Grading for the Emphasis Program

Beginning with class of 2011, the Emphasis Program is a graded Pass/Fail course. Grading is based on performance over the 2 years. An interim (non-binding) grade will be assigned at the beginning of the fall semester VMS2.

Criteria for a passing grade

No numerical scores are kept. Students will be graded on achievement of the following educational objectives of the Emphasis program course, and are graded P/F on each. These are:

Knowledge:

• Literature (is acquiring and displaying an appropriate fund of knowledge)
• Discussion (is able to place the work in a larger context of medicine)

• Methods (maintains accurate records, documents findings, acquires new skills/insights, is learning to analyze data)
• Technical competence (effectively performs routine tasks, strives for self-improvement)
• Problem Solving (appropriately analytic in addressing new issues)
• Objectives (remains mindful of goals and makes appropriate adjustments)

• Interpersonal skills (functions in a team setting, respects the role of others in the workplace)
• Oral presentation (effectively contributes to group meetings, presents project findings with clarity, poster discussion or talk at Emphasis Forum)
• Written presentation (abstract composition, paper writing, poster design and content)

• Project Participation
• Takes initiative (shows problem solving skills)
• Devotes appropriate effort to the project
• Inquiry (shows intellectual curiosity)
• Shows leadership (takes the project to a higher level)
• Demonstrates integrity and intellectual honesty in all interactions
• Program Participation
• Attends activities with required attendance
• Completes all required milestones in the program (see below)
• Meets deadlines (Interim Report, abstract approval, preparation and approval of poster/presentation, submission of final reflective summary)

Required milestones in the program

• Attend activities with required attendance
• Initiate an approved project
• Devote an appropriate effort to the project
• Submit an Interim report
• Abstract approved by Area head/committee
• Prepare a poster /presentation
• Content of poster/ presentation approved by area head/committee
• Present a poster or talk at Emphasis Forum
• Submit final reflective summary

Evaluation

Progress evaluated by Emphasis Planning committee periodically.

Stages of evaluation:

1. End of spring semester, VMS 1
      Formative evaluation of state of student’s project.
2. Beginning of fall semester, VMS 2
      Interim grade (formative – not binding), may be P, P* or F, based on satisfactory progression
      towards meeting the program’s objectives.
3. End of VMS 2
      Final grading by area heads
      Final grade: P/F based on satisfactory completion of the educational objectives and program
      components.

Honors: An honors grade will not be awarded in the Emphasis Program at this time. Students are reminded that an emphasis experience above and beyond the stated requirements will most surely be reflected in the individualized letter of assessment or recommendation that each mentor will be asked to furnish at the conclusion of the emphasis program.


-Emphasis Program Planning Committee
 July 31, 2007