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, course exams, daily clinic grades, skill assessments, and clinical competency evaluations. 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 an understanding of course grading policy.
For all courses, within five (5) working days after the final course/system/rotation exam and receipt of preceptor evaluation (as applicable), the course/system/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.
According to the LMU-CDM policy, the GPA on the transcript is calculated based on the letter grades (A, B, C, or F) for each course. A- 90-100% (4.00 Pts), B+ - 86-89%, (3.33 Pts), B- 80-85% (3.00 Pts), C+ 76-79% (2.33 Pts), C- 70-75% (2.00 Pts), and F< 70% (0.00 Pts). A Student who attains a B on the transcript would have a 3.00 used as a multiplier to calculate the GPA. Class rank or the student’s overall GPA will be determined by the Office of Academic Affairs.
Class Rank
Class rank is determined at the end of each academic year. Class rankings will be reported in the fall semester for the previous year’s coursework. The class ranking will be determined by the Office of Academic Affairs.
Grade Appeal Policy
If a student has a grievance about an exam or assessment, the student should submit the grievance within twenty-four hours of the grade being posted to the course director and Department Chair. If not resolved, further questions or disputes should be forwarded to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and/or Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and/or the Associate Dean for Faculty and Students within two working days of the grade being posted.
A student desiring to appeal a final course grade must send a letter explaining the facts to the SPC chair, to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs or Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and the Associate Dean for Faculty and Students, and the course director. The student will be notified in writing of the decision.
Students should note that Grade Reconsiderations should 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, while compelling to the individual on a personal level, shall not be considered “good cause” for purposes of appeal.