Student Performance Assessment

Student Performance Assessment

The responsibility of assessing student performance rests within the faculty of the GSBS. Faculty have an obligation to the students, TTUHSC El Paso, GSBS, and society to award passing grades only to those students who have demonstrated mastery of the course material. In addition to assessing students’ knowledge and skills, the faculty has the obligation to determine whether students’ behavior or conduct is suitable to represent the scientific community. It is inappropriate to allow a student to progress or graduate when unacceptable behavior or unprofessional conduct have occurred, such as, cheating or plagiarism.

Refer to the GSBS student handbook and the TTUHSC El Paso Institutional Student Handbook Code of Professional and Academic Conduct for further information regarding unacceptable and unprofessional conduct.

Every attempt will be made to apply the principles of fairness and due process when considering the actions of the faculty or administration that might adversely affect the students.

Monitoring Student Progress

The dean of the GSBS, the Graduate Council, and course directors are responsible for monitoring the progress of GSBS students during their course of study in order to provide or refer students to the appropriate academic or personal counseling services, if applicable. The Academic Success and Accessibility Office will provide support to the GSBS students as requested. Student progress will be reviewed by the GSBS office by the end of each semester in the context of all course work, student’s professionalism, evidence of progressive improvement, and personal circumstances.

Responsibilities of the Dean

The dean, as the chief academic officer, has the power to make final decisions concerning students. During a student hearing procedure, the decision of the dean regarding the hearing committee’s findings and recommendations is final.

Student Considered “At Risk”:

• If course work is incomplete.
• If several courses have been failed.
• If course directors or faculty identify poor performance on given assignments or low test scores.
• Also, if there are concerns about professionalism regarding the student’s behavior.

If a student is considered “at risk” they will be placed on academic probation. A proposed learning plan will be devised in order to strengthen identified deficiencies. It is the responsibility of the student to follow the learning plan and to follow up with the dean regarding progress.

Remediation is recommended by the course director and agreed upon by the dean. However, students may be dismissed without academic watch or warning ever being designated. The dean may also choose to remove “Good Standing” as a disciplinary action. Remedial work will not be counted as elective time in satisfying the conditions for graduation.

Transcript Notation Fail (F)

When a student receives a final failing grade in a course and it is not required for the student to repeat the course, then a grade of “F” (Fail) will be entered on the transcript.

Documentation of Student Academic Performance

All grades will be recorded in WebRaider and will be available in the student’s electronic portfolio. The TTUHSC El Paso Registrar Office maintains the official transcript of all students.

General Issues

Progress is not bound by categorical or arithmetic assessment of student performance but rather reviewed based on each student in the context of his/her academic achievement and any other circumstances that may influence performance. If a student exhibits conduct or behavior inconsistent with ethical standards and professionalism, a grade of F may be given.

Conduct or Behavior

Conduct and behavior that occurs beyond the boundaries of a classroom or laboratory may also be considered. In that case, the student will be referred for disposition of the cases described under the TTUHSC El Paso Institutional Student Handbook Code of Professional and Academic Conduct.

Challenging Student Records or Grades

Students have the right to challenge records, grades, and information directly relating to them. A student who wishes to appeal a grade must file a formal, written grade appeal within five business days of the beginning of the next semester.

A grade can be formally appealed only when there is demonstrable evidence that prejudice, or arbitrary or capricious action on the part of the instructor has influenced the grade. The burden of proof that such an unfair influence has affected a grade rests with the student who appeals the grade.