Washington Medical Sciences Institute

Introduction

At Washington Medical Sciences Institute (WMSI), academic policies form the cornerstone of our commitment to excellence in education, research, and professional development. These policies are designed to maintain the highest academic standards, ensure fairness and transparency, and foster an environment where students can reach their fullest potential.

WMSI’s academic policies safeguard both the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty, guiding the teaching–learning process while upholding the university’s mission of preparing skilled, ethical, and compassionate medical professionals.

Purpose of Academic Policies

The Academic Policies of WMSI are established to:

Provide clarity and consistency in academic processes.
Ensure academic integrity and accountability in teaching, learning, and research.
Support equitable opportunities for all students regardless of background.
Define standards of performance and expectations for progression, evaluation, and graduation.
Comply with international best practices and accreditation standards in medical education.

Key Academic Policies

1. Admissions and Enrollment

Admission to WMSI is based on merit, prior academic achievements, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Students must provide accurate and authentic documentation during the admission process. Submission of falsified records is grounds for dismissal.
Enrollment must be completed within the specified deadlines, and students are responsible for meeting registration requirements each semester.

2. Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is mandatory for all lectures, laboratory sessions, clinical rotations, and examinations.
Students must maintain at least 75% attendance in each course to be eligible for final examinations.
Excused absences must be formally approved by the Office of Academic Affairs, with supporting documentation.

3. Grading and Evaluation

WMSI follows a transparent grading system based on coursework, examinations, clinical performance, and participation.
Grades are awarded on a 4.0 GPA scale (or as per program-specific requirements).
Continuous assessment ensures that students receive regular feedback to improve performance.
Academic dishonesty during examinations (cheating, plagiarism, impersonation) is strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.

4. Academic Integrity Policy

All academic work must be the result of the student’s own effort. Plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, or fabrication of research data is considered a serious violation.
Students found guilty of academic misconduct may face penalties ranging from grade reduction to suspension or expulsion.
Faculty members are equally bound by standards of fairness, objectivity, and professional ethics in grading and evaluation.

5. Coursework and Progression

Students must successfully complete all required courses and clinical rotations as outlined in their program curriculum.
Failure in a course requires remediation or repetition, as determined by academic advisors.
Academic probation may be imposed if a student’s GPA falls below the minimum standard. Continued failure may result in dismissal.

6. Examinations and Assessments

Examinations are conducted under strict supervision to ensure fairness and transparency.
Students must adhere to examination guidelines, including time management, proper identification, and compliance with invigilation protocols.
Make-up examinations are permitted only under documented exceptional circumstances.

7. Research and Thesis Requirements

Research is a core component of medical education at WMSI.
Students engaging in research must follow ethical guidelines, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for studies involving human or animal subjects.
Thesis submissions must meet university formatting standards and undergo plagiarism checks prior to acceptance.

8. Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for graduation, students must:
- Successfully complete all required courses, rotations, and credit hours.
- Maintain the minimum cumulative GPA as required by their program.
- Fulfill all financial obligations to the university.
- Demonstrate professional competence and adherence to ethical standards.

9. Academic Appeals Policy

Students have the right to appeal academic decisions that they believe were unfairly or improperly applied.
Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Academic Appeals Committee within the designated timeframe.
The Committee ensures impartial review and communicates decisions in a timely manner.

10. Student–Faculty Responsibilities

Faculty Responsibilities: Deliver quality education, evaluate students fairly, provide constructive feedback, and foster a respectful academic environment.
Student Responsibilities: Demonstrate academic diligence, respect faculty and peers, submit original work, and adhere to institutional standards.

Policy Review and Updates

WMSI’s Academic Policies are reviewed periodically by the Office of Academic Affairs and the Faculty Senate to ensure they remain current, effective, and aligned with evolving standards in higher medical education. Updates are communicated through the official website, academic handbooks, and orientation programs.

Conclusion

The Academic Policies of Washington Medical Sciences Institute ensure that education is delivered in a manner that is fair, transparent, and globally competitive. By upholding these policies, WMSI prepares its students not only to excel in examinations but also to embrace the professional and ethical responsibilities of a medical career.

At WMSI, academic success is defined not just by knowledge acquired, but by the integrity, compassion, and professionalism with which it is applied in service to humanity.

Academic Policies