College of Medicine Discrimination Policy

The OSU College of Medicine does not discriminate against any individual applicant or student based on age, ethnicity, color, race, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or ancestry, military or veteran status, marital or parental status, or any basis protected by federal law in the admissions, educational and other COM programs. Otherwise qualified persons are not subject to discrimination on the basis of disability. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to persons with disabilities who otherwise meet the technical standards of the medical education program.

The university non-discrimination policy is available on the website of the Civil Rights Compliance Office.

Standards for admission

Orientation

Each year before the first day of Part One of the curriculum, the College of Medicine requires participation in an orientation program for first-year students. The program includes an official welcome, an overview of the curriculum, introduction to members of the administration, faculty and staff, student life, and the learning communities. General information about the College of Medicine and The Ohio State University is also covered. Various activities give students opportunities to get to know their classmates. All sessions, including the White Coat Ceremony, are required.

Prior to orientation, new students receive a variety of information to facilitate their matriculation, including course registration information, online computer system registration, request for medical history and immunizations, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and Infection Control training, and a self-disclosure form.

Entering Medical Student Convocation or “White Coat Ceremony”

A formal convocation welcoming new students is held during orientation. This ceremony includes recitation of a student oath and the presentation of white coats to each student as a symbol of entry into the medical profession. Attendance is required.

Parking

Parking is handled through the CampusParc, South Campus Gateway, 1560 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43201, and Phone: 614-688-0000. Students can sign up for a “C” sticker for parking in the “C” designated parking areas. Parking spaces are extremely competitive around the medical complex. Additional information is available at CampusParc.

Students may also use remote parking in “C” spaces at the Buckeye and West Campus Lots and arrive at the medical center complex by the CABS shuttle. Contact Transportation and Traffic Management for additional details about shuttles. The phone number is 614-292-7433.

Note: The College of Medicine has no control over issues related to Transportation and Parking.

Registration

College of Medicine students are responsible for course registration each semester using an online computer registration system at Buckeye Link. Registration deadlines are determined by the University Registrar's Office and are available online.

Students are responsible for knowing published policies governing the curricula they intend to pursue as well as the regulations and procedures of the College and the University. Please read carefully the statements in the Course Offerings Bulletin about the grading and point systems, policies governing withdrawal from courses or from the University, and other policies and regulations affecting registration. Refer to the semester Master Schedule of Classes bulletin for general information about registration and scheduling procedures.

Students should promptly make changes in their address or telephone number on the Buckeye Link website. Students are also required to update addresses and phone numbers in VITALS. Any changes in name should be made by emailing the Ohio State University College of Medicine Registration and Records Specialist. This information must be accurately maintained for University records and for the protection and benefit of the student.

Communication and identification

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the student right to review records

The OSUCOM abides by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly known as FERPA, which sets forth requirements designed to protect the privacy of student educational records. The law governs access to records maintained by educational institutions and the release of information from those records.

Students have the right to inspect and review their education records with some exceptions including records kept by a campus health professional, parents’ financial records, admissions rating/comments sheets, and confidential letters of reference within forty-five (45) days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and will notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

The College of Medicine typically makes records available for review within 24 hours/one business day, unless the student record must be viewed by a representative of the College’s legal staff. A typical active student with proper identification may see his or her record immediately under normal circumstances. Office of Student Records personnel must be in attendance during viewing.

Students have the right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

Records may be disclosed without consent to faculty and staff of The Ohio State University who have a legitimate education interest on a "need to know" basis, including student employees or agents of the institution, if necessary to conduct official business. Legitimate educational interest includes performing a task related to the regular duties of the employee or agent, the student's education, the discipline of a student, a service or benefit for the student, or maintaining safety and security of the campus. COM faculty and staff access to the student record files in 155 Meiling Hall are limited to the dean’s staff, program directors and their coordinators, and academic review committee chairs and their staff administrative support person.

The VITALS Integration Committee oversees faculty and staff access to the educational records contained in the VITALS curriculum platform and assigns faculty and staff access levels according to their educational roles. For example, faculty portfolio coaches are restricted to access of only educational records for those students that they are actively coaching.

View the FERPA Policy

Facilities

Medical Student Lounge

The Medical Student Humanities Lounge (005 Meiling) is a secured place where students can read journals and newspapers, play the piano or guitar, watch TV or videos, or hold small meetings. A ping-pong table and pool table have been provided by the Medical Alumni Society. Student Council is responsible for its maintenance. Interest from a family endowment established by Dr. Louise Warner ('55) provides annual funding for leisure reading material to enhance the personal growth of medical students, with an emphasis on books and magazines pertaining to philosophy, discovery, and personal growth. These books may be borrowed and returned informally.

Third Floor Health Science Library Study Space

The Health Science Library Study Space is a badge access-secured suite which contains a kitchen, and areas for quiet study and group study, a computer area, and a back room with carrels for quiet study. Students are responsible for keeping this room clean and tidy.

Medical Student Exercise Room

The Medical Student Exercise Room (013 Meiling) is a passcode-secured room which contains exercise equipment including treadmills, stationary bicycle, and free weights.

Computer Access

Computers are available in the Prior Health Science Library for student use.

Campus Recreation Facilities

The Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC) is located a short walk from the medical center just southeast of the Ohio Stadium at 337 Annie & John Glenn Ave. The center includes over 25,000- square feet of fitness space featuring state-of-the-art cardio and weight equipment. There are also four gyms, four squash courts, ten racquetball courts, a four-lane jogging/walking track, massage therapy rooms, an aquatic center, and athletic training services. Many medical students also use the Jesse Owens South Recreation Center on 175 W. 11th Avenue. For more information, call 614-292-7671 or visit: http://recsports.osu.edu/facilities.

The Adventure Recreation Center, located on the west edge of campus at 855 Woody Hayes Drive, boasts four hardwood basketball courts (converts to five volleyball courts), two indoor turf fields, free weights, strength training machines, and cardio equipment. There are also day-use locker and individual shower facilities. The ARC also houses the Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) and includes climbing walls. For more information, call 614-247-8686 or visit: http://recsports.osu.edu/facilities/adventure-recreation-center-arc

The Ohio State University Golf Club, home to the Scarlet and Gray courses, located at 3605 Tremont Road, may be used for a minimal charge. For more information, call 614-514-4653 or visit: https://ohiostategolfclub.clubhouseonline-e3.com/Home.

The University has a department of recreational sports that coordinates intramural sports and various facilities on campus.

Learn more about recreational sports

Child Care Center

The Ohio State University Child Care Program, a department of the Office of Human Resources, provides quality child care that allows parents in the university community to participate in and fulfill their responsibilities to the university. Support for academic units is provided by offering opportunities for study and research by students and faculty. The OSU Child Care Center is licensed by the State of Ohio Department/Human Resources.

University students, staff, and faculty who have legal custody and/or are the primary care givers for their children are eligible for child care services. Eligibility is verified at time of enrollment by current pay stubs or paid fee statement. All children are eligible. A limited number of spaces are available for children identified as needing early intervention service.

The Child Care Program operates two facilities:

  • Ackerman Road, 725 Ackerman Road, Columbus, OH 43202
  • Buckeye Village, 2724 Defiance Drive, Columbus, OH 43210

Learn more about Child Care Program

Student counseling services

The College of Medicine offers academic and personal counseling through the Student Life Office located in 138 Meiling Hall. Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, and both appointments (including after hours) and walk-ins are encouraged.

Student financial services

The Office of Student Financial Services’ primary goal is to assist students in understanding, locating, and receiving appropriate funding to meet educational cost and living expenses. The Office is also available to address a wide variety of financial issues that students are confronted with throughout their education at the College of Medicine as well as immediately upon graduation. Students are encouraged to inquire about any financial issues including applying for scholarships and loans, budgeting, buying a house or car, reducing or eliminating credit card debt, and other financial matters. While this office does not provide investment or tax advice, its goal is to educate students about the possible variables involved in any financial decision.

Student organizations and activities

Student organizations cover a number of areas of interest, including career specialty groups, frees clinics, identity groups, and honor societies. Many of these organizations provide opportunities for service to the College and our local community. They range from the student section of the American Medical Association (AMA) to UltraSound, an a capella choir. There are over one hundred (100) active student organizations. Anyone wishing to start a new student organization must first meet with the Program Manager-Student Engagement to get approval from the COM Student Life Office. Changes in leadership should be sent to the Program Manager of Student Engagement.

All registered student organizations are required to apply the OSU non-discrimination policy in its entirety to their membership. However, student organizations formed to foster or affirm sincerely held religious beliefs may adopt eligibility criteria for their student officers that are consistent with those beliefs.

Ohio State University College of Medicine Student Council

The Student Council is the official representative body for medical students in the College of Medicine. Representatives from each class are elected each year. Meetings take place monthly and minutes are posted. All students are welcome to attend the meetings. Student Council receives an annual allocation from the College and is responsible for processing financial requests from individual students and other student organizations. The requests can be for sponsorship of student group activities. Multiple working committees of Student Council function throughout the year.

Learn more about Student Council

Wellness Team

The College of Medicine has a Wellness Team made up of medical students with Lora Eberhard, Personal Counselor, and the Program Manager of Student Engagement from the Student Life Office serving as advisors. The Wellness Team supports wellness in Mind, Body and Spirit.

Our medical students do many activities to stay in good physical condition, and have access to the RPAC on main campus throughout their time of enrollment. We also have a very active climbing club and students publicize running and cycling groups as well as soccer, tennis, intramurals and any other instances of medical students getting together to stay healthy. Any medical student can apply to be on the Wellness Team.

Contact: Lora.Eberhard@osumc.edu.

Ohio State University Student Activities Organization Services

OSU College of Medicine student organizations may register with the Ohio Union as an active organization. Benefits include eligibility for up to $200 in operating funds and access to resources for marketing, publications, etc. Each registered student organization must have its president, treasurer, and advisor complete training sessions. Registered student organizations may also apply for up to $2,000 or $3,000 in programming funds depending on established status (this funding level usually involves inter-group collaboration). Programming funds are to be used to host a program or event on-campus that is open for any Ohio State student to attend.

Learn more about student activity funding

Activities Requiring Associate Dean Approval

If student organizations wish to have additional fundraising activities or to solicit funds from departments, it is the policy of the College of Medicine that all such activities must be submitted for approval prior to the initiation of any fundraising. Students should submit a written application including a description of the proposed fundraising activity, including any permission obtained from other university campus offices and any insurance coverage. Applications will be reviewed by Dr. Alex Grieco, interim Associate Dean of Student Life (Grieco.11@osu.edu).

Student organization activities involving health screenings should also be approved by the Associate Dean of Student Life. Students should also obtain approval for invitations for on-campus visits and presentations by vendors regarding items or services for sale (including companies selling medical equipment, medications or medical devices, USMLE examination preparatory programs, etc.). The OSU Wexner Medical Center Vendor Policy regulates all interactions (including those of students) and is available at OSU Wexner Medical Center Vendor Interaction Policy.

Honors and awards

Recognition of outstanding performance by individuals in the College of Medicine helps to enhance a quality medical education. Students are recognized in all phases of the medical school curriculum from the basic sciences to the clinical sciences, receiving honors and commendations for exemplary achievement. There are three honorary societies in the College of Medicine: Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, Gold Humanism Honor Society, and the Landacre Research Honor Society.

Student health insurance

Pets, service, and emotional support animals

The College of Medicine complies with the university policies regarding pets, service, assistance and emotional support animals. To view the detailed policy visit:
Service, Assistance, Emotional Support or Therapy Animals in Ohio State University Facilities University Policy on Assistance Animals and Pets [pdf link]

Brief summary

Pets are not permitted in university buildings but are allowed on campus when leashed and under control.

Service animals and service animals in training are generally allowed to accompany their handlers anywhere their handlers are permitted on campus (exceptions may exist in sterile environments and areas requiring protective equipment or clothing for access). Additional requirements may apply (see detailed policy).

Assistance/Emotional Support Animals may be a reasonable accommodation to No Pet Policies. Please see additional requirements. Emotional support animals will not be permitted in clinical or simulated clinical environments.

Leaves of absence

A leave of absence (LOA) may be requested to pursue another academic program, such as studies leading to the PhD or MPH degree, fulfilling a fellowship, or conducting research. Other examples include personal or family health issues or any other personal or life event for which it would be beneficial for the student to have time out from the curriculum

A leave of absence is requested for a specified time not shorter than one month or longer than one year, except when required for an academic program or fellowship. An LOA can only be granted by an Associate Dean in the Medical Student Education Office, 155 Meiling Hall. Time spent on any LOA taken for anything other than:

  1. Pursuit of an approved dual degree program or
  2. An approved research fellowship is included in the Six-Year Rule graduation requirement (see Six- Year Rule)

The LOA will be subject to specific conditions as noted on the Request for Leave of Absence form by the Associate Dean for Student Life (grieco.11@osu.edu).

The student usually initiates the LOA request by making an appointment to discuss it with an Associate Dean. The Associate Dean helps the student prepare an official request and works with them to gain information from the Academic Program Director, College Student Financial Services Counselor, and Personal Counselor regarding the student’s current status and conditions for return.

The Request for Leave of Absence form is filed in the student’s permanent folder. A list of students on LOA is maintained by the Records Office and is distributed to those involved in granting leaves of absence and maintaining student records and registration. Students on LOA are not eligible for 2023-2024 financial aid.

All leaves of absence, for whatever reason, will be documented in the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), as the College is required to account for all time periods after matriculation.

Leaves of Absence during LSI Part One (Med 1 and 2)

Extended LOAs during Med 1 and 2 are discouraged due to the disruption in Longitudinal Groups and Longitudinal Preceptorships. Students will receive credit for fully completed curricular blocks and will receive an incomplete on their university transcript until completion of the entire year.

Student requests for an LOA in order to repeat an academic year due to marginal, but not failing, academic performance will not be granted. An LOA taken within eight weeks of the beginning of the curricular year may be taken as “personal.”

LOAs taken after the eight-week mark will be noted in the student’s permanent record as “personal” or “academic” depending on his or her academic standing with the program. Borderline status will be documented as “academic.” Students who require an academic LOA will be referred to the Academic Behavioral Review Committee for review. A student may be placed on LOA for the remainder of the academic year if academic performance has already met criteria for failure of the program. The Associate Dean may require a written statement supporting the LOA from the student’s healthcare provider when an LOA is requested for health reasons. Requests for other personal reasons must be justified by a detailed written statement from the student. Additional written documentation will be required demonstrating resolution or control of the problems prior to reinstatement of the student.

Returning from LOA

A student must file a request for return from LOA four to six weeks before the intended return date. The procedures for returning after LOA are similar to those followed when the leave was requested. The request is initiated with an Associate Dean in the Medical Student Education Office (155 Meiling Hall, 614-685-3059), who helps the student work with Student Financial Services, Counseling, and the Academic Program Director to arrange for reentry.

Students from other institutions