Medical students often have to make a formal appeal based on an academic issue. Appeals can be difficult for medical students and can lead to feelings of rejection and shame. The process is strenuous, as it often leads to drafting a formal letter that is not only challenging but also emotionally cathartic for the student. However, an education lawyer for medical students can provide assistance to students completing an appeal if needed.
Medical students have the right to appeal a grade they have received if they feel that the grade is unfair or inaccurate. The most common types of appeals medical students have to make include grade appeals, academic suspension appeals, academic dismissal appeals, and probation appeals.
We will now see into the common grounds for medical students’ appeals.
- Improper conduct
A student can appeal on this ground if they feel that there has been improper conduct on the part of the instructor. For example, if there is a mistake in their exam paper and they could not have possibly failed it. The student may report these grounds if they feel that they have been rendered incompetent by a mistake that has been made. Medical students can also appeal for mistakes in the course materials if they feel that the instructor has committed an error when assigning the material.
- Medical or psychological issues
A medical student can appeal on this ground if they have a psychological or medical issue that has affected their progress in the course. An example of this would be a student who has had an accident or illness and cannot concentrate on the coursework anymore. A medical student may also appeal for psychological issues if something is interfering with their ability to concentrate in class.
- Financial issues
If students are struggling financially in a medical school, they could appeal on this ground. Financial issues that can be considered grounds for an appeal include the pending eviction of the student or their family as well as serious financial problems such as unpaid bills and student loan debts.
- Family crisis or unexpected death in the family
These kinds of events can also be considered to be grounds for appeal. A death in the family can be very traumatic for medical students and they may need to miss some classes. The student will have an absence for the time it takes for them to work through their trauma.