CALIFORNIASCHOOL OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2015 - 2016

CSPM Academic and Faculty Offices

450 30th Street, Suite 2860

Oakland, California 94609

(510) 869-8727

CSPM is committed to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment

for all CSPM students, faculty and staff members

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

PART I – CSPM Academic and Clinical Rotation Calendars

2015/2016 CSPM Academic Calendar6-7

2015/2016 CSPM Clinical Rotation & Clerkship Calendars8-9

PART II – CSPM at SMU10

Introduction to the CSPM Student Handbook10

Historical Overview11

CSPM Mission/Vision/Value Statements11

Accreditation Status

PART III – Procedures and Policies Concerning the Student Experience

A. Classroom Expectations

  • Attendance12
  • Late Arrival of Instructor/Clinical Faculty12
  • Policy on Audio Taping or Videotaping of Classes12
  • Policy on Eating and Drinking on Campus12
  • Policy on Gifts to Faculty or Staff Members12

B. Excused Absences

  • Policies on Excused Absences from Examinations/13

Mandatory Classes or Class Meetings/Mandatory Labs

  • Late Entry to Exams13
  • Make-up Exams13

C. Examinations

  • Examination Procedures and Protocols14
  • Make-up Examinations for Approved Excused Absences14
  • Credit by Examination (also see Part V)14-15
  • Procedure to Change Approved Examinations15
  • Policy on Taking the 3rd Year Clinical Rotation Practical15

Examinations, 3rd Year Objective Structured Clinical

Examination (OSCE) and the American Podiatric Medical

Licensing Examination (APMLE)

D. Grading

  • CSPM Grading Policy15
  • Calculation of Grades16
  • Academic Ranking, Composite Clinical Evaluation and16

Clinical Ranking

  • Good Academic Standing16
  • Assigning Grades16
  • Posting and Review of Grades16
  • Examination Challenges17
  • Grades Received for Reexaminations Taken Prior to17

Submission of the Final Course Grade or for

Repetition of a Course/Rotation

E. Student Conduct

  • Code of Ethics, Standard of Conduct and Honor18-19

Code Policy for Podiatric Medical Students

  • Dress Code – Guidelines for Personal Appearance19-20
  • Policy of Wearing Photo Identification Badges20
  • Policy on Student Email Addresses20
  • Policy Regarding Cell Phones and Pagers20
  • CSPM Policy on Freedom of Expression20-21
  • NBPME Student Agreement21

F. Rotations, Clerkships and Core Training Programs

  • Policy on Excused Absences for Missed Clinical21-22

Rotations

  • Rotation Evaluations22
  • Clinical Evaluations and Grades22
  • Third Year Private Office Clerkship (POC) Policy22
  • Academic Ranking, Composite Clinical Evaluation,23

and Clinical Ranking

  • Prerequisite for the 3rd Year Radiology Rotation23
  • Annual PPD Requirement23
  • Changes in Fourth Year Rotations or Clerkship23

Programs

  • Participation in a Core Training Program23
  • Student Logging Policy23

G. Student Organizations

  • 2015/2016 – CSPM Student Body/Class/Club &24-26

Organization Officers

  • Facility Utilization Policy and Procedures26-27
  • California Podiatric Medical Students’ Association28-38

(CPMSA) Constitution and Bylaws

Part IV – Rights and Responsibilities and Complaint Procedures

Student’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities39

Statement of University Rights and Responsibilities40

Informal and Formal Complaint Procedures40

SMU Complaint Policies and Procedures40-41

Part V – Student Academic Records

Credit by Examination41

Retention of Academic Records41

Advanced Standing Credit41

Part VI – Review of Student Performance and Retention

Dismissal from CSPM41

Leave of Absence42

Good Academic Standing42

Regulations Governing Student Performance, Promotion42-46

and Global Review

Part VII – Graduation Requirements

Policy on Taking the 3rd Year Clinical Rotation Practical Examination,46

3rd Year Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE),

and the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination

(APMLE)

Academic Ranking, Composite Clinical Evaluation, and Clinical46

Ranking

Selection of the Valedictorian in the Case of a Tie46

Minimal Technical Standards and Requirements47-48

Part VIII – Residency and Licensing Requirements

Residencies48

Licensing Procedures48

Part IX – CSPM Curriculum and Learning Outcomes

Curricular Innovations48-49

CSPM Program Learning Outcomes49-51

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree Program51

Listing of First Year Through Fourth Year Courses and 51-53

Clinical Rotations

Samuel Merritt University Institutional Learning Outcomes54-56

Part X – Directory and Student Contact Information

CSPM Faculty and Staff Directory57-59

Student Serviced Guide - Who Do You Go To For What???60

PART I – CSPM Academic and Clinical Rotation Calendars

CALIFORNIA SCHOOL OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE

2015 – 2016 ACADEMIC YEAR CALENDAR

SUMMER SEMESTER 2015 / TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2015 THROUGH
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
HOLIDAY: JULY 4th CELEBRATED / FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2015
NATIONAL BOARDS PART I
(3rd YEAR ROTATIONS CANCELLED) / WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015
CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION BEGINS – CLASS OF 2018 / TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2015
FALL SEMESTER 2015 / MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2015 THROUGH
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015
CSPM NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION PROGRAM - CLASS OF 2019 / WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2015 THROUGH
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2015
CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION BEGINS – CLASSES OF 2017 AND 2019 / MONDAY, AUGUST, 24, 2015
HOLIDAY: LABOR DAY / MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2015
NATIONAL BOARDS PART I / WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015
FALL SEMESTER BREAK – CLASS OF 2018 / TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2015 THROUGH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015
THANKSGIVING RECESS / THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015 AND
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015
CLASSES OF 2017 AND 2019 – COURSE REVIEW WEEK (NO NEW MATERIAL TO BE PRESENTED – CLINICAL ROTATIONS CONTINUE). FINAL EXAMS MAY BE SCHEDULED DURING THIS WEEK / MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2015 THROUGH
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015
SPRING SEMESTER COURSES START – CLASS OF 2018 / TUEDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2015
FINAL EXAMINATION WEEK (3RD YEAR
ROTATIONS CANCELLED) – CLASSES OF 2017 AND 2019 / MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 THROUGH
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015
WINTER RECESS / SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2015 THROUGH
SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016
NATIONAL BOARD PART II
(4TH YEAR ROTATIONS CANCELLED) / JANUARY 2016
EXACT DATE TBD
SPRING SEMESTER 2016 / MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016 THROUGH FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016
CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION BEGINS / MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016
NATIONAL BOARD PART II / WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2016
EXACT DATE TBD
HOLIDAY: MARTIN LUTHER KING / MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2016
PRESIDENT’S HOLIDAY
(NO CLASSES – CLINICAL ROTATION ASSIGNMENTS MAY BE SCHEDULED) / MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2016
NATIONAL BOARD PART II / WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2016
EXACT DATE TBD
SPRING BREAK (NO CLASSES – CLINICAL ROTATION ASSIGNMENTS CONTINUE) / MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2016 THROUGH
FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2016
OSCE EXAMINATION – CLASS OF 2017 / TO BE DETERMINED
LAST DAY OF CLASSES/EXAMINATIONS
CLASS OF 2018 / THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016
NATIONAL BOARD PART II / WEDNESDAY, MAY 2016
EXACT DATE TBD
COURSE REVIEW WEEK (NO NEW MATERIAL TO BE PRESENTED – CLINICAL ROTATIONS CONTINUE) – CLASSES OF 2017 AND 2019 / MONDAY, MAY 2, 2016 THROUGH
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016
FINAL EXAMINATION WEEK (3RD YEAR
ROTATIONS CANCELLED) CLASSES OF 2017 AND 2019 / MONDAY, MAY 9, 2016 THROUGH
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016
LAST DAY AT CORE SITE ROTATIONS/ CLERKSHIPS (2016) / FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016
DPM/DPT/DNP GRADUATION BALL / THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016
GRADUATION / FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016
LAST DAY OF ROTATIONS – 2017 AND 2018 / SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2016

2nd and 3rd Year CLINICAL ROTATION CALENDAR

2015 – 2016 ACADEMIC YEAR

JUNE05/25/15-06/28/155 WEEKS

JULY06/29/15-08/02/155 WEEKS

AUGUST08/03/15-08/30/154 WEEKS

SEPTEMBER08/31/15-09/27/154 WEEKS

OCTOBER09/28/15-10/25/154 WEEKS

NOVEMBER10/26/15-11/29/155 WEEKS

DECEMBER11/30/15-01/03/165 WEEKS

JANUARY01/04/16-01/31/164 WEEKS

FEBRUARY02/01/16-02/28/164 WEEKS

MARCH02/29/16-03/27/164 WEEKS

APRIL 03/28/16-04/24/164 WEEKS

MAY04/25/16-05/27/165 WEEKS

Students are required to attend clinical rotations during official holidays and during break periods, unless directed to do otherwise by the director of the clinical rotation.

Final Version 3.24.15

4th Year CLINICAL ROTATION & CLERKSHIP CALENDAR

2014-2015 ACADEMIC YEAR

JUNE06/01/15-07/02/155 WEEKS

JULY07/06/15-07/31/154 WEEKS

AUGUST08/03/15-08/28/154 WEEKS

SEPTEMBER08/31/15-09/25/154 WEEKS

OCTOBER09/28/15-10/30/155 WEEKS

NOVEMBER11/02/15-11/27/154 WEEKS

DECEMBER11/30/15-12/31/155 WEEKS

JANUARY01/04/16-01/29/164 WEEKS

FEBRUARY02/01/16-02/26/164 WEEKS

MARCH02/29/16-04/01/165 WEEKS

APRIL 04/04/16-04/29/164 WEEKS

MAY05/02/16-05/20/16*3 WEEKS

Students are required to attend clinical rotations during official holidays and during break periods, unless directed to do otherwise by the director of the clinical rotation.

Last day for 4th year students is Friday, May 20, 2016

Final Version 5.7.15

PART II – CSPM at SMU

INTRODUCTION TO THE CSPM STUDENT HANDBOOK

The information contained in the California School of Podiatric Medicine (CSPM) Student Handbook pertains to policies that are specific to the CSPM program. The policies referenced in the SMU Catalog/Handbook are usually more generic and apply to all students enrolled at SMU. Therefore, the CSPM academic policies supersede those of the SMUUniversity Catalog/Handbook. References will be made to the Samuel Merritt University (SMU) Catalog/Handbook for information regarding policies that are applicable to the entire SMU campus.

Please see the SMU Catalog/Handbook for detailed policies on the following:

  • SMU Student Conduct and Honor Code Policy
  • Withdrawal Procedures and Policies
  • Leave-of-Absence Procedures
  • Auditing Courses
  • Immunization and Health Requirements
  • Student Grievance Policies and Procedures
  • Student Records Administration Policy
  • Campus Safety and Security Policy
  • Services for Students

The CSPM Student Handbook is divided into the following three sections:

Part I -Historical Overview of the CaliforniaSchool of Podiatric Medicine at SamuelMerrittUniversity

-CSPM Mission, Vision and Values Statements

-Accreditation Status

-CSPM Directory of Faculty and Staff

Part II -General Student Information

Part III-CSPM Academic Policies, Procedures and Regulations

Part IV-Other CSPM Policies and Procedures

Part VCSPM Curriculum Overview and Academic Expectations

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

The California School of Podiatric Medicine at SamuelMerrittUniversity was founded in 1914 as the California School of Chiropody. The name was later changed to the California College of Podiatric Medicine (CCPM). From 1914 to August 2001, the CCPM campus was located in San Francisco’s Western Addition. During the 2001/2002 academic year the College was temporarily housed on the campus of the Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine on MareIsland in Vallejo, California. On July 1, 2002 CCPM, one of nine podiatric medical schools in the United States and the only institution located in Northern California, merged with Samuel Merritt University. Founded in 1909, Samuel Merritt University, with campuses in Oakland, San Mateo and Sacramento, is an affiliate of Sutter Health and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. SMUalso offers an undergraduate degree in nursing and graduate degrees in occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing and physician assisting. SMU’sOakland campus, located adjacent to the more than 1000-bed Alta Bates Summit medical complex, creates an outstanding learning environment. The SMU campus offers state-of-the art labs and classrooms, the East Bay’s largest health sciences library, distance-learning technologies, comprehensive student support services,a multi-million dollar Health Science Simulation Center, and a newly opened fully equipped Motion Analysis Research Center (MARC).

CSPM MISSION, VISION AND VALUES STATEMENTS

CSPM Mission Statement

The California School of Podiatric Medicine is committed to provide excellent podiatric medical education across the spectrum of healthcare delivery, meaningful community service, and innovative research.

To achieve this mission we will treat everyone with compassion and respect, work cooperatively and inter-professionally, hold ourselves to the highest levels of ethical conduct, continuously strive to improve our performance, and manage our resources prudently.

CSPM Values Statement

We are committed to:

  • Advocate and maintain a culture of dignity, compassion and respect.
  • Promote diversity in scholarship, service and research.
  • Utilize a multi-disciplinary approach to education, research and health care delivery.
  • Provide podiatric care and treatment to the underserved.
  • Encourage and support scholarly activity and research.
  • Foster the principles of lifelong, self-directed learning.

CSPM Vision Statement

CSPM will be a national leader in podiatric medical education, patient care delivery experiences, clinical outcomes, research, and community service efforts.

ACCREDITATION STATUS

Samuel Merritt University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. Accreditation is an indication of public approbation, attesting to the quality of the podiatric medical education program and the continued commitment of the institution to support the educational program. The council is recognized as the professional institutional accreditation agency for podiatric medical education by the US Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. For further information, please contact the Council on Podiatric Medical Education at the following address:

Council on Podiatric Medical Education

9312 Old Georgetown Road

Bethesda, MD 20814

(301) 571-9200

PART III – Procedures and Policies Concerning the Student Experience

A. Classroom Expectations

Attendance

Students must be notified during the first class session at the beginning of each term of instruction regarding the methods and measures of evaluation and the procedures for assigning grades. Classroom and Clinical Rotation attendance is a CSPM requirement. The course coordinator must also describe the grading procedures as well as the classroom attendance policy in the course syllabus. Instructors have the option to mandate classroom attendance and to take roll at each class or rotation assignment. If roll will be taken, it must be announced during the first class session.

Students must contact the Associate Director of Enrollment and Student Servicesif they are going to be absent from an examination, a mandatory attendance class or a laboratory session for any reason. If the student will miss an examination, notification must be given on the day of the examination and prior to the administration of the examination. The Associate Director will then notify the instructor for the student. Failure to comply with this will result in a zero (0) for a given exam. Excessive absences from examinations are grounds for review by the CSPM Performance, Promotion and Global Review Committee.

Clinic students are required to attend clinical assignments whether they are scheduled at the University or at outside medical centers, clinics, etc. Roll will be taken. If a student misses a clinical rotation assignment and does not have an approved excused absence, the student will receive a failing grade for the rotation. For the complete policy see pages 13 and 21-22.

Late Arrival of Instructor/Clinical Faculty

If an instructor does not arrive at a scheduled lecture, examination or workshop within ten minutes of the scheduled lecture start time, a class representative must contact the CSPM Academic Office to determine when the instructor will arrive. If the class representative is unable to contact a departmental official or personnel in the CSPM Academic Office -and 20 minutes of the lecture, examination or workshop time has passed - students may leave the classroom.

Each clinical rotation is responsible for developing its own policy regarding the length of time students are required to wait if a clinical faculty member (or the supervising resident) is late for a clinical rotation.

Policy on Audiotaping or Videotaping of Classes

Audio taping or video taping of lectures, laboratories, review sessions, clinical rotations, and other forms of course meetings is prohibited by policy unless specifically approved by the instructor on a lecture by lecture basis. If approval is given, the audiotapes or videotapes produced are for use by CSPM students on campus only and cannot be distributed, sold, exhibited or posted on the Internet or other social media.

Policy On Eating and Drinking On Campus

No eating, drinking or smoking is permitted in any classroom, laboratory or auditorium. Student Lounges or areas outdoors may be used for eating. Occasionally, noon-hour lectures or seminars are scheduled. At these times, students are permitted to bring their lunches into the designated classrooms. However, care must be taken to remove all refuse to a trash container after the lecture/seminar.

Policy On Gifts to Faculty or Staff Members

Based on our research we have not be able to find an institutional policy that deals with the appropriateness of faculty/staff accepting gifts from students. Therefore, our determination is that if a student wants to give a faculty or staff member a gift of nominal value (no more than $25.00) the faculty/staff member may accept the gift as a token of appreciation.

B. Excused Absences

POLICIES ON EXCUSED ABSENCES, LATE ENTRY TO EXAMINATIONS AND MAKE-UP EXAMINATIONS

Excused Absences from Examinations/Mandatory Classes or Class Meetings/Mandatory Labs

If a student is unable to attend an examination, a re-examination, a mandatory class or class meeting or a required laboratory due to illness or an unexpected eventthe student must report this fact in advance of the absence, either in person, via e-mail, or by telephone to the Associate Director for Enrollment and Student Services (ADESS). The number to call is (510) 869-6511 extension 4297. If you call before or after office hours, you should leave a message on the voice mail. The Associate Director may require documentation if a pattern of absences suggests that the student is chronically abusing the excused absence policy due to illnesses and/or to substantiate absence requests for non-illness reasons.

If the ADESS approves the excused absence, an official approval notification will be sent to the applicable department and to the student. Upon completion of examinations, departments will forward the names of unexcused students to the Associate Director. Excused absence requests for students going to professional meetings (e.g., APMSA; CPMA, etc.) will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Excused absences will be closely monitored and the Associate Director will maintain a record of all students who miss examinations, mandatory classes, laboratories and clinical rotations.

If a student does not have an excused absence, the student will not be allowed to make-up the missed exam/re-exam/class/lab, and a failing grade will be recorded for the examination, re-examination, class or lab. If a student has any unexcused absences while on a clinical rotation assignment, the student will be subject to a failure for the rotation. If, during the academic year, a student misses two examinations due to excused absences, a warning letter will be mailed to the student. If a third absence from an examination occurs during the same academic year, the student will be referred to the Performance, Promotion and Global Review Committee for review.

Late Entry to Exams

If a student arrives at the University late for a scheduled examination the student must immediately contact the instructor. At the discretion of the instructor the student may be allowed to enter the examination room and sit for the examination. The student will still be required to complete the examination by the originally scheduled ending time. If the first examination has been turned in, students will not be allowed to enter or exit and re-enter the examination room for any reason. Students who arrive after the first exam has been turned in must proceed immediately to the CSPM Academic Office for instructions.

Make Up Exams

If a student arrives after the first exam has been turned in, or if a student misses an examination due to negligence or for reasons other than a documented illness or catastrophic event, the student may be allowed to take a make-up examination. However, the student’s grade for the examination will be reduced by 10%. Students who receive an approved excused absence from an examination will be allowed to take a make-up exam without penalty. The course instructor has the option of giving the make-up exam in any manner deemed appropriate including oral or essay examinations, adding additional questions to the final examination, or giving the examination in front of a panel of faculty members. In addition, the student must arrange, immediately upon return from the excused absence, to take the makeup examination. The date and time for make-up exams or re-examinations shall be set by the examination proctor. All make up examinations shall be taken no later than five calendar days from the students return to CSPM. Make up examinations may not be taken in advance of the regularly scheduled examination, except in rare circumstance with the permission of the course coordinator and the CSPM Dean.