The policy describes in detail the offenses, which constitute violations of academic integrity and the procedure that will be followed in all cases where active misconduct appears to be an issue. University policy does not allow individual faculty members, departments, divisions, or students to adjudicate charges of integrity violations at the course or departmental level. Instead, in the interest of providing consistent, prompt consideration and resolution of allegations of academic integrity infractions, all such cases must be filed in writing with the Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

The Washington University Judicial Code is also given to every student entering the program and describes the University's judicial system, the procedures to be followed in filing complaints, and those employed in adjudicating violations of the code.

Responsible Conduct of Research: Because of the importance of student awareness of the issues surrounding research integrity, all entering students will receive a copy of the Research Integrity Policy for Washington University that deals specifically with the University's policies for reporting and investigating violations of the responsible conduct of research.

In addition, each student is provided with a copy of  On Being a Scientist published by the National Academy of Sciences. During the orientation period, these policies are discussed. Attendance at orientation sessions during which ethics are discussed is mandatory.

Academic Progress: Masters students must maintain a minimum of a "B" in all primary courses (marked as Primary in the table below). All other courses require a minimum grade of "C" or a passing grade in Pass/Fail courses. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0. Independent Research Study is the course in which the student will be enrolled during the second year when s/he will do research with a mentor, prepare a manuscript (with the goal of submitting for publication), and orally present it for a Pass/Fail grade.

All grades are based on satisfactory completion of the course materials, and a final examination or term paper. "Incomplete" grades are not acceptable for graduation and students are urged to complete their assignments in a timely manner. Each "incomplete" grade will be evaluated on case-by-case basis and a timeframe for satisfactory completion of the coursework will be made. If "incomplete" grades are not resolved within the suggested time period, the grade will be changed to "fail". The Curriculum and Evaluations Committee will make the final determination on these matters.

If a student receives a failing grade (or a letter grade below "B") in any of the primary courses, they must either follow a remedial plan assigned by the coursemasters or repeat the course with a passing grade in order to receive credit. Failing a course for the second time will result in termination from the program.

Should a student receive an "incomplete" or failing grade, they will be allowed to progress to the next phase while following the remedial plan unless the coursemasters determine that such advancement would not be in the student's best academic interest.

If the Curriculum and Evaluations Committee concludes that a student has failed to make satisfactory academic progress ("B" or better in the primary courses, "C" or better in other courses, with a "Pass" grade in pass/fail courses) after the first year, it may recommend that the student not progress to the second year. If the student has failed to make satisfactory progress during the second year in his/her research project, the Curriculum and Evaluations Committee will notify the student and his/her advisor. Failure of the student to correct the causative deficiency within six (6) months after such notification will lead to a recommendation from the Curriculum and Evaluations Committee that the student be dismissed from the GEMS and the Medical School.

A recommendation for dismissal will be reviewed by the Program Executive and Admissions Committee and the Program Oversight Committee within 14 days before being forwarded to the Dean of the Medical School. Appeals of such action will be heard by the Curriculum Evaluations Committee. If the student feels that the action of the Curriculum and Evaluations Committee has been incorrect, a written petition may be submitted to the Program Director within 14 days of receipt of notice of dismissal, which will be forwarded to the Program Oversight Committee for final resolution.

Student grievances in academic matters should first be addressed with the instructor and then with the coursemaster(s). If this does not lead to a satisfactory resolution, the student may appeal to the Program Director in writing within 30 days after receiving the grade. The Program Director will notify the Curriculum and Evaluations Committee and will appoint a subcommittee of two CEC members who will meet with the student and instructor separately, review all materials provided by both parties and make a final decision within 30 days after receiving the appeal. This recommendation will be reviewed by the full Curriculum and Evaluations Committee for a final decision.

Supervision of student research: Supervision of a student's research will be provided by the student's Research Mentor and the Research Evaluations Committee (the two coursemasters and the Research Mentor or another faculty if one of the coursemasters is the Research Mentor).

The research mentor will provide the Program Director and the Research Evaluations Committee a memo concerning the student's progress during the semester at mid-term.

If the committee is satisfied with the student's progress, but the Mentor has become sufficiently dissatisfied to withdraw support, or if the committee feels that the Mentor is not acting in the best interest of the student, the committee may recommend appropriate alternatives, including providing the student with a new Mentor.

A proposal to change the curriculum must be submitted in writing by a student to the Program Director. The Program Director will review the proposal with the Curriculum and Evaluations Committee. Depending on the prior course work done by the student, the committee will act on the proposal and may permit the student to take an unlisted elective in place of a listed elective. Requests will only be considered for changing the elective curriculum, and in no case will students be allowed to substitute for the primary courses in genetic epidemiology.

Student advising: The Program Director and the individual student's Faculty Advisor, who will monitor the academic progress of each student throughout his/her graduate education, provide formal advising for all students. Course grades and progress reports provided by each student's Research Mentor are all considered in the review of student performance.

Once a year, and as often as a student wishes, each matriculating student will meet with the Program Director to discuss his/her academic progress and address any concerns.

The Program Administrator will meet with each matriculating student once a month to review and bring to the Program Director's attention any concerns a student may have (academic and otherwise).

Disciplinary actions for non-academic transgressions: Matters involving possible breaches of professional integrity shall be brought to the attention of the Program Executive and Admissions Committee. Behavior inappropriate to the program shall mean breaches of personal confidence and trust including cheating or unauthorized use of materials during examinations; abuse, misrepresentations or other seriously improper conduct in relation to Instructors, staff, or colleagues; and other misconduct, misrepresentation or failure in personal actions or in meeting obligations. The Program Director will counsel the student at the first transgression. When such conduct is repeated, the Program Executive and Admissions Committee will review the matter and will either serve a written notice to the student or make a recommendation to the Program Oversight Committee for expelling the student from the program. The Program Oversight Committee's decision will be final.

Student Health is located on campus and functions similar to an HMO. On staff doctors and nurses treat the students and, if warranted, refer them to specialists. The number for Student Health Services (appointments) is 362-3523.

Leave policies (family leave, vacation, leave of absence, etc.): Normal scheduled breaks set by the University for all students will be adhered to in this program.

Should a student require a leave of absence for academic or personal reasons, they must submit a statement in writing to the Program Director. Such a statement should include indication of the beginning and anticipated ending dates of the leave and a brief statement of the reason (academic or personal). Requests for leave of absence must be approved by the Program Director. Leaves of absences shall be granted for no more than one academic year, but in unusual cases may be renewed by the Program Director for a second year. Students requiring a personal leave of absence for medical reasons must, in addition, submit a letter from the attending physician(s).