Program Overview and Outcomes

Program Policies

• Program Structure and Governance

  BACKGROUND and PURPOSE

  The Department of Physician Assistant Medicine is one of ten departments that comprise the Dumke College of Health Professions at Weber State University. 

  The purpose of this policy is to diagram and describe the organizational relationship of the Weber State University Physician Assistant Program to the sponsoring institution App3a, and convey the governance processes and operations of the WSU PA Program.

  POLICY

  Administrative Structure and Reporting

  The Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine serves as the Program Director as well as head administrator and therefore ultimately responsible for the WSU PA Program operations. S/he works closely with and reports to the Dean of the Dumke College of Health Professions (DCHP) to ensure that program operations are in harmony with the policies and regulations of the College and Weber State University. All Physician Assistant (PA) Program principal faculty, medical director, and staff report directly to the Program Director. 

  The following diagram demonstrates the administrative structure and reporting pathways for DCHP and the WSU PA Program: ^A2.02a

   

  The Program Director, Medical Director, and principal faculty contribute their skills in all major areas of academia including student instructionA2.05c, service, scholarship, and administration. The time dedicated to each area differs depending on the position, however, the primary function and expectation of faculty at Weber State University is teaching and student engagement. 

  At least two of the principle faculty will be NCCPA Certified.A2.02b Specific duties for each program position are defined in respective Job Descriptions and Task Lists.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

• Policy Administration

  BACKGROUND and PURPOSE

  The Weber State University Physician Assistant Program is committed to providing clear expectations to students. Policies provide a roadmap for the day-to-day operations of the program and are intended to aid with orientation, ensure compliance with rules and regulations, guide decision-making, and streamline internal processes. 

  The purpose of this policy is to define, publish, make readily available the program’s process for developing, approving, reviewing, and disseminating program policy. 

  POLICY 

  Faculty and staff contribute to policy development but oversight lies with the Program Review Committee (PRC). Policies undergo annual review at the program’s Department Retreat, with particular attention to alignment with ARC-PA standards. In addition, the committee ensures policies align with federal, state, local, and university statutes and regulations, and are readily available and consistently applied to all principal faculty, the program director, and students both on campus and at clinical SCPE sites. ^{A1.02f, A3.01, A3.02}  

  Any changes to existing policies, or development of new policies, must be reviewed and approved by the PRC prior to implementation. 

  The program reserves the right to change existing policies or create new policies and apply these changes to currently enrolled students, without prior notice. When policy modifications result in changes to academic progression or graduation requirements, students will be notified.

  University legal counsel reviews relevant policies as requested to ensure compliance with federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations. When updates are made in university policy to align with changes or updates to federal, state, or local statutes, rules, and regulations, the Office of Legal Counsel will work with the program director to ensure PA program policies also reflect these changes. ^A1.02f 

  In the case where a clinical site policy is at a higher standard than those of the program, the clinical site policy will supersede the program policy as outlined in the signed affiliation agreement. ^A3.01

  When changes are made to a WSU PA Program policy, a copy will be made that includes the modification date and an explanation of why the modification was necessary. Copies are archived for the following purposes: 

  • As a method to demonstrate results of analysis from ongoing self-assessment.
  • For students who enter the program under a prior policy. 

   

   

  Attestation

  Program policies are reviewed during new student orientation and students are required to sign a statement indicating they understand and agree to adhere with program policies as written. Breach of any policy will require the student to meet with the Academic Standards and Progression Committee (ASPC); academic sanctions may be applied, up to and including dismissal from the program.

  ___________________________________________

  Related ARC Standards: None

  Effective Date: 01/2023.  Review History: 2023

  Responsible Committee: ASPC

• Matriculation Requirements

   

• Academic Advising

  BACKGROUND and PURPOSE

  Academic advising is a relationship between an advisor and advisee that centers on academic matters, program performance, career planning, and other related topics. Advisors also serve as a guide and mentor, drawing upon available resources, on and off campus and experience to help students struggling with burdensome matters that may be affecting their ability to succeed academically. 

  The purpose of WSU PA Program academic advising policy is to ensure there is a formalized process and access to resources to assist students to stay on track and reach their academic and professional goals.

  POLICY

  Academic Advising

  Students accepted into the WSU PA Program are assigned a Faculty Academic Advisor responsible for mentoring and helping with the development of academic, personal, and professional goals and proficiencies. The advising process is grounded in a foundation of caring, teaching, learning, support, and affirmation and will be a welcoming and open space for students to learn, grow, and develop. 

  Faculty meet on a regular basis to discuss student performance and progress. When possible, privacy will be respected and confidentiality maintained. Faculty are mandated reporters and are required by law to report reasonable suspicions of abuse or domestic violence. 

  When indicated students will receive feedback from these collaborative discussions through their advisor. ^A2.05e

  Advisors will meet with advisees formally at least once per semester and as needed by appointment or during office hours. Meetings may include but are not limited to the following: 

  Review of academic progress and readiness for graduation. 

  Early identification and intervention of academic deficiencies.

  Support in achieving academic and professional objectives and advice in areas of academic deficiencies.

  Assist with remediation of Academic Standards, as defined in the Program Progression policy.

   

  Except for in emergency situations, program faculty, the program director, and the medical director may not participate as healthcare providers for students enrolled in the program, and do not have access to any protected student health information. Students are not to ask faculty for medical advice. ^A3.09

  Student Resources

  Students enrolled in the Weber State University PA Program have full access to student support services located on and off of the university campus. (WSU Student Services). ^{A1.04, A3.10}  An abbreviated list of resources is found on page 4 of this policy and in the Student Handbook. 

  • Discussion of graduation requirements and exit interviews. ^{C1.01d  App 14E2}

  • Referrals to student support services when necessary, to address personal issues that may impact their progress in the program. ^A3.10

• Attendance and Punctuality

   

• Code of Professional Conduct 

   

• Dress and Grooming Standards

   

• Privacy and Confidentiality

   

• Social Media and Digital Etiquette

   

• Required Academic Standards / Remediation 

   

• Program Progression

   

• Graduation Requirements

   

• Student Assessment

   

• Leave of Absence, Deceleration, Program Withdrawal

   

• Grievances and Appeals

   

• Student Employment / Shadowing 

   

• Student Identification and Representation

   

• Infection Control and Exposure

   

• Student Program Evaluation / Surveys

   

• Privacy and Confidentiality

   

• Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct

   

• SCPE Placements 

  
   

• SCPE Selection, Monitoring, Retention

   

• Safety

   

• Teach-Out

   

• Program Files