Appeal Process/ Application for Re-enrollment

It is the responsibility of the DPT faculty to exercise their professional judgment in determining a student’s competence to continue in the program. The student’s academic standing as well as his/her demonstration of professional behaviors is considered. Acceptable academic performance is only one indicator of a student’s ability to perform as a physical therapist. A student who achieves acceptable academic standing but does not demonstrate acceptable professional behavior may not be allowed to continue in the program, may not be allowed to begin clinical education experiences, and/or may be dismissed from the DPT program.

If a student has been dismissed from the program, he/she may petition the faculty for re-enrollment one time. Faculty, at their discretion, may grant the appeal and determine an appropriate Academic Action Plan (Appendix A). A student dismissed and reinstated once cannot appeal a subsequent dismissal that may be triggered by the above criteria. The steps of the appeal are as follows:

• After receiving notification of dismissal, the student is required to schedule a meeting with his/her academic advisor within two weeks of the end of the trimester to discuss whether they wish to apply for re-enrollment. If the student wishes to apply for re-enrollment, the advisor will review the criteria and requirements as outlined below.
  • The student must write a formal letter to the faculty requesting re-enrollment, discussing the reasons or circumstances that led to dismissal as well as the steps that the student plans to take to improve their performance should they be re-enrolled.
  • Upon decision to apply for re-enrollment, the formal letter must be emailed to the Program Director within 60 days of meeting with their faculty advisor.
  • If the student does not comply with the appeal process timelines, they forfeit their ability to appeal their dismissal from the program.
• Re-enrollment Policies
  • If a DPT student is granted re-enrolled as a result of a failing grade, the student will re-take the course the next time it is offered and must develop an Academic Action Plan with their advisor and course instructor to ensure academic success. The student cannot continue with their original cohort.
  • If a DPT student is re-enrolled as a result of deficient Professional Behaviors, the student must develop an Action Plan to improve their professional behaviors to an adequate level which may include meeting with counselors in Student Health Services. The student will have one (1) additional term to fulfill the requirements of the developed action plan.
• Once a decision is made, the student’s academic advisor and/or the Department of Physical Therapy Program Director will inform the student and email an official letter of the faculty decision.