2020-2021

Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine

Student Handbook

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INTEGRATED PHARMACEUTICAL MEDICINE

PROGRAM HANDBOOK

College of Graduate Studies

Northeast Ohio Medical University

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2020-2021

Table of Contents PART I ......................................................................................................................................................... 6

Preface ................................................................................................................................................. 6

Graduate Studies Mission Statement ........................................................................................... 6

Overview and Program History ..................................................................................................... 7

IPM Program Mission, Vision, & Goals ....................................................................................... 7

Program Mission ............................................................................................................................... 7

Program Vision .................................................................................................................................. 7

Program Goals ................................................................................................................................... 8

IPM Program Contact Information ................................................................................................ 9

NEOMED Compass .......................................................................................................................... 9

PART II ................................................................................................................................................. 10

Program Requirements .................................................................................................................. 10

Application Deadlines ................................................................................................................... 11

Application ....................................................................................................................................... 11

Enrollment ........................................................................................................................................ 11

Program Pathways .......................................................................................................................... 13

Ph.D. Degree in Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine............................................................. 13

Curricular Degree Requirements: M.D./Ph.D. .......................................................................... 15

Curricular Degree Requirements: Pharm.D./Ph.D. .................................................................. 16

Research Courses............................................................................................................................. 17

Required Courses for dual enrolled MD/PhD students only: ................................................ 18

Electives Courses ............................................................................................................................. 18

Non-Curricular Degree Requirements ........................................................................................ 18

Laboratory Rotations ...................................................................................................................... 18

Advisor Selection ............................................................................................................................ 19

Advisory Committee Selection ..................................................................................................... 19

Individual Development Plan (IDP) ........................................................................................... 20

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Candidacy Exam .............................................................................................................................. 20

Dissertation Prospectus ................................................................................................................. 21

Dissertation/Thesis Defense ......................................................................................................... 21

PART III .................................................................................................................................................... 22

Student Onboarding ....................................................................................................................... 22

Orientation ....................................................................................................................................... 22

Calendars .......................................................................................................................................... 22

Billing ................................................................................................................................................ 23

Add/Drop .......................................................................................................................................... 23

Course Listing .................................................................................................................................. 23

Course Registration ........................................................................................................................ 23

Research Registration ..................................................................................................................... 24

Policies & Procedures ..................................................................................................................... 24

Academic Good Standing & Conduct ......................................................................................... 24

Course Credit Transfers ................................................................................................................. 25

Grading and Incompletes .............................................................................................................. 25

Leave of Absence and Withdraw ................................................................................................. 29

Student Complaints Policy ............................................................................................................ 30

Tuition & Other Charges ............................................................................................................... 31

Service Commitments .................................................................................................................... 32

Current Stipends ............................................................................................................................. 32

Vacations, Leaves and Dismissals ............................................................................................... 34

Student Travel Reimbursement ................................................................................................... 34

Financial Aid .................................................................................................................................... 35

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PART I

Preface

The Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine (IPM) Program handbook contains procedures of the

College of Graduate Studies, as established by the Graduate Faculty Council, and specific

information for the IPM program. Every student accepted into the IPM Program are expected to

be familiar with this handbook. It is the student’s responsibility to understand and comply with

all University policies and procedures, and the procedures of the IPM Program upon acceptance.

Part I gives an overview of the IPM program mission and goals and alignment with the College

of Graduate Studies. Program contact information and resources available in the NEOMED

Compass to all students enrolled in the College of Graduate Studies.

Part II provides IPM program information and the essential processes and procedures for

applying to the program, admission pathways, general academic requirements, and the

advisement needed to successfully complete the program.

Part III details student onboarding, orientation, registration, teaching assistantships, student

resources, graduation requirements, and other policies and procedures.

Graduate Studies Mission Statement

The mission of the College of Graduate Studies is to instill critical thinking, inspire curiosity, and promote

innovation in order to graduate future generations of scientists, researchers, teachers and community

leaders who will use the power of education, research and scholarship to positively transform the world.

The College of Graduate Studies at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) was

established in 2009 and offers additional degree programs, including a Certificate or M.A. in

Medical Ethics and Humanities, Master of Public Health (MPH), M.S in Health-System Pharmacy

Administration, and Biomedical Sciences Program (M.S. and Ph.D.; partnered with Kent State

University.

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Overview and Program History

Started in 2011, the Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine (IPM) program is the scientific discipline

concerned with the discovery, development, formulation, delivery, pharmacologic and

toxicologic evaluation, registration and scientific monitoring of drug entities for the benefit of the

public health.

The Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) integrated pharmaceutical medicine degree

program’s main objective is to educate and develop first-rate scholars and independent

investigators within an integrated curriculum. Graduates of this program will have a unique

perspective on the linkage of pharmaceutical sciences to medical disciplines, specifically

regarding disease mechanisms and targets for therapeutic interventions.

This program will provide graduate students interested in entering a career in the pharmaceutical

industry and academia with an excellent education through the Master of Science (M.S.) degree

or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree track, while benefiting from NEOMED’s excellent

research environment and infrastructure.

Dual or double degree offerings are also available to Northeast Ohio Medical University students

pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (M.D./Ph.D.) or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D./Ph.D.) degree.

IPM Program Mission, Vision, & Goals

Program Mission

The mission of the Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine Program is to advance the quality of

healthcare and treatment of illness through the development of leading biomedical research

scientists and scholars by providing students with an environment and opportunity to train with

world-class faculty researchers in preparation for careers in academia or industry.

Program Vision

The provide students with an excellent integrated pharmaceutical medicine graduate eduction,

imbuing them with advanced skills and the necessary qualifications to succeed as a researcher in

academia, biotechnology, or industry, while benefiting from NEOMED’s excellent research

environment and infrastructure.

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Program Goals

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Comprehensive knowledge of research science with expertise in one of the following

research tracks:

a. Pharmaceutical Sciences: A thorough knowledge of the pharmaceutical sciences

with research emphasis in a chosen area of expertise or specializations such as

drug design and discovery, pharmaceutics (dosage form development, drug

delivery and drug formulation), pharmacologic and toxicologic evaluation of

drugs, disease mechanisms, and development/use of disease models for research.

b. Metabolic Disease: A thorough knowledge of metabolic-related disease,

necessary to engage in hypothesis-driven research into the mechanisms of

metabolic disease, diabetes, or obesity.

c. Cardiovascular Disease: A thorough knowledge of cardiovascular disease,

necessary to undertake hypothesis-driven research into the mechanisms of heart

disease, hypertension, stroke, and heart failure.

d. Skeletal Disease: A thorough knowledge of bone and tissue regrowth, necessary

to undertake hypothesis-driven research into the mechanisms of debilitating

conditions such as arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis and bone fractures.

e. Neurodegenerative Disease: A thorough knowledge of degenerative diseases of

the central nervous system, necessary to undertake hypothesis-driven research

into the mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma, and

other neuropathies.

2. Training consistent with students’ career goals. This includes a focus on disease

mechanisms and targets for therapeutic intervention.

3. A thorough knowledge of planning, organizing, and conducting independent research

following the norms and standards of national research organizations, societies,

government, and industry.

4. An ability to effectively communicate research findings to internal and external

audiences, in oral and written form.

5. A thorough knowledge of methods to secure support and independent funding from

government and private sources to conduct independent research.

6. A desire to remain immersed in the philosophy of life-long learning, and an appreciation

of the importance to maintain and continually update their knowledge base.

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IPM Program Contact Information

IPM Program Directors

Moses O. Oyewumi, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Interim Chair Pharmaceutical Science

Co-Director, IPM

Phone: 330-325-6669

Office: RGE 244

Email: moyewumi@neomed.edu

Priya Raman, M.Pharm., Ph.D.

Associate Professor, IMS

Co-Director, IPM

Phone: 330-325-6425

Office:

Email: praman@neomed.edu

Matthew A. Smith, M.S., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Associate Director, IPM

Phone: 330-325-6437

Office: RGE-138

Email: msmith13@neomed.edu

Dean of the College of Graduate Studies

Steven P. Schmidt, Ph.D.

Vice President for Research

Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Phone: 330-325-6290

Office: G-235

Email: sschmidt@neomed.edu

College of Graduate Studies Staff

Kelly Shrock

Program Coordinator, HSPA, and IPM

College of Graduate Studies

Phone: 330-325-6784

Office: F-240

Email: kshrock@neomed.edu

IPM Research Faculty

NEOMED Compass

The NEOMED Compass, is the University Student Handbook, which has a comprehensive

listing of services, departments, policies, and procedures for ALL NEOMED students and can be

accessed through the link below:

➢ NEOMED Compass 2020-21

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PART II

To successfully navigate through the ever-evolving landscape of career opportunities, the IPM

program seeks to develop graduates through a ‘tailored’ interprofessional curriculum bridging

Pharmaceutical Sciences with Medicine, including immersive extramural internship

opportunities with industry and hospital partners, as well as access to a diverse community

of research faculty mentors and collaborators housed within state-of-the-art research facilities.

Program Requirements

The Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine degree program is open to qualified students from a

variety of backgrounds. Students with the following qualifications are encouraged to apply for

either the M.S. degree or Ph.D. degree track:

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in the majors of chemistry, biochemistry or any of the biological

sciences, or a combination of majors such as for a pre-pharmacy or pre-medicine

baccalaureate. Students are recommended, though not required, to have taken a full series of

biology, chemistry and physics courses with lab; college writing, genetics, cell biology,

biochemistry, statistics, calculus, analytical chemistry, pharmacology, microbiology or

biotechnology.

• Minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale in previous undergraduate coursework and/or a 3.3 on a 4.0

GPA scale in prior graduate coursework. Students with a 3.4 GPA or above will be given

preferential consideration for admission.

In addition to these criteria, admission requires completion of an online application, including a

personal statement describing how this program would further one’s goals, a current curriculum

vitae, three letters of recommendation and acceptable GRE scores.

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Application Deadlines

For Fall Admissions: February 1

For Spring Admissions: November 1

M.S./Ph.D./PharmD.-Ph.D. Applicants*:

Completed applications should be submitted no later than February 1st. Invitations for on-

campus interviews will be distributed in March. Offer letters will be sent out to applicants in

April.

M.D.-Ph.D. Applicants*:

Current NEOMED MD students are eligible to apply for admission into the PhD program their

M2 year. Applications should be submitted no later than November 1st. Notice of admittance

will be sent out to applicants in December. Students selected will be issued a “conditional

acceptance” into the program with final admission contingent on successful completion of their

M2 year.

Application

The online application is available at

➢ https://gradcas2020.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login

*Application waivers are available for current NEOMED students applying to the IPM

program. Contact cogs.staff@neomed.edu to request application waiver code.

Enrollment

Student Headcount Fall 2020-21

Program MD/PhD MS

PhD Total Headcount

Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine 1 0

5 6

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Student Graduation History

Row Labels Count of Last

2014 2

MS 1

PhD 1

2015 1

PhD 1

2016 1

PhD 1

2017 1

MS 1

2018 1

MS 1

2019 1

MS 1

2020 3

MS 2

PhD 1

Grand Total 10

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Program Pathways

Ph.D. Degree in Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine

The Ph.D. degree in integrated pharmaceutical medicine at NEOMED requires a total of 90 credit

hours. All doctoral students in the program will be required to complete 30 hours of didactic, 30

hours of research and 30 hours of dissertation work, culminating in a written dissertation and

dissertation defense.

All doctoral students will be administered a qualifying/candidacy exam upon completion of the

course work, including the core curriculum requirements. This examination will be taken within

one year of completion of the core requirements and usually no later than the summer after the

student’s second year. Doctoral students “advance to candidacy” after successful completion of

the candidacy exam and begin preparation of the Prospectus or dissertation plan. The Prospectus

is a written dissertation plan that is orally defended in front of the student’s committee. The work

resulting from the Prospectus becomes the dissertation that is also a written document orally

defended in front of the student’s committee.

M.S. Degree in Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine

The M.S. degree in integrated pharmaceutical medicine at NEOMED requires a total of 45 credit

hours, including 23 credit hours of core curriculum, 13 credit hours of research, and 9 hours of

thesis research, culminating in a written thesis and thesis defense.

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Requirements Minimum Credits MS Minimum Credits

PhD

COGS 65101 Research Methods 3 3

PEMD 60401 Drug Discovery, Development and Approval 3 3

PEMD 60406 Intro to Pharmaceutical Sciences 4 4

PEMD 60407 Molecular Pharmacology 4 4

PEMD 60408 Statistical Methodology in the Biomedical Sciences 3 3

PEMD 60402 Pharmaceutical Medicine Seminar 2 4

COGS 65301 Responsible Conduct of Research 1 1

Elective Courses 3 8

RES 65098 Research 13 30

RES 65199 Thesis Research (MS Only) 9

RES 80199 Dissertation Research (PhD Only) 30

Thesis Defense (MS Only) Non-credit required

Candidacy Exam (PhD Only) 2-year Non-credit required

Prospectus (PhD Only) 3-year Non-credit required

Dissertation Defense (PhD Only) Non-credit required

Total Credits Needed 45 90

Dual Degree

Students enrolled in a NEOMED professional program (medicine or pharmacy) who elect to

enroll in the College of Graduate Studies in order to attain a PhD degree in the Integrated

Pharmaceutical Medicine (IPM) program are permitted to transfer approved credits earned in the

NEOMED professional program to their graduate program curriculum.

➢ Transfer Credit Policy

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Curricular Degree Requirements: M.D./Ph.D.

The College of Graduate Studies provides an opportunity for enrolled NEOMED MD students to

attain a PhD degree through the Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine Program. The MD-PhD is a

nested degree with only applicants accepted and enrolled in the NEOMED College of Medicine

being eligible. The student will progress through the first two years of the MD curriculum. This

is followed by a leave of absence from the MD program during which the student will earn the

PhD degree through the IPM program. At the completion of PhD, the student will re-enter the

MD program to finish out MD degree requirements. It is expected that students, using a

combination of approved credits from the MD curriculum and elective course work, will

subsidize the bulk of PhD didactic requirements allowing for accelerated degree completion.

Requirements MD/PhD

Shared Credits from MD Curriculum 15

PEMD 60401 Drug Discovery, Development and Approval 3

PEMD 60408 Statistical Methodology in the Biomedical Sciences 3

PEMD 60402 Pharmaceutical Medicine Seminar 2

COGS 65301 Responsible Conduct of Research 1

COGS 65101 Research Methods 3

PEMD 65400 Patient Care Fall 1.5

PEMD 65401 Patient Care Spring 1.5

RES 65098 Research 30

RES 80199 Dissertation Research 30

Candidacy Exam Non-credit required

Prospectus Non-credit required

Dissertation Defense Non-credit required

Total Credits Needed 90

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Curricular Degree Requirements: Pharm.D./Ph.D.

The PharmD-PhD program is a modified sequential degree plan. The PharmD degree will be

earned over the normal 4-year timeline after which the student will enter the graduate

curriculum. It is expected that students, using a combination of approved credits from the

PharmD curriculum and elective course work, will subsidize the bulk of PhD didactic

requirements allowing for accelerated degree completion.

Requirements PharmD/PhD

Shared Credits from PharmD Curriculum 15

PEMD 60401 Drug Discovery, Development and Approval 3

PEMD 60408 Statistical Methodology in the Biomedical Sciences 3

PEMD 60402 Pharmaceutical Medicine Seminar 2

COGS 65301 Responsible Conduct of Research 1

COGS 65101 Research Methods 3

Elective Courses 3

RES 65098 Research 30

RES 80199 Dissertation Research 30

Candidacy Exam Non-credit required

Prospectus Non-credit required

Dissertation Defense Non-credit required

Total Credits Needed 90

Course Information

Course descriptions for the IPM program can be found in the current NEOMED Compass.

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Research Courses

RES 65098 – Research (1-10 credits)

This course provides Master’s degree and PhD candidates the opportunity to earn research credit

while building the skills and learning the techniques that will prepare them to embark upon their

thesis or dissertation research. This course is designed to be taken concurrently with didactic

coursework and continuing beyond the completion of didactic coursework, but prior to Thesis

Research or Dissertation Research. The Research course is taken with the student’s major advisor

as the primary instructor.

RES 65199 – Thesis Research (MS Only) (1-9 credits)

This course provides Master’s degree candidates an opportunity to earn research credit toward

performing research experiments, documenting their results, and performing data analyses that

will form the basis of their thesis work. This course will be taken by the Master’s degree candidate

in the last year before the thesis defense. The credit hours assigned to this course can vary;

however, Master’s students must have 9 credit hours of Thesis Research in order to fulfill the

requirements for a Master’s of Science in the Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine program.

RES 80199 – Dissertation Research (PhD Only) (1-10 credits)

This course provides doctoral candidates an opportunity to earn research credit toward

performing research experiments, documenting their results, and performing data analyses that

will form the basis of their dissertation work. This course is meant to be taken once the doctoral

candidate has successfully defended their Prospectus, the dissertation plan. This course will be

taken by the doctoral candidate every semester after the Prospectus defense and until the

completion of the Dissertation defense. The credit hours assigned to this course can vary;

however, doctoral students must have 30 credit hours of Dissertation Research in order to fulfill

the requirements for a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in the Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine

program.

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Required Courses for dual enrolled MD/PhD students only:

PEMD 65400 (Fall) & PEMD 65401 (Spring)- Patient Care for the MD/PhD (0.5 credits)

Taken only by M.D. / Ph.D. dual-degree students, in conjunction with the College of Medicine.

Students enroll each Fall and Spring semester while enrolled in Ph.D. program. These courses

allow dual-degree students to remain informed and engaged in clinical care skills while they

pursue the PhD portion of their program.

Electives Courses

For all courses, students must perform at a level of at least a B grade to remain in good standing.

Microcirculation (3)

Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Regeneration (3)

Human Anatomy Physiology & Pathophysiology I (5)

Human Anatomy Physiology & Pathophysiology II (5)

Molecular Cloning & Genetic Engineering (2)

Internship (3)

Foundational Techniques in Biomed Res. (3)

Research Writing (2)

Cellular and Molecular Signaling (3)

Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics (4)

Non-Curricular Degree Requirements

Laboratory Rotations

All students are required to participate in lab rotations to find their research area of interest.

Students will complete 2-3 rotations within first semester (for MS) or by end of first year (for PhD)

before choosing their lab. The lab should be where the student intends to complete their

thesis/dissertation research.

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Advisor Selection

By the end of the first semester for Master’s candidates and by the end of the first year of study

for PhD candidates, students must submit a written request to the Program Director asking to be

assigned to a major advisor. The major advisor’s written agreement to accept the student in their

lab should accompany the written request to the Program Director. Once the request has been

approved, the advisor will help the student to create a plan of study suited to their research

interests as well as serve as the chair of the student’s thesis and/or dissertation committee.

➢ IPM Major Advisor Declaration

Advisory Committee Selection

Upon approval of the lab assignment, the major advisor and the student should select a team of

committee members. Two (2) Graduate Faculty members should be selected for Master’s

candidates and, initially, two (2) Graduate Faculty should be selected for PhD candidates. PhD

students will then add one (1) Graduate Faculty member for their candidacy exam and then one

(1) Graduate Faculty member for the dissertation prospectus for a total of five (5) members

including the primary advisor. In addition, one (1) of the members of the advisory committee for

the PhD candidate must come from a department outside of the major advisor’s primary

department.

➢ Advisory Committee Guidelines

Check-In: All PhD students are required to complete a check-in with their advisory

committee every six (6) months to ensure they are following their program of study and

are on-track to reach program milestones (e.g. candidacy exam, dissertation prospectus,

and dissertation). Check-ins begin following the completion of core coursework. As part

of the check-in process, PhD students will also complete an Individual Development Plan

(IDP) with their advisor once a year.

➢ Check-in Policy

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Individual Development Plan (IDP)

The Individual Development Plan (IDP) will aid the graduate student in creating and

accomplishing both long-term goals and short-term goals in order to work towards the desired

career goal and ensure a seamless progression through the curriculum. In order to receive the

maximum benefit from the IDP process, it is essential that both the Trainee and

the Advisor participate fully in the process. The IDP will need to be completed annually by each

student in accordance with the advisor and the advisory committee (after committee selection is

made post-candidacy examination). First year students that have not selected an advisor can

summon support of program directors for support in completing IDP. Each student will submit

their IDP through the AIMS course “Student Progression” no later than June 30 of the academic

year. For further details see Resources and Forms webpage

➢ IDP Form

Candidacy Exam

PhD students that have completed their didactic coursework will take a candidacy exam. The

exam serves the purpose of evaluating students’ basic knowledge in their respective field, ability

to organize and defend a hypothesis-based research project, and ability to think and integrate

ideas and concepts. The program uses a grant proposal format as the basis for the evaluation. The

grant proposal should be on a topic that is relevant to the student’s field of research. The proposal

should be based on clear hypotheses and should be developed based on real data. The student

will also provide an oral defense of the proposal to their advisory committee. For more

information regarding the candidacy exam format, policy, timeline please see Resources and

Forms webpage.

➢ Guidelines for the Candidacy exam

➢ Candidacy Notification Form

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Dissertation Prospectus

Within one year of passing the candidacy exam, PhD students will defend their dissertation

prospectus. The Prospectus will be based on the research undertaken by the student in their

advisor’s lab including data successfully generated by the student and will culminate in the body

of the dissertation work. The format of the Prospectus is based on the structure of a National

Institutes of Health (NIH) grant, excluding budget and facilities pages. Additionally, the student

provides an oral defense of the planned research with the participation of all members of the

dissertation committee. For more information regarding Prospectus format, policy, timeline

please see Resources and Forms webpage.

➢ IPM Prospectus Policy

➢ Prospectus Notification Form

Dissertation/Thesis Defense

The thesis or dissertation defense is the venue for a student to display his or her research

achievement over years of hard work in a graduate program. It is also an opportunity for the

faculty to decide whether the student has been adequately prepared for a future as a Master’s or

PhD scientist. The defense is comprised of the 30-minute (for MS) or 45-minute (for PhD) public

talk and the committee-led oral defense. The PhD defense consist of two rounds of questioning

(10-15 minutes of questioning per committee member x 5 members = 1 hour of questioning per

round). The MS thesis defense consists of two rounds of questioning (10-15 minutes of

questioning per committee member x 3 members = 30 minutes of questioning per round). The

committee collectively decides whether the student has successfully defended the dissertation. If

yes, each committee member signs the dissertation signature form. If no, the committee decides

whether and how the student may stand again to defend the dissertation. For more information

regarding PhD dissertation or Master’s thesis defense format, policy, timeline please see

Resources and Forms webpage.

➢ Guidelines for Dissertation

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PART III

The final section of this handbook includes details regarding student onboarding, course

registration, orientation, and additional policies and procedures.

Student Onboarding

Student Onboarding is a series of pre-matriculation tasks that students must complete each

semester before beginning classes. Tasks are categorized as Required, Recommended, and

Optional and change as you progress through the curriculum. For more information, students

can login to Student Onboarding within the learning management system (LMS)

Orientation

All newly accepted students are required to attend COGS Student Orientation, held prior to the

start of the semester. This orientation is designed for all graduate students in the College of

Graduate Studies with breakout sessions for the individual graduate programs. Representatives

from various campus departments will be available to provide an overview of their services

and/or answer any of your questions. Before starting at NEOMED you will be required to

complete new “Student On-boarding” which is a series of tasks, such as completing required

documentation, access NEOMED email, Office 365 training, LMS training, CITI and other Lab

training, etc. Any outstanding required student on-boarding tasks, such as getting your ID badge

and parking permit, can be completed during orientation.

Calendars

Important dates including, semesters, holidays, drop/add, graduation are found on the

academic calendar.

➢ Academic Calendars

➢ 2020-21 Academic Calendar

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Billing

First round of student bills are generated approximately 10 days before the first day of class;

students are strongly encouraged to complete registration in advance of this to ensure an accurate

and complete bill.

Add/Drop

Courses may be added or dropped only during the official add/drop period, which ends

approximately 10 days after the start of semester classes, see academic calendar.

➢ Academic Calendar

Course Listing

For a full list of course offerings, see the current NEOMED Compass.

➢ NEOMED Compass 2020-21

Course Registration

Students are responsible for registering themselves for all relevant coursework within established

deadlines.

➢ Course Registration Information

Using the Online Registration System

1. Go to “Banner Self-Service” (typically on the “My Services” tab). Select the “Student

Information Menu”, then “Registration Menu”

2. Click “Add/Drop Classes”. If prompted, choose the term (Summer, Fall, Spring)

3. If you have the CRN for the classes, you may enter those into the boxes at the bottom.

(The CRN [Course Reference Numbers] are available in the semester course offering

catalog). Otherwise, use the “Class Search” to locate courses in which you are

interested.

4. When you are finished, click “Submit”

5. You can make any changes you wish during the registration period. You must be

registered for classes by the end of the registration period.

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Research Registration

Master’s degree and PhD candidates will need their advisor’s approval before registering for

research. IPM students are only required to complete the information on the first page, within

the box. Both the student and the advisor must sign the form, on page 2, before submitting to

the Registrar’s Office, registrar@neomed.edu.

➢ Research Registration Form

Registration Assistance

• If you are uncertain which course(s) you should register for, please discuss with your

program director or advisor.

• If you have difficulty logging in to Banner Self-Service, please contact the NEOMED

Helpdesk at 330-325-6911 or via email: help@neomed.edu

• If you have questions regarding the online registration process via Banner Self-Service,

please contact Carli Toth at ctoth@neomed.edu

Policies & Procedures

Academic Good Standing & Conduct

To remain in academic good standing within the Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine Program,

both PhD and MS students are expected to perform at a level of at least a B grade. Students who

do not maintain this performance level may be subject to academic intervention and/or probation.

Students must also be progressing at a satisfactory manner relative to the requirements of the

Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine Program and be in full compliance with the University Code

of Professional Conduct as can be found here:

➢ Good Standing Policy: https://www.neomed.edu/graduatestudies/wp-

content/uploads/sites/4/COGS_Policy_GoodStanding.pdf

➢ Professionalism: https://www.neomed.edu/studentservices/professionalism/

➢ Honor Code: https://www.neomed.edu/studentservices/professionalism/honor-code/

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If an IPM student is found in violation of the honor code, his or her case will be heard by the IPM

Advisory Committee with all deliberate speed. The party who determined the violation or the

Program Director, having been briefed on the honor code transgression, will present the facts of

the case. The student found in violation will have an opportunity to add any additional facts. At

that time, the Advisory Committee will determine the appropriate sanction, which may include,

but is not limited to: course failure, academic probation, or dismissal from the program.

Academic probation violates a students’ good standing, which may jeopardize his or her teaching

assistantship. Dismissal will nullify any existing teaching assistant contract. The decision of the

Advisory Committee and subsequent disciplinary actions can be appealed in writing to the Dean

of the College of Graduate Studies. The decision of the Dean is final and may not be appealed

again.

Course Credit Transfers

If graduate credit earned at another accredited institution constitutes a logical part of the student's

program, transfer of credit may be allowed when recommended by the student's program

director, and when approved by the dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Such transfer of

credit cannot exceed six semester hours for programs requiring fewer than 40 semester credits. A

maximum of 9 semester credits may be accepted in transfer for programs requiring 40 or more

semester credits, pending approval. No grade below B may be transferred. Credit awarded by

NEOMED for course work earned at another accredited university is recorded on the transcript

with a “T” grade, which has no impact on the student’s grade point average. All requests for

transfer credit, with accompanying official transcripts, must be submitted to the program director

no later than a full semester prior to the student’s expected graduation date. Additionally,

transfer credit may not be utilized toward fulfillment of certificate program requirements.

➢ Credit Transfer Policy

Grading and Incompletes

Grading at the graduate level is based on faculty feedback and course requirements. The grading

scale is typically A, B, C, F and Pass/Fail unless otherwise noted.

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Students in the IPM Program must maintain a 3.0 average. This is consistent with the Good

Standing Policy of the College of Graduate Studies.

It is expected that students receive B or higher grades in all graduate courses taken to maintain

excellence in graduate education. Students who receive grades lower than a C (2.0), should repeat

the course unless there is an extenuating circumstance (e.g., Special topics course that is only

offered once). Students may not repeat more than 1 course during their enrollment in the

Program.

➢ Good Standing Policy

COGS-CAPP: Standards for Unsatisfactory Performance and Academic Action

Students may be referred to COGS-CAPP for review because of unsatisfactory performance

including:

1. Course failure

a. Single year performance

b. Aggregate performance

i. Course requirements

ii. Graduation requirements

iii. Progression requirements

2. Two course grades of C or below

3. Failure to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA

4. Failed progression or graduation requirements including but not limited to:

a. Exceeding the maximum length of study (Master’s degree: six years; Ph.D.: five

years; Combined professional degree plus Ph.D. program: eight years from their

initial date of enrollment including leaves of absences) including an identified

inability to complete the degree within the maximum length of study before that

period has elapsed.

5. Behavioral misconduct (see NEOMED’s Student Honor Code)

6. Failure to comply with COGS-CAPP academic actions and requirements

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Rubrics identifying referrals to CAPP and possible action

Academic Action

COGS-CAPP Action – potential outcomes

1. Dismissal

2. Probation – Academic progress monitoring

3. CAPP-Mandated Leave of Absence

4. Repeat course/courses

5. Monitor professionalism and/or performance concerns

6. Other

When a “repeat” opportunity is recommended, the student is expected to complete the

course(s) in its entirety, including completing all assignments with all the expectations of the

current coursework for that course, block, or academic year. This includes any new coursework,

modules, testing, and/or evaluations.

College of

Graduate Studies

Referral to Course Director or the Associate

Dean of Curriculum for remediation action

Referral to Committee on Academic and

Professional Progress (CAPP) for action

COGS

➢ One course grade of “C”

➢ Note: Professional/behavioral misconduct

or aggregate performance concerns may

result in CAPP referral rather than

remediation

• Failure to maintain a cumulative

3.0 GPA

• Professionalism and/or aggregate

performance concerns

• One course grade of “F”

Two course grades of “C” or

below

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Aggregate student performance and comprehensive review of the student’s file will be taken

into consideration in the formation of CAPP decisions for individual students. CAPP decisions

are based upon each student’s individual and unique circumstances.

If a student does not complete the required coursework in the time frame specified by the course,

an Incomplete (I) may be assigned. Incompletes are at the discretion of the course director in

terms of how the student is expected to make-up the required coursework. The time frame for

making up assignments depends on the circumstance, but should be done by the end of the next

semester when appropriate. Students who fail to make up the required coursework will receive

a grade of F.

Below is a chart indicating the letter grade and the point equivalents, as well as a breakdown of

the standards and rules for grading and maintaining graduate status in the IPM Program.

Letter Grade Grade Points Equivalent Standards and Rules

A 4.0 Achieving Excellence

B 3.0 Students must maintain a 3.0 average. Course grades below a 3.0

will not transfer to other graduate programs in most cases.

C 2.0 2 C’s, student will be referred to COGS-CAPP

F 0.0 Course should be repeated. No more than 1 F in order to remain

in the program.

I Incomplete An incomplete grade indicates that coursework has not been

completed. Coursework that is not made up within the time

frame indicated by the instructor, a student will receive an “F”

for the course.

Appeals

If a student does not agree with the assessment and grade the course instructor or director assigns,

the student should address his or her concerns with the instructor. The student is responsible for

showing that one or more of the following elements contributed to an inaccurate or inappropriate

grade: arithmetic error; clerical error; personality/personal conflict; discrimination; harassment;

mistreatment. If the student feels uncomfortable addressing the issue with the instructor, or if a

resolution cannot be reached with the instructor, the student may file a written appeal to the

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Program Director or Dean of the College of Graduate Studies (in the event that the Program

Director is the instructor).

This appeal should contain the instructor’s name and the reason for the appeal, along with

evidence and arguments supporting the student’s position. The appeal must be signed by the

student and cannot be done anonymously. The Program Director may directly address the appeal

when appropriate and discuss the situation directly with the instructor, or, if resolution cannot

be reached or there is a conflict of interest (Program Director is also the instructor), the Policy and

Procedures on Student Complaints in COGS will be initiated. This policy and procedures (see

below) also addresses general complaints and are not limited to grade appeals alone.

➢ Grade Dispute Form

If the grade is based on discrimination or harassment, there are additional University policies and

procedures that must be followed:

➢ Harassment and Unlawful Discrimination page 110

Leave of Absence and Withdraw

Students may request a leave of absence for academic, medical, enrichment, or personal hardship

reasons. Students requesting a leave of absence should meet with the Program Director and the

Chief Student Affairs Officer to discuss the reasons, objectives, activities, and conditions of the

leave and return to the program. A Leave of Absence Request form is required:

➢ Leave of Absence Request Form

➢ Leave of Absence Policy

Students who do not file a leave of absence form or formally withdraw, must reapply to the

Program if courses are not taken over the course of 4 semesters (approximately 2 years).

For students who plan to withdraw from the program, the Program Director and Chief Student

Affairs Officer must be notified. Security badges, email accounts, and all other access to NEOMED

will be closed for future use. Administrative offices will be notified (Academic Services, Student

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Services, Accounting/Billing) that the student will no longer be enrolled at NEOMED. For

medical or pharmacy students who withdraw from their medical or pharmacy programs, such

students may remain in Graduate program. It is important for students to discuss their intentions

to the Program Director prior to a physical leave or withdraw.

Student Complaints Policy

The Northeast Ohio Medical University is committed to respecting all members of our university

community and providing a quality educational experience for all students. The objective of the

Student Complaint Policy and Procedure is to ensure that the concerns and complaints of

graduate students are addressed fairly and are resolved promptly.

Complaints related to this policy are usually the result of behavior that the student feels is unjust,

inequitable, or creates an unnecessary hardship. Students may file complaints if they believe a

problem is not governed by other NEOMED complaint or appeal procedures.

This policy covers all students enrolled in graduate programs where NEOMED directly grants

the degree.

Procedure

Whenever possible, students are encouraged to seek an informal resolution of the matter directly

with the faculty or individual(s) involved. Often a complaint can be resolved in this way.

However, if an informal approach is neither successful nor advisable, the student should use the

following procedure:

1. The student should submit in writing the nature of the complaint to the Office of Student

Affairs. The written statement should include (at a minimum) the date and time of the alleged

conflict or action, the reason(s) for the complaint, a summary of the complaint, a list of other

persons who may provide information, any attempts that have been made to resolve the conflict,

and any appropriate documentation. The student must also include the resolution or outcome he

or she is seeking. The complaint must be submitted within ten (10) business days of the alleged

conflict or action.

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2. Upon receipt of a completed form, a conference will take place with the student and a staff

member from the Office of Student Affairs.

3. The staff member will notify appropriate persons and request any information or

documentation needed to resolve the complaint.

4. The staff member may attempt to resolve the complaint by encouraging discussion between

the student(s) and the faculty member/administrator or by taking the appropriate action to

resolve complaint.

5. A review of the complaint with the supervisor(s) or others in the line of supervision, including

but not limited to the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, may be used when deemed

appropriate and beneficial to the process.

6. All relative documentation and possible outcomes must be submitted by the student or other

appropriate persons within ten (10) business days of the date the complaint is filed.

7. When possible, the final resolution (or a finding of “unresolved”) will be filed in the Office of

Student Affairs within fifteen (15) business days of the date the complaint is filed. If there are

circumstances requiring an extension of this deadline, the staff member assigned to the complaint

will notify the parties involved.

8. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint, a committee will be appointed

to review the information and render a final decision. The committee will consist of

representatives appointed by the Chief Student Affairs Officer, the Dean of the College of

Graduate Studies, Student Council, and Graduate Faculty Council. Their decision will be final.

➢ Student Complaint Form

Tuition & Other Charges

The cost of the program is $583 for each credit hour, plus $44 for a General University fee. An

additional $11 fee per credit hour is required from non-residents of Ohio. The entire program

cost will vary depending on how many credit hours are taken.

➢ Bursar – Tuition & Fees

➢ Cost of Attendance

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Billing

First round of student bills are generated approximately 10 days before the first day of class;

students are strongly encouraged to complete registration in advance of this to ensure an accurate

and complete bill.

Service Commitments

All PhD students are eligible to receive a stipend for their service commitments as a Graduate

Assistant. To be eligible for a graduate appointment, a student must be enrolled in a PhD program

and enrolled for a minimum of nine credit hours per semester. Graduate Assistants may require

up to 20 hours effort per week. It is important to note that in each case, the stipend is for a 12-

month appointment. Funded students are expected to continue research throughout the year,

with vacation time coordinated with the respective advisor. In addition, any student unable to

comply with the service requirement will lose financial support and may be dismissed from the

program.

Current Stipends

Before Candidacy $22,000

After Passing Candidacy $23,000

After Passing Prospectus $24,000

Tuition Wavier

There are two major classifications: Teaching Assistant or Non-Teaching Research Assistant.

In order to be eligible for an appointment, a student must be enrolled in a PhD program and

enrolled for a minimum of nine credit hours per semester. Both teaching and non-teaching

appointments are expected to provide service to the College of Graduate Studies which

approximates 20 hours per week for a total of 300 hours per year.

Teaching students, If necessary, to work the week before classes start, the week after classes end,

or during breaks, the weekly hours need to be adjusted so no weekly total exceeds 25 hours and

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the total hours worked does not exceed the required hours of commitment. Such arrangements

should be understood by the appointee and the appointing unit at the outset of the appointment

period.

Non-Teaching students are funded from an advisor non-school funds; typically a federal grant.

Students are not expected to teach but are required to apply their service commitments to research

efforts.

In all instances it is expected that the appointee and the appointing unit will strive to ensure that

the service commitment is beneficial to the appointee’s professional growth and is commensurate

with the mission and goals of the appointing unit and of the University.

The tuition remission for an appointee should cover a full-time student’s enrollment. The 20 hours

of service can include a mixture of committee service, and research or teaching assistantship. The

teaching burden for certain courses is such that participation in such a course can fulfill the annual

service requirement for a graduate student appointee.

Appointments or reappointments, including tuition remission, are not automatic, but are

contingent upon good degree progress and satisfactory performance of duties as determined by

the IPM program and/or grantor of the tuition remission and/or stipend.

➢ TA Policy

Timeline:

March: Faculty are asked to submit the course(s) TA needs for the following academic year.

May: TA assignments go out to students

June: TA signed acceptance letters are due

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Vacations, Leaves and Dismissals

Stipend support for a student is based on a 12-month appointment. Vacations are not

guaranteed during this period, but they are encouraged. They must, however, be taken with the

approval of the advisor. Vacations may not be taken during a teaching semester, without

prior approval from Program Director. Leaves of Absence may be taken with approval. This

requires the student to submit a request from COGS-CAPP committee. Extended leaves

commonly involve suspension of financial support. Students may be dismissed from the School

for failing to meet program requirements. These include poor academic performance (GPA< 3.0),

failure to make timely progress through the program (e.g. too long to Candidacy), poor teaching,

or unethical activities (e.g.cheating/plagiarism).

Student Travel Reimbursement

Each IPM student is eligible to receive travel reimbursement through when they are the first

presenter of their research at a conference or meeting of a scientific organization. Using the

guidelines outlined in the Travel Procedure.

➢ Travel Procedure

NSC Student Funding Travel Request

The NSC invites students who are authors or co-authors of research papers or session

presenters at professional meetings to submit a budget to offset the cost of presenting their

work at a conference. A maximum of $2,000 for research or presentation done, per student

during their enrollment period may be allocated with a maximum of $1,000 per

presentation, the amount approved per conference may not exceed $1,000. If more than one

student is presenting the same research or project, the allocation will be distributed evenly, and

the max is $1,000 per project for the group.

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To be placed on the agenda please fill out the appropriate form online:

• NSC Student Organization Event Request Form (student organization event request)

• NEOMED Student Presentation Budget Request Form (travel funding request.

It is highly recommended you log-in to Presence when completing these forms.

Important Dates

• NSC hears requests on the first Wednesday of each month.

• Monies must be requested at the NSC meeting at least two weeks prior to the event.

NSC reserves the right to grant all, some, or none of the student's request.

• Reimbursement requests need to be submitted within 30 days of travel.

Questions? Contact NSC at nsc@neomed.edu

Sequoia Wellness

All IPM Students are encouraged to sign-up for a Sequoia Wellness membership at the Sequoia

Member Services kiosk, located in the NEW Center. Membership are free, no cost to them

➢ Sequoia Membership Information

Financial Aid

For questions related to student loans, please contact Michael Kempe, Associate Director of

Financial Aid, Enrollment Services and Registration, mkempe@neomed.edu or 330-325-6481.