You were admitted to the OUHSC Graduate College because you show the potential to develop an advanced level of mastery in your field, both in academics and in research. The Graduate College's academic standards serve as guideposts to help you toward this goal:
- Maintain a GPA of 3.00 or higher in all graduate coursework
- Passing grades are A, B, C, and S. For thesis/dissertation research in progress, X is a passing grade
- The number of credit hours with a grade of C cannot exceed 25% of the total letter graded coursework for the degree/certificate
- Maintain appropriate progress in your research and professional development, reflected during your annual evaluation
Your Graduate Program Director will inform you if your program has more stringent requirements in any of these areas. You also have access to tools for success through OUHSC Student Affairs, the OUHSC Graduate College, and your graduate program.
Academic Integrity
Academic misconduct is not tolerated. Academic integrity and academic misconduct are described in the OUHSC Student Handbook, Sections 2.3-2.5. Examples of academic misconduct include, but are not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, fraud, destruction of data, bribery or intimidation, and other breach of professionalism. Academic misconduct procedures are described in the OUHSC Faculty Handbook, Appendix C.
Academic Probation
Students who fall below these academic standards may be placed on academic probation. Academic probation is an opportunity for students to rectify their performance, with guidance from professors and mentors. Students who do not show progress while on probation, or who require more than 2 probation periods, may be dismissed from the program. For details refer to the Graduate College Bulletin, Section 2.11 on GPA, Annual Evaluations, and Academic Probation.
Academic Appeals
The OUHSC Student Handbook and Graduate College Bulletin, Section 2.12 outline the procedures for academic appeals. The Graduate College hears appeals related to failure of the comprehensive of general exam, thesis, or dissertation. Grade appeals are heard by the college that houses the course in question.
Enrollment impacts visa status, financial aid, and eligibility for graduate assistantships.
- Without a graduate assistantship, full time enrollment is 9 hours in fall and spring and 4 hours in summer
- To be eligible for a graduate assistantship, you must be enrolled full time. For graduate assistants, full time enrollment is 6 hours in fall and spring and 3 hours in summer.
- Only courses will a passing grade will count toward enrollment for financial aid or visa purposes
- To be eligible for the PhD general exam or the MS comprehensive exam, you must be enrolled for at least 2 hours
- Once you begin working on your thesis or dissertation, you should enroll for at least 2 hours of thesis/dissertation research (5980/6980) each semester until graduating, unless you are on a leave of absence
- Maximum enrollment is 16 credit hours in fall and spring, or 9 hours in summer, unless you have permission from the Graduate Dean
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and the Graduate College expect students to possess the intellectual capacity for a research based degree as well as a high capacity for ethical and professional behavior.
Professionalism
Professionalism involves the way you behave, present yourself, and interact with others. Professionalism is an important skill that you will need to develop outside the classroom. It can be helpful to seek guidance and feedback from successful senior students, postdocs, and supportive faculty. You can practice professionalism through:
- Respect
- Integrity
- Honesty
- Reliability
- Demeanor
- Etiquette
- Accountability to yourself and others
Ethics
Training in ethical behavior is a vital component of health education and is, therefore, considered an academic issue. Ethical behavior is expected in all educational, laboratory, and clinical settings. Some prominent aspects of ethics include:
Consequences
Failure to meet expected ethical and professional standards may result in a variety of educational and disciplinary actions. Depending on how egregious the behavior is, actions may include, but are not limited to:
- Meeting with the student to discuss their actions
- Filing of a Professionalism Concerns Report (PCR). The objective of the PCR is to document the activity, articulate expectations, and identify actions to be taken, with an overall goal of professional development and education.
- Charges of Academic Misconduct, including cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, fraud, destruction, bribery or intimidation, and breach of professionalism
- Dismissal from the program
More Information
For the complete policy on Professional Behavior in an Academic Program, visit the Student Handbook and the Faculty Handbook.
Setbacks and stress are a normal part of scientific training, career exploration, research, and life. Successful scholars and scientists develop a habit of wellness that makes it possible to face challenges with resilience. The resources below can help you develop a foundation of wellness so you can thrive in your training, career, and life.
Student Counseling Services and Wellness Resources
OUHSC Student Wellness offers in person and virtual wellness programs, counseling services, student health resources, LGBTQ+ resources, and more
Accessibility and Disability Resources
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center assists students with advocacy, accessibility, and accommodations to ensure equal access for all students with disabilities. In Higher Education, it is your responsibility as a student to request Accessibility and Disability Resources.
Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Resiliency for Scientists
The NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education offers a library of wellness videos for trainees in biomedical and health research. The series on "Becoming a Resilient Scientist" highlights imposter fears, emotional intelligence competencies, self-advocacy, feedback resilience, and managing up. The "Mental Health and Well-being" series covers anxiety and anxiety disorders, stigma, depression and depressive disorders, community wellness, and executive functioning. Other topics include leadership, mentorship, professional development, career advancement, and more.
Leave of Absence
Graduate Students may take a leave of absence, with approval from the Graduate College.