University of New England

Degree: Master of Science (M.S.) in Medical Education Leadership; (Certificate in Program Development or Certificate in Leadership Development can be acquired also. See details below).

College: College of Osteopathic Medicine

Department: Division of Clinical Affairs

Contact:  For curriculum and program information, contact India Broyles, EdD, MMEL Director, at the Medical Education Leadership Office, 1-207-602-2694 or at ibroyles@une.edu

For information about the application process for the Medical Education Leadership programs, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission through email at gradadmissions@une.edu or by phone at 1-800-477-4863

Overview
The Master of Science in Medical Education Leadership (MMEL) is a joint project between the College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of New England and the Office of Medical Education at Maine Medical Center.  The purpose of this program is to prepare individuals to assume or enhance educational leadership roles in a variety of medical and health care training programs.  The new program is designed to provide advanced education in the areas of curriculum & instruction, leadership & administration, and educational research & evaluation with opportunities for application to each individual’s unique professional environment.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Medical Education Leadership Program will be implemented through teaching, research, and service. The goals of the Medical Education Leadership program are:

• Teaching:  To prepare medical and health professionals to grow as educators and leaders in   academic settings.
• Research: To contribute to the knowledge base of the field of medical education and leadership by refining existing knowledge or developing new knowledge.
• Service: To provide technical assistance and professional service to academic sites within Maine and New England.

Program Goals
The program reflects a vision of the medical education leader as a master teacher and executive leader.  The student outcomes are adapted from the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) standards in educational leadership.

A medical education leader promotes the success of all learners by:

• Facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the health care community.
• Advocating, nurturing, and sustaining an institutional culture and an instructional program conducive to student learning and faculty professional growth.
• Ensuring the management of the organization and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment.
• Collaborating with physicians and health care community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.
• Acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner.
• Understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.
• Conducting, promoting and mentoring medical education research and scholarship as the profession moves toward evidence-based education.

Requirements
No standardized test will be required for admission; applicants should have a baccalaureate degree and may have a graduate degree. Students are expected to have access to the Internet and computer audio capability. Courses in the medical education leadership program are delivered by WebCT (an online format with audio/video component). The application process for both certificates and master’s degree will require completion of an application form, submission of a current Curriculum Vita or Resume, a personal statement describing the applicant’s interests in pursuing a Master’s in Medical Education Leadership, and three letters of reference.  Matriculated students will have first option for registration.  Non-degree students may enroll as non-matriculated students by completing the course registration form; this process allows the non-matriculated student to complete two courses without formal admission to the program.

Application procedures to be admitted to the program consist of the following steps:

1. Complete the MMEL application (initial and supplemental) forms online (preferred) and/or submit to the Office of Graduate Admissions, UNE, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103.
2. Submit the non-refundable $40 application fee with the form.  The fee must be in U.S. funds and may be submitted by check or money order.   Credit card payments will be accepted by phoning the UNE Business Office (business office phone number).
3. Submit a goal statement (500-700 words) that describing the applicant's interest in the Master of Science in Medial Education Leadership with focus on future education and leadership goals.
4. Include a current professional resume or curriculum vitae.
5. Arrange to have three references completed, addressing the applicant's qualifications for graduate study and leadership in academic medicine.
6. Submit official transcripts of all colleges and post-secondary institutions attended.
7. International students must provide an official TOEFL Score of 550 or higher, paper test; 213 or higher, computer; or an official minimum Cambridge Test score at level 6.5. Also required are official post-secondary transcripts, translated into English (if necessary)  and evaluated for degree and course equivalency. It is recommended that this evaluation be conducted and sent by World Education Services, Inc., of New York City. These materials must be submitted before applications can be considered for admission.

Non-Degree Seeking Students
Students who do not wish to seek a degree may enroll in individual courses. Students may take up to a maximum of two courses as a non-matriculated student. Students wishing to take more than two courses in the program must apply to UNE and be accepted into the program prior to enrolling for the third course. Students cannot move from non-matriculated to matriculated status within the same semester.

To enroll as a non-matriculated student, a completed course registration form is all that is required. This enrollment form enables students to enroll in two medical education leadership courses without formal admission to the program. Matriculated students will be given priority over non-matriculated students in cases where courses are filled to capacity. There is no application fee; however, students admitted under this status will pay an additional non-refundable program fee of $25 per semester.   Please request a registration form from the Graduate Admissions Office (phone number), the Registrar’s office (phone number) or the MMEL office (207-602-2694).

Immunization
University policy and Maine State law requires that immunization documentation be submitted upon acceptance into Graduate Public Health Education programs. A Confidential Immunization Questionnaire will be sent to students once admitted. The completed questionnaire must be returned prior to beginning the first course. Registration for courses will not occur until completed. Even though courses are online, students may need to interact with their communities for course projects and immunizations must be up-to-date to protect the student as well as their contacts in the community.

Transfer Credit
Upon acceptance to the program, students may apply to transfer up to two 3-credit graduate level courses (maximum of 6 credits) into the MMEL.  The courses must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be graduate-level courses taken after the receipt of any other degree.
2. Must have been taken within the last five years.
3. Must have been taken at an accredited college or university.
4. Must have a grade of 'B' or higher.
5. Must be equivalent to courses required in the MMEL program or used as an elective.

To request consideration for transfer credit, students must provide an official transcript, a course syllabus and outline, and a succinct statement justifying the course equivalency of the course (or courses) for which they are requesting transfer credit. Materials will be reviewed by the MMEL Director. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the faculty and the Admissions Committee.

Individuals who have completed 9 credits in one of our certificates (Program Development or Leadership Development) may complete the balance of their program if they apply and are accepted as a matriculated student in the master’s program.

Advanced Standing
UNE graduate certificate-matriculated students in good standing may apply to the MMEL program and request advanced standing at any time during the certificate program. UNE graduate certificate students can apply for advanced standing in the MME: program within five years of completing the graduate certificate program in Program Development or Leadership Development.

Master of Science: Medical Education Leadership (33 credits)

The Master of Science curriculum totals 33 credits.  Courses will be offered continuously over each 12-month cycle. Students will be required to develop an electronic professional portfolio as evidence of their competence in the eight medical educational leadership standards. Students will also submit one exhibit from each course. The portfolio will include exhibits that show growth in written and oral communication skills as well as medical education leadership standards.   
MEL 604 Curriculum Program Development                              3 credits
MEL 605 Improving Instructional Effectiveness                        3 credits
MEL 606 Learner Assessment & Program Evaluation              3 credits
MEL 610 Leadership Skills in Academic Medicine                    3 credits
MEL 611 Professional Development: Culture Lifelong Learn    3 credits
MEL 612 Organizational Development: Foster Learn Envir      3 credits
MEL 620 Research and Evaluation in Med Education              3 credits
MEL 561-562 Applied Project in Curriculum or Leadership      6 credits
MEL 630-699 Electives or Independent Study                         6 credits

Certificate: Program Development (9 credits)

This nine-credit hour program provides students with the core program development concepts in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. This set of courses is one of the foundations for the UNE Master of Science in Medical Education Leadership.  

MEL 604 Curriculum Program Development                              3 credits
MEL 605 Improving Instructional Effectiveness                        3 credits
MEL 606 Learner Assessment & Program Evaluation              3 credits

Certificate: Leadership Development (9 credits)

This nine-credit hour program provides students with the core leadership development concepts in personnel development, organization development, and leadership skill training. This set of courses is one of the foundations for the UNE Master of Science in Medical Education Leadership.                                                                                                                                          

MEL 610 Leadership Skills in Academic Medicine                    3 credits
MEL 611 Professional Development: Culture Lifelong Learn   3 credits
MEL 612 Organizational Development: Foster Learn Envir      3 credits

Program Standards

Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point-average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Students receiving a grade below B- (80 pts) in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation in the Medical Education Leadership Program. A student receiving a grade below B- (80 pts) has the option to re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- (80 pts) or better. Any student who fails two or more classes is dismissed from the program.

Program Completion Timeline
Students must complete the Master’s in Medical Education within five years of admission to the program, unless a specified leave of absence has been granted by the faculty. 

Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five years old will not be accepted for credit in the MMEL program.

Probation/Dismissal
Students who fall below an average C+ (GPA 2.5) in all classwork taken while in this program will be put on notice for one term.  If by the next term, the GPA average does not rise above 2.5, a student will be asked to leave the program. The Program Director may make modifications to the process described above because of extenuating circumstances. 

Course withdrawal
Students may withdrawal from a course prior to the course start date by notifying the program office in writing. As all courses officially begin on a Saturday, students must notify the program office  during business hours no later than the Friday prior to the start date. A student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty with a grade of W at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester as specified in the current academic calendar. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average. Course withdrawals will result in tuition refunds based on the short-term courses refund schedule noted in the Financial Information for Graduate Programs.  Non-matriculated students will forfeit their registration fee. Not logging into a course does not constitute a withdrawal.

Audit Policy
A student may, with prior consent of the instructor and the Medical Education Leadership director or designee, enroll in a course for an audit grade (AU). This must be requested at the time of registration for the course and must be accompanied by signed approval of the instructor and program director or designee. This applies to both matriculated and non-matriculated students. Reversal or change of an audit grade is not possible. Once enrolled for AU the grade becomes permanent on a student's academic record. The student who wishes later to be graded for such a course must re-enroll in the course and pay for graded credit. In auditing a course, the student is expected to complete all lectures and discussion boards, but is not permitted to submit course work for evaluation, take examinations, receive grades, or earn credit. Auditing a course does not count toward enrollment status (i.e., part-time, full-time, etc.) and therefore cannot be considered for financial aid purposes, veteran's benefits, etc.  It should be noted that auditing the course bears the same financial cost as taking the course for credit.

University/ Program Withdrawal
All matriculated students who wish to withdraw from the University must complete notification documentation available from respective program/school director, COM Student Affairs, or the Office of the Registrar. Documentation must be signed by designated academic and administrative authorities. Student responsibilities include: (a) knowledge of the University's policies regarding refund of tuition and/or fees as stated in respective catalog; (b) return of University identification (ID) card to the Office of Student Affairs; (c) return of any University keys (or other belongings, e.g. library materials) in your possession to the appropriate departments. The University reserves the right to withhold the issuance of refunds and transcripts until the process has been completed. Following withdrawal, any student wishing to re-enroll at the University of New England must apply through the Office of Admissions.

Academic Dishonesty
The University of New England regards academic integrity as an essential component to the educational process. Charges of academic dishonesty will be handled through the dean of the appropriate College. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
3. Action that destroys or alters the work of another student.
4. Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Students With Disabilities
Students with disabilities who require accommodations or modifications should communicate their needs to the Director, Office of Students With Disabilities, University of New England, 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME 04005. (207) 602-2815. Please allow time for course modifications to occur. Ideally, students should contact the Office on the same date that they register for a course.  Timely accommodations are dependent on early registration with Disability Services.

Grading
Faculty establish their individual grading criteria and grading scale in courses which they teach. Traditionally, UNE’s Quality Points/Scale assigned to grades are as follows:
A       94-100 points    Outstanding
A-      90-93 points      Excellent
B+     87-89 points      Competency achieved to high standard
B       84-86 points      Competency achieved
B-      80-83 points      Satisfactory competency
F       Below 80            Failing
Note:  Grades below 80 points are considered marginal and a failing grade.

Incomplete Grades
An incomplete 'I’ grade may be given by the faculty to a student who is doing passing work in a course, but who, for reasons beyond his/her control, is not able to complete the work on time. The student must request an incomplete from the faculty (by letter or via e-mail) at least one week prior to the end of the term in which the student has registered for the course. The 'I' grade must be changed within the time limit determined by the faculty and may not extend beyond one term following the end of the semester. Until changed, the ‘I’ grade defers computation of credits and grade points for the course to which it is assigned. Failure to complete the work before the limitation date, or within the time imposed by the faculty, results in the assignment of an administrative *F grade for the course. Once an 'I' grade is removed, academic standing will be updated according to good standing or probationary standards. The student will be required to retake and repay for the course in order to receive credit when an administrative *F has been given.

Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary as well as other expenses, including books. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid
Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the University Campus. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

To complete the program and receive a Master’s in Medical Education Leadership, students must:

• Complete 33 credits that are composed of seven 3-credit on-line courses, two electives, a 6-credit applied project and a professional portfolio.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Pay all tuition and fees when due.

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