Students at Saba University are expected to adhere to high standards of academic performance and personal conduct throughout their participation in the Medical School program. Faculty advisors and the Promotions Committee play an active role in reviewing student performance. Failure to adhere to the standards of academic performance and conduct may result in dismissal of the student from the program.
Student Advisement
During their first, second and third semesters at the medical school, students are assigned a faculty advisor. Students in the fourth and fifth semester enter a group advisement system that involves the fourth and fifth semester faculty and liaison personnel from the Office of Clinical Medicine. Faculty advisors meet with the student and are informed of all failing courses at the mid-term and the end of the semester.
Promotions Committee
During and at the end of each semester, the Promotions Committee reviews every student's performance. The Promotions Committee may place a student on academic probation when it is determined that the student is experiencing academic difficulty or course failure.
The Promotions Committee may also take the following actions:
- All students accepted into the Saba University medical curricula with advanced standing (i.e., transfer students) will be placed on academic probation during their first semester.
- A student whose average falls below 75% or GPA below 2.0 may not be promoted from the basic science program to the clinical program.
- The Promotions Committee may recommend dismissal of any student for lack of progression.
Student Affairs
The Assistant Dean of Student Affairs sits on the Promotions Committee and is responsible for monitoring the progress of all students on academic probation. The Dean of Student Affairs acts as a liaison between the Student Government Association and the Saba University Administration.
Conduct
The highest standards of personal conduct are required of students of the Saba University School of Medicine. Inappropriate conduct while on the island of Saba may result in immediate dismissal from the medical school program. Students are subject to the laws of Saba while in residence on the island. Refer to the Student Handbook for procedures and guidelines.
Substance Abuse
The use, possession or distribution of illegal drugs carries serious penalties. Abuse of alcohol resulting in impaired performance or legal difficulties will be dealt with stringently. Saba University, however, recognizes health care professionals are at risk for substance abuse and will attempt to assist any student with substance abuse problems in a rehabilitative manner. The services of a full-time psychiatrist and psychologist are available for such cases.