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Academic Policies & Procedures

Approval, Accreditation, and Licensure
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine has been approved by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE) as a degree-granting institution. Pacific College is not a public institution. A Master of Science (Traditional Oriental Medicine) (M.S.T.O.M.) or Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) degree is awarded upon successful completion of the respective degree program. Massage Technician, Massage Therapist, Oriental Body Therapist, Holistic Health Practitioner, and Tui Na certificates are awarded upon successful completion of the respective certificate programs

International Students
Pacific College (San Diego, New York) is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. The DAOM degree program is not authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students at this time.

Academic Course Load
The typical semester in the first year of the doctoral program will comprise 10 didactic and 3.5 clinical credits. The last two semesters will have 9 didactic and 6.5 or 5.5 clinical credits. The maximum didactic course load for which a student may register is 12 units in any term; higher levels of registration must be approved by the Academic Dean in writing, and such approval will only be granted after reviewing the student’s previous course load and grade point average. A student must complete the DAOM in no more than four years. Students who have not completed the program in the required time period must reapply, and if accepted, must complete the requirements of the program in place at the time of reapplication, in addition to any remedial work prescribed by the Academic Dean.

Graduation Requirements
A student is eligible for graduation and the award of the doctoral degree when he or she has satisfactorily completed all didactic and clinical courses, passed any and all comprehensive exams, satisfactorily completed and presented their Clinical Capstone Project, completed an exit interview, and met all financial and recordkeeping responsibilities of the program.

Grading System
Students receive letter grade symbols in most academic and clinical courses. Grade symbols are assigned and measured at the completion of each semester. There is a presumption that grades assigned are correct. It is the responsibility of anyone appealing an assigned grade to demonstrate otherwise. Students should seek first to resolve any discrepancy with the instructor. If unresolved, the student should seek advice from the Registrar or Academic Dean for the appropriate procedure. A student requesting a change of grade or failure to receive a grade must notify the administration in writing within 30 days of the end of the term. A faculty member cannot assign the administrative symbol “W” for withdrawal. The instructor normally submits grades within seven days following the final examination. A computer-printed term grade report is issued by the Registrar’s office within seven days of receiving all grades. A plus/minus system is used at Pacific at the discretion of the instructor. The grades A+, C-, F+, F- are not used. In general, “A” indicates outstanding achievement and is available for the highest accomplishment. “B” indicates average and satisfactory performance. “C” is minimally passing. “F” is failing. “P” indicates passing and is not calculated in the Grade Point Average.

Authorized Incomplete Grade
The symbol “I” (Incomplete Authorized) indicates that a portion of the required coursework has not been completed and evaluated in the prescribed time period due to unforeseen, but fully justified, reasons and that there is still a possibility of earning credit. Incompletes may not be granted for below minimum attendance. It is the responsibility of the student to bring pertinent information to the instructor and to reach an agreement on the means by which the remaining course requirements will be satisfied. An Incomplete shall not be assigned when the only way a student can make up the work would be to attend a major portion of the course when it is next offered. An “I” may not be assigned when the student’s GPA in the class is less than 70%. A student receiving an “I” must make up the specified deficiency and receive a grade before the beginning of the next semester, or the “I” automatically becomes an “F” on the first day of the new term and the course must be retaken at normal tuition rates. It is the student’s responsibility to ascertain that the instructor has delivered the final grade to the administration before the new term begins.

Minimum Grade and Grade Point Average
A grade of “C” (2.0) or higher must be earned in each academic course, an overall grade point average of “B” (3.0) must be maintained in all academic coursework. A student receiving a grade below “C”, “FW” or an “F” is responsible for retaking the course in the following semester, or the next time the course is offered, at normal tuition rates.

Course Examination Rules
Make-up of a missed examination is subject to approval by the faculty member involved. Make-up exam fees are applicable (See Fee Schedule). Faculty are under no obligation to excuse a student from an exam and may assign a failing grade to a missed exam.
1. Students must notify the instructor that they will miss an exam and the reason.
2. If excused, mid-term & final exams must be made up within one week of the exam date. The Administration office may administer these exams (see Tuition and Fees: Make-up fees).
3. Failed Examinations: Students are not permitted to retake any failed exam in academic courses without the permission of the Instructor and the Academic Dean. Such permission is granted only in the case of extenuating circumstances.

Course Completion Requirements
The successful completion of a course at Pacific College indicates the student has met minimum attendance and grade requirements, has earned transfer credit, or has successfully challenged the course, in addition to fulfilling all financial obligations.

Repeated Courses
Courses in which a “Fail” or “Withdrawal Failure” grade is earned must be retaken at normal tuition rates the next time the course is offered. The student may not progress to the next sequential course in the respective series until the “F” or “FW” has been remedied. When a student repeats a course in which an “F” or “FW” has been earned, both grades will remain on the student’s record and both will be calculated in the student’s GPA.

Minimum Attendance Requirements
Regular attendance is a requirement for getting the most from your education at Pacific College. Students must attend 75% of the hours scheduled for any given academic course or a grade of “F” is assigned and the course must be retaken at normal tuition rates. Faculty may establish attendance requirements in excess of 75% with the approval of the Academic Dean. Clinical courses and some academic courses require 100% attendance. Students who complete less than the required time will be assigned an “Incomplete” grade. In 100% attendance courses, up to 25% of the required time may be made up by re-enrolling in the same course for the time and specific performance requirements which were missed, at prorated, normal tuition rates. In 100% attendance courses, where more than 25% of the course is missed, an “F” grade is assigned. Unless a student can demonstrate extenuating circumstances to the Academic Dean, there is no provision for making up missed time in courses requiring either 75% or 100% attendance, and the student’s attendance may be considered in assessment of grades.

Academic Probation
A student may be placed on academic probation for any of the following reasons:
1. Student’s overall or semester cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) falls below a “B” (3.0).
2. The student receives a grade of “F” or “FW”. During probation, depending on the judgment of the Academic Dean students may be allowed to continue permitted coursework.

Disqualification
A disqualified student is one who is barred from further attendance at the institution for academic or administrative reasons. A student on probation will be disqualified from the program:
1. After one academic term on probation, the student’s cumulative Grade Point Average is less than “B” (3.0).
2. An “F” or “FW” grade was earned during the semester on probation.
3. The student failed to adhere to a schedule of remedial work and re-examination determined by the Academic Dean. In the case of failing a comprehensive exam, it is the student’s responsibility to ascertain, by meeting with the Academic Dean or Registrar, the conditions under which they may attempt re-examination or undertake remedial work.

Academic Appeal Process
A student may appeal the designation of unsatisfactory progress, the termination of financial aid, or any other matter pertaining to financial aid to the Admissions and Advancement Committee based upon extenuating circumstances. In such cases, the Committee may determine that the student is making satisfactory progress toward the degree despite the failure to conform within the time frame or minimum grade average.

Disciplinary Actions
A student may be expelled, suspended, placed on probation, disqualified, warned, or fined (for safety violations) for any of the following campus related causes:
1. Cheating, plagiarism, or forgery in coursework or on college documents.
2. Obstruction, disruptive behavior, physical abuse, theft, misuse, unauthorized entry, sexual harassment, engaging in lewd, obscene or abusive behavior, or threat of same in relation to campus property, processes, or members of the campus community.
3. The sale, possession, or use of dangerous drugs or narcotics except when lawfully prescribed for medical care or research.
4. Possession or use of explosives, dangerous chemicals, or deadly weapons.
5. Practicing acupuncture or Oriental medicine without a license valid in the State where practicing, unless under formal clinical college supervision.
6. Soliciting or assisting another in acts mentioned above. Students should recognize that the above violations reflect willful disregard for professional conduct and that, in most cases, first offenses will result in a minimum of one semester suspension from the program.
7. Academic deficiency, including grades, Grade Point Average, unit load, or excessive absences.
8. Failure to meet the standards for safety, behavior, or dress and appearance set forth in the Clinic Manuals.
9. Conducting any business enterprise on or around the institution’s premises without the expressed, written approval of the institution.
10. Attending advanced courses without the necessary prerequisites.
11. Soliciting or assisting another in acts mentioned above.
12. If, at any time, in the judgment of the Admissions and Advancement Committee, a student presents a risk to him/herself, the reputation of the college, fellow students, or patients of the college, that student may be suspended or disqualified from the institution.

Professional Conduct
Students must maintain appropriate professional standards of conduct and appearance at the school. Specific regulations related to the clinic are found in the clinic manuals.

Disciplinary Procedures
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) may expel, disqualify, suspend, place on probation, or warn the student, faculty, or staff for any of the causes listed above or others that it deems reasonable. The individual in question will be notified in writing by the COO regarding disciplinary procedures and the length, amount, or conditions of any disciplinary action. During a period of suspension, interim suspension, or after expulsion or disqualification, the student shall not, without prior written permission of the COO or his designated representative, enter the premises other than to attend a disciplinary hearing. Violation of any condition of suspension or interim suspension shall be grounds for expulsion.

Fees and Disciplinary Actions
For any of the above disciplinary actions, no fees or tuition paid by a student for the semester in which they are suspended, expelled, or disqualified shall be refunded, unless required by statute or regulation.

Grievance Committee
If a member of the institution is unable to resolve a difference with another through normal channels, the involved parties may request that the President convene a Grievance Committee. To initiate a grievance, a written request must be submitted to the office of the COO and/or the President. The President will decide if convening a Grievance Committee is appropriate. If so, the request, along with associated documents and pertinent interviews, will be examined by the Grievance Committee whose members typically comprise student, faculty, and administrative representatives uninvolved in the related issue. The Grievance Committee will report its findings and recommendations to the COO and President. The President will issue a ruling on the grievance. Notification to the involved parties will be made within a reasonable period. In California, complaints which are still unresolved after the Grievance Committee’s decision may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, 400 R St., Ste. 5000, Sacramento, CA 95814 and/or the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
(ACAOM), Maryland Trade Center 3, 7501 Greenway Center Dr., Ste 820, Greenbelt, MD 20770. Phone: 301/313-0855. The existence of the grievance policy and procedure does not require the institution to convene a Grievance Committee prior to any disciplinary or academic decision unless it is requested and the cause for the request is determined to be reasonable by the President.

Emergency Procedures
During periods of campus emergency, as determined by the COO of the school, the COO may, after consultation with the President and such members of the Board of Directors as are immediately available, place into immediate effect any emergency regulations or procedures necessary to meet the emergency, safeguard persons and property, and maintain educational activities. The COO may immediately impose an interim suspension in cases where there is reasonable cause to believe that such action is required in order to protect lives or property, and/or to ensure the maintenance of order. Any Clinical Instructor, Clinic Director, or Clinic Manager may immediately impose an interim suspension upon a clinical trainee in cases where there is reasonable cause to believe that such action is required in order to protect the health and welfare of persons and/or the professional reputation of the school.

Sexual Harassment Policy
The sexual harassment and sexual assault policies are given to all students at the new student orientation. Additional copies are available from the administration.

To download this policy, please click on this link: