Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies: Student Handbook 2026

STUDENT HANDBOOK

September 3, 2024

PREFACE

The Hofstra University Department of Physician Assistant Studies Student Handbook outlines school-wide and program-specific policies and regulations for the students of the Hofstra University Department of Physician Assistant Studies. The handbook is designed to supplement rather than supplant existing University policies and procedures, including those set forth in Hofstra’s Undergraduate Bulletin, Graduate Studies Bulletin, and Guide to Pride

While this handbook covers policies for the entire curriculum, there are more specific guidelines and additional regulations for the clinical year. A separate Clinical Year Handbook with additional policies specific to the clinical year will be distributed and reviewed during clinical year orientation.

The Hofstra University Department of Physician Assistant Studies reserves the right to amend policies. Students will be notified in writing of any changes to this handbook. Students are subject to the guidelines, procedures and regulations of the most recent version of the handbook. All students, regardless of when they entered the program, will be provided with the latest handbook version as it becomes available. The September 3, 2024 edition of the handbook supplants any previous version of the handbook.

FACULTY AND STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION

Chair and Program Director / Assistant Professor

Scott Gould, DMSc, PA-C (516)463-4411

Scott.Gould@hofstra.edu

Gallon Wing, Room 243B

Associate Director / Assistant Professor

Mark L’Eplattenier, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C (516) 463-1353

Mark.S.Leplattenier@hofstra.edu

Gallon Wing, room 243C

Academic Coordinator / Assistant Professor

Amy Roberts, PhD, PA-C (516) 463-47728

Amy.L.Roberts@hofstra.edu

Gallon Wing, room 130

Dual-Degree Coordinator / Assistant Professor

Mary Banahan, MS, PA-C (516) 463-4161

Mary.K.Banahan@hofstra.edu

Gallon Wing, room 244

Academic Faculty / Assistant Professor

Carina Loscalzo, Ed.D, MS, PA-C (516) 463-4412

Carina.Loscalzo@hofstra.edu

Gallon Wing, room 243B

Academic Faculty/Assistant Professor

Gina Pontrelli, DHSc, PA-C (516) 463-4381

Gina.L.Pontrelli@hofstra.edu

Gallon Wing, room 231

Academic Faculty/Assistant Professor

Savina Morelli-Wansor, MS, PA-C (516)463-4383

Savina.Morelli@hofstra.edu

Gallon Wing, room 131

Academic Support Specialist

Sasha A. Khan (516)463-6479

Sasha.A.Khan@hofstra.edu

Gallon Wing, room 132A

Medical Director

Samuel Sandowski, MD (516) 463-4074

ssandowski@snch.org

Gallon Wing, room 132

Academic Faculty/ Assistant Professor

William Heuser, Pharm D, MS, EMT-P (516) 463-7008

William.Heuser@hofstra.edu

Gallon Wing, room 138

Assistant Chair, Academic Coordinator / Assistant Professor

Christine Zammit, MS, PA-C (516) 463-4380

Christine.Zammit@hofstra.edu

Gallon Wing, room 137

Clinical Coordinator / Assistant Professor

Shannan Ricoy, MS, PA-C (516) 463-4233 (516) 509-6470 (Program cellular phone)

Shannan.Ricoy@hofstra.edu

Gallon Wing, room 236

Senior Assistant-Full Time

Marie Sorrentino (516) 463-4074

Marie.Sorrentino@hofstra.edu

Gallon Wing, room 132

Clinical Secretary/Secretary - Part Time

Karen Forman/Sharon Poulson (516) 463-4074

Karen.S.Forman@hofstra.edu

Sharon.Poulson@hofstra.edu

Gallon Wing, room 132

Academic Administrator/Advisement Coordinator

Gia Raponi (516) 463-4043

Gia.R.Raponi@hofstra.edu

Gallon Wing, room 245

Department Main Office

Department office number: (516) 463-4074

Department fax number: (516) 463-5177

Department Mailing Address:

Hofstra University

Physician Assistant Studies

Gallon Wing, room 132

Hempstead, New York 11549-1270

MISSION, VISION, VALUES AND GOALS OF THE HOFSTRA NORTHWELL DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES

Program Mission

The Hofstra Northwell Department of Physician Assistant Studies’ mission is to create an interprofessional environment that fosters PA leaders and scholars who deliver empathetic, patient-centered care, and promote inclusivity to the diverse populations they serve.

Program Vision

The vision of the Hofstra Northwell Department of Physician Assistant Studies aspires to be an innovative global leader in the preparation of the next generation of PAs.

Program Values

 Life-long Learning

The program is committed to promoting the ongoing professional growth and betterment of clinical practice through self-directed learning activities.

 Innovation

We facilitate learning with a multimodal approach that is creative, interprofessional, collaborative, and student-centered using the most advanced medical resources and technologies that will provide the student with the tools for life-long learning.

 Collaboration

The program is committed to fostering a learning environment where students partner with members of an interprofessional healthcare team to promote excellence in patient-centered care.

 Compassion

We embrace a patient-centered, caring, empathetic approach to the delivery of healthcare.

 Excellence

We are committed to preparing clinically competent physician assistants that excel in their ability to critically think and problem solve in order to provide comprehensive patient care.

 Leadership

We inspire our students and faculty to positively influence their professional, institutional, and patient care communities.

 Diversity and Inclusivity

We instill awareness of and respect for individual cultures by educating our students on the importance of understanding the unique needs of a diverse patient population.

 Professionalism

We challenge our students to become exemplary physician assistants by exhibiting respect, integrity, honesty and ethical behavior in all circumstances.

 Scholarship

We foster an environment that encourages the use of evidence-based medicine in clinical practice. We also promote the student and faculty’s contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge for the betterment of the profession.

Program Goals

 Train highly qualified PAs to enter clinical practice.

 Promotion of self-directed life-long learning, appreciating the significance of scholarly activities and scientific knowledge.

 Promote professionalism and leadership skills.

 Cultivate the collaborative learning and working styles necessary for participation in an interprofessional, patientcentered healthcare team.

 Empower PAs to value inclusivity and diversity, and deliver quality care to all patients, recognizing health care disparities and populations with limited access to care.to quality care.

PA PROGRAM COMPETENCIES

Graduates of the Hofstra University Physician Assistant Program will demonstrate competency in the following functions and tasks:

Medical Knowledge (MK) (ARC-PA Standard - B4.03 d)

MK1- Determine the normal and the abnormal in anatomy, physiology, laboratory findings, and other diagnostic data and apply the information to recognize normal and abnormal health states.

MK2 - Discern among acute, chronic, and emerging disease states.

MK3 - Determine the etiologies, risk factors, and epidemiology for medical conditions.

MK4 - Identify signs and symptoms of medical conditions.

MK5 - Elicit a detailed medical history, perform appropriate physical examination, and accurately record all pertinent data.

MK6 - Identify and formulate an appropriate assessment and management plan.

MK7 - Select and interpret appropriate screening and diagnostic studies.

MK8 - Identify pharmacologic agents and other relevant treatment modalities as they relate to general medical conditions to include understanding the indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions, and adverse reactions.

Graduates will demonstrate competency by the successful completion of the following:

 Didactic coursework; specifically, Human Anatomy, Physiology, Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities I, II & III, Medicine I, II, and III, Pharmacy I, II, and III, Epidemiology & Evidence Based Medicine, Preventative Medicine, Correlative Medicine I & II.

 Supervised clinical practice experiences in family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, behavioral and mental health care, women’s health, pediatrics, emergency medicine and an elective rotation.

 Successful completion of PAEA end of rotation and summative examinations.

Society and Population Health (SPH)

SPH1 - Recognize the principles of social-behavioral sciences as it relates to patient care, including assessing the impact of psychosocial and cultural influences on health and disease.

SPH2 - Understand and apply the fundamental principles of epidemiology.

SPH3 - Identify quality improvement initiatives.

SPH4 - Recognize the social determinants of health and understand how they apply to patient care.

SPH5 - Understand the principles of preventative medicine and how they apply to clinical practice.

SPH6 - Exercise cultural humility.

Graduates will demonstrate competency by the successful completion of the following:

 Didactic coursework; specifically, Medicine I, II, III, Epidemiology & Evidence Based Medicine, Health Psychology, and Preventative Medicine.

 Supervised clinical practice experiences in family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, behavioral and mental health care , women’s health, pediatrics, emergency medicine and an elective rotation.

 Successful completion of summative examinations and assessments.

Interpersonal and Communication (IC) (ARC-PA Standard - B4.03 c)

IC1 - Use effective interviewing skills to elicit a detailed history.

IC2 - Accurately document medical information.

IC3 - Effectively complete oral presentations.

IC4 - Provide appropriate referrals.

IC5 - Use effective basic counseling and patient education skills that enable shared decision-making.

IC6 – Understands the importance of effective communication with patients, families, physicians, and other members of the care team.

IC7 - Demonstrate understanding of diverse health care needs.

Graduates will demonstrate competency by the successful completion of the following:

 Didactic coursework; specifically, Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities I, II and III, PA and Society, Correlative Medicine I & II and Health Psychology.

 Supervised clinical practice experiences in family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, behavioral and mental health care, women’s health, pediatrics, emergency medicine and an elective rotation.

Successful completion of summative examinations

Professional Behaviors (PB) (ARC-PA Standard - B4.03 e)

PB1 - Demonstrate empathetic and respectful behaviors

PB2 - Exhibits reliability, accountability and dependability.

PB3 - Exhibits an understanding of the physician assistant profession and the role of a PA

PB4 - Demonstrates and identifies ethical behavior.

PB5 - Exhibits an understanding of the laws and regulations of PA Practice.

PB6 - Demonstrate accountability to patients, society, and the profession .

Graduates will demonstrate competency by the successful completion of the following:

 Didactic coursework; specifically , Physical Examinaiton and Diagnostic Modalities I, II, and III, PA and Society and Health Psychology.

 Supervised clinical practice experiences in family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, behavioral and mental health care, women’s health, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and an elective rotation.

 Successful completion of summative examinations.

 Successful completion of professional development evaluations.

Clinical Reasoning and problem-solving ability (CRPSA) (ARC-PA Standard - B4.03 b)

CRPSA1 - Utilize appropriate clinical reasoning and problem- solving abilities to identify and manage medical conditions

CRPSA2 -Synthesize and analyze clinical data correctly.

CRPSA3 -Locate, appraise, and apply evidence from scientific studies to enhance patient care.

CRPSA4 -Demonstrate care that is effective, safe, equitable, and high-quality.

Graduates will demonstrate competence by the successful completion of the following:

 Didactic coursework: specifically, Medicine I, II, and III, Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities, I, II, and III, Correlative Medicine I & II and Epidemiology and Evidence Based Medicine

 Supervised clinical practice experiences in family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, behavioral and mental health care, women’s health, pediatrics, emergency medicine and an elective rotation.

 Successful completion of summative examinations.

Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS) (ARC-PA Standard B4.03 a)

CTS1 - Performs procedures safely and at an appropriate skill level.

CTS2 - Identifies the indications for and contraindications of technical procedures. Graduates will demonstrate competency by the successful completion of the following:

 Didactic coursework; specifically, Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities I, II and III.

 Successful completion of summative technical skills exam

HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES

Technical Standards

A physician assistant student must possess a number of abilities and skills. The use of a trained intermediary is not acceptable in many clinical situations in that it implies that a candidate’s judgment must be mediated by someone else’s power of selection and observation. Therefore, each student must be able to:

 Observe a patient accurately, at a distance and close at hand, with or without standard medical instrumentation.

 Acquire information from written documents and to visualize information as presented in images from paper, film, slides or video.

 Interpret X-ray, EKG and other graphic images with or without assistive devices.

 Speak, hear and observe patients by sight in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communication.

 Communicate effectively with patients and their families in both written and oral modalities.

 Possess motor skills necessary to perform palpation, percussion, auscultation and other diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers, basic laboratory tests and emergency therapeutic procedures, including airway management, placement of intravenous catheters, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, application of pressure to control bleeding, and suturing of wounds.

 Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, synthesize and comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand spatial relationships of structures according to standard medical care.

 Exercise good judgment and complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients promptly. Develop mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients.

 Tolerate physically taxing workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the practice of clinical medicine.

Where a candidate’s ability to observe or acquire information through sensory modalities is compromised, the candidate must demonstrate alternate means and/or abilities to acquire and demonstrate comprehension of essential information. Costs of necessary accommodations should be reasonable and will be properly borne by the University when not the responsibility of the student or otherwise funded. Students wishing to receive reasonable accommodations must first follow all registration procedures through Student Access Services.

CURRICULUM DESIGN

THE DIDACTIC PHASE

The didactic phase is comprised of classroom, online and laboratory instruction in areas such as: basic science, behavioral science, pharmacology, physical diagnosis, and clinical medicine. Teaching methodologies are multimodal in approach and inclusive of active learning modalities. Active learning modalities include any activity where students actively participate in the educational process. In addition to the traditional lecture approach, instructional methods, and examples of active learning, include use of simulation, case-based learning, structure (cadaver) lab, and the use of the Northwell Bioskills Education Lab, which utilizes freshfrozen human specimens for practicing skills. Each teaching modality requires significant independent study and preparation on the part of the students to successfully participate in learning opportunities. To appropriately prepare students to practice as PAs, the course load during the didactic year is intense. Students should expect to be in class for a minimum of 8 hours a day. Some classes may require evening, early morning, or weekend sessions. Students are expected to attend all classes. Students should have no other commitments during these hours.

At the beginning of each course, students will receive a syllabus and course outline describing the purpose of the course, the format, the objectives, and a list of required and recommended books. Students will also receive instructional learning objectives for each course, which will guide the student in studying and provide the basis for examinations. Students are responsible for each objective listed in a syllabus, regardless of whether it is covered in class. Examples of evaluation methods include simulation lab, clinical note writing, procedure skill completion, oral presentations, group work, and written exams.

Wherever possible, the curriculum is vertically integrated so that students study aspects of an organ system in several courses simultaneously. For example, diseases of the lung might be studied jointly in medicine, pharmacology, and the Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities course. The case-based courses, Correlative Medicine I and II, synthesize and integrate previously learned material and promote critical thinking skills. Other courses address the social aspects of medicine. Preventive Medicine and Evidence-Based Medicine help students understand the social and public health contexts of their future patients’ health and how to appropriately identify and synthesize medical literature to inform their clinical decision-making. Health Psychology focuses on formulating and improving student interpersonal and communication skills, especially as it relates to complex patients or clinical encounters. The Physician Assistant and Society course explores the role of physician assistants within medicine, the legislative and legal realms. The Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities series allows students to learn skills related to physical examination, laboratory and diagnostic testing, and procedures. Examples include: EKG interpretation, phlebotomy, suturing, and radiologic study interpretation.

THE CLINICAL YEAR

The clinical year is comprised of eight clerkships comprised of approximately 2,000 hours of hands-on patientcare experience. Mandatory clerkships include: internal medicine; pediatrics; women’s healthwomen’s health; behavioral and mental health care; family medicine; emergency medicine; and, surgery. Students are also required to complete an elective clerkship in an area of special interest of their choice. Clerkships are completed off-campus in various clinical settings such as hospitals, private offices, and clinics. Clerkship locations also vary, with many, but not all, housed within the Northwell Health System. Students are not required to obtain and secure their own clinical sites or preceptors. Students are required to report to the site as instructed by their preceptors. Some rotations will require student attendance during the weekend, a holiday, overnight, or late into the evenings. Students will return to campus or Northwell Center for Learning and Innovation for “call back” days, which are held on the last one to two days of each clerkship. These day-long sessions consist of oral presentations, end-of-rotation examinations, standardized patient encounters with debriefing sessions, and special lectures related to clinical medicine. A separate handbook will be distributed during a clinical year orientation at the end of the didactic year detailing the specifics for the clinical year.

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

First Semester 17 credits

Anatomy 4 credits PHA 223

Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities I 3 credits PHA 215

Pharmacology I 2 credits PHA 217

Physiology 4 credits PHA 212

Medicine I 4 credits PHA 224

Second Semester 17 credits

Health Psychology 2 credits PHA 216

Physician Assistant and Society 2 credits PHA 200

Pharmacology II 2 credits PHA 221

Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities II 3 credits PHA 220

Medicine II 5 credits PHA 225

Preventive Medicine 2 credits PHA 235

Correlative Medicine I 1 credits PHA 232

Third Semester 12 credits

Pharmacology III 2 credits PHA 234

Medicine III 7 credits PHA 227

Correlative Medicine II 1 credits PHA 233

Physical Examination and Diagnostic Modalities III 2 credits PHA 219

Fourth – Sixth Semesters (Clerkships) 24 credits

Family Medicine

PHA 250

credits PHA 255 Women’s Health

credits PHA 270

Pediatrics 3 credits PHA 280 Behavioral and mental healthcare 3 credits PHA 285 Elective 3 credits PHA 290

Seventh Semester 9 credits

Epidemiology & Evidence Based Medicine 2 credits PHA 218 Research Design and Analysis 3 credits PHA 301 Research Project 3 credits PHA 302 Professional Development 1 credit PHA 305

Curriculum Total 79 credits

Tuition and Fees Class Entering Fall 2024

Expenses listed are approximations, subject to change and exclude room and board. Visit our Tuition and Fees page for the most up-to-date information. The tuition and fees reflected below are for the graduate portion of the program. Students should reserve funds for the following expenses:

University Tuition and Fees

Total Tuition and Fees

$133,905.00

$4500.00

$138,405.00

Estimated Program and Professional Ancillary Costs Time Frame

Books Each Semester

Clerkship Fee Once, Clinical year

$500.00

$ 1,000.00

Medical Equipment / Medical Supply Bags Before Beginning the Program $1,000.00

Health Insurance Ongoing $2,000.00

Car expenses such as gasoline, tolls, and parking Ongoing, Primarily in the Clinical Year $2,500.00

AAPA student membership Before Beginning the Program

NYSSPA student membership Before Beginning the Program

Infection Control Certificate Before Beginning the Program

HIPAA Certification Before Beginning the Program

Medical Terminology Course Before Beginning the Program

$75.00

$75.00

$35.00

$30.00

$120.00

Laptop Computer with Privacy Screen Before Beginning the Program $800.00

Fit Testing Didactic year, Clinical year $100.00

Urine Drug Screen Clinical year $45.00

Background Check Before Beginning the Program $135.00

Background Re-check Before Clinical Year

Healthcare Clearance Before Beginning of Program, Before Clinical Year $50.00

BCLS/ACLS Summer of the Didactic Year $300.00

Total Ancillary Costs

TOTAL COST (Tuition, Fees, and Ancillary Costs) $147,195.00

$8,790.00

Hofstra University reserves the right to alter this schedule of charges and fees without notice.

Fall 2024 (13-15 weeks)

DIDACTIC YEAR CALENDAR

Holidays as per university academic calendar Semester begins September 3, 2024 Semester ends December 20, 2024

Spring 2025(13-15 weeks)

Semester begins Jan 2, 5

Holidays and spring break as per university academic calendar Semester ends April 15, 2025

Summer 2025(13-15 weeks)

Semester begins May 1, 2025

Holidays as per university academic calendar Semester ends August 11, 2025

RESEARCH SEMESTER CALENDAR

A detailed calendar will be distributed prior to the start of the research semester. Students must be on campus for the entire semester. The semester typically runs from early September to late December.

PROGRAM POLICY

WORK POLICY

The program strongly discourages any type of outside employment during the course of studies in the program. Program responsibilities are not negotiable and will not be altered due to student work obligations. Additionally, in prior years, working has been a chief cause of academic difficulty.

Students who choose to volunteer or be paid employees during the course of their physician assistant training cannot use their affiliation with the program in any aspect of that employment. Any activity undertaken by the student, independent of the program, is not covered by the liability insurance offered for clinical work associated with physician assistant training. Students are not permitted to perform clerical or administrative work for the program.

Students may not substitute for regular clinical or administrative staff during the clinical year . Should such a request be made of a student, it should be reported to the program director immediately.

E-MAIL

E-mail is the preferred mode of communication between the program faculty/staff and students. All students must use their Hofstra e-mail account and must check and reply to their emails DAILY. Additionally, students should empty mailboxes to allow for regular e-mail from program staff and faculty. Failure to check an e-mail account is not an allowable excuse for missing a program event or notification.

GROUPME

A GroupMe communication chain will be set up to include students from the CO 2026, faculty, and staff. The purpose of GroupMe communication is to send group messages quickly and efficiently. Last-minute calendar changes from faculty/staff will utilize this platform. Students should NOT communicate individually with faculty and staff via GroupMe. In addition, notifications of tardiness or absence are not appropriate via the GroupMe platform and should be reserved for email communication.

TRANSPORTATION

Throughout the didactic, clinical, and research phases of the curriculum, opportunities to participate in clinical or research experiences in medical settings will require travel off campus. Transportation to hospitals, clinics, and other community settings, and the associated cost, is the student’s responsibility.

IDENTIFICATION

Students must display their Hofstra University or clinical site photo identification on their person in a clearly visible location while in the clinical setting. All students must identify themselves as a “physician assistant (PA) student” to patients and medical staff. Under no circumstance should a student encourage or fail to correct the misconception that they are a physician or a medical student. Students answering pages or phone calls must use their title when answering.

PROGRAM CALENDARS

The Program provides students with a calendar specific to program curricular needs. Unless otherwise specified in the syllabus or on the calendar, all activities on the calendar are mandatory.

CHANGES IN THE CALENDAR

Due to unforeseen circumstances, a class may be canceled and/or changed. This class may be rescheduled in the evening, on previously designated “study days,” or on weekends. In addition, the class may be rescheduled to be delivered via a remote platform during the same time as the original class or during an alternate time. The Course Coordinator/Instructor will consider all conflicts when rescheduling. However, students are expected to attend all rescheduled classes and will be held responsible for the material covered in that class.

ORIENTATION

To assure all students receive the information necessary to be successful in advancing throughout the curriculum, orientation sessions found on a Program calendar are mandatory.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Supporting the Program and University Mission and Goals, the faculty and staff highlight the importance of awareness of the community around you and the need to be an active member of your community locally, within the state, and nationally. Further, healthcare professionals have the skills and are uniquely qualified to support our community. To emphasize this, you will see many activities and opportunities on the Program calendar that support this initiative. The Hofstra SAAAPA organization also often initiates several activities that may or may not be on the Program calendar. In all cases, students are highly encouraged to attend and/or expected that you attend these outreach activities. Mandatory sessions are designated as such on the calendar.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Health insurance is mandatory for all students while enrolled in the physician assistant program. All students will need to supply the program with proof of health insurance; at the beginning of the didactic, clinical, and research year. The insurance policy must cover students in the event of illness or injury including that may result from patient care. If a health condition arises during the course of study that would in any way alter a student’s ability to perform in the clinical setting, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the Director of the Department of` Physician Assistant Studies immediately.

Domestic students who would like to purchase insurance coverage can go to the federal insurance exchange at www.healthcare.gov to find available health plans in the state where they permanently reside. If the permanent residence is outside of New York, it will be important to select a PPO plan that offers coverage throughout the United States, so that health care expenses are covered in the area near our university. International students should visit the International Student Affairs at https://www.hofstra.edu/studentaffairs/international/insurance.html . Students should contact Student Health Services SHACC@hofstra.edu or 516-463-6745 with further advice on obtaining healthcare insurance.

Students are encouraged to use the Student Health and Counseling Center at Hofstra. Services offered to enrolled students are generally free or very low cost, regardless of insurance coverage.

HEALTH CLEARANCE

All students must be medically cleared as evidenced by a health care provider who has determined their fitness to perform physician assistant student functions. This verification must be provided at the beginning of the didactic and clinical year. Additionally, supplemental health clearance documents must be completed for students to participate in clinical year clerkships. Depending on the research project location, health clearance documents may be required before beginning the research semester. The potential cost associated with health clearance is the responsibility of the student.

As determined by the New York State Department of Health and as per CDC requirements, students should be aware that the influenza vaccine is now required for all hospital personnel, including students. If a student declines to be vaccinated against influenza, a declination form must be completed, and the student must wear a mask in all clinical areas or comply with the policies set forth by the clinical site. Vaccination documentation must be submitted to the PA Program main office during each influenza season (fall semester) while enrolled.

Immunization requirements are in accordance with the most current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for healthcare professionals. Students should know that some clinical or research site requirements exceed CDC recommendations. Student health records are confidential and must not be accessible to program faculty or staff except for immunization and tuberculosis screening results which are maintained and released with written permission of the student. Therefore, students are required to keep their own medical information and present it at the beginning of each clinical clerkship or research site.

PROGRAM FACULTY AND STUDENT HEALTH CARE

No faculty member, including the program director and the medical director, is permitted to provide health care for Hofstra PA Students except in an emergency situation. Provision of health care includes giving medical advice in this instance. Program faculty can, however, refer students for medical and mental health care, if needed. Students may be referred to the Student Health Center ( https://www.hofstra.edu/student-healthservices/) or to Student Counseling Services ( https://www.hofstra.edu/student-counseling-services/ ).

CONFIDENTIALITY

In compliance with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 and Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant Accreditation Standards , student materials, grades, records, and files are considered privileged and confidential. All student records are stored in locked files when not in use. Faculty and clerical staff are the only individuals who have access to these files. No information contained within a student record will be given, either verbally or in writing, without the written consent of the student. Written consent for release of records will be kept in the student file. Written clearance is also necessary for the release of any medical information as discussed in the health clearance section of the Handbook. The following link provides the FERPA release form to be used for release of student’s materials, grades, records and files.

http://www.hofstra.edu/StudentAffairs/StudentServices/AcademicRecords/acdrec_ferpa.html

PATIENT RIGHTS AND CONFIDENTIALITY

All information regarding a patient’s health is privileged information. All students must strictly adhere to each institution’s policy governing patient rights and confidentiality and to all federal, state and local regulations. Students must not discuss any information regarding a patient in a manner or location that might reveal the identification of the patient to individuals not directly involved in that patient’s care. For this reason, all students must complete HIPAA training and provide proof of completion before entrance to the PA Program.

Patient charts, inclusive of progress notes or lab reports, must not be removed from the clinical site by the physician assistant student. If photocopies of a patient’s record are needed for a program assignment, all information that might identify the patient must be removed, omitted, or deleted to protect patient confidentiality.

STUDENT TEACHING IN PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Some students may be particularly knowledgeable in an area of medicine or possess advanced clinical skills because of prior health care related experience. Although such expertise is commendable, PA students are not permitted to participate in the teaching of any component of the curriculum.

STUDENT ADVISEMENT

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who is available for counsel on matters concerning academic performance, professional behavior, or personal issues. Formal student advisement will occur at a minimum of twice during the program, once in the academic year, and once during the clinical year. Professional development is assessed on an ongoing basis but formally, at a minimum, once during the didactic year, and once during the research semester. Problems arising within a course should be addressed directly with the instructor, although the advisor may offer assistance in these cases as well.

Personal issues identified by students or by faculty that impact performance in the program must be addressed in a timely manner. Should a student become concerned about a personal matter, they should contact his/her advisor or the program director. The faculty can facilitate the acquisition of services either within Hofstra University or privately. Student services are available at the Student Health and Counseling Center.

FACULTY-STUDENT MEETINGS

Throughout the program, classes will periodically meet with the faculty to discuss issues that arise with the Program, including within individual courses and with the Hofstra University infrastructure. These meetings are mandatory. Before the meeting, both the faculty and students will establish an agenda. Students may approach the director regarding agenda items at any time and, if appropriate, these items will be brought forward to the meeting. Students may discuss issues of a more personal nature with the director or their faculty advisor in private at any time.

CLINICAL CLERKSHIPS

At no time are students required to provide or solicit their own clinical sites or preceptors.

STUDENT INITIATED CLERKSHIPS

Students occasionally wish to study in a clinical site that is not affiliated with the program. Students may initiate a maximum of two clerkships (with one being their elective clerkship). Students may initiate a clerkship if they are in good academic standing and adhere to the following protocol:

1. Requests for clerkship sites outside of the University’s normal affiliation must meet all requirements as outlined by the clerkship description and affiliation agreement contract.

2. The student may make the initial contact with the site to identify a potential preceptor. The clinical coordinators will manage remaining negotiations and execution of the affiliation agreement process. A minimum of three students per year is strongly recommended of all student-initiated clerkships. In

hospital settings, this process can take several months. Therefore, the initial affiliation process must be initiated in the didactic year.

3. All non-Hofstra rotations must be approved prior to the start of that rotation.

4. No more than 2 student-initiated clerkships for the entire clinical year will be permitted.

5. The Program cannot guarantee the approval of student-initiated clerkships.

6. The use of family members or personal acquaintances as preceptors is prohibited.

UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS

Students enrolled in the PA program will participate in caregiving activities. During these activities, exposure to communicable diseases, including, but not limited to, Hepatitis B (“HBV”), Tuberculosis (“TB”), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (“HIV”), SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19), and Ebola Virus is possible. By enrolling in the PA program, students understand that they may contract a communicable disease while acting as a caregiver. Thus, healthcare professionals must understand that an infectious or environmental hazard exposure can adversely affect their overall health as well as performance in the PA Program.

There are several measures healthcare professionals, including PA students, should take to reduce the risk of exposure. All PA students must complete a training session for healthcare professionals in infection control/universal precautions approved by the New York State Department of Health before entering the program. A certificate of completion must be kept by the student and provided to any clinical site requesting a copy. For additional information on universal precautions, please refer to www.cdc.gov.

The principle of universal precautions has been adopted to protect clinicians from exposure to infectious disease because any patient may harbor microorganisms that could cause infection if transmitted. Although bloodborne pathogens are of particular concern, all bodily fluids, secretions, and excretions are included in universal precautions. Since infected patients may be asymptomatic, it becomes necessary to use basic precautions with every patient. Observance of universal precautions will help to provide better protection for every staff member. Students must also follow the hospital/clinical site-specific policies regarding universal precautions. The material below reviews guidelines and preventative techniques.

Should any expense be incurred as a result of an exposure, the student is responsible for all costs related to the incident.

Universal Precautions Guidelines and Prevention Methods:

1. Avoid direct contact with: blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, and lesions.

2. Avoid injuries from all sharp objects such as needles or scalpels.

3. Avoid direct contact with items, objects, and surfaces contaminated with blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions.

4. Dispose of all sharp objects promptly in special puncture resistant containers.

5. Dispose of all contaminated articles and materials in a safe manner prescribed by law.

In practice, using Universal Precautions also requires:

1. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, especially if they become contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, secretions, and excretions.

2. Depending on job duties and risk of exposure, use appropriate barriers, which can include: gloves, gowns, aprons, caps, shoe covers, leggings, masks, goggles, face shields, and resuscitation devices.

These barriers are to be used to protect:

a. Skin, especially non-intact skin (where there are cuts, chapping, abrasions, or any other break in the skin).

b. Mucous membranes, especially eyes, nose and mouth.

NOTE: The items of protective apparel, including gloves, are to be removed after each use and are to be PROPERLY disposed of. Gloves, etc. are NOT to be worn from one patient or activity to another.

EXPOSURE POLICY AND INCIDENT REPORTING

An exposure incident is defined as a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, or nonintact skin contact with any potentially infectious material. Students should be aware that an infectious or environmental hazard exposure can adversely affect their overall health as well as performance in the Program.

1. Immediately wash exposed skin area with soap and water. If eyes are exposed, immediately flush with water. For mouth or other mucous membrane exposures, rinse with large amounts of water.

2. If the exposure occurs on a clinical clerkship, the student shall IMMEDIATELY REPORT the incident to the Preceptor or clinician student is working with. The student will follow the institutional infectious and environmental hazard policy, including completing all necessary documentation as required and proceed to step 5. The student is required to report the incident via telephone and email to one of the clinical coordinators as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours following the incident.

3. If exposure occurs on the Hofstra University campus, the student shall IMMEDIATELY REPORT the incident to the course instructor. The course instructor should call Public Safety to report the incident. The number to call from a cell phone is: 516-463-6606 / Campus landline phone: x36606. If the source individual is another student or faculty member, they will be instructed to call Student Health Services at 516-463-6745 prior before reporting to Wellness and Campus Living Center for determination of infectious disease status and proceed to step 6.

4. If exposure occurs at the Northwell Bioskills lab, the student shall IMMEDIATELY REPORT the incident to the course instructor. The course instructor will ensure the student irrigates and cleans the affected area. The course instructor will notify Northwell staff. The course instructor will ask Northwell staff for a copy of the Anatomy Gifts Registry specimen data sheet. The student must call Student Health Services at 516-463-6745 before reporting to Wellness and Campus Living Center and proceed to step 6.

5. The student must go to the nearest Hospital Emergency Department immediately after the incident to receive counseling, a physical examination, blood testing, and post-exposure prophylaxis if deemed appropriate by the health care provider. If possible, arrangements should be made to determine infectious disease state of the source person. This is generally done through established institutional protocols that are initiated by health care providers evaluating student post exposure. Although this is recommended, this is not a requirement and should not delay post exposure management. In the absence of known source person status, risk assessment of the severity of exposure and HIV status of the source person should be completed by healthcare provider to determine post exposure management.

6. The Exposure Incident Investigation Form should first be filled out by the student as much as possible, ensuring details are included as well as recommendations for avoiding repetition, and

then reviewed and signed by an Academic Coordinator if the incident occurred on campus or at the Northwell Bioskills lab, or a Clinical Coordinator if occurred on a clinical clerkship. This form must be completed and signed in person or virtually by the appropriate faculty member within 24-48 hours of exposure. The form is available in all program handbooks, including electronically on Exxat and at http://www.hofstra.edu/academics/colleges/nursing-physicianassistant/physician-assistant/physician-assistant-handbooks.html

7. A copy of the Exposure Incident Investigation Form, Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-up Checklist, and Emergency Department Discharge Papers (if applicable) should be brought to Hofstra University Student Health Services Center within 24-48 hours of exposure. In response to precautionary changes on campus associated with COVID-19, Student Health Services has implemented a phone triage system and requires all students to call first at 516-463-6745. When appropriate, clinicians may recommend an in-person evaluation. Hofstra University Student Health Services Center will complete the Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up Checklist. Follow-up is confidential. The Student Health Services Center hours of operation, services, and personnel information can be found at: http://www.hofstra.edu/StudentAffairs/StudentServices/welctr/index.html

8. The Academic Coordinator or Clinical Coordinator will review all pertinent documents and place a copy of the Exposure Incident Investigation Form into the student’s file and provide a copy to the PA Program Director as soon as possible.

FOR DUAL-DEGREE STUDENTS: AWARDING OF A BACCALAUREATE DEGREE

AWARDING OF A BACCALAUREATE DEGREE FOR DUAL DEGREE STUDENTS

Students who complete 126 semester hours of course work and all of Hofstra University undergraduate degree requirements are eligible for the B.S. degree. Students should file for graduation at the end of the spring semester of the didactic (fourth) year, as long as they have completed the 126 semester hours. Students will be eligible for undergraduate financial aid until the bachelor's degree is awarded. Undergraduate scholarship eligibility will continue for a total of eight semester’s terms (fall, and spring only), and stop at the end of the 4th year spring semester. Students will be eligible for graduate financial aid after the bachelor’s degree is awarded. Students are not eligible either to sit for the PANCE exam or to receive the M.S. degree until all requirements for the M.S. degree are fulfilled, including completion of the professional phase of the program

MENTOR PROGRAM POLICY

The mentor program has been established to provide positive reinforcement, support and encouragement to junior students. Promoting a sense of comradery and establishing a mechanism to improve networking are also goals of the Mentor Program. Mentors and PAs serve as role models and should therefore uphold high ethical and moral actions and values. Thus, the mentor program should not be used to transfer examination questions, notes that have any examination information on them, or otherwise violate the academic honesty policy. Additionally, information regarding case studies, OSCE cases, CSP cases, or any of the like should not be shared with other classmates. Keep in mind, individuals can, will, and have taken screen shots of conversations had via text, email, or any other form of writing, and submitted it to program faculty and staff. Any violation of the academic honesty policy or any other professional infraction will result in a meeting with the Academic Standing Committee and likely dismissal from the program.

Students will be assigned a mentor from the class one year ahead of incoming students. A list of the mentor/mentee list will be submitted to the program director by the end of the first week of class and cannot be altered without the program director’s knowledge.

PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY POLICY

TENETS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Students must adhere to standards of professional behavior at all times. These standards are the ethical foundation of medical practice and of our integrity as physician assistants. Professional behavior is expressed through respect for instructors, fellow students, patients, preceptors, and colleagues. Violation of one of the Tenets of Professional Conduct may result in the need to appear before the Academic Standing Committee. Professional behavior is evaluated throughout the course of study and is also formally evaluated during advisement sessions.

Examples of unprofessional behavior include but are not limited to:

 tardiness;

 unexcused absences or not following program protocol for notifying program personnel of an absence;

 not following program protocol for reporting lateness or leaving early;

 lack of preparation;

 lack of involvement;

 plagiarism;

 falsifying documents;

 falsifying procedure or patient encounters;

 inability to accept constructive criticism;

 lack of respect for the rights of patients to competent, confidential service;

 lack of respect of others;

 failure to follow protocol, or directions of a physician, physician assistant, member of the healthcare team, or program faculty;

 performing unauthorized procedures or administering services not permitted by the supervisor, the facility, or the program;

 endangering the health and welfare of any patient;

 utilizing illegal substances;

 being under the influence of alcohol during class, while on clerkships, or completing other aspects of the program curriculum;

 violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA);

 failure to perform all or part of assigned tasks and responsibilities;

 leaving the clinical setting without permission from the preceptor;

 performing any activity which is beyond the scope of the role of a student;

 failure to identify as a physician assistant student;

 failure to report all observed unethical conduct by other members of the health profession, including other students;

 engaging in conversation with others during a class or lecture;

 leaving the classroom during lectures;

 using personal e-mail, Facebook, or other social media while in class;

 posting inappropriate content on social media platforms or otherwise violating the social medial policy;

 connecting on social media with faculty, preceptors or supervisors while a student in this program;

 exhibiting un-truthful behavior;

 lying to preceptor, faculty, or staff;

 failure to submit program evaluations in a timely fashion;

 neglecting to turn off cell phones, texting or talking on a cell phone during class, examinations, meetings, on the clinical site, or during any other professional functions;

 unacceptable dress;

 failure to submit required documents;

 violation of the principles of academic honesty;

 violation of the University Honor Code;

 cheating;

 writing down examination questions or content;

 distributing or sharing examination questions or content including notes with exam information on it;

 taking photos or screen captures of examinations;

 talking with classmates during an examination;

 using scrap paper other than what is distributed by the program;

 not replying to emails within 24 hours.

 Attending tutoring sessions that a student is not assigned to

ATTENDANCE POLICY

All aspects of the program require mandatory, in-person attendance for program activities unless otherwise instructed. ALL events listed on the didactic and research calendar are mandatory unless otherwise specified. Should a student become ill or have another emergency where they will need to be absent from class, the student must complete the absence form, which can be found in the orientation Canvas shell, and email it to both ACs before the start of a didactic class and all research course coordinators before the start of a research class. Additionally, each student should keep a copy of their completed absence form as you will use this for the duration of the program.

Lateness or leaving class/program activities early must be reported by completing the absence form prior to the start of class. The form should be emailed to both academic coordinators during the didactic phase and to all research coordinators during the research phase. However, in the event that a student does not realize they are late until after the start of class (ie: oversleeping) they must immediately notify the ACs as soon as they realize they are late. It is unacceptable to report an absence, lateness, or leaving early to any of the program administrative staff. It is likewise unacceptable for a student to report the lateness or absence of another student.

If a student follows the appropriate protocol for notifying the faculty, the academic coordinators or research coordinators will evaluate the absence and the student will be notified if absence qualifies as an excused absence. If a student does not follow this protocol, an unexcused absence is issued. An unexcused absence, a pattern of multiple excused absences that are not related to illness (3 or more), and chronic lateness (3 or more) are subject to disciplinary action including appearance before the Academic Standing Committee.

With any absence, the student is responsible for obtaining all information related to any missed class time including course material and announcements. The student is required to make up all missed class time by submitting a 1 (one) page summary of each session missed. The summary can be in the form of a quizlet or another means of demonstrating that a student has reviewed the material.. This summary is due to the ACs in the didactic phase and all research coordinators in the research semester within 72 hours of the student’s absence. Failure to submit will result in the student appearing before the ASC. It is important to note that there are some instances where classwork cannot be completed without participation on campus such as simulations, procedures, cadaver lab, CLI, Bioskills, and clinical clerkships. Non-emergent medical appointments and job interviews should not be scheduled during class/program activities.

Students whose repeated absences are cause for academic concern may be informed by faculty that they are in danger of failing the course because of the amount of work or class participation missed. Students with long-

term illness that prevent regular attendance should coordinate with the program director for appropriate accommodations.

See the “Examination Policy” below for attendance policies related to examinations. Additional attendance policies apply to the clinical year and are detailed in the clinical year handbook, which will be distributed during clinical orientation.

ABSENCES FOR RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE

Hofstra University recognizes that students and/or faculty may from time to time miss class due to religious observances. Students who anticipate missing class for a religious observation or experience should notify the ACs if in the didactic semester or research coordinators if in the research phase, by the second week of semester (the due date can be found on each semester calendar.) Likewise, faculty members who anticipate missing class for religious observance should notify students in their classes. If extensions are needed for the required summaries due to an absence related to a religious observance or experience students should communicate their needs with the ACs or research coordinators depending on what phase of the program they are in.

As per Faculty Policy Series 12 (B): “No student shall be expelled or refused admission to Hofstra University because he or she is unable to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement because of his or her religious obligations and practices. However, all students are expected to complete all assignments and examinations. It is understood that no adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student who avails themself of religious observances. The University, faculty, and student shall work together to achieve a reasonable accommodation concerning any conflicts between educational and religious obligations.” In accordance with New York state law, each student who is absent from school because of their religious beliefs will be given an equivalent opportunity to register for classes or make up any examination, study, or work requirements that the student may have missed because of that absence on any particular day or days.

ONLINE LEARNING

There may be times where synchronous and asynchronous online learning may occur. Below are policies related to online learning.

Video/Audio Faculty and staff use Zoom. Please install Zoom on all personal devices. Should additional software need to be downloaded, faculty and staff will provide instruction. Faculty strive to increase interaction with students regardless of the setting. Further, faculty feel strongly that it is important students are present and engaged during instructional sessions. As part of that initiative, faculty require that video cameras remain on during online platform sessions, such as Zoom. If you are uncomfortable having others visualize what is behind you while participating, you may select a virtual background, set up the computer in front of a blank wall, or hang a drape. When you enter an online session, please ensure that your microphone is muted. Please be sure your first and last name is clear on Zoom. This will help us learn your names, increase interaction, and take attendance. You are expected to maintain professional behavior during all synchronous online sessions. This includes being seated at a table or desk during all synchronous learning sessions. As with in-person classes, you are expected to be fully attentive during all synchronous learning sessions. You should not be engaging in other activities (texting, surfing the web, posting on social media, driving, etc.) during class time. Students who exhibit unprofessional behavior during online learning will be contacted by their advisor and may result in being called before the Academic Standing Committee.

If you encounter technical difficulties installing products or any other issue, please call the University HelpDesk at 516-463-7777. Should you encounter technical difficulties during an instructional session, please email the

Academic Coordinator’s and the Course Coordinator informing them and then call the HelpDesk. I f technical difficulties arise on your main device which prevent you from being on the lecture, please log onto Zoom with an alternative device (e.g., cell phone, tablet)

Netiquette

While remote program activities may seem "relaxed", it is important to be cognizant of the comments you post in the chat, name displayed on your account and the background included in your video. Remote learning and platforms give you the option of using a virtual background if needed. Your attire should be professional, and your background should be respectful (do not lay in your bed, drive around in your car, travel, etc.). Students should find a quiet location that is free of distractions when participating in remote activities. This information and advice are especially important when participating in activities delivered by outside adjuncts and content experts, as these professionals may end up being your preceptor or be present in a future job interview. It is very easy for someone to misinterpret your communication and behavior during these remote activities. We are all part of the Hofstra-Northwell family and need to ensure that we are representing the physician assistant profession and our program in a professional manner.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Hofstra University places high value upon educating students about academic integrity. At the same time, the University will not tolerate dishonesty, and it will not offer the privileges of the community to the repeat offender. The academic community assumes that work of any kind--whether a research paper, a critical essay, a homework assignment, a test or quiz, a computer program, or a creative assignment in any medium--is done, entirely and without unauthorized assistance, by the individual(s) whose name(s) it bears. Students bear the ultimate responsibility for implementing the principles of academic integrity. For more information, please visit hofstra.edu/fps/11.html.

Use of AI tools prohibited. You may not use AI or ML tools, such as ChatGPT or Dall-E, or other similar tools on assignments, discussions, exams, and presentations in this course. You are expected to complete each assignment without assistance from others, including AI/ML automated tools. The use of ChatGPT or similar AI tools for work submitted in this course constitutes the receiving of “unauthorized assistance for academic work” and is a violation of the Hofstra University Honor Code. Click here for a definition of AI or ML.

About the Honor Code and Academic Dishonesty. In the spring of 2012, the University community affirmed a new expression of commitment by instituting the Hofstra University Honor Code. The Honor Code is a statement of shared values.

 Hofstra University Honor Code: “As a member of the Hofstra community I pledge to demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior in all aspects of my life, both inside and out of the classroom. I understand that I am accountable for everything I say and write. I will not misrepresent my academic work, nor will I give or receive unauthorized assistance for academic work. I agree to respect the rights of all members of the Hofstra community. I will be guided by the values expressed in the P.R.I.D.E Values. I accept the responsibility to follow this Honor Code at all times.”

 Honor Code Short Form: “I pledge on my honor that I have done this work with honesty and integrity, without giving or receiving unauthorized assistance.”

 Turnitin for Textual Similarity Review: “Students agree that by taking this course all required papers may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism. All submitted papers will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com reference database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers. Use of the Turnitin.com service is subject to the Usage Policy stated in the Turnitin.com site.”

 Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are serious ethical and professional infractions. For information regarding academic integrity, examples of violations,

procedures for handling violations, as well as a student’s right to appeal a charge, see Faculty Policy Series #11 or Faculty Policy Series #11G .

Copyright Infringement

All students should be aware that unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject them to civil and criminal liability. Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement. Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or "statutory" damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For "willful" infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys' fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505. Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense. For more information, please see the website of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov, especially the FAQ at www.copyright.gov/help/faq. Students who engage in illegal downloading or unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material may also be charged with failure to comply with the Acceptable Use Guidelines in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Code of Community Standards, and may be subject to loss of Hofstra University computing privileges, disconnection from the Hofstra network, and additional University sanctions as outlined in the Code of Community Standards

DRESS CODE

Students must dress professionally at all times. While students are not required to dress in business attire while in class, certain types of dress are not acceptable. Clothing that is revealing such as beach-wear or bathing suit tops should not be worn in class. Business attire, closed-toe shoes, white jackets with program patch on left arm, and Hofstra University photo identification in a clearly visible location, must be worn when visiting a hospital, clinic, the Northwell Center for Learning and Innovation, and when otherwise representing Hofstra.

The dress code for the clinical year is more restrictive. These regulations will be outlined in the Clinical Year Handbook, which will be distributed during the clinical year orientation.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Maintaining professionalism is of utmost importance when using social media. It is recommended that you assume all postings are visible to program faculty, future employers, and patients. It is strictly prohibited to discuss patient-related matters, take photographs of patients or cadavers, including in the operating room, even if the patient is not identified. Similarly, the posting of diagnostic images or any form of patient data on any social media platform such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and blogs is strictly prohibited. Posting on Facebook or any other form of social media regarding program personnel, including faculty and fellow students is strictly prohibited. Other than LinkedIn or program and course related activities, requesting connections with preceptors, faculty, staff, and supervisors while currently a student is unacceptable. Violation of this policy will result in being called before the Academic Standing Committee and possible dismissal from the program. Witnessing any violation of this policy should be immediately reported to the program director.

HOFSTRA CLASSES OUTSIDE OF THE PA PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Because of the rigor of the PA program, taking additional classes outside of the PA Program Curriculum is prohibited. Extenuating circumstances must be presented to the Program Director in writing.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Hofstra University is committed to extending equal opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status in employment and in the conduct and operation of Hofstra University’s educational programs and activities, including admissions, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school administered programs. This statement of non-discrimination is in compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, the Age Discrimination Act and other applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to nondiscrimination (“Equal Opportunity Laws”). The Equal Rights and Opportunity Officer is the University's official responsible for handling inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and coordinating its overall adherence to Equal Opportunity Laws. Questions or concerns regarding any of these laws or other aspects of Hofstra’s Nondiscrimination Policy should be directed to the Equal Rights and Opportunity Officer at EROO@hofstra.edu, (516) 463-7310, C/O Office of Legal Affairs and General Counsel, 101 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549 The University’s Title IX Coordinator, who is responsible for the University’s efforts to comply with and carry out responsibilities under Title IX, can be reached at TitleIXCoordinator@hofstra.edu, 516-463-5841, 214 Roosevelt Hall, Hempstead, NY 11549 . For additional contacts and related policies and resources, see http://www.hofstra.edu/eoe.

DISABILITY ACCOMADATIONS

Students who need accommodations for a disability should contact Student Access Services (SAS). In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, qualified individuals with disabilities will not be discriminated against in programs, or services available at Hofstra University. Individuals with disabilities are entitled to accommodations designed to facilitate full access to all programs and services. SAS is responsible for coordinating disability-related accommodations and will provide students with documented disabilities accommodation letters, as appropriate.

Please note that accommodations may require early planning and are not retroactive; contact SAS as soon as possible. All students are responsible for providing accommodation letters to each instructor and for discussing with the instructor the specific accommodations needed and how they can be best implemented in each course. For more information on services provided by the University and for submission of documentation, please contact Student Access Services, Room 107 Mack Student Center, SAS@hofstra.edu , 516-463-7075.

PROVOST’S WEBPAGE

Additional information about Academic Dishonesty; Disability Accommodations; Resources for Students who are Pregnant; Temporary Adjustments/Academic Leave of Absence ; Deadlines and Grading Policies; Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct; Absences for Religious Observance and specific policies relating to COVID-19 guidelines including mask wearing, class attendance, and class seating is available on the Provost’s webpage at the link below.”

https://www.hofstra.edu/about/administration/provost/provost-information-for-students.html

ACADEMIC POLICY

STUDENT EVALUATION

A variety of mechanisms are used to evaluate course work, including tests, written and oral presentations, discussion boards, simulation exercises, and group projects. All examinations are the property of the Program. The type of evaluation used in each course is outlined in the course syllabus. All course work is evaluated by a final letter grade. These letter grades are converted to a Quality Point Index as follows:

Letter Grade Course Raw Score University Points

Grade Calculations

Each grade entered into the gradebook is rounded to the 100 th (i.e., 92.60). The final calculation for the course is rounded to the whole number (i.e., 93) and then converted to the letter grade (i.e., A).

The grade point average (GPA) is obtained by multiplying the university points by the number of credits for each course (quality points). The total quality points are added up for all the courses and then divided by the total number of course credits completed. For direct-entry, dual-degree students , the PA program GPA is calculated using only the grade points earned in professional phase curriculum.

EXAMINATION POLICY

Students are expected to arrive to all exams/practical examinations 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled time. If a student anticipates being late for an on-campus exam, they must email the ACs or research coordinators immediately. If a student is going to arrive less than 15 minutes late, they can proceed to the classroom to take the exam, however no additional time will be granted to complete the exam. If a student is going to arrive more than 15 minutes late, they should report to the main office or to one of the ACs/research coordinators, as they will not be permitted to take the exam with the rest of the class. At that time the ACs/research coordinators will determine when the student is eligible to take the exam. All students who are more than 15 minutes late to an exam may be subject to a 5-point deduction.

In the event of a lateness to a CLI encounter, if a student anticipates being late, they must email the ACs/research coordinators immediately. If a student is going to arrive less than 5 minutes late, they can proceed to the student ready room where they will be directed to the CSC for the encounter, but no additional time will be granted to complete the encounter. If a student is going to arrive more than 5 minutes late, they should report to the student ready room and alert faculty/staff that they have arrived. The student will not be permitted to take the practical at this time. The ACs/research coordinators will determine when the student is eligible to

take the practical. All students who are more than 5 minutes late to an exam may be subject to a 5-point deduction.

Should an unexcused absence occur for an exam or the day before an exam, the student will meet with the Academic Standing Committee. If the opportunity to take the exam at a later time is granted by the ASC, the highest possible grade the student can receive is 70%, regardless of the score.

If due to an excused absence, an exam must be taken on a different date, the ACs/research coordinators will determine exam date; however, the date will not be before the rest of the cohort takes the exam. Additionally, any student who must take the exam at a later date due to an excused absence may be subject to a 5-point deduction.

All students are expected to have a laptop to take their exams. If a student forgets their laptop or privacy screen, the program will provide a loaner laptop so the student may take their exam. If a student forgets their laptop or privacy screen on more than one exam, they will be subject to a five-point deduction in their final exam grade.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURES / RESPONDUS

All students must load Exammaster Respondus software on their laptops and have a working webcam on their device.

Since most exams in PA school are meant to simulate the PANCE, students must follow the procedures below:  For all students (on or off campus)

o Students must arrive 15-30 minutes before the examination start time, log onto the computer, and be prepared to begin the exam at the posted time.

o Close all browsers on your laptop.

o Ensure that Exammaster Respondus is downloaded and updated on your laptop.

o No student will be permitted to wear a coat/jacket, zip-up shirt/sweatshirt, brimmed hat, hood, electronic device, or watch.

o Students may use a white board for scrap during examinations. White board must wiped clean and shown to classroom proctor prior to leaving the room after an exam.

o If a student needs to wear earplugs, they must remain in place for the entirety of the exam.

o Students may not ask questions during the exam. Questions or comments about the examination can be submitted using the “feedback” function in exammaster.

o No student will be allowed to leave the room until they have completed their exam; students should go to the restroom before the examination begins.

o All students must use a privacy screen during computerized exam.

o Students are not permitted to talk or use electronic devices during the examination.

o Students are not permitted to take pictures or screenshots of examinations.

o Students are not permitted to write down any exam content during or after the examination.

o If suspicious activity is suspected, faculty will evaluate the situation including asking relevant questions, and may document suspicious activity, including taking photographs.

o Upon completion of the exam, all students must submit their exam in Exammaster.

 Belongings:

o If on campus, leave belongings in your car if possible. Upon entering the room, students must place all belongings in the front of the room but away from other student belongings or on the hooks. This includes, but is not limited to backpacks, cellphones, all electronic devices, beverages, snacks, chewing gum, coats, and brimmed hats. Before stowing, all electronics must be placed in the off position. Examinations will not begin until all items are placed at the front of the room.

 Difficulty logging on or other technological issue:

o If on campus, students MUST contact the designated exam proctor IMMEDIATELY.

 Students must leave the building/floor after completing their exam. Students are to return to the classroom at the next scheduled class time.

Exam Review Policy

Examinations can serve as both summative and formative learning tools. They are used to assess competency, however, learning from your mistakes is an important part of performance improvement and growth. Because it is critical to determine concepts that you need to work on, students are permitted to review their exams. To preserve exam integrity, the following procedures will be followed for exam review:

 Review of examinations/quizzes will occur at scheduled intervals, noted on the academic calendar

 All students MUST attend exam review.

 If a student misses an exam review, they will not be permitted to review the exam at another time

 Students are allocated four minutes per exam/quiz.

 It is recommended that students focus on questions that were answered incorrectly

 All exam policies as outlined in the student handbook are enforced during exam review (nothing on the desk, no phones, backpacks in the front of the room)

 Students may NOT speak during exam review

 Students may NOT have any writing instruments or whiteboard during exam review

 Students may NOT direct questions to faculty/staff during the exam review

 Any queries regarding test questions should be entered into “feedback” on ExamMaster.

o All feedback will be reviewed by the course coordinators

 Students must stay in the classroom for the entirety of exam review

 Students must close their laptop to signify that they have completed the review Faculty/Staff reserve the right to suspend exam review for any breach of procedure

REMEDIATION OF ACADEMIC DIFFICULTIES

Remediation (A2.05f, A3.15c)

Remediation is a process intended to identify and assist the student with meeting academic and/or professional requirements for satisfactory progression in the program.

REMEDIATION OF ACADEMIC DIFFICULTIES

Students who fail to demonstrate the requisite knowledge or skills necessary to perform at an acceptable level for a course may be required to remediate those deficiencies. It is the program’s responsibility to assure the availability of remedial instruction. Remediation is a process intended to correct a student’s academic deficiencies and includes such activities as special assignments, examinations, additional advisement, tutoring, and assessment and development of study skills. Remediation is mandatory for unit exam failures, course failures, or upon the recommendation of a course instructor or PA core faculty member. If a remediation exam

is necessary, the exam will take place within one week of the failed exam (as noted on the didactic calendar) unless extenuating circumstances are identified by the academic coordinators.

Student Success and Focused Remediation

The program faculty continuously monitors student performance throughout the didactic, clinical, and research phases of the program. Students identified to fall below program defined academic and professional benchmarks will be given additional guidance and tools as soon as possible and entered into a structured or focused remediation program. The intent of these processes is to ensure students are able to successfully complete the program and ultimately pass the PANCE examination. The process is not intended to be punitive.

The process is as follows:

1. Program faculty monitor examination scores throughout all phases of the program. Students falling 2 standard deviations below the class average on more than one clinical medicine examination, failure of one or more end-of rotation exam, and program competency examinations will be identified as falling below the program benchmark and holistically evaluated for possible remediation assistance or exclusion at the end of each semester.

2. The Remediation coordinator will notify faculty advisors of any student who meets the criteria outlined above (see item 1), and an individualized remediation plan will be developed based on deficiency.

*Clinical students who maintain a z score >(-0.9) on 3 or more exams will be holistically evaluated and possibly removed from focused remediation. Faculty will continue to monitor performance throughout the remainder of the program.

Professionalism

We challenge our students to become exemplary physician assistants by exhibiting respect, integrity, honesty and ethical behavior in all circumstances. Please refer to the Professional Integrity Policy and Tenets of Professional Conduct.

STANDARD FOR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

All written assignments must use the most recent edition of the American Psychological Association (APA) Manual of Style. In addition, all papers must be free of typographical errors, spelling and grammatical errors, and plagiarism. Written work must also be sensitive to gender, racial, sexual orientation, religious, and ethnic bias. Non-adherence to any of these requirements may affect the grade received for that paper. Students are advised to assure a copy of all written assignments is saved prior to submission. A resource for APA style can be found at Home - APA Citation - Quick Guide to 7th edition (2020) - LibGuides at Hofstra University and at https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.ht ml.

SUMMATIVE EVALUATIONS

Students will have two summative evaluations during the curriculum. The first occurs at the end of the didactic year and the second at the end of the program. These examinations will consist of some combination of multiple-choice tests, an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam), a technical skills exam, and a professional evaluation. These assessments must be passed to continue in the program and graduate. If a student fails a written exam, OSCE, or technical skills exam, a make-up will be given. Should a student fail the makeup, the Academic Standing Committee will review the case, and action, including possible dismissal, will be taken. If a student fails to meet the minimum requirements for program competencies related to professional behaviors on the summative professional evaltuiaton, they will meet with the Academic Standing Committee for review.

ACADEMIC STANDING COMMITTEE (ASC)

The ASC committee is comprised of a minimum of three PA Program faculty excluding the program director. The program director is an active, non-voting member of the ASC. The function of the ASC is for the faculty to present issues of academic or professional difficulty to the student and to give the student the opportunity to provide information that may explain or clarify the issue. The ASC will make decisions concerning the course of action needed to address the problem and to enforce program policy. Determinations such as the issuance of a warning, professional or academic probation, dismissal, or other alternatives are made by the ASC, as deemed appropriate.

MAINTENANCE OF GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING

The cumulative grade point average (GPA) to remain in good academic standing and for degree conferral is 3.0. Students with academic difficulty will be identified by the faculty and remedial measures will be delineated to assist the student in improving their academic performance. Should the cumulative grade point average fall below 2.5 at the end of any semester, the student will be dismissed. Should a student obtain a cumulative overall GPA between 2.50 and 2.99 at the end of any semester, the student will be placed on academic probation and have one semester to obtain an overall GPA of 3.0 or above. If the student does not obtain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 within one semester, they will be dismissed from the program.

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PROBATION

Probation is a designation that alerts the student that dismissal is possible should the conditions placing the student in this status not change. There are two types of probation: Academic Probation and Professional Probation. Academic Probation is often the result of a student not meeting the conditions of good academic standing, failure of more than one clinical year end of rotation examination, or if a student becomes eligible to take a comprehensive examination. Professional probation is a status designated by the ASC when a student violates one of the tenets of professional conduct or those set forth by Hofstra University. The student will remain on professional probation for the duration of the program curriculum. Any student placed on probation by the Academic Standing Committee will be advised, in writing by the chair and program director. Deficiencies will be clearly outlined, and the student will be advised as to what course of action will be available to them to remedy the deficiency. Should a student not meet the conditions of probation, the student will be dismissed. Should a student qualify for a second academic probation at any time during the program, the student will be dismissed from the Program.

PROGRESSION FROM THE DIDACTIC TO CLINICAL YEAR

Several conditions must be met in order to progress from the didactic to the clinical year:

1. Successful completion of all didactic year courses and summative and formative examinations

2. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 must be earned

3. All incomplete grades, probationary issues or pending assignments must be resolved

4. A passing grade must be earned for the didactic year summative assessments

5. A faculty evaluation of professional behavior evaluation must be satisfactorily completed

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Graduation is dependent upon successful completion of the following:

1. All courses in the physician assistant curriculum, including all clinical rotations and other clinical year requirements.

2. Completion of all research semester requirements

3. Completion of all formative examinations

4. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 must be earned

5. Successfully passing all summative assessments

6. Any student enrolled in the dual-degree Pre-PA program must also complete all Hofstra University requirements as published in the University Bulletin.

The eligibility to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination is contingent upon completing all program requirements.

COURSE FAILURE

A final course grade below 73% will result in failure of that course. In addition, medicine courses have certain conditions that lead to course failure (see “Medicine Course Component Failure” below). Should a student receive a grade of less than 73% in any course, an Academic Standing Committee meeting will be scheduled. Students may be given the opportunity to make up a failing course grade by taking a comprehensive exam in that course. In all cases, students who achieve a passing grade on the comprehensive examination will receive a grade of “C” for the course. Students who receive a failing grade on the comprehensive examination will fail the course. Repeating a course is not possible, as the courses are offered only once a year, and are sequenced in such a fashion that basic material must be mastered before progressing to more advanced course work. Therefore, failure of a course in the didactic year will result in dismissal from the program.

A student can take only two (2) comprehensive exams during the entire didactic component. During the program, if a student qualifies to take a third comprehensive exam, the student will be dismissed from the program. Policies regarding clinical year course failure are outlined in the Clinical Handbook.

MEDICINE COURSE UNIT FAILURE

Each of the medicine courses (PHA 224, 225, and 227) is comprised of multiple units representing various disciplines of medicine. A passing grade in each unit is required to pass the entire course. Unless students meet the conditions for dismissal as stated in handbook, students will have the opportunity to remediate a failed unit exam by taking a make-up examination covering material in the respective unit. Students who achieve a passing grade on the make-up examination will receive a 73% for that unit, which is averaged with the remaining unit exams to calculate a new final course grade. Students who fail the make-up examination, will have the make-up grade placed in the gradebook, and will be offered a comprehensive examination for the entire three-sequence course. The comprehensive exam will be inclusive of all medicine units covered through the end of that course. Students who achieve a passing grade on the comprehensive examination will receive a grade of “C” for the course. Students who receive a failing grade on the comprehensive examination will fail the course and be dismissed from the program.

Students who fail a medicine component may be required to take a comprehensive examination. Should a student be required to take a comprehensive exam during any of the three medicine courses, the highest grade they will receive for that course is a C. Eligibility for a comprehensive examination can occur in either of the following situations:

1) Failing 1 medicine unit exam AND

Failing the corresponding make-up exam AND

No more than 1 other medicine unit exam failure (If student has only 1 other medicine exam unit failure, must have successfully passed make-up exam) in any single semester medicine course

2) Failed 2 medicine unit exams and successfully passed both make-up exams in any single semester medicine course

The following conditions will lead to ineligibility to take a comprehensive examination, course failure, and dismissal from the Program:

1) Failing 1 medicine unit exam, and the corresponding make-up exam, in conjunction with 1 other medicine unit exam failure in a single semester medicine course.

2) Failing 2 make-up exams at any point in a single semester medicine course or in the three-course sequence

3) Failing 3 medicine unit exams in any one single semester medicine course

4) Failing 4 medicine unit exams in the three-course medicine sequence

GRADE APPEAL

According to the University’s grade appeal policy ( http://www.hofstra.edu/pdf/senate_fps_42.pdf ), it is the right and responsibility of the faculty to determine student grades at Hofstra University. An instructor’s right to determine the grades assigned in their classes shall be abrogated only if it is demonstrated (through the procedure below) that a course grade was based on factors other than the student’s academic performance in the course. To ensure a fair and expeditious processing of appeals, the following deadlines should guide the entire appeals process:

 Students must contact their instructor with a formal appeal in writing about their final grade no later than three (3) weeks into the subsequent semester following the issuance of the grade.

 The instructor must then reply in writing within two (2) weeks.

 If the student wishes to appeal to the Chair, he or she must submit a formal appeal within two (2) weeks of receiving the instructor’s reply. If the student does not get a response from the instructor within two (2) weeks, the student may proceed directly to the Chair, also within a two (2) week period.

 The Chair will have two (2) weeks to mediate a resolution.

 If the student wishes to appeal further, he or she must submit an appeal in writing to the Dean within two (2) weeks of hearing from the Chair.

 The Dean shall have three (3) weeks to dismiss, begin mediation or empanel an Ad Hoc Appeals Committee and investigate the appeal.

 By the end of the semester in which the appeal process began, the Ad Hoc Appeals Committee should notify the student, instructor, Chair, Dean, and Provost of its decision.

 The student and instructor then have two (2) weeks to ask for a review by the Provost.

If the appeal occurs during or upon completion of a semester, the student shall be permitted to continue coursework unless extenuating circumstances have been determined. Grades shall be withheld until the appeal process has been completed.

However, if a student is registered for a course that involves an outside internship (including but not limited to field experience, practicum, and student teaching), the student may not continue the course during the appeal process unless extenuating circumstances have been determined. In most cases, in the

PA Program, the grade appeal process will delay the completion of clinical clerkships. Delaying clinical clerkships will likely affect a student’s full-time status and financial aid package. It is strongly suggested that a student consult a financial aid advisor. Schedules of tuition reimbursement are published in the Hofstra University Bulletin each year. It is the student’s responsibility should additional costs incur secondary to the grade appeal process. Delaying a clinical clerkship will likely affect the student’s University graduation date, and therefore their ability to begin working. Although the NCCPA allows students to take the PANCE examination once program requirements are complete, the University does not issue a diploma until after the specified University graduation date for that year.

POLICY FOR DISMISSAL

Dismissal

After meeting with a student, the ASC may determine that academic or professional deficiencies are substantial enough to warrant dismissal. This decision will be forwarded to the director of the graduate program. The director of a graduate program shall notify a student of his/her dismissal from that program in writing (certified return receipt requested) within 7 days following the ASC meeting. The notification shall state the reasons for the dismissal and shall be as explicit as possible. The letter shall indicate the appeal procedures specified below. A copy of the letter shall be sent to the appropriate dean, the provost and the Office of Academic Records. If the student is an international student, a copy of the letter shall be sent to the director of the Multicultural & International Student Programs Office.

The student is given 7 days after receiving notification of dismissal to decide to appeal the dismissal. During that time, the student is permitted to continue course work in progress. If a student chooses not to appeal, 7 days after receiving notification of dismissal the student will no longer be permitted to continue course work in progress, to sit in on classes, or to register for additional classes.

Appeals

If dismissal occurs during the semester and the student appeals the decision, the student shall be permitted to continue coursework already in progress unless extenuating circumstances have been determined. Grades shall be withheld until the appeal process has been completed. Unless the appeal is successful, no grade or credit will be awarded.

However, if a student is registered for a course that involves an outside internship (including but not limited to field experience, practicum, and student teaching), the student may not continue the course during the appeal process unless extenuating circumstances have been determined.

If dismissal occurs at the completion of a semester and the student appeals the decision, the student may not register for or sit in on any courses unless extenuating circumstances have been determined.

Step 1:

The first appeal is at the program level. The student may appeal this decision in writing to the graduate program director within 7 days from the date of receipt of the letter of dismissal. The letter of appeal shall include the grounds for appealing the dismissal. If no letter is forthcoming, the right of the student to further appeal is waived. The graduate program director shall conduct a full review of the appeal and will inform the student in writing of the decision within 7 days from the date of the receipt of the appeal letter. (A copy of the letter shall be sent to the appropriate Dean, the Provost and the Office of Academic Records.) The student may appeal this decision in writing.

Step 2:

The second appeal is at the dean’s level. The student may appeal in writing to the dean within 7 days of the receipt of the graduate program director’s decision. If no letter is forthcoming, the right of the student to further appeal is waived.

The dean shall conduct a full review of the appeal, which may include independent research and/or discussion with the program’s Academic Standing Committee (ASC). The dean shall inform the student in writing (certified return receipt requested or confirmation of receipt via email) of his/her decision within 7 days from the date of receipt of the appeal letter. (A copy of the letter shall be sent to the graduate program director, the Provost and the Office of Academic Records.) The student may appeal this decision in writing.

Step 3:

The final appeal is at the provost’s level. The student may appeal in writing to the provost within 7 days of the receipt of the dean’s decision.

The provost shall inform the student in writing (certified return receipt requested or confirmation of receipt via email) of his/her decision within 14 days from the date of the receipt of the appeal letter. The provost’s decision is final. (A copy of the letter shall be sent to the graduate program director, the appropriate Dean and the Office of Academic Records. If the student is an international student, a copy of the letter shall be sent to the director of the Multicultural & International Student Programs Office.)

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

A student may be granted a leave of absence only in the case of personal illness, family emergency or other circumstance beyond the student’s control. Students are not given the option to decelerate into the class behind them in the case of academic difficulty. Additionally, a student’s academic status will be reviewed and considered prior to granting a leave of absence. A request for leave must be made in writing to the program director. Once approved by the program director, all medical leaves will require a medical letter stating the student is under the care of a provider and must submit a new letter for return to the program. A leave taken without consent from the program director may result in dismissal from the program. Because the curriculum is “lock-step,” a leave of absence is strongly discouraged in the didactic phase of the program. A student will be forced to wait until the following academic year to resume study. A leave of absence is only granted until the following academic year. A student must complete the professional phase of the Physician Assistant Studies Program in 40 months including any leave of absence.

If the student takes a leave of absence in the didactic year and has already successfully completed one or more semesters of study, prior to returning to the program, student must pass a comprehensive examination covering all material up to and including the point at which the student left the program. In the clinical year, a comprehensive examination must be passed if a leave extends for more than two clerkships.

A leave of absence will affect a student’s full-time status and financial aid package. It is strongly suggested that a student consult a financial aid advisor when considering a leave of absence. Schedules of tuition reimbursement are published in the Hofstra University Bulletin each year. It is the student’s responsibility should additional costs incur secondary to a leave of absence.

A leave of absence, or if for any reason your graduation is delayed, will likely affect the student’s University graduation date, and therefore their ability to begin working. Although the NCCPA allows students to take the

PANCE examination once program requirements are complete, the University does not issue a diploma until after the specified University graduation date for that year.

DECELERATION

All students are required to remain in the cohort with whom they were admitted. Students are not given the option to decelerate into the class behind them in the case of academic difficulty. The only exception to this policy is if a student should be required to take a leave of absence.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PROGRAM

The program director must be notified in writing should a student decide to withdraw from the program. It is imperative that students follow Hofstra University Policy and Procedures for withdrawal from courses and/or the University. Please refer to the Hofstra University Bulletin and the Hofstra University Class Schedule for the most recent policies and procedures.

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT ORGANIZATIONS

The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA) are instrumental in Physician Assistant Advocacy and are primary resources for information regarding the profession.

American Academy of Physician Assistants

The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is the national organization representing physician assistants. The AAPA provides leadership opportunities, works toward improving legislation on a national level, provides continuing medical education (CME) opportunities and has an abundance of additional resources. Students who join the AAPA are represented in the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (SAAAPA), assuming that they establish a student society within their PA program. Charter societies are represented in two ways: The first is through their regional chairs serving the northeast, southeast, north central, south central and western regions of the country. The second way is through the Student Academy’s Assembly of Representatives (AOR) which is a two-day session held during AAPA’s annual conference. The AOR establishes Student Academy policy for the coming year by voting on resolutions submitted to the AOR. AOR representatives are responsible for discussing the resolutions with students from their program prior to the conference, debating and voicing the concerns of their fellow students during the conference, and voting on each resolution as the representatives from their PA Program.

In addition to discussing resolutions, the AOR representatives are also responsible for electing the Student Board of Directors (SBOD) for the following year. These student officers will direct the Student Academy activities for the year, based on the guidelines that have been provided to them by the resolutions.

American Academy of Physician Assistants

950 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1552 (703) 836-2272 ext 3303. Fax: (703) 684-1924 www.aapa.org

New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA)

The New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA) is the state organization representing physician assistants. NYSSPA provides access to valuable resources, provides scholarship opportunities, sponsors continuing medical education (CME), lobbies to improve state law and regulation for PAs and much more. Students who join NYSSPA are full members and can vote for the student director at large.

New York State Society of Physician Assistants 100 North 20th Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia, PA 19103 (877) 769-7722. Fax: (212) 564-2175 www.nysspa.org

UNIVERSITY FACILITIES AND SUPPORT

STUDENT CLUBS

Hofstra University Chapter of the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants

The Hofstra University Chapter of SAAAPA serves as the official organization for the students of the Hofstra University Physician Assistant Studies Program.

The mission of the organization is to encourage academic achievement and clinical excellence, to educate the public and promote the Physician Assistant (PA) as a member of the health care delivery team, and to demonstrate Hofstra University’s commitment to training future PA Providers.

The Hofstra University Chapter of SAAAPA operates in conjunction with the New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA) and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). The organization values community involvement and participates in campus blood drives and hosts multiple fundraisers and food drives each year.

Global Medical Brigades

Global Medical Brigades, GMB, is a secular, non-profit, student run volunteer organization that aims to provide sustained health care to underserved communities all over the world. The GMB team recruit’s student volunteers and a variety of medical professionals, gathers medications, and travels to an underserved area in other countries to provide medical and dental care.

LIBRARY RESOURCES

The Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library contains approximately one million print volumes and approximately 10,000 VHS and DVDs, and provides 24/7 online access from campus or home to 150 databases, more than 100,000 full- text electronic journals, approximately 15,000 streaming videos, and 115,000 electronic books via the Internet.

Newly renovated facilities provide modern spaces for group and individual study, along with a coffee bar and space for meeting friends.

Contact: Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library, South Campus Reference: (516) 463-5962

Many required textbooks students are provided to students via electronic resources (Access Medicine, Up to Date, NEJM and LLW resources). Other required texts will be housed in the main PA Program office. Students may have access to these texts during normal office hours. Other supplemental texts will also be available in the main PA Program office. The main office staff can assist with utilizing program textbooks as well as borrowing rules.

The program has a number of models, A/V aids, and computer programs available to students. Holdings include breast models, prostate exam models, foley catheter male and female models, IV and suture arms, and anatomy models. The main office staff can direct students to the location of an instructional aid as well as borrowing rules.

PROGRAM FORMS

STUDENT HANDBOOK and GUIDE TO PRIDE

AGREEMENT FORM

September 2024 Edition

The Physician Assistant Studies Program Student Handbook in conjunction with the University Handbook, Guide to Pride, outlines school-wide and program-specific policies and regulations for students enrolled in the physician assistant program. If the student is in doubt about the intent or content of any of the material in this handbook, it is their responsibility to initiate a discussion with their faculty advisor or the program director.

I have read and understand the policies, rules and regulations as outlined within the Hofstra University Physician Assistant Studies Program Student Handbook and the Hofstra University Guide to Pride and agree, without reluctance, to abide by them.

In addition to reviewing the student handbook, I acknowledge that the Hofstra University Physician Assistant Studies Program has a remediation program for students who are struggling academically. This is a mandatory activity to further expand my fund of knowledge. The program DOES NOT offer a deceleration program.

NAME (Signature):

NAME (Print):

DATE:

Hofstra University Physician Assistant Program Exposure Incident Investigation Form

Date of Report: Time of Report: Date of Incident Time of Incident

Name and Hofstra ID# of Student(s) involved in incident:

Name of Preceptor/Instructor at time of incident:

Location of potential exposure (classroom, bioskills, or clinical clerkship):

If clinical clerkship, include specific site, discipline, and rotation number (ex: Woodhull, IM, rotation #4)

Exposure occurred as part of (check all that apply):

Supervised laboratory assignment

Patient care provided during clinical experience hours

Northwell Bioskills Lab

Other

Potentially Infectious Materials Involved: Type of body fluids, route, and source of exposure (ie. Needle stick, contact with open wound, etc)

Circumstance (Task being performed, where, how, and severity of the exposure):

How incident was caused? (Accident, equipment malfunction. if a device was being used include type and brand of device, whether or not it was a safety device, and when in the course of handling the device the incident occurred):

Personal protective equipment being used: (gloves, gown, etc.):

Actions taken (decontamination, clean-up, immediate referral, reporting, etc.):

Recommendations for avoiding repetition:

If at Northwell Bioskills Lab, a copy of the Anatomy Gifts Registry specimen data sheet is attached? YES NO Student has the Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up Checklist? circle one: YES NO

Student Signature

Name and Title of Investigator (Academic Coordinator or Clinical Coordinator): Print and Sign

Hofstra University Department of Physician Assistant Studies

Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up Checklist

Date of Report:

Name and Hofstra ID# of Student(s) involved in incident:____________________________

The following steps must be taken, and information transmitted, in the case of a student’s exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens: Activity Completion Date

The Exposure Incident Investigation Form was completed If applicable, source individual’s blood tested and result given to exposed student.

Consent was not obtained (__________________________________)

Exposed Student’s Signature

If applicable, exposed student’s blood collected and tested. If refused, student must sign below. (__________________________________)

Exposed Student’s Signature

If refused to see health care professional, then exposed student must sign below (_________________________________)

Exposed Student’s Signature

Name of Hofstra Student Health Services Provider – Print and Signature:

Date:_____________

Student:

ATTRIBUTE

PROGRAM IN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVALUATION FORM

Advisor:

Punctuality: Is punctual for class, exams, rotations, and all program related activities

Attendance: Notifies faculty if circumstances prevent attendance per handbook policy and satisfactorily makes up missed assignments

Personal Integrity: Assumes responsibility for decisions and actions; Demonstrates accountability to patients, society, and the profession; Is honest, trustworthy, reliable, and dependable

Didactic_____ Research

Didactic Research

Didactic Research Teamwork: Demonstrates ability to be a cooperative member of the class; Exhibits an understanding of the PA profession and the role on the interprofessional team

Didactic Research

Personal and Professional

Learning and Growth:

Demonstrates ability to be a cooperative and contributing member of the class and profession; Demonstrates ability to modify behavior in response to constructive criticism; Demonstrates self-confidence and initiative

Respect: Respects fellow students, staff, faculty; Demonstrates proper respect for patients and maintains confidentiality of medical information; Demonstrates empathetic and respectful behaviors

Communication: Demonstrates clear, effective communication with faculty, peers, and supervisors; Demonstrates ability to give constructive feedback; Manages personal and professional frustration in a nondisruptive and professional manner

Teamwork: Demonstrates ability to be a cooperative member of the class; Exhibits an understanding of the PA profession and the role on the interprofessional team

Didactic_____ Research

Didactic Research

Didactic Research

Didactic Research