Academic Policies

The American University of Sint Maarten School of Medicine takes great pride in keeping its academic standards high. To ensure that all students are well-informed, the AUSM Student Handbook of Policies and Procedures is released every semester. Please note that the information in the handbook supersedes what is provided on this website. It is the responsibility of each student to familiarize themselves with all the regulations outlined in the Student Handbook, including any changes or modifications. I will provide you with a summary of some of the university's academic policies, but for a comprehensive listing, please refer to the handbook.

New Student Registration :

At the start of each semester, it is mandatory for all students to personally confirm their registration before classes commence. Please ensure that any required documentation related to your admission is on file during this time. Remember, registration is only considered complete and official once tuition and fees have been paid in full and confirmation has been received. It is crucial that you make payment before the specified due dates, which are announced each semester. If you have any questions regarding tuition, fees, payments, returned checks, late fees, or refunds, please reach out to the AUSM Office of the Sint Maarten.

Grading :

In the Basic Science Program, a passing grade of 70% (equivalent to a grade of C) is required for all courses. Any grade below 70% is considered a failure (equivalent to a grade of "F"). To ensure satisfactory academic progress, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. If a student receives a grade of "F" in any course, they will be placed on academic probation. Furthermore, failing to pass a repeated course with a grade of "C" or better may lead to dismissal from the medical program. It is important to note that the maximum time allotted for completion cannot exceed 150% of the required credits for graduation.

Competency examinations:

For course examinations, all students are expected to sit for scheduled exams, unless they are on an approved leave of absence. In the case of illness preventing attendance, students must provide documentation proving they were under the care of a physician at the time of the examination. The makeup examination format will be determined by the course instructor. Alternatively, the instructor has the option to average the student's other exam scores in the course and use the averaged score in place of the missed examination.

Student progress:

Attendance is compulsory for 80% of all classes and 100% of labs, examinations, and clinical clerkships. Any unavoidable or unexcused absences will be handled on a case- by-case basis. However, excessive lateness or absence from a course may result in a failing grade. If you require an extended absence from class, you may request a Leave of Absence, whether it is due to an emergency or academic reasons.

Academic probation:

If a student receives a failing grade in any course during the Basic Science segment, they will be placed on academic probation for the following term. To have the probation lifted, the student must successfully pass the course(s) in the probationary term and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. However, any subsequent failure in a repeated course or during a probationary term will be considered grounds for academic dismissal. Students with cumulative GPA below 2.0 will remain on Academic Probation until their GPA reaches or exceeds 2.0. During the clinical science portion of the curriculum, a student will be placed on probation if they receive a failing grade in any required or elective rotation. If a student fails a repeated rotation or fails two rotations, they will face academic dismissal.