- A – Academic Progress
- B – Academic Standing
- C – Academic Evaluation
- D – Grading System
- E – Graduation Requirements
A. Academic Progress:
A student is considered to be in Satisfactory Academic Standing, as long as he or she maintains a satisfactory level of progress. Students are expected to be making satisfactory academic progress in order to continue through the curriculum.
For students on financial assistance or scholarship, eligibility is contingent upon remaining in good standing and making satisfactory progress towards a degree.
GMU has a moderate policy to determine the academic progress of its students in two terms of measurements; Quantitative and Qualitative.
Quantitative Measurement:
The quantitative measurements establish that the student will have to pass successfully at least sixty six percent (66%) of the credits attempted until the first half of the program.
Qualitative Measurement:
The qualitative measurement is based on the cumulative grade point average (GPA) of the student. The students are required a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 by the first half of the program in order to progress further through the curriculum.
Time to complete:
Every student enrolled in a degree granting program must complete said program within a period of time that shall not exceed one and one half times (1 ½) the normal established completion time.
For regular 4 year MD program, the maximum duration allowed to complete under regular calendar year is six (6) years.
In the event that a student fails to complete the program within the allotted time he/she may be dismissed from the program.
Grade Point Average (GPA):
The Accumulated GPA corresponds to all credit-bearing courses taken by the student at GMU until such time when a degree is conferred.
The Accumulated GPA is calculated by multiplying the number of credits of all subjects taken by the grade obtained according to its numerical value, adding the points obtained in this multiplication and dividing them by the total amount of credits taken until that date.
B. Academic Standing:
Students are evaluated at the end of each semester to determine their academic standing based on their performance and grades. Academic standings are classified under two (2) terms, namely;
- Satisfactory
- Probation
Satisfactory Standing
Students demonstrating an accumulated GPA of 2.0 or greater at the end of each semester with passing grades in at least sixty six percent (66%) of all credits attempted will be considered in Good Standing.
Probation
- Students with a semester GPA of less than 1.0
- Students with a cumulative GPA of below 2.0
GMU students should maintain a minimal cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 at all times. Students with G.P.A. below 2.0 for more than two semesters will be placed on academic probation and will be allowed to take only 50% of the courses in one semester.
Students on academic probation are provided with required attention and are allowed time (one semester) to exhibit academic improvements. Once the G.P.A. is increased to 2.0 or above, the student will be allowed to take all the courses in one semester.
Students who fail to improve their performance with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 by the end of the semester of probation are normally dismissed from the program.
The student may appeal their dismissal to the appropriate authorities, alleging situations outside their control (illness, or a family emergency etc.). On showing that a tangible effort has been made that suggests the student will be able to obtain the minimum required GPA the following term, a second term on probation may be granted.
If the student does not attain the required level of satisfactory academic progress after a second period of probation, they will be dismissed from the program without an option for appealing.
Good Standing
A student enjoys a Good Standing status when the following conditions are met:
- Has an average GPA of 2.0 or above.
- Maintain Ethical and Clinical conduct.
- Meets all financial obligations and commitments to the University.
C. Academic Evaluations
Evaluation of students’ learning outcomes is a continuous process at GMU aiming to determine if students have developed the knowledge, skills, and competencies consistent with the academic program. Students are taught and assessed throughout each course on a daily basis through interaction of the students and the professors.
GMU faculty designs and implements diverse evaluation strategies, including exams, research, presentations, class participation and any other evaluation method that are considered efficient in accordance with the general and specific objectives of the program.
The evaluation method includes written exams: two mid-term and a final exams. The first partial exams are administered on the fifth week of lectures and the second partial exams four weeks after the first partial exams. During clinical clerkship training students are assessed on a daily basis by senior clinical faculty preceptors.
The minimum passing grade is 70%. Students with grade below 70% but above 60% are allowed to take a supplemental / repeat examination. Students who fail the supplemental exams should take the course again.
In order to sit for the final exam, students should have at least 80% in attendance.
Students missing exams intentionally will have incomplete (I) marks that would not count for a grade and the student would be required to retake the subject.
Missing exams are allowed under a medical condition, the death of a loved one, an authorized leave of absence for which a make-up test will be administered. The minimum passing grade is 70%. Students with grade below 70% but above 60% are allowed to take a supplemental / repeat examination. Students who fail the supplemental exams should take the course again.
D. Grading System
A minimum grade of 70 points must be obtained in order to pass the course.
| Grade A | – Between 90 and 100 points | |
| Grade B | – Between 80 and 90 points | |
| Grade C | – Between 70 and 80 points | |
| Grade D | – Between 60 and 70 points | (Failing Grade) |
| Grade F | – Between 50 and 60 points | (Failing Grade) |
Depending on the percentage points, students with “D” Grade on recommendation of course professor may be allowed to take a make-up examination or would repeat the course. Students with an “F” grade will have to repeat the complete course and are not allowed a make-up examination.
Student failing one course, may or may not be allowed to take all the courses in the next semester depending on course requisite and pre-requisite.
Student failing more than 03 courses with either a D or F grade will not be allowed academic progression and would have to repeat the semester with possible academic probation.
For Clinical Medicine, students will be evaluated in consideration of additional criteria’s;
- Interpersonal & communication skills.
- Clinical skills and competencies developed during Hospital Rotations.
- Attendance to lectures and seminars.
- In addition to written, approval of regular viva/ oral examinations.
E. Graduation Requirements
The students must meet the following pre-requisites to be eligible for a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) Degree:
- Satisfactory completion of all the academic requirements.
- Meet financial and all other obligations established by the University.
- Successful completion of ” Comprehensive Exit Examinations”
- Satisfactory completion of any additional requirements requested
Approval of the degree depends on the recommendation of the Academic Committee.