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On behalf of the faculty, administration, staff and student body, we are delighted to welcome you to the University of South Florida (USF), Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM), Physician Assistant Program (PA Program).

The USF MCOM PA Program is currently considered a developing program by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).  The program has applied for Provisional Accreditation and is scheduled for a site visit on June 30, 2014 by the ARC-PA.  Results of the Provisional Accreditation site visit will be released in October 2014. Program preparations continue with the intent to accept prospective student applications if we are granted provisional accreditation after that date and ready the facility for the Charter Physician Assistant Class to begin in May 2015.

This handbook has been developed by the

faculty of

the MCOM PA Program to assist you. It contains Guidance statements and Procedures of the Morsani College of Medicine, as approved by the

Physician Assistant Program Director and the Dean of the College. The procedures relate to student activities as well as

hints and advice

to facilitate your experience and helping you through some potential trouble spots while you are in the PA Program. We hope that you find it useful. If you have questions or need clarification, please contact the Physician Assistant Program Office

, MDC

900,

813-974-

8926. This Handbook is not a contract between the University and you. Rather it is intended to provide up-to-date information, which may be helpful to you.

*Policies and programs presented in this handbook are subject to change at any time. As changes occur in institutional policies that affect students, they will be notified via e-mail.

A. STATEMENT ON STUDENT AFFAIRS

The Office of Student Affairs has an open-door service attitude and is available on an ongoing basis to provide assistance in any matter of concern to the student. We serve as advisors to students with personal or adjustment problems, and problems of an academic or financial nature. We also provide assistance and guidance to you concerning issues pertaining to student mistreatment or abuse. At the first sign of any of these problems you should come to see us. Our office also serves as a sounding board, referral service and student advocate. We, in the Office of Student Affairs, are dedicated to assisting you in the successful completion of this growth process. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Dr. Steven Specter, is available in his office during school hours, by cell phone at 813-508-4250, or at home at 813-962-2288.

You are entering into a challenging, rewarding and sometimes stressful experience. You will undergo an almost unique personal growth process as you develop the skills, confidence, and compassion necessary to assume responsibility for the care of other human beings.

As individuals vary, so do their study habits. Studying is time consuming, but a planned regimen will enable you to set aside the time required to relax and to do some of the things you are used to doing. Breaks in the routine of studying are a necessary part of your education. Budget your time!