Student Misconceptions

Misconception #1:  If I take an elective during a recognized holiday like Christmas or Thanksgiving, I will automatically get that holiday off as a vacation day.

If you decide to take part in an elective during calendar holidays, you are responsible for participating in any and all activities that faculty deem necessary to fulfill the course objectives.  These activities may take place at any time, day or night, seven days a week regardless of any recognized State or University holidays.  In order to avoid any confusion or conflict, it is wise to inquire at the beginning of an elective what the policy is concerning holidays, weekends, and required attendance.

Misconception #2:  Since it is necessary for me to interview in order to secure a residency, I am entitled to a certain amount of days off during an elective for travel and interview time.

Although the faculty in charge of an elective may choose to grant time off to students to interview without penalty, this is by no means required of them.  Faculty may decide not to grant you any credit or to award only partial credit for an elective if you miss too many days.  At the discretion of the faculty, additional assignments may be required to make up any time lost.  You are given 8.5 weeks of unscheduled time during Year Four, some of which is intended for interviewing.  By granting one student time off for an interview, faculty are in no way committing themselves to do the same for you.

The Y4 Policies and Procedures indicate that there is no interviewing during the Neurology Clerkship rotation.

Misconception #3: If I desire to add or drop an elective, that is my decision and the faculty member in charge is required to sign my add/drop slip.

This is definitely not true. Granting permission for an add/drop is the elective faculty member's prerogative and granting one student permission to drop an elective does not require him or her to do the same for every student who submits an add/drop slip. Faculty are by no means obligated to grant you permission to drop their elective, regardless of the circumstances.  Also, students are reminded that paperwork must be complete and in the office of the Y3/4 Registrar one week prior to the elective start date.  Students are not allowed to drop a course after it has begun.

Misconception #4: So long as I do the work, it doesn't matter when I get my Individually‑Designed or Extramural Elective approved.

It is essential that all Individually-Designed Electives receive approval before work in the elective begins. On occasion, students will start an elective without official approval thinking they can get approval at a later date. Even if an elective faculty member has granted you permission to take part in his/her elective, all necessary documentation outlined in the Year Four Policies & Procedures must be submitted to Cherie Forsyth, Y3/4 Registrar, in accordance with the deadlines set forth in Policy 3.10.  Students MUST adhere to the deadlines in submitting the appropriate documentation.  Lack of attention to this detail will result in denial or reduction of course credit.   

Misconception #5: If I submit an Individually-Designed elective or request an elective, the necessary faculty signatures will be obtained for me.

It is the student's responsibility to see that all faculty signatures are obtained. If you prepare the necessary paperwork and leave it for faculty to sign, it is best to check with faculty in a few days to see if this has been accomplished. Staff is not responsible for obtaining signatures.

Misconception #6: I will receive elective credit for Doctoring Medical Humanities and the Neurology Clerkships.

No. Although they are taken during Year Four, these Clerkships are required activities and are not considered electives.

Misconception #7: If I receive an 'Unsatisfactory' grade for unfinished work or for not dropping an elective on time, this will not show up on my transcript.

This is NOT true.  If you receive an Incomplete (or Unsatisfactory) for unfinished work or for not dropping an elective on time, this will result in a permanent 'Unsatisfactory' on your transcript, which may trigger problems for future licensure throughout your professional career.   

This list of student misconceptions is by no means complete but it is hoped that it may help you avoid at least some possible confusion and conflict in the fourth year. Our thanks are due Dr. Jim Thiele, Class of 1995, Dr. Jeff Karnes, Class of 1997, Christopher White, Class of 2003, and Holly Hoefgen, Class of 2008, for preparation of this section of the catalog. 

Further questions regarding elective policies should be directed to Nancy McCann-Stone, Year Four Coordinator, in the Office of Education and Curriculum.

 080318