College: Osteopathic Medicine (COM)
Department: College of Osteopathic Medicine
College Website
Contact:
UNECOM Office of Recruitment, Student and Alumni Services
University of New England
11 Hills Beach Road
Biddeford, Maine 04005
Phone: 207-602-2329
Fax: 207-602-5967
Email: RSAS@une.edu
UNECOMadmissions@une.edu
Criteria for Admission
Applicants to the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM) are judged on their demonstration of scholastic abilities, motivation to practice osteopathic medicine in New England, and the emotional stability necessary to study and practice osteopathic medicine. Admission will be denied to applicants who fail to maintain a good scholastic record and personal conduct during the period between their acceptance and matriculation.
The minimum scholastic requirements for admission are:
| 1. | A minimum of 90 semester hours or 75 percent credit towards a baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency. | |||
| 2. | A cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or better on a 4.0 scale in both elective and required subjects. | |||
| 3. | Satisfactory completion of the following courses, including laboratory: | |||
| a. | One year of English composition and literature. | |||
| b. |
Four semesters of chemistry, one of which must be biochemistry. | |||
| c. | Eight semester hours (two semesters) of physics, including laboratory. | |||
| d. | Eight semester hours (two semesters) of biology, including laboratory. | |||
| 4. | Satisfactory completion of the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), taken within two years of application. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to adjust the minimum requirement, as it deems appropriate, on a yearly basis. | |||
Students are encouraged to enroll in additional courses to broaden their science background in subjects such as: anatomy, biochemistry, calculus, embryology, genetics, histology, microbiology, physiology and physical and quantitative or analytical chemistry. However, it is not advisable to elect science courses exclusively; the Admissions Committee believes that undergraduates should receive a broad-based education that includes the humanities and social sciences.
The Admissions Committee also considers a number of other factors when evaluating applicants. Some of these variables are: personality, maturity, breadth of background, work experience, extracurricular activities, and sense of responsibility.
For the purpose of eventual licensure to practice, applicants are also encouraged to study the detailed requirements of the laws governing preprofessional educational requirements in the states in which they are contemplating practice.
On-campus interviews are given to qualified applicants upon invitation so that the Admissions Committee can further evaluate candidates. Preference is given to qualified applicants from the New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont).
Admission Procedures
The College of Osteopathic Medicine participates with other osteopathic colleges in a centralized application processing service called the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS). The service collates materials, computes grades and transmits standardized information to the applicant and to the colleges that the applicant designates to receive them. AACOMAS takes no part in the evaluation, selection, or rejection of applicants.
Once the processed AACOMAS application is received, the College provides all applicants meeting the minimum requirements an opportunity to submit supplementary materials that must be returned directly to the College with a $55.00 application fee. The College reviews and interviews students on a “rolling admissions” basis beginning in the fall. Applicants are urged to complete their applications as early as possible in order to receive early consideration for an interview. The College reserves the right to close applications at any time that it deems necessary.
The following information is required by the College of Osteopathic Medicine:
| 1. | To be sent to AACOMAS: | ||
| a. | A fully completed AACOMAS application including the AACOMAS processing fee. | ||
| b. | Complete official transcripts of scholastic records from all colleges and universities attended. Required courses must be completed by January 1 of the year for which admission is sought ( i.e., January 1, 2007 for August 2007). | ||
| c. | The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) scores, taken within two years of application, sent directly from the testing service. AACOMAS' number is 600. | ||
| 2. | To be sent to the College of Osteopathic Medicine by the applicant upon invitation to do so: | ||
| a. | Completed UNECOM supplemental application with a $55.00 application fee. | ||
| b. | Recommendations from two faculty members (preferably in the sciences) familiar with the applicant's undergraduate or graduate work OR one letter from the applicant's premedical committee or advisor. | ||
| c. | Recommendation from another professional person acquainted with the applicant's background. | ||
| d. | Although optional, it is strongly suggested that the applicant provide one or more recommendations from an osteopathic physician. | ||
| 3. | To be sent to the College of Osteopathic Medicine prior to matriculation: | ||
| a. | Official transcripts from all college and universities attended. | ||
| b. | Submission of health and immunization records as required by UNECOM policy. | ||
| c. | Signed Technical Standards document. | ||
Inquiries specific to the College' application process may be directed to:
Admissions Office
University of New England
College of Osteopathic Medicine
11 Hills Beach Road
Biddeford, Maine 04005-9599
1-800-477-4UNE or 207-602-2212
Applicant Protocol
From the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM):
Applicants aspiring to become osteopathic physicians (D.O.) are expected to act professionally in their interactions with the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) and with each college of osteopathic medicine. Responsibility, respect, good judgment and cooperation are qualities valued by the osteopathic medical profession and it is expected that applicants will demonstrate these qualities throughout the application process.
| 1. | Applicants are responsible for becoming familiar with admission requirements, following application procedures and meeting all deadlines at each school to which they apply. | |
| 2. | Applicants are responsible for the collection and timely submission of supplemental applications, letters of evaluation, transcripts and all applicable fees. | |
| 3. | Applicants are responsible for reporting and updating any changes in the initially submitted applications (e.g., address, telephone number, academic status, and state of residence). | |
| 4. | Applicants are responsible for responding promptly, either to accept or to decline all interview invitations and offers of admission. | |
| 5. | Applicants who have a final decision on the medical school they plan to attend, have the obligation to promptly withdraw their applications from all other schools. |
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Qualified students in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of New England may apply for early admission to the College of Osteopathic Medicine following their junior year at UNECAS. The 3-4 Program allows mature, qualified UNECAS students to complete an undergraduate degree and doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) degree in seven years. The 3-4 Program is for students admitted to UNECAS and is open to any major. | |
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The University of Maine, Orono, and UNECOM have established an articulation agreement enabling qualified University of Maine students to complete an undergraduate degree and D.O. degree in seven years. | |
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Utica College in Utica, New York, and UNECOM have established an articulation agreement enabling qualified Utica College students to complete an undergraduate degree and D.O. degree in seven years. | |
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Hartford College in West Hartford, Connecticut, and UNECOM have established an articulation agreement enabling qualified Hartford College students to complete an undergraduate degree and D.O. degree in seven years. | |
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Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, and UNECOM have established an articulation agreement enabling qualified Springfield College students to complete an undergraduate degree and D.O. degree in seven years. | |
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Tufts University Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program in Medford, Massachusetts, and UNECOM have entered into an agreement whereby qualified individuals who have previously completed a baccalaureate degree can fulfill the required pre-requisite courses at Tufts University. | |
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University of Vermont Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program in Burlington, Vermont, and UNECOM have entered into an agreement whereby qualified individuals who have previously completed a baccalaureate degree can fulfill the required pre-requisite courses at University of Vermont. |
Transfer Credit
Students in good standing at other colleges of osteopathic medicine may apply for transfer admission to UNECOM. Acceptance of a transfer student will be dependent upon the student's qualifications, academic compatibility, and available space. Credits may be transferred only from colleges accredited by the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (AOA COCA).
Transfer application requests are to be sent directly to the UNECOM academic dean, not to AACOMAS. The transfer candidate must provide:
| 1. | Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including the current college of osteopathic medicine. | |
| 2. | Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores. | |
| 3. | Letter from the dean of the college of osteopathic medicine in which the student is enrolled, stating that the student is in satisfactory standing. | |
| 4. | Letters of recommendation from two faculty members at the osteopathic college where the student is enrolled. |
Advanced Standing
Individuals with extraordinary credentials in the basic science disciplines may apply for Advanced Standing credit for a particular course or courses. Criteria by which advanced standing is determined is established by each department chairperson and/or course instructor.
First-year Basic Science Courses
All applicants who are offered admission into the College of Osteopathic Medicine will be sent the Advanced Standing Policy and application materials after they have made an initial tuition deposit. Upon receipt of the completed advanced standing application, copies will be sent to appropriate UNECOM department chairpersons/instructors for review and action.
Course work for which advanced standing might be granted must:
| 1. | Have been completed within five years of matriculation date. | |
| 2. | Have been completed with a grade of B (or >80) or better. | |
| 3. | Be similar in structure and rigor to that which would be required in the UNECOM curriculum (e.g., similar laboratory components). | |
| 4. | Be judged to be equivalent by the appropriate UNECOM department chairperson and/or instructor, who may require additional evidence of competency via an examination. |
Provision, in a timely matter, of all documentation necessary to demonstrate these criteria, will be the responsibility of the applicant. All advanced standing applications for first-year courses must be completed prior to matriculation.
Notification: Applicants for advanced standing in the first-year courses will be notified prior to initiation of the course in question by the appropriate department chairperson/instructor.
Second-Year Courses
Matriculating first-year students who wish to apply for advanced standing in second year courses should apply through the UNECOM Curriculum Office prior to completion of their first year. The Curriculum Office will process the application and forward the requests to the appropriate course director/system manager, who will apply the same criteria as described above, and to the Dean's Office. Applicants will be notified of the decision in writing prior to entrance into the second year.
Extended Curriculum Plan (ECP)
The Extended Curriculum Plan (ECP) is designed to afford students the opportunity to complete the medical school curriculum within the six-year time limit for graduation by taking a reduced course load during years one and two. Students may be placed into this program upon application to the Student Affairs Committee (SAC) and with the consent and approval of the academic dean. Availability of ECP will vary according to prioritization of applications and the availability of resources to accommodate such requests, including the availability of space and clinical rotations. Students seeking an extended rotation curriculum during years three and four are referred to the Clinical Clerkship Manual and its processes.
Criteria for Determining Eligibility
Students must be accepted for admissions to UNECOM and must have satisfied all admissions criteria for matriculation. The applicant must demonstrate academic promise to the SAC. Students who are admitted into the ECP must demonstrate continued academic progress while enrolled in the ECP. Progress will be reviewed regularly by the Committee.
Eligibility
Process for Enrollment
The academic dean may recommend that a student consider applying for acceptance into the Extended Curriculum Plan. The dean may receive recommendations for this application from the relevant associate dean or the Student Affairs Committee. When a student elects to request entry in the ECP, he/she must meet with his/her assigned faculty advisor who shall inform the student of all possible additional options such as leave of absence, behavioral counseling, learning assistance counseling, consultations with the appropriate associate dean, or other UNE academic or student resources.
When, in the opinion of the academic dean, an emergency exists, the academic dean may request an expedited review process which will be conducted by an ad hoc committee, consisting of any two members of the SAC. This ad hoc committee will report its recommendation directly to the academic dean as soon as its findings are completed.
Prematriculation Application
Under normal circumstances, a student must submit an Extended Curriculum Plan application to the Student Affairs Committee not less than 45 days in advance of matriculation. Students should prepare a written request for the SAC for admission into the program, which includes the stated reasons for the request, a proposed planned course of action, and a justification for the proposed course of action. The SAC will review the application and request that the Student Affairs Committee Review Committee (SACRC) investigate the application. The SACRC will present their findings to the SAC and the SAC will forward a recommendation to the academic dean.
Concurrent Academic or Professional Study Leave of Absence Application
Under normal circumstances, a student must submit an Extended Curriculum Plan application to the Student Affairs Committee not less than 45 days in advance of matriculation. Students should prepare a written request for the SAC for admission into the program, which includes the stated reasons for the request, a proposed planned course of action, and a justification for the proposed course of action. The SAC will review the application and request that the Student Affairs Committee Review Committee (SACRC) investigate the application. The SACRC will present their findings to the SAC and the SAC will forward a recommendation to the academic dean.
Academic at Risk Application
The Student Affairs Committee will consider the request as rapidly as possible. Students are expected to maintain their normal UNECOM course load while applying to the Extended Curriculum Plan. Students and faculty will assume no change in courses, exams, or other academic requirements until final approval of an extended curriculum is received from the academic dean in writing. If a student withdraws from a course in progress, he/she will receive a grade of WP or WF, whichever is applicable.
Informal Review
The first step of an Extended Curriculum Plan application will be a meeting, which must include the student, the student's advisor, and one of the associate deans. The student will supply a letter of application and all relevant data needed to support the request. The next step will be a formal review.
Formal Review
The student should prepare a written request for admission into the Extended Curriculum Plan, which includes the stated reasons for the request, a proposed planned course of action, and a justification for the proposed course of action. A complete application, including a curriculum data sheet, shall be submitted to the Student Affairs Committee. The SAC will review the application and request that the Student Affairs Committee Review Committee (SACRC) investigate the application. The SACRC will present their findings to the SAC. The SAC shall consider the outstanding deficiencies, the reasonableness of the curriculum, the promise for success in the curriculum.
The academic dean may grant an urgent Leave of Absence (LOA) for medical or social circumstances at any time, as he/she deems appropriate. Students who request a planned LOA or who need the ECP because of a LOA must file an ECP with the SAC. The SAC will review the plan and submit a LOA recommendation to the academic dean.
When, in the best interest of the student and UNECOM, a member of the UNECOM administration, faculty, or staff, perceives the need to consider a student for the ECP, that person shall notify the appropriate associate dean. The associate dean shall initiate the process of an informal review and formal review.
Program Approval
The Student Affairs Committee must review the SACRC report and pass on a recommendation to the academic dean. When the academic dean requests an expedited review, the SACRC may report its findings directly to the academic dean. Final approval of the Extended Curriculum Plan will be made by the academic dean.
All applications for the ECP will be reviewed by the Office of the Academic Dean to insure that UNECOM academic resources, including classroom and laboratory space, are sufficient to place ECP students and that third and fourth-year rotation sites placements are available for each given UNECOM class. In the event that space is not available, UNECOM reserves the right to refuse ECP admissions. Prioritization will be given to:
Notification
The academic dean shall notify the student, student's advisor, SAC, Registrar, Curriculum Office, Financial Aid Office, Office of Recruitment, Student and Alumni Services, and the Business Office of the approved Extended Curriculum Plan. This notification will include the date of initiation of the plan, the conditions required to remain on the plan, the length of the plan, and when the student is to return to the regular curriculum. This notification will also include a prorated tuition plan for ECP coursework.
Review of Academic Progress
Student and UNECOM compliance with the plan shall be monitored by the SAC and the Academic Affairs Committee of the College. The student's academic performance will be subject to the academic standards for UNECOM students as described in the College of Osteopathic Medicine Catalog and UNECOM Medical Student Handbook.
Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog
This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2006-2007 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2006.
The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.
While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.