Welcome to Pars University
Welcome to Pars University. This Student Handbook contains essential information about academic policies, procedures, and standards that govern your educational experience. All students are expected to read, understand, and comply with the policies contained herein.
This handbook is updated annually. Students are responsible for staying informed of any changes communicated through official university channels.
Mission, Vision & Values
Mission Statement
Pars University is committed to excellence in healthcare education, preparing competent, compassionate professionals who advance health and well-being in diverse communities through evidence-based practice, innovation, and service.
Core Values
- Excellence: We pursue the highest standards in education, research, and patient care
- Integrity: We uphold ethical principles and professional standards
- Compassion: We demonstrate empathy and respect for all individuals
- Innovation: We embrace new ideas and evidence-based approaches
- Diversity: We value and celebrate diverse perspectives and backgrounds
- Collaboration: We work together across disciplines to achieve common goals
Academic Policies
Registration
Students must register for courses during the designated registration periods. Registration is conducted through the Student Portal. Students are responsible for ensuring they meet all prerequisites before registering for courses.
Credit Load Requirements
- Full-time status: 12 or more credits per semester
- Part-time status: Fewer than 12 credits per semester
- Maximum load: 21 credits (requires academic advisor approval)
Add/Drop and Withdrawal
| Action | Deadline | Financial Impact | Transcript |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add Course | End of Week 1 | Full tuition charged | Course appears |
| Drop Course | End of Week 2 | 100% refund | No record |
| Withdraw | Week 3-10 | No refund | "W" grade recorded |
| Late Withdraw | After Week 10 | No refund | Requires Dean approval |
Grading System
Grade Scale
| Letter | Percentage | GPA Points | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 93-100% | 4.0 | Excellent |
| A- | 90-92% | 3.7 | Excellent |
| B+ | 87-89% | 3.3 | Good |
| B | 83-86% | 3.0 | Good |
| B- | 80-82% | 2.7 | Good |
| C+ | 77-79% | 2.3 | Satisfactory |
| C | 73-76% | 2.0 | Satisfactory |
| C- | 70-72% | 1.7 | Below Satisfactory |
| D | 60-69% | 1.0 | Poor |
| F | Below 60% | 0.0 | Failing |
Special Grades
- I (Incomplete): Temporary grade when student cannot complete coursework due to documented circumstances. Must be resolved within one semester.
- W (Withdrawal): Student withdrew from course after drop deadline but before withdrawal deadline.
- P (Pass): Satisfactory completion of pass/fail course (equivalent to C or better).
- NP (No Pass): Unsatisfactory completion of pass/fail course.
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is essential for academic success and professional development. Attendance requirements vary by program and course type.
Attendance Requirements
- Didactic courses: Minimum 80% attendance required
- Laboratory sessions: 100% attendance required (makeup sessions may be arranged)
- Clinical rotations: 100% attendance required (absences must be made up)
- Examinations: Attendance mandatory; makeup only with documented emergency
Academic Standing
Good Standing
Students are in good academic standing when they maintain the minimum GPA required by their program and make satisfactory progress toward degree completion.
| Program | Minimum GPA |
|---|---|
| Doctor of Medicine (MD) | 2.0 |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3.0 |
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 3.0 |
| Master of Public Health (MPH) | 3.0 |
| MBA in Healthcare Management | 3.0 |
| Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) | 2.5 |
| RN to BSN | 2.5 |
Academic Warning
Students whose GPA falls below the minimum but above 0.5 points of the minimum receive an academic warning. Students on warning must meet with their academic advisor and may be required to reduce course load.
Academic Probation
Students whose GPA falls more than 0.5 points below the minimum are placed on academic probation. Probationary students must complete an Academic Improvement Plan and may have restricted course enrollment.
Academic Dismissal
Students who fail to achieve good standing after two consecutive semesters on probation, or who have a GPA below 1.0, are subject to academic dismissal. Dismissed students may appeal through the Academic Appeals Committee.
Academic Integrity
Pars University is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity. All members of the university community are expected to uphold these standards.
Violations
Academic integrity violations include, but are not limited to:
- Plagiarism: Presenting another's work or ideas as one's own without proper attribution
- Cheating: Using unauthorized materials or assistance during examinations
- Fabrication: Falsifying data, citations, or information
- Facilitation: Helping another student commit an academic integrity violation
- Multiple submission: Submitting the same work for multiple courses without permission
Sanctions
| Level | Violation | Typical Sanction |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | First minor offense | Warning, assignment redo, grade reduction |
| Level 2 | Repeat or moderate offense | Course failure, academic probation |
| Level 3 | Serious or repeated violation | Suspension, dismissal |
Clinical Requirements
Students in clinical programs must meet specific requirements before beginning clinical rotations.
Required Documentation
- Background check clearance (annual)
- Drug screening (as required by clinical sites)
- Current immunizations (including annual flu vaccine)
- TB testing (annual)
- BLS/ACLS certification (current)
- HIPAA training completion (annual)
- Professional liability insurance
- Health insurance
Clinical Hour Requirements
| Program | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| MD | 4,000 hours |
| DNP | 1,000 hours |
| MSN | 600 hours |
| ADN | 540 hours |
| MPH (APE) | 200 hours |
Student Conduct
As future healthcare professionals, students are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of professional conduct at all times.
Professional Standards
- Treat all individuals with respect and dignity
- Maintain patient confidentiality
- Demonstrate honesty and integrity
- Accept responsibility for actions
- Maintain professional appearance and demeanor
- Communicate effectively and respectfully
Prohibited Conduct
- Harassment or discrimination
- Violence or threats
- Substance abuse
- Theft or property damage
- Disruption of educational activities
- Violation of clinical site policies
Grievances and Appeals
Grade Appeals
Students who believe a grade was assigned in error may appeal following this process:
- Discuss concerns with the course instructor within 10 business days of grade posting
- If unresolved, submit written appeal to Department Chair within 5 business days
- If unresolved, submit appeal to Academic Appeals Committee within 5 business days
- The Committee's decision is final
Academic Standing Appeals
Students placed on probation or dismissed may appeal to the Academic Standing Committee with documentation of extenuating circumstances and a plan for improvement.
General Grievances
Students with complaints about policies, procedures, or treatment should contact the Dean of Students Office. Anonymous reports may be submitted through the university hotline.
Student Support Services
Academic Advising
Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who provides guidance on academic planning, course selection, and career development.
Tutoring Services
Free tutoring is available for core courses through the Academic Success Center.
Counseling Services
Confidential counseling services are available for personal, emotional, and mental health concerns. Contact the Wellness Center for appointments.
Disability Services
Students with documented disabilities may request accommodations through the Office of Disability Services. Requests should be submitted at least 30 days before needed.
Career Services
Career counseling, resume review, interview preparation, and job placement assistance are available through Career Services.
Financial Policies
Tuition Payment
Tuition and fees are due by the published deadline each semester. Students with unpaid balances may be subject to registration holds, grade withholding, or administrative withdrawal.
Payment Plans
Students may enroll in a monthly payment plan through the Student Accounts Office. A small enrollment fee applies.
Financial Aid
Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to remain eligible for financial aid. SAP is reviewed at the end of each semester.
Refund Policy
| Withdrawal Timing | Refund Percentage |
|---|---|
| Before classes begin | 100% |
| Week 1 | 100% |
| Week 2 | 75% |
| Week 3-4 | 50% |
| Week 5+ | 0% |
Graduation Requirements
Application for Graduation
Students must apply for graduation by the published deadline. Applications are reviewed by the Registrar's Office to verify completion of all requirements.
Requirements Checklist
- Complete all required coursework with minimum GPA
- Complete all clinical/practicum requirements
- Pass all required examinations (USMLE, NCLEX, certification exams)
- Satisfy all financial obligations
- Complete exit requirements (surveys, exit interview)
Commencement
Commencement ceremonies are held in May and December. All graduating students are encouraged to participate. Academic regalia is required and may be purchased through the university bookstore.
Pars University Student Handbook 2025-2026
Effective August 2025 | Last Updated December 2025
Questions? Contact the Dean of Students Office at deanofstudents@parsmedicine.com