I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish a framework for providing limited tuition relief to students who meet the criteria outlined below, in order to support the goal-defined remediation necessary for successful completion of a two-year Master’s degree program in the New York Medical College (NYMC) Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBMS).
II. POLICY
It is the policy of the NYMC GSBMS that students who enter their fourth and final semester of a two-year Master’s program with 26 completed credits and a GPA of ≥3.0, and who have submitted an approved literature review by the posted deadline, may request tuition assistance for remediation purposes if their grade in one of the courses (of four or fewer credits) in their final semester reduces their cumulative GPA below the 3.0 benchmark. If approved and funds are available, assistance of up to 50% of tuition may be granted.
III. SCOPE
This policy applies to all two-year GSBMS Master’s students.
IV. PROCEDURES
A. Eligible students must submit a formal request for tuition relief within ten (10) business days following the release of final grades. Such request must include:
1. A written statement describing the circumstances contributing to the academic deficiency and the student’s plan for successful remediation;
2. An updated transcript demonstrating completion of at least 26 credits prior to the final semester and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater entering the final semester;
3. Documentation confirming approval and timely submission of a required capstone project; and
4. Any supporting documentation deemed relevant by the student.
B. Review Process
1. Requests shall be reviewed by a review committee consisting of:
a. The Program Director;
b. The Associate Dean of MS Programs; and
c. The GSBMS Dean.
2. The review committee shall consider:
a. The student’s overall academic performance;
b. The student’s professionalism and conduct;
c. Any extenuating circumstances;
d. The student’s likelihood of successful remediation; and
e. Availability of institutional funding.
3. Approval of tuition relief is not automatic and shall be granted at the discretion of the institution.
C. Conditions of Remediation
1. Students approved for tuition relief must either repeat the identified course at the next available offering or enroll in an additional course approved by the program director.
2. Students must earn a grade sufficient to restore the cumulative GPA to at least 3.0 in accordance with institutional graduation requirements.
3. Failure to successfully complete the remediation attempt may result in dismissal or other academic action pursuant to institutional policy.
D. Limitations
1. Tuition relief under this policy may be granted only once during a student’s enrollment in the program.
2. Students are ineligible if they entered the final semester with a GPA below 3.0.
3. This procedure does not supersede existing institutional academic standards, financial aid policies, or dismissal procedures.
V. EFFECTIVE DATE
This policy is effective immediately.
VI. POLICY MANAGEMENT
Executive Stakeholder: Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Oversight Office: Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Dean’s Office
