This policy refers to a student who wishes to challenge dismissal from a program. The culture at the Maine College of Health Professions ensures that students have access to a fair and impartial process where they feel safe initiating a petition to challenge a policy. A student requesting a petition to waive the policy for dismissal from a program must follow the instructions below.
A student who wishes to challenge their dismissal from a program must complete the following steps:
- Within two (2) business days after meeting with their advisor, the student must provide written notification to their advisor regarding their intention to file a petition to waive their dismissal.
- The student will write a letter to present to the Dismissal Review Panel defending their petition. In other words, tell the panel why they should be granted permission to continue progression in a program and state the reasons why the dismissal policy should be waived.
- The student will gather relevant documents to support the petition (examples: letter of support from faculty, medical letter, any supporting documentation providing reason for failing the course(s) etc.)
- The advisor will schedule a date/time for the student to meet with the Review Panel, which will occur within two (2) business days of receiving notification of the student’s intent to file a petition for waiver of the dismissal policy. The Review Panel includes the program-specific dean or designee and at least two of the following individuals: the academic advisor, the chief academic officer, a dean from another program, a staff member, or a faculty member.
- The committee may vote either to waive the academic dismissal—placing the student on academic probation with a required action plan and specific conditions for continuation—or to uphold the dismissal and remove the student from the program.
- After the meeting with the student, the Review Panel will respond to the student within two (2) business days, communicating their decision. The decision by the Review Panel is final.
Approved:______________________________________________________________________
Monika Bissell, DBA
President
PETITION TO WAIVE DISMISSAL FROM A PROGRAM
Student checklist
A student who wishes to challenge their dismissal from a program must complete the following steps:
- Within two (2) business days after meeting with their advisor, the student must provide written notification to their advisor regarding their intention to file a petition to waive their dismissal.
- The student will write a letter to present to the Dismissal Review Panel defending their petition. In other words, tell the panel why they should be granted permission to continue progression in a program and state the reasons why the dismissal policy should be waived.
- The student will gather relevant documents to support the petition (examples: letter of support from faculty, medical letter, any supporting documentation providing reason for failing the course(s) etc.)
- The advisor will schedule a date/time for the student to meet with the Review Panel, which will occur within two (2) business days of receiving notification of the student’s intent to file a petition for waiver of the dismissal policy. The Review Panel includes the program-specific dean or designee and at least two of the following individuals: the academic advisor, the chief academic officer, a dean from another program, a staff member, or a faculty member.
Meeting Date___________________________________ Time_________________
The signatures below provide documentation that the meeting has been scheduled and the student has been notified about the date and time for their meeting with the Review Panel.
____________________________
Dean of the Program Signature
_________
Date
_____________________________
Student Signature
_________
Date
After the meeting, the Review Panel will review your case. A decision will be communicated to you in writing within two (2) business days.
A completed/signed copy of this form is attached to supporting documentation provided by the student and maintained in the student’s file.