School of Dentistry 2023 – 2024 Student Handbook

CONTENTS

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The School of Dentistry Handbook is subject to change at any time by proper authority to be effective whenever determined by the School of Dentistry. The student handbook does not represent an implied contract between the School of Dentistry and the student. 

This School of Dentistry Handbook supersedes and replaces any previous editions or versions. 

Date of Last Revision: March 2024

The University of Mississippi School of Dentistry 

Vision

The University of Mississippi School of Dentistry will be a nationally recognized center of excellence in dental education, patient care, research, and services to improve health outcomes and eliminate dental healthcare disparities for the citizens of Mississippi.

Mission

The mission of the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry is to foster an environment of lifelong learning, collaborative teaching, service, and research through partnerships within the Medical Center and with community organizations and dental health practitioners throughout the State of Mississippi. The School of Dentistry is committed to acquiring and retaining a diverse community of students, residents, fellows, faculty, and staff, which exemplifies qualities of leadership and dedication in preparing competent, ethical dental health professionals for the State of Mississippi and who work to improve health outcomes and eliminate health disparities. 

7 Core Values

Integrity

Professionalism

Caring

Diversity

Leadership

Research

Excellence

Continuous Improvement

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Policies and Procedures

Forward

Students who are preparing for a career in dentistry are expected to conduct themselves in their interactions with patients, fellow students, faculty, and other professionals with honesty, integrity, compassion, and respect. Guidelines for such behavior within the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry are found in the Medical Center's Faculty and Staff Handbook and Personnel Procedures and the form of legal regulations, formal policy, and role models, as well as in the school's consensual code of ethical behavior and professional conduct.

The responsibility for the success of any rules, regulations, or codes of behavior rests with the individual. It is expected that all students, and all in the dental school family, will willingly conduct themselves according to these established guidelines. Only in this way can the individual and the profession be accorded rightful honor and dignity. For these reasons, every student should be familiar with the following policies, regulations, and standards of conduct.

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Academic Policies and Procedures

The following information in this document does not constitute a contract between the School of Dentistry and the student. The School of Dentistry has the right to update and revise guidelines during each academic year or subsequent years of the student's attendance.

All School of Dentistry policies and procedures are derived from the school's stated mission and the Medical Center's mission and vision. The mission of the University of Mississippi Medical Center is to improve the health and well‐being of patients and the community through excellent training for healthcare professionals, engagement in innovative research, and the delivery of state‐of‐the‐art health care. The vision states, "The University of Mississippi Medical Center will be a premier academic health sciences system recognized nationally for high‐quality clinical care, innovative research, and training committed health care professionals who work together to improve health outcomes and eliminate health care disparities."

The School of Dentistry's mission states, "The mission of the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry is to foster an environment of lifelong learning, collaborative teaching, service, and research through partnerships within the Medical Center, and with community organizations and dental health practitioners throughout the State of Mississippi. The School of Dentistry is committed to acquiring and retaining a diverse community of students, residents, fellows, faculty, and staff, which exemplifies qualities of leadership and dedication in preparing competent, ethical dental health professionals for the State of Mississippi and who work to improve health outcomes and eliminate health disparities."

Introduction

The evaluation, promotion, and graduation of students in the School of Dentistry are the faculty's and dean's inherent responsibilities. All relevant and available information should and must be a part of the consideration in discharging these responsibilities.

Student status, or change of status, will be at the recommendation of the Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee (SEPC) with final approval from the Dean of the School of Dentistry. The SEPC is a component of the Office of Education, but the ultimate authority for implementing its recommendations resides with the Dean. The following guidelines outline the criteria for evaluation, promotion, and graduation of students in the School of Dentistry and constitute the policy for that process. Evaluation of student performance is an ongoing process based on specific criteria made known to students and faculty before each sequence. A student must complete each prescribed course at the established acceptable level to remain in good standing. Student evaluation, promotion, and graduation problems are handled individually through the SEPC.

Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee

The SEPC comprises seven full‐time faculty members and the Assistant Dean for Education, as the permanent chairman. The Dean appoints five clinical science and two basic science faculty members for three years. Lengths of terms are adjusted so that no more than one basic science member and two clinical science members are appointed during one academic year. All deliberations and records of the SEPC are considered confidential and will be made available only to the Office of the Dean. The Office of the Dean may use the information (within right‐to‐privacy guidelines) for School of Dentistry purposes as considered necessary and appropriate, but always within the legal constraints of the rules and regulations of the School of Dentistry.

A breach of confidentiality of SEPC information within the committee's membership or by any faculty, student, or staff of the School of Dentistry shall be subject to action by the Dean.

The petition of a student or designee for information utilized in reaching a recommendation for academic action shall be considered on its merit and may be determined by the legal constraints of the School of Dentistry. 

Academic Status

The Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee, which makes its recommendations to the Dean, determine academic status. The Dean has final approval.

Course Grades

The School of Dentistry reports most grades on a 0‐100 numerical scale. The numerical grade is converted to a 4.0‐point scale for letter grade reporting of A, B, C, or F. Some course grades are reported as Pass/Fail (P/F).

Determining course grades is a departmental responsibility; however, the grading system must be made known in writing to students at the beginning of each course.

A grade of 70 or above (2.0 or above in the 4.0 conversion) or a "P" in a pass/fail course is a passing grade given when course work has been completed satisfactorily according to course guidelines. Passing grades are necessary for promotion and graduation.

A grade of less than 70 (less than 2.0 in the 4.0 conversion) or an "F" in a pass/fail course is given when the expected work is unsatisfactory according to established course guidelines. The SEPC recommends whether a student with a failing grade will be subject to re‐examination, remediation of the course(s), a repeat of the year, or dismissal.

A numerical progress grade, indicating progress‐to‐date in a course, is given when a course continues into the next academic semester. A progress grade does not appear on a permanent transcript.

If work is incomplete for reasons beyond a student's control, a temporary grade of "I" is given. The incomplete must be replaced with a final grade before the termination of the following semester. 

The administrative responsibility to obtain, record, and distribute grades falls under the UMMC Office of Enrollment Management.

If a student is required to repeat a course, the initial grade and the subsequent grade are included on the student's transcript, but only the initial grade is used to compute academic class rank and grade point average.

Students are ranked numerically in their respective classes at the end of each semester and academic year. The class rank is used in decision‐making concerning honors, awards, and scholarships, which specify a certain academic standing. 

Policy on Good Academic Standing

The purpose of the Policy on Good Academic Standing is to define criteria for a student to be considered in good academic standing. The criteria is as follows

• Achieve a grade of 70 or above in each numerically graded course or a grade of Pass in each Pass/Fail graded course;
• Satisfactorily complete all requirements for each course in the syllabi and
• applicable requirements in the Student Handbook for Clinical Evaluation.

A student is not in good academic standing if he/she is on probation. Students who are repeating a single course or an entire year or who are in remediation of one or more courses are placed on probation. Students who have not completed hepatitis vaccination by the end of the D1 fall semester will be placed on probation. Students who have sanctions placed due to ethics violations are placed on probation. Probation status is removed when the reason for the probation is completed/corrected and affirmed by the Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee vote. Approved by SOD Executive Committee ‐ April 28, 2014

Academic Promotion & Graduation

Listed below are the minimum acceptable standards of scholastic performance, promotion, and graduation: 

1. Scholastic performance and promotions, first, second, and third years:
   • Achieve a grade of 70 or more in each numerically graded course, a grade of Pass in each Pass/Fail graded course, and satisfactorily complete all requirements stated for each course in the syllabus and all Clinical Practice guidelines in each Clinical Practice syllabus.
2. Fourth‐year eligibility requirements for the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree:
   • Achieve a grade of 70 or more in each course and satisfactorily complete all requirements stated for each course in the syllabus, including all Clinical Practice 675 guidelines in each Clinical Practice 675 syllabus.
   • For the class of 2022 and later, students must register for and take the Integrated National Board Dental Examination during the academic graduating year.
   • Discharge all financial obligations to this school; and
   • Merit a recommendation from the SEPC to the Dean for eligibility to receive the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Factors other than academic achievement are and may be used to determine the eligibility for a student to be granted a dental degree. The School and University make no actual or implied guarantee that any student completing most or all the required work will be granted a dental degree.

Academic Performance Documentation

Official records of academic progress are maintained in the Office of Enrollment Management for the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Students may access their grade reports online in Workday. 

Unauthorized Program Withdrawal

A student absent from the program for five (5) consecutive school days without notifying the Office of Student Affairs and Inclusion and without presenting an acceptable written excuse may be considered to have an Unauthorized Program Withdrawal. A student who withdraws or leaves the program without authorization shall be informed in writing that grounds for dismissal exist. Failure to meet with the Dean within ten (10) days after said notification shall result in "F" grades being entered on the student's academic record for all courses in progress. If this occurs, the recommendation will be immediate dismissal from the program. 

Academic Grievance Policy

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This policy is intended to guarantee the rights of students without encroaching on academic freedoms or restricting the traditional prerogatives of faculty.

A student academic grievance consists of a concern with faculty, administrators, staff members, or other employees regarding evaluation of student performance, conduct of instructors, and other activities related to academic policies of the school.

Students should be aware of their rights and responsibilities under university policies covering admission, academic performance, and retention. Denial of a student's right under these policies may constitute grounds for an academic grievance. 

The list that follows includes some potential grounds for grievance. The list is not to be considered all inclusive. Neither shall proof of any of the following necessarily assure a finding in favor of the grievant. A difference of opinion between student and instructor concerning evaluation of student work or progress is not normally considered grounds for grievance.

• Consistent failure of the instructor to be available to students for individual consultation outside the classroom during scheduled hours or by appointment
• Grades based on factors other than the student's academic or professional performance.
• Class assignments that are not related to the course, including work assigned solely for the instructor's personal
• Unreasonable grade penalties assessed for absenteeism. (The SOD attendance policy may be found in PolicyTech by searching for "Attendance Policy.")
• Class assignments that are punitive.
• Excessive absenteeism by the instructor.
• Unreasonable departure from the primary objectives as stated in the course description and/or syllabus.

The burden of proof of academic mistreatment lies with the student.

Academic Grievance Procedures

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The procedural steps outlined below will be followed in any case of a student seeking redress of alleged academic mistreatment: 

• The student should consult with the Assistant Dean for Community who will serve as student advocate in the grievance process.
• The student will submit a written statement to the Associate Dean for Education outlining the details and rationale for the grievance.
• The Assistant Dean for Education will consult with the relevant faculty member(s) and with the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs if the grievance is related to clinical work in an attempt to resolve the matter.
• The Assistant Dean for Education will meet with the student to discuss the status of the grievance resolution. If the student is satisfied with the resolution at this point, all relevant parties, including the Dean, will be notified of recommendations made and actions to be taken.
• If the student feels the matter has not been resolved appropriately, an appeal may be made to the Dean who may call the grievance committee to consider the matter and serve as recommending body to the Dean. The grievance committee shall consist of at least three School of Dentistry chairs. The minutes of the committee meetings and the recommendation of the committee are to besubmitted in writing to the Dean. The decision of the Dean is final. 

Student Complaints

Students have the right to complain without fear of retribution or retaliation from UMMC or its employees. Students should review the UMMC Student Complaint policy and may submit formal written complaints to the Office for Student Success within the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs using the institutional UMMC Student Complaint Form.

American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation Notice of Opportunity to File Complaints

The University of Mississippi School of Dentistry is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. In accord with the U.S. Department of Education's Criteria and Procedures for Recognition of Accrediting Agencies, the Commission requires accredited programs to notify students of an opportunity to file complaints with the Commission. 

The Commission on Dental Accreditation will review complaints from students, patients, staff, or faculty that relate to a program's compliance with the accreditation standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental and dental‐related education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for treatment received by patients or individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff, or students.

A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission's policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611‐2678 or by calling 1‐800‐621‐8099, extension 4653.

Academic Achievement Program

(Revised April 4, 2023)

The purpose of the Academic Achievement Program (AAP) is to create a set of criteria on which student academic performance will be monitored by the Academic Advisor. The procedural guidelines are listed below.

Procedures

1. Monitoring of student grades will be conducted by the Academic Advisor, in consultation with the Assistant Dean for Education.
2. Criteria to be monitored for placement in the AAP are:
   1. 75% or below on at least one of the following exams: Biochemistry, Histology, Tooth Morphology
   2. 75% or below on any one exam during the D2 year and beyond
3. Criteria to be placed in the AAP are:
   1. Failure on any test in the D1 year
   2. 75% or below on at least two of the following exams: Biochemistry, Histology, Tooth Morphology
   3. More than 2 exam failures in any combination of courses in a semester
   4. Being placed on a remediation plan for a failed course
   5. Upon recommendation by the Academic Advisor or any of the Associate, and Assistant Deans in the School of Dentistry. Faculty may make recommendations to the Offices of Education or Student Affairs for review of a student to be placed in the AAP.
4. Upon meeting criteria for monitoring or placement in the program, the Academic Advisor will notify the student to schedule a meeting within 2 weeks of receipt of notification.
5. The Academic Advisor will complete an initial review of the student's previous academic performance, support systems, and study habits. Referrals to the Student Wellness Center, outside physicians, or the employee assistance program may be made.
6. The Academic Advisor will be responsible for assisting the student in their learning goals. Tasks may include assistance formulating a study plan, improving study skills and learning strategies, setting realistic goals, and providing an external locus of accountability.
7. Students being monitored or placed in the APP will communicate with the Academic Advisor on a regular schedule as follows:
   1. If being monitored:
      1. The student must meet with the Academic Advisor on a monthly basis.  The advisor may require these meetings to be in person or allow them to occur via email, depending on student progression.
   2. If placed in the AAP:
      1. The student must meet with the Academic Advisor a minimum of once every 2 weeks. The Academic Advisor may require these meetings to be in person or allow them to occur via email, depending on student progression
      2. Study plans and goal setting will take place with the Academic Advisor
   3. Additional meetings may also be required by the Academic Advisor or requested by the student.
8. Once enrolled, the student will remain active in the program until successful completion of any current remediation plans and upon receiving no failing grades for a course for a semester.
9. Notes for all meetings between the student and Academic Advisor or the student and the Administrative Advisor will be maintained to track student participation. These notes will be available to the student for review upon request and will be available to the Promotions Committee and Executive Faculty as needed for decisions regarding promotion or dismissal.
10. At regularly scheduled meetings, the advisor and consultants will discuss each student's progress to formulate performance improvement plans. 

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Attendance Policies

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Clinic

Specific information on clinical attendance, or utilization, for clinical courses is available in the clinical syllabus for each course. A >85% clinic attendance/utilization is encouraged for D3 and D4 students. Available clinic sessions are those sessions with 2, 3 or 4 hours available for patient care published in the Daily Schedule provided by the Office of Education. An individual student's schedule may be viewed in the electronic health record on their student scheduling template.

Clinic attendance/utilization is determined by available session and is reported monthly and at the end of a semester. Students are excused for clinical attendance/utilization if their absence involves a university‐sanctioned event.

The Office of Clinical Affairs approval is required to close clinic slots for a planned absence. Students are required to notify the office of Patient Care Services at least 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) prior for a planned absence to close any open clinic slots in the electronic health record. In the event of an unexpected absence from clinic, students should notify the office of Patient Care Services within 24 hours prior to an absence to allow any patients to be rescheduled or seen by the student.

Exceptional circumstances involving clinic absence, or utilization

The student notifies the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs who will review the request with the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs to determine if the request warrants waiving the clinic attendance/utilization requirement for the dates of the absence(s). Consideration of exceptional circumstances occurs after the student clinical absences/ utilization results in a failing grade in a course.

If a failing grade in a clinical course occurs due to lack of clinic attendance/utilization, the student receives an F (numeric grade of 55) for the course and the Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee (SEPC) considers this grade. The SEPC recommendation may be to allow the student to continue academic probation, repeat of the year, or dismissal.

Class

The delivery method for courses will vary depending on the type of course and the various activities within a course. Didactic courses may be delivered in‐person or in some version of a hybrid in‐person/virtual format. Preclinical and clinical courses are presented in‐person, and attendance is mandatory. Course coordinators will determine the delivery format to be used, and this information will be presented to students at the beginning of a course.

During a course, course coordinators may require mandatory in‐person attendance for certain lectures or topics. For preclinical courses, clinical courses, and required attendance lectures or topics, attendance is required. Arriving late or leaving early in these situations is counted as an absence.

If a dental student is absent from a required class session, the student must contact the course coordinator by UMMC email prior to the next class session to make up the missed class. Any additional remedial assignments for the missed class will be at the discretion of the course coordinator. Failure to report an absence to the course coordinator prior to the next class session or failure to successfully complete any remedial assignment in the time designated by the course coordinator will result in a penalty of three points off the course final grade for each occurrence. Failure to complete a missed class assignment in the time designated by the course coordinator will result in a failing grade (50) for that assignment.

Dental hygiene students follow the didactic attendance protocols outlined in each class syllabus.

Rotations and Special Events

For student rotations and certain special events, 100% attendance is required. Remediation is required if a student is absent for a rotation session or a required special event. Depending on the session or event missed, that may involve hours in the rotation, service hours as determined by the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, or other consequences as explained in the syllabus if the session or event is part of a course.

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Ethical Conduct and Professional Behavior Policy

Preamble

The Policy on Ethical Conduct, Civility, and Professional Behavior for Dental and Dental Hygiene Students of the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry exists as the guideline for expected personal, academic, and professional behavior of students. It is intended to serve as a framework for personal honor and integrity in keeping with the best tradition of the profession of dentistry and is based on the American Student Dental Association's and Student American Dental  Hygienists'  Association's  formal  policies dealing with ethical and professional behavior. The policy requires complete cooperation and support by students and faculty and willing compliance with both the letter and spirit of the policy. To promote an environment of professionalism in which ethical standards are the framework of day‐to‐day activity, it is necessary for the students at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry to follow the policies of ethical behavior established by the American Dental Association and the American Dental Hygienists' Association   published as the Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct. The student policy detailed below is based on the dental profession's principle of self‐governance and stresses the responsibility of the individual in maintaining the highest possible standards of ethical behavior. Each student is expected to show an appreciation of the trust placed in him/her not only by personal professional conduct but also by insistence on the same standards among fellow students.

Obviously, dental education requires faculty evaluation of academic and clinical skills, including the ability to relate to patients and manage their welfare. As importantly, dental education also requires faculty evaluation of the student's personal and professional judgment and adherence to standards of ethics. The School of Dentistry will support and encourage the highest possible ethical standards. The direct and ultimate responsibility for the effectiveness of the Policy on Ethics, Civility, and Professionalism rests with the student. 

Policy of Ethical and Professional Behavior

All dental and dental hygiene students are obligated to maintain high standards of moral and ethical behavior and to always conduct themselves in a professional manner, both on and off campus. This applies to the traditional and online classroom, clinic, laboratory and other institutional facilities, externships, community service or meetings of professional organizations, as well as social events and personal encounters with other individuals.

Ethical and professional behavior by dental and dental hygiene students is characterized by honesty, fairness, and integrity in all circumstances, respect for the rights, differences, and property of others, concern for the welfare of patients, always doing one's best in the delivery of care, and preservation of confidentiality in all situations where this is warranted.

Academic Misconduct: Academic misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action. Any act of dishonesty in academic work constitutes academic misconduct. This includes plagiarism, the changing or falsifying of any academic documents or materials, cheating, falsification or copying of assignments and the giving or receiving of unauthorized aid in tests, examinations, or other assigned schoolwork. Penalties for academic misconduct will vary with the seriousness of the offense and may include but are not limited to a failing grade on the work in question, a failing grade for the course, reprimand, probation, suspension, or dismissal. Students may be guilty of academic misconduct, directly or indirectly through participation or assistance. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions, which may be imposed through the regular institutional procedures because of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign a failing grade for the exercise or examination, or to assign a failing grade in the course.

Other unacceptable ethical and professional behaviors include but are not limited to forgery, intentionally deceptive alteration of documents, unauthorized possession of another's property, lying, embezzlement, plagiarism, cheating, abusive acts or language, possession or use of illicit drugs or weapons, sexually harassing language, or behavior, deliberate disobedient or drunken behavior, and the infliction or threat of harm to others.

Clinical Misconduct: Patient mismanagement including but not limited to failure to provide a diligent and appropriate continuation of treatment, violation of patient confidentiality, provision of unsupervised treatment, and patient abandonment also constitute unacceptable behavior.

Civility Policy for the UMMC School of Dentistry

Conflict in a professional setting is inevitable. It is therefore critically important to learn when and how to express feelings in ways that are effective and professionally appropriate.

Purpose

Clinic and classroom incivility have been shown to have a negative impact on students' efforts to succeed. These types of behaviors also infringe on the rights of others in the clinic and classroom environments. Additionally, these behaviors may have a negative impact on faculty, staff, and students physically and emotionally. The purpose of this policy is to ensure a work, clinic, and classroom environment that is professional, collegiate, supportive of all personnel, and conducive to learning and the provision of optimum patient care.

Environment of Academic Freedom

At the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry, we value teamwork, diversity, innovation, integrity, and quality. All team members are expected to demonstrate the values of mutual respect, professionalism, and courtesy. We are committed to treating all people in an open, fair, honest, and ethical manner. We strive to support each other and promote collaboration to achieve results. A necessary condition for these pursuits is an acceptance of the spirit of inquiry and a respect for diverse ideas and viewpoints. While the principle of academic freedom protects the expression and exploration of innovative ideas, it does not protect conduct that is unlawful and disruptive.

Environment Expectations for Civility

The University of Mississippi's School of Dentistry learning and care environments will be positive and supportive without disruptive or abusive behavior or harassment of any kind, and free from disrespectful or unprofessional conduct. The expectation is always that mutual respect and civility will prevail to ensure that every student has the optimum opportunity to learn, and that each faculty member has the best opportunity to teach.

Difference of opinions or concerns related to the learning process are a part of the academic experience but should occur in a manner that opens dialogue and does not threaten any member of the learning community.

Behaviors such as disparaging remark(s), patronization, or condescension (verbal, tone, or body), intimidation, angry outburst, reluctance, or refusal to answer questions, unwillingness to cooperate/collaborate or provide reasonable help, threatening body language and physical contact or unwillingness to participate in resolution of an interpersonal problem are not acceptable 

Examples of Civility

• Treating all people with respect, courtesy, caring, dignity, and a sense of fairness.
• Communicating openly, respectfully, and directly with team members to promote mutual trust and understanding.
• Encouraging support and respecting the rights and responsibility of all individuals involved in learning and in-patient care to ensure individual safety and a quality learning environment.

Examples of Incivility include but are not limited to the

• Verbal or nonverbal conduct which directly or indirectly compromises quality of patient care, emotional well‐being and/or physical safety of colleagues, patients, and visitors
• Written or physical attacks, hostility, or threats of violence. Angry arguing, cursing or derogatory language, throwing things, pounding on, or destroying property.
• Refusal to complete assigned tasks or answer questions or intentionally missing deadlines.
• Uncooperative attitudes with others.
• Unprofessional behaviors in the learning environment (i.e., eating, drinking, talking, sleeping, texting or web surfing, purposeful inattention to lecturer, leaving class early or coming late).
• Offensive remarks, gestures, threatening speech, physical contact, challenging instructors' knowledge, and competence.
• Students demanding special treatment or circumstances not afforded to others. 

At the beginning of their dental education at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry and at the beginning of each subsequent academic year, all students will endorse and affirm the principles contained in this policy. The affirmation will be in writing and expressing the student's commitment to act in a manner consistent with the standards of ethics inherent in the policy.

Disciplinary Procedures Related to Uncivil/Disruptive Behaviors

The University of Mississippi School of Dentistry fosters an engaged yet civil learning environment which includes creating a setting for the safe and open exchange of ideas by all students. Everyone within this environment is responsible for ensuring that his or her own behavior promotes these goals. Uncivil behaviors both inside and outside the classroom will not be tolerated. The School of Dentistry takes seriously all allegations of incivility, including disruptive, disrespectful, or abusive conduct among faculty, staff, and/or students and will act promptly to investigate these allegations. Moreover, retaliation of any kind will not be tolerated against individuals who initiate formal grievances or allegation invoking this policy.

Formal complaints of perceived incivility shall be submitted in writing to the Office of Student Affairs and Inclusion. All complaints will be directed to the appropriate person for review. All complaints regarding students will be reviewed and addressed by the Student Ethics and Civility Council, consisting of students appointed annually. Consequences of incivility can be counseling, written warning, anger management

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Student Ethics and Civility Council

Membership

The membership of the Student Ethics and Civility Council will consist of twelve voting members, selected by the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Inclusion: two members from each dental class and two members from each dental hygiene class.

Chair

The Ethics and Civility Council will elect a chair annually. It is recommended that the chair have served on the council for at least one year previously.

Secretary

The chair will designate a secretary at each meeting to record minutes and write a summary of the activity of that meeting.

Advisor

An advisor to the Ethics and Civility Council will be appointed by the Dean on an annual basis.

Meetings

The Ethics and Civility Council will meet as often as necessary to carry out its responsibilities. A quorum to conduct business will consist of seven members.

Role

The Student Ethics and Civility Council serves in an advisory capacity to the Dean. The final decision regarding the recommended actions to be taken rests solely with the Dean.

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Ethics and Civility Council Procedure

Reporting of Perceived Violations

Any student, faculty, or staff member who has reason to believe that a violation of the Ethics or Civility Policy has occurred has a duty to report the violation to their Ethics and Civility Council Representative or to the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Inclusion

Perceived violations of the Ethics or Civility Policy that have occurred will be reported in writing to the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Inclusion. Occurrences should be reported in a timely manner, preferably within six months of the time that the violation occurs. All occurrences must be in writing and signed and will be directed to the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Inclusion. The Assistant Dean will forward all occurrences to the Chair of the Ethics and Civility Council for review.

Preliminary Hearing Procedure

Upon receiving the written report of a perceived violation, the Ethics and Civility Council will convene for a preliminary meeting. As part of this hearing, the Council will review the current reported incident and have access to any past occurrences in which sanctions were given. The Council will then determine if a violation of the School's Policy has occurred. If so, the Council Chair will notify the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Inclusion, who will then notify the accused student in writing of the reported violation and his/her existing rights under the School of Dentistry due process policies. This written notification will include the following: 

• the nature of the occurrence
• the possible penalties facing the student – mandatory counseling, a written warning, and other sanctions up to and including suspension and dismissal;
• the right to a hearing if the student contests either the charge(s) or subsequent disciplinary action;
• the procedure to be followed when requesting a hearing before the Ethics and Civility council, and notice the request must be made in writing within five (5) days of receipt of the notice;
• the right to have an advisor or legal counsel available during the process; the student must inform the Council's Faculty Advisor of any plans to have such an individual present at least 48 hours (about 2 days) in advance of the requested hearing or the hearing may be rescheduled. The role of the student's advisor or legal counsel is limited to an advisory capacity only. Making opening or closing statements, questioning witnesses, making oral arguments, and other such active participation is not allowed;
• the right to hear, examine, and question all evidence; however, face‐to‐face confrontation or cross‐examination of witnesses is not allowed;
• the maintenance of a written record of the case is kept in the student's personal file if sanctions are imposed or not; these records will be maintained in the office of the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Inclusion until the time the student graduates. Access to these records for subsequent review by the Student Ethics and Civility Council will be provided upon request;
• the right to appeal any adverse decision and action by the Ethics and Civility Council to the Dean. 

Hearing Procedure

If the accused student requests a hearing to contest the accusation, the chair of the Student Ethics and Civility Council will conduct the hearing within the following general guidelines:

• The Student Ethics and Civility Council serves as the hearing panel.
• Council members will be impartial; if any member lacks impartiality, he or she should recuse himself/herself from the hearing proceedings.
• The hearing will be held as soon as is reasonable following the accused student's request for a hearing.
• The accused has the right to appear at the hearing, to ask questions, examine evidence and make formal statements on their own behalf. The accused is not allowed to confront or cross‐examine witnesses.
• The chair will designate a secretary at each meeting to record minutes and write a summary of activity of that meeting; if recommendations for actions are made by the Council to the Dean, the secretary will draft a letter to the Dean, have it reviewed for accuracy and content by the Council's faculty advisor, make noted corrections, and forward the letter to the Dean.
• Following the hearing, the Ethics and Civility Council will meet to consider all relevant information and decide whether an ethical or civil violation has occurred. A determination that the ethical violation has occurred will require a simple majority vote of the council. The decision will be predicated on the evidence taken as a whole, demonstrating that the behavior in question was sufficiently compelling to warrant a recommendation to the Dean.
• The Council will present its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for disciplinary action in writing to the Dean. The Dean will consider this information in the ultimate disposition of the case.
• The Student Ethics and Civility Council, the advisor for the Council, the accused student, and the complainant(s) will receive a written statement from the Dean outlining the findings in the case and sanctions, if any, to be imposed.

Right of Appeal

Dismissal

After the Dean's approval of a recommendation for dismissal, and after written notification, the student has the right to appeal.

• The Office of the Dean notifies the student by UMMC e‐mail and letter of the decision, and all necessary details related to the implementation of the action. Copies of the notification are sent to the Assistant Dean for Education, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Inclusion, and all Department Chairs.
• Written notification to the student includes a statement of the process and the deadline for appeal.
• Appeal of the decision must be made by the student, in writing, to the Dean within five (5) working days of the date on the letter of notification.
• The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Inclusion is available to serve as student advocate in the appeal process and should be consulted as early as possible in the appeal process.
• Upon receipt of a valid request for appeal of the decision, the Dean shall call the appeals committee to gather information from the student and all pertinent parties. The appeals committee shall consist of at least three School of Dentistry chairs. The minutes of the appeals committee meetings and the recommendation of the committee are to be submitted in writing to the Dean.
• The student is permitted to have an advisor or legal counsel in solely an advisory capacity present during the appeal. The Dean must be informed of any plans to be accompanied by legal counsel at least 48 hours (about 2 days) in advance or the appeal may be rescheduled.
• The appeals committee, the student, and the Assistant Deans shall be informed in writing of the Dean's decision. The decision of the Dean shall be final.

Other Actions (Other than Dismissal)

Following written notification to the student of an action other than dismissal, the student has the right to appeal in writing to the Dean within five (5) working days of the date of notification. Written notification to the student includes a statement of the process and the deadline for appeal. After review, the Dean may either uphold or set aside the action or may call the academic appeals committee for consideration of the appeal. The decision of the Dean in the matter is considered final.

The following shall apply if the appeals committee is called upon for a decision: 

• The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Inclusion is available to serve as student advocate in the appeals process and should be consulted as early as possible in the appeals process.
• Upon receipt of a valid request for appeal of the decision, the Dean shall call the appeals committee to gather information from the student and all pertinent parties. The appeals committee shall consist of at least three School of Dentistry chairs. The minutes of the committee meetings and the recommendation of the committee are to be submitted in writing to the Dean.
• The student is permitted to have an advisor or legal counsel in solely an advisory capacity present during the appeal. The Dean must be informed of any plans to be accompanied by legal counsel at least 48 hours (about 2 days) in advance or the appeal may be rescheduled.
• The minutes of the committee meetings and the recommendation of the appeals committee are to be submitted in writing to the Dean.
• The appeals committee, the student, and the Assistant Deans shall be informed in writing of the Dean's decision. The decision of the Dean shall be final.

Uncivil/Disruptive Faculty and Staff

Formal reported concerns regarding staff will be reviewed and addressed by their immediate supervisor. Formal written concerns regarding faculty will be addressed by the chairperson of the department in which the faculty has his/her primary appointment. If the chairperson deems assistance is needed in rendering a decision regarding the occurrence, the decision will be made in conjunction with the Assistant Dean for Education or Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs. Formal complaints regarding chairperson or executive faculty will be addressed by the Dean. Consequences of incivility can be counseling, written warning, anger management counseling, suspension, or termination. Corrective action for faculty and staff will be handled consistently with UMMC employment policies and procedures.

(Search for "Disruptive Behavior Policy" in PolicyTech.)

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Student Executive Council Constitution and Bylaws

Preamble

We, the students of the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry, to promote the general welfare of the Student Body, to provide proper and adequate management of student affairs, and to clarify our necessary and proper obligations and responsibilities to our fellow professional students, do create this charter in accordance with Article IV, Section III of the Constitution of the Associated Student Body of the University of Mississippi Medical Center. 

Article I – General

Section I. Name 

The name of the organization shall be "The University of Mississippi School of Dentistry Student Executive Council," which shall represent the Student Body of the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry.

Section II. Purpose

• To represent the students in those policy making bodies of the dental school as appropriate;
• To contribute to the welfare of the dental students and dental hygiene students;
• To contribute to the development of interprofessional activities;
• To provide means that all dental students and dental hygiene students may come together in mutual endeavor for the betterment of the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry and the profession of dentistry;
• To serve as the collective voice of the student body;
• To act as liaison for student‐faculty relations.

Section III. Definition of a Student 

Students, as defined herein, refer to individuals who are duly registered as full time, pre‐ doctoral students, and full‐time dental hygiene students of the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry.

Article II – Elections

Section I. Voter Qualifications

Eligible voters are full‐time pre‐doctoral dental students and full‐time dental hygiene students registered at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry as defined by the Office of Student Records and Registrar.

Section II. Method of Voting

The method of voting will be by secret ballot as administered by the elections committee. 

Section III. Candidacy

• The senior class president will oversee all general elections and will be the chair of the elections committee. The chair will appoint members of the committee from the student body.
• Those wishing to run for the offices of student body president, vice‐president, and secretary‐treasurer must submit their intention in writing to the elections committee. Candidates for these offices will be given the opportunity to speak before the student body concerning their interest in and qualifications for the positions.
• Those wishing to run for the office of dental hygiene representative must submit their intention in writing to the elections committee. Candidates for this office will be given the opportunity to speak before the student body concerning their interest in and qualifications for the position. 

Section IV. Election Dates

• General elections will be held prior to the center‐wide Associated Student Body elections.
• Elections for class officers and other positions will occur after the general election, and before the end of the academic year.

Section V. Outcome

The winner will be elected by a simple majority (greater than 50%) of the votes cast.

Article III – Structure

Section I. Membership and Voting Rights

Voting rights are as follows, for a total of 16 voting members

• President of the Student Body (executive council chair) – 1 Vote
• Vice President of the Student Body (vice‐president of the executive council) - 1 Vote              
• Secretary‐treasurer of the student body (secretary‐treasurer of the executive council) – 1 Vote
• Dental Hygiene representative for the student body (representative of the executive council) – 1 Vote
• President of each of the four dental school classes – 1 Vote each
• President of each of the two dental hygiene classes - 1 Vote each
• Vice‐president of each of the four dental school classes – 1 Vote each
• Vice-president of each of the two dental hygiene classes – 1 Vote each

Section II. Limitations

The president of the student executive council may hold only that office on the council and no other elected class office.

Section III. President of Student Body (Executive Council Chair)

The student body president must be a senior during this term of office. The president: 

• presides over the executive council;
• is primary representative of the student body;
• coordinates action taken by the executive council;
• provides agenda of meetings at least two days prior to regularly scheduled meeting;
• is responsible for the student part of the orientation for the entering (D‐1) class;
• has internal emergency powers which may be exercised in the event of a crisis;
• has authority to delegate responsibility to the vice‐president in affairs concerning the student body.

Section IV. Vice‐President of Student Body

The student body vice‐president may be either a junior or senior during the term of office. The vice‐president of the student body will perform those duties as defined in Article III, section III in the absence of the president. This position is vice‐chair of executive council.

Section V. Secretary‐Treasurer of Student Body

The secretary‐treasurer is elected from the senior, junior or sophomore class by the student body. He or she:

• records minutes of all meetings;
• is responsible for all records, documents, and correspondence of the council as directed by the president;
• maintains a detailed record and is responsible for all financial transactions of the council;
• distributes agenda prior to meetings;
• is responsible for information placed on the associated student body calendar. 

Section VI. Representatives to the Associated Student Body

Representatives will be as specified in the constitution of the Associated Student Body. Currently the representatives are:

• President of the dental school executive council.
• President of the senior class.

Article IV – Amendments to Charter (Ratification)

The charter can be amended or ratified by a two‐thirds majority vote of the voting members of the Student Executive Council and two‐thirds majority of those voting in general meetings. 

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General Policy Statements

Alcohol, Controlled, and Illegal Substance Testing

When reasonable suspicion exists that a student has violated the Alcohol and Illegal Substance Use Policy, that student may be requested to have appropriate controlled substance testing. This testing will be done by Employee and Student Health Services. A positive test result or refusal to be tested may result in disciplinary action including dismissal. In this regard, the Medical Center's relevant policies and procedures as outlined in the Faculty and Staff Handbook and Personnel Procedures will be followed.

Alcohol, Controlled, and Illegal Substance Use

(Search for "Alcohol, Controlled, and Illegal Substance Use Policy" on PolicyTech.)

Possession and use of alcohol or other illegal or controlled substances such as narcotics, barbiturates, hallucinogens, amphetamines, and marijuana is prohibited on the Medical Center campus, in other training sites such as affiliated hospitals and clinics, or in extramural settings. Possession, use, or sale of such substances is cause for dismissal from the School of Dentistry.

Prescription drugs may be possessed and used on the Medical Center premises only in the manner, combination, and quantity prescribed. Such use is allowed only if the ability to perform student responsibilities and duties is not affected.

Any student whose off‐campus use of alcohol, illegal substances, or prescription drugs interferes in any way with performance as a student may be referred to Student Health Services for evaluation. In addition, the student will be subject to disciplinary action including dismissal. 

Chemical Dependency Policy (Student)

The University of Mississippi School of Dentistry is supportive of the effort of chemically dependent students to become free of their dependency problems. In dealing with chemically dependent students, the school's procedure includes intervention and requiring students to participate in treatment and rehabilitation programs. This policy was established to ensure the safety of patients with whom students may come in contact and to protect the interest of patients, students, and faculty.

The following steps will be taken as soon as a student has been identified as having a chemical dependency problem:

• The Assistant Dean for Community will arrange with the student appropriate referral to a program for the treatment of chemical dependency. The student will be required to provide the Assistant Dean for Community with evidence of successful completion of the program.
• If appropriate, the student will be granted a medical leave of absence from the school. The final decision for granting such leave will rest with the Dean based upon the recommendations of the Assistant Dean for Community and Assistant Dean for Education.
• Upon successful completion of a treatment program, the student will be counseled by the Assistant Dean for Community to join a sobriety support group. The student will be asked to give the Assistant Dean for Community permission to solicit letters of reference from counselors, employers, or members of the sobriety support group to monitor the progress of the student's rehabilitation.
• The student who has completed such treatment and returned to school is subject to follow‐up‐controlled substance tests administered by Employee and Student Health Services. A positive test result or refusal to have the test may result in appropriate disciplinary action including dismissal.
• The Assistant Dean for Community in consultation with the Assistant Dean for Education will make recommendations to the Dean to allow the student to resume his or her education after obtaining evidence that the student has successfully completed the treatment program and is participating in a rehabilitation program.
• It is emphasized that to the extent possible the procedures outlined above will be handled in strict confidence.

Cultural Diversity

The University Medical Center and School of Dentistry are committed to maintaining an educational environment that fosters respect for and sensitivity to individual differences. That commitment is also intended to promote personal and professional development and to provide each student the opportunity to succeed regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Dress/Appearance Code

Student providers are required to wear scrubs in the color selected by each class. Student providers are responsible for providing their own clinical scrub tops and pants

Hair

Hair must be clean, well‐groomed, and styled so that the face is visible. Long hair must be pulled back and away from the face when in the clinical setting. Extreme hair color or style distracts from a professional appearance and is not acceptable.

ID Badge

Student providers should always wear their ID badges. The badge should be worn under any personal protective attire on the front, upper torso affixed to a collar, pocket, lapel or displayed on a short neck strap.

Clinical Scrub Attire

Scrubs should be clean; top and bottom should be of matching color. Scrubs should not display any extra logos or embellishments. Plain, neutral t‐shirts may be worn underneath, but they must be tucked into pants. White or light‐colored, or lightweight scrub attire with any transparent qualities is not acceptable.

Clinical scrub attire may be worn with a white laboratory coat or jacket when not engaged in clinical activities. Scrub attire should be worn by School of Dentistry student providers engaged in direct patient care. School of Dentistry student providers are not authorized to wear scrubs that are the property of the Medical Center unless directly engaged in University Hospital patient care.

Personal Protective Attire

Student providers must wear long‐sleeved School of Dentistry personal protective attire or clinical operating gowns during splatter or aerosol‐inducing clinical activities. Scrub tops should be worn beneath personal protective attire. Clinics must comply with all other policies and procedures related to personal protective equipment as outlined in the School of Dentistry Exposure Control Plan.

Clinical operating gowns must be retrieved from and returned to the same clinic where they are used. Gowns must be removed before leaving a clinical area. When protective attire is removed upon leaving a clinical area, the student provider may reuse the same protective attire the same day in the same clinical area if it is not soiled. 

Protective Eye Wear

Eyewear with side shields or a full‐face shield must be worn during splatter or aerosol‐ inducing procedures and at other times as deemed necessary.

Masks and Gloves

Masks and gloves must be worn by students in accordance with the School of Dentistry Exposure Control Plan and must never be worn outside clinical areas. They must be properly disposed of prior to leaving the clinical area.

Shoes

Shoes must be worn with socks or hose and must be clean and professionally suitable in appearance. Sandals, Crocs, open‐toe, and flip‐flop style footwear are not to be worn for clinical activities

Additional information concerning student clinical dress can be found in the School of Dentistry ‘s Clinical Operating Manual. Students will be provided electronic access to the Clinical Operating Manual and a copy is available in the Office of Clinical Affairs. 

Dress Code: Non-Clinical

Attire and grooming reflect personal taste and are influenced by the cultural environment in which the individual lives and works. The personal taste of a professional should reflect concern for patients and colleagues.

Individuals in their own professional and private settings may decide for themselves what appearance facilitates the accomplishment of their goals. Within the School of Dentistry and the University of Mississippi Medical Center, this is best accomplished by a reasonable degree of conformity in the matter of attire and grooming.

All students are expected to adhere to the following School of Dentistry Dress/Appearance Code. The code is augmented for the clinical environment with policies addressing personal protective equipment and scrub attire found in the Clinical Operating Manual under clinical attire. Students are required to wear scrubs selected by the administrative committee in the color selected by each class.

The following guidelines should be followed:

Scrubs

Scrubs are acceptable wear both in the classroom and hospital setting. Scrubs should be clean; top and bottom should be of matching color. Scrubs should not display any extra logos or embellishments. Plain, neutral t‐shirts may be worn underneath, but they must be tucked into pants. Clean and neat tennis shoes may be worn with scrubs. 

Educational Supplies

Dental students are provided numerous types of dental materials/supplies during their dental education and such items are included as part of their tuition and fees. However, additional educational supplies above the normal threshold may be purchased by the student on an individual basis. Students will be charged for any supplies that exceed the normal allowance. 

Emergency Closing Policy

To determine whether the school is closed because of inclement weather or other emergency situations, the student can contact

• The Office of Education (601‐984‐6015),
• The Office of Clinical Affairs (601‐984‐6025), or
• The Office of Student Affairs (601‐984‐6060)

 Or check www.umc.edu for up‐to‐date information about cancellations and closings.

The policy of the Medical Center is that unless officially closed, all Medical Center programs, including the School of Dentistry, maintain normal operations during inclement weather and other emergencies.

Only the Office of the Vice Chancellor can authorize general cancellation of classes at the Medical Center.

Equal Education Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is committed to the goal of achieving equal educational opportunity for qualified persons with disabilities. For detailed information about the Americans with Disabilities Act as it applies to educational programs in the School of Dentistry, please contact the school's Assistant Dean Community. 

Immunization Policies

UMMC Student Immunizations Policy

UMMC Healthcare Professional Student Immunization

Students accepted to all UMMC academic programs are required to provide documentation of immunization requirements included in this policy. For the purposes of this policy, excluded from this definition are students in the following distance education program: School of Dentistry – Advanced Standing Dental Hygiene.

The immunization requirements are as follows:

• Two (2) doses of live MMR vaccine for persons born in 1957 or later is required. The doses must have been administered at least 28 days (about 4 weeks) apart and at or after 12 months of age. Laboratory evidence of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella OR laboratory confirmation of disease is acceptable. Individuals born before 1957 must provide laboratory evidence of disease or immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella, otherwise, 2 doses of MMR will be required.
• Two‐dose Varicella vaccination series given at least 30 days apart OR proof of immunity through laboratory evidence of immunity (positive blood titer) or laboratory confirmation of disease for students who have had a previous varicella infection. Verification of a history of herpes zoster infection from a healthcare provider is also acceptable.
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine (last dose within 10 years). Pregnant students should receive Tdap during each pregnancy. International students must also provide documentation of 3 previous doses of tetanus vaccination (given as DT/Td/DTaP/DTP or a combination).
• Hepatitis B vaccine: Proof of completion of a 2‐dose (Heplisav‐B) or a 3‐dose (Engerix‐B or Recombivax HB) hepatitis B vaccine series is required. If you have not completed the series before school entry, the 2nd and/ or 3rd doses may be obtained at Student/Employee health for a fee. The series MUST be completed by the end of the first semester. A positive hepatitis B surface antibody titer without documentation of appropriate doses of hepatitis vaccination is insufficient.
• Mandatory annual influenza vaccine during flu season (between October 1st and March 31st)
• (OPTIONAL) Meningococcal vaccine – MANDATORY for microbiologists and microbiology students
• Tuberculosis screening: A two‐step TB Skin test or a TB blood (IGRA) test is required for baseline TB screening of all students. The approved IGRA tests are QuantiFERON‐TB Gold and T‐Spot tests. Students who choose to screen using a TB skin test must submit documentation of a two‐step TB skin test performed within 90 days (3 months) prior to school entry. The second dose of the two‐step TB test must be placed within 28 days (about 4 weeks) of the initial TB skin test. If the TB skin or the IGRA test is positive, a chest x‐ray report must also be submitted. Students residing in the United States who have been undergoing annual TB skin test screening prior to enrollment may submit two or more consecutive annual reports of negative TB skin tests, one of which must have been done within three months of school enrollment, in lieu of the two‐step TB skin test. Students with a previously positive TB skin test or students with a history of immunization with BCG should submit an IGRA test report obtained three months prior to school entry. Students who have been treated for Latent TB infection in the past are required to complete a pulmonary history form and submit a copy of the treatment record and chest X‐ray report.
• International students are required to submit an IGRA test and chest X‐ray reports, both performed in the United States within 45 days (about 1 and a half months) of school enrollment. Additional details regarding annual TB testing can be found in the UMMC policy on Student TB Screening.

Please provide documentation for these vaccines at least two weeks before the start of classes.

Record of vaccination should be documented on the Mississippi Certificate of Immunization Compliance, Form 121, or the University of Mississippi Medical Center Immunization record form. This form must be completed by a licensed healthcare provider: a physician, a licensed nurse practitioner, a licensed nurse, or a public health official.

Post‐graduate or other research students who will be working solely in a laboratory are required to meet the above vaccine requirements. In addition, microbiologists who are routinely exposed to N. meningitides isolates, are required to have received one dose of meningococcal vaccine with a booster dose every 5 years if the risk of exposure continues.

Reference: Immunization of Health‐Care Personnel: Recommendations of ACIP. MMWR 2011; 60 (RR07):1‐45.

Institutes of Higher Learning Policy on Hepatitis Immunization

In compliance with the Institutes of Higher Learning Proof of Immunization Policy, 602.02, a first‐year student, D1, not having shown documented proof of hepatitis B vaccination, three (3) shot series, by the end of the fall semester will be placed on probation. Without documented proof of hepatitis B vaccination by the end of the spring semester the student will be dismissed without the option to repeat the first year in its entirety.

Student TB Screening and Testing Policy

Tuberculosis (TB) Screening for Students

Purpose

To establish effective TB screening for student applicants.

Policy

Students accepted to all UMMC academic programs will provide proof of TB testing within three (3) months prior to the date of school entry. Individuals for whom testing is medically contraindicated will provide sufficient evidence from a qualified medical provider to document their TB status. Cases in which applicants test positive for TB or who have special circumstances regarding their TB status will be reviewed by the medical director of student employee health. Further evaluation may be required. UMMC reserves the right to revoke acceptance of students and to deny admission to any of its programs as it determines appropriate based on TB status and the best interests of the Medical Center.

Tuberculosis Screening

A two‐step TB skin test is required for baseline TB screening of all students. Accepted students must submit documentation of a two‐step TB skin test performed within 90 days (3 months) prior to school entry. The second dose of the two‐step TB test must be placed within 28 days (about 4 weeks) of the initial TB skin test. If the TB skin test is positive, a chest X‐ray report must also be submitted. US students who have been undergoing annual TB skin test screening prior to enrollment may submit 2 consecutive annual reports of negative TB skin tests, one of which must have been done within the past 3 months, in lieu of the two‐step TB skin test. 

International students with a previous positive TB skin test or students with a history of immunization with BCG should submit a report of a Quantiferon TB Gold/ T‐spot TB blood test obtained within 3 months prior to school entry. They should not complete TB skin testing. If the blood test is positive, a chest X‐ray report obtained within 3 months of school entry must be submitted.

Background

The American College Health Association recommends that all incoming students should be screened for risk factors for tuberculosis (TB) and those with risk factors and all international applicants should undergo Mantoux or interferon gamma release assay testing. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends that all students in a health care setting should undergo testing.

Scope

All UMMC Schools

Procedures

None-Applicable

References

Tuberculosis (TB). [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Updated 2013 September 6; cited 2014 March 12]. Available from http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/testing/.

Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health‐Care Settings. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2005; 54(RR‐17): 1‐141.

American College Health Association. ACHA Guidelines: Tuberculosis Screening and Targeted Testing of College and University Students. 2016 April https://www.acha.org/documents/resources/guidelines/ACHA_Tuberculosis_Screening.pdf

Personal Search

While on Medical Center property, students are subject to search of their person, belongings, and any assigned or used locker or other such space. The search may be conducted by campus police or other designated university officials. 

Personal Use of Social Media

Policy for Personal Use of Social Media

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, students, contractors, and volunteers as it relates to their employment, academic, or business relationship with the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC).

For this policy, "personal use" is defined as social media activity using your own personal or professional social media accounts.

UMMC‐affiliated entities, including schools, clinics, departments, practices, groups, etc., use of social media are not regulated by this document. For questions regarding social media accounts run by UMMC‐affiliated entities, please contact the Office of Communication and Marketing (601‐984‐1100)

Purpose

The University of Mississippi Medical Center recognizes that social media is an important and timely means of communication. However, those who use social media must be aware that posting certain information is illegal and use of social media during working hours as well as related to job functions should be self‐moderated. Offenders may be subject to criminal and civil liability, and adverse institutional actions.

The purpose of this policy is:

• To provide guidelines outlining how University of Mississippi Medical Center employees, students, contractors, and volunteers can engage in the appropriate use of social media platforms;
• To minimize the business, legal, and personal risks that may arise from an individual's use of social media; and
• To protect the privacy and safety of UMMC patients, students, employees, and contractors.

Policy

It is the policy of UMMC that the use of social media will be done in conjunction with the principles of the UMMC Code of Conduct, the UMMC Information Policy and compliance with all federal and state rules and regulations as well as the following delineated prohibited uses and best practices.

Definitions

Social Media – The term ‘social media' refers to various types of interactive communities typically accessed through the World Wide Web or mobile devices and computer applications (apps). The communities are usually characterized by user‐generated content, user‐shared content or areas designed for free and open discussion or can be a mix of all three.

Social media outlets, including discussions boards, may or may not be monitored or regulated. It is up to each user of a social media outlet or participant in a virtual discussion to regulate his or her content that is added or shared with the community.

Social media includes, but is not limited to blogs (Blogger, Blogspot, Wordpress, etc.), photo and/or video‐sharing sites and apps (YouTube, Flickr, Instagram, Snap Chat, Vine, etc.), e‐zines (digital magazines), wikis (Wikipedia), social networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc.), video and audio podcasts (posted to the web or hosted by applications (ex.: iTunes), ratings sites and apps (Urbanspoon, Yelp, Rate My Professor, etc.), and discussion sections of web pages or applications (comment section under articles on news or information websites).

Prohibited Uses

• Individuals may not post personal information or photograph of any patient at UMMC. Removal of an individual's name does not constitute proper de‐identification of protected health information. Inclusion of data such as age, gender, race, diagnosis, date of evaluation, types of treatment, or the use of a highly specific medical photograph (such as a before/after photograph of a patient having surgery or a photograph of a patient from one of the medical outreach trips) may still allow the reader to recognize the identity of a specific individual. Posting patient information could violate state or federal laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Individuals may not post private (protected) academic information of a student or trainee or the personal information or photograph of any student/trainee at UMMC. Posting inappropriate student/trainee information could violate federal laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). However, this policy does not prohibit a student/trainee from posting his or her own information. Additionally, the policy does not prohibit posting information or photographs related to non‐UMMC interactions and activities.
• Individuals may not post vulgar, false, obscene, harassing statements, or statements disparaging the race, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, or disability of any individual with whom you come into contact because of your role at UMMC.
• Individuals may not disclose any financial, proprietary, or other confidential information of UMMC.
• Individuals may not present themselves as an official representative of, or spokesperson for, UMMC.
• Individuals may not utilize UMMC's trademarks or logos.
• Individuals may not represent themselves as another person, real or fictitious, or otherwise attempt to obscure your identity to circumvent the prohibitions included herein.
• Individuals may not utilize websites and/or applications in a manner that interferes with your work responsibilities. That is, do not tie up UMMC computers or phone lines with personal business when others need access.
• Individuals may not utilize official UMMC email addresses for social media purposes unless specifically authorized to do so by the Office of Communications and Marketing.
• Staff in patient care roles may not initiate requests to connect with patients through social media.
• Supervisors may not initiate requests to connect through social media to their employees.
• Faculty should employ the highest professional and ethical standards in any social media interactions with students enrolled at UMMC. 

Best Practices/Permitted Uses

Individuals must make every effort to present themselves in a mature, responsible, and professional manner when utilizing social media. Communications must always be civil and respectful. Please be aware that no privatization measure is perfect and undesignated persons may still gain access to your networking site. Further, litigation involving such issues is complex, as the content on social media sites is easily misconstrued, permanent, discoverable by courts, and utilized in these adversarial proceedings. Any digital exposure can "live on" beyond its removal from the original website and continue to circulate in other venues.

Therefore, think carefully before you post any information on a website or application, and consider your goals in participating. Make sure you are choosing the most relevant platform and adding value to the discussion. Listen before you engage and always be modest, respectful, and professional in your actions.

To help facilitate these goals, the following best practices are encouraged:

• Make sure your posts are relevant and accurate.
• Make it clear that you are speaking for yourself and not on behalf of UMMC. You may consider adding a disclaimer such as "The views expressed on this (blog, website, etc.) are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer, UMMC."
• You may also include a disclaimer as to medical advice when posting education information.
• Seek permission from co‐workers prior to posting any personal information or photographs related to UMMC interactions or activities.
• UMMC discourages clinicians from having social media relationships with patients.
• Utilize citations whenever possible to prevent copyright and intellectual property issues. 

Violations/Enforcements

Disciplinary action will be undertaken in accordance with Attachment 2 of the Compliance Plan. The disciplinary procedure is also described in the UMMC Faculty and Staff Handbook.

Student disciplinary actions will be undertaken according to established policies and procedures within the school in which a student is enrolled, as outlined in the Bulletin

Failure to comply with the policy requirements may result in sanctions ranging from counseling to suspension pending termination. Violations of federal and state laws may also result in criminal or civil action undertaken by the government.

Employee Affirmation/Acknowledgement

This policy will be disseminated during annual compliance training. Each employee, student, and contractor will acknowledge the adherence to the policy at this time.

*This policy shall not be construed to impair any constitutionally protected activity, including speech, protest, or assembly.*

UMMC School of Dentistry Policy on Privacy Screens for All Electronic Viewing Screens

(Last Revised February 2017)

Purpose

To define the requirements for and implementation of computer monitor privacy screens

Policy

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires the University of Mississippi Medical Center to appropriately safeguard protected health information (PHI). The School of Dentistry, in a reasonable and effective initiative to better protect PHI, requires privacy screens to be installed on computer monitors or other electronic device viewing screens in any public environment in which protected health information is being viewed. In addition, all computer monitors and other electronic device viewing screens should be positioned so that the monitor/viewing screen is facing away from patients or others in the area.

Failure to conform to this policy will result in penalties including loss of clinical access/privileges and up to dismissal.

Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Assault, and Sexual Harassment Policy

Title IX Sexual Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy

UMMC prohibits sexual misconduct in any form, including sexual assault or sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and other forms of nonconsensual sexual conduct. The link above will take you to the current Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedure (Title IX) for Students and Employees. Students are strongly encouraged to read the entire UMMC Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedure (Title IX) for Students and Employees.

Technical Standards for Admission

The Dean and faculty's recommendation that a student be granted the D.M.D. degree by the University of Mississippi Medical Center signifies that the recipient of that degree possesses the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to provide care across a wide spectrum of dental health needs and to function effectively in varied clinical settings. The dental practitioner must exhibit a unique combination of scientific and health care knowledge, technical abilities, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as professional attitudes and behaviors to deliver the dental health care that is required and expected of today's dental professional. 

The University of Mississippi School of Dentistry has a responsibility for the welfare of patients treated at the school and a responsibility to graduate the best possible practitioners. Therefore, the School of Dentistry maintains certain minimum technical standards for admission to the school. Applicants must possess a basic core of skills and abilities that will allow them to successfully complete the dental curriculum and benefit fully from their professional education. As an integral part of their education, students are required to provide treatment for patients who seek care at the School of Dentistry; the school has the responsibility of ensuring the safety of those patients. This includes the completion of treatment safely and within an acceptable amount of time.

It is the responsibility of the candidate for admission to review the technical standards for admissions. A detailed description of these technical standards is provided in the document University of Mississippi School of Dentistry Technical Standards for Admission. To receive academic accommodations at UMMC, all students must contact the Office for Student Success and complete the appropriate process.

Academic Accommodations

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is committed to ensuring equal access to a quality education for qualified students through the provision of reasonable academic accommodations which support UMMC standards and academic integrity. UMMC policy provides for reasonable academic accommodations to be made for students with verified disabilities on an individualized and flexible basis as specified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

UMMC provides reasonable academic accommodations to students on campus who request accommodations and who meet eligibility criteria. For more information on how to request academic accommodations, individuals should go to the Office for Student Success webpage.

Tobacco Use

The use of all tobacco products is prohibited on the campus of the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Travel Policy (Student)

State of Mississippi statutes and University of Mississippi Medical Center policies and

procedures apply to all student travel, regardless of funding source. This policy serves to further explain School of Dentistry limitations and/or restrictions and is applicable to student travel funded by the Office of the Dean. This policy will in no way be interpreted to circumvent applicable state laws and UMMC regulations.

Exposure to a national or regional meeting is an invaluable educational experience and such school supported travel is a privilege and not an entitlement. For the School to provide such an opportunity with limited funds, certain restrictions will apply.

• Students of the same gender will be required to share rooms where feasible.
• The hotel costs will be reimbursed based on half of a double occupancy room rate for a room with no frills, i.e., no suites, no ocean view.
• Any student given the opportunity to share room costs, but who refuses to do so for whatever reason will have his or her travel reimbursement reduced by the additional funds required to fund the other student's higher hotel
• Students must work with other students to book hotels so that all hotel costs are shared and not just some costs shared.
• Travel must be arranged so that minimum airfare costs are obtained.
• Airfare should be booked in advance, 60 days (about 2 months) for domestic flights and 90 days (about 3 months) for foreign flights.
• For those meetings close enough where the appropriate mode of transportation will be by car, students should decide to travel together. Reimbursement for mileage will be based on one vehicle shared by two or more students.
• Final arrangements should not be made until the Dean has approved the travel request.

Student travel funded by the Dean will be approved based on fund availability. Travel requests must be submitted to the Dean in accordance with UMMC travel policies and procedures. Any funds received as awards, stipends, allowances, etc. will be used to reduce the amount reimbursed by the Dean. Any cost‐saving arrangements, i.e., staying with family or friends, using frequent flyer miles, will be appreciated as this allows more travel dollars to assist others. However, under no circumstances will cost savings imply that funds saved may be used in a manner that contradicts this policy. For example, if a student stays with family so hotel costs are not incurred, those savings cannot be used to pay for other travel costs such as over payment of per diem.

Treatment of Patients with HIV and/or other Contagions

Students are expected to participate in the care of all patients to whom they are assigned whose condition is within their realm of competence. Students may not limit their patient‐care involvement solely because the patient is or is suspected to be seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or has been diagnosed as having AIDS related complex (ARC), or AIDS. More detailed policy and procedures related to student involvement in the management of patients with known or suspected HIV infection are found in the School of Dentistry Clinical Operating Manual.

Weapons Possession

(Search for "Weapons Policy" in PolicyTech.)

The possession of pistols, firearms, or other weapons in any form by any person other than duly authorized law enforcement officials, institutional security officials, and other authorized persons as defined by section 45‐6‐3 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 is prohibited on campus and at institutional off‐campus events. The term "other authorized persons" includes those individuals authorized by applicable law and by the institutional executive officer or his/her designee. "Other authorized persons" also includes those individuals who have in their possession a valid, unexpired state enhanced concealed carry firearms permit or the equivalent permit issued by a state with a reciprocity agreement with Mississippi. Even so, those individuals possessing such permits are not permitted to possess firearms in any non‐public institutional locations. Students and employees are not authorized to possess firearms on institutional property or at institutional off‐campus events regardless of possession of firearms permits. Possession of firearms is prohibited in locations where the same is prohibited by applicable federal law, regardless as to whether those locations are designated as public or non‐public. 

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Student Evaluation and Promotion (SEPC) Guidelines

Deliberations and Records

Deliberations of the SEPC are confidential, and copies of the minutes are maintained by the Offices of Education and the Dean. Written recommendations by the SEPC are forwarded to the Dean for administrative approval. The academic departments and the Office of Education keep current grade records for each student. Each academic department is responsible for posting numerical course grades in Workday within two working days after completing a course.

The Office of Education will provide overall numerical course grades to the SEPC during the meetings called. Called meetings of the SEPC are held as soon as possible, following the conclusion of the academic session and at other times during the session as required to evaluate student progress. Following each meeting of the SEPC, a copy of the minutes and recommendations are forwarded to the Dean for administrative review and action. If the Dean takes actions other than those recommended by the SEPC, the Dean provides a response to the SEPC outlining the actions and the reasons for those actions. Approval of the recommendations of the SEPC, and actions that differ from those offered by the SEPC; are stated in writing by the Dean and submitted to the chair of the SEPC within two working days after receipt of the committee's recommendations in the Office of the Dean. The Assistant Dean for Education (chair of the SEPC) notifies the student of any academic action and the student's right and process for appeal of any academic action.

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Procedures, Situations, and Actions

The called meetings of the SEPC, as noted above, are chaired by the Assistant Dean for Education. Minutes are kept of all meetings, and copies are submitted to the Dean with the recommendations of the SEPC. 

The following matters may warrant SEPC review and recommendations to the Dean at times other than called meetings:

• Receipt by a student of a failing grade.
• Receipt of a grade indicating incomplete or unacceptable progress.
• Petition by a student to the SEPC for a change in standing preparatory to a request for either a leave of absence or withdrawal from the School of Dentistry. If a change in standing for the reason of health or other compelling reason is desired by the student, appropriate documentation must be submitted with the student's petition.
• Specific requests by the Assistant Dean for Education, Associate Dean for Patients, and the Assistant Dean for Community, or Dean. If sufficient evidence exists in the student's overall record that a review should be conducted, such review is scheduled with full knowledge of both student and advisor. Specific reasons for the review are submitted to the student at least ten days before the called meeting, and the student may be requested to meet with the SEPC for part of the deliberation. 

The action of the SEPC will be based on all previous year(s) performance. The SEPC may recommend the following actions to the Dean, based on but not necessarily limited to each action's specified guidelines as noted: 

Dismissal

A second failing grade (even though the first failing grade was remediated to a passing grade) or one failing course grade in a repeated course (including repetition of an academic year) may be grounds for dismissal recommendation.

Repetition and Remediation

(Last revised 10/29/13)

A grade other than passing in a single course will require re‐examination, remediation, repetition of a course, or possible repetition of the year.

Remediation usually requires less than the repetition of the entire year or course.

Probation

When a student's overall academic achievement is marginal, the student may be placed on probation for the coming semester or a more extended period. Probationary standing reminds the student that more severe actions may be forthcoming unless satisfactory academic progress is achieved. All students who are re‐examining, repeating a single course or an entire year, or who are in remediation of one or more courses are placed on probation. 

Students who have not completed hepatitis vaccination by the end of the D1 fall semester will be placed on probation.

Students not completing the hepatitis three‐shot series by the end of the spring semester will be dismissed.

Students who have sanctions placed due to ethics violations are placed on probation. Probationary status is for a stated period, after which either dismissal, repetition, or remediation is required unless previously stated performance objectives are fulfilled. Probation status is removed when the reason for the probation is completed/corrected and affirmed by the Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee vote. 

Academic Advising

Directing a student for academic advising through the Office for Student Success may be required for any student who has been the subject of one of the previous actions, or as may be deemed necessary by the Assistant Dean for Education or the Assistant Dean for Community after review of the student's academic record.

Academic advising may be required for students with an overall numerical average of less than 2.5 for either an academic semester or year through the Office of Student Affairs and Inclusion

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Leave of Absence and Maternity Leave

It is recognized that extreme personal circumstances may arise which necessitate a temporary interruption in a dental student's course of education and training. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, the recommendation of a medical or mental health professional providing treatment to the student; childbirth or adoption; death, illness, or infirmity of a close family member; financial distress; and other family tragedies. In such circumstances, the Dean may approve a temporary leave of absence of up to one year for the wellbeing of the student. Maternity leave will be granted up to four weeks pending approval by the Dean.

Following the leave of absence or maternity leave, the student must complete missed work as determined by involved course coordinators and department chairs in consultations with the Assistant Dean for Education and the Assistant Dean for Community. Missed work must be satisfactorily completed within a reasonable period, preferably within the same academic year during which the leave of absence was taken.

Student Notification of SEPC Actions

(Last revised 7/2020)

Any recommendation for action made by the SEPC including dismissal is forwarded to the Dean within two (2) days of the committee meeting. Following the Dean's review and approval of the recommendation, the student is notified in writing by the Office of Education and is advised of any new academic status, the reasons for academic action, the terms for achieving correction of any stated deficiency and the student's right and process for appealing any academic action.

Right of Appeal

(Last revised 7/2020)

After the Dean's approval of an SEPC recommendation and after written notification, the student has the right to appeal.

• The Office of Education notifies the student by UMMC e‐mail and letter of the decision, and all necessary details related to the implementation of the action. Copies of the notification are sent to the Dean, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and the Assistant Dean for Community.
• Written notification to the student includes a statement of the student's right, process, and deadline for appeal.
• Appeal of the decision must be made by the student, in writing to the chair of the appeals committee within five (5) working days of the date on the letter of notification. The appeals committee determines by majority vote whether the request for appeal is valid and if the committee will hear the appeal.
• The Assistant Dean for Community is available to serve as student advocate in the appeal process and should be consulted as early as possible in the appeal process.
• Upon receipt of a valid and accepted request for appeal of the decision, the appeals committee convenes to gather information from both the student and the faculty. The members of the appeals committee select a member to serve as chair for the appeal. The appeals committee shall consist of at least three School of Dentistry chairs except those in whose department(s) the student earned a failing grade. The minutes of the committee meetings and the recommendation of the committee are submitted in writing to the Dean.
• The student is permitted to have an advisor or legal counsel in solely an advisory capacity present during the appeal. The chair of the appeals committee must be informed of any plans to be accompanied by legal counsel at least 48 hours (about 2 days) in advance or the appeal may be rescheduled.
• The appeals committee forwards its recommendation regarding the appeal to the Dean, who may accept, reverse, or alter the recommendations of the appeals committee. The student and the Assistant Deans shall be informed in writing of the Dean's decision. The decision of the Dean shall be final.

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Student Health and Wellness

Counseling and Mental Health – TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks)

UMMC provides opportunities for students to receive counseling services for school‐related, personal, and family matters through our TELUS Health EAP and Work‐Life Services, which is our student and employee assistance program. These services are confidential and free to students, their dependents, and members of the student's household.

Information is not released without written permission. The only exceptions are in duty to‐warn cases such as child abuse or threats to self or others. Typical concerns addressed through this program include stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, family and parenting problems, alcohol, drug, or other addictions. These services are available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to triage phone calls, provide support, and guide students toward appropriate resources. 

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Student and Employee Assistance and Work‐Life Services

UMMC offers a Student and Employee Assistance Program and Work‐Life Services through TELUS Health. These services are available at no cost for all students, employees, their families, and household members.

You can access information about many mental health, life, family, legal, money, and work issues on the LifeWorks website. You can also call TELUS Health to talk with a trained professional any day, any time at 1-844-644-0379. They will ask you about your situation, offer support, and connect you with experts who can help. You will be offered a concise list of providers, and you will choose one of them, often based on location or specialty area. Once you choose the expert with whom you would like to speak, you will receive up to 3 face‐to‐face sessions at no cost to you. Your personal information will be kept confidential.

The Student and Employee Assistance Program confidentiality complies with state and federal requirements.

After the 3 sessions, if you would like to continue, many professionals are able to continue offering services utilizing your insurance plan.

Since these services are provided by a contractual agreement, any student who is not satisfied with the services rendered should inform the director of Student Employee Health at the Medical Center.

A mobile EAP app is now available! Go to the website to learn more about the mobile EAP app.

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Spiritual Wellness

Students may access the interfaith chapel during regular operating hours Monday through Friday. Additionally, access to UMMC chaplaincy staff and quiet worship space are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Student Counseling and Wellness Center

https://www.umc.edu/scwc/

The Student Counseling and Wellness Center assists students with managing the stresses and difficulties of daily life – life inside and outside the classroom. Mental health services for students are provided by a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner and clinical psychologists who do not have any role in any student's academic assessment or evaluation.

Students should call 601‐815‐5588 or email scwc@umc.edu to make appointments at the SCWC.

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Student Employee Health

All students are required to have medical insurance. Student and Employee Health serves as the primary resource for occupational‐health services such as immunization, tuberculosis screening, and non‐symptomatic COVID‐19 screening, when needed for academic purposes, such as documentation required for clearance to participate in learning activities at other institutions. Student and Employee Health is also the preferred option for initial assessment of non‐emergency occupational health related injuries that occur on weekdays between the hours of 7:00 am – 4:30 pm. Student and Employee Health does not charge for provider or nurse actions in providing services to students, but charges may be incurred for laboratory or imaging services. Student and Employee Health can be contacted for appointments or questions about services by calling 601‐984‐1185. 

If there is a severe occupational injury or a situation, such as a blood or body fluid exposure, that requires urgent treatment at night or on a weekend, students should seek care at the UMMC Emergency Department and notify Student and Employee Health afterward. Students in Mississippi are not covered by workers compensation and so may incur costs related to workplace injuries. Normal healthcare procedures, such as billing insurance, will take place as appropriate.

Students may access primary care services through UMMC's Quick Care clinic, which is operated by the Department of Family Medicine in the Lakeland Medical Building at 764 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS. Quick Care is a full‐service primary care practice in a private, confidential setting, and will provide students with a large spectrum of services, including sick visits, preventive services, and care for chronic conditions. The physician and other providers at the Quick Care clinic do not teach, evaluate, or make recommendations for student advancement. Quick Care is available Monday – Friday from 7:40 am – 4:20 pm and offers both in person and telehealth visits. To schedule an appointment at Quick Care students may call 601‐984‐6800. Additionally, if students prefer to obtain primary care services elsewhere, they are free to do so.

Laboratory tests and radiological exams are billed to the student's medical insurance. TB skin tests are free. Students are charged for all administered vaccines except the flu vaccine, which is free. A price list for vaccines is available at the SHE website. Students referred to as sub‐specialists will be responsible for paying the applicable deductible for such services. Any emergency services after hours or at other medical facilities will be the fiscal responsibility of the student.

Telehealth services through UMMC2YOU is another healthcare service available to students.

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Student Fitness Center

The Student Union contains approximately 20,000 square feet of indoor fitness space, with an indoor running track. It includes a multipurpose room that supports group fitness classes such as aerobics and yoga. A large conditioning room offers controlled weight circuit stations, free weights, and cardiovascular training space that includes treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bicycles, and steppers. The building also includes a leisure game room with pool tables, video games, big‐screen televisions, and table tennis. Locker and shower facilities are in the building, as is a small kitchen area.

The Fitness Center provides quality facilities, programs, and activities that contribute to the improvement and enhancement of the quality of life for students. A variety of programs and activities are offered on a semester basis and are designed for health and fitness as well as for fun and relaxation. Programs include intramural/recreational sports, wellness program, and group fitness classes. In addition to scheduled activities, open recreation, and other informal uses, student special event functions are held at this facility.

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Student Services

Bookstore/Gift shops

https://umc.edu/shop

The UMMC Bookstore is located on the first floor of the Norman C. Nelson Student Union. Our hours are Monday – Friday, 7:45 am to 4:30 pm. As the campus bookstore, we provide supplies, textbooks, and materials needed to support the educational efforts of our students, faculty, and staff. Students can also access textbook lists and preorder textbooks for pickup in store using our website. We accept payment in the form of all major credit cards, payroll deductions, checks, and cash.

Meds & Threads is an extension of the UMMC Bookstore offering supplies such as scrubs, t‐shirts, and some medical instruments. Our hours are Monday – Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. We are located on the first floor of the main hospital near the cafeteria, across from the central elevators. We share a space with the UMMC Pharmacy. We accept payment in the form of all major credit cards, payroll deductions, checks, and cash.

There are also two gift shops located on UMMC campus. Both locations offer an extensive selection of gifts, drinks, and snack items. The Main Gift Shop is located on the first floor of the main hospital near the front entrance. The store hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Children's of Mississippi Gift Shop is located on the first floor of the new Sanderson Tower children's hospital expansion, just across from the main entrance. Store hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. We accept payment in the form of all major credit cards, payroll deductions, checks, and cash.

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Bulletin Boards

Student bulletin boards in the School of Dentistry include two located on the first floor, one for general announcements and listings and the other for information concerning post‐graduate training and externship opportunities. Another general information board is located on the first floor across from classroom D‐114. Students may ask the Office of the Dean to post essential information in the glass cases on the first and second floors.

In addition to the traditional bulletin boards, there are electronic scrolls located on every floor close to the elevators. Electronic scrolls are also used to post announcements and information.  

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Campus Police and Security Escort Service

https://www.umc.edu/police/

The UMMC campus police provide programs and services to promote security and safety on campus and are legally empowered to investigate and enforce criminal and traffic laws of the state. In addition, campus police officers provide after‐hours escort service to students at night and on weekends to destinations on campus or to the Memorial Stadium parking lot. However, students are to use the shuttle transportation system when available. Students may call the Campus Police office to request an escort or may contact an officer on duty. In the event of an emergency, campus police may be contacted at 601‐815‐7777 for an emergency or 601‐984‐1360 for non‐emergency while on campus or dialing the emergency number at 911.

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Cell Phones, Pagers, and Laptop Computers

All cellular telephones and pagers are to be either turned off or placed on vibrate or silent mode during all classroom sessions. The use of laptop computers in the classroom is at the discretion of presenters and coordinators who should discuss his/her expectations with the class at the introduction of the class or course. If the course coordinator does not mention otherwise, laptop use is permitted during classroom sessions with the sound switched to muted mode.

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Electronic Communications

The School of Dentistry is committed to utilizing the most advanced technology available to communicate with students. The University will employ electronic means, when appropriate, to affect such communication, and students are expected to monitor these electronic communications appropriately. To facilitate this goal, all students will be assigned an electronic mail address in "Outlook" when they are accepted for admission.

Electronic means may include, but are not limited to, electronic mail, electronic bulletin boards, and information portals. 

Guidelines

• The distribution of mass email to students shall be restricted to University Departments for university business. Authority to approve the distribution of email in this manner rests with deans, directors, and department
• Electronic communication to inform students of upcoming events of interest among students may be approved for distribution by mass
• Where appropriate, electronic communications should have a ‘from' address, ‘reply‐to' address and a ‘subject'
• This policy does not apply to electronic communications between academic units and their students, i.e., an instructor sending electronic mail to students in his/her class.
• IMPORTANT – Electronic mail, "your UMMC Outlook account," is considered as official communication from faculty, departments, schools, and the University;therefore, your email account should be monitored daily.

UMMC Information Technology Policies

All students will be responsible for being aware of the Information Technology Policies.

• Information Policy
• Email Policy
• Public Wireless Policy

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Food Service Areas

• Norman C. Nelson Student Union Building. There is both inside and outside seating. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (breakfast) and 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (lunch).
• Main Cafeteria dining hours are 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Several stations with specialty items are available at mealtimes. Simply to go items are available during opening hours. The menu is available on the intranet home page.
• Methodist Rehabilitation Center cafeteria serves lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 7 days a week. You can check the menu by calling 601‐364‐3373.
• Wiser Bistro on the ground floor of the Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants is open 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Subway located on the first floor of the Addie McBryde Building and down the hall from the main cafeteria. It is open from 7:00 am – 2:00 pm, Monday – Friday; 8:00 am – 11:00 pm Saturday; and 9:00 am – 11:00 pm Sunday.
• Coffee and specialty drinks are available at two locations. One is on the ground floor of the SOM and one in the atrium of the main hospital.
• General food service areas available to students, including several vending machines, are located throughout the medical center.

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Identification Badge

Each student will be issued an identification badge with a photograph. The badge is to be always worn while on campus. The badge may be used for identification purposes for library checkouts, security identification purposes, and access to the School of Dentistry, during or after hours. A replacement badge can be obtained for a $20.00 fee.

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Library

www.umc.edu/library

The Rowland Medical Library is in the Verner S. Holmes Learning Resources Center building and provides services and resources to UMMC students, faculty, and staff. All users must present a valid UMMC identification badge to check out library materials. The library website provides access to the library catalog, databases and electronic and print books and journals. In addition, librarians are available to assist students in the library, via telephone and email. There are a variety of study spaces available in the library including a collaborative learning center with mediascapes, individual study carrels, small group study rooms, and study tables and chairs.

The library is open 24/7/365 with badge access. Staffed hours are Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Library staff will not be available on official UMMC holidays. Closings and altered schedules are posted in the library and on the library website and Facebook page in advance.

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Lockers

Locker rooms are located on the east side of the first floor of the dental school building. Students are assigned individual lockers for storage of personal items. Students are strongly urged to place locks on their lockers; but in any case, the school is not responsible for the security of locker contents. The school reserves the right to inspect lockers without notice.

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Lost and Found

Students should contact the Office of Student Affairs and Inclusion at 601‐984‐6060, the Office of Clinical Affairs at 601‐984‐6025, or the Campus Police Office at 601‐984‐1360 for information on lost or found articles.

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Mailboxes and Postal Services

The main UMMC post office, room N‐019, is in the basement near the medical school elevators. It offers all standard postal services including registered, insured, and certified mail. The post office window does not sell individual stamps but does sell books or rolls of stamps. Cash or checks will be accepted; debit or credit cards are not accepted. The post office does not sell money orders. Money orders can be purchased at the Mississippi Credit Union located across from the School of Nursing. Money order fees can be obtained by calling the credit union at 601‐984‐1315.

Post office service window hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

The post office does not follow the USPS (United States Postal Service) holiday schedule but instead will be closed on all UMMC holidays.

More information about mailboxes and postal services can be found on the intranet.

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Parking and Shuttle Service

https://www.umc.edu/physfac/ is a direct link to the Physical Facilities website and https://www.umc.edu/shuttle/ is a direct link to the Shuttle service.

During the daytime hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, students should park at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium where parking is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Shuttle service from the stadium to the hospital is available 5:30 am – midnight, Monday – Friday. Maps can be viewed by going to https://www.umc.edu/shuttle/.

Students can obtain night parking access to a surface lot from 4:45 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Monday – Friday and all day on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and holidays (UMMC official Employee Holidays)

If a surface lot is not desired, they may obtain night parking access to Garage A or B beginning at 6:15 p.m. Monday through Friday and all day on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and holidays (UMMC official Employee Holiday). Students needing night parking access will need to take their vehicles to Physical Facilities, Trailer #1 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Monday – Friday to be registered and obtain badge access.

Pulling a ticket in the garage and paying at the end of the day is not authorized and will result in disciplinary action.

Students should become familiar with UMMC's Policy for Parking and Traffic Rules and Regulations, which are found on the intranet or by using the following link: https://intranet.umc.edu/Human_Resources/UMMC‐Health‐System‐HR/Manager‐Toolbox/Parking.html

Students should not violate the above‐mentioned policy. Lack of knowledge of the policy will not be accepted as a defense for violations. Campus police will issue UMMC parking violation tickets as well as official state issued tickets when deemed necessary. Monetary fines and other penalties will be associated with these tickets.

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Photocopying

https://www.umc.edu/printing/

Photocopy services are available in the University Print Shop. Fees are .10 per page for black ink on white paper and .30 per page for color.

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Communications and Marketing

https://www.umc.edu/Communications‐Marketing/Home.html

The Office of Communication and Marketing is the only authorized information dissemination source for the Medical Center to the news media. The division welcomes information and suggestions from and about students and faculty for media stories and articles in the Medical Center's publications. The division is in room U015 of the Verner S. Holmes Learning Resource Center Building.

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Student Support Activities

Community Engagement and Service Learning

http://www.umc.edu/ocesl/

The Office for Community Engagement and Service Learning (OCESL) was created in November of 2015 to contribute to the education and service missions of UMMC. The purpose is to engage students through service learning that occurs in the context of the community. The expectation is that students will grow in understanding the demographics and the disparity that exists in healthcare and access to care. As students engage and commit through service, there is an ever‐growing likelihood they will continue to serve within the community and to disparate populations and are more likely, because of their involvement, to remain and serve in the State of Mississippi.

The OCESL serves to vet, promote and document community engagement and service‐ learning activities for the institution to ensure they are aligned with the institutional mission of creating a healthier Mississippi. The office oversees volunteer management platform for schools, institutional units, faculty, student groups, and individuals to promote and document community engagement efforts and service‐ learning activities. The office also serves as a resource for the development of service learning within the curriculum for the development of community relationships that further service learning.

To access additional information about service opportunities and about the service platform, faculty and students may visit the OCESL website.

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Norman C. Nelson Student Union and Fitness Center

https://www.umc.edu/studentunion/

The Norman C. Nelson Student Union contributes to the student's quality of life by offering facilities, programs and activities of interest and value; assists with superior physical support of institutional activities; and works to build a sense of community among all campus constituencies.

The 57,000 square foot facility houses the campus bookstore, food court, and meeting and event facilities. A recreation room, lounge space, a study room and a state‐of‐the‐art gymnasium and fitness center are also available to students and residents.

Services

Bookstore

The Bookstore offers textbooks, gifts, UMC souvenirs, and school and office supplies. The hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 7:45 am – 4:30 pm.

Food Court

The Commons food court located on the first floor of the Student Union offers a deli, pizza, grille, and a daily lunch special. There is a student/employee discount with your UMC badge. The hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 9:30 am for breakfast and 11:00 am – 1:00 pm for lunch.

Study Area 

The Student Union provides a 24/7 student study area on the second floor in the ASB suite. STUDENT ID BADGE IS NEEDED FOR 24/7 ACCESS TO THE BUILDING. 

Conference Center

Our conference center, located on the second floor of the building, is an ideal setting for meetings, conferences, and special events due to its location, flexible venues, and amenities. Student organizations can reserve space by visiting our administration office on the first floor or by calling 601‐984‐1756. All catering needs can be arranged through UMMC Catering. To arrange event parking, please contact the UMMC Parking and Transportation department. The Student Union administration office does not validate parking tickets.

Banking Services

The Mississippi Federal Credit Union is located on the UMMC campus just west of the Student Union. An ATM banking machine is located on the ground floor of the Student Union.

*Recreation Center

The Student Union's Recreation Center is located on the first floor of the Union. The facility features two ping‐pong tables, a foosball table, two pocket billiard tables, two large screen televisions, kitchenette, and locker service.

*Gymnasium and Fitness Center

 The Student Fitness Center is a facility dedicated to the promotion of healthy attitudes and lifestyles among future health care professionals. The fitness center offers a wide variety of fitness resources, including controlled weight machines, free weights, treadmills, bikes, steppers, aerobic sport studio, basketball/volleyball court, and indoor track. The fitness center also supports the UMMC's intramural sport programs such as flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, dodgeball, softball, and kickball. Our facility also offers a towel and daily locker service, showers, and equipment checkout. Lockers may be used only while a member is using the facility.

*YOUR STUDENT/RESIDENT ID BADGE IS NEEDED FOR ACCESS TO THE RECREATION CENTER, GYMNASIUM, AND FITNESS CENTER.*

Students/residents are allowed one guest while using the fitness center and recreation facilities. All guests need to sign in at the fitness center desk. The Student Union fitness center also offers a spouse membership for a one‐time fee of $25.00 and will be active for the years the student/resident is enrolled in school. The spouse will need to fill out a student spouse ID authorization form in Student Union administration or the Fitness Center office and have a UMMC badge made in Human Resources. Note: Due to safety issues, children, and animals, other than service animals, are not allowed in the Student Union gymnasium, fitness center or recreation center.

Recreation and Fitness Center Hours of Operation

• Sunday – 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Monday – Thursday 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Friday – 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

HOURS MAY CHANGE DUE TO HOLIDAYS OR SPECIAL EVENTS

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Professional Organizations and Activities 

The two major dental student professional organizations are the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) and the Student National Dental Association (SNDA). The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Inclusion serves as faculty advisor for all dental student organizations. ASDA was established in 1971 to represent, serve, and support the needs and interests of dental students. As a national professional organization, ASDA provides a forum for dental student expression, works for student advocacy, promotes the improvement of dental education, provides professional information to dental students and dentists, and promotes lifelong involvement in organized dentistry. ASDA is directed solely by dental student leaders committed to improving the well‐being and status of their peers. Students' membership dues to ASDA are paid as part of registration fees each year so that the school's ASDA chapter always has 100% membership.

Elected students from the dental school serve as the school's representatives to national and regional ASDA meetings. The school's local chapter is active in promoting student involvement in organized dentistry and in serving and supporting the needs of students at the local school level. Various social, community, and fund‐raising activities are planned each year by the chapter.

The SNDA originated from concerned dental students at Meharry Medical College in 1970. After fifty years of the inception of the National Dental Association, these students at Meharry organized what would become the largest minority student dental association in the United States today. These students were motivated by the fact that there was a lack of communication between minority dental students. Since then, the SNDA has become a supportive mechanism and a communication link for all minority dental students across the United States.

The Hispanic Dental Association, formed in 1990, is the only national organization of dental professionals dedicated to promoting and improving the oral health of the Hispanic community and providing advocacy for Hispanic oral health professionals across the United States. Comprised of members that include practicing dentists, dental educators, allied dental educators and allied dental professionals as well as students, the Association works with a wide spectrum of individuals to improve education, foster research, and communicate to Hispanic and non‐Hispanic dental professionals and the community at large about oral health issues specific to the Hispanic community. 

UMMC School of Dentistry also has active student chapters in the following organizations: ADEA (American Dental Education Association) – American Dental Education Association; SPEA – Student Professionalism and Ethics Association; AGD – Academy of General Dentistry; GHSA – Global Health Student Association; SCDA – Special Care Dentistry Association; and MAWD – Mississippi Association of Women Dentists. 

Several other national associations and societies have student membership divisions. These include the following: Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities, Alliance of the American Dental Association, AADR Student Research Group, American Association of Dental Schools, American Association of Women Dentists, American Association of Hospital Dentists, American Dental Association, American Society of Dentistry for Children, and The International Association of Dental Students. Details about each of these groups' activities and roles, as well as membership dues and joining information, are available in the annual ASDA Handbook.

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Social Activities

https://www.umc.edu/asb/

There are numerous medical center and dental school social activities each year. The Associated Student Body sponsors several events for all UMMC students and their families. The School of Dentistry holds an annual back‐to‐school golf tournament, and the Office of Alumni Affairs sponsors the annual Alumni and Friends Day in the spring.

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Student Government

https://www.umc.edu/asb/

The Associated Student Body (ASB) is made up of elected representatives and officers from the Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Health Related Professions, and the Graduate Program in the Medical Sciences. As the official UMMC student government organization, the ASB meets with administration and faculty to provide information regarding student concerns and activities. The ASB also assists in developing events related to academic programs and sponsors various extracurricular activities including a film series; intramural sports; and publication of the campus yearbook, the Medic, and the student newspaper, the Murmur.

The School of Dentistry also has an active student Executive Council with membership consisting of the elected presidents and vice presidents of each class, as well as an elected president, vice‐president, and secretary/treasurer of the student body. These officers are elected in a school‐wide election. The Student Executive Council serves as the communication link between students and faculty and administration regarding all matters of interest to students and serves as an advocate group for students. The council also sponsors extracurricular activities and fund‐raising events.

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Student Philanthropy

The ASB Philanthropy Committee coordinates students from all schools to participate in various fundraisers and charitable activities in the community. Among others, these include the American Heart Association's Heart Walk, the Walk to Cure Diabetes, Toys for Tots, and Habitat for Humanity.

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Student Study and Communication Center

There is a student lounge, exclusively for dental students, located on the 4th floor of the dental school building. There is also another lounge and communication center located on the 1st floor across from the vending machines. Both have sofas and chairs, microwave oven, and reading materials, all intended to provide a relaxed setting where students may study, congregate, and socialize.

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Student Support Services

Some individuals seek assistance for personal, educational, career, and emotional concerns during their academic development. For dental students, the four years of professional education are a major period of transition filled with educational, economic, and psychological challenges. These challenges can lead to academic problems, stress, conflict, and other personal difficulties. Students may contact the following resources to help manage these difficulties.

Women's Liaison

Dr. Pia Chatterjee Kirk, Chair and Associate Professor of Care Planning and Restorative Sciences, serves as Women's Liaison for the school. All students, faculty, and staff can contact her with concerns about sensitive and questionable issues such as sexual harassment. Dr. Kirk can be reached at 601‐984‐6030.

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Office for Student Success

The Office for Student Success provides oversight to the following University of Mississippi Medical Center support services:

University Tutoring Services

https://www.umc.edu/University_Tutoring/

The Office for Student Success manages University Tutoring Services, the peer tutoring program available at no charge to students experiencing academic difficulty who are currently enrolled in the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Supportive instruction is provided by peers with similar educational backgrounds. To request tutoring or receive more information about available courses, individuals should go to the Office for Student Success webpage and complete the Request Tutoring online form.

Writing Collaborative

https://www.umc.edu/writing_services/

The Office for Student Success manages the Writing Collaborative, which is available at no charge to students currently enrolled in any school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Writing coaches are available to meet individually with students to assist with assigned coursework and papers. Writing Coaches assist students by discussing structure, ideas, and clarity of assignments by offering feedback on a portion of the paper. Writing coaches do not proofread or edit papers. The goal of the Writing Collaborative is to add value to the educational experience through writing critique and support. To request writing support services, individuals should go to the Office for Student Success webpage and complete the Request for Writing Support online form.

Academic Accommodations

https://www.umc.edu/Academic_Accommodations/

The Office for Student Success manages academic accommodations at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Note: Students in the School of Pharmacy should apply for academic accommodations through the University of Mississippi, Oxford Campus. The University of Mississippi Medical Center is committed to ensuring equal access to a quality education for qualified students through the provision of reasonable academic accommodations which support UMMC standards and academic integrity. UMMC policy provides for reasonable academic accommodations to be made for students with verified disabilities on an individualized and flexible basis as specified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

For more information, individuals should review the Office for Student Success webpage or contact the office directly. To request academic accommodations, individuals should complete the Request for Academic Accommodations form available on the webpage.

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Office of Alumni Engagement

Website: https://www.umc.edu/alumni/

Email: alumni@umc.edu

The mission of Alumni Engagement is to create lifelong relationships with alumni that connect them to the University of Mississippi Medical Center and to each other through meaningful engagement opportunities, communications, services, and philanthropic outreach. The Dental Alumni Board, chaired by Dr. Alexa Lampkin for the 2022‐2023 school year, strengthens the association between UMMC alumni and the School of Dentistry by encouraging alumni involvement, fostering donor stewardship, and enhancing communication with their peers and fellow graduates. Students are encouraged to participate and engage with alumni at programs hosted by the Office of Alumni Affairs throughout the year.

Dental and dental hygiene students are also encouraged to apply for the Student Alumni Representatives (STARS) program in spring of each year. Representing each of UMMC's seven schools, STARS are highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals that serve the UMMC community and their respective schools at events and functions throughout the state and region, while building personal and professional networks.

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Office of Student Affairs and Inclusion

The Office of Student Affairs and Inclusion is the primary source of information and contact for students. Responsibilities of the Office of Student Affairs include counseling/appropriate referral, advising, student activities and career placement services. The Assistant Dean for Community also serves as an advisor to student leaders and as an advocate for dental students in the School of Dentistry. The mission of our office is to provide the needed support, guidance, information, and resources to ensure our students' success. We work closely with students to help them meet the challenges of their dental education.

Dental and hygiene students in their second year of training are encouraged to apply for the SOD Ambassador program. SOD Ambassadors are a group of student leaders who represent the school in recruitment and school events.

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Office of Student Financial Aid

Please refer to UMMC's Student Financial Aid web site for the most current information and/or changes at http://www.umc.edu/financialaid/.

Applying for Financial Aid

1. Apply for admission to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). Applications are available online at umc.edu.
   • Click on EDUCATION
   • Click on APPLY ONLINE
   • Complete the application
2. Apply for a FSAID at http://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htmif you do not already have one. The FSAID will be used to complete FAFSA and loan
3. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at fafsa.ed.govusing UMMC's Federal School Code number 004688.
4. Complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling at studentloans.gov
5. Complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note at studentloans.govif you plan to borrow an Unsubsidized Loan. Your FSAID is required to E‐Sign your MPN. Both the MPN and Entrance Counseling are required prior to Direct Stafford Loan Disbursement and should be completed as soon as possible to ensure that your loan disbursement is not delayed.

Deadlines and Processing

All Financial Aid Awards must be accepted in Workday before funds are disbursed.

If selected for verification, no aid will be awarded until verification is complete.

If selected for verification, you can choose to utilize the IRS Data Retrieval tool on the FAFSA; if it is not an option, request a 2015 Tax Transcript at www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get‐Transcript.

Scholarships/Grants

• State programs – https://www.msfinancialaid.org/
• Institutional/Federal – Scholarship opportunities are available in Workday beginning April 1st each year.

Federal Loan Programs

Federal Perkins Student Loan

Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Direct Plus Loan

Loans for Disadvantaged Students Health Professions Student Loans

Other Outside Sources for Financial Aid

• State Institutions of Higher Learning – https://www.msfinancialaid.org/
• Field Co‐Operative Loan Program ‐ (601) 713‐2312

The Student Financial Aid Office is in Learning Resource Center U124. Financial aid is awarded annually, and students must reapply by completing FAFSA each year.

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Office of Enrollment Management

https://www.umc.edu/registrar/

The Office of Enrollment Management manages the admission process of all students. It also permanently retains academic information for all matriculated students that is appropriate to be maintained by their office. At the end of each term, grades are submitted by the school directly into the student system. Students may view their individual grades through the student portal. Grade reports are no longer mailed to students.

Students may obtain documents from this office such as official transcripts and letters of enrollment. The cost of a transcript is $5.00.

Each month the office submits an electronic file to the National Student Clearinghouse which contains current enrollment data for each matriculated student such as name, enrollment status, date of any enrollment status changes, and anticipated graduation date. That agency then disseminates the reported data to student loan servicers across the country to determine individual student eligibility for student loan deferment.

The Office of Enrollment Management is also the institutional certifying official for enrollment certification for students receiving benefits under the GI Bill through the Veterans Administration. The office is located on the second level of the Verner S. Holmes Student Learning Resources Center, Room U‐121.

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Access to Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly known as the Buckley Amendment, gives students the right of access to their educational records, requires student consent for other persons to have such access, and authorizes hearings to enable students to modify or supplement their records. The Notification of Rights under FERPA can be found in the UMMC Policy and Procedure Manual (search for "Policy on Access to Student Records" in PolicyTech).

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Research

All students must understand the guidelines below so they can avoid common pitfalls when conducting research and applying for externally sponsored programs not classified as research. For updates during the school year, students should also consult the School of Dentistry Student Research web page.

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Conducting Research

Research experiences can promote evidence‐based dentistry and make students more competitive for admission to graduate and post‐graduate programs. Time is available for students to conduct research on most Thursday mornings throughout the year and some additional times during the summer. The School of Dentistry organizes several programs that can facilitate student conduct of research:

• UPSTART Program – synchronizes the pairing of students with research mentors and the training of students in proper research techniques
• Intramural Research Support Program – provides funds for small research projects and pilot studies
• Honors in Research Program – provides recognition for student effort on research projects 

The guidelines for each of these programs are in the Student Research Resources section below. These programs are administered through the School of Dentistry's Office of Research. The Office of Research also helps students and faculty members to plan research projects, obtain extramural funding for research, and schedule research and research‐related travel. Students planning to conduct research should contact the Office of Research as early as possible in the planning process and before beginning research to ensure compliance with UMMC research policies. Student travel to present quality research results may be funded by the Office of Research or by extramural grants in compliance with the School of Dentistry Student Travel Policy. Students who wish to be competitive for travel funding through the Office of Research should submit either a draft of the research abstract or a research‐related travel plan to the Office of Research before August 15 of the school year in which the conference organizer's abstract submission deadline will occur. Funding decisions will be made based on availability of funds. Travel requests submitted after August 15 will be considered in the order they are received if any travel funds remain unallocated. The Office of Research is in Room D528‐6A.

NOTE: Students and faculty must NOT submit research proposals or other types of grant applications directly to sponsors or directly to the UMMC Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. All grant applications will be processed by the School of Dentistry Office of Research. Processing of grant applications requires approval from several administrative offices, so grant applications should be submitted to the Office of Research at least two weeks in advance of the sponsor's application deadline.

Applications for external student awards that commit UMMC facilities and/or other UMMC resources are considered to be grant applications.

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Undergraduate and Professional Student Training in Advanced Research Techniques (UPSTART) Program

Objective

The Undergraduate and Professional Student Training in Advanced Research Techniques (UPSTART) Program provides an opportunity for eligible dental, dental hygiene, as well as pre‐dental and pre‐graduate undergraduate students to be involved and trained in research at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry.

Goals

The program is designed to initiate students in research by pairing with research mentors, teaching general laboratory safety, and instilling essential research skills through hands‐on learning. The research experience is provided under the mentorship of a School of Dentistry faculty member who is actively engaged in research. The program promotes learning through peer interactions via group meetings and seminars on a variety of training topics. 

Additional goals of the UPSTART program are:

1. To encourage dental and dental hygiene students to participate in a focused research project at an early stage of their program
2. To better prepare dental students who plan to participate in the Honors in Research Program (HRP)
3. To better assist dental students who plan to participate or are simultaneously participating in the research elective, "Conduct of Research" (D698‐9)
4. To expose the participating students to the research activities at the University of Mississippi School of

Eligibility:

Only students who are in good academic standing are eligible for the UPSTART program. Participation in the UPSTART program is on a voluntary basis. Dental and dental hygiene students will be given preference over other types of students. The selection of students to participate in the UPSTART program will be made by the Associate Dean for Research at the recommendation of the School of Dentistry Research Advisory Council.

Description:

The UPSTART program has several components as described below:

1. Research: UPSTART program consists of research in some aspects of dental or basic health science.
2. Mentoring: A University of Mississippi School of Dentistry faculty member will directly supervise students. Wherever applicable, the participating students will also benefit from an interaction with the graduate students and post‐graduate researchers in the Department of Biomedical Materials Science and the post‐graduate dental residents in the various departments in the School of
3. General laboratory practice orientation: Students will be given an in‐depth training on safe laboratory practices, emergency response, and responsible conduct of research through a didactic seminar plus any additional training necessary to comply with the policies of UMMC and sponsoring
4. Professional development seminar series: The students will attend seminars on a variety of training
5. Dissemination of research findings: The students will have the opportunity to present their research findings as an oral seminar in the "UPSTART Symposium" organized at the end of the UPSTART program. Additionally, the students are expected to present the research performed during UPSTART program and progress since then on the following School of Dentistry Research
6. Stipends: The UPSTART program provides a limited number of stipends. The criteria for selection of students to receive stipends are outlined in Section VII. Additional students may receive payment for research assistance at the discretion of the mentoring faculty member and/or department. Students not receiving stipend or payment for research assistance can participate as an educational enrichment program participant.

Student Guidelines:

1. The student must demonstrate a high interest in research.
2. The student must identify up to five research projects offered by the School of Dentistry faculty as their "preferred" research projects. Alternatively, a student may identify and obtain a faculty mentor on their own. In either case, the student must apply to the UPSTART program Director before March 31. A preliminary matching of the students to the available research projects will be done by the UPSTART program Director and submitted to the School of Dentistry Research Advisory Council for approval. If approved, the School of Dentistry Research Advisory Council will recommend the students to the Associate Dean for Research for participation in the UPSTART program.
3. The student must attend the general laboratory practice orientation, the professional development seminar series, and other UPSTART program meetings.
4. The student must present an oral seminar based on their research findings in the "UPSTART Symposium" organized at the end of the UPSTART program.
5. The student must present a poster based on their research findings in the UPSTART program and progress since then on the following School of Dentistry Research Day.
6. Before beginning a study involving human subjects and before June 1, the student, their faculty mentor, and the department Chair must have the IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval in‐hand and must complete the IRB‐approved continuing education course (CITI).
7. Before beginning a study involving live animals and before June 1, the student, their faculty mentor, and the department Chair must have the IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) approval in‐hand with the student already added to the approved protocol.

Faculty Mentor Guidelines

1. The mentor must be a faculty member of the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry.
2. The faculty mentor must submit a written abstract of the proposed research project to the UPSTART program Director, no later than March 1.
3. The faculty mentor must communicate the following in written format to the UPSTART program Director:
   1. Written permission of all pertinent compliance committees (Institutional Review Board, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Institutional Biosafety Committee, Radiation/Laser Safety Committee) has been obtained for the proposed project. Note that a student will not be matched with a project until all required approvals have been received.
   2. The faculty will mentor the assigned student through the UPSTART program period.
4. For studies involving human and/or animal subjects, it is the responsibility of the faculty mentor to ensure that the student has completed the IRB/IACUC‐approved continuing education course (CITI) and has obtained the approval from IRB/IACUC before working on the project and before June 1.
5. If a student's work in the UPSTART program becomes unsatisfactory to the faculty mentor, the UPSTART program Director will be notified by the faculty mentor. The School of Dentistry Research Advisory Council will decide whether the student should be disqualified from the UPSTART program.
6. If in the opinion of the UPSTART program Director, the research work is likely to compromise safety or compliance, then the student will be immediately suspended from research activities and will remain suspended until the situation is resolved. 

Requirements

Before a student is given credit for completion of their UPSTART program, the following requirements must be met:

1. The student must have the approval of the faculty mentor, the UPSTART program Director, and the School of Dentistry Research Advisory Council.
2. The student must present an oral seminar based on their research findings in the "UPSTART Symposium" organized at the end of the UPSTART program.
3. The student must provide a firm commitment to present their results at the UMMC School of Dentistry Research Day.

Selection Criteria to Receive Stipends Through the UPSTART Program:

The UPSTART program provides a limited number of stipends to dental and undergraduate students. A student must apply to request this stipend. Each application will be evaluated by the SOD Research Advisory Council. The SOD Research Advisory Council will recommend the top‐ranked students to the Associate Dean for Research for awarding the stipends.

• Dental Students (Amount of Stipend = $1,000) – Must be a current dental student with good academic
  • A student can receive the stipend for up to a maximum of 100 hours of work on the assigned research project. These work hours must be completed within one year from the beginning of the stipend. The student must submit a record of the time spent on the research activity, certified by their research mentor, to the UPSTART Director every month.
  • Selection criteria (with allotted weightage) are as follows:
    • First semester GPA (40%)
    • Written examination in Evidence‐Based Density Course (20%)
    • One‐page personal statement detailing (i) student's motivation in serving the citizens of Mississippi as judged by the description and rationale of their career aspirations and (ii) student's interest in research (20%)
    • Two (2) letters of recommendation in the prescribed format from School of Dentistry full‐time or part‐time faculty members (10% for each letter)
• Undergraduate Student (Amount of Stipend = $4,000)
  • Only students who can devote full‐time effort (40 hours/week) for research are eligible.
  • Must be a current undergraduate student enrolled in a 4‐year degree program at an accredited college or university. After receiving the stipend, a student must work a minimum of 100 hours on the assigned research project. The student must submit a record of the time spent on the research activity, certified by their research mentor, to the UPSTART Director every month.
  • Selection criteria (with allotted weightage) are as follows:
• Current Undergraduate GPA (60%)
• One‐page personal statement detailing (i) student's motivation in serving the citizens of Mississippi as judged by the description and rationale of their career aspirations and (ii) student's interest in research (20%)
• Two letters of recommendation in the prescribed format (10% for each letter)

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Intramural Research Support Program

Objectives

The goal of the Intramural Research Support Program is to enhance research activities in the School of Dentistry. Highest priority is given to:

1. providing support for new investigators who are working to initiate and develop their research programs and
2. supporting pilot studies with a clear potential for expansion into larger projects that can compete for extramural funding. Priority will be given to those research projects which involve School of Dentistry students.

Eligibility

Participation as co‐investigator in an intramurally funded project is not restricted. The Principal Investigator (PI), defined as the primary author of the proposal and the person assuming responsibility for completion of the project, must be a full‐time faculty member of the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry.

Submission of Applications

A letter of intent should be submitted to the School of Dentistry's Office of Research on or before February 1. The letter should include: (1) the project title, (2) a list of all participating personnel and their roles on the project, and (3) an abstract that briefly describes the hypothesis and methods. A full grant application is due on or before October 1. Applications submitted on or after March 1 will be considered in the order that they are received if any intramural grant funds remain unallocated.

Applicants will be notified of award by April 1. 

Method of Review

Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria in order of decreasing importance:

1. ability of investigators to complete the project,
2. appropriateness of budget,
3. use of appropriate methods,
4. potential to result in subsequent extramural funding,
5. likelihood that the results will be published in a peer‐reviewed journal,
6. collaboration between students and faculty, and
7. collaboration between basic science and clinical faculty.

Amount of Award

Although there is no fixed maximum budget for proposals, it may become necessary to set a limit per proposal according to the total funds available. At present, budgets greater than $2000 should include special justification.

Restrictions on Use of Funds

The available funds are restricted to expenditures categorized as commodities (supplies), which may include small items (<$1000) of non‐inventoried equipment except for consumer electronics. At present, awards cannot be made for the costs of inventoried equipment, training, salary, software, or travel. Costs for services may be allowable on a case‐by‐case basis. Examples of services that have been approved in the past include postage and long‐distance telephone for surveys, printing of posters, and care of live animals.

Student travel for the presentation of research results is sponsored by the Office of the Dean through a separate program. However, for such travel to be considered, research abstracts must be submitted to the Office of Research and approval received prior to submitting the abstract to the conference organizers. This office will review and consider which research results are worthy of having the travel funded. Any funded travel must follow our student travel policy.

Award Period

Awards are made for one year terminating on March 31. of this, awarded funds should be utilized as promptly as possible.

Compliance Issues

When developing a research project, it is essential to consider whether the work involves any of the following:

• Human subjects (IRB)
• Animals (IACUC)
• Laser, radioisotopes, computed tomography (CT), or radiographs (Radiation/Laser Safety Committee)
• Recombinant DNA or pathogenic organisms (Institutional Biosafety Committee)

There is a regulatory committee for each of these areas, and verification of approval by the applicable committee is necessary before funding can be awarded for any project that involves these activities. Information can be obtained online at the UMMC Division of Research site: https://www.umc.edu/Research/Research_Home.html 

Mandatory Report

A progress and expenditure report must be sent to the Office of Research within 90 days of the end of the award period. This report should include a brief description of progress made in the project, a list of publications (including abstracts) arising from the project, and any applications to other funding sources resulting from intramural support. The report should also include an account of expenditure. Principal Investigators of funded applications will be expected to make a strong commitment to complete the proposed project. In rare cases, the Principal Investigator may need to request an extension. In these cases, a progress report must be submitted on or before October 1^st along with a projected timeline and budget for completion. Extensions are not guaranteed. They may be granted at the discretion of the Office of the Dean.

Acknowledgement

Publications (including abstracts) resulting from research supported by these funds should acknowledge this support by the following statement: "Supported by the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry Intramural Research Support Program."

Sources of Assistance in Developing a Proposal

The application procedure may seem arduous; however, the intention is that the process of thoroughly planning a research project (development of a formal proposal and submission to peer review) will maximize the likelihood that efforts will be successful and rewarding. Moreover, if research is carefully planned, the investigator will have accomplished much of the writing of the manuscript(s) that will be submitted for publication when the study is completed. An excellent discussion of grant writing can be found in the Journal of Dental Education, 50(3): 180‐186, 1986. Applicants with questions or comments should feel free to call or email Millicent Bingham in the Office of Research, 601‐984‐6010, mmbingham@umc.edu. 

Application Instructions

The proposal should be written according to the following format:

Face Page

The first page of the application should be the completed UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY APPLICATION FOR INTRAMURAL RESEARCH GRANT – with all signatures and copies of any approved assurances.

Research Plan

Typically, about 3 pages.

Specific Aims

This should be a concise explanation of exactly what the project will accomplish. In other words, you should state what novel information the research is intended to produce. The preferred format is a statement of one or more hypotheses that will be tested. If this is part of a larger project, then indicate where this study fits within the long‐term objectives.

Background and Significance

This section should explain why the accomplishment of the stated aims is worthwhile. You should provide a brief, critical review of current related literature and indicate the deficiencies or discrepancies that will be addressed by your project.

Preliminary Studies (optional)

If the investigators have done previous work that relates to the present project, this should be outlined here. Any other information supporting the investigator's ability to complete the project will be helpful.

Experimental Design and Methods

This section should explain exactly how the stated specific aims will be accomplished. You should outline the design strategy and timeline and indicate what methods will be used to obtain data. If experimental variables are to be narrowed based on initial results, then specify the screening criteria. If a new material, device, or technique is to be developed, then specify the performance levels necessary to proceed to the next stage of product development. Statistical tests of hypotheses must be clearly described. It is also important to precisely describe all experimental controls, even if they seem obvious.

Finally, a discussion of the possible outcomes and corresponding implications is an effective way to demonstrate that the project has been carefully thought out.

Literature Cited

Use any format that provides full information on the reference.

List of Related Publications by Principal Investigator and Other Project Personnel

A lack of such publications by a new investigator should not discourage submission of the proposal. Curriculum vitae (CVs) may be substituted for this section.

Key Personnel

Briefly describe the specific role and time commitment of each participant in the project.

Resources and Other Support Available for This Project

List the equipment and facilities necessary, and their availability for this project.

Budget

Itemize the approximate costs of supplies (including animals) and pre‐approved services. Recall that this funding mechanism cannot support travel, salary, training, software, or purchases of equipment.

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Honors in Research Program

Objective

The Honors in Research Program (HRP) is an educational plan that provides an opportunity for eligible dental students to choose advanced study in dental research or basic health science and recognizes their accomplishments.

Goals

The goals of the HRP are to encourage critical thinking, support evidence‐based approaches, and increase interest in academic and research careers as well as to recognize individual students who have acquired research skills and participated in research activities in addition to the required dental program.

Eligibility

Only students who are in good academic standing are eligible for the HRP. Participation in the HRP is on a voluntary basis. The selection of students to receive Honors in Research will be made by the Dean at the recommendation of the Research Advisory Council.

Description

Honors work consists of research in some aspect of dental or basic health science. The work must be hypothesis driven. The work should include a comparison or control group(s). The lack of controls excludes case studies, case series, and some simple surveys from consideration for honors level recognition. Library research papers (literature reviews) other than systematic reviews will not be accepted. A UMMC faculty member will directly supervise students. The HRP provides no stipends or fixed remuneration. However, students may receive payment for research assistance at the discretion of the sponsoring faculty member and/or department.

Guidelines

Each student is expected to abide by these guidelines: 

• The student must be in good academic standing.
• The student must identify and obtain a faculty sponsor.
• Before beginning a study, the student and their faculty mentor must obtain written permission of all pertinent compliance committees (Institutional Review Board, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Institutional Biosafety Committee, Radiation/Laser Safety Committee). The Office of Research is available to help identify which compliance committees apply to a project and to help navigate the committee approval process.
• Before beginning a study involving human subjects, the student, their faculty advisor, and the faculty advisor's supervisor must complete the IRB‐approved continuing education basic course (www.citiprogram.org) in Human Subjects Protection and the student must take the CITI re‐fresher course every three years while completing their study. Before beginning a study involving live animals, the student must complete the corresponding CITI Laboratory Animal Welfare course.
• If the student fails to maintain good academic standing, they will be disqualified from the HRP.
• If a student's work in the HRP becomes unsatisfactory to the faculty sponsor member, the Associate Dean for Research will be notified by the faculty sponsor. The Research Advisory Council will decide whether the student should be disqualified from the HRP or encouraged to choose work in another field of dental science with another faculty member. 

Requirements

Before a student is given credit for completion of their HRP the following requirements must be met:

• The student must have the approval of the Research Advisory Council and the faculty sponsor.
• The student must disseminate their results outside of the UMMC School of Dentistry (e.g., abstract or poster at a national meeting, journal article).
• The student must present their results at the UMMC School of Dentistry Research Day.
• The student must submit a final report of his/her work to the Associate Dean for Research. To be acknowledged at commencement this report must be submitted by January 1 of the student's senior year.
• The final report must contain:
  • HRP transmittal form
  • Summary (abstract of no more than 300 words)
  • Background (a review of the work previously done by others in the same area)
  • Objective (statement of the hypotheses answered)
  • Methods (description of the study protocols including materials/test subjects used and their sources, the statistical design and analysis methods, and techniques described in such detail as to allow another researcher to reproduce the experiments)
  • Results
  • Discussion (description of important findings, a comparison of results to the previous results of others in the same area, an acknowledgement of the limitations of the study, and a list of unanswered questions)
  • Conclusions (answers to the tested hypotheses based directly on observations made in the study)

When all requirements have been met, the Research Advisory Council will then recommend to the Dean that the student receive Honors in Research. If the honors are awarded, then the student will receive a letter that may be included in applications for post‐graduate programs. Students who have met the January 1 deadline will have the distinction noted on their diplomas, be listed in the graduation program at commencement, and be recognized by the student's graduation attire (e.g., honor cords in gold to indicate science). 

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Student Research Awards

The Hinman Student Research Award, the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Research Award of Excellence, the American Association for Dental Research Award, and the AADR/DENTSPLY Sirona Student Clinician Research Award are presented each year at the School of Dentistry's Annual Research Day poster competition. All these awards are competitive, given to the student researchers that faculty judges agree have the strongest posters and presentations. 

Hinman Student Research Award

The Hinman Student Research Awardee will attend the Hinman Student Research Symposium, which is held every year at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, TN. The purpose of this conference is "to help raise and maintain the quality of dental research and education in the U.S. by encouraging participation of dental students, graduate trainees, and dental school faculty in research to improve oral health care." As the awardee, the dental student will receive the Hinman's Travel Award. One student from each dental school across the U.S. receives the Hinman Travel Award, which covers most of the travel expense to the symposium. 

Those students who attend the Hinman Student Research Symposium gain valuable networking opportunities with other students and dental faculty and professionals, as well as exposure to the various areas of dental research and their importance in the promotion of dental education and dental care. For more information visit: http://www.uthsc.edu/dentistry/Hinman/.

AADR/DENTSPLY Student Clinician Research Award

The AADR/DENTSPLY Sirona Student Clinician Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application (SCADA) awardee will attend and compete on behalf of our school at the AADR/DENTSPLY Sirona SCADA Award Program and Reception, which is held annually during the AADR Annual Session. One student from each of 57 U.S. dental schools and 28 other countries participate in this program annually.

Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Research Award of Excellence

The OKU Research Award of Excellence is presented to the dental student who makes the finest presentation at our annual SOD Research Day. This award comes with a $250 cash prize that is sponsored by the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society.

American Association for Dental Research (AADR) Award

The AADR Award is presented to the D1‐D3 student who makes the finest presentation at our annual SOD Research Day. The recipient will receive travel funding to attend the annual AADR conference and to represent our school in the student competition there.

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Sponsored Projects

All externally sponsored projects must be coordinated through the School of Dentistry's Office of Research in Room D528‐6A, 601‐984‐6010, SOD‐Research@umc.edu.

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School of Dentistry Honors in Service

Goals

The Honors in Service Program seeks to:

1. Inspire students to practice sustained dedication in impactful care and service to disparate populations in oral health.
   • This distinction is to specifically honor those students who show excellence in Service beyond the minimum requirements set forth in the service-learning curriculum.
2. Encourage students to engage in identifying and addressing community problems through innovation and application of professional knowledge and skills.
   • Students must demonstrate ownership and/or leadership in the identification, collaboration, implementation, and promotion of a Service initiative.

Honors in Service graduates are recognized by:

1. Receiving honors cords at the senior awards banquet
2. Conferred a special diploma
3. Receiving a letter suitable to present in applications to residencies (for cases when they meet the requirements before becoming a D4 or DH4).

Program Eligibility:

Students must submit and receive approval of their Honors in Service proposal prior to project initiation. Eligibility to submit a proposal is contingent upon:

1. Academic Standing: Student must be in good academic standing to participate in the Honors in Service program.
2. Demonstration of Sustained Service: Student must submit documentation demonstrating sustained commitment to Service and leadership during the first 3 semesters of dental school or 1 semester of dental hygiene school, exceeding the minimum service-learning requirements

Application Requirements:

1. Personal Statement: Outlining accolades and accomplishments to-date, personal goals and commitment to community-engaged scholarship, and a description of current community involvement and impact.
2. Service Project Proposal: The Honors in Service project must address:
   1. A focus area (can be fulfilled by any of the following)
      • A designated Global Service-Learning/study abroad experience
      • An independent Service project of the student's own design
      • Innovative addition to already established service with a community partner
      • Increased impact of already established project
   2. Demonstration of Service, service-learning integration, and ethical community involvement. See the following definitions:
      • Service: Collaboration with local, regional/state, national, and/or global communities for mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources
      • Service-learning Integration: The application of academic, empirical, and experiential knowledge to facilitate a better understanding of and approach to the strengths, concerns, and conditions of a community and its constituents.
      • Ethical Community Involvement: The ability to recognize contentious social or ethical issues and use ethical reasoning to guide one's involvement with a community and its constituents.
   3. Have Community-driven identification of a service need/problem;
      • Students must identify and engage with a community partner who has knowledge of the population of focus to guide the work and ensure positive impact of the proposal
   4. Show Academic rigor in the real-world application of knowledge;
      • Academic rigor in the application of knowledge puts the emphasis on learning in service-learning. Proposals must not simply address community service (typically defined by the donation of time and labor) but should show integration of discipline-specific knowledge or a transdisciplinary intervention in addressing a community need.
   5. Defined and Measurable Outcomes that demonstrate community impact
      • SMART goals should be used to structure expected outcomes – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time Based.
   6. Letter of Support from Community Partner: The community partner does not have to be the director of an established community initiative; however, this person should have strong ties to the population of interest and be able to validate the need for your proposal by giving evidence of personal and/or professional experience with the intended recipients.

Program Requirements:

For a student to receive the Honors in Service designation and receive honor cords for commencement exercises, the student must:

1. Submit a complete application and receive official written approval of the "Service Project Proposal" before moving forward in the Honors in Service Program.
2. Meet monthly with an assigned member of the Service Advisory Committee to report on progression of project.
   • Submit monthly progression report
3. A minimum of 40-hours (or approval of appropriate minimum) of on-site fieldwork with the community partner
4. Creation of a portfolio that contains
   • Project Report that describes:
     • How the project addresses a community issue
     • Project details
     • Documented validation of academic rigor and service-learning integration
     • Description of successes and/or failures
     • Adjustments needed to create project success
     • Lessons learned
     • Plans for sustainability
     • Community impact
   • Purposeful Reflection – The reflection is the student's personal account of the experience including but not limited to:
     • what are the social, cultural, and political forces that structure community issues and the student's response
     • the personal effect of the project on student's priority of Service
     • consideration of ethical questions, personal goals and values, and the relationship between healthcare providers and community partners.
   • Letter of Validation from Community Partner
   • (Optional) – Personal accounts from community participants
   • Pictures and other additional documents pertinent to providing detail and validating community impact of project
5. Presentation of Service Project: This can be done at grand rounds, or another approved professional development setting. 

All documentation will be reviewed and approved by the Service Advisory Committee and a formal letter will be sent to student with the final decision of awarding the honors in Service designation.

Timeline for Submitting an Honors in Service Application

Proposal Submission

The proposal must be submitted at least 2-4 weeks before the anticipated start date of the project. This will give the Service Advisory Committee time to evaluate the proposal and request changes and/or give final approvals and recommendations from the Dean.

Project Portfolio Submission

The portfolio submission must be submitted 2-4 weeks prior to the Honors' anticipated approval in Service designation. This information will need to be forwarded to the appropriate departments to complete the process.

Honors Contact Information

This document is intended to provide an overview of the Honors in Service Program. This program is voluntary and does not replace any coursework outlined in the School of Dentistry curriculum. Additional questions regarding the Honors in Service program may be submitted to the Student Affairs Office.

Proposal Scoring Procedures 

Portfolio Scoring Procedures

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Dental Hygiene

Introduction

The Dental Hygiene Department at the School of Dentistry is an undergraduate program that offers two programs: a traditional, face‐to‐face Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, and an advanced standing, online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Since the department offers degrees at the undergraduate level of education, there are differences and some similarities between policies and procedures described and outlined in the dental school student handbook and seen in previous sections of this document. The following information pertains to the Dental Hygiene Department and its student population.

Program Goals

The Dental Hygiene program goals, which are congruent with the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and the School of Dentistry goals, are to:

• Strive for professional and educational excellence.
• Provide trained and competent dental hygienists for Mississippi.
• Instill a desire to maintain competence through life‐long learning.
• Design experiences, which provide quality preventive and educational services to diverse populations within the community

Competency Statements

A graduate of the University of Mississippi Medical Center Baccalaureate Dental Hygiene Program will have attained the following competencies:

Legal

• Understand, respect and function within all local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

Ethical

• Understand, practice, and promote the American Dental Hygienists Association's (ADHA) professional code of ethics in all dental hygiene endeavors.
• Dental hygiene process of care patient needs analysis (assessment)
• Systematically collect, record, and analyze data on the general, oral, and psychosocial health status of a variety of patients using methods consistent with medical, legal, and ethical principles and practices

Care Plan/Treatment Plan

• Employ critical decision‐making skills to formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan based on all available assessment data and collaboration with the patient and other health care professionals to meet the patient's dental hygiene needs.

Patient Care (implementation, evaluation, documentation)

• Provide each patient with personal dental hygiene care based on assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation to achieve and maintain oral health and wellness. Document care by accurately recording all collected data, treatment planned and provided and other information and recommendations pertinent to patient care and treatment.

Professional growth

• Promote quality patient care by providing each graduate with the foundation for continuing professional growth, learning and practice founded on evidence‐based research and evolving standards of care. Enhance the standing of the profession by preparing the graduate for participation in professional and service organizations.

Community health

• Plan and participate in community oral health activities to promote health and disease prevention of diverse groups.

Career opportunity

• Identify and evaluate dental hygiene careers within alternative health care, industry, education, government, and research settings.

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Dental Hygiene Academic Policies and Procedures

The following information in this document does not constitute a contract between the School of Dentistry and the student. The School of Dentistry and the Department of Dental Hygiene has the right to update and revise guidelines during each academic year or subsequent years of the student's attendance. The UMMC Bulletin further describes departmental guidelines and policies.

The evaluation, promotion, and graduation of students in the Dental Hygiene program are the inherent responsibilities of the dental hygiene faculty and dean. All relevant and available information should and must be part of the consideration in discharging these responsibilities. Student status, or change of status, will be at the recommendation of the Dental Hygiene Promotions Committee with final approval from the Dean of the School of Dentistry. The following guidelines outline the criteria for evaluation, promotion, and graduation of dental hygiene students, and constitute the policy for that process. Evaluation of student performance is an ongoing process based on specific criteria made known to both students and faculty prior to each sequence. To remain in good standing, a student must complete each prescribed course at the established acceptable level. Issues related to student evaluation, promotion, and graduation are handled on an individual basis.

Dental Hygiene Academic Status

Academic status is determined by the Dental Hygiene Promotions Committee, which makes its recommendation to the Dean. The Dean has final approval.

Dental Hygiene Course Grades

In determining the final grade to be assigned to each student at the end of a course, all important attributes of each student's performance in the course are given consideration. This includes cognitive, psychomotor, and other attributes such as department requirements, interpersonal relationships, attitudes toward course work and other factors, which in the opinion of the faculty are important to the student's future role as a health care professional.

The Dental Hygiene Department reports grades on a 0‐100 numerical scale. The numerical grade is converted to a 4.0‐point scale for letter grade reporting of A, B, C, D, or F. Final grades are expressed using this letter system: "A" ‐ Excellent, 90‐100; "B" ‐ Good, 80‐less than 90; "C"‐ Average, 75‐less than 80; "D" ‐ Below average, 70‐less than 75; "F" ‐ Failure, below 70. The quality point value of each letter grade is A‐4; B‐3; C‐2; D‐1; and F‐0. The department follows the School of Dentistry guidelines of a "no rounding" policy.

The method of determining course grades is a departmental responsibility of the faculty member and the Dental Hygiene Department; however, the grading system is to be made known in writing to students by the beginning of each course. Students are made aware of their progress in each course after the mid‐term date published in the Academic Calendar. If work is incomplete for reasons beyond a student's control, a temporary grade of "I" is given. The incomplete grade must be replaced with a final grade by the date established by the department. Students assigned an "I" grade are not considered for departmental awards.

Academic Performance Documentation

Dental hygiene student official records of academic progress are maintained in the Office of Enrollment Management. Student grades may be accessed in Workday.

Dental Hygiene Grade Challenge

Grade Challenge – The responsibility for evaluating student work and assigning grades lies with the instructor of a course. However, a student may challenge a grade to initiate a review process for the student to better understand the reason(s) why the grade was assigned, the instructor to be made aware of and correct possible errors, and academic administrators to review the basis on which a grade has been awarded and, to correct, when appropriate, grades assigned by arbitrary or capricious action or other reasons not related to academic performance. In all cases of a disputed grade, the student has the burden of proof that the assigned grade was not appropriate.

It is for this reason that students should first speak with the instructor. If satisfaction is not found after speaking with the instructor, the student should speak with the program director who will advise the student to submit a written petition to include a copy of the syllabus and any assignment/grading rubrics along with copies of any tests, quizzes, assignments, or other written work completed for which the student is challenging the grade. If the student is still not satisfied, the department chair and/or dean's office will review the action of the program director and/or department chair to see if the grade being challenged was appropriately assessed. If, in the opinion of the program director, department chair and/or the dean's office, deficiencies in instruction are so grave as to warrant such a change, the proper remedy will usually involve alternative assignments or examinations to allow the student the opportunity to demonstrate the appropriate level of competency in that area to earn a different grade than the grade originally assigned. The decision of the dean's office is final.

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Dental Hygiene Academic Progress

It is the student's responsibility to ascertain his or her academic progress and seek assistance from the course instructor if the student finds himself or herself performing inadequately. The program faculty reserves the right to recommend promotion, probation, reclassification, or dismissal of any student. The school reserves the privilege of promoting only those students who, in the judgment of the program faculty, satisfy requirements of scholarship and personal suitability for the profession. 

Promotion

Promotion is contingent upon successful academic performance, including demonstration of professional attributes. Recommendations for promotion and graduation are made by program faculty to the dean.

Probation

Upon the recommendation of undergraduate program faculty, a student may be placed on probation when either the student's semester or overall cumulative grade point average falls below 2.00 or the student has failed to meet professional expectations.

Dismissal

Upon recommendation of undergraduate program faculty, a student may not be permitted to continue enrollment when:

• The student has received a grade of "F";
• The student's overall cumulative grade point average is less than 2.00 on all course work completed at the University of Mississippi Medical Center;
• The student's grade point average is less than 2.00 in each of two consecutive grading periods;
• The student has failed to meet professional expectations; or
• The student incurs an unexplained or unexcused absence from all classes and school and departmental activities for a period of two continuous weeks.

Appeal of Dismissal

The appeal procedure is designed to provide the student with a clearly defined avenue for appealing his or her dismissal if he or she believes the dismissal was an arbitrary or capricious action or for other reasons not related to academic performance. The appeal procedure is as follows:

• The student must submit a written request for an appeal to the dean within five (5) calendar days from the time that the notice of dismissal is sent by e‐mail. Failure to make a written appeal within the five‐calendar daytime period shall constitute a waiver of the appeal right and shall result in the sanction becoming final as recommended. The written request for an appeal must set forth the substantive basis for the appeal and be documented in an official letter to the dean. The official letter of appeal can be sent as an email attachment, by regular mail, or hand delivered to the dean.
• The dean may uphold or deny the appeal or appoint a committee to hear the appeal and forward its written recommendation to the dean. If the dean appoints a committee to hear the appeal, the student will be informed of the time and place of the appeal hearing. The student must appear in person at the hearing to present the appeal to the appeals committee.
• During an appeal hearing the student shall be permitted, at his or her expense, to have an advisor at the hearing and through all other stages of the disciplinary process. The role of the advisor/legal counsel shall be limited to an advisory capacity only. He/she will not be permitted to make opening or closing statements, question witnesses, or make oral arguments. The student is entitled to present witnesses or other evidence and make opening and concluding statements on his or her own behalf. If the student elects to bring legal counsel to the hearing, he/she must give prior notice to the dean.
• The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Inclusion is also available to serve as a student advocate in the appeals process and should be consulted as early as possible in the appeal process.
• The decision of the dean will be made in writing and will be sent by e‐mail to the student. The dean's decision shall be final.

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Dental Hygiene Leave of Absence

On the recommendation of a department chair and the approval of the dean, a student in good academic standing may be granted a leave of absence for approved medical, personal, or military reasons. The request for leave of absence must be appropriately documented, and in the case of medical leave, reviewed by the director of the Student‐Employee Health Services. Leave may not exceed one (1) calendar year. Because of the intensity of the curricula, phasing of the courses, and rapid changes in allied health education, a student may be required to restart courses from the beginning upon returning from leave. Students who fail to return to the academic program within the specified time will be automatically withdrawn from the program. If the student has courses in progress at the time leave of absence is granted, a letter grade of F may be assigned to these courses. A student on leave of absence will not be assigned any academic or clinical responsibilities. Upon return from leave of absence, the student will re‐enroll and pay all tuition and fees appropriate for the period of re‐enrollment. No leave of absence will be granted without appropriate prior approvals.

Program Withdrawal – Registration in an academic program makes the student responsible for completion of the course of study or until, with the permission of the dean or designee, the student withdraws from the curriculum. Official withdrawal is facilitated by the dean or designee submitting official notice of withdrawal to the Offices of Enrollment Management, Student Financial Services and Student Accounting.

An approved withdrawal, if completed on or before the last day specified in the academic calendar, will not be recorded on the student's record. Withdrawals authorized after this date will be recorded as a "W" unless the student has completed the course, in which case the final grade in the course will be recorded. Withdrawals authorized after the three quarters point of the semester, specified in the academic calendar, will be recorded as an "F" if failing a course at the time of withdrawal. Failure to officially withdraw will result in the recording of a failing grade in the course(s) in which the student is registered. 

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Student Rights in Matters of Academic Performance

The Dental Hygiene Department follows the SOD Academic Grievance Policy outlined in PolicyTech.

Notice of Opportunity to File Complaints

The Dental Hygiene Department follows the SOD Notice of Opportunity to File Complaints outlined in this document.

Dental Hygiene Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend all classes, labs, clinics, and special events. Arriving late for or leaving early from class beyond bounds set by the course director will be counted as an absence. Exceptional circumstances are considered on a case‐by‐case situation, pending the student affected by an absence communicating with the course director and department.

Policy on Ethical Conduct, Civility, and Professional Behavior for Dental and Dental Hygiene Students

The Dental Hygiene Department abides by the SOD policy on ethical conduct, civility, and professional behavior for dental and dental hygiene students outlined in PolicyTech (search for "Ethical and Professional Behavior Policy").

General Policy Statements

The Dental Hygiene Department abides by the SOD's General Policy Statements outlined in this document.

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Dental Hygiene Technical Standards for Admission

The program admissions committees of the School of Dentistry, in accordance with Section 504 of the 1973 Vocational Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (PL101‐336), have established technical standards for the essential functions of students in the school's educational programs. Admission criteria do not discriminate against persons with handicapping conditions.

However, all candidates must meet minimum technical standards to function successfully as students and later as dental hygiene practitioners. It is the responsibility of the candidate for admission to review the technical standards for admission.

Motor skills:

Candidates must demonstrate fine psychomotor skills, coordination, and dexterity adequate to: utilize sharp hand instruments requiring controlled movements of less than one millimeter in order to perform manipulation of dental hygiene instruments in such procedures as exploring, probing, scaling, root planning, polishing, and placement of preventive materials, etc.; operate high or low speed dental handpieces during dental hygiene procedures, requiring controlled movements of less than one millimeter; operate foot controls utilizing fine movements. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and balance adequate to perform basic life support including CPR, position and reposition self around patient and chair in sitting or standing position, assist with transferring and positioning disabled patients, manage patients who lack motor control position dental equipment including carts and dental chair, and tolerate physically taxing workloads.

Sensory Skills

Candidates must demonstrate sensory abilities adequate to perform visual oral examinations and treatment including use of visual acuity, indirect vision, and color perception; i.e., to discern differences and variation in color, shape, and general appearance between normal and abnormal, soft, and hard tissues; perform oral examinations and treatment utilizing tactile sense to discern differences through variations in shape, pressure, and hardness in hard and soft tissues. Tactile sense may be either direct palpation or indirect through instrumentation.

Cognitive Skills

Candidates must demonstrate adequate mental preparation and ability by a record of successful academic accomplishment indicating the capability to negotiate the dental hygiene curriculum; a record of acceptable accomplishment on a standardized test indicating the ability to utilize background knowledge and synthesis of that knowledge in developing knowledge or creative concepts and/or interpretation.

Communication Skills

Candidates must demonstrate communication skills adequate to speak, hear and observe patients; elicit information; describe changes in mood, activity and posture; perceive nonverbal communication; and convey or exchange information at a level allowing one to develop and record health history; identify problems presented by the patient, explain alternative solutions to the problems and give directions during treatment and for post‐treatment and home care; communicate effectively and efficiently in written and oral form with patients, colleagues, and all members of the health care team, and in written and spoken English in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. Verbal and written communication skills are vital to success in the academic programs in the School of Dentistry; therefore, applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination and demonstrate competence in written and spoken English. Information on the TOEFL examination may be obtained from the Educational Testing Service, (877) 863‐3546.

Interpersonal Skills

Candidates must demonstrate a capability for developing interpersonal skills adequate to manage apprehensive patients with a range of moods and behaviors in a tactful, congenial, personal manner so as not to alienate or antagonize them. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients.

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Academic Accommodations

The Dental Hygiene Department follows the Academic Accommodations policies of UMMC that are described in this document.

Dental Hygiene Student Travel Policy

The Dental Hygiene Department follows the School of Dentistry Student Travel Policy described in this document.

Treatment of Patients with HIV and/or Other Contagions

The Dental Hygiene Department abides by the SOD's Treatment of Patients with HIV and/or Other Contagions policy described in this document.

Student Health and Wellness

The Dental Hygiene Department abides by The University of Mississippi Medical Center and the School of Dentistry's Student Health and Wellness offerings described in this document.

Student Services

The Dental Hygiene Department abides by The University of Mississippi Medical Center and the School of Dentistry's Student Services offerings described in this document.

Student Support Activities

Dental hygiene students are offered the same student support activities as the dental students that are described in this document. Additionally, dental hygiene students participate in Professional Organizations listed at this website.

Student Support Services

Dental hygiene students are offered the same student support services as the dental students that are described in this document.

Student Dress Code

Along with following the SOD Dress code for clinical and non-clinical settings, the Dental Hygiene Department requires that casual clothing (ie: sweatshirts worn over scrubs or t-shirts) must display UMMC information only.

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