Columbia University Dean's Discipline Policy for VP&S MD Students 

Overview/Rationale

A student charged with a disciplinary infraction subject to “Dean’s Discipline” is entitled to notice of the charges, an opportunity to be heard and an opportunity to appeal a disciplinary decision to the dean of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S).*  

Accreditation Standards

LCME Accreditation Standard:

9.9 Student Advancement and Appeal Process   

Stakeholders

Medical students and Faculty 

Faculty, staff or students with concerns that a student has committed a non-academic infraction should contact the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Support & Services. Students may instead report concerns through the Student Honor Code Committee.  Based on the information provided to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Support & Services, a dean’s discipline proceeding may then follow.  An infraction proceeding begins with a written communication from the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Support & Services requiring the student to attend a disciplinary hearing to respond to a specified charge. The hearing is held by the Academic Appeals Committee as noted there is a member of the Columbia University Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI) as well as ex-officio members/dean representative from the office of diversity inclusion and belonging.  The Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Support & Services is ex officio and non-voting. These meetings are recorded and transcribed.   There is no formal process for direct questioning of individuals providing testimony or for challenging the presented evidence during the proceedings. While students have the right to seek advice from legal counsel, attorneys are not permitted to attend the hearing or the appeals process. The student may, however, designate a support person from the VP&S Faculty who must remain silent to accompany them, in accordance with institutional policies.  

The student is informed of the evidence that led to the committee needing to and asked to respond in the hearing or in writing. The student may request individuals to appear on his or her behalf and they may submit relevant documents or information.  

After the Academic Appeals Committee has heard the student and others and considered all the evidence, it reaches a determination and consults with the Columbia University Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI) regarding outcomes.  The Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Support & Services notifies the student in writing of that decision. If the student is found to have committed an infraction, the penalty can include remediation, probation, suspension, dismissal, or any combination of these.  

The student has the right to appeal a decision that results from a dean’s discipline hearing to the dean of the faculty of medicine, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine or their designee as the Appellate Officer will make a final determination. There is no further appeal within the University.  

*The University-wide Rules of University Conduct govern conduct incident to demonstration, rallies, vigils and picketing and may displace "Dean's Discipline" in cases of serious violations