduct expected of physician assistant students. Remediation Plan The individualized, written plan developed under the Academic Progression and Remediation Policy and documented on the NLU PA Program Student Remediation Documentation, Tracking, and Annual Audit Form, including measurable goals, required activities, a completion timeline, and a reassessment method. Student Evaluation and Progress Committee (SEPC) The standing PA Program committee that monitors student academic performance, progression, remediation, professionalism concerns, and retention, and that reviews referrals for dismissal and makes recommendations to the Program Director.

Referral for Dismissal Review

A written referral to the SEPC identifying the grounds on which a student may be subject to dismissal and the supporting documentation.

Notice of Dismissal

The written decision issued by the Program Director to the student stating that the student is dismissed from the Program, the grounds, the effective date, the consequences, and available appeal rights.

Business Day

Monday through Friday, excluding University holidays and days on which the University is closed.

Effective Date of Dismissal The date stated in the Notice of Dismissal on which the student's enrollment in the Program ends. Unless otherwise stated, the effective date is the date the Notice of Dismissal is issued.

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V. RELATIONSHIP TO NLU UNIVERSITY POLICIES The NLU MSPAS Program operates within the policies and procedures of National Louis University. This policy does not replace University-wide policies. Where a matter falls within a University-wide policy or procedure, the University policy shall control.

In addition to this policy, students are subject to:

• NLU Academic Progress Policies and NLU Standards for Academic Review, as published in the NLU Academic Catalog;

• The NLU Student Guidebook and Student Code of Conduct;

• The NLU Policy on Academic Appeals;

• The NLU Withdrawal from the University and Refund Policy and the NLU Policy on Appeals for Refund of Tuition Charges; • The NLU Anti-Discrimination Policy and related Student Rights and Information; and

•

The NLU FERPA Notification.

Where a PA Program requirement is more specific than a general University policy, the Program will apply the program-specific requirement, provided that it is consistent with NLU policy and applicable law. A student who is academically dismissed by the University under NLU institutional academic progress standards is also dismissed from the PA Program. VI. RELATIONSHIP TO THE ACADEMIC PROGRESSION AND REMEDIATION POLICY The NLU MSPAS Academic Progression and Remediation Policy defines Satisfactory Academic Progression and the circumstances that activate remediation. This dismissal policy is read together with that policy and is incorporated into it by reference. Key provisions of the Academic Progression and Remediation Policy that bear on dismissal include: • Progression in the didactic terms depends on passing each required course in the term before advancing to the next term.

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• In the clinical terms, Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs) are not dependent on each other for progression; however, a failure of any component of a clinical rotation must be remediated. • A successful remediation results in a final course grade of B or Pass, as applicable. Failure to earn ≥80% on the remediation assessment results in a failing grade. • Failure to fulfill all the terms of a remediation plan will result in dismissal from the PA Program. • Students must complete all requirements for graduation within four (4) years of the original date of matriculation, including any leave of absence periods. No deceleration. The NLU MSPAS Program does not offer deceleration or a decelerated curriculum option in the didactic or clinical phases. A student who cannot progress with the cohort after unsuccessful remediation therefore cannot be placed into a later cohort as an alternative to dismissal. A student facing circumstances that prevent continued progression may request a Leave of Absence or may withdraw under applicable Program and University policy. The following table summarizes how the Program responds to common performance concerns.

When Dismissal Review Is Initiated

Performance Concern

Initial Program Response

Formative or summative grade (assignment, exam, etc.) < 80%

Remediation plan

Remediation plan not fulfilled or remediation assessment < 80%

Remediation plan; grade of (I) Incomplete if the term has ended

Remediation unsuccessful, resulting in a failing final course grade

Course grade < 80%

Failure of one End of Rotation (EOR) examination

Remediation in the SOAR course in the same term or during the break between terms

Remediation unsuccessful, resulting in a failing SCPE grade

Cumulative GPA below 3.0

Remediation plan

Terms of the remediation plan not fulfilled

Failure to adhere to PA Program policies or the NLU Student Code of Conduct

Remediation plan (professionalism)

Remediation plan not fulfilled, or conduct meets the criteria for immediate referral (Section VIII)

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Performance Concern

Initial Program Response

When Dismissal Review Is Initiated

Faculty, preceptor, or staff reports that course requirements or learning outcomes are not being met Requirements for graduation not completed within 4 years of matriculation

Remediation plan

Terms of the remediation plan not fulfilled

Advising and academic planning

4-year limit cannot be met

VII. GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL

A student may be dismissed from the NLU MSPAS Program on one or more of the following grounds.

A. Academic Grounds

1. Failure to fulfill all the terms of a remediation plan, as stated in the Academic Progression and Remediation Policy. 2. Failure to earn ≥80% on a remediation assessment, resulting in a failing final grade in a required didactic course, SCPE, or other required course. 3. Failure to restore a cumulative GPA of 3.0 within the terms and timeline of the remediation plan. 4. Failure to successfully complete required summative evaluations or demonstrate required program competencies after the remediation provided under the Academic Progression and Remediation Policy. 5. Academic dismissal from National Louis University under NLU institutional academic progress standards and Standards for Academic Review.

B. Program Completion Time Limit

1. Inability to complete all requirements for graduation within four (4) years of the original date of matriculation, including any leave of absence periods.

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C. Professional Conduct Physician assistant students are expected to adhere to the professional and ethical standards of the PA profession at all times, in all settings, including the classroom, laboratory, clinical sites, and online environments. Grounds include:

1. Failure to fulfill the terms of a professionalism remediation plan;

2. A pattern of unprofessional behavior that continues after documented remediation; 3. Violation of the NLU Student Code of Conduct resulting in a University conduct sanction that prevents continued enrollment; 4. Academic dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, unauthorized access to or distribution of examination content, or misrepresentation of work; 5. Falsification, fabrication, or misrepresentation of patient records, clinical logs, attendance or duty-hour records, evaluations, application materials, or other Program or University documents; 6. Conduct that endangers the health, safety, or welfare of patients, students, faculty, staff, or clinical-site personnel; 7. Unauthorized disclosure of protected health information or other serious violation of patient privacy and confidentiality; 8. Practicing beyond the scope of a PA student, representing oneself as a licensed clinician, or providing patient care without required supervision; 9. Attending class or a clinical experience while impaired by alcohol or other substances; 10. Harassment, discrimination, threats, or violence, as determined through the applicable NLU process; and 11. Other conduct inconsistent with the ethical standards of the PA profession that the SEPC determines is incompatible with continued enrollment. D. Technical Standards 1. Inability to meet the Program's published Technical Standards, with or without reasonable accommodation. Determinations involving disability are made in

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consultation with the appropriate NLU office responsible for student accommodations.

E. Clinical Education

1. Removal from a clinical site at the request of the site or preceptor for reasons related to professionalism, patient safety, or performance, when the SEPC determines, after review, that the removal reflects grounds listed in this section; 2. Failure to maintain clinical education compliance requirements established by the Program or by affiliated clinical sites (for example, immunizations, background checks, drug screening, certifications, or training) when that failure prevents completion of required SCPEs; and 3. Refusal to complete a required SCPE assignment when the refusal prevents completion of required curricular objectives.

F. Enrollment Status

1. Failure to return from an approved Leave of Absence on the date and under the conditions established in writing, without an approved extension; and 2. Material misrepresentation or omission of information in the admissions process discovered after matriculation. VIII. IMMEDIATE REFERRAL FOR DISMISSAL REVIEW Most academic and professional deficiencies are addressed first through remediation. However, the Program Director may refer a student directly to the SEPC for dismissal review, without a prior remediation plan, when the conduct is serious enough that remediation is not appropriate. Examples include:

• Conduct that places patients or others at risk of harm;

• Academic dishonesty on a graded assessment or examination;

• Falsification of clinical, academic, or patient records;

• Serious violation of patient privacy;

• Impairment in a classroom or clinical setting; or

• Conduct that results in a University sanction of suspension or expulsion.

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Immediate referral follows the same procedures, notice, opportunity to be heard, and appeal rights as any other dismissal review.

IX. INTERIM MEASURES PENDING REVIEW When a referral involves potential risk to patient safety, student safety, or the integrity of the educational environment, the Program Director may implement reasonable interim measures while the dismissal review is pending, including:

• Temporary removal from a clinical site or SCPE;

• Temporary removal from patient-contact activities, laboratories, or simulation;

• Modification of the student's schedule or communication arrangements; or

• Referral to Student Affairs, counseling, or other University resources.

Interim measures are not a finding that misconduct occurred or a determination of dismissal. Unless an interim measure has been imposed, the student may continue attending didactic coursework while the dismissal review is pending.

X. DISMISSAL PROCEDURES The following procedures apply to every dismissal review. Timelines are stated in Business Days. The Program Director may extend a timeline for good cause, such as University closures or the availability of participants, and will notify the student in writing of any extension. Step 1. Identification and Referral When a course director, the Director of Didactic Education, the Director of Clinical Education, principal faculty, or the Program Director identifies that a student may meet one or more grounds for dismissal, that individual submits a written Referral for Dismissal Review to the SEPC Chair within five (5) Business Days of identifying the triggering event (for example, the documented outcome of an unsuccessful remediation reassessment). The referral includes the specific grounds under Section VII, a summary of the relevant facts, and supporting documentation, which may include the remediation plan and

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tracking log, reassessment results, examination scores, course grades, faculty or preceptor evaluations, professionalism evaluations, and incident reports.

Step 2. Written Notice to the Student Within three (3) Business Days of receiving the referral, the SEPC Chair provides the student with written notice through the student's NLU email account. The notice includes:

1. The specific grounds under which dismissal is being considered;

2. A summary of the documentation supporting the referral, and how the student may review it;

3. The date, time, and location or virtual format of the SEPC review meeting;

4. The student's right to submit a written statement and supporting documentation;

5. The student's right to meet with the SEPC; and

6. A copy of, or link to, this policy.

Step 3. Student Response The student may submit a written statement and supporting documentation to the SEPC Chair no later than two (2) Business Days before the SEPC review meeting. The student may also appear before the SEPC to present information and answer questions. The review is an academic proceeding rather than a legal hearing; legal counsel does not participate. A student who chooses not to submit a statement or not to attend does not prevent the SEPC from proceeding.

Step 4. SEPC Review

The SEPC meets to review the referral within ten (10) Business Days of the SEPC Chair's receipt of the referral. For individual dismissal reviews:

• Voting members are PA Program principal faculty serving on the SEPC;

• The Program Director does not vote, so that the recommendation and the final decision remain separate; • Any member with a conflict of interest, including the faculty member who initiated the referral, recuses from deliberation and voting;

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• The SEPC reviews the referral, the student's academic and remediation record, any written statement, and any information presented at the meeting; and • The SEPC deliberates in closed session and reaches its recommendation by majority vote of voting members present. The SEPC may recommend: (1) dismissal; (2) continued enrollment with a remediation plan or professionalism improvement plan; (3) a Leave of Absence, if the student requests one and is eligible under Program policy; or (4) no action. Step 5. SEPC Recommendation Within two (2) Business Days of the review meeting, the SEPC Chair submits a written recommendation to the Program Director stating the grounds considered, the evidence relied on, the vote, and the rationale. Step 6. Program Director Decision Within five (5) Business Days of receiving the SEPC recommendation, the Program Director accepts, rejects, or modifies the recommendation and issues a final Program decision. If the Program Director has a conflict of interest, the Dean of the College or designee makes the decision. Step 7. Notice of Decision Within two (2) Business Days of the decision, the Program Director provides the student with a written decision through the student's NLU email account. Copies of a Notice of Dismissal are provided to the NLU Office of the Registrar, Office of Financial Aid, Student Accounts, the Dean of the College, and, when the student is in the clinical phase, the Director of Clinical Education. Step 8. Implementation and Documentation The Program implements the decision as of the effective date and places the complete dismissal record in the student's confidential educational record, as described in Section XV.

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Summary Timeline

Step

Action

Responsible

Timeline

Referral for Dismissal Review submitted to SEPC Chair

Referring faculty or Program leadership

Within 5 Business Days of the triggering event

Written notice to student

SEPC Chair

Within 3 Business Days of receipt of referral

Student written statement (optional)

Student

No later than 2 Business Days before the SEPC meeting

SEPC review meeting

SEPC

Within 10 Business Days of receipt of referral

Written recommendation to Program Director

Within 2 Business Days of the meeting

SEPC Chair

Final Program decision

Program Director

Within 5 Business Days of the recommendation

Written decision to student and University offices

Within 2 Business Days of the decision

Program Director

Appeal under NLU Policy on Academic Appeals (if eligible)

Student

Within the deadline set by the NLU Policy on Academic Appeals

XI. CONTENTS OF THE NOTICE OF DISMISSAL

A Notice of Dismissal shall include:

1. The decision to dismiss the student from the NLU MSPAS Program;

2. The specific grounds under Section VII and a summary of the basis for the decision;

3. The effective date of dismissal;

4. The status of courses in progress and how grades will be recorded;

5. Instructions for returning Program and clinical-site property, identification badges, and equipment;

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6. Referral to the Office of Financial Aid and Student Accounts regarding financial consequences; 7. The student's appeal rights under Section XII, including the applicable NLU appeal process and where to find its deadlines; and

8. Contact information for Student Affairs and other University support resources.

A student's refusal to acknowledge receipt of the Notice of Dismissal does not delay implementation of the decision. The method and date of delivery are documented in the student's record.

XII. APPEAL RIGHTS Consistent with the NLU MSPAS Academic Progression and Remediation Policy, the Program Director's dismissal decision is final within the PA Program and is not subject to further reconsideration or appeal at the Program level. A dismissed student retains the right to pursue the applicable National Louis University appeal process. The Program does not establish a separate appeal process that conflicts with NLU's University-wide processes. A. Academic Dismissal A student dismissed on academic or professional grounds may appeal under the NLU Policy on Academic Appeals, which identifies four bases for an academic appeal:

1. The criteria or procedures were not published;

2. Published criteria or procedures were inconsistent with applicable University or program policy or violated the student's rights;

3. Published criteria or procedures were not followed; or

4. The decision was substantially influenced by factors other than published criteria.

Under the current NLU process, the final and binding decision is made by the Senior Academic Officer or designee. Disagreement with the academic or professional judgment of faculty, by itself, is not a basis for appeal.

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B. Student Conduct Matters Where the dismissal follows a University conduct sanction, appeal of the underlying sanction proceeds under the NLU student conduct appeal process published in the NLU Student Guidebook. C. Status During an Appeal The dismissal remains in effect while an appeal is pending unless an authorized University official determines that interim relief is appropriate. A student whose dismissal is under appeal may not participate in SCPEs or other patient-care activities. If an appeal is granted, the Program will work with the student and the University to determine the conditions and timing of the student's return. The Program will cooperate with the University appeal process and will provide relevant records when requested by the authorized University decision-maker. Additional information is provided in the NLU MSPAS Academic Grievance, Student Appeals, Harassment, Discrimination, and Non-Retaliation Policy.

XIII. EFFECT OF DISMISSAL

A. Enrollment and Courses in Progress As of the effective date of dismissal, the student is no longer enrolled in the NLU MSPAS Program, is removed from all PA courses and SCPEs, and may not attend Program classes, laboratories, examinations, or clinical experiences. The Office of the Registrar records grades for courses in progress in accordance with NLU academic policy.

B. Clinical Sites

When the student is in the clinical phase, the Director of Clinical Education notifies the affected clinical site(s) that the student will no longer attend, sharing only the information needed for the site's operational purposes and consistent with FERPA. C. Tuition, Refunds, and Financial Aid Any tuition adjustment is determined by the NLU Withdrawal from the University and Refund Policy based on the effective date of dismissal and the length of each course. For example, for courses ten to twelve weeks long, tuition is prorated from a 100%

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refund before the start of the term or during the first week to no refund in the sixth week or later. Requests for exception are made under the NLU Policy on Appeals for Refund of Tuition Charges. Dismissed students are referred to the Office of Financial Aid regarding the effect of dismissal on federal and institutional aid, including any return of funds. D. Return of Property and Access The student must return Program-issued equipment, identification, and clinical-site badges or property by the date stated in the Notice of Dismissal. Access to PA Program learning-management, clinical-tracking, and examination platforms ends on the effective date. E. Readmission A dismissed student is not eligible to rejoin a current cohort. A dismissed student may apply for admission as a new applicant through the Program's standard admissions process. Prior dismissal will be considered in the admissions review, and readmission is not guaranteed.

XIV. VOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL DURING A DISMISSAL REVIEW

A student may voluntarily withdraw from the Program and University at any time under the NLU Withdrawal from the University and Refund Policy. A student who withdraws after receiving notice of a dismissal review should first consult the Program Director, the Office of Financial Aid, and Student Accounts. The Program will document the withdrawal and the pending review in the student's record. Withdrawal does not remove documentation of the referral or the underlying performance or conduct concerns. XV. DOCUMENTATION AND RECORD RETENTION Consistent with ARC-PA Standard A3.16, the Program maintains documentation of student performance, remediation efforts and outcomes, and formal actions affecting student progression. For every dismissal review, the student's confidential educational record will contain:

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• The Referral for Dismissal Review and supporting documentation;

• The relevant Student Remediation Documentation, Tracking, and Annual Audit Form(s), when applicable;

• The written notice to the student and evidence of delivery;

• Any written statement or documentation submitted by the student;

• The SEPC recommendation and meeting record;

• The Program Director's decision and the Notice of Dismissal or other written decision;

• Documentation of any interim measures; and

• Documentation of any University appeal and its outcome, when provided to the Program. Records are maintained in a secure, University-approved location with access limited to authorized personnel who have a legitimate educational or administrative need, and are retained and destroyed in accordance with NLU record-retention requirements. The Dismissal Documentation Checklist in Appendix A is used to verify that each record is complete.

XVI. CONSISTENT APPLICATION AND PROGRAM ASSESSMENT

The Program ensures consistent application of this policy through:

• Publication of this policy on the NLU PA Program website and in the PA Program Student Handbook; • Review of the policy with students at orientation and at the transition from the didactic to the clinical phase; • Training for principal faculty, instructional faculty, clinical education faculty, and staff on the grounds and procedures in this policy;

• Use of standard referral, notice, and decision templates;

• Monthly review of student progression data by the Student Evaluation and Progress Committee; and

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• The annual remediation-record audit described in the Student Remediation Documentation, Tracking, and Annual Audit Form. As part of the Program's continuous quality improvement process, the SEPC and the PA Faculty and Staff Committee review aggregate dismissal and attrition data at least annually, including the number and grounds of dismissals, the phase of the curriculum in which they occurred, prior remediation history, appeal outcomes, and any trends that suggest a need to change admissions, curriculum, academic support, or policy. Individual student identities are not disclosed in aggregate reports except as permitted by law and policy. XVII. CONFIDENTIALITY AND FERPA Information concerning a dismissal review is shared only with individuals who have a legitimate educational, administrative, safety, or legal need to know, in accordance with FERPA and NLU policy. Members of the SEPC and others involved in the process shall keep the information confidential. XVIII. NON-DISCRIMINATION, ACCOMMODATIONS, AND NON-RETALIATION Dismissal decisions shall be made without regard to any characteristic protected by NLU policy or applicable law. Students with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations through the appropriate NLU office; accommodations are not applied retroactively to performance that occurred before the accommodation was approved. No student shall be referred for dismissal, or treated adversely in a dismissal review, because the student made a good-faith complaint, filed a grievance or appeal, reported harassment, discrimination, or unsafe clinical conditions, or participated in an investigation.

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XIX. RESPONSIBILITIES

Students

• Review and understand this policy and the Academic Progression and Remediation Policy;

• Monitor their own academic performance and seek help early;

• Fully participate in and complete any remediation plan;

• Read and respond to communications sent to their NLU email account; and

• Meet the deadlines in this policy and any applicable University appeal process.

Course Directors, Faculty, and Clinical Education Faculty

• Document performance and professionalism concerns promptly and objectively;

• Implement remediation plans as required by Program policy; and

• Submit timely, complete referrals with supporting documentation.

Student Evaluation and Progress Committee

• Conduct impartial, documented reviews within the timelines of this policy;

• Provide written recommendations with a clear rationale; and

• Review aggregate dismissal and attrition data for continuous quality improvement.

Program Director

• Make and communicate final Program decisions;

• Ensure consistent application of this policy and appropriate referral to University offices; • Ensure the policy is published, current, and aligned with ARC-PA Standards and NLU policy; and

• Maintain oversight of dismissal documentation.

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XX. POLICY COMMUNICATION The NLU MSPAS Program makes this policy readily available to prospective and enrolled students through the NLU PA Program website (Policies), the PA Program Student Handbook, orientation, course syllabi, clinical education materials, academic advising, and the NLU Academic Catalog. As an initial provisional program, NLU will ensure that this policy is finalized, approved through the appropriate University governance processes, incorporated into the PA Program Student Handbook, and publicly accessible before the inaugural cohort matriculates in September 2027. Subsequent changes will be communicated to affected students in a timely manner and applied prospectively.

XXI. POLICY REVIEW AND REVISION

This policy shall be reviewed at least annually and whenever:

•

ARC-PA Standards change;

•

NLU policies change;

•

Applicable law changes;

• The Academic Progression and Remediation Policy changes;

• Program structure or clinical education requirements change; or

• Assessment of dismissal and attrition data identifies a need for revision.

Policy revisions shall proceed through appropriate NLU and MSPAS governance processes. The most current approved version supersedes previous versions.

XXII. RELATED POLICIES AND RESOURCES

NLU MSPAS Program

• NLU MSPAS Academic Progression and Remediation Policy

• NLU PA Program Student Remediation Documentation, Tracking, and Annual Audit Form

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• NLU MSPAS Academic Grievance, Student Appeals, Harassment, Discrimination, and Non-Retaliation Policy

• NLU MSPAS Leave of Absence Policy

•

NLU MSPAS Technical Standards

• NLU MSPAS Student Employment Policy

• NLU PA Program Student Handbook

National Louis University

•

NLU Academic Progress Policies

• NLU Standards for Academic Review

•

NLU Policy on Academic Appeals

• NLU Student Guidebook and Student Code of Conduct

• NLU Student Complaints and Grievances

• NLU Withdrawal from the University and Refund Policy

• NLU Policy on Appeals for Refund of Tuition Charges

•

NLU Anti-Discrimination Policy

•

NLU FERPA Notification

XXIII. ARC-PA COMPLIANCE CROSSWALK

This policy is intended to provide documented evidence supporting the following ARC- PA Sixth Edition requirements:

ARC-PA Standard

Policy Evidence

A3.01

Published, accessible, consistently applied Program policy (Sections II, XVI, XX)

A3.14a

Cross-reference to academic standards to maintain enrollment and progress (Section VI)

A3.14b

Four-year completion requirement as a ground for dismissal (Sections VI, VII.B)

A3.14c

Remediation as the primary response before dismissal (Sections VI, VIII)

A3.14d

No deceleration; relationship to Leave of Absence (Section VI)

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ARC-PA Standard

Policy Evidence

A3.14e

Voluntary withdrawal and NLU Withdrawal and Refund Policy (Sections XIII.C, XIV)

A3.14f

Grounds, procedures, timelines, and notice for dismissal (Sections VII–XI)

A3.14h

Appeal rights and NLU Academic Appeals process (Section XII)

A3.15

Academic standards made available to students (Sections VI, XX)

A3.16

Documentation of performance, remediation, and formal actions affecting progression (Section XV; Appendix A)

B4.01

Dismissal based on documented, objective evaluation of student performance (Sections III.D, X)

C1.01/C1.02, as applicable

Aggregate dismissal and attrition data incorporated into program assessment (Section XVI)

XXIV. APPROVAL AND CONTROL

Policy Owner: NLU Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program

Responsible Official: Program Director

Reviewing Body: MSPAS Program Faculty/appropriate NLU governance body

Effective Date: 11/1/2026

Next Review Date: 11/1/2027

Version: 1.0

Supersedes: New Policy

Related ARC-PA Standards: A3.01; A3.14(a)–(f), (h); A3.15; A3.16; B4.01

APPENDIX A. DISMISSAL DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST This checklist is completed by the Program Director or designee for each dismissal review to verify that the student record contains the required documentation.

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Student Name: ___________________________ Student NLU ID: __________________

Cohort/Graduation Class: ___________________ Date of Referral: _______________

Required Documentation

Complete

N/A

Date Verified

Verified By

Referral for Dismissal Review with grounds identified (Section VII)

☐

Supporting performance data and documentation

☐

Remediation plan(s) and outcome(s), or basis for immediate referral

☐

Written notice to student and evidence of delivery

☐

Student written statement, if submitted

☐

Interim measures documented, if any

☐

SEPC meeting record, vote, and recusals

☐

SEPC written recommendation

☐

Program Director decision

☐

Notice of Dismissal or other written decision delivered

☐

Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and Dean notified

☐

Clinical site(s) notified, if applicable

☐

University appeal and outcome documented, if applicable

☐

Record filed in secure student educational record

☐

STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT I acknowledge that I have been provided access to the NLU Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Student Dismissal Policy, that I have had the opportunity to

NLU MSPAS Student Dismissal Policy

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ask questions about it, and that I understand that additional NLU University policies and procedures may apply.

Student Name: ______________________________________

Student Signature: ______________________________________

Date: ______________________________________

NLU MSPAS Student Dismissal Policy

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