PA Program Student Handbook & Policies

The PA Program Student Handbook contains detailed program policies, expectations, procedures, and student responsibilities.

Student Handbook

Student Rights, Equity, and University Policies
Employment and Student Work Policies 
Clinical Education Policies 
Health, Safety, and Immunizations Policies 
Academic Progression and Completion Policies 
Grievance, Probation, and Dismissal Policies

Student Rights, Equity, and University Policies

Notice of Non-Discrimination (A1.02g)

The Department of Physician Assistant Studies follows all Kean University policies related to harassment, intimidation, bullying, discrimination, and equal opportunity. All students are expected to maintain a learning environment that is respectful, inclusive, and free from discrimination or harassment.

Anti-Discrimination and Title IX Rights

Kean University is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus community and providing equal educational opportunities for all students.

The University prohibits discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination are prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Students who believe they have experienced discrimination or harassment should contact:

Office of Affirmative Action Programs and Title IX Coordinator
East Campus, Room 204
(908) 737-5980

Students are encouraged to submit a Discrimination Complaint Processing Form through the University.

Title IX Reporting and Resources

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities.

Sex discrimination includes:

• Sex-based harassment
• Pregnancy-related discrimination
• Sexual orientation discrimination
• Gender identity discrimination
• Discrimination based on sex stereotypes or sex characteristics

Kean University is committed to providing a fair and impartial process for all parties involved, including supportive measures, investigation of complaints, and equitable resolutions.

Students may obtain additional information through the University's Title IX webpage or by contacting the Title IX Coordinator.

Title IX Coordinator

East Campus, Room 204

908-737-5980

Titleix@kean.edu

To report a potential Title IX violation, students should complete the University's Title IX reporting form.

Faculty Responsibilities Regarding Student Healthcare (A3.06)

Program faculty, including the Program Director and Medical Director, may not serve as healthcare providers for students enrolled in the PA Program except in emergency situations.

Students are expected to seek medical care through their personal healthcare provider, Kean University Health Services, or another qualified healthcare professional.

Timely Access and Referral for Personal Support (A3.07)

Students experiencing personal issues that may affect their progress should contact their faculty advisor or the Program Director as soon as possible. The Program will facilitate timely access and referral to appropriate University services, including Counseling, Health Services, the Office of Accessibility Services, the Center for Advising, Persistence and Success (CAPS), or other support resources as appropriate.

Employment and Student Work Policies

Outside Employment Policy (A3.14i)

Due to the rigorous, full-time nature of the Physician Assistant Studies Program, students are strongly discouraged from working while enrolled.

Students who choose to maintain employment must understand that PA Program requirements, schedules, examinations, clinical experiences, and academic deadlines will not be modified to accommodate outside work commitments.

Any clinical work performed outside the PA Program is not covered by University or Program malpractice insurance. Students may not represent themselves as a Kean University PA student while engaged in outside employment.

Graduate Assistant Policy (A3.02, A3.03a, & A3.17)

PA students may apply for graduate assistant (GA) positions at Kean University if they are able to successfully manage the additional responsibilities.

Students considering a GA position should carefully review all position requirements and understand that PA Program obligations always take priority.

Participation in a graduate assistantship is completely voluntary. No student is required to apply for, accept, or maintain a graduate assistant position.

Students who accept a graduate assistantship outside the PA Program must:

• Notify the Program Director.
• Acknowledge that PA Program requirements will not be modified to accommodate GA responsibilities.
• Meet periodically with the Program Director if requested to ensure employment is not negatively impacting academic performance.

Students who accept a graduate assistantship within the PA Program:

• Serve primarily in a teaching assistant role.
• Are supervised by the Program Director.
• May not access confidential student, faculty, or personnel records.

Students placed on academic or professional probation may be restricted from serving as graduate assistants and will be strongly advised against outside employment.

Didactic Instruction Restrictions (A3.03a)

Students may not substitute for instructional faculty, independently teach courses, or be assigned primary teaching responsibilities within the PA Program.

Any student who is asked to perform duties that resemble those of a course instructor should notify the Director of Didactic Education.

Clinical Rotation Staffing Restrictions (A3.03b)

While participating in supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs), students may not be used to replace clinical or administrative staff.

Students are present at clinical sites solely for educational purposes and must not be assigned responsibilities that would otherwise be performed by employed personnel.

Students who believe they are being used as clinical or administrative staff should immediately notify the Director of Clinical Education.

Clinical Employment Restrictions (A3.03b)

Students may not accept payment, wages, stipends, or other compensation for activities performed while participating in required supervised clinical practice experiences.

Participation in clinical rotations is an educational experience and may not be construed as gainful employment.

Clinical Education Policies

Clinical Rotation Assignment Policy

The PA Program is responsible for coordinating and assigning all required supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs).

Clinical rotation assignments are based on educational requirements, site availability, preceptor availability, and programmatic needs. The Program reserves the right to modify clinical assignments as necessary to ensure students meet program requirements and accreditation standards.

Student Responsibility for Clinical Sites (A3.08)

Students are not required to provide, arrange, or solicit clinical sites or preceptors.

The PA Program is responsible for securing and coordinating all required clinical experiences necessary for completion of the curriculum.

Preceptor and Clinical Site Selection

Students may recommend potential clinical sites or preceptors for consideration by the Program.

All suggested sites and preceptors must undergo review and approval by the Program prior to student placement. Approval is based upon educational suitability, preceptor qualifications, and the ability of the site to meet program learning objectives.

Submission of a site recommendation does not guarantee approval or student placement.

Prohibition of Compensation During Clinical Rotations

Participation in supervised clinical practice experiences is an educational requirement of the PA Program and may not be construed as employment.

Students may not accept payment, wages, stipends, gifts, or other compensation for activities performed during required clinical rotations.

Educational Role During Clinical Rotations (A3.03b)

Students participating in supervised clinical practice experiences are learners and may not be used to substitute for clinical or administrative staff.

Students should immediately notify the Director of Clinical Education if they believe they are being assigned responsibilities that exceed their educational role or are being used as workforce replacement.

Student Travel, Transportation, and Housing (A3.14j)

All assigned clinical sites are located within commuting distance of the program. Students are responsible for transportation and associated expenses, including travel, parking, and tolls. Students who elect to obtain housing closer to a clinical site for their convenience are responsible for all associated housing costs. 

Clinical assignments may require travel beyond the immediate campus area. Travel distance, cost, or housing inconvenience is not grounds for reassignment and does not excuse attendance or other clinical requirements.

Students should plan for clinical-year transportation and housing needs in advance.

Health, Safety, and Immunization Policies

Health Information and Required Immunizations (A3.09a)

Students must satisfy all health, immunization, and clearance requirements prior to matriculation and throughout enrollment in the PA Program.

Required documentation must be submitted directly to Kean University Health Services through the student health portal.

Students who fail to meet required health compliance standards may be prevented from enrolling in courses, participating in clinical experiences, or progressing within the program.

Required documentation includes:

• PA Program History and Physical Examination Record
• PA Program Immunization and Tuberculosis Screening Record
• Additional documentation required by Kean University Health Services or clinical affiliates

Required Immunizations (A3.09a)

Students must maintain documentation of required immunizations and immunity in accordance with CDC recommendations and clinical site requirements.

Required immunizations and/or immunity include:

• Varicella
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
• Meningococcal Vaccine
• Hepatitis B Series and Immunity Testing
• COVID-19 Vaccination (per current requirements)
• Annual Influenza Vaccination

Some clinical sites may impose additional immunization requirements. Students are responsible for maintaining compliance with all site-specific requirements.

Tuberculosis Screening Requirements (A3.09a)

Students must provide documentation of tuberculosis screening performed in accordance with current CDC guidelines.

Tuberculosis screening is required:

• Prior to matriculation
• Prior to entering the clinical phase
• As required by clinical affiliates

Students with positive screening results must complete all required follow-up evaluation and treatment recommendations.

Bloodborne Pathogen Prevention and Exposure Policy (A3.05a-c)

The Department of Physician Assistant Studies follows the Kean University Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan.

Students are required to complete bloodborne pathogen training prior to matriculation and may be required to complete additional training during the program or by individual clinical sites.

Students should familiarize themselves with all exposure prevention procedures and clinical site safety requirements. 

Exposure Reporting and Post-Exposure Procedures (A3.05b-c)

Students who experience an exposure to bloodborne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials must immediately:

• Notify the supervising faculty member, preceptor, or clinical site supervisor.
• Follow all site-specific exposure reporting procedures.
• Seek prompt medical evaluation.
• Notify the Director of Clinical Education if the exposure occurs during a clinical rotation.
• Complete all required incident reporting documentation.

All medical expenses associated with exposure evaluation and treatment remain the responsibility of the student and/or the student's health insurance provider.

Chemical and Environmental Exposure Safety (A3.05)

Students must comply with all clinical site policies related to hazardous materials, chemical safety, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

In the event of a chemical exposure:

• Immediately follow emergency decontamination procedures.
• Notify the supervising clinician or site supervisor.
• Seek medical evaluation when indicated.
• Complete all required site and program incident reports.

Students are expected to know the location of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and comply with all workplace safety requirements.

Incident Reporting (A3.05b)

Students must report any bloodborne pathogen exposure, chemical exposure, environmental exposure, or other significant safety incident occurring during didactic or clinical training.

Required incident reports must be submitted in accordance with PA Program, University, and clinical site policies.

Faculty Healthcare Restrictions (A3.06)

Program faculty, including the Program Director and Medical Director, may not serve as healthcare providers for students enrolled in the PA Program except in emergency situations.

Students should seek medical care through their personal healthcare provider, Kean University Health Services, or another qualified healthcare professional.

Academic Progression and Graduation Policies

Academic Progression Requirements (A3.14a-b)

Due to the sequential nature of the curriculum, students must successfully complete all required coursework within a semester before progressing to the next phase of the program.

At the conclusion of each semester, the PA Student Progress Committee reviews each student's academic and professional performance and makes recommendations regarding progression.

Students must be approved for progression before registering for subsequent coursework.

Additional comprehensive reviews occur:

• Prior to progression from the didactic phase to the clinical phase
• Prior to graduation and recommendation for degree conferral

Students must demonstrate achievement of all program-defined student learning outcomes and successfully complete all required summative evaluations.

Remediation and Conditional Progression (A3.14c)

Students requiring remediation may be permitted to progress at the discretion of the Student Progress Committee.

All remediation requirements and outstanding coursework must be completed within the timeframe established by the Program.

Progression is not guaranteed and will be determined on an individual basis based upon academic performance and professional standing.

Graduation Requirements (A3.14b)

To be recommended for graduation, students must:

• Be in good academic standing
• Be in good professional standing
• Successfully complete all required coursework
• Achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Demonstrate achievement of all program-defined student learning outcomes
• Successfully complete all components of the Summative Evaluation process
• Complete all University graduation requirements
• Have no outstanding financial obligations to the University

The Physician Assistant Studies Program must be completed within six years of initial matriculation.

Graduate degrees are conferred by authority of the Kean University Board of Trustees.

Application for Graduation

Students seeking graduation must submit an application for graduation through KeanWISE by the deadlines established by the Office of the Registrar.

Additional graduation information, deadlines, and fee requirements are available through the Office of the Registrar.

Failure to submit a graduation application by the established deadline may delay degree conferral.

Degree Completion Timeline

Unless otherwise approved by the Program Director and/or Student Progress Committee, all outstanding coursework and graduation requirements must be completed prior to the student's scheduled graduation date.

Students who fail to satisfy all graduation requirements may have degree conferral delayed until all requirements have been successfully completed. A delay in degree conferral may result in additional tuition, fees, or other educational expenses.

Students whose graduation is delayed are strongly encouraged to consult with the Office of Financial Aid to understand how an extended enrollment period may affect their federal student loans, financial aid eligibly, repayment obligations, or other financial aid considerations. 

Student Grievance, Probation, and Dismissal Policies

Grade Grievance Policy (A1.02f-g & A3.14g-h)

Students who believe they have been graded unfairly have the right to initiate a formal grade grievance.

Students are encouraged to first discuss concerns directly with the course instructor or course coordinator. If the issue cannot be resolved, the student may pursue the formal grievance process outlined by the PA Program and the University.

The grievance process includes review by:

• Course Instructor/Course Coordinator
• Program Director
• PA Program Departmental Grievance Committee
• Dean of the College of Health Professions and Human Services

Students must adhere to all published deadlines and submission requirements when filing a grievance.

The decision of the Dean of the College of Health Professions and Human Services is final.

Academic Probation (A3.14a)

Students who fail to maintain satisfactory academic performance may be placed on academic probation.

Academic probation may occur when a student's cumulative GPA falls below University or Program standards or when academic performance indicates a risk to successful progression.

Students placed on academic probation may be required to comply with an individualized academic improvement plan and may be subject to additional restrictions established by the Program.

Professional Probation (A3.14a)

Students who fail to meet professional behavior expectations may be placed on professional probation.

Professional probation may result from violations of professional standards, ethical conduct expectations, program policies, clinical site requirements, or the Program's Defined Professional Behaviors.

Students placed on professional probation may be required to satisfy specific remediation requirements before returning to good standing.

Academic Dismissal (A3.14f)

Students may be academically dismissed when they fail to meet the academic standards established by the University and the PA Program.

Dismissal decisions are made following review by the appropriate Program and University committees and are communicated to the student in writing.

Professional Dismissal (A3.14f)

Students may be dismissed for behavior that violates professional standards, University policies, clinical site policies, or the expectations of the PA profession.

Professional dismissal may occur at any time when a student's actions are determined to be detrimental to patients, clinical partners, the University community, or the profession.

Appeals Process (A3.14h)

Students who believe they have been unfairly placed on probation or dismissed from the Program may submit a written appeal in accordance with Program procedures.

Appeals are reviewed through a formal process that may include:

• Program Director review
• PA Program Departmental Grievance Committee review
• Dean of the College of Health Professions and Human Services review
• Academic Standards Committee review, when applicable

Students must comply with all appeal deadlines and documentation requirements.

The final decision of the Dean and/or Academic Standards Committee is final and not subject to further appeal.

University Academic Standing Requirements (A3.14a)

After attempting six (6) graduate credits as a matriculated student, students are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Students who fail to meet University academic standards may be placed on academic probation or dismissed in accordance with University policy.

Additional academic standing requirements are available through the Kean University Graduate Catalog and Student Handbook.