Student Handbook
Statement of Policies and Procedures in the Student Handbook
This online publication of the Student Handbook (“Handbook”) is not intended, nor shall it be construed, as a contract (express or implied) between the Keck School of Medicine of USC (“KSOM”) and any student or individual.
The policies and procedures contained in this Handbook supersede any and all prior practices, oral or written representations, and statements previously disseminated by KSOM. KSOM reserves the right to modify, deviate from, make exceptions to, suspend, and cancel, with or without notice, the provisions of the Handbook at any time, and to apply any such right to any student, without regard to date of application, admission, or enrollment. KSOM reserves the right to interpret the meaning of all policies and procedures in this Handbook and its decisions regarding such matters shall be final. Every student is responsible for knowledge of, and complying with, the policies and procedures contained in this Handbook and on SCAMPUS, and any amendments thereto.
Student Policies
Admission and Matriculation
- Essential Technical Standards
- Admission with Advanced Standing and Transfer Students
- Criminal Background Check Toxicology Screening and Disclosure Policy and Procedures
Academic Standards
- Attendance, Absence, and Compliance with Make-Up Assignments
- Appeal Process
- Conflict of Interest in Student Assessment and Supervision
- Criteria and Process for Approving Year III-IV Selective and Elective Courses
- Discretionary Time
- Dismissal
- Electives and Selectives
- Evaluation and Grade Appeal
- Examination Administration
- Final Grade Reporting
- Formative Assessment and Feedback
- Good Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Grading
- Graduation Requirements
- Instructional Time
- Leave of Absence
- Medical Student Performance Evaluation
- Medical Student Supervision
- Narrative Assessment
- OSCE & CPX
- Probation
- Promotion
- Repeat of the Academic Year
- Required Clerkship and Site Placement
- Resident as Teacher
- Retake of Examination
- USMLE Exam
- Withdrawal
Professional Standards
- Code of Professional Behavior
- Mistreatment Prevention and Reporting
- Professionalism At Risk
- Dress Code
- Guidance on Medical Student Participation in Peaceful Protests
- Official Correspondence
- Social Media Policy
- Student Evaluation Completion
Diversity
Student Health & Wellness
- Assessment of Student Performance by Healthcare Providers
- Medical Student Vaccination Requirements and Allowable Clinical Activities of Medical Students with Chronic Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and/or HIV Infections
- Prevention of Blood-borne Pathogen Infection and Treatment Following Accidental Exposure
- Students Needing Access to Healthcare Services
Student Records
- Student Education Records Policy
- Student Record and Record Retention Policy
- Student Review of Educational Records
Operational Policies
- Affiliation Agreements
- Evaluation, Survey and Assessment Policy
- MD Program Teaching Excellence Awards
- Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement
- Use of KSOM Class Listserv email List
University Policies
Faculty Policies
For faculty policies — including the school’s governance document and faculty handbook — visit the Office of Faculty Affairs website at: