I. Purpose
This policy outlines contingency plans in the event of CLS Program (the “Program”) or clinical affiliate closure.
II. Policy
In the unfortunate event that New York Medical College (“NYMC”) is compelled to close the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program or if a clinical affiliate closes, NYMC will make every reasonable effort to assist affected students to experience the least possible disruptions in further pursuing their studies or career plans.
III. Scope
This policy applies to students who are enrolled in the Program.
IV. Definitions
M.S.: Master of Science Degree
CLS: Clinical Laboratory Sciences
GSBMS: Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
NYMC: New York Medical College
NACCLS: National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
V. Procedures
A. Student Teach Out-Plan:
1. NYMC will stop enrolling new students into the Program.
2. NYMC will create a listing by name, the last four digits of the social security number of all students, their estimated graduation dates, the status of unearned tuition, all current refunds due and account balances.
3. NYMC will determine the last date of classes and the date of Program closure.
4. NYMC will arrange for the disposition of all student records, including educational, accounting, and financial records, in an accessible location and in accordance with applicable NYMC policies and legal requirements.
5. NYMC will create procedures, accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation and timelines, of how the Program will notify students in the event of closure and, if applicable, how the closing institution will notify the students of the teach-out.
6. NYMC will create procedures to ensure that the delivery of training and services to students will not be materially disrupted and that obligations to students will be met in a timely manner.
7. NYMC will identify each institution located in reasonable geographic proximity that currently offers programs that are similar to those at the closing Program and may be available to conduct the teach-out of some or allstudents.
8. NYMC will ensure that, as permitted by New York State law, students, if eligible, are allowed to graduate under the original plan.
B. Faculty and Staff Contingency Plan:
1. NYMC will create a plan and timeline which describes procedures to ensure the delivery of training and services to students and identify the faculty and staff necessary for the completion of NYMC’s work.
2. To the extent possible, NYMC will create a plan to assist with the reassignment of faculty and staff.
C. Trigger Point:
1. GSBMS will work diligently with our accreditor, the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) to ensure that the needs of our students are met. Final approval of any teach-out or transfer agreement will be handled by New York Medical College, NAACLS and the Department of Education.
2. A GSBMS official will be designated to provide verification of eligibility for students applying for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification exam and New York State permits and licenses.
D. In the event of permanent/temporary clinical affiliate closure,
1. Students will be notified of the clinical affiliate closure via email.
2. In the event of immediate closure, affected students will be contacted via email with plans for evaluation of assignments completed to date. Assignments remaining in the interrupted rotation. Remaining rotations will be assigned at available clinical affiliates of the program.
3. If remaining sites are not available to accept additional students, the policy for Limited Space at Clinical Sites would apply.
E. In the event of temporary location shutdown, building closure (not technically a teach-out),
1. Current students will be notified as soon as possible of the location closure via email.
2. Didactic coursework will migrate to remote learning with links available on Canvas.
3. Scheduled exams will be available on Canvas.
VI. Effective Date
This policy is effective immediately.
VI. Policy Management
Executive Stakeholder: Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Oversight Office: Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Dean’s Office
