CATALOG
2023-2025
ACCREDITATION
Touro College was chartered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York in June 1970.
Touro University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), 3624
Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (267) 284-5000. The Middle States Commission on Higher
Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Secretary of Education
and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. For additional information, visit Middle States
Accreditation.
This accreditation status covers Touro University and its branch campuses, locations, and instructional
sites in the New York area, as well as branch campuses and programs in Illinois, Berlin, Jerusalem, and
Moscow.
Touro University California (TUC) and its branch campus Touro University Nevada (TUN), as well as
Touro University Worldwide (TUW) and its division Touro College Los Angeles (TCLA), are part of
Touro University and separately accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior
College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Alameda CA 94501 (Tel: 510-748-
9001).
New York Medical College (NYMC) is a separately accredited institution within Touro University, also
accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
The Hebrew Theological College (HTC) in Skokie, IL, is also a part of Touro University. HTC is
accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) DO program is fully accredited by the
Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association
(AOA), 142 East Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611 (Tel: 312-202-8124).
The Pathologists’ Assistant (PathA) Program at Touro University has received approval of the preliminary
report from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River
Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119; (773) 714-8880. Further information about the NAACLS
Accreditation process can be found on the NAACLS website.
POLICY OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
Touro University is an equal opportunity employer. Touro University treats all employees, job applicants,
and students without unlawful consideration of race, ethnicity, religious creed, color, national origin,
ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition), age, disability, medical
condition, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, military service
or veteran status, citizenship status, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or
local laws. We are committed to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy in all decisions, including but not
limited to, recruitment, the administration of educational programs and activities, hiring, compensation,
training and apprenticeship, placement, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, layoff,
suspension, expulsion and termination, and all other terms and conditions of admission, matriculation, and
employment.
For the full policy statement see https://www.touro.edu/non-discrimination/.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog ii
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This Catalog contains only general guidelines and information. It is not intended to be comprehensive or to address all the
possible applications of, or exceptions to, the policies and procedures of Touro. Some of the subjects described in this Catalog
are covered in detail in official policy and procedure documents found online and elsewhere. You should refer to these
documents for specific information, since this Catalog only briefly summarizes those policies. For that reason, if you have
any questions concerning a particular policy or procedure, you should address your specific questions to the Office of
Institutional Compliance. Please note that the terms of the full official policies are controlling in the case of any inconsistency.
This Catalog is neither written nor meant to confer any rights or privileges on students or impose any obligations on Touro.
No individual or representative of Touro (except the President) has the authority to enter into any agreement or understanding
contrary to the above.
This Catalog is written for informational purposes only and may contain errors. The policies, procedures and practices
described herein may be modified, supplemented or discontinued in whole or in part, at any time with or without notice. All
changes will be posted on the Touro website. Although we will attempt to inform you of any changes as they occur via the
Touro email address assigned to you upon activating your TouroOne portal account, it is nevertheless your responsibility to
keep current on all University policies, procedures and practices. Your assigned Touro email address is the official method
of contact for all such notices and for all Touro communication. For the avoidance of doubt, all applicable new and revised
policies, procedures, and practices posted on the Touro website will become effective to you, whether or not you become
specifically aware of them.
Students are required to investigate for themselves whether the program they enroll in meets their personal, educational and
career needs. Different jurisdictions have different licensing requirements and standards. While students may expend
significant sums associated with higher education, successful completion of a course, program, or degree is dependent on
many factors. The payment of tuition permits a student to register and take the courses and programs available and offered
by the Touro school or program in which the student is enrolled. Acceptance in a school or program does not form the basis
of a contract. Indeed, a student’s acceptance may be revoked if it is later learned, among other things, that his or her
qualifications have been misstated or overstated, or there is some other omission or misrepresentation. Except as noted in the
paragraph below, no contract rights exist or are established in the student- educational institution setting by and between
Touro and the student. To this end, you waive and Touro disclaims any contract or liability for promises, assurances,
representations, warrantees, or other statements made in its marketing or promotional materials, and makes absolutely no
promises, assurances, representations, guarantees, warrantees or other statements concerning our courses and programs and
a student's academic success in them. Thus, you waive and Touro further disclaims any liability in tort in connection with
any of the foregoing. For a degree to be earned, the required grades and grade point averages must be achieved and maintained,
and all other requirements of the school and program must be fulfilled. These disclaimers are, in effect, covenants not to sue
binding on students, and are tacitly agreed to by a student’s matriculation or continued matriculation in our programs.
Registration and matriculation at Touro after the issuance of this Manual is consideration for and constitutes a student's
knowing acceptance of the binding Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR") mechanisms contained herein. Thus, any dispute,
claim or controversy arising out of or related to your application, registration, matriculation, graduation or other separation
from Touro and/or this Catalog, which is not resolved through Touro's internal mechanism, shall next be submitted to non-
binding mediation (the “Mandatory Mediation”). The Mandatory Mediation shall be conducted by a neutral mediator selected
at Touro’s sole discretion. In accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act and to the extent not inconsistent with the primacy
of federal law, all Disputes remaining after completion of the Mandatory Mediation shall proceed to binding arbitration (the
“Mandatory Arbitration”). The Mandatory Arbitration shall be conducted by JAMS or any other reputable ADR organization
before a single arbitrator who shall be an attorney or judge. Selection of the arbitrator and location for the Mandatory
Arbitration shall be made at Touro’s sole discretion. See “Alternative Dispute Resolution" provision for a more elaborate
treatment of the Mandatory Mediation and Mandatory Arbitration provisions.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog iii
GENERAL DISCLAIMER
Touro University endeavors to provide ongoing and uninterrupted educational experiences in a
safe and effective environment for our students, staff and faculty. Given the dynamic
circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and any other future unknown or unforeseen events and the
uncertainties that may be attendant thereto, Touro may choose or be compelled to change the
method of course delivery and other relevant policies at any time. Any changes will be
communicated in a timely manner and posted prominently on Touro’s website and intranet. We
ask that you please stay in contact with your Program administration, faculty and student services
staff and remain current with any guidance issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 RELATED CLINICAL PROCEDURES
TouroCOM programs have certain clinical/course requirements and sequencing. While each
program strives to adhere to its established timing of courses and clinical experiences,
unforeseen events may hamper their availability. When such situations occur, it is possible that the
completion of a program may be delayed and the time in the program extended to meet
accreditation requirements. Furthermore, once appropriate clinical experiences have been
arranged, it is up to the student, not the program, to decide whether to attend the clinical site.
Should a student decline to participate, the student understands that their progression in the
program may be delayed. Students declining to participate in clinical or other experiential
components of their program should contact their clinical coordinator to ensure graduation
requirements are met as well as financial aid and other rules and regulations are satisfied.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog iv
Table of Contents
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT............................................................................................1
DR. BERNARD LANDER, FOUNDING PRESIDENT OF THE TOURO COLLEGE AND
UNIVERSITY SYSTEM ...................................................................................................................3
MESSAGE FROM THE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND
PROVOST, GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL DIVISIONS..................................................4
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DEAN ..............................................................................5
MESSAGE FROM THE CAMPUS DEAN OF TOUROCOM-MONTANA...............................6
TOURO UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT ........................................................................7
GOALS................................................................................................................................................7
INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................................8
TOURO UNIVERSITY.....................................................................................................................8
ACADEMIC CALENDAR..............................................................................................................11
PROGRAMS OFFERED ON TOUROCOM CAMPUSES.........................................................11
TOUROCOM MISSION AND GOALS ........................................................................................12
DOCTOR OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE (DO) PROGRAM................................................12
THE PHILOSOPHY OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE * ................................................................................................12
A
PPLICATION PROCESS ..........................................................................................................................................13
A
DMISSION REQUIREMENTS...................................................................................................................................13
C
ITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT ..................................................................................................................................16
B
ACKGROUND CHECK ............................................................................................................................................16
T
ECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION .............................................................................................................16
S
UPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS ...............................................................................................................................20
I
NTERVIEWS ............................................................................................................................................................20
T
RANSFER STUDENTS .............................................................................................................................................21
T
UITION AND FEES..................................................................................................................................................23
F
INANCIAL INFORMATION......................................................................................................................................23
A
CCEPTED APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................................23
E
QUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................................24
P
RINCIPLES OF THE CURRICULUM.........................................................................................................................24
C
ORE COMPETENCIES OF AN OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN......................................................................................25
L
EARNING OBJECTIVES..........................................................................................................................................26
O
STEOPATHIC COMPETENCIES, PROGRAMMATIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES, AND THE TOUROCOM MISSION ..27
A
SSESSMENT OF THE CORE COMPETENCIES .........................................................................................................28
C
REDIT LOAD AND CONTACT HOURS ....................................................................................................................29
C
URRICULUM OVERVIEW.......................................................................................................................................29
FIRST YEAR COURSES......................................................................................................................................30
SECOND YEAR COURSES.................................................................................................................................31
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE...................................................................................................................................32
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog v
CLINICAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM ..........................................................................................................................33
C
LINICAL EDUCATION OUTCOMES ........................................................................................................................35
G
RADING .................................................................................................................................................................36
R
EMEDIATION .........................................................................................................................................................38
P
ROVISIONAL ACADEMIC/PROFESSIONAL STATUS ...............................................................................................39
A
CADEMIC DISMISSAL............................................................................................................................................40
S
TUDENT RESEARCH POLICIES ..............................................................................................................................41
M
AINTENANCE OF MATRICULATION .....................................................................................................................42
M
AXIMUM TIME FRAME (SIX-YEAR RULE)...........................................................................................................43
G
RADUATION REQUIREMENTS ...............................................................................................................................43
G
RADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND COMLEX OUTCOMES ..........................................................................44
Q
UALIFICATION FOR LICENSURE...........................................................................................................................44
MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES IN BIOLOGICAL
AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES PROGRAM ..................................................................................45
THE PROGRAM AND ITS OBJECTIVES.....................................................................................................................45
D
EGREE AWARDED .................................................................................................................................................45
D
IRECT MATRICULATION INTO TOURO COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE ...............................................45
A
DMISSION PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS .........................................................................................................46
T
HE ADMISSION PROCESS ......................................................................................................................................47
I
NTERVIEWS ............................................................................................................................................................47
S
TUDENT INFORMATION .........................................................................................................................................47
A
CADEMIC CALENDAR ...........................................................................................................................................47
S
YNOPSIS OF CURRICULUM ....................................................................................................................................48
G
RADING .................................................................................................................................................................48
R
EMEDIATING AND RETAKING COURSE WORK ....................................................................................................49
R
EPEATING COURSE WORK ...................................................................................................................................49
R
EMEDIATING COURSE WORK ..............................................................................................................................50
C
OMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION ...........................................................................................................................50
R
EMEDIATING THE COMPREHENSIVE EXAM ........................................................................................................50
G
RADUATION ..........................................................................................................................................................50
PATHOLOGISTS’ ASSISTANT (PathA) PROGRAM...............................................................51
PROGRAM OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................51
H
OW TO APPLY .......................................................................................................................................................52
A
CADEMIC REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES ................................................................................................56
I
NTERVIEWS ............................................................................................................................................................57
C
REDIT LOAD AND CONTACT HOURS ....................................................................................................................57
P
ROGRAM SCHEDULE .............................................................................................................................................57
G
RADING .................................................................................................................................................................58
S
TUDENT OUTCOMES..............................................................................................................................................60
Q
UALIFICATION FOR LICENSURE...........................................................................................................................61
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog vi
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ............................................................................................................61
DOCTOR OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE (DO) PROGRAM.......................................................................62
FIRST YEAR COURSES......................................................................................................................................62
SECOND YEAR COURSES.................................................................................................................................65
CLINICAL ROTATIONS .....................................................................................................................................68
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES IN BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL
SCIENCES (MS) PROGRAM ..............................................................................................................................72
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PATHOLOGISTS’ ASSISTANT (PATHA) PROGRAM ..................................75
STUDENT SERVICES....................................................................................................................80
TOUROONE PORTAL..............................................................................................................................................80
O
FFICE OF THE REGISTRAR ...................................................................................................................................80
O
FFICE OF FINANCIAL AID.....................................................................................................................................81
S
TANDARDS OF SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS ......................................................................................104
O
FFICE OF THE BURSAR .......................................................................................................................................105
Section 103 Provisions for Veteran Students: Pending Payment Compliance for Eligible Students ................105
L
IBRARY................................................................................................................................................................106
S
TUDENT COUNSELING .........................................................................................................................................106
Academic Counseling ........................................................................................................................................106
Behavioral Health — Counseling and Wellness................................................................................................106
F
ACULTY ADVISORS .............................................................................................................................................107
T
UTORING .............................................................................................................................................................107
S
TUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES .............................................................................................................................108
S
UMMER COURSES................................................................................................................................................110
ACADEMIC RULES AND REGULATIONS.............................................................................111
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS..........................................................................................................................111
R
EGISTRATION PROCESS......................................................................................................................................111
A
TTENDANCE, TARDINESS, ABSENCES, AND EXAMINATIONS .............................................................................111
ICLICKER POLICIES ..............................................................................................................................................114
Z
OOM POLICIES ....................................................................................................................................................117
R
ECORDING OF LECTURES ...................................................................................................................................118
O
NLINE COURSES OFFERED THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF ONLINE EDUCATION........................................119
G
RADING ...............................................................................................................................................................124
L
EAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA) AND READMISSION ..................................................................................................126
W
ITHDRAWALS .....................................................................................................................................................127
Tuition Refund Schedule....................................................................................................................................128
F
INANCIAL AID AND WITHDRAWAL.....................................................................................................................130
A
PPLICATION FOR GRADUATION .........................................................................................................................130
D
EGREE WORKS ...................................................................................................................................................131
T
RANSCRIPTS ........................................................................................................................................................132
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog vii
UNIVERSITY CODES AND POLICIES....................................................................................133
TOURO UNIVERSITY CODE OF CONDUCT ............................................................................................................133
Touro University Social Media Policy ..............................................................................................................134
Adjudication of University Code of Conduct Violations ...................................................................................134
T
OURO UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY .........................................................................................138
Violations of Academic Integrity .......................................................................................................................139
Sanctions ...........................................................................................................................................................143
Procedures in Response to Violations of Academic Integrity............................................................................144
Appeal Process..................................................................................................................................................148
A
LTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION .................................................................................................................149
F
AILURE-TO-EDUCATE AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER .........................................................................................151
T
OURO POLICY ON BIAS-RELATED CRIMES ........................................................................................................151
P
OLICY ON TITLE IX AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ...............................................................................................153
Title IX Grievance Policy ..................................................................................................................................153
Sexual Misconduct.............................................................................................................................................154
S
TUDENT COMPLAINTS.........................................................................................................................................156
P
OLICY ON DRUGS AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ..........................................................................................158
T
OURO UNIVERSITY CAMPUS SECURITY POLICIES ............................................................................................158
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS ......................................................................160
CAMPUS CITIZENSHIP...........................................................................................................................................160
S
TANDARDS OF CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR .............................................................................................................160
I
NTERNET SERVICES AND USER-GENERATED CONTENT POLICY.......................................................................160
A
CCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ...........................................................................161
A
NTI-HAZING REGULATIONS...............................................................................................................................161
N
O-SMOKING POLICY (including the use of electronic cigarettes or vapor devices)......................................161
CONFIDENTIALITY OF STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS ...........................................162
THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 (FERPA) ....................................................162
Authorization for Non-Disclosure of Directory Information.............................................................................163
TOURO UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES .....................................................................164
TOURO BOARD OF GOVERNORS ..........................................................................................164
UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION ...........................................................................................165
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT ..................................................................................................................................165
S
ENIOR LEADERSHIP ............................................................................................................................................165
O
FFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS ...........................................................................................................................166
TOUROCOM ADMINISTRATION............................................................................................166
TOUROCOM FACULTY.............................................................................................................166
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog viii
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
At Touro University, we recently celebrated 50 years of academic
excellence and innovation in education. We take pride in our
institution’s past and have unwavering optimism in its future.
Touro College opened with a small cohort of students. Today our
University educates nearly 19,000 students at 35 schools around the
world, including in New York, California, Illinois, Nevada, and
Montana, as well as Berlin, Moscow, and Israel. Our mission is to
serve both the Jewish and general populations. In so doing, we provide
neighborhood-based undergraduate programs for the underserved and
offer a comprehensive range of baccalaureate degree programs in the
liberal arts and sciences, pre-professional courses, and specialized
career-oriented programs. Advanced degrees in education, law,
medicine, pharmacy, allied health sciences, social work, psychology, business and technology, among
others, are also available. Touro graduates attend the most competitive advanced-degree programs in
the country, and alumni lead both nationally and internationally renowned organizations.
Touro’s past reflects the bold leadership of our visionary founder, Dr. Bernard Lander. Building upon
that foundation, Touro University is emerging as a vibrant wellspring of educational achievements. As
we expand upon our unprecedented growth, we continue to build an integrated network of centers of
academic excellence, synthesizing the best of our past with our future aspirations. As part of our
mission, we strive to preserve a heritage that has not only sustained religious ideals for generations,
but also influenced world civilizations.
Touro is deeply committed to serving humanity and building a better world, as well as to providing
personal attention for students seeking to maximize their personal and professional growth. In carrying
out our goals, we continue to work with our students in a collective effort to help make the world a
better place for all.
The Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM), together with Touro’s three other medical
school campuses, plays a crucial role in helping us carry out our mission. TouroCOM prepares students
to become outstanding osteopathic physicians who uphold the values, philosophy and practice of
osteopathic medicine. TouroCOM places special emphasis on teaching and learning in the areas of
primary care and the holistic approach to the patient, and we are committed to educating students who
have a special interest in practicing in underserved communities, such as Harlem and Middletown,
New York, and Great Falls, Montana. TouroCOM connects directly with the local community through
exceptional programs that are responsive to the needs of a diverse population. At the same time,
TouroCOM’s comprehensive academic training is helping to fill a societal need by addressing our
nation’s shortage of primary care physicians.
Thank you for joining us in pursuit of our mission. I wish you the greatest success in achieving your
academic and professional aspirations.
Alan Kadish, M.D.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 1
Alan Kadish, M.D. is President of Touro University, the largest Jewish-sponsored educational institution
in the United States.
Before succeeding Dr. Bernard Lander as Touro’s second president in 2010, Dr. Kadish distinguished
himself as a prominent cardiologist, dedicated teacher and researcher, and experienced administrator.
From the Classroom to the Boardroom
A graduate of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University, Dr. Kadish received
postdoctoral training at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, and
at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a fellow in cardiology. He is board certified
in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and cardiac electrophysiology.
Prior to joining Touro in 2009 as Senior Provost and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Kadish taught at the
University of Michigan and held a 19-year tenure at Northwestern University. He served Northwestern as
the Chester and Deborah Cooley Professor of Medicine, Senior Associate Chief of the Cardiology Division,
Director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Trials Unit, and sat on the finance and investment committees of
the Northwestern clinical practice plan.
An accomplished and prolific research scientist as well, he has published over 250 peer-reviewed papers,
received numerous grants, including from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science
Foundation, and contributed to several textbooks.
Dr. Kadish is a past chair of the Clinical Cardiology Program Committee of the American Heart
Association, and has been elected to prestigious scientific research and education societies including the
American Association of Professors, the American Society for Clinical Investigation, and the American
Society of Physicians.
Jewish Values, Global Vision
As a forward thinker and a deeply committed observer of the Jewish faith, Dr. Kadish was a natural fit with
our mission to serve the educational needs of our varied constituencies throughout the country and around
the world.
He has helped Touro expand its unique offerings for Jewish and underserved communities while becoming
a top-tier institution for the study of health sciences and medicine. Our distinct medical programs—two
colleges of pharmacy, four colleges of medicine, and graduate schools and programs in health sciences—
serve increasingly large and dynamic student populations. Touro University is one of the largest healthcare
educational systems in the U.S., and Dr. Kadish has positioned Touro to lead a new era in medicine.
In providing educational opportunities that are rigorous, accessible, and—perhaps most of all—relevant,
Dr. Kadish keeps our vision clear and progressing ever forward. Under his leadership, we continue to
prepare a new generation of scholars, entrepreneurs, and leaders for the world ahead.
Dr. Kadish, who was born in Brooklyn, raised in Queens, and educated in yeshivas in New York, is married
with four children.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 2
DR. BERNARD LANDER, FOUNDING
PRESIDENT OF THE TOURO COLLEGE
AND UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
Dr. Bernard Lander was an inspirational leader and
visionary who revolutionized the field of education. As an
educator and preeminent scholar, Dr. Lander devoted his life
to Jewish and general higher education. Dr. Lander founded
Touro College in 1970 and served as its first president until
his passing in February 2010. Under his stewardship, Touro
underwent significant growth, becoming an institution with
multiple campuses and international reach. Today, Touro
University educates approximately 19,000 students across
the United States and around the world.
Dr. Lander’s creative genius and original thinking continues to be reflected in Touro’s innovative
approach to the field of higher education. He believed that it was his mission in life to strengthen
Jewish continuity through the myriad of Torah and educational institutions that he established, and
to provide opportunities for advancement for individuals from all walks of life.
Before founding Touro College, Dr. Lander was recognized as one of the foremost influences on
American Jewry. After receiving semicha (rabbinical ordination) from his beloved teacher, Rabbi
Moshe Soloveitchik, he assumed the prestigious pulpit position at Beth Jacob Congregation in
Baltimore, Maryland. Soon thereafter, in recognition of his work at Columbia University while
earning his doctorate in sociology and his communal leadership, he was named associate director
of former New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia’s Committee on Unity, a precursor to the
city’s Commission on Human Rights.
In 1958, Dr. Lander was appointed dean of the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Yeshiva
University, where he played a major role in the establishment of a network of graduate schools.
He also served for over thirty years as vice president of the Union of Orthodox Jewish
Congregations, where he emerged as a spokesman for the American Jewish community and was
deeply involved in the creation of its acclaimed youth movement, the National Conference of
Synagogue Youth. Simultaneously, he was a professor of sociology at The City University of New
York and was selected to serve on several presidential commissions that dealt with social policy
issues. Touro College and Touro University are Dr. Bernard Lander’s legacies, institutions that
will continue to provide quality education for many generations to come.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 3
MESSAGE FROM THE SENIOR VICE
PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND
PROVOST, GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL
DIVISIONS
Dear TouroCOM Students,
Congratulations on choosing the Touro College of Osteopathic
Medicine to continue your education. At TouroCOM you will find
a vibrant intellectual health care education community where
faculty and students interact with respect and professionalism, and
work side-by-side conducting research and serving the
community. You have selected a medical school that is student-
centered and focused on your success. We have a lot to offer, and
hope that you will, in turn, take advantage of myriad opportunities for learning and inquiry, both
inside and outside of the classroom.
While at TouroCOM, you will have opportunities to engage in research, participate in our
University-wide Research Day, engage with thought-leaders in the health care space, and interact
with physicians across many specialty areas. You will also have opportunities to work side-by-
side with colleagues from Touro’s rich health sciences offerings to learn together through various
inter-professional education (IPE) experiences. This is a unique opportunity offered in the context
of a University System that graduates hundreds of students annually in medicine, health sciences,
dentistry, pharmacy and related disciplines such as physician assistant, nursing, physical therapy,
occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, mental health counseling, and social work.
Students enrolled in our Harlem, Middletown, and Great Falls campuses will find robust
opportunities to collaborate within the Touro University system and with other local institutions.
It is indeed the people that make the place. At TouroCOM, the faculty, administration, and staff
are warm, caring, and committed to your success. Your TouroCOM education will provide the
subject matter and skills knowledge required to excel as an Osteopathic physician. Because of our
mission and commitment to social justice and serving the underserved, you will hone leadership
skills that will enable you to help others and to make a difference.
Please familiarize yourself with the programs and policies contained in this catalog as they will
guide you throughout your academic journey at TouroCOM.
I look forward to meeting you and to watching you reach your academic and career goals, first as
students and then as alumni. Best wishes for a meaningful experience at TouroCOM.
Sincerely,
Patricia E. Salkin, J.D., Ph.D.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 4
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DEAN
The Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine was founded to
create a medical school dedicated to the study and improvement
of the issues of health care disparities and medical school
diversity. Our mission and commitment to the population we
serve creates a distinctive personality for the school that sets us
apart from other medical schools.
The faculty and staff are committed to providing a sound
medical education necessary to address the health care needs of
the new millennium. It is where life-long learning in medicine
begins. The education one receives at the Touro College of
Osteopathic Medicine is one that prepares solid foundations in
basic and clinical sciences; along with the opportunity to learn
skills that best serve the patient, the patient’s family, and society.
The practice of medicine today requires an understanding and an affinity for culturally relevant
medicine. It is our goal that members of the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine family will
take an active role in the evolution of the medical field yet to come.
Working with diverse patient populations and with some of the most highly trained physicians in
the world, the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine is uniquely positioned to make important
contributions to medically underserved populations, and make strides to improving the diversity
of medical school classes in the future.
Kenneth J. Steier, D.O.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 5
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN, GREAT FALLS
CAMPUS
Touro University’s newest College of Osteopathic Medicine
campus was established in 2023, as the Great Falls, Montana
campus welcomed its inaugural class to our modern educational
facility. The building was designed with input from TouroCOM’s
current administration, faculty, staff, and students, with the
objective of creating a learning environment consistent with the
ideals, standards, and mission of the College.
TouroCOM’s Great Falls, Montana campus offers the same
curriculum as our Harlem and Middletown, New York campuses.
Outside of the lecture hall, students benefit from shared video
content from all three campuses, while experiencing “flipped classroom” content delivered by
local on-site campus faculty.
The opening of the Great Falls, Montana campus marks yet another expansion of the TouroCOM
mission to provide comprehensive medical education to a diverse student body. Through their
clinical experiences, students will encounter frontier, rural, and Native American medicine, along
with practices found in more-familiar urban and suburban settings. As with all of Touro
University’s academic programs, students will find an environment enriched by a broad spectrum
of resources designed to foster success, and informed by TouroCOM’s rich history. At TouroCOM
Great Falls, we’re confident that graduates of our program will be equipped with the knowledge,
skills, and compassion needed to best be positioned to become tomorrow’s healthcare leaders.
Elizabeth Palmarozzi, D.O., FACOFP
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 6
TOURO UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT
Touro University is an independent institution of higher education under Jewish auspices,
established to promote and perpetuate the Jewish heritage, as well as to serve the general
community in keeping with the historic Jewish commitment to intellectual inquiry, the
transmission of knowledge, social justice, and service to society. Touro offers undergraduate,
graduate and professional programs that serve diverse components of the Jewish community and
the larger society, especially those who have been historically underserved. These academic
offerings span Jewish studies, the liberal arts and sciences, and medical and health sciences. Touro
is a university where personal growth, scholarship and research are fostered and where men and
women are prepared for productive lives of dignity, value, and values.
The core values of the university are based on two fundamental components, as reflected in Hillel’s
dictum in Ethics of the Fathers, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am concerned
only with myself, what am I?” These values mirror Touro’s commitment to quality education as
well as integrity, inclusivity, equity and respect for all members of the Touro Community.
GOALS
1. To impart and enrich the Jewish heritage and its tradition of intellectual inquiry and to
incorporate its ethos into the University’s academic offerings
2. To promote inclusivity, ethical behavior, and social responsibility through the curriculum
and community outreach
3. To advance the career interests and professional aspirations of our students through a broad
range of academic programs and innovative approaches
4. To advance faculty and student research and scholarship
5. To promote educational opportunities and access, focused on the student experience and
student success
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 7
INTRODUCTION
This catalog is intended to be a guide to students, informing them of their rights and responsibilities
as well as institutional policies and procedures. It does not constitute a contract, and therefore the
University reserves the right to make changes at any time without prior notice. This edition
replaces and supersedes all prior editions.
Students are responsible for knowing and observing all regulations which may affect their status
at the University. For this reason, they are expected to acquaint themselves with the contents of
this catalog and to read regularly the notices posted on the Touro website.
In addition, individual programs within Touro University may have their own handbooks outlining
the policies and procedures that apply specifically to students in those programs. In such cases, the
student is responsible for knowing both the school-wide and program policies.
TouroCOM students are responsible for being familiar with current academic regulations,
requirements and policies as contained in this catalog and in the TouroCOM Student Handbook.
Current versions of these documents and policies can be found on the TouroCOM website.
Students are also responsible for knowledge of official announcements and other documents issued
by TouroCOM. Finally, students are expected to observe the Code of Ethics of the American
Osteopathic Association (AOA).
TOURO UNIVERSITY
Touro University (“Touro” or “the University”) is a Jewish-sponsored independent institution of
higher learning and professional education founded to strengthen Jewish heritage while providing
the highest quality educational opportunities to society as a whole.
The University was chartered by the New York State Board of Regents in 1970 and opened a year
later as “Touro College.” In 2022, Touro celebrated its 50th anniversary and was granted university
status by the Board in recognition of the institution’s advanced academic standing. Shortly
thereafter, in 2023, Touro marked yet another new and exciting chapter in its history with the
opening of its new Cross River Campus at 3 Times Square. The modern campus brings together
eight schools in more than 300,000 square feet, housing state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs
and administrative offices on 12 floors.
Touro has grown from an initial class of 35 students in New York City to an international
university system of approximately 19,000 students located in six states and four countries. Its
commitment to academic excellence and growth through innovative programs continues to inform
all of Touro’s endeavors. Today, Touro enjoys the strong leadership of Chancellor Rabbi Doniel
Lander and President Dr. Alan Kadish in furthering Touro’s historic purpose.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 8
Touro’s schools serve a variety of communities, providing engaging courses in a range of fields -
from medicine and pharmacy to law; business to education; and speech pathology to Jewish
studies. The Touro educational experience reflects the Jewish intellectual tradition of commitment
to the transmission of knowledge, social justice, and respect for applied knowledge and discovery.
It is this commitment to a Jewish intellectual tradition that fuels the many outstanding
achievements by faculty and students throughout Touro. At the same time, the Touro University
experience goes beyond classroom instruction - Touro fosters an atmosphere of warmth, in which
close faculty-student relationships, student camaraderie and individual attention are nurtured.
Enhancing the Jewish Heritage
Touro’s first college, the Touro College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was established in 1971.
Decades later, the various divisions of the College were designated The Lander Colleges, in honor
of Founding President Dr. Bernard Lander, for his historic contribution to higher Jewish education
in America. The Lander Colleges embody Touro’s commitment to enriching the college
experience for Jewish men and women. They are comprised of three colleges: The Lander College
of Arts and Sciences – Flatbush (with separate divisions for men and women); the Lander College
for Women – The Anna Ruth and Mark Hasten School in Manhattan; and the Lander College for
Men in Queens. Other Touro schools similarly dedicated to the unique needs of the Jewish people
include the Graduate School of Jewish Studies, which prepares students for careers in education
and community service; the School for Lifelong Education, to serve the academic needs of the
Hasidic community; the Institute for Professional Studies – Machon L’Parnasa, which provides
practical applications in higher education for the ultra-orthodox community; and Touro College
Los Angeles, which follows a curriculum modeled after The Lander Colleges. In 2015, Touro
welcomed the Hebrew Theological College of Skokie, Illinois into the Touro system.
Fulfilling Needs - and Building Strength - in Health Care
Touro has grown into one of the largest healthcare educational systems in the country. Beginning
with the School of Health Sciences in New York City in 1972, Touro pioneered the training of
physician assistants and established other campuses in the New York area that prepare healthcare
professionals to serve a broad range of patient needs including nursing, physical and occupational
therapy, speech language pathology, psychology, and mental health. In 2020, Touro responded to
the growth of data and security issues in healthcare by expanding its offerings to a new campus in
Skokie, Illinois with programs in healthcare cybersecurity, data analytics, nursing and physician
assistant studies.
The Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) opened in 2007 in Harlem, committed
to training underrepresented minorities and to practicing in underserved communities.
Subsequently, in 2014, a second campus of TouroCOM opened in Middletown, New York and
most recently, in 2023, a third TouroCOM campus opened in Great Falls, Montana - set to further
TouroCOM’s mission of educating underrepresented minorities in medicine and serving
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 9
communities in need. The Touro College of Pharmacy, originally established in Harlem with a
shared vision to promote wellness, especially among underserved populations, relocated to our
new Cross River Campus in Times Square. In 2022, Lovelace Research Institute in Albuquerque,
New Mexico joined the Touro system. Founded in 1947, Lovelace is one of the oldest not-for-
profit biomedical research institutes in the country, noted for excellence in respiratory disease and
neuroscience research, toxicology, drug development and protecting the nation against chemical,
biological and nuclear threats.
In 2011, New York Medical College (NYMC), one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious
health science universities, joined the Touro system, thereby creating one of the largest affiliations
of medical and health education and biological studies programs under one banner. Located in
Westchester County, NYMC is the leading academic biomedical research center between New
York City and Albany, with nearly $38.5 million in sponsored research and other programs under
management. In 2016, the Touro College of Dental Medicine opened on the NYMC campus, New
York State’s first new dental school to launch in nearly 50 years.
A Western Division was established in 1997 with Touro University California (TUC) and its
several health science schools: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro
University College of Pharmacy, and the College of Education and Health Sciences. In 2004,
Touro University Nevada (TUN) was created as a branch campus of TUC to help address critical
needs in health sciences and education and as a resource for community service in Nevada. TUN
includes the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and the College of Health
and Human Services, which offers numerous degree programs in health sciences and education.
Charting New Territory in Law, Business and Technology
Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, opened in the 1980’s, operates out of a new
law complex on Long Island that includes a federal and state courthouse – the first law campus of
its kind in the country. The Graduate School of Business offers a variety of graduate degree
programs and trains graduates to work effectively in a world market of independent economies.
The Graduate School of Technology offers multiple degree programs that reflect the power and
pace of technological change. Touro University Worldwide, an online university, offers graduate
degree programs for lifelong learners or those interested in furthering their professional
development.
Educating the Educators, Serving the Community
Touro’s Graduate School of Education prepares America’s future leaders in education with one of
the largest teacher education programs in New York State. Through its Lander Center for
Educational Research, public schools are assisted in addressing problems that impact student
achievement and equality of educational opportunity. The New York School of Career and Applied
Studies was established to provide quality undergraduate education at multiple locations
throughout New York City that serve the needs of the city’s diverse populations. The Touro
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 10
College Graduate School of Social Work inspires and prepares graduates for clinical social work
practice in a variety of urban and multicultural environments and to advocate effectively for the
most underserved in society.
Forging Ties with Israel and Revitalizing Jewish Life in Europe
Touro College in Israel was established in 1986 to provide the English-speaking population in
Israel with the opportunity to earn credits towards an academic degree while studying in Israel. In
1991, Touro College became the first American institution of higher education to establish a
program of Jewish studies in Moscow. The Lander Institute Moscow, established to afford
members of the Jewish community a greater awareness of their Jewish heritage, offers a well-
rounded general education and preparation to serve organizations and schools. In 2003, Touro
began offering an academic program through Touro College Berlin and later established on the
Berlin campus the Lander Institute for Communication about the Holocaust and Tolerance.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Please visit: https://tourocom.touro.edu/do/academic-calendar/
PROGRAMS OFFERED ON TOUROCOM CAMPUSES
The following programs of study are offered on TouroCOM campuses:
1. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
a. Offered at the Harlem, Middletown, and Great Falls campuses
2. Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences
a. Offered at the Harlem, Middletown, and Great Falls campuses
3. Pathologists’ Assistant (PathA)
a. Offered at the Harlem campus
Further information about each program is provided in the sections that follow.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 11
TOUROCOM MISSION AND GOALS
The Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine is committed to training osteopathic physicians, with
a particular emphasis on practicing medicine in underserved communities, and to increasing the
number of underrepresented minorities in medicine.
We value and support public service, research, graduate medical education, and osteopathic
clinical service in the community that will strive to improve health outcomes for those we serve.
We will work to educate students through the use of the latest innovative education techniques
using summative and formative measures so as to graduate qualified osteopathic physicians.
Goals
1. Graduate qualified osteopathic physicians
2. Promote the practice of medicine in underserved areas
3. Increase the number of underrepresented in medicine (URM) physicians
4. Improve health outcomes in the community through public service, research,
osteopathic clinical service and graduate medical education
DOCTOR OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE (DO) PROGRAM
THE PHILOSOPHY OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE *
Osteopathic medicine is a distinctive form of medicine.
Osteopathic physicians use all the knowledge, skills, tools, and technology available in modern
medicine, with the added benefits of a holistic philosophy and a system of hands-on diagnosis and
treatment known as osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). Doctors of osteopathic medicine
(DOs) emphasize helping each person achieve a high level of wellness by focusing on health
promotion and disease prevention.
DOs work in partnership with their patients and are trained to look at the whole person.
They consider the impact that lifestyle and community have on the health of each individual, and
they work to erase barriers to good health. DOs are licensed to practice the full scope of medicine in
all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other territories of the United States, as well
as in more than 65 countries abroad. They practice in all types of environments, including the
military, and in all specialties, from family medicine and obstetrics to surgery and cardiology.
From their first day of medical school, DOs are trained to look at the whole person, which means
they see each person as more than just a collection of body parts that may become injured or diseased.
DOs are taught that the whole person is greater than the sum of his or her parts, and that patients
should be treated as partners in the health care process. They are trained to communicate with people
from diverse backgrounds, and they are given the opportunity to practice these skills in the classroom
and a variety of other settings.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 12
The Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine
1. The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit.
2. The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.
3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.
4. Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of body unity,
self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.
* American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Application to TouroCOM must be made through the American Association of Osteopathic
Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS).
2. Visit https://www.aacom.org/ to apply.
3. The AACOMAS deadline is March 1 for TouroCOM.
4. The TouroCOM College Designation Form (CDF) number is 010142-00.
5. You can also contact AACOMAS at:
• The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service
5550 Friendship Blvd., Suite 310 Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7231; (301) 968-4190
6. Coursework taken at foreign institutions must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency by an
evaluation service recognized by AACOMAS (for a list of evaluations services recognized
by AACOMAS, go to AACOMAS Applicant Help Center). An official copy must be sent
from the service directly to AACOMAS. Transfer credit appearing on U.S. institutional
transcripts, student copies of an evaluation or other foreign evaluations will not be
accepted. All institutions attended (including foreign institutions) must be listed on the
AACOMAS Application Form.
7. Former students who petition for re-admission, and whose petition is accepted, may be
admitted provisionally, on probation, and/or subject to the terms of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU).
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants shall meet the following minimum requirements:
1. Ambition to become an osteopathic physician.
2. A Bachelor’s degree
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or its equivalent if
completed in a foreign country. Students who are working toward the completion
of their bachelor’s degree, and have completed at least 75% of their undergraduate
credits, can be considered for admission.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 13
• In rare cases, students may enter without a degree through affiliated institutions
with which TouroCOM has articulation agreements. Under such agreements, a
student is admitted into the medical school program with all the prerequisites
completed, with a minimum of 75% of credits of undergraduate work completed
toward a baccalaureate degree. After the first year of medical school is successfully
completed, the student will then be awarded a baccalaureate degree from the
undergraduate institution that the student had attended.
3. Applicants shall have completed the following undergraduate courses:
• Biology: At least 8 semester hours (4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam or a 6 or 7 on
the IB Biology are acceptable substitutes).
• Inorganic Chemistry: At least 8 semester hours (a 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam
or 6 or 7 on the IB Chemistry are acceptable substitutes).
• Organic Chemistry: At least 7 semester hours. 3 hours of Biochemistry may count
toward your total.
• Physics: At least 8 semester hours (a 4 or 5 on the AP Physics exam or a 6 or 7 on
the IB Physics are acceptable substitutes).
• English: If your BA/BS was completed in the English language, specific English
coursework is not required. If your BA/BS was NOT completed in English 6
semester hours are required (a 4 or 5 on the AP English Composition or English
Literature exam or a 6 or 7 on the IB Language A are acceptable substitutes)
• Mathematics and/or Computer Science: At least 3 semester hours (a 4 or 5 on the
AP Pre-Calculus, Calculus AB or BC, or Statistics exams are acceptable
substitutes).
• Behavioral Sciences: At least 3 semester hours. Behavioral Sciences include
psychology, sociology, and anthropology, amongst others (a 4 or 5 on the AP
Psychology exam, a 6 or 7 on the IB Psychology, or a 6 or 7 on the IB Social and
Cultural Anthropology are acceptable substitutes within this category).
Please refer to https://help.liaisonedu.com/ for a full listing of which subjects may be
used to fulfill each of the above requirements.
Please note any AP or IB score being used for a pre-requisite is subject to verification
via a pdf copy of your AP scores from the College Board or the International
Baccalaureate Organization (go to IBO.org and select school # 038943 - Touro College
of Osteopathic Medicine).
4. Medical College Aptitude Test (MCAT)
• Each applicant must submit their most recent Medical College Aptitude Test
(MCAT) scores. Only scores from MCATs taken no more than 3 years prior to the
planned enrollment year are accepted (For example, a January 2021 score for Fall
2024 enrollment is acceptable whereas a December 2020 score is not). Science and
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 14
overall GPA, MCAT Scores, as well as CASPer™ and Duet
TM
scores are
requirements for admission and must be competitive.
5. CASPer
TM
and Duet
TM
WHAT IS CASPER™?
• CASPer™ (Computer-based Assessment or Sampling Personal Characteristics) is a
computer-based situational judgment test designed to evaluate core personal
characteristics considered essential for students to be successful in medical school and
ultimately, as practicing physicians. Some of these include professionalism, ethical
grounding, empathy, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. CASPer™ can be taken
anywhere you can access a computer with audio capabilities and a reliable internet
connection in a quiet location.
• CASPer™ consists of a series of hypothetical everyday situations presented through
video or text format. Each situation relates to one or more personal characteristics.
Examinees are asked to provide short written responses to a series of questions asked
about each situation. No studying is required to take CASPer™ but taking the practice
exams is highly recommended.
• CASPer™ results are considered a reliable and predictive tool for an admissions
committee to broadly assess the personal attributes of an applicant.
WHAT IS DUET?
• Duet is a value-alignment assessment that compares what you value in a program with
what the program has to offer. Acuity developed this short assessment because each
program is different and has something unique to offer, whether it’s teaching style,
research opportunities, and interactions with faculty. With Duet, your individual
preferences are compared with programs’ unique profiles to help assess your mutual
alignment in a standardized way.
WHY HAS TOUROCOM INCORPORATED CASPER
TM
& DUET
TM
INTO OUR
SECONDARY APPLICATION?
• TouroCOM places a high value on personal characteristics, which we believe are essential
to becoming a capable and compassionate physician. CASPer™ and Duet
TM
are
considered objective tools to evaluate an applicant’s personal attributes. We believe using
CASPer™ and Duet makes the application review process fairer for the applicant.
• The incorporation of CASPer™ and Duet
TM
into our holistic review process represents
the commitment of TouroCOM to evaluate each applicant as an individual – weighing
personal attributes in equal measure with academic metrics and foundational experiences.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO TAKE CASPER™ AND DUET?
• Advanced registration is required. CASPer™ and Duet
TM
are administered by an external
testing company. There is a total fee of $52 associated with CASPer™, which is not part
of the TouroCOM application fee. It consists of a $40 test fee plus a $12 distribution fee,
which is paid directly to the testing company upon registration.
• Learn more about registering for CASPer™ and Duet
TM
.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 15
Please keep in mind that academic grades, MCAT, and CASPer™/ Duet
TM
scores are just three
factors used in the evaluation process. The TouroCOM Admissions Committee will evaluate
applicants’ suitability for acceptance to the College by considering academic competence,
previous achievement, strong personal qualities, demonstrated leadership skills, creative abilities,
honors, awards, extracurricular activities, experience in health care, likelihood to practice in
underserved primary care areas, and other non-cognitive factors. The Campus Dean reserves the
authority to approve all applications for admission.
Prior to first-year registration, official transcripts from all colleges and universities where the
student has attended previously, including a final transcript, must be submitted to the Admissions
Office. (Students are expected to have completed and have certified, by their matriculation, that
they have fulfilled all prerequisites for admission to the program. If at a later date a deficiency is
discovered, the student may be terminated from the program.) In addition, a criminal background
check is required. (Note: Statements provided by students that are found to be inaccurate,
incomplete, misleading, or untruthful with regard to their background check may be CAUSE TO
REVOKE THE OFFER OF ADMISSION OR, IF FOUND AT A LATER DATE, BE GROUNDS
FOR IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL with all tuition and fees forfeited.)
CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT
Individuals who have met all application requirements and permanently reside in the United States
at the time of application, are permitted to apply and matriculate at TouroCOM. Currently,
TouroCOM does not consider DACA or international students.
Eligibility for Federal Financial Aid is limited to US Citizens and US Permanent Residents.
Additional information may be viewed by visiting the Eligibility Requirements on the Financial
Aid page.
BACKGROUND CHECK
When a student applies to medical school, the primary application requires full disclosure of any
record of a misdemeanor or felony. A background check is required. Should any discrepancy be
discovered, the medical school may revoke the offer of admission, or dismiss the student if
discovered at a later date. A second background check is performed before entering clinical
rotations. Acceptance to TouroCOM is not a guarantee for eligibility for licensure or that clinical
rotations can be effectuated in the event the student has a misdemeanor or felony conviction.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION
Every applicant who seeks admission to TouroCOM is expected to possess those intellectual,
ethical, physical, and emotional capabilities required to undertake the full curriculum and achieve
the levels of competence required by the faculty. Once enrolled in TouroCOM, each candidate for
the DO degree must be able to quickly and accurately integrate all information received, perform
in a reasonably independent manner, and demonstrate the ability to learn, integrate, analyze and
synthesize information and data.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 16
TouroCOM makes every effort to provide reasonable accommodations for physically challenged
students, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, in doing so,
TouroCOM must maintain the integrity of its curriculum and preserve those elements deemed
essential to the acquisition of knowledge in all areas of osteopathic medicine, including the
demonstration of basic skills requisite for the practice of osteopathic medicine. If you anticipate
requesting reasonable accommodations upon admission to TouroCOM, or if you find that you need
to request accommodations at any point during your enrollment, please reach out to the Touro
University Office of Student Disability Services.
Accordingly, TouroCOM requires each student to meet certain technical requirements, which
include:
1. Professionalism. Candidates and students must possess the skill, competence, and
character expected of a member of a highly trained profession required for full utilization
of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all
responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of
mature, sensitive relationships with patients and co-workers. Candidates and students must
be able to tolerate physically and mentally taxing workloads, adapt to changing
environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent
in treating the problems of patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others,
interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are qualities that will be assessed during the
admissions and education process.
2. Observation. Candidates and students must have sufficient vision to be able to observe
demonstrations, and properly perform experiments and laboratory exercises in the basic
sciences. They must be able to observe a patient accurately, both at a distance and close at-
hand, and be able to discern nuances of facial expressions and body language.
3. Communication. Candidates and students must be able to speak, hear, and observe in order
to elicit information, examine patients, describe changes in mood, activity, and posture,
and to perceive non-verbal communication and social cues. Communication includes not
only speech, but also reading and writing. They must also be able to communicate
effectively and efficiently in oral and written form, with all members of the health care
team.
4. Motor Function. Candidates and students must have sufficient motor function to execute
movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to
patients. Examples of emergency treatment reasonably required of physicians are:
cardiopulmonary resuscitation; administration of intravenous medication; and the
application of pressure to stop bleeding; the opening of obstructed airways; and the suturing
of simple wounds. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular
movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
5. Sensory. Since osteopathic medical candidates and students need enhanced ability in their
sensory skills, it will be necessary to evaluate for candidacy those individuals who are
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 17
otherwise qualified, but who have significant tactile sensory or proprioceptive disabilities.
This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with previous burns, malformations of upper
extremities, cicatrix formation and sensory motor or special sensory deficits.
6. Strength and Mobility. Osteopathic manipulative medical treatment often requires
considerable upper extremity and body strength. Therefore, individuals with significant
limitations in these areas would be unlikely to succeed. Mobility to attend to emergencies,
and to perform such maneuvers as CPR, is also required.
7. Visual Integration. Consistent with ability to assess asymmetry, range of motion, and tissue
color and texture changes. It is essential for the candidate to have adequate visual
capabilities for the integration of evaluation and treatment of the patient.
8. Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities. The candidate must be
able to demonstrate ability in measurement, calculation, reasoning, comparison and
contrast, analysis and synthesis, and problem solving. Candidates and students must
demonstrate ability to comprehend three-dimensional relationships, and to understand the
spatial relationships of structures.
9. Behavioral and Social Abilities. Candidates and students must possess the emotional health
required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the
prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients,
and the development of mature, sensitive relationships with patients and co-workers.
Candidates and students must be able to tolerate physically and mentally taxing workloads,
adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of
uncertainties inherent in treating the problems of patients. Compassion, integrity, concern
for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are personal qualities that will be
assessed during the admissions and education process.
10. Ability to participate in all physical examination courses and laboratories, including but
not limited to Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Physical Diagnosis, Primary Care
Skills, Objective Structured Clinical Examination, and Clinical Rotations. Active
participation in physical examination courses is an admission, matriculation, and
graduation requirement. For example, during the first two years of Osteopathic
Manipulative Medicine (OMM) training, each student will palpate, in the laboratory
setting, a variety of people representing both genders and individuals with different body
types to simulate the diversity of patients expected in a practice setting. Being palpated by
other students and faculty helps the student appreciate how palpation feels from the
patients’ perspective, and enables students to provide feedback to their laboratory partners,
thus enhancing their palpatory skills. Reading and observation, although helpful, do not
develop the skills required to perform palpatory diagnosis and/or manipulative treatment.
Again, each student is required to actively participate in all skills development sessions of
the physical examination courses, laboratories, and OMM. Occasionally, a student may
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 18
have a physical problem which may restrict or prevent use of a specific type of
manipulation at a specific anatomical location for these laboratories or courses. A student
who feels his/her manipulation might be so limited, is required to contact the head of the
specific departments before the beginning of the course, and present documentation of the
problem. The student is expected to actively participate in all laboratory sessions not
directly affected by the problem.
11. Dress code in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and Physical Diagnosis Laboratories.
It is imperative to the educational process that the specific body region being examined
and/or treated will need to be exposed for observation, palpation and treatment. The dress
requirement in clinical skills training sessions is designed to promote learning by providing
optimal access to diagnostic observation and palpatory experience to the specific region of
the body being examined. Wearing inappropriate clothing interferes with a partner’s
experience of diagnosis and treatment.
Appropriate attire must be clean, and includes:
• Shorts which are several inches above the knee — (no jean shorts, cut-offs, cargo, thick-
seamed shorts, spandex, short shorts or knee length shorts)
• T-shirts — both genders will be asked to remove t-shirts while acting as patients.
• Sports bras or bathing suit tops for women — these should expose the spine and ribs (not
wide t-back styles).
• Students may wear scrubs (or other apparel approved by the course director) over the
laboratory attire when not in the role of the patient. Students serving as patients may wear
cover-ups for areas of the body not being examined (however, students must be prepared
to reveal other parts of the anatomy as specific lessons unfold and trace the
interconnectivity of the human body).
• When in the role of the patient, each student is expected to remove her/his shoes (no shoes
are permitted on the tables).
• Hats or head coverings (other than for religious purposes) are not permitted in the lab.
• Religious head coverings must be modified when necessary to allow palpation when they
would obscure the immediate area to be examined or treated (e.g., head, neck, upper back).
Modifications can include: adjustment of the covering permitting unobstructed palpation
beneath the covering; or substitution of a thinner material that allows for adequate
evaluation and treatment.
• Each student must be appropriately attired and prepared before class begins. Failure to be
appropriately attired for class impedes the educational process and will not be tolerated.
• Touro University is founded on support of and sensitivity to religious observance.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 19
TouroCOM will ensure that reasonable accommodation of religious sensitivities is
provided to the extent that it does not impact negatively on the delivery and execution of
the curriculum and its leaning objectives. Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and
Physical Diagnosis labs are critical to the Osteopathic Medical curriculum and each student
must participate fully. Touro reserves the right to determine the extent, frequency and
academic impact of accommodations offered on a case-by-case basis.
TouroCOM is committed to ensuring that qualified students receive the benefits of our medical
program. TouroCOM’s ultimate responsibility is to the future patients treated by the students that
we educate and train. TouroCOM will make reasonable accommodations necessary to enable
otherwise qualified students with disabilities to meaningfully participate in our osteopathic
medicine program. However, notwithstanding the accommodations provided, in order to be
granted a degree, every student must pass COMLEX USA Levels 1 and 2 within six years of
matriculation at TouroCOM. These examinations are administered through the National Board of
Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME). Students are advised that even though TouroCOM
may offer a reasonable accommodation, NBOME has its own requirements and standards. The
accommodations, if any, a student receives at TouroCOM may not be available or offered by
NBOME. Please contact the NBOME for individual concerns. Students are cautioned to address
these concerns to avoid a potential situation where the student has expended great time, money,
and effort in their education, but cannot pass COMLEX exams. TouroCOM expects that all
students meet all essential requirements of the program as well as the technical standards for the
safe, efficient and effective performance during the clinical rotation assignments and for the
practice of medicine.
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS
1. Once you have applied, AACOMAS will send TouroCOM a receipt of your submission.
The Office of Admissions will contact select qualified applicants with an invitation to
complete a supplementary e-application along with the supplementary materials listed
below. A $200 non-refundable supplemental e-application fee will be due at the conclusion
of the supplemental e-application submission process.
2. An evaluation from a pre-professional advisory committee, OR two letters of
recommendation from science faculty familiar with your academic work.
3. One letter of recommendation from a practicing physician (DO or MD). Please note, a
letter from a DO is preferred. Also, it is highly encouraged, if possible, to shadow a DO.
INTERVIEWS
After the supplemental application is received, candidates who qualify may be selected for an
interview that will be scheduled by the Admissions Office. During the campus visit, the student
will have a presentation from the Admissions Director or a representative from the Office of
Student Affairs about the historical background of TouroCOM and the parent institution, Touro
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 20
University. The presentation will also include a tour of the medical school facilities as well as
information regarding the surrounding community and available housing. The interviewing faculty
will complete a scored form to evaluate the interview and will submit this information to the
Admissions Director. This information, along with the candidate’s academic credentials, will be
included in the selection process. It should be noted that an interview does not guarantee
acceptance. Acceptance into TouroCOM will be recommended by the Admissions Committee.
This recommendation goes to the Campus Dean, who reserves the authority to approve all
applications for admission. Within two months of the formal interview, candidates will receive
notification of their status. The candidates on the wait list will be notified of a decision as soon as
possible.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
TouroCOM accepts transfer applications from those who wish to enter as a second-year student.
Applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Academic credits may be transferred for students
from medical schools and colleges accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College
Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association or by the Liaison Committee on
Medical Education (LCME). In the case of LCME transfers, the COM requirement for osteopathic
manipulative medicine must be completed prior to graduation. Applicants must be in good
academic standing and provide reasonable grounds for seeking a transfer. Transfer candidates
should also be eligible for re-admission to their previously attended college of medicine, as
evidenced by a letter from the Dean of said college.
Additional Admissions Requirements:
• A minimum 2.5 overall GPA
• Credit is only given for completed courses that fulfill the COM’s graduation requirements
• Credit is only given for courses passed with a grade of C or better
• For students applying during the clinical portion of their education, rotation evaluations
may be reviewed against core competencies measures of the American Osteopathic
Association
• Students must complete the last two years of instruction at TouroCOM to earn their DO
degree from Touro
How to Apply
Transfer applicants should apply online and submit the following by the June 15 deadline:
Go to www.apply.touro.edu and create a new application account. Please note, if you have
previously applied to any Touro location or will be applying to the Touro California or Nevada
campuses for the same admission cycle, you will need to create a new application account for
TouroCOM.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 21
• IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU ANSWER EACH SECTION IN THE ORDER
PRESENTED AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS WITHIN EACH SECTION IN THE
ORDER PRESENTED. The application is dynamic and skipping sections or questions may
prevent you from seeing all the information/ questions to which you need to respond (e.g.,
you will only see the “Personal Statement” section once you save the application after
filling out the Academic Plan section as listed below).
• In the ‘academic plan’ section of the application, you will have to choose the campus you
wish to attend.
1. Under Location choose ‘Touro University’
2. Under School/College to which you wish to apply, choose ‘Touro College of
Osteopathic Medicine’;
3. Under Degree Program/Location for which you wish to apply, you will choose
‘Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine — Harlem’, ‘Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine –
Middletown,’ or ‘Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine – Montana.’ Please note,
choosing a location at this stage is non-committal. You will identify a campus
preference on the Supplemental Application itself. Although the options end
“(apply through AACOMAS),” transfer applicants do not need to submit an
application through AACOMAS.
4. Under “Entering As”, choose ‘Transfer Professional Student.’
• In the Personal Statement Section, download and print the Supplemental Application.
Make sure to check the “transfer” box on the Supplemental Application. Once completed,
the Supplemental Application and Personal Statement should be emailed to
[email protected]. Do not upload the forms to the e-application.
• In addition to the Personal Statement, include a brief written statement outlining reasons
for the transfer request. This should also be emailed to [email protected].
• Non-refundable $200 application fee, which will be paid at the end of the application
submission process.
• Official transcripts of all college work (including COCA or LCME-accredited medical
school records) should be sent to the campus address to which you are applying.
• Official MCAT scores from when you had originally been admitted to the prior medical
school should be sent to the campus address to which you are applying.
• COMLEX-USA and USMLE Examination scores, if taken, should be sent to the campus
address to which you are applying.
• A letter from the Dean of your previous college of medicine that you would be eligible for
re-admission.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 22
• Three letters of recommendation:
One letter of recommendation from a practicing physician (DO or MD). Please
note, a letter from a DO is preferred.
Two letters of recommendation from science faculty familiar with your academic
work. Please note, at least one of these two letters should be from a faculty member
at the transferring institution.
The Admissions Committee reviews completed transfer applications along with transfer credit
equivalency evaluations. Decisions are based on factors that include but are not limited to:
available space, academic record, circumstances leading to transfer request, admission standards
at the time of the transfer request and the interview.
TouroCOM reserves the right to amend, modify or supplement the transfer of admission and
transfer credit standards and policies set forth above.
TUITION AND FEES
Please visit: https://tourocom.touro.edu/admissions—aid/tuition/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Expenses associated with attending TouroCOM include, but are not limited to, tuition, supplies,
books, transportation, housing and other living expenses.
Tuition is due upon registration at the beginning of each semester. Students may pay online by
accessing their student account on TouchNet. Students financing a portion of their education
through grants, loans, or scholarships must provide proof of such awards at registration. Students
without such documentation will be expected to pay in full by the due date or apply for a payment
plan. Authorized users (other than the student) can pay through their online access to TouchNet.
While students may expend significant sums associated with higher education, successful
completion of a course, program, or degree is dependent on many factors. The payment of tuition
does not necessarily entitle a student to register and/or matriculate in the courses and programs
available and offered by TouroCOM or any program in which the student is enrolled or seeks
enrollment.
ACCEPTED APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
All accepted applicants are required to submit several deposits in order to secure their place in
class, as per AACOMAS traffic guidelines.
1. A non-refundable deposit of $2,000 is required two weeks after notification of acceptance
to TouroCOM.
2. Tuition Deposit: An additional refundable payment of $1,000 is due by April 30.
Upon matriculation, the entire $3,000 is applied toward the total tuition.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 23
Additional Deposits:
• Applicants may be required to submit supplemental deposits as directed by the Program.
• Applicants who are accepted into the program, but who otherwise have an outstanding
balance due to Touro University and any of its divisions will lose their place in the event
that such balance is not satisfied by April 30. Students are notified in advance of the April
30 deadline.
Also, applicants must undergo a complete physical examination, be immunized as outlined on the
physical examination form, and provide proof of health insurance.
For more information, please contact the Bursar’s Office.
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Each student is required to have his/her own computer and medical diagnostic equipment. Please
refer to the Tuition and Fees website below for additional costs for the academic year.
PRINCIPLES OF THE CURRICULUM
The curriculum of TouroCOM stresses the interdependence of the biological, clinical, behavioral,
and social sciences. Emphasis is on the education of physicians for primary care medicine, and the
specific roles of osteopathic principles in the maintenance of health and treatment of disease.
The educational program is centered on the basic concepts of osteopathic medicine. The academic
program is intended to meet the following goals:
1. To accord primacy to the role of the musculoskeletal system in the total body economy.
2. To recognize and emphasize the inherent capacity within the total person to overcome
disease and maintain health; to educate physicians to cooperate with this inherent
therapeutic capacity in their methods of treatment.
3. To offer a curriculum that will interest students in primary care, as well as, medical and
surgical specialty fields to prepare them to provide excellent comprehensive health care.
A physician must, first of all, be capable of problem solving and have developed an expertise in
diagnosis. In order to achieve this goal, the curriculum adopted at TouroCOM emphasizes the
integration of basic and clinical science aspects of medical practice. With this approach, practice
in problem solving becomes part of the daily classroom clinic experience.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 24
CORE COMPETENCIES OF AN OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN
The AOA has identified seven osteopathic core competencies. These core competencies align with
the mission and goals of TouroCOM and serve as a guide for its four-year curriculum and
programmatic learning objectives. The competencies taught in each course, how they are assessed,
as well as the level of performance expected from the student, are addressed in the syllabus of each
of the preclinical courses. In addition, each exam question is identified by the core competency it
represents, a useful guide for students and faculty.
The Seven AOA Core Competencies are:
Osteopathic Philosophy and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Demonstrate and apply knowledge of accepted standards in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
(OMT) appropriate to their specialty. The educational goal is to train a skilled and competent
osteopathic practitioner who remains dedicated to life-long learning and to practice habits in
osteopathic philosophy and manipulative medicine.
Medical Knowledge
Demonstrate and apply knowledge of accepted standards of clinical medicine in their respective
specialty area, remain current with new developments in medicine, and participate in life-long
learning activities, including research.
Patient Care
Demonstrate the ability to effectively treat patients, provide medical care that incorporates the
osteopathic philosophy, patient empathy, awareness of behavioral issues, the incorporation of
preventive medicine, and health promotion.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that enable them to establish and maintain
professional relationships with patients, families, and other members of health care teams.
Professionalism
Uphold the Osteopathic Oath in the conduct of their professional activities that promote advocacy
of patient welfare, adherence to ethical principles, collaboration with health professionals, life-long
learning, and sensitivity to a diverse patient population. Practitioners should be cognizant of their
own physical and mental health in order to care effectively for patients.
Practice-based Learning and Improvement
Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate methods of clinical practice, integrate evidence-based
medicine into patient care, show an understanding of research methods, and improve patient care
practices.
Systems-based Practice
Demonstrate an understanding of health care delivery systems, provide effective and qualitative
patient care within the system, and practice cost-effective medicine.
For more information about each competency, visit:
HTTP://WWW.AACOM.ORG/OME/PROFDEV/OCC.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 25
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The TouroCOM Programmatic Level Educational Objectives (PLOs) are based upon the
Osteopathic Core Competencies and the TouroCOM Mission. They are statements of the
knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes that TouroCOM students are expected to exhibit as
evidence of their readiness for graduate medical education prior to successful completion of the
program.
1. Students will demonstrate and apply knowledge of accepted standards in Osteopathic
Manipulative Treatment (OMT). The educational goal is to train a skilled and competent
graduate medical education (GME) candidate who remains dedicated to life-long learning
and to practice habits in osteopathic philosophy and manipulative medicine.
2. Students will demonstrate the knowledge of established and evolving biomedical, clinical,
epidemiological, public health, and behavioral sciences and their application to high-
quality osteopathic patient care necessary for successful transition to GME.
3. Students will develop the skills to access, interpret, and critique research that
communicates new developments in medicine, and appreciate the role of life-long learning
in delivering the best care to one’s patients.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to provide patient care that incorporates the
osteopathic philosophy, patient empathy, awareness of behavioral issues, the incorporation
of preventive medicine, and health promotion that recognizes the unique health care needs
of underserved communities.
5. Students will exhibit interpersonal and communication skills necessary to establish and
maintain professional relationships with patients, families, and other members of health
care teams. Students will appreciate the roles and responsibilities of all members of the
health care team.
6. Students will uphold the Osteopathic Oath in the conduct of their professional activities
that promote advocacy of patient welfare, adherence to ethical principles, collaboration
with health professionals, life-long learning, and sensitivity to a diverse patient population.
Students should be cognizant of their own physical and mental health in order to care
effectively for patients.
7. Students will develop the skills to critically evaluate methods of clinical practice and
integrate evidence-based medicine into patient care. Students will show an understanding
of research methodology and the role of research in the practice of medicine and improving
patient care practices.
8. Students will demonstrate knowledge of health care delivery systems and the resources
available to provide safe, effective, patient-centered osteopathic medical care.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 26
OSTEOPATHIC COMPETENCIES, PROGRAMMATIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES, AND
THE
TOUROCOM MISSION
TouroCOM’s mission is central to the design and implementation of its academic programs, which
support student achievement of the Programmatic Learning Objectives (PLOs) and mastery of the
Seven AOA Core Competencies.
The following table lists each of the competencies and how they relate to the PLOs and components
of TouroCOM’s mission:
AOA Competency
PLO
Related Components of the TouroCOM Mission
Osteopathic Philosophy
and Osteopathic
Manipulative Medicine
1
Educate/train osteopathic physicians;
Osteopathic clinical service; Improving health outcomes
Medical Knowledge
2, 3 Educate/train osteopathic physicians; Research;
Innovation in medical education; Graduate medical
education
Patient Care
4 Practicing medicine in underserved communities;
Increasing URMs in medicine; Improving health outcomes
Interpersonal and
Communication Skills
5 Practicing medicine in underserved communities;
Increasing URMs in medicine; Improving health outcomes;
Osteopathic clinical service; Public service; Graduate
medical education
Professionalism
6 Practicing medicine in underserved communities;
Increasing URMs in medicine; Improving health outcomes;
Osteopathic clinical service; Public service; Research;
Graduate medical education
Practice-based Learning
and Improvement
7 Educate/train osteopathic physicians; Improve health
outcomes; Innovation in medical education; Graduate
medical education
Systems-based Practice
8 Improve health outcomes; Practicing in underserved
communities
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 27
ASSESSMENT OF THE CORE COMPETENCIES
Students are assessed in a number of ways during the academic program (as described in the
Student Handbook, Clinical Rotations Manual, and Course Documentation) and must meet
standards for performance on all requirements, as determined. The following table lists the AOA
Core Competencies and how mastery of these competencies is assessed across the preclinical and
clinical curricula and the mechanisms by which feedback based upon this assessment is provided
to students and faculty.
AOA Competency Assessment Strategies Feedback to Students and Faculty
Osteopathic Philosophy
and Osteopathic
Manipulative Medicine
OMM written and practical
exams, COMLEX exams,
Clinical rotation evaluations,
COMAT subject exam
Formative assessment results, Summative
OMM written exam reports, OMM practical
grades, COMLEX outcomes, Quarterly
preclinical student performance reports,
Individual and campus COMAT scores,
Clinical rotation evaluations
Medical Knowledge
Formative classroom
Assessments, Summative
preclinical written exams,
COMLEX exams, COMAT
subject exams, Laboratory
Practicals
Classroom display of formative assessment
results, Summative written exam reports,
Quarterly preclinical student performance
reports, COMLEX outcomes, Individual
and campus COMAT scores, Clinical
rotation evaluation report
Patient Care
PD and ECE OSCEs,
Clinical rotation
evaluations, COMAT
subject exams
OSCE grade/student performance report
from standardized patients and faculty
feedback, COMAT subject scores, Clinical
rotation evaluation report, COMLEX
outcomes
Interpersonal and
Communication Skills
PD and ECE OSCEs,
Clinical rotation
evaluations
OSCE grade/student performance report
from standardized patients and faculty
feedback, Clinical rotation evaluation
report, COMLEX outcomes
Professionalism
PD and ECE OSCEs,
Clinical rotation
evaluations,
OSCE grade/student performance report
from standardized patients and faculty
feedback, Clinical rotation evaluation
report, COMLEX outcomes
Practice-based Learning
and Improvement
Clinical rotations evaluations
Clinical rotation evaluation report, COMLEX
outcomes
Systems-based practice Clinical rotations evaluations
Clinical rotation evaluation report, COMLEX
outcomes
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 28
CREDIT LOAD AND CONTACT HOURS
TouroCOM assigns credit hours for courses using the following specifications:
FOR THE PRECLINICAL YEARS:
Every 15 hours of classroom, faculty instruction, or equivalent amount of work for a semester
equals 1 credit hour for the class. Equivalent work includes, but is not limited to, internships,
exams, video lectures, or outside academic work as prescribed by the course director.
PLUS
1 credit hour for every 30 hours of lab in the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Basic
Biomedical Sciences, Anatomy and Primary Care departments.
FOR THE CLINICAL YEARS:
Six credit hours are awarded for each month of rotation at a college certified rotation site. The
rotation can be either a core rotation or an approved elective site. To be awarded the credit hours,
the Clinical Dean/Assistant Dean, prior to the student entering said rotation, must approve the
rotation site.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
The TouroCOM DO program is a 4-year program leading to the awarding of the DO degree upon
satisfactory completion of all program requirements.
The curriculum is divided into two phases:
1. Didactic / Preclinical Education (1st and 2nd years):
In the 1st year, the focus is on the basic sciences that will form the educational foundation
for the 2nd year where the focus is on the teaching of integrated systems and incorporating
basic and clinical sciences into the study of the organ systems of the body.
2. Clinical Experience (3rd and 4th years):
Clinical rotations and preceptorships are offered during the third and fourth year of study.
These are under the direction and supervision of clinical and adjunct faculty at affiliated
medical institutions.
New courses and changes in existing course work are initiated by the responsible departments or
programs. Curriculum changes are reviewed and recommended by the Curriculum Committee to
the Dean’s Council for final approval.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 29
FIRST YEAR COURSES
The first year is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of the biological sciences and
their clinical applications. Interwoven throughout the curriculum are osteopathic principles and
practice, introductions to clinical medicine, physical diagnosis, pharmacology, pathology,
problem-based learning, preventative medicine and public health.
Year 1 — First Semester
Course Number Course Title Credits
BSCN 603 Medical Biochemistry 4
BSCN 604 Histology 5
BSCN 606 Clinical Anatomy and Embryology I 7
BSCN 635 Physiology I 4
OMMN 610 Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) I Part 1 3
PRCN 607 Physical Diagnosis I 3
PRCN 647 Professionalism and Medical Ethics 2
Year 1 — Second Semester
Course Number Courses Credits
BSCN 605 Medical Genetics 3
BSCN 608 Clinical Anatomy and Embryology II 3
BSCN 611 General Pathology 5
BSCN 612 Immunology 4
BSCN 619 Neuroanatomy 5
BSCN 620 Introduction to Cultural Competence in Healthcare 1
BSCN 637 Physiology II 4
OMMN 621 Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) I Part 2 3
PRCN 606 Shadowing Elective 0
PRCN 623 Physical Diagnosis II 3
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 30
SECOND YEAR COURSES
In the second year, the basic and clinical sciences concerned with one particular organ system of
the body are integrated in classroom instruction. This approach emphasizes the relevance of basic
sciences to clinical practice. The osteopathic approach is continually emphasized by lecture and
laboratory demonstration of manipulative techniques. Instruction on preventative medicine and
public health and behavioral medicine and psychiatry is also delivered during the second year.
Year 2 – First Semester
Course Number Courses Credits
BSCN 624 Medical Microbiology and Immunology I 4
BSCN 633 Systematic Pathology I 5
BSCN 634 Pharmacology I 4
OMMN 625 Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) II Part 1 3
PRCN 611 Preventative Medicine and Public Health 2
PRCN 616 Medical Simulation
*(taken either first or second semester) 1
PRCN 627 Clinical Systems I 7
PRCN 632 Early Clinical Experience — Introduction to Doctoring Part 1 3
Year 2 – Second Semester
Course Number Courses Credits
BSCN 636 Medical Microbiology and Immunology II 3.5
BSCN 646 Systematic Pathology II 5
BSCN 647 Pharmacology II 4
CLIN 600 Introduction to Clinical Rotations 1
OMMN 637 Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) II Part 2 3
PRCN 601 Early Clinical Experience — Introduction to Doctoring Part 2 3
PRCN 626 Behavioral Medicine 3
PRCN 646 Clinical Systems II 7
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 31
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
The philosophic framework of clinical education and training at TouroCOM prepares students for
careers in primary and specialty care. This program seeks to educate students to help them become
excellent physicians who clearly recognize their roles as providers of comprehensive healthcare to
the individual, to the family as a unit, and to communities. The TouroCOM clinical curriculum is
a challenging blend of traditional and innovative instruction, designed to:
• Foster the analytic and problem-solving skills requisite for physicians involved in disease
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in individual patients, in families, in minority
communities, and in populations at-large, as well as to assure the acquisition of basic clinical
knowledge and essential clinical skills.
• Address problems unique to underserved communities.
• Develop an understanding of contemporary healthcare delivery issues. Cultivate effective
physician-patient relationships based upon integrity, respect and compassion.
• Develop high ethical standards.
• Promote a lifelong commitment to learning.
Successful completion of the first two years of our didactic program provides our students with
the foundation for their clinical experience. However, success in the didactic phase is not a
guarantee of success in the clinical phase of the program.
After a successful culmination of two years of clinical training, students will see the physician as
being able to:
• Demonstrate clinical competence, using current biomedical knowledge in identifying and
managing the medical problems presented by his/her patients.
• Provide continuing and comprehensive care to individuals and families.
• Demonstrate the ability to integrate the behavioral/emotional/social and environmental
factors of families in promoting health and managing disease.
• Recognize the importance of maintaining and developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes
required for the best in modern medical practice and other communities in our rapidly
changing world.
• Undertake a regular and systematic program of lifelong learning. Recognize the need for and
demonstrate the ability to use consultation with other medical specialties while maintaining
continuity of care.
• Share tasks and responsibilities with other health professionals.
• Be aware of the findings of relevant research; understand and critically evaluate this body of
research; and apply the results of the research to medical practice.
• Manage his/her practice in a business-like, cost-effective manner.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 32
CLINICAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM
There are a total of 21 clerkship blocks of rotations throughout the 3rd and 4th years. Ten
disciplines are considered core rotations. Seven core and one non-core discipline rotations are
required to be completed during the 3rd year (and must be completed at a TouroCOM Affiliated
Site) and two core and seven non-core discipline rotations are required during the 4th year. This
assures that every student obtains the core experiences needed to become a well-trained
osteopathic physician.
Flexibility is provided to students through the completion of electives (one during the 3rd year and
seven during the 4th year). Students are able to explore a variety of opportunities to pursue their
interests.
Whenever possible, TouroCOM uses hospitals approved for residency training. TouroCOM has
ambulatory training sites that range from private practices, independent physician groups, to urban
health centers.
The clerkships provided at each site, and the number of students assigned to each site from
TouroCOM, are determined by mutual planning by and agreement of the Hospital Administrator,
Director of Medical Education, Clinical Faculty, Clinical Dean, and the Touro College of
Osteopathic Medicine Office of Clinical Education. Osteopathic manipulative medicine is
integrated throughout the curriculum. Refer to the Clinical Rotations Manual for more information.
Course # Rotation Credits
CLIN 703 Obstetrics & Gynecology 6
CLIN 704 Pediatrics 6
CLIN 705 Psychiatry 6
CLIN 708 Emergency Medicine 6
CLIN 709 Family Medicine 12
CLIN 710 Internal Medicine 12
CLIN 711 General Surgery 12
CLIN 716A Non-Core Elective 6
CLIN 898 Primary Care 6
CLIN 859 Sub-Internship 6
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 33
Third (3rd) Year Clinical Rotation
Requirements
Fourth (4th) Year Clinical Rotation
Requirements
Core Rotations
(10 Rotations at TouroCOM Affiliated Sites)
Core Rotations
(2 Rotations at TouroCOM Approved Sites)
Family Medicine 8 weeks Sub-Internship 4 weeks
Internal Medicine
8 weeks
Primary Care 4 weeks
General Surgery
8 weeks
Pediatrics 4 weeks
Non-Core Rotations
(7 Elective Rotations)
Obstetrics & Gynecology
4 weeks
7 Electives
4 weeks each
Emergency Medicine
4 weeks
Psychiatry
4 weeks
Non-Core Elective
4 weeks
Vacation
4 weeks
Total
44 rotation weeks
& 4 vacation weeks
Total
36 rotation weeks
& 4 vacation weeks
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 34
CLINICAL EDUCATION OUTCOMES
Students must successfully be able to demonstrate a mastery of clinical skills prior to graduation.
The ability to positively interact with patients, medical center staff, physicians and other students
is required. Students must quickly integrate, analyze and synthesize information and medical data.
Students must also be able to properly assess a patient’s social cues.
Students are not expected to be experts in diagnosis and treatment. With progress through the
clinical training program, more will be expected of students. When asked for diagnostic and
treatment options, responses should flow from the history and physical findings. There should be
a clear rationale behind diagnosis and treatment options.
Osteopathic principles serve as a foundation for the entire curriculum. These principles address
the capacity to look at presenting complaints and to see persons in their entirety.
At the end of each clinical rotation, students should be better able to:
• Obtain an accurate, logical, and sequential medical history.
• Perform and record a comprehensive physical examination.
• Communicate the history and physical examination in a timely manner.
• Apply basic medical knowledge in formulating a differential diagnosis and a management
plan.
• Function as an effective member of the healthcare team.
• Demonstrate professional behaviors including:
Reliability and dependability
Self-awareness of strengths and limitations
Cultural awareness and sensitivity
Emotional stability and professional demeanor
Enthusiasm
Punctuality
Initiative and self-education
• Demonstrate humanistic qualities
Integrity: the personal commitment to be honest and trustworthy.
Respect: the acknowledgement of patients’ choices and rights regarding themselves
and their medical care.
Compassion: an appreciation that suffering and illness engender special needs for
comfort and help without evoking excessive emotional involvement.
The COM is required to confirm that each student has demonstrated the fundamental osteopathic
clinical skills necessary for graduation. Please visit the NBOME website for additional
information.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 35
GRADING
Grading for the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program, Preclinical Years (OMS1 and
OMS2)
At the end of each course, a grade for each student is submitted by the faculty responsible for the
instruction. The work of all students is reported in terms of the following scale:
NUMERICAL PERCENT
GRADE GRADE VALUE
GRADE/DEFINITION
A+ 93.00 4.000
A 90.00 4.000
A- 87.00 3.667
B+ 83.00 3.333
B 80.00 3.000
B- 77.00 2.667
C+ 73.00 2.333
C 70.00 2.000
U Less than 70.00 0
U/C Satisfactory with Remediation 2.000
P Pass Not calculated in GPA
U/P Pass with Remediation Not calculated in GPA
W Withdrawal Not calculated in GPA
WU Withdrawal Unsatisfactory 0
WNA Withdrawal Never Attended Not calculated in GPA
INC Incomplete
Pending
(not calculated in GPA)
Any score below the C level will be a U grade (Unsatisfactory, Failing).
All percentile scores corresponding to letter grades on this scale will remain as presented until the
Curriculum Committee with the approval of the Council of Deans makes a change. The few
courses for which minimal pass (I) has been historically lower than 70% may petition the
Preclinical Deans for approval to offer a lower than 70% C grade, in which case this will be noted
in the syllabus at the beginning of the course. Grade scales do not change once a course has begun.
In the event a student is required to restart an academic year (successor class), the policies and
procedures applicable for students in the successor class apply.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 36
Grading for the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program, Clinical Rotations (OMS3 and
OMS4)
Refer to the Clinical Rotations Curriculum & Syllabi, which can be found at:
https://tourocom.touro.edu/do/clinical-education/
Grade Definitions
• A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C – Letter grade assigned according to grading standards outlined
for the program.
• U: Unsatisfactory – A grade of ‘U’ is given to a student who has not satisfactorily
completed course requirements. If a ‘U’ is obtained, it must be satisfied by remediation
(see Remediation section below). A student must convert all ‘U’ grades to a passing grade
before he/she may enter clinical rotations, unless authorized by the Campus Dean.
• U/C: Satisfactory with remediation – After an unsatisfactory performance has had
successful remediation, a ‘U/C’ will replace the ‘U’ on the transcript (see Remediation
section below).
• P: Pass – For Pass/Unsatisfactory courses, a grade of ‘P’ is given to a student who has
satisfactorily completed course requirements.
• U/P: Pass with remediation – For Pass/Unsatisfactory courses, after an unsatisfactory
performance has had successful remediation, a ‘U/P’ will replace the ‘U’ on the transcript
(see Remediation section below).
• I: Incomplete – Student did not complete all course assignments and received the
instructor’s permission to complete course requirements at a later date (see ‘Grade of
Incomplete’ section below).
Withdrawal Grades:
• W: Withdrawal – (no penalty) This grade is assigned when a student officially withdraws
from a course after the Add/Drop period by filing an Add/Drop form with the Office of the
Registrar, signed by an academic advisor. A student who does not file this form will receive
a failing grade of WU, depending on the number of class sessions attended and the amount
of work completed. Time periods for official withdrawal vary by semester.
• WU: Withdrawal Unsatisfactory – Student stopped attending/participating before 60% or
less of the scheduled classes per semester; calculated as a failing grade.
• WNA: Withdrawal Never Attended – Student never attended class/rotation. This grade is
not included in calculating the student’s grade point average (GPA). The administration
reserves the right to grant WNA grade in limited circumstances in their sole and absolute
discretion.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 37
REMEDIATION
Efforts may be made to give each student ample opportunity to demonstrate competency in each
area of the academic program. For students who have not been successful, TouroCOM may offer
a remediation opportunity. However, remediation is to be regarded as a privilege that must be
earned by a student through active participation in the educational program, as demonstrated by
regular attendance (as described in this Catalog) and by individual initiative and utilization of
resources available to them. Decisions regarding remediation will be made by the Campus Dean
on an individual basis after considering the recommendation of the Student Promotion Committee
(SPC) and all pertinent circumstances in each case.
Any “U” grade may be considered for permission to be remediated only at the end of the academic
year in which such grade was earned. The SPC recommendation to the Campus Dean will be based
on the student’s academic records and considerations, if necessary, after consultation with the
student’s faculty advisor, course instructor, system coordinator, or appropriate dean. The SPC,
after such consultation, may recommend to the Campus Dean that the student shall be directed to
comply with one of the following remediations:
1. The required examination(s), paper, fieldwork project, or time on a clinical rotation as
directed by the course coordinator or appropriate instructor.
2. Repeat the course.
3. Take the failed course at a COCA or LCME accredited institution with the approval of the
Preclinical Dean/Assistant Dean in consultation with the Course Director. Such approval
may be granted if the course offers comparable course content and curriculum as
determined by the Preclinical Dean/Assistant Dean in his/her absolute discretion. In this
case, students who have taken and earned a grade of no less than “C” may apply for transfer
credit. In the case of a “U” on a rotation, TouroCOM may assign a site for remediation, but
this is not guaranteed.
Grades earned during an attempted remediation of a course, system, or clinical rotation will be
reviewed by the SPC and the Campus Dean. The highest grade a student may earn by any of the
remediation options set forth above is a grade of “U/C” or “U/P.” The grade achieved by
remediation will be recorded on the transcripts beside the original grade, and it will read as the
grade of “U/C” and carry a grade-point weight of 2.0 for the course as applicable. Any student
who fails remediation will be recommended for dismissal by the SPC to the Campus Dean.
In the event remediation is not granted, the recommendation for dismissal will be forwarded to the
Campus Dean by the SPC (See Academic Dismissal section below). The Campus Dean will then
notify the student.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 38
PROVISIONAL ACADEMIC/PROFESSIONAL STATUS
Definition of Provisional Academic/Professional Status
Provisional Academic/Professional Status is defined as a period of time during which the student’s
progress will be monitored by the SPC and the Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. A student
may be placed on Provisional Academic/Professional Status for any of the following reasons:
1. A student receives a “U” grade in any course or core clinical rotation.
2. A student is repeating an academic year (unless stipulated in an MOU with the Campus
Dean).
Note: Financial aid may not be available in cases where the student does not meet satisfactory
academic progress (SAP). Grades of “U” may affect the pace of completion and therefore affect
financial aid eligibility.
Terms of Provisional Academic/Professional Status
A student on Provisional Academic/Professional Status may not serve as an officer of any official
TouroCOM club or organization and shall not engage in time-consuming extracurricular activities
or other privileges denied by the Preclinical Dean/Assistant Dean, Clinical Dean/Assistant Dean,
or the Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.
1. When a student is placed on Provisional Academic/Professional Status, it is noted in the
student’s file. The student’s file is securely kept with the Office of the Dean/Assistant
Dean of Student Affairs. Subsequently, when a student is returned to “Good Standing”
(i.e., is no longer on any form of Provisional Academic/Professional Status, or on
probation), this also is noted in the student’s file. Provisional Academic/Professional
Status is not noted on transcripts.
2. When a student is placed on Provisional Academic/Professional Status, they will be
notified in writing by the SPC. A copy of this letter will be placed in the student’s file
and one will be sent to the Campus Dean. The SPC will ascertain when the term of the
Provisional Academic/Professional Status has been satisfied and will recommend to the
Campus Dean that Provisional Academic/Professional Status be rescinded.
3. A student on Provisional Academic/Professional Status will not be granted an excused
absence to attend a professional meeting that overlaps with required curricular
components.
4. A first- or second-year student on Provisional Academic/Professional Status is advised
to meet with his/her faculty advisor at least once a month. A third- or fourth-year student
on Provisional Academic/Professional Status is advised to contact the Clinical
Dean/Assistant Dean at least once a month.
5. The student will remain on Provisional Academic/Professional Status until the following
minimal acceptable standards are met:
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 39
a. When all grades of “U” are converted to a passing grade.
b. When third- or fourth-year students on Provisional Academic/Professional Status
with a core clinical rotation grade of “U” have remediated the rotation successfully.
c. When the SPC ascertains that the Provisional Academic/Professional Status has
been resolved/satisfied.
In some cases, and with the approval of the Campus Dean, a student may be allowed to repeat a
preclinical or clinical semester(s). The Campus Dean's Office will notify the Registrar’s Office
about the special permission granted to the student. While all grades and credits will remain on the
student's transcript, only the repeated grade will be included in the overall GPA. The Registrar's
office will ensure that the student record is updated accordingly after the completion of the
repeating semester.
A student must graduate within six years (see “Maximum Time-Frame,” below).
Note: Financial aid may not be available in cases where the student does not meet satisfactory
academic progress (SAP). Grades of “U” may affect the pace of completion and therefore affect
financial aid eligibility.
ACADEMIC DISMISSAL
For students on a full academic program, when the SPC meets at the end of an academic semester,
it may recommend dismissal to the Campus Dean for any one of the following reasons:
1. A student who accumulates “U” grades in three or more classes OR eleven or more
cumulative credits in either of each preclinical year, as remediation is not permitted in
this situation.
2. While on Provisional Academic/Professional Status, a student fails to achieve
satisfactory progress after two semesters in the program by not earning a cumulative and
semester grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
3. A student who fails to comply with the agreed upon terms of an MOU with the Campus
Dean.
4. A student who receives a “U” grade in two 6-credit clinical rotations or one 12-credit
clinical rotation within the same academic year.
5. A student who has taken a board exam the maximum number of times as permitted by
the NBOME without achieving a passing score prior to the allotted time to graduate.
6. A student who is not in compliance with the Six-Year Rule.
In the event that the SPC recommends dismissal based on the aforementioned reasons, the SPC
will submit a Letter of Recommendation for Dismissal to the Campus Dean. The Campus Dean
will then notify the student and the Registrar. The Letter of Dismissal will be saved in the student’s
file with the Office of the Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and with the Registrar in the
student’s eFile.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 40
STUDENT RESEARCH POLICIES
TouroCOM values and supports research and scholarly activity opportunities for its students and
recognizes the important role that research plays in improving health outcomes. Opportunities for
research and scholarly activity at TouroCOM may be available in areas related to basic science,
clinical medicine, sports medicine, osteopathic manipulation, simulation, and medical education.
While students may become involved in research at any time during their TouroCOM education,
it is important that they clearly understand the commitment of time and effort that research, and
scholarly endeavors require. Therefore, a student should first assure that they can satisfactorily
meet the requirements of the academic program before seeking out such an opportunity. Instead
of struggling to balance their academic studies and a research commitment, a student may choose
to engage in research during the summer months, the most ideal time being the summer break
between the first and second year. Students may also participate in a research elective during the
3rd or 4th year if it can be accommodated in their rotation schedule and with approval from the
Clinical Dean/Assistant Dean.
Students first learn about research and scholarly activity opportunities at TouroCOM during first-
year orientation presentations by the Research Dean/Director on each campus. Students may also
become familiar with research opportunities on the TouroCOM campuses by attending yearly
campus research events which highlight the research being conducted by faculty, students, and
TouroCOM’s clinical partners. Each campus has a Research Committee charged with the oversight
of the local research program. These committees are composed of faculty, research administration,
and a limited number of students, thereby providing an opportunity for students highly engaged in
research to help shape the direction of the research program on each campus. The student
governments on each campus also have a research committee that students can join. These research
committees collaborate with research committees of national student organizations such as SOMA.
Students who wish to engage in research and scholarly activity should first meet with their faculty
advisor to discuss their academic standing and the additional time commitment of this activity.
While research experience is a valuable credential on a student’s residency application, it will not
make up for poor academic performance, and therefore a student’s academic progress must take
priority. Students participating in research and scholarly activity must be in good academic
standing and up-to-date on all programmatic benchmark requirements (COMLEX Level 1, Level
2, passing grade on all courses, no pending remediations). Students placed on Provisional
Academic Status by either the Campus Dean or the Student Promotions Committee may not
participate in research or scholarly activity, unless given permission by the Dean in writing.
In all cases, student participation in research and scholarly activity at TouroCOM must be
associated with a credentialed faculty mentor with an established research program or the skills
and ability to safely conduct research and advise the student appropriately. It is the student’s own
responsibility to seek out research opportunities with credentialed TouroCOM faculty or through
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 41
the campus Dean/Director of Research. Student selection may be selective based upon research
skills and experience, academic standing, letters of recommendation, etc.
Any research involving human subjects or human data must receive approval from the Touro
Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to any work beginning on the project. Additional training
may be required before any research project is initiated to assure that all Touro University
guidelines, including those of TouroCOM, are met and that the research is conducted safely. It is
the responsibility of the research faculty mentor to assure compliance with all required
certifications, training protocols and necessary permissions. Training certifications must be
submitted to research faculty mentors and Dean/Director of Research before the beginning of the
project. The campus Dean/Director of Research provides support for research design, statistical
analysis, and preparation of IRB proposals.
Students will need approval by their research faculty mentor and/or the Dean/Director of Research
prior to publishing any papers, presenting any posters or abstracts, or speaking at any meetings or
conferences stemming from their research at TouroCOM.
Students selected to engage in research outside of Touro, such as NIH, AACOM, or other
educational institutions, during the summer months must notify the Dean/Director of Research of
this activity, and provide updates on any publications, posters, and presentations that stem from
this activity.
MAINTENANCE OF MATRICULATION
Those students who are not on an approved LOA who are not progressing to the next academic
year, including progression to third- or fourth-year Clinical Rotations, or who are fourth-year
students who have not completed COMLEX-USA Level 2 requirements at the end of the fourth
year shall be deemed to be “Maintenance of Matriculation,” as recommended by the SPC to the
Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. A “Maintenance of Matriculation” student must register
each semester and pay the requisite fees in order to maintain registration status. Duly registered
“Maintenance of Matriculation” students shall have the opportunity to access the library, avail
themselves of student advisement, attend class and laboratory sessions, and participate in course
reviews and board preparation activities made available to the student body as a whole. The time
period elapsed during the activities of a “Maintenance of Matriculation” student shall apply and
be chargeable to the Six-Year Rule described below. This status may have financial aid
implications for the student.
The Six-Year Rule is a fundamental part of our academic program, and it allows the institution to
ensure continued professionalism as well as be confident that a student’s mastery of subject matter
has not degraded or their technical skills atrophied.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 42
MAXIMUM TIME FRAME (SIX-YEAR RULE)
All degree requirements must be completed within six years following matriculation. In all cases,
no student admitted to TouroCOM will be allowed to pursue medical school education for more
than six years at TouroCOM.
A student has six years to complete all of the requirements of the medical school, including a
passing score on COMLEX-USA Levels 1 and 2 exams received by the school by the end of the
spring semester of the sixth year of matriculation. The six years is the maximum amount of time a
student has to complete his/her medical education and is inclusive of a leave of absence for any
circumstance including, but not limited to, maternity, hospitalization, catastrophic leave, or time
to pass the boards. This is referred to as the Six-Year Rule.
The Six-Year Rule is a fundamental part of our academic program, and it allows the institution to
ensure continued professionalism as well as be confident that a student’s mastery of subject matter
has not degraded or their technical skills atrophied.
Further information on the Six-Year Rule can be found in the TouroCOM Student Handbook.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
A student will be recommended for the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine provided the
candidate satisfies all of the following requirements:
1. The student has completed at least four years at an accredited osteopathic medical
college or its equivalent.
2. The student has been enrolled in Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine during the
final two academic years prior to graduation.
3. The student is not on Provisional Academic Status, has completed all prescribed
academic requirements having remediated all ‘U’ grades on all academic courses and
core rotations achieving a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, has no outstanding grade
that is incomplete, and has a passing grade for all core clinical rotations.
4. The student has passed Level 1 and Level 2 of the COMLEX-USA examinations of the
NBOME.
5. The student has performed and behaved in a manner which is ethical, professional, and
consistent with the practice of osteopathic medicine.
6. The student has complied with all of the financial requirements associated with
matriculation at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine.
7. The student attends the graduation ceremony IN PERSON, unless special permission
has been granted by the Dean of Touro, which will only be granted where satisfactory
evidence of medical or other emergency has been provided.
8. The student is at least 21 years of age.
Degrees are granted upon satisfactory completion of the above requirements.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 43
GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND COMLEX OUTCOMES
Student performance on the national licensing exam (COMLEX Levels 1, 2, and 3) as well as
student placement results in graduate medical education (residency) positions can be found here:
https://tourocom.touro.edu/do/outcomes/
Q
UALIFICATION FOR LICENSURE
Osteopathic physicians are required to possess a license by the state(s) in which they choose to
practice. Each state has its own requirements for granting licensure, and its own licensing board.
Acceptance and matriculation in the program are not a guarantee of licensure. Upon receipt of the
DO degree and successful completion of the three-part examination by the National Board of
Osteopathic Examiners (NBOME), students are eligible for licensure in all 50 states, the District
of Columbia, and all inhabited US territories.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 44
MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES IN
BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES PROGRAM
THE PROGRAM AND ITS OBJECTIVES
The Master of Science program in Interdisciplinary Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences
has been carefully designed for students who have the strong ambition to complete a medical
education. This 10-month MS program provides students that are interested in becoming
osteopathic and allopathic physicians an opportunity to prepare themselves for the academic rigors
of medical school by immersing them into a biomedical curriculum that includes clinical anatomy,
physiology, biochemistry, Immunology, Neuroanatomy and Histology. Students that are interested
in dentistry, pharmacy, podiatry, physician’s assistant, pathologists’ assistant, and PhD programs
can also strengthen their foundation in these core biomedical sciences through this program.
The faculty will encourage students to reach their full potential as they learn to focus on clear
objectives in each course. Student performance will be closely followed with frequent evaluations
and opportunities for corrections throughout each term.
The MS program can serve as a bridge to the DO program, and graduates who have achieved key
academic and professionalism benchmarks, will be invited to enter the Touro College of
Osteopathic Medicine the following year as first year students (see Direct Matriculation into the
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine section). Opportunities for admission to Touro College
professional degree programs in Pharmacy, Physician’s Assistant, and to the New York College
of Podiatric Medicine may also be available.
DEGREE AWARDED
The Master of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences is
conferred upon those who have fulfilled all program requirements, which include completion of
the curriculum, a final cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0, and a passing grade on the Comprehensive
Examination.
DIRECT MATRICULATION INTO TOURO COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
Graduates of the Masters of Science program who have met the following standards will be invited
into the TouroCOM DO program as first year students:
1) Completion of the M.S. curriculum
2) A final program GPA of 3.450/4.0 or higher
3) A passing grade on the Comprehensive Examination
4) Demonstrated professionalism and conduct becoming of a physician throughout the
program
5) Otherwise, adherence to the Admission deadlines and requirements listed on Touro
College of Osteopathic Medicine website, including results from a CASPer
TM
(Computer-
based Assessment or Sampling Personal Characteristics) assessment taken before the start
of the first DO year.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 45
ADMISSION PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
2. At the time the application is filed, applicants should:
a. possess an undergraduate science grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00
scale.
b. possess an overall grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 point scale.
3. Candidates applying to the MS program should have met the following prerequisites in
their undergraduate or post-baccalaureate study. Please note, a) online coursework cannot
be used for any of the subjects below, and b) the minimum grade for any course below is
“C” or better.
a. Biology: At least 8 semester hours (a 4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam or a 6 or 7 on
the IB Biology are acceptable substitutes).
b. Inorganic Chemistry: At least 8 semester hours (a 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam
or 6 or 7 on the IB Chemistry are acceptable substitutes).
c. Organic Chemistry: At least 7 semester hours. 3 hours of Biochemistry may count
toward your total.
d. Physics: At least 8 semester hours (a 4 or 5 on the AP Physics exam or a 6 or 7 on
the IB Physics are acceptable substitutes).
e. English: If your BA/BS was completed in the English language, specific English
coursework is not required. If your BA/BS was NOT completed in English 6
semester hours are required (a 4 or 5 on the AP English Composition or English
Literature exam or a 6 or 7 on the IB Language A are acceptable substitutes)
f. Mathematics and/or Computer Science: At least 3 semester hours (a 4 or 5 on the
AP Pre-Calculus, Calculus AB or BC, or Statistics exams or 6 or 7 on the IB
Mathematics are acceptable substitutes).
g. Behavioral Sciences: At least 3 semester hours. Behavioral Sciences include
psychology, sociology, and anthropology, amongst others (a 4 or 5 on the AP
Psychology exam, a 6 or 7 on the IB Psychology, or 6 or 7 on the IB Social and
Cultural Anthropology acceptable substitutes within this category).
Please note, any AP score being used for a pre-requisite is subject to verification via a copy
of your AP scores from College Board or your undergraduate institution.
Please refer to https://help.liaisonedu.com/ for a full listing of which subjects may be
used to fulfill each of the above requirements.
4. MCAT score acceptable to the Program. GRE, DAT, PCAT scores are accepted, but an
official MCAT score report is required for the opportunity to directly matriculate into the
DO program upon completion of the MS program.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 46
THE ADMISSION PROCESS
The Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences program
accepts applications directly through the TouroCOM website. Click here to apply. The following
steps are necessary for all prospective students applying for enrollment in the Master’s program in
Interdisciplinary Studies:
1. Application should be completed in its entirety and submitted prior to June 15, and all
supporting documents below must be received by the Admissions Department by July 1.
Applications received after this date may not be considered.
2. Applicants applying via the Touro University website will be charged an application fee of
$75.00, which must be submitted with the application.
3. Applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
4. Three letters of recommendation are required (two from individuals who can evaluate the
applicant’s science background.) An official letter from the college premedical committee
may substitute the three letters of recommendation.
5. The MCAT, GRE, DAT or PCAT must be taken, and official scores (with verification
code) sent to the Admissions Department, by mail or email, in order for the application to
the Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences
program to be considered complete. Note that an official MCAT report is required for the
opportunity to directly matriculate into the DO program upon completion of the MS
program. Students applying to the MS program without an official MCAT score may be
offered acceptance into the MS program without the opportunity to directly matriculate
into the DO program.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews, which may be required, will be offered at the discretion of the Touro College of
Osteopathic Medicine.
STUDENT INFORMATION
For information on Permanent Address, Name Change, New Student Orientation, Student
Identification, Student Email Account please refer to the Student Handbook of the Touro College
of Osteopathic Medicine as posted online.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Please visit: https://tourocom.touro.edu/do/academic-calendar/
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 47
SYNOPSIS OF CURRICULUM
All Courses are offered at TouroCOM and are presented by the medical college faculty in lecture,
workshop and laboratory venues. Please note courses are subject to change.
Fall Semester
Course Number Description Credits
CBE 530
Clinical Anatomy and Embryology I
7
CBE 500
Medical Biochemistry
4
CBE 550
Physiology I
4
CBE 510
Histology and Cell Biology
5
CBE 620
Law and Ethics in Medicine
1
Spring Semester
Course Number Description Credits
CBE 535
Clinical Anatomy and Embryology II
3
CBE 501
Medical Genetics
3
CBE 551
Physiology II
3
CBE 520
Neuroanatomy
4
CBE 600
Microbiology and Immunology
5
CBE 580
Health and Human Behavior
2
HS 668
Community Service
1
GRADING
At the end of each course a grade for each student is submitted by the faculty responsible for the
instruction. A student’s final letter grade in a course is assigned based upon the distribution of
scores in the class. The cut off for each grade is calculated according to the following scale, where
“Mean” refers to the mean course raw score on the campus and “SD” refers to standard deviation
above or below the mean. For Credit Load and Contact Hours see DO Program.
GRADE
RAW SCORE/DEFINITION
GRADE VALUE
A+ Mean plus 1.5 (SD) 4.000
A Mean plus 1.0 (SD) 4.000
A- Mean plus 0.5 (SD) 3.667
B+ Mean 3.333
B
Mean minus 1.0 (SD)
3.000
B- Mean minus 1.5 (SD) 2.667
C+ Mean minus 2.0 (SD) 2.333
C Mean minus 2.5 (SD) 2.000
C- Mean minus 3.0 (SD) 1.67
F Less than 3 SD below the mean 0
W Withdrawal Not calculated in GPA
WU
Withdrawal Unsatisfactory
0
WNA Withdrawal Never Attended Not calculated in GPA
INC Incomplete
Pending
(not calculated in GPA)
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 48
Grades Definitions
• A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C- – Letter grade assigned according to grading standards
outlined for the program.
• F: A failing grade – Has 0 grade point value. Student attended/participated in 60% or
greater of scheduled classes per semester but did not achieve passing grades on
examination and assignments or stopped attending/participating after 60% or greater of
scheduled classes in a given semester.
• I: Incomplete – Student did not complete all course assignments and received the
instructor’s permission to complete course requirements at a later date (see ‘Grade of
Incomplete’ section below).
Withdrawal Grades:
• W: Withdrawal – (No penalty.) This grade is assigned when a student officially withdraws
from a course after the Add/Drop period by filing an Add/Drop form with the Office of the
Registrar, signed by an academic advisor. A student who does not file this form will receive
a failing grade of WU, depending on the number of class sessions attended and the amount
of work completed. Time periods for official withdrawal vary by semester.
• WU: Withdrawal Unsatisfactory – Student stopped attending/participating before 60% or
less of the scheduled classes per semester; calculated as a failing grade.
• WNA: Withdrawal Never Attended – Student never attended class/rotation. This grade is
not included in calculating the student’s grade point average (GPA). The administration
reserves the right to grant WNA grade in limited circumstances in their sole and absolute
discretion.
REMEDIATING AND RETAKING COURSE WORK
Students who finish the program with a GPA of less than 3.0 and who wish to earn the MS degree
may have the option to remediate and/or retake course work to qualify to receive the MS degree.
This option is not provided in any other circumstance and a student who finishes the program with
a GPA of 3.0 or higher cannot remediate or retake course work to raise their GPA. Grades earned
as a result of remediating or retaking course work/exams are not counted towards the requirements
for direct matriculation into the DO program.
REPEATING COURSE WORK
Students who finish the program with a GPA of less than 3.0 may retake a course for which they
record a grade of B- or lower. Two courses may be repeated and no course may be repeated more
than once. The repeated course grade is calculated into the student’s Grade Point Average as
attempted and earned credit. The earlier course remains on the transcript but will not be calculated
into the student’s Grade Point Average and will only be calculated as attempted but not earned
credit. Each time a course is attempted, it is considered an attempt when calculating the Pace of
completion and maximum Time Frame measures for Satisfactory Academic Progress, regardless
of whether the course is subsequently repeated for a better grade.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 49
REMEDIATING COURSE WORK
Students who finish the program with a GPA of less than 3.0 may remediate a grade of B- or lower
in any two courses for up to a limit of a grade of B. Such remediation must be completed within
six months of completing the program. This is an opportunity to quickly improve the GPA, when
it is below 3.0 at the end of the program. The Course Director will establish the requirement for
remediation.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
New York State requires that research or a comparable experience shall be a component of each
master’s degree program. Therefore, as a requirement for attaining the Master’s Degree in
Interdisciplinary Science students must take and pass a comprehensive exam. The comprehensive
exam is a roughly 200 question multiple choice test given at the conclusion of the program that
covers material taught in the core science courses throughout the year. Achieving a passing score
on the comprehensive exam is a requirement of the master’s degree. Passing the comprehensive
exam is also a requirement for direct matriculation into the TouroCOM DO program.
REMEDIATING THE COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
Students who fail to pass the comprehensive exam administered at the end of the academic
program, and who wish to earn the MS degree have the option to remediate and/or retake the exam
(or an equivalent exam) to qualify to receive the MS degree.
GRADUATION
Graduation Requirements
Please refer to the “Degree Awarded” above.
Application for Graduation
It is the student’s responsibility to schedule a graduation conference with an academic advisor or
program director during the terminal semester of the program to determine whether the graduation
requirements are being met. In addition, the student has the ability to track their degree completion
progress via the Degree Works tool located on the TouroOne portal, at any point during their
course of study at the University.
After the graduation conference, the student must apply for graduation as advised by the college
Registrar. To apply for graduation online, students need to click the “Apply to Graduate” button
under the “Academic” tab located on the TouroOne portal and follow the prompts.
Attendance at the Graduation Ceremony
All students are expected to attend the graduation ceremony. Participation in the ceremony does
not necessarily mean that a student has graduated. Graduation is certified officially by the Office
of the Registrar only after auditing the student’s record for completion of all certificate or degree
requirements. PLEASE NOTE: Touro University’s official degree conferral dates normally do not
correspond to the dates on which commencement exercises take place.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 50
PATHOLOGISTS’ ASSISTANT (PathA) PROGRAM
P
ROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Pathologists’ Assistant Master of Science Program has been carefully designed for students
who have the clear objective to become a pathologists’ assistant. Over the course of two years,
students are intentionally immersed in basic biomedical sciences and practical curriculum which
prepares them to work under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician who practices
anatomic pathology. All courses are offered at the Touro University – Harlem campus and are
presented by the Medical College Faculty in lecture workshop and laboratory venues. Basic
Sciences courses include Anatomy (Cadaver Prosection Demonstration), Biochemistry,
Embryology, Genetics, Histology, Immunology, Microbiology, Neuroanatomy and Physiology.
Pathology and Pathology Laboratory courses include General and Systemic Pathology, Histology,
Practical Autopsy and Surgical Pathology, Histotechnology and Laboratory Management. Faculty
encourage students to research their full potential as they learn to focus on clearly attainable
objectives in each course. Student performance is closely followed with frequent evaluations and
opportunities for faculty-driven feedback throughout each term. The program has received
approval of the preliminary report from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory
Sciences (NAACLS).
A
PPLICATION PROCEDURE
Online applications will be accepted from November through April. All supporting materials must
be received by June 15.
Application materials should include:
• Completed application
• Official transcripts from all accredited institutions attended
• Three letters of recommendation (two from individuals familiar with your academic work in
the sciences) OR an official letter from your college premedical committee
Submit your completed application and official transcripts and scores to:
Dr. Piotr Kozlowski
Touro University – Pathologist’ Assistant Program
230 West 125th Street, Room 537
New York, NY 10027
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 51
HOW TO APPLY
The first step in the application process is to create an account on Touro’s online application
system.
1. Visit apply.touro.edu and select the CREATE ACCOUNT tab, then enter the requested
information (first and last name, email address, date of birth and zip code).
2. Create and enter a case-sensitive password. Note the instructions regarding a mixture of
case-sensitive letters and symbols.
3. Click the CREATE ACCOUNT button.
4. If you have submitted an application to a different Touro University campus, you must
create two applications by creating two separate accounts. You may use the same email
address to create both accounts. Ignore the message you receive about creating a duplicate
record and click CONTINUE AND CREATE ACCOUNT. A new record will be created
and your previous record will not be deleted.
A new screen will appear with your application PIN number. If you wish to proceed immediately
to the application:
1. Click the LOGIN button
2. Record your acceptance of the Terms of Use and Privacy Policies
3. Click the CONTINUE AND CREATE button
The PIN number will also be emailed to the address you entered, together with a link to the login
screen you may use to login at another time should you be unable to complete the application in
one sitting.
Completing the Application
After you have created an account and logged into the system:
Click the START APPLICATION button
1. If this is your first visit to the website, you will click the EDIT APPLICATION button.
2. Required items are designated with an asterisk (*) and the application cannot be submitted
until all required items have been provided.
Legal Terms
• Please read, and then indicate your agreement to the Terms of Use.
Personal Information
• Enter the requested personal information.
Contact Information
• Enter the requested contact information.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 52
Academic Plan
1. From the SCHOOL/COLLEGE drop down menu, select Touro University.
2. From the DEGREE PROGRAM drop down menu, select the degree option for which you
are applying: PATHOLOGISTS’ ASSISTANT.
3. For MATRICULATION STATUS: ARE YOU SEEKING A DEGREE? Select YES.
4. From the ENTERING AS drop down, select NEW GRADUATE STUDENT
Dormitory: Leave blank
The ISRAELI OPTION sections should be left blank. Provide all other requested information as
directed.
Emergency Contact
• Provide contact information for a person who can be reached on your behalf in the event
of an emergency.
Post-Secondary Academic Record
This section will not appear until you select Touro University in the ACADEMIC PLAN section
above.
1. Enter the requested information for ALL colleges/universities you attended, including, but
not limited to, the college/university from which you earned your degree(s).
2. Upload unofficial copies of your transcript, if available. Please note all students are
required to submit OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS for all of colleges attended for the
application to be considered complete. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
3. If you attended a school outside of the United States, please send an official copy of the
transcript evaluation from a recognized evaluation service such as WES.
4. To locate your school(s) using the search function, first enter the two-letter abbreviation
for the state in which your school is located, then click search. Select your school from the
list of schools in that state.
5. If entering credit hours, note that credit hours must be rounded to the nearest tenth (e.g.,
70.58 becomes 70.6, 70 becomes 70.0).
6. In this section, you may also enter information regarding any professional certifications,
credentials, etc.
Personal Statement
1. Under the heading, select Touro University (NY)-Pathologists’ Assistant.
2. Complete all 5 pages of the fillable PDF
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 53
3. Experiences/Awards (p. 1): Please answer each question briefly, in either list/bullet points
or paragraph form.
4. Personal statement (p. 2-3): The page break will not be automatic when copy/pasting your
statement, so please break up the text and be sure the full text appears when split between
pages.
5. Pre-requisite verification chart (p. 4-5): Please list courses taken to fulfill each category.
For repeated courses, you need only list the most recent or highest grade achieved.
6. For classes that include labs, you may indicate lecture/lab in one line (e.g., Biology 1
lecture/lab, 4+1, B+/A-)
7. Under “Additional Relevant Coursework”, you may list courses taken in pre-requisite
categories beyond the minimum required credits.
8. Save the PDF to your computer, then upload to your application by using the “Upload
Document” button at the bottom of the page.
Recommendations
Letters may also be submitted using the Touro online application system. To do so, you will need
the name and email address of the letter writer (or, for committee letters, the name and email
address of the person compiling the letters), and you will need to follow the steps below.
1. Click the RECOMMENDATION PROVIDER LIST button.
2. Click the ADD A RECOMMENDER button.
3. Insert the name and contact information for each reference.
4. For DIVISION OR PROGRAM, select ALL OTHER TOURO SCHOOLS AND
PROGRAMS.
5. DO YOU WISH TO WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO EXAMINE THIS LETTER OF
RECOMMENDATION? We recommend selecting YES for this option; otherwise, your
letter writers may not feel as though they can provide as much detail as expected.
6. WILL THIS PROVIDER BE SUBMITTING THE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
ONLINE? You must select YES for this option.
7. Once the recommendation provider information is saved, an email will be sent to the online
recommendation provider with an access code and instructions on how to proceed with the
online recommendation.
8. When the recommendation provider submits the form to our office it will become a part of
your application.
9. You can view the status of your online recommendations each time you log into your
application account.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 54
Please note the following:
1. Your Recommendations will automatically be matched to your application upon
submission.
2. The access code is valid for 180 days from the date you input and save their information.
3. To complete the Recommendation online, a Recommendation provider must have a valid
email address.
4. If you would like to send a reminder, check the box next to his/her name and click on the
RESEND button. This will automatically generate a reminder email.
Check Your Application, And Then Submit
1. Click on the CHECK YOUR APPLICATION section to verify that the minimum required
information/documents have been provided. Any missing information/documents will be
noted and you will not be able to submit until they are provided. When all
information/items are provided, you may click on the CONTINUE TO SUBMISSION
button. Follow the instructions to pay the application fee and submit your application. Your
application cannot be submitted until the application fee is paid. You will receive a
confirmation email when your application is submitted.
2. IMPORTANT: Do not select the option to mail in a check for your application fee. Touro
University New York requires that all application fees be paid via credit card through the
online application. Mailed checks will not be processed.
3. Once submitted, you can edit your profile information (e.g., email address) but you cannot
change anything else within the application. Make absolutely certain all information is
correct before you submit your application.
Additional Application Materials Due
Once your online application has been received, your application will not be complete for review
until the following materials have been received by each campus to which you are applying.
Official Transcripts must be submitted from all undergraduate institutions attended. E-transcripts
are also accepted.
Letters of recommendation (please see above for methods of submission)
Application Verification
Once submitted and received, your secondary application materials will be added to your
admissions file and you will be provided a status update via email.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 55
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES
Application Requirements
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. Foreign transcripts must be
accompanied by a recognized evaluation transcript.
• Science and overall GPA from undergraduate institution:
Overall GPA: At least 3.00 (on a 4.0 scale)
Science GPA: At least 3.00 (on a 4.0 scale)
Academic Prerequisites
At a minimum, applicants should have completed the following undergraduate courses with a
grade of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale:
• Biology: At least 8 semester hours (a 4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam or a 6 or 7 on the IB
Biology are acceptable substitutes).
• Inorganic Chemistry: At least 8 semester hours (a 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam or 6
or 7 on the IB Chemistry are acceptable substitutes).
• Organic Chemistry: At least 7 semester hours. 3 hours of Biochemistry may count toward
your total.
• English: If your BA/BS was completed in the English language, specific English
coursework is not required. If your BA/BS was NOT completed in English 6 semester
hours are required (a 4 or 5 on the AP English Composition or English Literature exam or
a 6 or 7 on the IB Language A are acceptable substitutes).
• Mathematics and/or Computer Science: At least 3 semester hours (a 4 or 5 on the AP Pre-
Calculus, Calculus AB or BC, or Statistics exams, or 6 or 7 on the IB Mathematics are
acceptable substitutes).
• Behavioral Sciences: At least 3 semester hours. Behavioral Sciences include psychology,
sociology, and anthropology, amongst others (a 4 or 5 on the AP Psychology exam, a 6 or
7 on the IB Psychology, or a 6 or 7 on the IB Social and Cultural Anthropology are
acceptable substitutes within this category).
Please note, any AP score being used for a pre-requisite is subject to verification via a copy of
your AP scores from College Board or your undergraduate institution.
Please refer to https://help.liaisonedu.com/ for a full listing of which subjects may be used to
fulfill each of the above requirements.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 56
INTERVIEWS
Generally, we schedule campus visits so that we may interview candidates in person. Phone or
Skype interviews may be an option for those students who are otherwise unable to visit our
campus.
The campus visit can include a tour of our facilities. Tours give applicants the chance to learn more
about Touro AND the surrounding community, as well as available housing options.
Faculty members of the school conduct each interview, and submit their recommendations to the
Program Director for review. An interview does not guarantee acceptance.
CREDIT LOAD AND CONTACT HOURS
The standard unit for measuring a student’s course of study is the “semester hour.” For classroom
courses, one semester hour is equal to one academic hour (50 minutes) per week of classroom or
direct faculty instruction and homework and assignments (estimated as two hours of out-of-class
work) over a fifteen-week semester, or the equivalent amount of work distributed over a different
amount of time. University-level lecture courses are normally assigned one credit per semester
hour.
Every 15 hours of classroom, faculty instruction, or equivalent amount of work for a semester
equals 1 credit hour for the class. Equivalent work includes, but is not limited to, internships,
exams, video lectures, or outside academic work as prescribed by the course director.
Four credit hours are awarded for each month of rotation at a college certified rotation site.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Year 1 — Fall Semester
Courses
Course Number
Credits
Medical Biochemistry
PATN 500
4
Histology and Cell Biology
PATN 510
5
Biomedical Terminology
PATN 515
1
Law and Ethics in Medicine
PATN 526
1
Clinical Anatomy and Embryology I
PATN 530
7
Physiology
PATN 550
4
Year 1 — Spring Semester
Courses
Course Number
Credits
Medical Genetics
PATN 501
3
Neuroanatomy
PATN 520
2
Introduction to General Pathology
PATN 523
3
Histotechnology and Medical Imaging
PATN 525
4
Microbiology and Immunology
PATN 532
6
Clinical Anatomy and Embryology II
PATN 535
3
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 57
Year 1 – Summer Semester
Courses
Course Number
Credits
General and Systemic Pathology I
PATN 560
7
Practical Pathology I
PATN 563
7
Laboratory Management
PATN 565
2
Year 2 – Fall Semester
Courses
Course Number
Credits
General and Systemic Pathology II
PATN 571
3
Practical Pathology II
PATN 573
4
Clinical Rotations 1, 2, 3
PATN 575, 576, 577
12 total
4 each
Year 2 – Spring Semester
Courses
Course Number
Credits
Clinical Rotations 4, 5, 6, 7
PATN 583, 584, 585,
586
16 total
4 each
Year 2 – Summer Semester
Courses
Course Number
Credits
Clinical Rotations 8, 9, 10
PATN 587, 588, 589
12 total
4 each
1. If a student’s absences have significantly impaired their ability to reasonably meet the
educational objectives of the rotation, then remedial work (which may include a partial
or complete repeat of the rotation) may be assigned.
2. Absences that may not rise to the level of necessitating a repeat of the rotation may still
negatively affect their clinical evaluation and/or their grade.
G
RADING
At the end of each course a grade for each student is submitted by the faculty responsible for the
instruction. A student’s final letter grade in a course is assigned based upon the distribution of
scores in the class. The cut off for each grade is calculated according to the following scale, where
“Mean” refers to the mean course raw score on the campus and “SD” refers to standard deviation
above or below the mean.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 58
GRADE
RAW SCORE/DEFINITION
GRADE VALUE
A+
Mean plus 1.5 (SD)
4.000
A
Mean plus 1.0 (SD)
4.000
A-
Mean plus 0.5 (SD)
3.667
B+
Mean
3.333
B
Mean minus 1.0 (SD)
3.000
B-
Mean minus 1.5 (SD)
2.667
C+
Mean minus 2.0 (SD)
2.333
C
Mean minus 2.5 (SD)
2.000
C-
Mean minus 3.0 (SD)
1.67
F
Less than 3 SD below the mean
0
W
Withdrawal
Not calculated in GPA
WU
Withdrawal Unsatisfactory
0
WNA
Withdrawal Never Attended
Not calculated in GPA
INC Incomplete
Pending
(not calculated in GPA)
Grade Definitions
• A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C- – Letter grade assigned according to grading standards
outlined above for each program.
• F: Unsatisfactory – A grade of ‘F’ is given to a student who has not satisfactorily completed
course requirements.
• I: Incomplete – Student did not complete all course assignments and received the
instructor’s permission to complete course requirements at a later date (see ‘Grade of
Incomplete’ section of this catalog).
Withdrawal Grades:
• W: Withdrawal – (No penalty.) This grade is assigned when a student officially withdraws
from a course after the Add/Drop period by filing an Add/Drop form with the Office of the
Registrar, signed by an academic advisor. A student who does not file this form will receive
a failing grade of WU, depending on the number of class sessions attended and the amount
of work completed. Time periods for official withdrawal vary by semester.
• WU: Withdrawal Unsatisfactory – Student stopped attending/participating before 60% or
less of the scheduled classes per semester; calculated as a failing grade.
• WNA: Withdrawal Never Attended – Student never attended class/rotation. This grade is
not included in calculating the student’s grade point average (GPA). The administration
reserves the right to grant WNA grade in limited circumstances in their sole and absolute
discretion.
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Inclement Weather
Students are responsible to communicate with their site the expectations/responsibilities during
inclement weather. Students on rotations do not follow the Touro weather closings.
Responsibilities and Duties
All students will be expected to comply with the general rules established by the hospital, office,
or clinic at which they are being trained. In addition to the rules established by the hospital or site,
the Touro University rules and code of conduct still apply.
Should any problem or difficulty arise that the preceptors cannot initially resolve, the information
should be communicated to the Program Director as soon as possible. Any time spent away from
the hospital during regular duty hours for lectures, conferences, and other programs conducted at
outside hospitals or universities must be pre-approved by the preceptor of the rotation hospital.
Although patient care assignments take precedence over lectures and conferences, the hospital and
preceptors are encouraged to allow the students to attend scheduled lectures.
Additional Guidelines:
In addition to the responsibilities listed above, additional requirements exist:
1. All evaluations are to be completed, signed, and reviewed with the student by the
approved site preceptor(s).
2. Students are not permitted to accept financial compensation or any form of gratuity.
Their training institution, when possible, may assign suitable housing accommodations
and board.
3. Attendance by students is required at all conferences, discussions, study sessions, or
any other programs of an educational nature designed specifically for students at the
clinical site. Each conference should be documented with an attendance record.
4. Students shall learn and perform procedures under appropriate and proper supervision,
in those areas where the training institution regulations permit such instruction.
5. The codes of Professionalism are to be adhered to at all times.
STUDENT OUTCOMES
As a requirement for attaining the Pathologists’ Assistant Master’s Degree students must take and
pass a comprehensive exam. The comprehensive exam is a roughly 200 question multiple choice
test that covers material from the entire year.
Students successfully completing the program will receive a Master’s degree and be eligible to
apply for licensure in New York State. Students may also seek certification through the American
Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification Exam as a Pathologists’ Assistant. Upon
passing this exam, the student will qualify for New York State licensure. A graduate of the program
will possess basic knowledge, skills and competency to work in Pathology Departments and
private Pathology Laboratories.
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QUALIFICATION FOR LICENSURE
Pathologists’ assistants may be required to possess a license by the state(s) in which they choose
to practice. Each state has its own requirements for granting licensure, and its own licensing board.
State licensing for pathologists’ assistants varies widely. Some states have licensing requirements
specific to pathologists’ assistants, some classify pathologists’ assistants as laboratory personnel
and require them to hold a license as such, and some don’t have any requirements at all. Aspiring
pathologists’ assistants must contact their licensing board to ensure they have the necessary
qualifications to practice in this field.
Acceptance and matriculation in the program are not a guarantee of licensure. Upon receipt of the
PathA degree from a NAACLS-accredited program, students are eligible to sit for the American
Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification examination.
In New York State, “To meet the education requirements for licensure as a pathologists’ assistant,
you must either have successfully completed a bachelor’s or higher degree in a pathologists’
assistant program registered by the Department, or the substantial equivalent of such a program as
determined by the Department, or have a bachelor’s or higher degree in a National Accrediting
Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredited pathologists’ assistant program.”
1
PLEASE NOTE: The conferral of a Master of Science degree as a Pathologists’ Assistant from
Touro University is not contingent upon students passing any type of external certification or
licensure examination, including but not limited to the ASCP Pathologists’ Assistant Certification
Examination.
1
New York State Education Department. Office of the Professions. Licensure Requirements for Pathologists’
Assistant. https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/pathologists-assistant/license-requirements
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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
DOCTOR OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE (DO) PROGRAM
FIRST YEAR COURSES
BSCN 603 MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
Biochemistry emphasizes the clinical relevance of the basic principles and phenomena that define
how the human body works at the molecular level. Throughout the course, diseases related to
biochemical disorders will be emphasized with the aid of weekly clinical vignettes. Topics include
protein structure, enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways and basic nutrition, emphasizing their
medical importance. A basic understanding of these issues lays the groundwork for making
insightful diagnoses of disease states and managing the treatment of illnesses effectively. The goal
of this course is to emphasize the relevance of biochemistry in a clinical context. 4 credits.
BSCN 604 HISTOLOGY
The course begins with a description of histological techniques. This will also help the student to
understand the study of the ultrastructure (fine structure) of the cell. Once this has been completed
the student will study the basic tissue types (i.e., epithelial, muscle, nervous, connective tissue,
cartilage and bone), and then the various organ systems (i.e., endocrine, digestive, cardiovascular,
hematologic, lymphoid, integument, respiratory system, urinary system, and male and female
reproductive systems). 5 credits.
BSCN 605 MEDICAL GENETICS
Medical Genetics emphasizes the importance of Genetics in Medicine. Throughout the course,
diseases related to molecular and genetic disorders will be emphasized together with the aid of
weekly clinical vignettes. The first half of the course deals with the fundamental molecular biology
topics and their medical applications such as human genome structure, DNA, RNA, protein
synthesis, regulation of gene expression, and tools in genomic and molecular medicine. The second
half of the course stresses genetics topics including a discussion of cancer genetics, genetic
inheritance, pedigrees and probabilities, population genetics, pharmacogenomics, and concludes
with the current approaches to the treatment of genetic diseases. The goal of this course is to
understand basic molecular biology and emphasize the relevance of genetics in a clinical context.
3 credits.
BSCN 606 CLINICAL ANATOMY & EMBRYOLOGY I
BSCN 608 CLINICAL ANATOMY & EMBRYOLOGY II
This course is offered over two semesters and presents the observable structure, function, and
clinical manifestations of the human body through lectures and cadaver dissection, plastination,
and virtual anatomy laboratories. Clinical Anatomy and Embryology integrates the systems of the
body with anatomical regions, embryological development, and diagnostic imaging. The course
emphasizes anatomical knowledge that relates to the practice of osteopathic medicine. The lectures
of the first semester emphasize developmental, functional and clinical anatomy of the limbs,
thorax, abdomen, pelvis and perineum, while those of the second semester emphasize the head and
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 62
neck. The laboratories offer a challenging series of dissection exercises that promote discovery-
based learning in a digital and hands-on environment. BSCN 606: 7 credits, BSCN 608: 3 credits.
BSCN 611 GENERAL PATHOLOGY
General pathology introduces the student to the nature and causes of disease. This course
emphasizes the importance of integrating the molecular and cellular basis of disease with the
associated structural changes in cells and tissues. Areas covered in this course include cellular
adaptation, injury, and death, inflammation and repair, neoplasia, environmental and nutritional
disease, immunopathology, and introduction to laboratory medicine. 5 credits.
BSCN 612 IMMUNOLOGY
This course is intended to provide the student with insight into the foundations of immunological
protection, pathogenesis and treatment of microbial-induced diseases of the human body. The
course begins by examining in detail the basic mechanisms by which the immune system functions
in protecting against human disease. The second half of the course focuses on the biology of
common human microbial pathogens, as well as their patterns of transmission, mechanisms of
pathogenesis, clinical presentations, diagnostic guidelines and appropriate therapies. 4 credits.
BSCN 619 NEUROANATOMY
This course introduces students to the normal anatomy and function of the human central nervous
system. This comprehensive course covers basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology in both a
lecture and laboratory format. Students are presented with content comprising a broad conceptual
framework for appreciation of normal neural structure, function, and development. The course
builds on students’ knowledge of neural structure and function to understand complex brain
activities such as sleep, learning and memory, emotion, language, and cognition. The knowledge
of normal neural structure and homeostasis is used as a platform for an appreciation of clinical
neural dysfunction; i.e., to provide a fundamental understanding of the human nervous system in
health and disease. Thus, at the end of the course, students will be able to relate the function of the
normal human nervous system to dysfunction underlying exemplary neurological deficits and
psychiatric disorders. 5 credits.
BSCN 620 INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN HEALTHCARE
The Introduction to Cultural Competence in Healthcare course will expose students to challenges
in understanding cultural diversity as an important factor that may potentiate or inhibit the success
of a caregiver in communities such as Harlem, Middletown, or Great Falls. The course will also
present Interprofessional educational experiences along with PharmD students on the Harlem
campus and Nursing students at the Middletown campus, to further elucidate professional cultural
awareness in a team setting. The Course Director and invited guests from the community will
present cases, history and observations to create awareness and sensitivity to these issues. Students
will then explore the issues in an effort to identify the important features that can lead to successful
interactions leading to effective patient management. This process will be conducted in an open
forum with all classmates participating at will. Students will also cover healthcare policy and how
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 63
it improves or hinders access to care for all. This course will further deepen the students'
understanding of inter-professional education via a group project. 1 credit.
BSCN 635 PHYSIOLOGY I
BSCN 637 PHYSIOLOGY II
Physiology consists of lectures and clinical correlates covering the classical concepts of vertebrate
physiology, with emphasis on the function of normal tissues in humans. Specific topics related to
neurophysiology, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, exercise, and
sexual physiology are presented. This course will also help the student to understand basic
pharmacology and the kinetics of drugs and disease. BSCN 635: 4 credits, BSCN 637: 4 credits.
OMMN 610 OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIVE MEDICINE (OMM) I Part 1
OMMN 621 OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIVE MEDICINE (OMM) I Part 2
These courses are designed to introduce and develop the history, philosophy, and principles and
skills of osteopathic health care. The course is offered throughout the four semesters of years one
and two. Emphasis is on the sequential development of the palpatory diagnostic and therapeutic
skills of osteopathic manipulative medicine. Recognizing the contribution of the musculoskeletal
system to health and disease, the course integrates the osteopathic philosophy with patient care.
The courses will teach osteopathic approaches to problem-solving and patient management,
incorporating multiple osteopathic manipulative techniques as appropriate, including: muscle
energy, fascial release, high-velocity/low-amplitude, counter strain, articulatory techniques,
osteopathy in the cranial fields and other course content areas.
OMMN 610: 3 credits, OMMN 621: 3 credits
PRCN 606 SHADOWING
This elective (voluntary) course is completed by shadowing a health professional for no less than
three hours, thereby providing firsthand exposure to the practice of clinical medicine. Students are
responsible for setting up their own shadowing experience. 0 credits
PRCN 607 PHYSICAL DIAGNOSIS I
PRCN 623 PHYSICAL DIAGNOSIS II
The goal of Physical Diagnosis I and II is to prepare students to be able to perform appropriate,
high-quality medical history and physical examinations. Students will obtain proficiency in
acknowledging the patient, interviewing to obtain a thorough and pertinent history, understand the
use of screening versus focused exams, use basic diagnostic equipment and skillfully perform a
physical examination.
Over the two semesters, the Physical Diagnosis course contributes to the student’s mastery of a
number of the American Association of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) core competencies for
osteopathic medical students. Core competencies include Osteopathic Principles and practices,
Medical Knowledge, Patient Care, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, and Professionalism.
The students will learn how to approach the patient and recognize the clinical context, including
mind-body and psychosocial interrelationships and be able to communicate effectively.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 64
By the end of the Physical Diagnosis Courses, the students will be able to demonstrate patient
empathy, be aware of behavioral issues that may influence their interaction with a patient and
incorporate preventative medicine and health promotion when discussing range of accepted values,
such as normal diagnostic ranges and basic understanding of normal and abnormal findings.
Interpersonal and Communication skills will enable the students to establish and maintain
relationships with patients.
Multiple modalities will be utilized including: assigned readings, lectures, video lectures,
interactive learning sessions, demonstrations, small group hands-on practical skills sessions with
experienced clinical preceptors, standardized patients, and medical simulators.
PRCN 607: 3 credits, PRCN 623: 3 credits
PRCN 647 PROFESSIONALISM AND MEDICAL ETHICS
The class is designed to teach students how to: (a) act professionally even when you do not feel
like doing it, and (b) critically read, evaluate, and apply the learning material. Therefore, to the
extent possible, the course will be conducted as a seminar class — the vast majority of class time
will consist of discussion, case analysis, class activity, and collaborative group work. All of these
activities are geared toward engaging students as active participants in their learning by focusing
their attention on critical elements, encouraging abstraction of common themes or principles, and
evaluating their own progress toward understanding medical ethics and their role as professionals
in medicine. 2 credits
SECOND YEAR COURSES
BSCN 624 MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY I
BSCN 636 MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY II
These courses build upon the Immunity course provided in the first year. Medical Microbiology
and Immunology is taught in a systems-based approach intended to provide the osteopathic
medical student with insight into the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and
treatment of microbial-induced diseases of the human body. Individual groups of pathogens and
the diseases that they cause are presented. The role of the immune system in protection from
infections, and the immunopathological mechanisms responsible for inflammatory injury in both
infectious and noninfectious situations will be covered in detail. Examples of how the immune
system can be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool are also examined. BSCN 624: 4 credits,
BSCN 636: 3.5 credits
BSCN 633 SYSTEMATIC PATHOLOGY I
BSCN 646 SYSTEMATIC PATHOLOGY II
The objective of these courses is to provide a sound foundation for the understanding of the
etiology, diagnosis, progression, and appearance of human disease processes. The courses describe
these conditions from the molecular to the organismal levels.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 65
The course is a continuation from the 1
st
year General Pathology course, where the second phase
continues to examine each major organ system in a logical and thorough fashion, with emphasis
on the pathogenic mechanisms, morphology, and clinical manifestations of each disease condition.
There are two, 50-minute interactive sessions, where students are exposed to cases, digital images
(gross and microscopic), and boards-style multiple choice questions. These sessions enhance the
understanding of the morphologic alterations in diseased tissues, as well as promote diagnostic
skills at the gross and microscopic levels. The course will align and complement the Medical
Microbiology and Immunology and Clinical System second year courses. Throughout the second-
year modules, the course will also incorporate vertical integration of pertinent anatomy, histology,
general pathology, physiology, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, genetics, radiology/
diagnostic imaging, and laboratory medicine. BSCN 633: 5 credits, BSCN 646: 5 credits
BSCN 634 PHARMACOLOGY I
BSCN 647 PHARMACOLOGY II
This course consists of comprehensive video lectures and clinical correlations that focuses on the
mechanistic basis of drug action at each tissue or cellular site on behalf of disease resolution and
restoration of normal physiological function. The course is organized according to organ system
and therapeutic use, mechanism of action, and side effects of each drug or drug class. Upon
completion of the course, students are expected to predict safe and effective pharmacological
treatment for specific disease processes across the major organ systems. BSCN 634: 4 credits,
BSCN 647: 4 credits
CLIN 600 INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL ROTATIONS
This is the final course that students encounter before entering the clinical years. As such, the
course is designed to present and review areas of immediate importance to the primary care
physician, ranging from medico-legal considerations to emergency room care, routine office care,
and subsequent care. It is also an introduction to the general routine of the clinic or hospital setting
and the responsibilities and expectations of the medical student in those settings. 1 credit
OMMN 625 OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIVE MEDICINE (OMM) II Part 1
OMMN 637 OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIVE MEDICINE (OMM) II Part 2
These courses are a continuation of the development of the basic philosophy and principles of
osteopathic health care. Emphasis is on the sequential development of palpatory diagnostic and
therapeutic skills of osteopathic manipulative medicine.
OMMN 625: 3 credits, OMMN 637: 3 credits
PRCN 611 PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH (PMPH)
This course covers a variety of topics including: an overview of public health and health care
delivery systems; an introduction to evidence-based medicine; epidemiology; definitions and
applications in prevention and control of communicable and chronic diseases; biostatistics and
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 66
hypothesis testing; definitions and appropriate uses; major public health issues for families,
children, and older adults; managed care; and legal and ethical aspects of medical and public health
practices. 2 credits
PRCN 616 MEDICAL SIMULATION
The use of medical simulation is a highly effective method to enhance learning, improve patient
care, decrease medical errors, and improve patient safety. In this hands-on course, simulation will
be utilized to provide students with opportunities to gain exposure to patient care, critical thinking,
clinical decision-making, teamwork, communication, and procedural skills. Students will work
with a variety of simulators including high fidelity simulators and task trainers. This is a one-
semester required course taken during the second year; students are assigned to take the course in
either the Fall or Spring semester. 1 credit
PRCN 626 BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
This course covers a variety of topics in basic behavioral medicine and psychiatry, including but
not limited to; the psychiatric interview, emotional reactions to illness, anxiety disorders, mood
disorders, sexual disorders, child and adolescent development and psychopathology, suicide,
violence, including domestic violence, personality disorders, somatoform and factitious disorders,
legal and ethical issues, and addiction medicine. 3 credits
PRCN 627 CLINICAL SYSTEMS I
PRCN 646 CLINICAL SYSTEMS II
The Clinical Systems Course is composed of organ system-based modules divided between the
Fall and Spring semesters. The content is presented via videotaped lectures, Power Point
presentations, reading assignments, and weekly, three-hour, in class interactive sessions. The main
goal of the Clinical Systems course is to introduce and provide a foundation for clinical medicine
to the second-year medical student and covers the clinical aspects of disease relative to the
pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. The course will divide clinical medicine into
major organ systems, presented in modules.
This course will have a vertical thread with the first-year courses and a horizontal thread with the
other second-year module classes (Immunology and Microbiology, Pathology, and
Pharmacology), so that students will have a comprehensive presentation of each of the organ
systems discussed. The course will incorporate anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology,
immunology, biochemistry, genetics, radiology/ diagnostic imaging, laboratory medicine,
treatment options, and disease management as well as discussions relating to the standard of care
and screening modalities for the diseases presented. Contents of the Clinical Systems course are
integrated into the Early Clinical Experience course: Introduction to Doctoring course, Medical
Simulation course, and will incorporate key components of the Physical Diagnosis course.
PRCN 627: 7 credits, PRCN 646: 7 credits
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 67
PRCN 632 EARLY CLINICAL EXPERIENCE – INTRODUCTION TO DOCTORING PART 1
PRCN 601 EARLY CLINICAL EXPERIENCE – INTRODUCTION TO DOCTORING PART 2
This is a two-semester course that is taught using a variety of formats including large group
interactive sessions, small group case-based learning sessions and OSCE encounters. In this
course, students will work with faculty in both large and small group sessions designed to allow
students to practice the following skills: osteopathic patient history taking, physical exam
techniques, and the development of a differential diagnosis using clinical reasoning, utilization of
evidence-based medicine, employing health literacy, demonstrating competency in the
professional verbal case presentation and patient note documentation. The cases presented in this
course correlate with the concepts taught in the Clinical Systems course and follow the 2nd year
module schedule. The clinical content will place emphasis on primary care medicine as it relates
to prevention of disease through appropriate health care maintenance and the management and
treatment of acute and chronic disease. In this course, students will participate in a series of
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) as part of their summative and formative
evaluation. Students are primarily graded across three domains: history and physical examination
skills, humanistic skills, and documentation skills. PRCN 632: 3 credits, PRCN 601: 3 credits
CLINICAL ROTATIONS
OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
CLIN 703
6 CREDITS
4 WEEKS
This four-week clerkship provides students with an experience in both gynecologic medicine and
surgery, and obstetrical c
are and surgery. The clerkship setting may include experiences in
inpatient and outpatient care, and may include assignment to labor and delivery, and/or other
units and subspecialties. Students will be engaged under the direct supervision of the physician(s)
and are expected to function as an integral member of the healthcare team. Students will have the
opportunity to develop skills for conducting gynecological exams and breast exams, participate
in labor/delivery, surgery, and provide postpartum care. Students will learn how to counsel and
communicate appropriately with patients about family planning, sexually transmitted infections,
preventive medicine, appropriate screening tests, and health maintenance. The clinical rotation
should include how OMM principles and practice are utilized in this specialty.
PEDIATRICS
CLIN 704
6 CREDITS
4 WEEKS
This four-
week clerkship provides students with an experience in general pediatrics, from
neonates through young adulthood. The clerkship focus is on ambulatory care; however, it may
include in-patient care, newborn nursery, neonatal intensive care, and/or emergency department.
This clerkship will allow the student an opportunity to gain clinical experience in evaluating both
sick and well infants, children and
adolescents. The clerkship experience may also include
specialty pediatrics such as allergy and immunology or other subspecialties.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 68
Students are expected to utilize their clinical skills and apply knowledge in incorporating
osteopathic principles and practice, as students will also begin to develop their core AACOM
Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) as they prepare for residency.
PSYCHIATRY
CLIN 705
6 CREDITS
4 WEEKS
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
This four-
week clerkship provides students with opportunities to evaluate patients with
psychiatric illness, and conduct patient interviews and mental status exams. The student will
develop skills to formulate an appropriate differential diagnosis, to make a diagnosis, and to
propose treatment options in patient care situations. Clerkship experience opportunities include
hospital and outpatient settings. Students will learn to apply knowledge about
psychopharmacologic agents and will gain experience in indications for psychological testing,
interventions, and other options for therapy, and substance abuse/addiction management.
CLIN 708
6 CREDITS
4 WEEKS
FAMILY MEDICINE
This four
-week clerkship provides students wit
h a clinical experience in the Emergency
Department
(ED) at a community hospital or a university hospital setting. The student will gain
clinical knowledge regarding the approach to the ED patient, and an opportunity to develop skills
in basic procedures, the ability to formulate differential and/or definitive diagnosis, basic
management of urgent and emergency medical and/or surgical conditions underscoring the ability
to differentiate patient acuity. The student will participate as a member of the ED trea
tment team
in the general care of the patient and interact with members of an interprofessional team to
provide optimal patient
- centered care.
CLIN 709
12 CREDITS
8 WEEKS
This eight-week clerkship provides students with a broad-experience in the current practice of
ambulatory family medicine as a primary health care discipline.
The setting may be an
ambulatory care center, a family medicine clinic affiliated with a hospital, or in a family medicine
clinical preceptor’s office. However, an Urgent Care setting is not an appropriate setting for this
clerkship. The clinical experience includes working with the physician(s) to provide care for new
and established patients, with an opportunity to develop history taking and physical examination
skills, as well as interpret lab and/or diagnostic studies, and develop an appropriate differential
and/or definitive diagnosis, and treatment plan. Emphasis is on preventive care, health
maintenance, and wellness including but not limited to behavior and lifestyle modifications, as
well as osteopathic philosophy and treatment when applicable. Students will see diverse
populations and are expected to demonstrate cultural sensitivity, and develop an awareness of the
impact of families and culture on health problems.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 69
INTERNAL MEDICINE
CLIN 710
12 CREDITS
8 WEEKS
This eight-
week clerkship provides students with a general experience in inpatient internal
medicine. The clerkship may include specialty medicine, intensive care unit, and/or outpatient
care, however, the majority of the clinical experience is focused on general medicine for the
hospitalized patient, for acute and chronic conditions. Students will be engaged under the direct
supervision of the physician(s) and are expected to function as an in
tegral member of the
healthcare team. Emphasis is on the development of skills necessary to evaluate and manage
patients with general medical conditions/problems. Students will have the opportunity to develop
history taking and physical examination skills, as well as interpret lab and/or diagnostic studies,
and develop an appropriate differential and/or definitive diagnosis, and treatment plans. The
student will gain knowledge about recording data, and how to access and utilize data. Teaching
is conducted through clinical rounds, conferences, and lectures. Students will gain experience in
pathology of systems including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematology/oncology,
immunology, infectious diseases, neurology, pulmonary, rheumatology, and renal, as well as
substance abuse. Students will see diverse populations and are expected to demonstrate cultural
sensitivity.
GENERAL SURGERY
CLIN 711
12 CREDITS
8 WEEKS
This eight-week clerkship provides students with an opportunity to acquire basic skills for the
evaluation of the surgical patient. Students will engage under the direct supervision of the
surgeon(s). The student experience includes surgical pre-
operative preparation, surgical
assistance, and post-operative care. Emphasis is on indications for
procedures, proper OR
etiquette and procedures, surgical complications, and post -operative care. Students learn about
surgical consults and different surgical specialties. Students may have the opportunity to
participate in general surgery, abdominal, breast, chest, head and neck, neurosurgical, orthopedic,
plastic, urologic, and vascular procedures. Along with actively participating in clinical activities
with the surgical faculty and/or residents, students are expected to attend formal didactic sessions
such as Surgical Grand Rounds, Tumor Board, and Case Presentations, as provided by the
respective site.
NON-CORE / ELECTIVE
CLIN 716A
6 CREDITS
4 WEEKS
The Non-Core Elective rotation is designed to allow students the flexibility to choose a rotation of
their interest. The elective rotation must be four-weeks in length. See the TouroCOM Clinical
Rotations Manual for further information.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 70
PRIMARY CARE
CLIN 898
6 CREDITS
4 WEEKS
Students will have the opportunity to gain further exposure in an ambulatory
care setting; primary
medical care provided on an outpatient basis, including diagnosis, observation, treatment, and
rehabilitation services. There are both initial presentations of patient problems and the opportunity
for follow
-up in these settings. Tho
ugh a single rotation is short, students should observe
development of longitudinal relationships between doctors and patients with an emphasis on
patient centered care. Students will have the opportunity to be exposed to a broad patient
demographic throughout multiple primary care clinics, and will focus on the diagnosis and
management of common conditions likely to be seen by
a general internist.
SUB-INTERNSHIP
CLIN 859
6 CREDITS
4 WEEKS
Students must complete a Sub
-Internship in any of the following clinical disciplines of their
choosing during their fourth year (Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, OBGYN, Pediatrics,
Psychiatry, or Surgery) and the Sub
-Internship MUST be done at a site that has a RESIDENCY
in that specific discipline. This four
-week Sub-Internship provides the student with the clinical
experience to serve as a sub
-intern on a general hospital-based service (Family Medicine, Internal
Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, or Surgery) and allows the student
an opport
unity to further develop their skills in assessing and treating hospitalized patients. The
student is expected to function as an integral member of the healthcare team, and to interact with
the interprofessional team to provide optimal patient
-centered care. To ensure a strong clinical
experience, adequate teaching and supervision, and realistic expectations for that of a future
resident this rotation must be done at a hospital with a residency in that specific discipline.
ELECTIVES
CLIN 813A 6 CREDITS 4 WEEKS
CLIN 813B 6 CREDITS 4 WEEKS
CLIN 813C 6 CREDITS 4 WEEKS
CLIN 813D 6 CREDITS 4 WEEKS
CLIN 813E 6 CREDITS 4 WEEKS
CLIN 813F 6 CREDITS 4 WEEKS
CLIN 813G 6 CREDITS 4 WEEKS
CLIN 813H (Optional) 6 CREDITS 4 WEEKS
NOTE
: 4
th
year students must complete 4 weeks of each required rotation between July 1 and
April 30. Students must complete five (5) courses during the Fall (July
-December) and four (4)
courses during Spring (January
- April).
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 71
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES IN
BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES (MS) PROGRAM
CBE 500 MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
Biochemistry emphasizes the clinical relevance of the basic principles and phenomena that define
how the human body works at the molecular level. Throughout the course, diseases related to
biochemical disorders will be emphasized with the aid of weekly clinical vignettes. Topics include
protein structure, enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways and basic nutrition, emphasizing their
medical importance. A basic understanding of these issues lays the groundwork for making
insightful diagnoses of disease states and managing the treatment of illnesses effectively. The goal
of this course is to emphasize the relevance of biochemistry in a clinical context. 4 credits.
CBE 501 MEDICAL GENETICS
Medical Genetics emphasizes the importance of Genetics in Medicine. Throughout the course,
diseases related to molecular and genetic disorders will be emphasized together with the aid of
weekly clinical vignettes. The first half of the course deals with the fundamental molecular biology
topics and their medical applications such as human genome structure, DNA, RNA, protein
synthesis, regulation of gene expression, and tools in genomic and molecular medicine. The second
half of the course stresses genetics topics including a discussion of cancer genetics, genetic
inheritance, pedigrees and probabilities, population genetics, pharmacogenomics, and concludes
with the current approaches to the treatment of genetic diseases. The goal of this course is to
understand basic molecular biology and emphasize the relevance of genetics in a clinical context.
3 credits.
CBE 510 HISTOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY
The course begins with a description of histological techniques. This will also help the student to
understand the study of the ultrastructure (fine structure) of the cell. Once this has been completed
the student will study the basic tissue types (i.e., epithelial, muscle, nervous, connective tissue,
cartilage and bone), and then the various organ systems (i.e., endocrine, digestive, cardiovascular,
hematologic, lymphoid, integument, respiratory system, urinary system, and male and female
reproductive systems). 5 credits.
CBE 520 NEUROANATOMY
This course introduces students to the normal anatomy and function of the human central nervous
system. This comprehensive course covers basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology in both a
lecture and laboratory format. Students are presented with content comprising a broad conceptual
framework for appreciation of normal neural structure, function, and development. The course
builds on students’ knowledge of neural structure and function to understand complex brain
activities such as sleep, learning and memory, emotion, language, and cognition. The knowledge
of normal neural structure and homeostasis is used as a platform for an appreciation of clinical
neural dysfunction; i.e., to provide a fundamental understanding of the human nervous system in
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 72
health and disease. Thus, at the end of the course, students will be able to relate the function of the
normal human nervous system to dysfunction underlying exemplary neurological deficits and
psychiatric disorders. 4 credits.
CBE 530 CLINICAL ANATOMY & EMBRYOLOGY I
CBE 535 CLINICAL ANATOMY & EMBRYOLOGY II
This course is offered over two semesters and presents the observable structure, function, and
clinical manifestations of the human body through lectures and cadaver dissection, plastination,
and virtual anatomy laboratories. Clinical Anatomy and Embryology integrates the systems of the
body with anatomical regions, embryological development, and diagnostic imaging. The course
emphasizes anatomical knowledge that relates to the practice of osteopathic medicine. The lectures
of the first semester emphasize developmental, functional and clinical anatomy of the limbs,
thorax, abdomen, pelvis and perineum, while those of the second semester emphasize the head and
neck. The laboratories offer a challenging series of dissection exercises that promote discovery-
based learning in a digital and hands-on environment. CBE 530: 7 credits, CBE 535: 3 credits.
CBE 550 PHYSIOLOGY I
CBE 551 PHYSIOLOGY II
Physiology consists of lectures and clinical correlates covering the classical concepts of vertebrate
physiology, with emphasis on the function of normal tissues in humans. Specific topics related to
neurophysiology, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, exercise, and
sexual physiology are presented. This course will also help the student to understand basic
pharmacology and the kinetics of drugs and disease. CBE 550: 4 credits, CBE 551: 3 credits.
CBE 580 HEALTH AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR
This course is designed to examine how behavioral, social, and cultural factors impact human
health and illness. This course will cover current topics in health behavior and public health using
an interactive, participatory format. The course will cover historical and current topics that are
especially relevant today to better understand health and illness. A variety of resources are utilized
in class to explore wellness, health, and their relationships in global communities. 2 credits
CBE 600 MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
This course is intended to provide the student with insight into the foundations of immunological
protection, pathogenesis and treatment of microbial-induced diseases of the human body. The
course begins by examining in detail the basic mechanisms by which the immune system functions
in protecting against human disease. The second half of the course focuses on the biology of
common human microbial pathogens, as well as their patterns of transmission, mechanisms of
pathogenesis, clinical presentations, diagnostic guidelines and appropriate therapies. 5 credits.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 73
CBE 620 LAW AND ETHICS IN MEDICINE
This course will examine contemporary topics in medical law and ethics (DNR orders, ethics issues
in research, treating minors, truth telling, advanced directives, cultural issues in medicine,
physician aid in dying, and professionalism). A case will be presented during class, followed by a
discussion by the instructor and students. The current literature/recommendations referring to the
specific issue will be evaluated during these interactive sessions. 1 credit
HS 668 COMMUNITY SERVICE
The Introduction to Community Service will expose students to challenges in understanding
cultural and sexual diversity, as well as associated health disparities as an important factor which
may potentiate or inhibit the success of a caregiver in an inner-city or poor rural community. The
Instructor and invited professors, researchers, speaker/authors and activists will present general
information on cultural diversity and cultural competence to create awareness and sensitivity to
these issues. Students will learn to identify the important features of various populations and
cultures in order to have more successful interactions, leading to effective patient management and
better health outcomes. This process will be conducted in an open forum with all classmates
participating at will. 1 credit.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 74
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PATHOLOGISTS’ ASSISTANT (PATHA)
PROGRAM
PATN 500 MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
Biochemistry emphasizes the clinical relevance of the basic principles and phenomena that define
how the human body works at the molecular level. Throughout the course, diseases related to
biochemical disorders will be emphasized with the aid of weekly clinical vignettes. Topics include
protein structure, enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways and basic nutrition, emphasizing their
medical importance. A basic understanding of these issues lays the groundwork for making
insightful diagnoses of disease states and managing the treatment of illnesses effectively. The goal
of this course is to emphasize the relevance of biochemistry in a clinical context. 4 credits.
PATN 501 MEDICAL GENETICS
Medical Genetics emphasizes the importance of Genetics in Medicine. Throughout the course,
diseases related to molecular and genetic disorders will be emphasized together with the aid of
weekly clinical vignettes. The first half of the course deals with the fundamental molecular biology
topics and their medical applications such as human genome structure, DNA, RNA, protein
synthesis, regulation of gene expression, and tools in genomic and molecular medicine. The second
half of the course stresses genetics topics including a discussion of cancer genetics, genetic
inheritance, pedigrees and probabilities, population genetics, pharmacogenomics, and concludes
with the current approaches to the treatment of genetic diseases. The goal of this course is to
understand basic molecular biology and emphasize the relevance of genetics in a clinical context.
3 credits.
PATN 510 HISTOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY
The course begins with a description of histological techniques. This will also help the student to
understand the study of the ultrastructure (fine structure) of the cell. Once this has been completed
the student will study the basic tissue types (i.e., epithelial, muscle, nervous, connective tissue,
cartilage and bone), and then the various organ systems (i.e., endocrine, digestive, cardiovascular,
hematologic, lymphoid, integument, respiratory system, urinary system, and male and female
reproductive systems). 5 credits.
PATN 515 BIOMEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
Medical terminologies are universal; it allows the healthcare personnel to communicate in the
language of medicine. In the field of medicine, being able to master medical terminologies is the
foundation for understanding details in relation to a patient’s condition and treatment. This course
is designed as an introduction to the Pathologists’ Assistant curriculum as an overview of the
fundamental principles of elementary medical terminology that includes anatomy, physiology,
systems, diagnostics testing, and pharmacology. Our goal is to provide the students with basic
elements and rules to build and understand medical vocabulary. 1 credit.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 75
PATN 520 NEUROANATOMY
This course introduces students to the normal anatomy and function of the human central nervous
system. This comprehensive course covers basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology in both a
lecture and laboratory format. Students are presented with content comprising a broad conceptual
framework for appreciation of normal neural structure, function, and development. The course
builds on students’ knowledge of neural structure and function to understand complex brain
activities such as sleep, learning and memory, emotion, language, and cognition. The knowledge
of normal neural structure and homeostasis is used as a platform for an appreciation of clinical
neural dysfunction; i.e., to provide a fundamental understanding of the human nervous system in
health and disease. Thus, at the end of the course, students will be able to relate the function of the
normal human nervous system to dysfunction underlying exemplary neurological deficits and
psychiatric disorders. 2 credits.
PATN 523 INTRODUCTION TO GENERAL PATHOLOGY
General pathology is the study of disease, the expression of structural and functional abnormalities
of tissues and organs. Pathology presents the framework within which knowledge is integrated
across traditional disciplines and applied to clinical medicine. In this course, students will apply
their knowledge of histology, cell biology, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology to
understanding the causes (etiology) and mechanisms (pathogenesis) underlying disease in general.
This course, commonly referred to as “Robbins First Ten Chapters” (Robbins and Cotran
Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th Ed. 2015), teaches general concepts necessary to understand
concepts and details of organ/system pathology.
In this course, students will apply the pathophysiology principles to establish a proper relationship
between structure and function, consequently understanding how possible alterations lead to onset
of disease. To further this association, the pathology lab will make use of clinical cases to assist
the students to have a deeper understanding of how this scientific knowledge could possibly apply
in a clinical setting. In the Introduction to General Pathology course, students will integrate the
foundations learned in anatomy, physiology, immunology, and genetics and gear this content
toward pathology principles and in association with the epidemiological relevance of each disease
process. The mastery of the course content will be constantly challenged and reinforced by the
integrated use of multiple-choice exams, morphological quizzes, and clinical scenarios, all set to
reproduce the usual demands encountered not only by pathologists but also by other physicians in
clinical practice. Their knowledge will work in alignment with the competency of Interpersonal
and Communication Skills, which will be promoted by small group discussions during clicker and
lab sessions, enabling the students to establish and maintain relationships as they brainstorm
medical problems. Finally, as in any course, we consistently strive to model professional behavior
and use time together in the classroom and lab sessions to demonstrate and practice effective
interpersonal and communication skills. Assessment and feedback of the student mastery of these
competencies will primarily be through formative in-class assessment and discussion, interaction
with faculty in the lab setting, and summative multiple-choice exams. 3 credits.
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PATN 525 HISTOTECHNOLOGY AND MEDICAL IMAGING
Histotechnology is the preparation of anatomic pathology materials for further examination,
typically microscopic in nature. Although the most common type of preparation includes
embedding, cutting and staining formalin-fixed anatomic pathology materials for microscopic
review, this course will also introduce ancillary techniques that are frequently used in combination
with routine histologic preparations for diagnostic or investigative tissue evaluation. Special
emphasis will be given to practical sectioning of frozen sections of variety of unfixed tissues.
In the Medical Imaging part of this course, students will be introduced to and perform hands-on
exercises in medical photography. Medical photography serves an important role in preserving the
intact appearance of a specimen before it has been dissected for further testing. It may be regarded
as a form of medicolegal documentation but can also provide information to a pathologist about
gross features of a lesion and can be used to designate histologic sections. Photographs may also
be used to document a specimen for medicolegal purposes, annotate microscopic descriptions
sampled from a complex surgical pathology specimen, enhance a pathology report, or for
educational purposes. This course is meant to be an introduction to medical photography, with the
understanding that the student will be provided with further disease-specific photography
opportunities in second year rotations. 4 credits.
PATN 526 LAW AND ETHICS IN MEDICINE
This course will examine contemporary topics in medical law and ethics (DNR orders, ethics issues
in research, treating minors, truth telling, advanced directives, cultural issues in medicine,
physician aid in dying, and professionalism). A case will be presented during class, followed by a
discussion by the instructor and students. The current literature/recommendations referring to the
specific issue will be evaluated during these interactive sessions. 1 credit.
PATN 530 CLINICAL ANATOMY & EMBRYOLOGY I
PATN 535 CLINICAL ANATOMY & EMBRYOLOGY II
This course is offered over two semesters and presents the observable structure, function, and
clinical manifestations of the human body through lectures and cadaver dissection, plastination,
and virtual anatomy laboratories. Clinical Anatomy and Embryology integrates the systems of the
body with anatomical regions, embryological development, and diagnostic imaging. The course
emphasizes anatomical knowledge that relates to the practice of osteopathic medicine. The lectures
of the first semester emphasize developmental, functional and clinical anatomy of the limbs,
thorax, abdomen, pelvis and perineum, while those of the second semester emphasize the head and
neck. The laboratories offer a challenging series of dissection exercises that promote discovery-
based learning in a digital and hands-on environment. PATN 530: 7 credits, PATN 535: 3 credits.
PATN 550 PHYSIOLOGY
Physiology consists of lectures and clinical correlates covering the classical concepts of vertebrate
physiology, with emphasis on the function of normal tissues in humans. Specific topics related to
neurophysiology, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, exercise, and
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sexual physiology are presented. This course will also help the student to understand basic
pharmacology and the kinetics of drugs and disease. 4 credits.
PATN 560 GENERAL AND SYSTEMIC PATHOLOGY I
Pathology is the study of disease. This course will provide students with the ability to understand
pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease, associate how certain mechanisms contribute to clinical
presentations, symptoms and disease patterns, and recognize key morphologic gross and
histopathologic features and changes seen in organs associated with certain disorders. The first
portion of the course focuses on basic pathologic processes which affect all systems of the body.
The remainder of the course will consist of a presentation of the disease processes which affect
specific organ systems of the body. Acquisition of this knowledge will enhance the student’s
understanding and application of pathologic practices and principles and follow the pathologists’
assistant core competencies. Prerequisites include Clinical Anatomy and Embryology I and II,
Histology and Cell Biology, Physiology, and Histotechnology and Medical Imaging. This course
also complements the Practical Pathology I course. 7 credits.
PATN 563 PRACTICAL PATHOLOGY I
This course is designed to transition the pathologists’ assistant student from the knowledge-based
basic science curriculum into the more practical aspects of day-to-day pathologists’ assistant work
that will be expanded and built upon during their subsequent clinical rotations and throughout their
career. The course sequence parallels that of General/Systemic Pathology I and is to be taken at
the same time, building on principles of Histology and Cell Biology, Histotechnology and Medical
Imaging, Clinical Anatomy and Embryology I and II, and Physiology previously introduced. In
addition to instruction focused on gross appearance of the diseases covered in General/Systemic
Pathology I, the student will learn how to sample and process specimens (adult, geriatric, pediatric,
neonatal) obtained from patients with these diseases, whether surgically or at autopsy, to fulfill
standardized criteria for pathology reports. Pertinent laboratory and clinical findings will also be
incorporated, with emphasis on choice of pathologic analysis studies. 7 credits.
PATN 565 LABORATORY MANAGEMENT
Effective laboratory management involves the orchestration of multiple aspects of a laboratory to
ensure high quality reproducible materials. Included are aspects of compliance with regulatory
agencies, monitoring of safety, document management, personnel management, procurement of
supplies, proper billing, quality assurance, and laboratory information systems. 2 credits.
PATN 570 GENERAL AND SYSTEMIC PATHOLOGY II
Pathology is the study of disease. This course will provide students with the ability to understand
pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease, associate how certain mechanisms contribute to clinical
presentations, symptoms and disease patterns, and recognize key morphologic gross and
histopathologic features and changes seen in organs associated with certain disorders. The first
portion of the course focuses on basic pathologic processes which affect all systems of the body.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 78
The remainder of the course will consist of a presentation of the disease processes which affect
specific organ systems of the body. Acquisition of this knowledge will enhance the student’s
understanding and application of pathologic practices and principles and follow the pathologists’
assistant core competencies. Prerequisites include Clinical Anatomy and Embryology I and II,
Histology and Cell Biology, Physiology, Histotechnology and Medical Imaging, and General and
Systemic Pathology I. This course also complements the Practical Pathology II course. 3 credits.
PATN 573 PRACTICAL PATHOLOGY II
This course is designed to transition the pathologists’ assistant student from the knowledge-based
basic science curriculum into the more practical aspects of day-to-day pathologists’ assistant
work that will be expanded and built upon during their subsequent clinical rotations and
throughout their career. The course sequence parallels that of General/Systemic Pathology II and
is to be taken at the same time, building on principles of Histology and Cell Biology,
Histotechnology, Medical Imaging, Clinical Anatomy and Embryology I and II, Physiology
and Practical Pathology I. In addition to instruction focused on gross appearance of the
diseases covered in General/Systemic Pathology, the student will learn how to sample and
process specimens (adult, geriatric, pediatric, neonatal, infant) obtained from patients with these
diseases, whether surgically or at autopsy, to fulfill standardized criteria for pathology reports.
Pertinent laboratory and clinical findings will also be incorporated, with emphasis on choice of
pathologic analysis studies. 4 credits.
PATN 575, 576, 577 CLINICAL ROTATIONS 1, 2, 3
PATN 583, 584, 585, 586 CLINICAL ROTATIONS 4, 5, 6, 7
PATN 587, 588, 589 CLINICAL ROTATIONS 8, 9, 10
Clinical Rotations are designed to transition the pathologists’ assistant student from the
knowledge-based basic science curriculum into the more practical aspects of day-to-day
Pathologists’ Assistant work. Clinical Rotations will be built upon knowledge of General and
Systemic Pathology, Practical Pathology, and upon Laboratory Management courses given during
the third and fourth semesters. The Clinical Rotations will expose students to the practical hands-
on work in real life environments and will expand the knowledge received in the didactic classes.
Students will participate in the routine, everyday work of a pathologists’ assistant. Students will
learn how to prepare and perform an autopsy, how to prepare specimens, how to appropriately
document specimens, and how to properly dissect surgical and biopsy specimens. Students will
also be introduced to ancillary diagnostic techniques and methodologies. 4 credits each.
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STUDENT SERVICES
TOUROONE PORTAL
The TouroOne portal, https://touroone.touro.edu/, provides students access to a wide range of
functions and services from any Internet-enabled device. These include:
• Registering for courses (only in programs which allow online registration)
• Viewing and printing grades
• Viewing and printing class schedules
• Searching current course offerings
• Accessing TouchNET
®
for online e-bills tuition payments enroll in payment plan, and sign
up for e-refunds
• Viewing textbook information (titles, authors, ISBNs, prices)
• Check for any holds on their accounts
• Check financial aid status
• Download financial aid forms
• Print unofficial transcripts
• Order official transcripts
• Access their Touro email accounts
• Access the Canvas learning management system
OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR
The Office of the Registrar supports teaching and learning at Touro University by maintaining and
acting as the custodian of students’ academic records, coordinating the registration process, and
providing the following services:
• Processes “Change of Name,” “Leave of Absence” and other official forms.
• Processes transfer credit requests.
• Verifies enrollment status for certification, or other purposes.
• Handles matters pertaining to veterans.
• Addresses all matters related to student visas.
• Verifies fulfillment of academic graduation requirements.
• Prepares official transcripts.
• Issues diplomas upon graduation.
To contact the Office of the Registrar, please visit: https://tourocom.touro.edu/do/registrar/
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OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID
The Office of Financial Aid services the financial needs of all matriculated TouroCOM students.
The Office also manages the annual “cost of attendance” schedule, which includes the details
pertaining to tuition and fees. A range of other financial aid services are offered and include
providing personal counseling on financial scheduling, reducing student indebtedness, advising
best practices for student loan debt borrowing, and affording access to scholarship opportunities.
For information on the cost of attendance, tuition, and fees, please reference the following link:
http://tourocom.touro.edu/admissions—aid/financial-aid/
The office is open to students from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Thursday and from 9:00
AM to 2:00 PM on Friday.
Students wishing to speak with the Director of Financial Aid must make an appointment.
https://tourocom.touro.edu/admissions—aid/financial-aid/
GRADUATE FINANCIAL AID
Touro University is committed to helping students afford the opportunity for a valuable education.
In order for Touro to determine eligibility for its financial aid programs, all students except
international students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Financial aid is provided through college, state, and
federal funds for scholarships, grants, loans, and employment. Awards are designed to recognize
scholastic achievement, service, and/or demonstrated need. The variety of financial aid programs
available allows many students to greatly reduce their educational costs while attending Touro
University.
It is the student’s responsibility to request, complete, and submit all forms with necessary
documentation for all financial aid programs, including scholarships, in a timely manner. Students
who would have otherwise been eligible may not receive funding when they fail to timely submit
documents. All financial aid programs are subject to availability and funding levels.
Financial aid awards are not guaranteed and may be reduced or cancelled after being offered or
disbursed to students. Financial aid awards are subject to all revisions in federal, state and
institutional policies, availability of funds, changes in enrollment, changes in housing status, as
well as updates in FAFSA information, failure to meet minimum grade requirements, failure to
complete the semester, and failure to timely submit all required documentation.
Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements at all times in order to
receive and retain financial aid.
Because of the nature of federal, state and institutional guidelines affecting financial aid programs,
the information contained in this catalog is subject to change. For further information about
available financial aid programs and whether you meet eligibility requirements please contact:
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 81
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa - federal website for submitting the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid
https://studentaid.gov - federal website for student and parent loan applications and information
https://nslds.ed.gov/npas/- federal website for reviewing the student’s financial aid history
https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-grants - state website for California students to apply for various
grants
http://www.isac.org/students/ - state website for Illinois students to apply for various grants
https://www.hesc.ny.gov/ - state website for New York students to apply for various grants
Financial Aid Self-Service & Student Administrative Services Help Desk
Financial aid is an enabling element in your educational pursuit. To that end, Touro has
implemented the TouroOne student portal. With this system, you can review your financial aid
awards in real-time, accept or reject loan-based financial aid, gain insight into what might be
delaying your financial aid, and much more. You can also register and pay your bill via the student
portal. Visit https://touroone.touro.edu/
As part of our Financial Aid Self-Service tool, our student services helpdesk aims to assist all
students at the Touro University with their student services questions. To assist you off-campus or
for general financial aid inquiries, please contact TouroOne Helpdesk at [email protected], via
phone at 844-868-7666 or via Zoom. To schedule a meeting with our specialist, visit
https://tcus.service-now.com/sp
Federal Application Requirements and Procedures
All students who wish to apply for financial aid must complete a Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA or a Renewal FAFSA) and submit it to the U.S. Department of Education
(ED) once for each academic year. The FAFSA can be completed online at
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Applications become available on October 1 for the
upcoming school year that begins with the following summer semester. For example, for the 2022-
2023 academic year (which includes the summer 2022, fall 2022 and spring 2023 semesters) the
FAFSA was available on October 1, 2021.
Financial aid funding is designed to help bridge the gap between the cost of attending a college
and the student’s (and parent’s, when applicable) available resources. Most awards are determined
by need. Please note, financial need has no bearing on admission decisions. Touro administers
federal, state, institutional and local sources of aid, as detailed in the following pages.
Students who wish to apply for scholarships, grants, work-study and/or parent and student loans
are required to complete the FAFSA. The college codes to be used on the FAFSA for Touro’s
locations are listed below.
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State
Touro Location
College Code
California
Touro University California (TUC)
041426
California
Touro University Worldwide (TUW)
041425
Illinois
Hebrew Theological College (HTC)
001685
Nevada
Touro University Nevada (TUN)
041426
New York
New York Medical College (NYMC)
002784
New York
All locations except NYMC
010142
The FAFSA is available online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For maximum
consideration for all types of financial aid, students should file their FAFSA applications as soon
as possible after October 1
st
of each year at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Requirements for Title IV (Federal) Financial Aid
In order to qualify for federal financial aid, students:
• Must be accepted into one of Touro’s degree granting programs and must be fully
matriculated in that program.
• Must have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, such as a general educational
development or GED certificate or have completed home schooling at the secondary level as
defined by state law.
• Must be making satisfactory academic progress toward their degree.
• Must be enrolled at least half time to receive to receive federal loans.
• Must not have been convicted of possession or sale of illegal drugs for an offense that
occurred while receiving federal financial aid (see Question on the FAFSA for additional
eligibility information).
• Incarcerated students are not eligible for federal student loans but are eligible for Federal
Work Study and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. They are also
eligible for Pell Grants if not incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution.
• Must not be in default on a prior federal student or parent loan that has not been rehabilitated.
Contact the Office of Financial for loan rehabilitation information.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or other eligible non-citizen.
• Must have a valid Social Security Number.
• With the exception of unsubsidized Loans and PLUS Loans, all other federal student aid
requires students to demonstrate financial need.
• agree to use any federal student aid received solely for educational purposes.
• sign a statement of educational purpose/certification statement on refunds and defaults.
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Federal Verification Requirements
When the FAFSA is filed, the federal government reviews the data submitted and selects certain
applications for a process called Verification. Generally, approximately thirty percent of FAFSA
applications are selected for verification. The verification process helps the federal government to
ensure that students’ information is accurate and that they receive all funds for which they qualify.
If a student’s application is selected, the student, his or her spouse and/or parents must submit
documents that support the information supplied on the FAFSA to the Touro’s Office of Financial
Aid. This usually includes copies of the appropriate year’s IRS Tax Transcripts, a Verification
Worksheet (supplied by Touro) and other supporting documentation as required.
In its review of financial aid files Touro also selects students for verification. Students who are
selected for institutional verification are subject to the same rules as those who were selected by
the federal government.
Usually, graduate students are only required to complete verification if they are selected and plan
to participate in the Federal Work-Study Program.
At times students submit documents and information that contradicts that already provided to
Touro. When contradictory information is submitted, the Office of Financial Aid is required by
law to resolve the conflict. Resolution of contradictory information typically requires that the
student submit additional documents, which lengthens the verification process.
As part of the federal Verification process, Touro may also request proof of High School
Completion (or its recognized equivalent), proof of the receipt of Supplemental Nutritional
Assistance Program benefits (SNAP), and/or proof of child support payments. Students may also
be requested to appear in person and provide government issued photo identification and sign a
Statement of Educational Purpose.
The Touro Office of Financial Aid will review the information on the FAFSA and make required
corrections where necessary. This process may change a student’s financial aid eligibility. Students
will be notified if corrections result in a change in eligibility.
Students are advised as to due dates for submission of their documents and information in
individual communications about verification. Students (and parents, if applicable) who fail or
refuse to complete verification are ineligible for financial aid, including loans.
Requirements for Determination of Independent Student Status for Financial Aid
To be considered an independent student for any federal (and some state) financial aid programs,
students must meet one of the following criteria:
A. Age 24 or older as of Dec. 31 of the award year
B. For students under 24, one of the following criteria must be met:
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• Orphan, foster child, or ward of the court at age 13 or older
• Veteran or currently engaged in active duty in the U.S. armed forces for purposes other than
basic training
• Have legal dependents other than a spouse for whom he/she provides more than 50 percent
financial support
• Enrolled in a graduate or professional program
• Married student (at the time the FAFSA is signed)
• Classified by the Office of Financial Aid as independent because of other unusual
circumstances that have been fully documented and are consistent with federal regulations
• Have had a legal guardian as determined by a state court
• An unaccompanied youth who is determined to be homeless, or at risk of being homeless, by
a school district, shelter director, or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Emancipated minor as determined by a court in his/her state of legal residence
Touro reserves the right to revise its financial aid programs. All programs are subject to change
due to modifications in government or institutional policies. Additional criteria and information
may be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid. Students are responsible for reading the
Financial Aid Terms & Conditions before deciding to accept or reject their financial aid. View the
disclosures at “View the disclosures” within your account in the Touro One Portal.
Apply for Aid in 6 Steps
Step 1: Create an FSA ID
If you haven’t done so previously, you will need to create your own FSA ID account to complete
federal student aid tasks.
Step 2: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or after
October 1
st
or download the FAFSA mobile app on IOS or Android .
• Documents you will need
• Transfer Tax Information to your FAFSA using the data retrieval tool (DRT).
• Do not select “Will File” status
• Touro University Main Campus Code is 010142
Step 3: Review the Tuition Costs
The maximum amount of aid applied for in a year cannot exceed the cost of attendance (COA)
for that year. The Cost of Attendance is an estimate of a student’s educational expenses for their
period of enrollment in the academic year. Students are not required to take out the maximum
allowable amount and are able to determine their specific needs based on their own circumstances.
Please consult with your financial aid counselor to discuss your specific needs.
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Step 4: Complete the Entrance Counseling
First time borrowers at Touro University must complete the Entrance Counseling. This will
ensure you understand the terms and conditions of your loan and your rights and responsibilities.
You will learn what a loan is, how interest works, your options for repayment, and how to avoid
delinquency and default. Make sure to complete the Entrance Counseling for Graduate and
Professional students.
Step 5: Sign Master Promissory Note (MPN)
First time borrowers taking out a Direct Unsubsidized Loan must complete and sign an MPN.
Step 6: For the Graduate Plus loan, please complete:
• Direct Grad PLUS Loans require a separate MPN.
• Apply for the Direct Plus loan; credit check is required
• Complete the PLUS Loan Credit Counseling if your credit is denied and contact the
Financial Aid Office for further instructions.
Once all steps are completed you will receive your financial aid offer and instructions
through your Touro University student email. Please monitor your Touro email account
daily.
Notes on Financial Aid
In reviewing your application, we may request additional documentation. Loan funds are disbursed
directly to the University to cover the cost of tuition. The Bursar’s Office distributes refunds within
14 days of receiving the funds.
We verify enrollment and satisfactory academic progress before disbursing funds. For information
on fund distribution, please contact the Bursar at [email protected].
Tuition Payment Plans
Tuition payment plans are available. Please direct all inquiries to the Office of the Bursar.
Federal Work-Study: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based program which provides part-time employment for
undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay
education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the
student’s course of study. Funds for this program are awarded to eligible students as part of the
financial aid process. Selection and placement for Work Study recipients is determined by
student's eligibility, institutional funding, job availability and suitability for the position. Funds
are limited and awarded on a first come, first served basis each academic year.
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Students may work a maximum of 30 hours/week during the summer semester and a maximum of
20 hours/week during the fall and spring semester at a rate of $19/hour.
Federal Work-Study Positions
The process for obtaining a Federal Work-Study (FWS) position is as follows:
Students interested in Federal Work-Study need to first speak to their financial aid counselor about
adding an FWS award for them. Once they have received and accepted a FWS award students can
then look for available positions via the financial services tab of TouroOne. Once they have a
supervisor interested in hiring them for a position, the supervisor needs to email a completed job
description form along with the students name and Touro ID# to Cheryl Weiner
(cheryl.weiner@touro.edu) to let her know that they would like the student to work. When Ms.
Weiner receives that email, she will send an application packet; upon receipt of the completed
packet, an email will be sent with the start date.
Students may not begin working until they receive and reply to an email from Ms. Weiner with
their start date. Alternately, if they are interested in working off campus, several off-campus
positions can be found via the financial services tab of TouroOne. Students interested in one of
those positions should contact Ms. Weiner; she will forward the information to the supervisor and
they would then proceed as above. If a student is interested in a position that is not posted, they
would need to arrange for the agency complete our job description and need assessment forms so
that we can determine if the position can qualify as a FWS position. If the position qualifies, they
would then proceed as above.
Federal Work-Study Guidelines & Timesheet Instructions
Eligibility
To be eligible for FWS, students must complete a FAFSA and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Students who fail to make Satisfactory Academic Progress must immediately discontinue Federal
Work-Study.
If you cannot report for work as instructed, or no longer want employment, you must notify your
direct supervisor. Failure to do so will jeopardize your future FWS eligibility.
Location
Regulations stipulate that students may only work for their assigned department.
Workdays & Hours
Students may not work:
• on Saturdays
• while the University is closed
• during scheduled class time
• more than 30 hours/week during the Summer semester and more than 20 hours/week
during the Fall and Spring semesters
Students may work up to the last day of their individual finals for each semester.
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Timesheets
You must electronically report your time on the TouroOne portal. Supervisors must approve
your timesheet for each pay period. Instructions are given when you are approved for Federal
Work-Study.
Time In & Time Out
Time must be entered in the following format: HH:MM AM or PM. Time must be entered in 15-
minute intervals only. Accepted entries are: 00, 15, 30, and 45. Do not use military time.
Breaks
FWS participants must take an unpaid one-half (1/2) – hour break when working more than five
(5) hours, and a 1-hour break when working 7 ½ hours or more.
Loans: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Federal Perkins Loans
Touro previously participated in the Federal Perkins Loan Program, which ended on June 30, 2018.
Perkins was a fixed-rate, low interest (5%) educational loan offered to undergraduate and graduate
students with exceptional financial need such as students with the lowest Expected Family
Contribution (EFC). Eligibility was based on financial need as determined by federal calculations
from the FAFSA. Legislated loan limits were up to $5,500 for each year of undergraduate study
(undergraduate aggregate limit was $27,500).
No interest accrues while the student is attending school at least on a half-time basis. Repayment
begins for existing Perkins Loan borrowers nine months after graduation, or after a student drops
below half-time status. For first-time loans disbursed after Oct. 1, 1992, the borrower will make
minimum monthly payments of $40. Borrowers are allowed up to ten years to repay the loan
depending on the amount borrowed. An additional extension is permitted for low-income
borrowers.
As of June 30, 2018, all colleges, including Touro, stopped disbursing Perkins loans and were not
permitted to make any additional payments to students.
Federal Direct Stafford Loans
The William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford Student Loan Program is sponsored by the U.S.
Department of Education (ED), offers low interest rates with a variety of repayment terms. The
loan is not credit based and only requires that student’s meet specific eligibility requirements. All
students must file a FAFSA in order for the Office of Financial Aid to determine eligibility for a
Federal Direct Stafford Loan. Depending on enrollment status, FAFSA results, Cost of Attendance
and other factors, an amount and type (Subsidized or Unsubsidized) of Federal Direct Stafford
Loan will be awarded to eligible students. The federal government is the lender for student or
parent loans received through the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program.
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As a result of regulatory changes affecting loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2012 through
July 1, 2014, the federal government has eliminated the grace period interest subsidy on Federal
Direct Subsidized Stafford loans (the period immediately following graduation, withdrawal or less
than half-time attendance and prior to the repayment start date). The federal government will
continue to pay interest that accrues on the Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan during in-school and
other eligible deferment periods.
The federal government does not pay interest on Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans at any time.
Students have the option to pay interest on the unsubsidized portion of a Direct Stafford loan while
in school, or during other eligible periods of deferment or let interest accrue until repayment
begins. Deferred interest payments on Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans will be added to the
principal loan amount and capitalized by the lender (meaning accrued interest will be added to the
principal amount borrowed at repayment).
Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for a Federal Direct Stafford Loan and
to maintain eligibility for in-school deferments (minimum six credits per semester, with all credits
applicable to the degree program of study).
Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan
Undergraduate students who borrow a need-based Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan benefit from
the federal government paying the interest while they are in school or in deferment. These loans
are called Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans because the government subsidizes (or pays) the
interest on these loans until the student’s repayment begins.
As of the 2012-2013 academic year, graduate students are no longer eligible to receive
Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans.
Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan
Both undergraduate and graduate students may qualify for Unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans.
The federal government does not pay interest on students’ behalf for these loans. Students are
responsible for the interest that accrues on the loan during their period of enrollment, during the
grace period, and during periods of repayment authorized for deferment. There are two ways to
pay interest during these periods:
1. The students may make monthly or quarterly payments to their lender.
2. The student and lender may agree to add the interest to the principal of the loan, but no more
often than quarterly (this is called capitalization). If the student does not make interest
payments on schedule while in school or authorized periods of deferment, the interest will be
capitalized. Loan amounts will be disbursed in multiple payments sent to the school and made
co-payable to the student and to Touro.
Borrowers are given a six-month grace period after they graduate, leave school or drop below
half time. Subsidized loan borrowers do not have to pay principal or interest during that period
(unless they previously used their grace period). Unsubsidized loan borrowers will be responsible
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for the interest during the six months grace period. Borrowers will be notified of the date
repayment begins but are responsible for beginning repayment on time regardless of whether
they receive notification.
The following chart describes annual and aggregate maximum eligibility for the Federal Direct
Stafford Loan Program, based on dependency status and grade level.
Annual and Aggregate Federal Direct Stafford Loan Limits
Dependent Undergraduate
Aggregate
Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior
Limit
Stafford
(Subsidized / $3,500 $4,500 $5,500 $5,500 $23,000
Unsubsidized)
Additional
Unsubsidized $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $8,000
Stafford
Total
Stafford
$5,500 $6,500 $7,500 $7,500 $31,000
Independent Undergraduate/Dependent Undergraduate with PLUS Denial
Aggregate
Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior
Limit
Stafford
(Subsidized / $3,500 $4,500 $5,500 $5,500 $23,000
Unsubsidized)
Additional
Unsubsidized $6,000 $6,000 $7,000 $7,000 $34,500
Stafford
Total
$9,500 $10,500 $12,500 $12,500 $57,500
Stafford
(cont’d)
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Graduate
Graduate
Aggregate
Limit Limit
Unsubsidized
Stafford
$20,500* $138,500
Federal Perkins Loan Program
Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior
Aggregate
Limit
Perkins
Up to $5,500 per academic year
$11,000 aggregate 0-62 credits
$27,500
Through the possible combination of Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans, every
student meeting all academic and eligibility requirements should be able to participate in the
Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program.
Regulations also require the Office of Financial Aid to offer financial aid based on the results of
the needs analysis from the FAFSA (calculated by the federal government) and to perform an
eligibility file review for every student applying for the Federal Direct Stafford Loan. The Office
of Financial Aid must review each application and will recommend an amount according to the
number of credits attempted, the number of credits completed, the grade level, the cost of
attendance, the outside resources available to each student and the expected family contribution
(as derived from the FAFSA). Loan repayment will not be required while the student maintains at
least half-time attendance (minimum six credits per semester, with all credits applicable to the
degree program of study). Repayment of principal and interest begins six months after the student
leaves school or drops below half-time attendance.
Effective for Federal Direct Stafford Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2006, the interest rate
is fixed. Prior to this date, Federal Direct Stafford Loan interest rates were variable. Federal Direct
Loan interest rates change from year to year (in July) and may also change specifically for one
type or the other; Subsidized or Unsubsidized, Graduate or PLUS. Students who received loans
prior to the aforementioned dates and who still have balances outstanding on those loans will
continue with the interest rate rules in effect at the time of their original loans. Borrowers will be
charged an origination fee also. The Origination Fee represents the lenders (the federal
government) fee for making the loan.
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Below is a table of current interest rates (as of July 1, 2020) and origination fees, by loan
type:
Origination Fee
Interest Rate
Undergraduate Subsidized
Stafford
1.057% 2.75%
Undergraduate
Unsubsidized Stafford
1.057% 2.75%
Graduate Unsubsidized
Stafford
1.057% 2.75%
Parent PLUS 4.228% 5.30%
Graduate PLUS 4.228% 5.30%
Public Law 112-141 also includes a new limit on eligibility for Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
for new borrowers on or after July 1, 2013. On or after July 1, 2013 a borrower will not be eligible
for new Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans if the period during which the borrower has received
such loans exceeds 150 percent of the published length of the borrower's educational program. The
law also provides that a borrower reaching the 150 percent limit becomes ineligible for interest
subsidy benefits on all Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans first disbursed to that borrower on or after
July 1, 2013.
Information about the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program can be found at
https://studentaid.gov/ or by contacting the Office of Financial Aid.
Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program
The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is an unsubsidized loan for the parents of dependent students or
for graduate/professional students. PLUS Loans help pay for education expenses up to the cost of
attendance minus all other financial assistance. The application process includes a credit approval
requirement and interest is charged during all periods, including eligible periods of deferment.
Creditworthy borrowers (Graduate students or the parents of Dependent students) may borrow up
to the full Cost of Attendance (COA) minus any other aid received by the student. Repayment
begins 60 days after the last disbursement is made and can be deferred by contacting your loan
servicer to request a deferment. Direct PLUS Loans can be deferred while the parent borrower or
child, or graduate student is enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six months after the
child or graduate student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. If the Direct PLUS Loan is
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 92
deferred, interest will accrue on the loan during the deferment. You may choose to pay the accrued
interest or allow the interest to capitalize when the deferment period ends. Your loan servicer will
notify you when your first payment is due. Information about the William D. Ford Federal Direct
Loan Program can be found at https://studentaid.gov/.
Previous PLUS loan borrowing will be governed by rate rules in effect at the time of borrowing.
There is an origination fee that will be deducted from the principal amount borrowed. When
denied, applicants may reapply with a creditworthy endorser. Alternatively, students whose
parents have been denied the Direct PLUS loan (based on credit), may apply for an additional
$4,000 (first-year and second-year students) or $5,000 (third-year students and beyond) Direct
Unsubsidized Stafford Loan (described under the subheading for Federal Direct Stafford Loans).
The benefit of additional Unsubsidized Stafford eligibility does not apply to Graduate students
whose Direct Graduate PLUS application has been denied due to credit.
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans
Borrowers under the Grad PLUS program must be enrolled in an approved graduate level of study.
Students’ eligibility criteria are comparable to those for Stafford Loans. Student borrowers must
not have an adverse credit history. Borrowers who are denied the PLUS loan may reapply with a
cosigner. The amounts borrowed for any academic year cannot exceed the student’s Cost of
Attendance (COA) less all other financial aid received. To apply for the PLUS loan the borrower
must sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) agreeing to repay the loan. Repayment must begin
sixty days after the loan is disbursed. Students may apply for deferments by contacting their
lending institution.
Students and parents should note that Touro can refuse to certify a loan application, or can certify
a loan for the amount less than the students’ parents would be eligible for, if the institution
documents its reason for the action and informs the parents of the reason in writing. Touro’s
decision in such cases is final and cannot be appealed to the U.S. Department of Education.
For detailed information regarding the rights and responsibilities of a borrower, deferments, or
cancellations please visit https://studentaid.gov or consult with a financial aid administrator.
All students are required to complete an Entrance Interview prior to receiving Federal
Direct Loans. Students who borrow are required to complete an Exit Interview when they
graduate, cease enrollment or drop below half-time.
Private Loans
In addition to the above loans, students and parents may apply for private loan programs. These
loans are not need-based, require a credit check and may require other evaluations of the
borrower’s credit-worthiness. Alternative loans may require that the borrower apply with a co-
signer.
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Students who owe balances from prior years or who are ineligible for federal loans may wish to
explore private loan funding. ELM Select is a tool that may aid you in selecting a private
educational loan.
Touro is not affiliated with any private educational lender and encourages students to use all
federal and state funding prior to seeking funds from private educational lenders. The Office of
Financial Aid will offer advice to students on resources to finance their educational expenses.
Additional information related to Loans can be found here.
Alternate Sources of Aid
Financial Aid for Consortium Agreements
Touro students who want to attend other institutions in the United States or abroad for a semester
or more) may be able to use federal financial aid under a consortium agreement. Students must be
approved by their respective academic department prior to attending another institution for the
semester(s). At least four weeks prior to the start of the semester(s), students must contact the
Office of Financial Aid to complete the Consortium Agreement and to provide documentation of
the Cost of Attendance (COA), course registration, contact information at the other school and
their Touro academic department’s approval.
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is a national service initiative that engages individuals from all backgrounds in
community-service activities. In return for the successful completion of their service, participants
receive money for school in the form of education awards that can be applied to outstanding student
loans or used for future higher educational and vocational training pursuits. Award amounts vary,
and awards are prorated for part-time participants. For more information, call (800) 942-2677 or
visit https://www.nationalservice.gov/
Veterans Benefits
Veterans may qualify for additional benefits, including the Yellow Ribbon Program (described
below). For more information, contact the following agencies:
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), https://www.va.gov
• GI Bill
®2
, https://www.gibill.va.gov
• Office of Financial Aid at Touro
2
"GI Bill
®
” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about
education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
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Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program
Touro is proud to be a part of the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program. The
program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 and allows
degree-granting institutions of higher learning in the United States to voluntarily enter into an
agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed either the Post 9/11 GI Bill
®
annual
cap for private institutions or the resident tuition and fees for a public institution. The participating
educational institution can contribute up to 50% of those expenses, and the VA will match the
same amount as the institution.
Students must be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill
®
at the 100% rate to be considered for the
Yellow Ribbon Program. Specific eligibility requirements for the Yellow Ribbon Program may be
found online at https://www.gibill.va.gov.
Eligible students fit the criteria as follows:
• Served an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001 of at least 36 months.
• Were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-related disability and served 30
continuous days after Sept. 10, 2001.
• Are dependents eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill
®
based on
his/her service under the eligibility criteria listed above.
Students who wish to be considered should complete and submit an application form available
online at https://www.gibill.va.gov. The VA will inform students via written notification with an
explanation of its decision on program eligibility. If approved, students will receive a Certificate
of Eligibility confirming their service meets the requirements of the Yellow Ribbon Program. All
Certificates of Eligibility should be presented to the Office of Financial Aid for Touro's records.
The Certificate of Eligibility does not guarantee Yellow Ribbon funding as the availability of
annual funds for Touro's Yellow Ribbon Program is limited. Student eligibility is determined by
the university’s veteran certifying officer. For more information on selection criteria for Touro's
Yellow Ribbon Program, contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Transfer of Post-9/11 GI-Bill
®
Benefits to Dependents
The transferability option under the Post-9/11 GI Bill
®
allows service members to transfer unused
benefits to their spouses or dependent children. The U.S. Department of Defense determines
whether or not veterans can transfer benefits to family members. Eligible candidates are members
of the Armed Forces (active duty or selected reserve, officer or enlisted) on or after Aug. 1, 2009,
qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill
®
, and:
1. Have at least 6 years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or selected reserve) on
the date of approval and agree to serve four additional years in the armed forces from the date
of election.
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2. Have at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or selected reserve)
on the date of approval, are precluded by either standard policy (service or Department of
Defense) or statute from committing to four additional years and agree to serve for the
maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute.
3. Are or will become eligible for retirement during the period from Aug. 1, 2009 to July 31,
2012 and agree to serve an additional period of service noted in bulleted points a to d (see list
below). Service members are considered eligible for retirement if they have completed 20
years of active federal service or 20 qualifying years as computed pursuant to section 12732
of title 10 U.S.C. This will no longer be in effect on Aug. 1, 2013; on or after this date, all
members must comply with items 1 and 2.
a. For individuals eligible for retirement on Aug. 1, 2009, no additional service is required.
b. For individuals eligible for retirement after Aug. 1, 2009 and before Aug. 1, 2010, one
year of additional service is required.
c. For individuals eligible for retirement on or after Aug. 1, 2010 and before Aug. 1, 2011,
two years of additional service is required.
d. For individuals eligible for retirement on or after Aug. 1, 2011 and before Aug. 1, 2012,
three years of additional service is required.
4. Such transfer must be requested and approved while the member is in the Armed Forces.
Eligible Dependents
An individual approved to transfer an entitlement to educational assistance under this section may
transfer his/her entitlement to:
• A spouse
• One or more children
• Any combination of spouse and children
• A family member must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System
(DEERS) and be eligible for benefits at the time of transfer in order to receive transferred
educational benefits.
A child's subsequent marriage will not affect his/her eligibility to receive the educational benefit;
however, after an individual has designated a child as a transferee under this section, the individual
retains the right to revoke or modify the transfer at any time.
A subsequent divorce will not affect the transferee’s eligibility to receive educational benefits;
however, after an individual has designated a spouse as a transferee under this section, the eligible
individual retains the right to revoke or modify the transfer at any time.
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Nature of Transfer
An eligible service member may transfer up to the total months of unused Post-9/11 GI Bill
®
benefits, or the entire 36 months if the member has used none (unless the U.S. Departments of
Defense or Homeland Security limit the number of months an individual may transfer). The use
of transferred educational benefits by family members is subject to:
Spouse:
• May start to use the benefit immediately.
• May use the benefit while the member remains in the Armed Forces or after separation from
active duty.
• Is not eligible for the monthly housing allowance while the member is serving on active duty.
• Can use the benefit for up to 15 years after the service member’s last separation from active
duty.
Child:
• May start to use the benefit only after the individual making the transfer has completed at
least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces.
• May use the benefit while the eligible individual remains in the Armed Forces or after
separation from active duty.
• May not use the benefit until he/she has attained a secondary school diploma (or equivalency
certificate) or reached 18 years of age.
• Is entitled to the monthly housing allowance stipend even though the eligible individual is on
active duty.
• Is not subject to the 15-year delimiting date, but may not use the benefit after reaching 26
years of age.
For more information, please visit www.gibill.va.gov.
New York State Aid
Standard of Satisfactory Academic Progress for the Purpose of Determining Eligibility for
New York State Aid
For purposes of financial aid eligibility, the chart below indicates the number of credits the student
must complete and the minimum GPA that must be achieved to maintain satisfactory progress for
New York State financial aid purposes. A student is also expected to maintain Satisfactory
Academic Progress as measured in terms of credits attempted toward his/her degree, as
described above. To determine the number of credits a student must complete and the minimum
grade point average that must be achieved to remain in good academic standing, locate the
student’s semester of study in the first row and read down the columns.
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Academic Standard Chart
Program: Graduate Divisions other than the Law Center
(eligible only for NYS Scholarship)
Before being certified for this
payment;
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
A student must have accrued this
many credits
0 6 12 21 30 45 60 75
with at least this grade point average
0
2.0
2.5
2.75
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
Touro University Employee Benefits/Tuition Remission
Touro University full-time employees who wish to attend classes at Touro University take
advantage of the Employee Benefits Tuition Remission policy must:
•
Complete an Employee Benefits Tuition Remission form prior to the start of each semester
they are planning to attend school;
•
File a FAFSA and submit federal and state tax returns along with documentation of all
other sources of income.
Once the financial aid office verifies eligibility, has the Pell and TAP awards (Pell and TAP awards
are limited to undergraduate students) on hand and can verify registration, the tuition remission
amount will be entered. Tuition Remission is extended to full-time faculty and staff, their spouses
and dependent children. Anyone in default of a student loan is excluded from receiving this benefit.
Employees taking classes in an undergraduate program will receive 100% tuition remission.
Employees taking classes in a professional or graduate level program will receive up to 25% tuition
remission.
• When an official notification was not provided by the student because of circumstances
beyond his/her control (i.e., illness, accident, grievous personal loss, or other circumstances),
the date of the onset of such circumstances will be serve as the withdrawal date as determined
by the Office of the Registrar.
In-House Scholarships
Information related to TouroCOM Scholarships can be found here.
Should a refund check generated by Institutional funds which is issued to a student remain
unclaimed for one (“1”) year, Touro reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to make
adjustments to any internal funds which remain on a student’s account as unclaimed. The
student shall not have any right to the adjusted funds.
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Withdrawal Policy, Federal Return to Title IV (R2T4)
Objective
The Title IV Student Withdrawal Policy is designed to ensure the accurate and timely
determination of:
1) The date of the institution’s determination that a student withdrew;
2) The student’s withdrawal date; and
3) The student’s last date of attendance.
The policy maintains the proper disposition of Title IV funds, in accordance with 34 CFR 668.22
of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Background
Title IV or federal financial aid is awarded to students based upon the assumption that they will
complete their semesters of enrollment and earn satisfactory grades. When students fail to
complete their classes, they may lose eligibility for federal funds that they already received or
could have received.
When a recipient of Title IV grant(s) and/or loan(s) withdraws (voluntarily or involuntarily) from
Touro during a payment period (or semester) in which he/she began attendance, the college must
determine the amount of the grant and/or loan assistance earned by the student as of his/her
withdrawal date. This policy establishes steps that Touro must take to ensure compliance with
federal regulations.
Policy
Touro must always return any unearned Title IV funds that it is responsible for within 45 days of
the date Touro determined the student withdrew and offer any post-withdrawal disbursement of
loan funds within 30 days of that date. Reference: Student Financial Aid Handbook, Volume 5;
Chapter 1 Withdrawals and Return of Title IV Funds.
Withdrawal Date
A student’s withdrawal date varies depending on the type of withdrawal. Reference: Determining
a student’s withdrawal date at a school that is not required to take attendance in the Student
Financial Aid Handbook, Volume 5; Chapter 1 Withdrawals and Return of Title IV Funds.
Official Notification Provided
• In a case when the student provides official notification of his/her intent to withdraw,
Touro will use the date of notification as follows:
• In the event that a student begins Touro’s withdrawal process,* the date the student begins
the process is the date of withdrawal.
• In the event that a student sends written notification of intent to withdraw, the date Touro
receives the written notice is the date of withdrawal.
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• In the event that a student makes an oral notification to the Office of the Registrar, which is
Touro’s designated office for beginning the withdrawal process, the date will be documented
by this office. The date of withdrawal will be recorded as of the date of oral notification,
unless there is subsequent written notification, in which case the date that Touro receives the
written notification may be the withdrawal date.
*To begin the withdrawal process, the student contacts the Office of the Registrar to obtain the
appropriate withdrawal form. If the student both begins the withdrawal process and provides a
notification to Touro, the earlier of the two dates will be used as the withdrawal date.
Official Notification Not Provided
In a case when the student does not provide official notification of his/her intent to withdraw,
Touro may use the midpoint of the payment period as the date of withdrawal, with the following
exception:
• When an official notification was not provided by the student because of circumstances
beyond his/her control (i.e., illness, accident, grievous personal loss, or other circumstances),
the date of the onset of such circumstances will be serve as the withdrawal date as determined
by the Office of the Registrar.
Last Date of Attendance
Touro may always use the withdrawal date as the student's last date of attendance at an academic
activity reported by a faculty member on a course enrollment roster or final grade sheet. Examples
of academic activities are exams, tutorials, computer-assisted instruction, academic counseling,
turning in class assignments, or attending a study group assigned by the University. The faculty
member will maintain documentation of the last date of attendance.
Date of Institution’s Determination of Student Withdrawal
The date of Touro’s determination that a student withdrew varies depending upon the type of
withdrawal. Reference: Determining a student’s withdrawal date at a school that is not required to
take attendance, Student Financial Aid Handbook, Volume 5; Chapter 1 Withdrawals and Return
of Title IV Funds.
Date of Official Notification Provided
This is the date the student provides official notification to Touro or begins the withdrawal process,
whichever is later.
Date of Official Notification Not Provided
This is the date that Touro learns the student has ceased attendance. Touro will perform the Return
to Title IV Funds calculation and return any unearned funds no later than 45 days after the end of
the payment period determining the withdrawal date. For a student who withdraws without
providing notification to Touro, the institution must determine the withdrawal date no later than
30 days after the end of the earliest:
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• Payment period or period of enrollment (as appropriate)
• Academic year
• Educational program
Reference: Student Financial Aid Handbook, Volume 5; Chapter 1 Withdrawals and Return of
Title IV Funds.
Calculation of Earned Title IV Assistance
U.S. Department of Education software will be used to perform all refund calculations. A copy of
the completed calculation worksheet will be kept in the student’s file in the Office of Financial
Aid. The amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student is calculated by determining the
percentage of grant and/or loan assistance earned by the student and applying that percentage to
the total amount of grant and/or loan assistance disbursed to the student or on the student's behalf
for the payment period, as of his/her withdrawal date. The percentage of Title IV assistance earned
will be equal to the percentage of the payment period completed by the student, when said
percentage is less than 60%. If the student’s withdrawal date occurs after the completion of 60%
of the payment period, the percentage earned is 100%.
Post-Withdrawal Disbursements
If the total amount of the Title IV grant and/or loan assistance earned by the student is more than
the amount that was disbursed to the student as of the withdrawal date, the difference between the
two amounts will be treated as a post-withdrawal disbursement. In the event of outstanding charges
on the student’s account, Touro will credit his/her account for all or part of the amount of the post-
withdrawal disbursement, up to the amount of allowable charges.
If Direct Loan and/or Federal Perkins Loan Program funds are used to credit the student’s account,
Touro will notify the student (or parent for a PLUS Loan) and provide the student (or parent) with
the opportunity to cancel all or a portion of the loan(s).
Any amount of a post-withdrawal disbursement that is comprised of loan funds and has not been
credited to a student’s account will be offered to the student (or parent for a PLUS Loan) within
30 days of the date the college determined the student's withdrawal. Any earned grant funds that
the student is eligible to receive due to a post-withdrawal disbursement will be provided within 45
days of the date of determination. Students will be notified of such disbursements in writing. The
notification will include:
• Identification of the type and amount of the Title IV funds that make up the post-
withdrawal disbursement (not to include any amounts that have been applied to the
student’s account);
• Explanation that the student (or parent for a PLUS loan) may accept or decline some
or all of the post-withdrawal disbursement (that which has not been applied to the
student’s account); and
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• Advisement that Touro is not required to make a post-withdrawal disbursement if the
student (or parent for a PLUS Loan) does not respond within 14 days of the date that
Touro sent the notification.
Upon receipt of a timely response from the student or parent, Touro will disburse funds in the
manner specified in the response. Distribution will occur within 180 days of the date of
determination of the student’s withdrawal date. If no response is received from the student or
parent, Touro will not disburse any of the funds. Touro maintains the right to decide whether or
not to make a post-withdrawal disbursement in the event that the student (or parent for a PLUS
Loan) responds after 14 days of the date that notification was sent to them. If Touro decides not to
make this post-withdrawal disbursement, it will inform the student (or parent) in writing. In the
case of a post-withdrawal disbursement, grant funds will be disbursed prior to loan funds.
Refund of Unearned Funds to Title IV
If the total amount of Title IV grant and/or loan assistance that was earned by the student is less
than the amount that was disbursed to the student as of the withdrawal date, the difference between
the two amounts will be returned to Title IV programs and no further disbursements will be made.
Funds will be returned as follows:
Refunds by the University
In the event that Touro is responsible for returning funds to Title IV programs, the funds will be
returned in the order prescribed by the U.S. Department of Education (listed below) within 45 days
of the date of determination of a student's withdrawal.
• Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loans
• Subsidized Federal Direct Student Loans
• Perkins Loans
• Federal Direct PLUS Loans
• Federal Pell Grants for the payment period for which a return of funds is required
• Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) for the payment period for which a return of funds
is required
• National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART) for the payment
period for which a return of funds is required
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) for the payment period for
which a return of funds is required
• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH) for the
payment period for which a return of funds is required
• Other assistance under Title IV for which a return of funds is required
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Refunds by the Student
In the event that the student is responsible for returning grants funds to Title IV programs, Touro
will notify the student within 45 days of the date of determination of his/her withdrawal. The
student will be advised concerning making arrangements for repayment.
In some cases, both the student and Touro are each responsible for returning funds to the U.S.
Department of Education under the R2T4 regulations.
Payment Period or Enrollment Period
Withdrawals and the return of Title IV funds will be based on a payment period for all standard
term (or semester) programs.
Documentation
Touro must document a student’s withdrawal date and the date of determination that the student
withdrew. The documents will be kept in the student’s academic file in the Office of the Registrar.
The Title IV funds calculation and other accompanying documentation will be secured in the
Office of Financial Aid.
Additional Financial Aid Policies for Graduate Students
High School Diploma
If you enroll in higher education for the first time on or after July 1, 2012, in order to be eligible
for federal student aid, you must have either a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent
(such as a General Educational Development certificate (GED) or a home school education). You
no longer have the option of becoming eligible for federal student aid by passing an approved test
or completing at least six credit hours or 225 clock hours of postsecondary education. This may
also apply to state grant and other state funded programs.
Touro also reserves the right to evaluate any high school diploma presented by a student. Touro
may, at any time, request a copy of a high school transcript to validate a high school diploma. A
high school diploma or recognized equivalent is required to receive federal student aid.
Transfer Students
All students transferring from other institutions will have their credits evaluated. The Office of
Admissions will notify the Office of Financial Aid of the number of accepted credits.
The financial aid package will be prepared based on the number of accepted transfer credits. If a
financial aid package is prepared prior to the final transfer credit evaluation, federal loans will be
awarded based on the grade level for which the transfer credits have been accepted. If additional
transfer credits are accepted, the Office of Admissions will notify the Office of Financial Aid. In
addition, a student must contact the Office of Financial Aid to determine if he/she is eligible for
an increase in federal student loans based on academic grade level.
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Financial Aid for Repeated Coursework: Financial Aid Impact
Repeating courses may significantly impact Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and eligibility
for Title IV federal financial aid and institutional aid. All course repeats will count as attempted
credits and be used in the quantitative and maximum timeframe components of the SAP policy.
Students should consult with a financial aid advisor before registering for a repeated course.
The rules regarding repeated coursework will further impact recipients of Title IV federal financial
aid funding. Students are allowed to repeat coursework under these circumstances for Federal
Financial Aid:
• May repeat a previously passed course only once (and receive aid for the repeated course).
• May repeat a failed course until it is passed (aid eligibility will be limited to one repeat).
• May not repeat a previously passed course due only to a student’s failure to pass other
coursework.
STANDARDS OF SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requires that students are able to complete their academic
program in a timely manner while achieving and maintaining compliance with minimum academic
standards. Federal regulations mandate that all students are required to conform to SAP standards
as they work toward a degree in order for them to qualify to receive financial assistance through
all Touro University (Touro) eligible Title IV federal financial aid programs. Conformance to
Touro’s SAP policy ensures that students complete their academic program in a timely manner
while achieving and maintaining compliance with minimum academic standards.
This SAP policy applies to all Touro students including undergraduate, graduate and professional
students. These standards are for Title IV Federal Financial Aid purposes only and neither replace
nor override academic policies outlined by Touro, other state or Federal benefit programs (i.e.,
NYS Tuition Assistance Program) or individual program requirements. However, these standards
are intended to be at least as rigorous as Touro’s academic policies.
The complete Touro University Satisfactory Academic Progress policy can be found online at
https://www.touro.edu/students/policies/satisfactory-academic-progress-policy/.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 104
OFFICE OF THE BURSAR
The Bursar’s Office, as part of Student Services, is responsible for maintaining all students’ tuition
accounts and the University’s receivables. This includes reviewing charges and payments, issuing
refunds, collection activities and providing support and guidance to create a seamless experience
for our students. These functions are accomplished while servicing the needs of our students within
the framework of Touro’s policies and legal guidelines.
Important FACTS
Matriculation is subject to satisfactory completion of all academic requirements and payment of
all outstanding tuition and fees to the University. Students will not be allowed to register with a
prior balance. Participation in our program can be delayed, suspended, or terminated due to a
failure to meet deadlines or pay tuition and fees when due.
Late fees at $100 per month will begin 30 days after the end of the add/drop period until paid in
full or enrolled in a payment plan.
Diploma requests will not be processed for students who have account balances including
delinquent fines, e.g., library overdue fines.
For further information concerning the Bursar, refer to the TouroCOM Student Handbook, found
on this page: https://tourocom.touro.edu/students/.
Section 103 Provisions for Veteran Students: Pending Payment Compliance for Eligible
Students
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection I, Touro University adopts the following
additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11
G.I. Bill
®
(Ch. 33) or Veteran Readiness and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the
University is pending from the VA. Touro University will not:
• prevent nor delay the student’s enrollment;
• assess a late penalty fee to the student;
• require the student to secure alternative or additional funding
• deny the student access to any resources available to other students who have satisfied their
tuition and fee bills to Touro University, including, but not limited to, access to classes,
libraries, or other institutional facilities.
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
• produce the Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class;
• provide a written request to be certified;
• provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in
other University policies.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 105
LIBRARY
Please visit Finding What You Need | Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | Touro University
STUDENT COUNSELING
Academic Counseling
Students seeking advising for campus-life issues, the academic program, or the administrative
requirements of attending the school can be obtained through the Office of the Dean/Assistant
Dean of Student Affairs, Directors of Financial Aid, Registrar, Bursar, Preclinical Dean/Assistant
Dean, Learning Specialist, Clinical Department Chairpersons, or a Professor. Faculty and
administration are involved intimately in providing an array of support services to our students
which include, but are not limited to, professional counseling, guidance, and advisement. Within
the Office of the Preclinical Dean/Assistant Dean is a process for early warning, whereby students
are informed of their progress or lack thereof on a quarterly basis. The Dean/Assistant Dean of
Student Affairs provides access to a peer counselor in times of need and is also available for
advisement and support on an as-needed basis. Course directors provide support through review
sessions of course materials and in-person advisement. Collectively, the entire system works
together to communicate with students as early and often as possible in support of each student’s
academic progress.
Behavioral Health — Counseling and Wellness
TouroCOM students who desire advice or counseling about time management, stress, anxiety,
burnout, fatigue mitigation, and mental health needs are personally responsible to seek help.
Counseling and Wellness services as well as how to contact the counselor are introduced to all
students during orientation. Counseling services are also published on the school’s website and via
paper-based flyers posted around campus. All counseling or therapy sessions with the school
counselor or social worker are private, confidential, and free.
For emergency situations, crisis and interventional specialists are also available 24/7 for students
in need. For additional information about all of the wellness services available, please visit
https://tourocom.touro.edu/do/health—wellness/.
Student Assistance Program (SAP) – Health Advocate
In addition, Touro University offers a free Student Assistance Program that provides all Touro
University students, wherever located, with free 24/7/365 mental health services, including a crisis
hotline; up to three sessions of confidential telephone, video, or in-person counseling per issue per
year; and referrals to community mental health care providers.
Phone: 1-855-384-1800
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://members.healthadvocate.com
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 106
FACULTY ADVISORS
Faculty Advisors play a key role at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. Students and faculty
work together very closely in the academic arena. Students are encouraged to use the advice,
expertise, and help of the faculty through the advisor program. At a minimum, the advisor is a
faculty member and advocate who takes a personal interest in their assigned students’ academic
success. Students should feel free to contact their advisor as frequently as necessary for advice,
encouragement, and support. Advisors may assume a proactive role and provide academic support
to their students when performance levels fail to meet minimum academic standards. A timely
response to outreach from one’s advisor is required. It is a violation of the TouroCOM
Professionalism Standards to not respond to this communication in a timely or professional
manner.
Faculty Advisement for 1
st
& 2
nd
Year Students
Faculty advisors are assigned during orientation for the entering class. First- and second-year
students are required to meet with their faculty advisor a minimum of two times each semester. At
least one meeting with the advisor must be dedicated to the review of career planning.
Faculty Advisement for 3
rd
& 4
th
Year Students
Third- and fourth-year students may continue to seek advisement from their assigned advisor at
the medical school. Students on clinical rotations are advised, however, to seek advisement from
the clinical faculty at the clinical rotation sites, particularly from the TouroCOM Directors of
Medical Education (DME) and Clerkship Directors. Students in the third- and fourth- clinical years
are encouraged to work with the DMEs and Clerkship Directors, as well as the Clinical
Dean/Assistant Dean, Dean/Assistant Dean of Clinical Education, Director of Clinical Rotations,
and the Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs concerning any challenges that may be
experienced while on rotations.
Process for Switching Advisors
Students may request a switch in advisors. To do so, students must submit a request in writing to
the Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, with a copy to the advisor they are switching from as
well as the advisor to whom they are switching. If a specific faculty member is named as the
preferred advisor, the advisor must agree to becoming the student’s advisor before the change can
be made.
TUTORING
The Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine may offer students peer tutoring services without
charge through the Office of Student Affairs or via assigned Teaching Assistant (TAs). Tutoring
is available on a first-come first-served basis and is designed to help students enhance their test-
taking skills, modify their study habits, and/or focus on critical material and content. Request
forms for tutoring services are available in the Office of Student Affairs, or students may attend
TA office hours or make a TA appointment as directed on the appropriate course Canvas page. In
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 107
some cases, students may request assistance with studying and learning skills. In these cases, the
student may be referred to the Preclinical Dean/Assistant Dean for further direction and assistance.
Students interested in becoming a tutor or TA can contact the Office of Student Affairs or
appropriate Course Director. Final approval to tutor or become a TA for a subject is granted by
the appropriate Course Director. Student tutors must be able to communicate effectively, have
mastered the course material, and be in good academic standing. Work-study tutors receive an
hourly payment for their services paid for by federal funds. Student tutors must have registered in
the Office of Student Affairs to be eligible for payment for services.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Touro University (“Touro” or the “University”) complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which protects persons
from discrimination on the basis of physical or mental impairments for all educational and
employment purposes. Reasonable accommodations may be available for students who have
physical or learning-related disabilities.
Touro University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to students with
documented disabilities who request accommodations. Policies and procedures ensure that
students with a disability will not, on the basis of that disability, be denied full and equal access to
academic and co-curricular programs or activities or otherwise be subjected to discrimination
under programs offered by the University. The University has a centralized Office of Student
Disability Services headed by an Executive Director who oversees Student Disability Services
operations in the Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional Divisions. Touro College of
Osteopathic Medicine students with disabilities seeking reasonable accommodations should do so
through the Office of Student Disability Services (OSDS) Coordinators for TouroCOM, the
Deans/Assistant Deans of Student Affairs:
Harlem Middletown Great Falls
Nadege Dady Jerry Cammarata Haley Denzer
A student requesting accommodation for a documented disability under the ADA must meet with
the OSDS coordinator and submit an Application for Accommodations & Services. Verbal
disclosure of a disability and request for accommodation is not sufficient and cannot substitute for
required documentation. Students may apply for reasonable accommodations at any time.
Accommodations, if granted, are only done so on a prospective basis. Reasonable accommodations
are never provided retroactively.
Students seeking reasonable accommodations must:
1) Complete the Application for Accommodations & Services.
2) Provide documentation as described in the Guide to Documentation Requirements.
3) Participate in an interactive dialogue with the OSDS coordinator.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 108
The process, as described above, will result in the issuance of a Receipt of Accommodations form,
which will either approve or deny the request. This form is signed by the coordinator, the Dean or
Program Director, and the student.
The process, including all submitted documentation, remains confidential. The Receipt of
Accommodations (“Receipt”) should not contain any disability-specific information; rather it only
lists approved accommodations. The Receipt is shared with the program in which the student is
registered to ensure that the approved accommodations are implemented.
A copy of the Application for Accommodations & Services may be available by contacting the
Office of Student Disabilities Services Coordinators for TouroCOM, the Deans/Assistant Deans
for Student Affairs:
Harlem Middletown Great Falls
Nadege Dady Jerry Cammarata Haley Denzer
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Student Rights
• Confidentiality of all information pertaining to a student’s disability, except where
disclosure is required by law.
• Equal access to courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities available
through the University.
• Reasonable and appropriate accommodations, and/or academic adjustments determined
by the coordinators of OSDS.
• Access to all services and support available to all Touro students with reasonable
accommodations where necessary and appropriate.
Student Responsibilities
• Request reasonable accommodations as necessary and appropriate.
• Meet University and programmatic qualifications, technical, academic, and institutional
standards set for all students.
• Identify themselves as an individual with a disability when seeking reasonable
accommodation (please note that the approval process takes some time, and as such
students are urged to file their paperwork as soon as possible).
• Provide documentation (i.e., diagnosis, diagnostic exam results, etc.) from an appropriate
professional source(s) to verify the nature of the disability and functional limitations as
related to the requested accommodation(s).
• Respond in a timely fashion to the Office of Student Disability Services’ requests for
additional information.
• Follow specific procedures for obtaining reasonable accommodations.
• Attend all classes for enrolled courses, unless otherwise medically excused.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 109
• Immediately report to the OSDS coordinator if previously approved accommodations are
not being made.
• Report to the OSDS coordinator if previously approved accommodations require
modification, which will result in an interactive dialogue and may result in modifications
to reasonable accommodations.
• Understand that accommodations are never provided on a retroactive basis.
• Understand that receiving reasonable accommodations is not a guarantee of academic
success.
• Keep a copy of their submitted documentation. Touro is not the custodian of the student’s
application or medical records.
Grievance Policy
If a student feels that they have been discriminated against on the basis of their disability or
disability status, the student has the right to file a complaint through the grievance or student
complaint mechanisms stated in this Catalog or the Program Student Handbook. A student can
follow a similar procedure to appeal the University’s response to a request for reasonable
accommodations.
For more information and a copy of the Office of Student Disability Services Handbook, please
visit https://www.touro.edu/departments/student-disability-services/
S
UMMER COURSES
Summer courses may be offered. These courses may be introductory, preparatory, or for
remediation. Please check for course offerings at https://tourocom.touro.edu/about/pre-med-
pathways/summer-courses/.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 110
ACADEMIC RULES AND REGULATIONS
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with New York and Montana State Departments of Health regulations, TouroCOM
requires that all incoming students and students preparing to begin clinical rotations submit
documented proof of immunizations. For didactic classes, students are required to submit
immunization records for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and meningitis prior to
matriculation. In addition, Montana students are required to complete a TB screening
questionnaire. For clinical rotations, students are required to submit immunization records for
diphtheria/tetanus, polio, and hepatitis B. They must also complete and submit the Meningococcal
Meningitis Vaccination Response Form. TouroCOM is required by law to keep student
immunization documentation on file and where dictated by law, immunity by titer. No student will
be permitted to begin and attend classes or clinical rotations if they have not provided satisfactory
proof of required immunizations as required by the provider or otherwise.
Immunization forms can be obtained in the Office of the Registrar at various campus locations, or
downloaded at: Immunization Form.
Evidence and results of tuberculosis screening will be required before serving clinical rotations as
required by the provider or as required by law (See the TouroCOM Clinical Rotations website).
REGISTRATION PROCESS
All students are registered automatically via block registration (by the Registrar) for the
preselected courses that correspond to their academic program at TouroCOM. Students assume all
responsibility for paying tuition and fees incurred via this registration process.
It is the student’s responsibility to inform the Office of the Registrar of their enrollment that might
affect registration by the established deadlines to avoid tuition and fee obligations incurred via
block registration. Changes in registration that result in an adjustment to tuition and fee charges
will be processed according to the established and published policies.
ATTENDANCE, TARDINESS, ABSENCES, AND EXAMINATIONS
TouroCOM encourages and expects students to attend all scheduled courses of study including,
but not limited to, classroom lectures, discussion groups/interactive sessions, laboratory activities,
and clinical assignments. Students should refer to the course syllabus for specific requirements for
individual classes. If there are requirements articulated in a course document, then those
requirements prevail.
An absence from a graded or required activity described in the course syllabi may be excused
according to the Criteria for Requesting an Excused Absence for Courses, Labs, and Discussion
Groups section below. Absence from instructional periods for any reason does not relieve the
student from responsibility for material covered.
Promptness is a trait the physician must display and is a component of the Core Competency of
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 111
Professionalism of the AOA. Tardiness in class disturbs both the lecturer and the entire student
body and is inconsiderate and rude. Repeated tardiness is considered improper professional
behavior and may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal.
Late Attendance for an Examination
Other than situations specifically addressed in this Catalog, students are required to be present for
all scheduled examinations. All students are required to sign in for an exam no less than 15 minutes
prior to the assigned examination start-time, and they are to follow all examination procedures. If
a student finds that he/she is unavoidably detained and is more than 15 minutes late for a scheduled
written examination, he/she should not enter the exam room but should present himself/herself to
either the Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs or the Preclinical Dean/Assistant Dean instead
to explain the situation.
Following the meeting, the Dean/Assistant Dean may offer one of the following options to the
student:
1. The exam will be taken during the remaining allotted exam time with no penalty.
2. The exam will be rescheduled for a later time with a 10% penalty for an exam covering the
same topic.
3. In instances where a student is impacted by a situation outside of their control (see Criteria
for Requesting an Excused Absence for Courses, Labs, and Discussion Groups section
below), an excused absence may be requested to precipitate the rescheduling of that
examination with no penalty.
4. A missed written exam must be made up within one week of the original assigned exam
date or as scheduled following the approval of the Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.
Criteria for Requesting an Excused Absence for Courses, Labs, and Discussion Groups
Permission to be excused from a required course component, lab, or discussion group/iClicker
session is not granted routinely. To request an excused absence, please complete and submit an
excused absence request form to the Office of Student Affairs. The form can be found at
http://tourocom.touro.edu/student-affairs/excused-absences/
Excused absences are granted for situations specifically addressed in this Catalog. All absence
requests must be accompanied by contemporaneous supporting documentation. The following
criteria are recognized for granting excused absences:
1. The student has a death in the immediate family. An announcement of the family member’s
funeral arrangements may be presented as supporting documentation.
2. The student is admitted to a hospital for medical reasons. In the case of an injury or illness,
a physician’s note (and/or evidence documenting such an absence) is required. The College
reserves the right to ask for additional supporting documentation in support of the
physician’s note. Seeing a doctor does not satisfy the requirement for a medical excuse.
Acute trauma, immunocompromised status, or having a communicable condition
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 112
(documented with laboratory confirmation) would be clinical examples that might meet the
requirement for a medical excuse. Be aware that it is the student who requests that medical
information be provided to the school. The student is charged with the responsibility to
inform the physician that in order to be excused, a medical note must be prepared that
explains specific reason(s) why the physician directed the student not to attend required
classes or examinations during that time. The medical note also must state why it would
have posed a danger to the student or to the student body/faculty or staff to be present at
the college. Late presentation of a note or retroactive application may affect the
determination of whether the absence is excused.
3. Academic pursuits whereby a student is participating in a prior-approved seminar,
conference, or educational program to promote a better understanding of medical education
and the field of osteopathic medicine.
4. Situations beyond the control of the student and related to the exceptional circumstances
of the COVID19 pandemic. Students are responsible for all learning according to the
schedule in the syllabus. It is the student’s responsibility to contact administration or
faculty to complete any missed course requirements, as appropriate.
Unexcused Absence Policies
The following policy applies only to the components of the curriculum cited here. Students are
otherwise required to meet all attendance requirements and submission due dates as detailed in
this handbook and course syllabi.
For Full-Term classes: Some courses may grade student iClicker responses recorded during in-
classroom exercises to contribute to the final course grade as indicated in the syllabus. In this
situation, a student is allowed two unexcused in-classroom iClicker/Interactive session absences
per course per semester without grade penalty. Unexcused absences are to allow students the
opportunity to miss an in-classroom iClicker/Interactive session for a reason that does not comply
with excused absence policies (see above).
For Half-Term classes: Half-term classes are defined as any class that does not run for the entire
semester (i.e., Anatomy and Embryology II, Neuroanatomy). In these courses, a student is allowed
one unexcused in-classroom iClicker/Interactive session absence per course without penalty. Live
lecture/Seminar-based classes: (i.e., Intro to Cultural Competency and Professionalism and
Medical Ethics) a student is allowed one unexcused in-classroom iClicker/Interactive session
absence per course without penalty.
The Unexcused Absence Policy does not apply to the submission of Canvas quizzes, for which
unexcused absences will not be granted, and students are expected to comply with all quiz
requirements as detailed in the course syllabi.
Students must consult the specific course syllabus regarding laboratory attendance requirements.
Please see iClicker Policies below for the specifics on how a student’s iClicker grade is determined.
Students should check the course syllabus for the final grade breakdown of each course.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 113
I
CLICKER POLICIES
The TouroCOM preclinical education program is successful, according to student performance on
internal evaluations and on external national evaluations (COMLEX-USA Level 1). The content
review, quizzes, and discussions in each class each week are key assessment elements in this
success. The opportunity for faculty and students to track understanding of content in the
classroom depends on the fair and consistent use of iClicker technology.
iClicker Group A and B
In the case where classes or labs are divided into A and B discussion groups students are to attend
these classes in their assigned group, unless given permission by the Preclinical Dean/Assistant
Dean or Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs to attend the alternative session.
iClicker App
Assessment in the classrooms may be conducted using the iClicker Cloud application, which can
be downloaded to a student’s phone, tablet, or computer. It is the student’s responsibility to have
a device that meets all technical standard requirements, and which has the iClicker Cloud
application installed and connected to the TouroCOM Wi-Fi while in class. The iClicker account
can also be accessed through web browser by https://student.iclicker.com/ as an alternative.
iClicker Excused Absences
Excused absences for graded iClicker sessions are authorized ONLY by the Dean/Assistant Dean
of Student Affairs. Excused absences will be recorded as “Ex” on Canvas and will not be calculated
in the final iClicker grade at the end of the semester. In the event that an excused absence is not
granted, the policy for “unexcused absences” is followed.
See Criteria for Requesting an Excused Absence for Courses, Labs, and Discussion Groups
section above.
iClicker Unexcused Absences
See policy for Unexcused Absences above.
iClicker Grading
In some courses, student iClicker responses system are graded and applied to a student’s final
grade as indicated in the course syllabus. iClicker grades are calculated based upon the percentage
of questions answered correctly over the entire semester. Sessions that a student has an excused
absence for will not be counted. At the end of the semester, a student’s final iClicker grade is
capped at 100% of clicker points earned. Students should check the course syllabus for the final
grade breakdown of each course.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 114
Inappropriate use of iClickers
TouroCOM has a zero-tolerance policy for the inappropriate use of the iClicker app. Inappropriate
use includes, but is not limited to, the following:
a) students found to be entering iClicker answers on a device/application other than
their own. In this situation, both students will be referred to the Dean/Assistant
Dean of Students Affairs for disciplinary action and,
b) students who mistakenly or purposefully switch devices with one another student.
This is also a violation of the Code of Conduct and will be referred to the
Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.
c) students who are entering graded responses from outside the classroom
Individuals associated with Touro University or TouroCOM who violate any of the provisions of
the Code of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of Touro University or
TouroCOM. Students found to be giving or receiving an iClicker device to another student for the
purpose of entering responses for credit are in violation of the Academic Integrity Policy
(http://www.touro.edu/students/policies/academic-integrity/index.php). Violators are subject to
dismissal.
Re-clicking
Discussion sessions that require students to choose an answer a second time (for example, after a
2 min discussion), students must in fact “re-click” during the second polling to get credit, even if
their answer selection has not changed from the first polling.
Canvas
Students are responsible for checking iClicker grades on Canvas regularly and to notify the Course
Director immediately if there is any perceived discrepancy in how a question is graded. When
checking grades, please note the following: a dash [-] indicates when a student does not “click in,”
marked as an unexcused absence. The student will receive a zero grade for that session. A “0”
indicates that none of the student’s responses were correct. If you do not see an iClicker grade for
a particular date, check the course syllabus to ascertain if you had an iClicker class on that date.
iClicker Disputes: Policy for Administrative Review of iClicker Grades
Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that their device and iClicker application
are functioning correctly and that their responses are being received by the application. The system
will verify when the response is received by indicating “Answer Received” as illustrated below
(arrow). If this does not appear, it is the student’s responsibility to seek IT help as soon as possible
to resolve the situation.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 115
If the student has become disconnected from the Wi-Fi and is unable to answer a question, the
following screen should appear (below). It is advised that the student take a screen shot of the
message they are receiving from the application as evidence of this disruption and to assist IT in
rectifying the problem.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 116
Process for requesting an Administrative Review of iClicker Grades:
1. To request an administrative review of their iClicker grades, the student must submit an
email to the IT Department and to the Preclinical Dean/Assistant Dean detailing the exact
concern. Examples of “administrative” issues include (but are not limited to) technical
issues with the iClicker system, students’ device or iClicker account, excused absence
documentation. If the concern involves technical issues the IT Department may require the
device for inspection, to pinpoint the problem.
2. If applicable to the situation, the student should provide a screen shot taken at the time as
evidence of disrupted service.
3. Note that connectivity problems happen more frequently when students use their cellular
data as compared to the TouroCOM Wi-Fi. Because of this, students are advised to connect
via Touro Wi-Fi during their clicker sessions. If a student is using their cellular data, points
lost because of loss of cell signal may not be given back to the student.
4. The student will be notified within two weeks of the outcome of the review.
iClicker session grades posted to Canvas will stand, except:
1. when, upon administrative review, it is found that “grading” or “grade reporting” errors
affecting the whole class were made.
2. when, upon administrative review, a disruption of the TouroCOM Wi-Fi was found to
occur, thereby impacting the student’s opportunity to answer questions in the classroom.
3. when, upon administrative review, it is found that grades recorded by iClicker were
incorrectly transferred to Canvas.
4. when a student who received an excused absence for an iClicker session from the
Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs mistakenly had a zero recorded for that session.
Deadline for requesting a review of iClicker grades
Student concerns regarding iClicker and Canvas Quiz grades must be reported within 3 business
days of the final iClicker session of each respective course. iClicker grade concerns will not be
investigated after the deadline has passed.
ZOOM POLICIES
1. Students must create a (Basic) Zoom account using their Touro student email address.
Click here or use this link (https://zoom.us/signup) to set up.
2. When setting up a Zoom profile, students must enter full legal or preferred name as
approved by Touro.
3. When setting up a Zoom profile, students are required to insert their picture. Pictures must
be in the professional passport style (facing front, solid color neutral background,
professional attire, full head, and shoulders only). For more information on how to
customize your profile click here (or use this link https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-
us/articles/201363203-Customizing-your-Profile).
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 117
4. Students must always use their Zoom account/profile (with their full legal or preferred
name as approved by Touro) to access course Zooms.
5. Zoom sessions cannot be allowed using personal email addresses.
6. Students are responsible for having the most up-to-date versions of Zoom.
7. If using a mobile device, students are required to join the Zoom session via the Zoom app.
Joining the Zoom session with phone numbers only and/or no identifiers is not permitted.
Download the Zoom app via the app store (apple) or play store (android).
8. Professional behavior is required at all times. This is to be considered the virtual equivalent
of a clinician’s bedside manner – or the way you interact with faculty, students, or patients
(‘Netiquette’ or Webside Manner).
9. Students are not permitted to share the Zoom link provided for TouroCOM sessions with
anyone or to social media.
10. Each student must individually log into the Zoom using their full legal or preferred name
as approved by Touro. Students are expected to work with IT in advance to ensure that they
are able to display their full legal or preferred name as approved by Touro via Zoom. No
group logins will be permitted.
11. Each student must be able to easily and instantly view and respond to polls, mute and
unmute, utilize the chat function, utilize the “non-verbal feedback” (ex: blue “raise” hand,
lower hand) and other basic Zoom functions. For help, contact IT and/or utilize Zoom
training videos on https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-
Tutorials or contact Zoom support.
12. Students must always have a backup plan ready and available for immediate use (e.g., use
of cell phone if computer or tablet malfunctions).
13. Students must be able to hear and be heard for the duration of the Zoom session. Consider
the use of earphones as appropriate.
14. Students are strongly encouraged to have their video on during the lectures and learning
sessions. Some courses may require use of video as per course policy.
15. TouroCOM will typically attempt to record Zoom sessions and post them for students, but
technical issues may arise that might preclude this from happening or there may be
technical issues encountered during the recording of these sessions that make the quality
of these recording suboptimal.
16. Students are required to contact IT and resolve any technical issues prior to the learning
sessions.
* Refer to the TouroCOM Professionalism Standards.
RECORDING OF LECTURES
TouroCOM employs a flipped classroom educational model with recorded lectures available to
students. Students can access recordings through the learning management system (Canvas).
Students may not personally record course lectures unless an approved accommodation is made
by the Office of Student Disability Services Coordinator, since class lectures/discussions will
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already be recorded and posted by the faculty member. Touro University will take reasonable
measures to prevent inappropriate use of such recordings.
All users of the recordings agree to the terms and conditions of this policy prior to being allowed
access to the learning management system. The lecture(s) and any information contained in the
recorded lecture(s) may not be reproduced, displayed, broadcast, emailed, or published without
the consent of Touro University. This prohibition includes emailing or placing the recordings on
any webpage or anywhere on the internet for use by, or access to, any person, including the student.
In addition to any legal ramifications, misuse of recordings will be considered inappropriate
behavior pursuant to the Touro University Code of Conduct, and appropriate disciplinary action
will be taken, according to that policy.
These recordings will be governed by Touro’s Intellectual Property Policy. Recordings are for
institutional use only.
ONLINE COURSES OFFERED THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF ONLINE EDUCATION
Touro University offers certain courses via an online format; students should check with their
advisors regarding their eligibility to take a specific online course.
Online courses use the same syllabi as similar classroom courses and are designed to foster learner
engagement through course material and both individual and interactive group assignments.
Courses are taught asynchronously and require a high degree of independent work, which means
that online learners are expected to assume greater responsibility for their own learning than
students in traditional classroom-based courses. They must understand and address their own
learning needs; complete weekly assignments; take initiative in asking questions and obtaining
help; and be prepared to deal with technical difficulties, independently or through the help-desk.
Recognizing this, Touro University has developed and provides the necessary information and
learner support systems to assist learners in carrying out their learning activities and using the
available resources. Touro University has structured the online courses so that each student will
have a high level of personal accessibility to professors. It is the policy of Touro University that
all student e-mail inquiries will receive an initial reply within one business day of receipt by the
professor. Faculty members are expected to have weekly online office hours. Students may also
request a cyber-chat, or a personal appointment with, or a phone call from, their instructor.
Student Identity Verification Procedures for Distance Learners
In compliance with the provisions of the United States Federal Higher Education Opportunity Act
(HEOA) of 2008, Public Law 110-315, concerning the verification of student identity in online
learning, Touro University has established and will periodically evaluate its process to confirm
that a person who is enrolling in the University is the person who is completing the enrollment
form, that a student taking an examination is the student who registered to take the examination,
and that the student who is registered for an online course is the same student who participates in,
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 119
completes, and receives credit for the course. To authenticate identities, Touro University will use
one or more of the following methods for verification:
• A secure login with user name and password
• Proctored examinations (on-site or at a distance)
• New or emerging technologies and practices that are effective in verifying student
identification
• Comparison of student work with previously-assigned work or plagiarism databases
There are additional costs associated with taking an online proctored exam. Students testing at a
distance are informed in advance of these additional costs, both through e-mail and on our website.
All methods of verifying student identity must protect the privacy of student information in
accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), as well as any other
applicable laws or regulations regarding the confidentiality of personally identifiable information.
Personally-identifiable information collected by the University may be used as the basis for
identity verification. This information may include a combination of the following:
• Student ID number
• Last 4 digits of the student’s Social Security Number
• At least 2 other pieces of information, such as the student’s email address on file, date of
birth, address, or user name
Identity Verification for New Students
1. All students who enroll at the University are required to create a user account in Touro’s
portal (with secure student user name and password) and are authenticated through an
identity management system. Students must go through this system in order to register for
online courses.
2. Students access Canvas (see #3 below) after they are authenticated by the portal and set up
an avatar. The avatar is a picture of the student that appears next to their names in each of
their courses.
Identity Verification for Exam Takers
Onsite exams
1. Students taking examinations will be authenticated by proctors at the time of the exam at
the testing center. One valid form of identification, with photo, is required for admission
into the examination center. If the first ID is questioned by the test administrator, a second
valid photo ID will be required. Examinations which are proctored online similarly require
authentication of student identity.
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2. The professor prints out the list of the students taking the exam and their avatars so that the
proctor can check against the avatars at the exam as another means of photo identification
for onsite exams. Students sign in as they come to take their exams on-site, and the
professor or proctor checks the student name and ID against the printed roster.
3. Exams may be administered in a computer lab through the learning management system in
place at the University. Once the student is signed into their Canvas account, the professor
or proctor inputs the password that allows them to begin the exam. Students are required
to show their student picture ID as they enter the building where exams are administered.
Once the students are in their exam room, the professor or proctor checks the student name
and ID against their own printed roster of student names, avatars and IDs.
Lockdown Browser and/or Exam Password: When the professor comes to the student’s computer
and inputs the password, he or she is checking the student’s identity once again by visually noting
the student. The professor or proctor watches the student log into Canvas before typing in the
passwords. The Lockdown browser application prohibits a student’s computer from accessing
anything on the computer other than the exam page while the exam is in session.
Online exams
Getting onto Canvas:
1. Students must be authenticated through the portal, which requires that they know the secure
portal password.
2. Exam password: The professor must supply the proctor with the exam password.
3. Student privacy during a proctored exam at a distance is maintained through direct
communication and the use of a secure testing service.
4. Touro University uses an external online proctoring service which also maintains its own
security and verification policies.
General Information Concerning Touro University’s Online Courses
Online course offerings for each semester will be available to Touro students at registration. Touro
students who are interested in taking online courses should read the Online Student Guide, which
is available on the Touro website here.
Students who have never used email or the Internet before should become familiar with them
BEFORE attempting to register for an online course.
• Almost all of interaction with classmates and the instructor will be in writing, mainly via
the Internet and e-mail. Students who value face-to-face communication will be better off
in a traditional classroom.
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• Online courses cover the same amount of material as their in-class counterparts. They
require independent work for at least the number of hours normally spent in class PLUS
the time spent doing homework for a course.
• Homework and assignments are required to be completed on a regular basis and not left
for the end of the semester. Full credit may not be given for any assignment handed in after
the due date.
Student Eligibility for Taking Courses Online
You can register for an online course only if ALL of the following apply to you:
• You are NOT on probation.
• You have at least a 3.0 (“B”) average.
• You are not enrolled in an Associate’s degree program.
• No more than two courses can be taken online per semester.
If you do not meet the above eligibility criteria for registering for an online course, you will need
a Dean’s signature in order to register.
Registering for an Online Course
You may register online for online courses as you would for the classroom courses you are taking
within your division of Touro. Use the course code listed in the course offerings online. Students
registering for online courses use regular registration procedures—use the course code listed in the
schedule in this catalog and online.
After completing the course registration process, students will be able to access their online
class(es) via their Canvas accounts by logging onto the appropriate link on the TouroOne portal.
Technical Requirements for an Online Course
A current list of technical requirements for an online course can be found in the Online Student
Guide on the Touro website here.
Getting in Touch with Your Instructor
When emailing an instructor, an online student can expect a response within 24 hours (note: this
excludes weekends and vacation days). If one fails to get a response from your instructor within
24 hours, one should email info.onlineeducation@touro.edu with name, course code, and the
instructor name, so that Touro can track down the problem.
Preparing for the Semester for an Online Course—Reading Course Outlines, Acquiring
Textbooks, etc.
Course Outlines
Course outlines are posted on the course website prior to the first week of classes. Students will
be asked to read the course syllabus and confirm by e-mail when they have done so.
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Announcements and Assignments
The online semesters are comprised of 15 modules. Module start and end dates and due dates of
assignments in each module will be posted by the first day of class. Students should review the
dates and watch for new announcements and instructions as each module becomes available.
Textbooks and Course Material A textbook will be assigned for most courses.
Students are required to obtain a copy of this textbook before the beginning of class, if possible.
Do not delay purchasing a textbook—the nature of an online course requires the student to use the
textbook during the first week of class. Students are encouraged to purchase the required textbooks
online. Faculty members generally assign additional course material, including articles, book
chapters, and related videos.
Homework and Exams
In addition to weekly learning activities, each online course includes a midterm and a final exam.
Students are informed about exam dates and times in the course syllabus before the start of the
semester. Exams must be taken on the scheduled date and time. Some online courses will also
require a term paper.
Midterm Exams
Midterms are scheduled by faculty members and are administered either on-site by faculty
member, or online through an online proctoring company. Some online courses may require an
additional fee for midterm exams. Faculty members will inform students regarding the midterm in
their course syllabus.
Final Exams
• Final exam dates are announced on the first day of class and in the syllabus. Students who
have extenuating circumstances that prevent them from taking the exam on the designated
days may reach out to their instructor for further direction.
• Final exams are administered online through an online proctoring company.
• The final exam fee is included with the registration fee for each online course.
• Final exams must be taken using a desktop or laptop computer; iPads and tablets cannot be
used. A microphone, webcam, and hi-speed internet are required as well.
• More information about online testing, including any additional technical requirements,
can be found in the Canvas course once you are registered.
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GRADING
Grading standards and policies specific for each program are listed above.
Grade of “Incomplete” (INC)
A grade of “Incomplete” (INC) may be given to students who have acceptable levels of
performance for a given course but have not completed all course requirements – such as an
examination, a paper, a field work project, or time on a clinical rotation. “Incomplete” grades are
routinely allowed only for the completion of a relatively small percentage of work in a course (e.g.,
25%). Grades of “Incomplete” are not issued to students who are doing substandard work in order
to give them the opportunity to redo their projects/exams so that they can achieve an acceptable
grade.
The procedure for granting an “Incomplete” begins with the student requesting a meeting with the
faculty member in which the faculty member will review the student’s progress and decide whether
it is appropriate for the student to receive the grade of “Incomplete.” If the faculty member decides
that the student does not meet the requirements for the grade of Incomplete, she or he may deny
the student’s request. The student may contest the faculty member’s decision by appealing in
writing to the department/program chair. Policies regarding the consequences of missing a final
exam may differ in individual schools or programs, and will govern the student’s right to request
a grade of “Incomplete.”
If the student is permitted to apply for an Incomplete, he or she will fill out a Contract for Grade
of Incomplete. The Contract is considered a request until it is approved and signed by the student,
faculty member, and department/program chair. Signed copies of the Contract are given to the
student, the faculty member, the departmental/program chair, and a copy is forwarded to the
Registrar’s Office. The faculty member is asked to record the grade of “Incomplete” in the student
information system via TouroOne portal.
Although the time allowed for the completion of any single project may vary depending on the
magnitude of the project, with a typical timeframe being 6 weeks, grade of Incomplete should not
be allowed to stand longer than one semester from the end of the semester in which the course was
given. (Incomplete grade in the Fall must be changed by end of the next Spring; Incomplete grade
in the Spring must be changed by the end of next Fall). The faculty member will specify the amount
of time allowed to finish an incomplete project in the contract. The amount of time should be
appropriate to the project. For instance, a faculty member may only want to allow a relatively short
amount of time to complete a missing exam. Under special circumstances, the Dean may extend
the deadline beyond one semester. In such a case, the contract should be revised to reflect the
change. Once the student completes the required project, the faculty member determines the final
grade for the course and notifies the Registrar by using the standard Change of Grade form.
Courses that receive an “Incomplete” grade will be counted toward the total number of credits
attempted, but not earned. The course will not be calculated in the student’s term or cumulative
GPA until the incomplete grade is resolved. If the “INC” grade is subsequently changed to a “U,”
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 124
the “U” grade will be calculated into the student’s GPA and will appear on the transcript.
Incomplete grades can, therefore, affect a student’s financial aid status at the college, but will not
initially affect the student’s GPA.
All “INC” grades assigned during the second year must be converted to passing letter grades prior
to entering third year clinical rotations. All “INC” grades assigned during the fourth-year clinical
rotations must be converted to passing letter grades prior to graduation.
Audited Courses
Audit is a registration status that allows a student to attend a course without receiving credit or a
letter grade. Audit registration is based on availability, and priority is given to students who take
courses for credit. The level of participation in classroom activities is at the discretion of the
instructor.
Currently enrolled students may register to audit a course during the registration period, including
but not later than the last day of the drop/add period, by completing the Audit Registration Request
form.
Students who are not currently enrolled (alumni or individuals who are interested in auditing a
course only) must first apply through “Apply Yourself” for a non-matriculated status before
completing the Audit Registration Request form.
Students are charged an administrative flat fee for an audited course.
Audited courses do not count in the determination of full-time status, enrollment status, or financial
aid status.
Grade Point Average (GPA) and Class Rank
A student’s official GPA is calculated at the end of each semester. Each letter grade has a numerical
equivalent, or “value”. For example: A = 4.000, B+ = 3.333, B = 3.000, C = 2.000, U/C = 2.000,
U = 0. Cumulative GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned at
TouroCOM by the total number of credit hours completed, except for those with the grade of “P”
in courses graded on a pass/fail (unsatisfactory) basis. A student who earns a grade of “P” will
receive full credit for the course; however, this “P” grade is not counted in calculating the student’s
GPA. Example: A student receives the following grades and credits:
CREDIT
GRADE
GRADE
GRADE
HOURS VALUE POINTS
A 4 X 4.000 = 16.000
B 3 X 3.000 = 9.000
B+ 4 X 3.333 = 13.332
C 3 X 2.000 = 6.000
U/C 3 X 2.000 = 6.000
Totals 17 -- 50.332
Calculated GPA: 50.332 ÷ 17 = 2.96
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Class ranking is updated at the end of each semester based upon the order of cumulative GPAs
within the class. A student may request his/her most recent class rank from the Preclinical
Dean/Assistant Dean office either in person or in writing.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA) AND READMISSION
A matriculated student enrolled at Touro who chooses to interrupt his/her attendance but intends
to return and continue his/her study at Touro must submit to the Office of the Registrar a completed
“Leave of Absence (LOA)” request form signed by all parties noted on the form. An LOA should
be requested after the semester the student is in is completed and before the following semester
starts. If extenuating circumstances arise, a student may request a leave of absence mid-semester
and/or beyond one semester. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, a death in the
family, medical reasons, military leave and personal well-being. Any LOA requested during the
semester or for a period beyond one semester will be considered as a non-reportable LOA for
purposes of administering federal financial aid. PLEASE NOTE: This regulation may impact only
students who wish to take leaves of absence extending beyond one semester. Therefore, students
receiving Title IV financial aid funds must meet with a Financial Aid officer to discuss their
situation before filing a “Leave of Absence” request form.
A student whose leave of absence is approved, and who is registered for courses at the point of
approval, is automatically withdrawn from all courses. Tuition will be refunded in accordance with
Touro’s published refund policy.
Students who are on leave must contact the Office of the Registrar and submit a Petition to Return
to Classes form at least 30 days prior to the start of the semester in which they wish to resume their
studies. To return from a medical Leave of Absence, the student must also submit evidence, such
as a letter from the student’s physician or an evaluation by a responsible medical authority, that
there is no medical impairment that would prevent the student from fully participating in all phases
of the program.
Military Leave
TouroCOM is committed to supporting students called to active military duty. Students called to
such duty will be considered to be on military leave. Students called to active duty should notify
the Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs immediately and provide all of their pertinent call-up
papers. Students returning to Touro from active military duty will be eligible for reinstatement as
full-time Touro students once they have notified the Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and
have supplied any pertinent military papers requested. Preclinical students with less than two-
thirds of assignments/exams completed will be encouraged to restart the courses once they return.
Departments, however, will have the ability to make special arrangements. Clinical students
returning to Touro will be reinstated as closely as possible to the previous point of progress in the
clinical experience. The point of entry and order of clinical rotations for the clinical student will
be determined by the appropriate Dean and by the Chair of the department in which the student
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 126
was participating in the clinical rotation. No additional tuition will be due from students for the
resumption of any "incompletes" for work that they started before leaving for active military duty.
Tuition charges for students restarting classes or for subsequent academic semesters will be set at
the tuition rates in effect at the time the student left on military duty. The Campus Dean will
provide leadership to facilitate the reentry of students into their programs as close as possible to
the point when they were called to active military duty. The Dean/Assistant Dean of Student
Affairs of Student Affairs will provide leadership to facilitate student programming to address
issues of stress and personal crisis and will assist students in need of counseling because of a call-
up.
Time spent on an LOA accrues toward the maximum limit of six years. Refer to “Maximum Time
Frame” (Six Years), above.
Returning from a Leave of Absence
1. Students must contact the Office of the Registrar and submit a Petition to Return to Classes
form at least 30 days prior to returning to school from a LOA. Failure to do so may result
in administrative withdrawal of the student.
2. If the student chooses to return after the leave has changed into a withdrawal, the student
may need to reapply to the college/university.
Appeal process
1. If extenuating circumstances arise and a student was unable to request an LOA during a
timeframe indicated in this policy, a student may petition to the appropriate Academic
Dean or Dean of Students and University Registrar to be granted a retroactive LOA.
2. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, a death in the family, medical reasons,
military leave and personal well-being. Appropriate supporting documents must be
provided with the petition.
WITHDRAWALS
(IMPORTANT: Also see “Policy for Withdrawing from All Classes” below, under “Tuition
Refund Schedule”)
A student may officially withdraw from a class only with the approval of the Campus Dean or
designee. Such approval is granted only for extraordinary circumstances. If approval is granted,
the student receives one of the following grades: W (withdrawal), WU (withdrawal unsatisfactory),
or U (unsatisfactory).
• Courses from which a student withdraws during the official add/drop period will not appear
on the student's academic transcript.
• Withdrawals assigned after the add/drop period of a semester carry no academic penalty,
and will be entered on the transcript as a “W.”
Students should be aware that withdrawal from a class may result in a significant extension of the
student’s professional program.
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Tuition Refund Schedule
Policy for Withdrawing from All Classes
Students who wish to officially withdraw from a program are required to complete a “Withdrawal
from the Program” (WFP) form, obtain approval from their program advisor (appropriate Dean),
Financial Aid and Bursar, and submit it to the Office of the Registrar for processing. The official
date of withdrawal from the program is the date on which the completed withdrawal form is
submitted and time stamped at the Office of the Registrar.
Non-attendance, non-participation or notification to the instructor/program director does not
constitute an official withdrawal from the program.
The Office of the Registrar is the only Designated Campus Official for all official program
withdrawals. Official notification to the school occurs when a student notifies the Registrar of their
intention to withdraw. Intent to withdraw means that the student indicates that they have either
ceased to attend the school and do not plan to resume academic attendance or believes at the time
that they provide notification that they will cease to attend the school. Notification is not
considered provided until the Registrar receives the notification.
Students who wish to withdraw from all courses in a given semester without officially withdrawing
from a program must complete an Add/Drop form.
When withdrawing from ALL classes, the following tuition refund schedule will apply:
Fall & Spring semesters - When withdrawing from all courses
Before the first day of the semester: 100% of tuition
During the add/drop period: 100% of tuition
During the week following the add/drop period: 50% of tuition
After that week: No refund
The Administrative Fee is non-refundable for all semesters.
All other fees are refundable during the Add/Drop period only.
Policy for Withdrawing from a Partial Load
Students are required to submit an Add/Drop form or other written notification (email from the
official Touro email address will be acceptable) listing all of the courses that they wish to withdraw
from to initiate the process. The form or Touro email notification must be approved/received by
the appropriate program advisor (appropriate Dean). If submitted by email, the registrar’s office
must be copied. The Add/Drop form must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the
deadline set by the student’s school in order to be processed in the Student Information System
(SIS). Students must refer to their school’s academic calendar for withdrawal dates and submission
deadlines. The official date of withdrawal from the course(s) is the date on which a completed
Add/Drop form or approved email is submitted and time stamped at the Office of the Registrar.
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Non-attendance, non-participation or notification to the instructor/program director does not
constitute an official withdrawal from courses.
For students who add and drop classes of an equivalent credit load, there are no financial
implications, and no tuition adjustments are needed.
Students who drop courses placing them in a status below their original load will have their tuition
adjusted per course dropped as follows:
Fall & Spring Semesters – When withdrawing from a Partial Load
Before the first day of the semester: 100% of tuition credit for course(s) dropped
During the add/drop period: 100% of tuition credit for course(s) dropped
During the week following the add/drop period: 50% of tuition credit for course(s) dropped
After that week: No refund
The Administrative Fee is non-refundable for all semesters.
All other fees are non-refundable during the Add/Drop period only.
Please note that students in receipt of Title IV (Federal Financial Aid) funds are subject to Federal
Return of Title IV policies when withdrawing from ALL classes. Please contact the Financial Aid
Office for further information.
Withdrawal from the University
Students who wish to withdraw from their studies at Touro University in good standing should
give official notification to the director of the program in which they are enrolled and to the Office
of the Registrar by completing a “Permanent Withdrawal” form. The date of the withdrawal is the
date the official notification is received by the Office of the Registrar.
The decision to withdraw from the University is a serious matter. Any student who withdraws
from the University or a program is dropped from the rolls of the University. Students
contemplating withdrawal are advised to discuss this issue with their faculty advisor and/or
Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs or their designee. If a student decides to withdraw,
information is available regarding transfer opportunities to other institutions as well as assistance
in defining new occupational or career goals. Students considering withdrawal are subject to the
policies governing withdrawal from courses. If a student decides at some later date to reapply to
reenter the program, they must reapply for admission and, if accepted, the status of the returning
student will be determined by the Campus Dean.
Non-attendance, non-participation or notification to the instructor/program director does not
constitute an official withdrawal. The Office of the Registrar is the only Designated Campus
Official for all official withdrawals.
Withdrawal Procedures
A student wishing to withdraw from Touro is required to meet with the Dean/Assistant Dean of
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 129
Student Affairs or designee. The student must inform the Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs,
in writing, of the decision to voluntarily withdraw and voluntarily relinquish his/her position in
the program. An official withdrawal form is available from the Office of the Registrar. The official
withdrawal form must be completed and sent to the Registrar's Office. The withdrawal process
includes clearing financial obligations to Touro and completion of a financial aid exit interview
(See below Financial Aid and Withdrawal). Following completion of these withdrawal procedures,
the designation 'Withdrawal" will be placed in the student’s permanent records. The designation
"Unofficial Withdrawal" is placed in the permanent record of any student who withdraws from
his/her program without complying with the above procedures.
FINANCIAL AID AND WITHDRAWAL
A student receiving financial aid must meet with a Financial Aid Administrator to review his/her
indebtedness. Federal regulations are in effect when a Title IV recipient withdraws from school.
Title IV calculations are required and a return of federal direct loan funds by the student may be
applicable. In this event, the student is responsible for any tuition liability that may occur. Payment
arrangements can be made by the student through TouchNet or a payment plan. Students must
contact the Office of the Bursar for all payment plans.
A
PPLICATION FOR GRADUATION
It is the student’s responsibility to schedule a graduation conference with an academic advisor
during the semester before completing their certificate or degree requirements to determine
whether the requirements are being met. In addition, the student has the ability to track their degree
completion progress via the Degree Works tool located on the TouroOne portal, at any point during
their course of study at the University.
After the graduation conference, the student must apply for graduation online by the established
deadlines:
• For January Graduation - November 15
• For June Graduation - May 1
• For September Graduation - July 15
To apply for graduation online, students need to click the “Apply to Graduate” button under the
“Academic” tab located on the TouroOne portal and follow the prompts.
Students who complete their certificate or degree requirements in January, June, or September of
a given year participate in Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine commencement exercises on
date specified by program.
Participation in these ceremonies does not necessarily mean that a student has graduated.
Graduation is certified officially by the Office of the Registrar only after auditing the
student’s record for completion of all certificate or degree requirements.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 130
PLEASE NOTE: Touro University’s official degree conferral dates normally do not correspond
to the dates on which commencement exercises take place.
Further information related to Graduation and Commencement policies can be found here:
https://tourocom.touro.edu/student-affairs/graduation/.
D
EGREE WORKS
Degree Works is a sophisticated and comprehensive academic advising, transfer articulation, and
degree audit solution designed to help students monitor their academic progress toward degree
completion. Degree Works is a web-based tool that meets the needs of all end users, undergraduate
and graduate students alike, to complete their programs in a timely fashion.
The benefits of Degree Works include:
• Helping you easily monitor your academic progress online 24/7.
• Presenting exactly what the degree/program requirements are up front with consistency
and accuracy.
• Displaying the fastest and best path to graduation that exists for your degree and your
interests.
• Complementing your relationship with the Advisor, by removing some administrative
burdens and leaving more time for true advising and career counseling.
• If you are a transferring student, the Degree Works tool will allow you to see where your
transferring credits can be applied earlier in the enrollment cycle.
• Allowing you to estimate the number of semesters it will take to graduate.
• Viewing your grades and GPA.
Degree Works can be accessed through the TouroOne portal (by using TouroOne credentials) by
following these steps:
• Login to the TouroOne portal at https://touroone.touro.edu/sso/login
• Go to the “Academic” tab.
• Click on the “Degree Works” button on the bottom left-side of the academic section.
If you are having difficulty accessing Degree Works, please contact Touro’s HelpDesk at
If you have any questions, or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact your
advisor or the Registrar’s Office.
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TRANSCRIPTS
Ordering official transcripts
1. To order an official transcript via TouroOne, click “Academic” from the left side
navigation menu. In the Official Transcript portlet, click “Order Official Transcript.”
Alternatively, you can go directly to www.touro.edu/getmytranscript .
2. Students will be automatically prompted to register an account or to log into an existing
account.
3. Students will need to enter either an electronic destination or physical shipping address.
4. For electronic transcripts student will need to select the program that they graduated from
or attended. If you graduated from or attended multiple programs, you will need to place a
separate electronic transcript order for each program.
5. For students waiting for a degree or grade(s) to be posted, there will be hold options to
select at checkout. The order will not be processed until degree is awarded or grade(s) are
posted.
6. Once order is placed students will receive a confirmation email and order number. Students
will also receive email once order is processed and/or shipped.
Processing
Electronic transcript orders will process and deliver to the recipient once order information is
confirmed; in most cases this is automatic. If additional information is needed, the transcript unit
will reach out to you. This may delay processing times. Paper transcript orders are processed and
shipped in 5-7 business days.
Transcript Fees
• Electronic transcript free of charge
• Official paper transcript $10 per copy
Shipping Fees
• USPS First Class free of charge, no tracking provided
• Fed-Ex domestic overnight shipping $15, tracking provided
• Fed-Ex international shipping $25, tracking provided
Viewing and Printing Unofficial Transcripts
1. Log into your TouroOne account at https://touroone.touro.edu/sso/login.
2. Click on the “Academic” tab and click on “View Academic Transcript (Unofficial
Transcript)” under the "My Records" portlet.
3. If you wish to print, right-click using your mouse then select print.
If you do not have access to a computer and/or printer, you may log onto the website and
print your report in any Touro University computer lab.
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UNIVERSITY CODES AND POLICIES
TOURO UNIVERSITY CODE OF CONDUCT
Students are expected to behave in a manner that is harmonious with and supportive of the
activities and functions of an educational institution. The following types of actions are considered
violations of the Touro University Code of Conduct and will result in disciplinary sanction:
1. Theft of, or damage to, University records and property, caused by intentional, negligent
or irresponsible conduct;
2. Unauthorized use of any University property, including, but not limited to, its name,
property, offices, premises, equipment (computer equipment, telephones, fax machines,
copying equipment, laboratories and misuse of student ID cards);
3. Conduct which interferes with or obstructs any University functions, or which physically
obstructs or threatens to obstruct or restrain members of the university community;
4. The physical or sexual abuse or harassment of any member of the University community
(such incidents must also be reported to the Title IX coordinator);
5. Threatening or actual infliction of bodily injury, assault, emotional trauma against students,
faculty or staff of the University (such incidents must also be reported to the Chief Security
Officer);
6. Disorderly, disruptive or abusive conduct in the classroom or on University premises;
7. Refusal to follow the directives of University officials acting in performance of their duties;
8. Impersonating University faculty, University officials, or University staff;
9. Forging signatures or other information on registration forms, financial aid forms or any
other University documents;
10. Computer abuse, including possession of unauthorized passwords, plagiarism of programs,
unauthorized destruction of files, misuse of computer accounts and disruptive or annoying
behavior on the University’s computer system;
11. Unauthorized sale, distribution or consumption of alcoholic beverages on University
premises;
12. Distribution, purchase or possession of barbiturates, amphetamines, marijuana,
hallucinogens, opiates, or any other addictive or illegal drugs or paraphernalia on
University premises;
13. Gambling in any form on University premises;
14. Possession, distribution or sale of weapons, incendiary devices, or explosives on University
premises;
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15. Tampering with or misusing fire-fighting equipment and/or safety equipment (such as
alarm-boxes and extinguishers);
16. Participation in or furtherance of any illegal activity on Touro’s premises;
17. Offensive or derogatory written or verbal statements intended to inflict harm on members
of the University community, including, without limitation, racist, ethnic, or sexist remarks
or references regarding any member or group of the University community;
18. Any abusive conduct or harassment directed at an individual or group of individuals in the
University community on the basis of the actual or perceived race, gender, color, national
origin, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or
citizenship status of such person(s);
19. Refusal to identify oneself to an official or security officer of the University or to present
proper identification upon entering the university premises;
20. Actions that are not harmonious with and supportive of the activities and functions of an
educational institution; actions that harm the reputation of the University;
21. Aiding or abetting any conduct prohibited by this University Code;
22. Conviction of a felony crime while enrolled at the University;
23. Intentionally filing a false complaint under this University Code of Conduct;
24. Academic dishonesty and lack of academic integrity.
Touro University Social Media Policy
Touro University policies apply to students’ online conduct. University staff members do not
“police” online social networks and the University is firmly committed to the principle of free
speech. However, when the University receives a report of inappropriate online conduct it is
obligated to investigate. This is true even when a student posts to a personal social media account
using their own phone or computer while off-campus or during a break. The University has the
right to discipline students for misconduct or lack of professionalism wherever it occurs, including
online.
Individuals who violate any of the provisions of the Code of Conduct are subject to disciplinary
action at the discretion of Touro University. Student organizations violating the above regulations
may be penalized by having their charter revoked. Furthermore, disciplinary sanctions may also
be imposed against the officers and members of student organizations at the discretion of Touro
University.
Adjudication of University Code of Conduct Violations
[Please note that there is a separate adjudication process for academic integrity violations
(#24 in the Code of Conduct) in the section below entitled “Procedures in Response to
Violations of Academic Integrity”]
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Any member of the University Community may notify the Dean of Students or his/her designated
representatives of a Code of Conduct infraction by submitting a written statement describing the
alleged infraction to the Office of the Dean of Students within ten (10) school days of the alleged
violation or within ten (10) school days from the time the charging individual learned of the alleged
code violation, but no later than within three (3) months of the violation.
The Dean of Students, or one of his/her designated representatives, shall inform the individual
charged with the infraction, in writing, of the nature of the charges against him/her and designate
a time and place for a meeting in the Office of the Dean of Students.
After meeting with the individual charged with the infraction, the Dean of Students or his/her
designated representatives (individuals or committee) will conduct a preliminary investigation of
the charges and determine what course of disciplinary action is appropriate. The Dean of Students
and/or his/her designated representatives (individuals or committee) can:
• bring the parties together for informal mediation;
• impose any of the disciplinary sanctions listed in the section entitled “Sanctions,” except
that the Dean of Students (and/or his/her representatives) cannot require payment of
restitution or order expulsion;
• refer the charges to the Student Affairs Committee for a disciplinary hearing;
• dismiss the charges.
Disciplinary Hearings
The Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs may institute disciplinary proceedings by referring a
matter to the Student Promotions Committee within fourteen (14) school days of notification of
the alleged infraction. Once referred to the Student Promotions Committee, a hearing must be
commenced within twenty-one (21) school days unless a disciplinary hearing date is adjourned for
good cause. Once a disciplinary hearing is commenced, it must be completed within ten (10) school
days. All recommendations by the Committee will be directed to the Dean. The Dean may accept
the recommendation(s) and impose the sanction(s) on the student, or the Dean may reject or modify
the sanction(s). Sanctions will be noted in the student’s Medical Student Performance Evaluation
(MSPE) and/or Addendum to the MSPE.
Sanctions
After a hearing, the Student Promotions Committee may recommend to the Dean one or more of
the following actions:
1. Dismiss the Charges: After reviewing all relevant information, evidence and record
materials, the Student Affairs Committee may decide to dismiss the charges against the
student.
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2. Impose disciplinary sanctions, which include but are not limited to the following:
(a) Warning – A written reprimand putting the student on notice that he/she has
violated the Code of Conduct and indicating that further misconduct may result in
a more severe disciplinary action. A copy of this warning will be placed in the
student's file.
(b) Disciplinary Probation - A student may be placed on disciplinary probation for a
definite period of time. While on probation, students may not hold office in Student
Government Organizations, Clubs or Societies or represent the university in any
capacity. Further violations while on probationary status will result in suspension
or expulsion from the university. A copy of the probation notice becomes a part of
the student’s file.
(c) Counseling and Treatment – A student’s continued enrollment at Touro University
may be conditioned on his/her participation in counseling or treatment at outside
counseling and treatment agencies. A student's failure to participate in such a
program after being advised that his/her enrollment is conditioned on participation
may result in other disciplinary sanctions.
(d) Restitution - A student may be required to pay restitution to the university or to
fellow students for damages and losses resulting from his/her action.
(e) Suspension – A student may be suspended and may be barred from attending
classes for a definite period, not to exceed two years. Notification of the suspension
will appear on the student’s academic transcript and will remain until the end of the
suspension period. A notification of the suspension will remain in the student’s file.
A student may not be automatically re-enrolled at the end of his/her suspension and
he/she must apply to the Student Affairs Committee for reenrollment.
(f) Expulsion – This is termination of the student’s enrolled status at the university. A
student who has been expelled from the university is not permitted to complete
his/her courses and may not re-register for a future semester. Notification of the
expulsion will appear on the student’s academic transcript.
3. Impose Additional Sanctions – The Student Promotions Committee may recommend to the
Dean the following sanctions in addition to those listed above:
(a) A fine to be paid to the university, in addition to restitution.
(b) Service to the University Community for a designated number of hours. The
required service cannot interfere with the individual’s course schedule.
4. Legal Action – In addition to imposing the disciplinary sanctions outlined above, the
Student Affairs Committee may recommend that students be turned over to law
enforcement authorities for legal action. The final decision on referring student cases to the
authorities is made by the Office of Campus Security.
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5. Other Sanctions – The Student Affairs Committee may impose other sanctions that it deems
appropriate and fair.
Appeals of Disciplinary Sanctions Imposed for Code of Conduct Violations
Any disciplinary action taken by the Dean for a violation of the Code of Conduct may be appealed
by filing a written appeal with the Dean within ten (10) school days.
If the appeal is granted, the Dean shall appoint a Special Appeals Panel consisting of three full-
time faculty members, a student not in the class of the appeal student and a Student Affairs staffer,
to hear the student’s appeal. This hearing must be scheduled within fourteen (14) school days of
the receipt of the student’s written appeal. The Special Appeals Panel may overturn the decision
of the Student Promotions Committee and the Dean only if it determines that the action was clearly
erroneous, arbitrary or capricious, or if new information was presented which would change the
course of the deliberation.
Protocols for Disciplinary Hearings
Hearings conducted by committees designated as representatives of the Academic Dean, the
Student Promotions Committee, and the Special Appeals Panel will be governed by the following
protocols:
a. All hearings are closed to the public.
b. A quorum of the committee membership, defined as 51% of the total membership, must be
present.
c. Attorneys are not allowed to be present at any hearings.
d. Students have the right to bring witnesses on their behalf, to present any evidence they
deem relevant, to make opening and closing statements and to ask questions during the
proceedings.
e. The preponderance-of-evidence rule will govern the decision-making process.
f. Decision will be made by a majority of participating members.
g. The committee deliberations will be in camera.
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TOURO UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
Touro University is a community of scholars and learners committed to maintaining the highest
standards of personal integrity in all aspects of our professional and academic lives. Because
intellectual integrity is a hallmark of ethical, scholarly, and scientific inquiry as well as a core
value of the Jewish tradition, students and faculty are expected to share a mutual respect for
teaching, learning and the development of knowledge. They are expected to adhere to the highest
standards of honesty, fairness, and professional conduct in their academic work and respect for all
community members.
Academic dishonesty undermines our shared intellectual culture and our ability to trust one
another. Faculty and administration bear a major responsibility for promoting a climate of
integrity, both in the clarity with which they state their expectations and in the vigilance with which
they monitor students. Students must avoid all acts of dishonesty, including, but not limited to,
cheating on examinations, fabricating, tampering, lying, plagiarizing, and utilizing AI tools
without acknowledgment of such, as well as facilitating or tolerating the dishonesty of others.
Academic dishonesty lowers scholastic quality and defrauds those who will eventually depend on
the knowledge and integrity of our graduates. Furthermore, it misrepresents student efforts and
mastery of course material both absolutely, and relative to others in their courses.
Touro University views violations of academic integrity with the utmost gravity. Such violations
will lead to appropriate sanctions, up to and including expulsion from the university community.
We commit ourselves to the shared vision of academic excellence that can only flourish in a
climate of integrity.
The Touro University policy on academic integrity, which is outlined in this document, is designed
to guide students as they prepare assignments, take exams, and perform work necessary to
complete their degree requirements, and to provide a framework for faculty in fostering an
intellectual environment based on the principles of academic integrity. It is presented here in order
to educate the faculty on the parameters of and the enforcement of the policy.
The International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI), of which Touro University is a member,
lists six fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage, to allow
institutional scholarship to flourish with integrity. To sustain these values, Touro University’s
Academic Integrity Policy, requires that a student or researcher:
• Properly acknowledge and cite all use of the ideas, results, or words of others, including
the use of AI tools and other emerging technologies;
• Properly acknowledge all contributors to a given piece of work;
• Make sure that all work submitted as their own in a course or other academic activity
is produced without the aid of unsanctioned materials or unsanctioned collaboration;
• Treat all other students in an ethical manner, respecting their integrity and right to
pursue their educational goals without interference. This requires that a student neither
facilitate academic dishonesty by others nor obstruct their academic progress.
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Adherence to these principles is necessary to ensure that:
• Everyone is given proper credit for their own ideas, words, results, and other scholarly
accomplishments;
• All student work is fairly evaluated and no student has an inappropriate advantage over
others;
• The academic and ethical development of all students are fostered;
• The reputation of the University for integrity in its teaching, research, and scholarship
is maintained and enhanced.
Failure to uphold the principles of academic integrity threatens not only the reputation of Touro,
but also the value of each and every degree awarded by the institution. All members of the Touro
community bear a shared responsibility for ensuring that the highest standards of academic
integrity are upheld.
Touro University works with faculty and students to promote an institutional culture of academic
integrity, provides effective training that creates a commitment to academic integrity, and
establishes clear procedures to deal with allegations of violations of academic integrity and
monitoring the adherence thereto.
Violations of Academic Integrity
The following are considered to be violations of academic integrity and are prohibited by the Touro
University System. Students, faculty, and other members of the Touro community who commit
one of the offenses listed below, or similar such offenses, or those who assist in the commission
of such offenses, may be subject to sanctions (i.e. classed as A, B, or C, as described below in the
section “Procedures in Response to Violations of Academic Integrity”).
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as the unauthorized use of the writings, ideas and/or computer-generated
material of others without appropriate acknowledgement, and the representation of them as one’s
own original work. It also includes the unauthorized use of computer-generated material via
artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies without appropriate acknowledgement
and the representation of them as one’s own original work. Plagiarism encompasses acts of
inadvertent failure to acknowledge sources, as well as improper attribution due to poor citation.
When using ideas/words from other sources, the student must clearly define the sources using
standard methods of citation. Plagiarism can occur even when one does not use the exact words of
another author. Paraphrasing written material by changing or rearranging words without the proper
attribution is still considered plagiarism (even if it eludes identification by plagiarism detection
software). It is therefore critically important that students understand how to cite. If students have
any questions about the proper use and citation of material from other sources, they should seek
help from their professors.
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Intentional Plagiarism
Plagiarism takes many forms. Flagrant forms, or intentional plagiarism, include, but are not limited
to:
• Purchasing a paper;
• Commissioning another to draft a paper on one’s behalf;
• Intentionally copying a paper regardless of the source and whether or not that paper has
been published;
• Copying or cutting and pasting portions of others’ work (whether a unique phrase,
sentence, paragraph, chart, picture, figure, method or approach, experimental results,
statistics, etc.) without attribution;
• Using computer-generated material via artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging
technologies without attribution;
• In the case of clinical documentation, copying clinical notes/materials without
personally performing the patient examination.
Plagiarized sources may include, but are not limited to, print material, digital and media resources
including social media and blogs, as well as assignments completed by other students at Touro
University System and elsewhere. A more subtle, but equally flagrant, form is paraphrasing or
attempting to put in one’s own words the theories, opinions or ideas of another without proper
citation.
Additionally, students may not reuse their own previous work without appropriate citation. This is
a form of plagiarism called self-plagiarism and may mislead the reader or grader into the erroneous
belief that the current submission is new work to satisfy an assignment.
If students are unsure as to whether a fact or idea is common knowledge, they should consult their
instructor or librarian, or else provide appropriate citations.
Unintentional Plagiarism
Plagiarism is not only the failure to cite, but the failure to cite sources properly. If a source is cited
but in an inadequate way, the student may still be guilty of unintentional plagiarism. It is therefore
crucial that students understand the correct way to cite. The rules are relatively simple:
• For exact words, use quotation marks or a block indentation, with the citation.
• For a summary or paraphrase, indicate exactly where the source begins and exactly
where it ends.
In its policies and disciplinary procedures, the Touro University System will seek to recognize and
differentiate between intentional plagiarism, as defined above, and failure to cite sources properly
(unintentional plagiarism). While both forms are violations of the Academic Integrity Policy, a
student’s first instance of unintentional plagiarism may only be penalized with a Class C sanction
(see sanctions below).
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Cheating on Examinations and Other Class/Fieldwork Assignments
Cheating is defined as improperly obtaining and/or using unauthorized information or materials to
gain an advantage on work submitted for evaluation. Providing or receiving assistance
unauthorized by the instructor is also considered cheating.
Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to:
• Giving or receiving unauthorized assistance to or from another person on quizzes,
examinations, or assignments;
• Using another learner’s audience response device/i-clicker;
• Using materials, devices, or tools not specifically authorized during any form of a test or
examination;
• Exceeding the restrictions put in place for “take home” examinations, such as unauthorized
use of library sources or internet sources, unauthorized use of computer-generated material
via artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, or unauthorized
collaboration on answers;
• Sitting in for someone else or permitting someone to sit in for a student on any form of test
or examination;
• Working on any form of test or examination beyond the allotted time, which includes any
extra time resulting from a documented accommodation (unless the instructor provides
explicit permission);
• Hiding, stealing or destroying materials needed by other students;
• Altering and resubmitting for re-grading any assignment, test or examination without the
express written consent of the instructor;
• Copying from another individual’s examination or providing information to another
student during an examination;
• Soliciting, obtaining, possessing or providing to another person an examination prior to the
administration of the examination.
• Bringing into the examination room notes in any format and paper, electronics or writings,
drawings, etc. that could be used to aid in taking a closed notes/book exam.
Examples of unauthorized assistance include:
• Giving or receiving assistance or information in any manner, including person-to-person,
notes, text messages, or e-mails, during an examination or in the preparation of other
assignments without the authorization of the instructor;
• Receiving assistance via artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies
without the authorization of the instructor;
• Using crib sheets or unauthorized notes (unless the instructor provides explicit permission);
• Copying from another individual’s exam.
Failure to comply with any and all Touro University System test procedures will be considered a
violation of the Academic Integrity Policy.
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Research Misconduct
The integrity of the scientific enterprise requires adherence to the highest ethical standards in the
conduct of research and research training. Therefore, students and other trainees conducting
research are bound by the same ethical guidelines that apply to faculty investigators, based on the
Public Health Service regulations dated May 17, 2005. Research misconduct is defined in the
USPHS Policy as “fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing
research, or in reporting research results.”
These terms are defined as follows:
(a) fabrication - making up data or results and recording or reporting them;
(b) falsification - manipulating research materials, equipment or processes, or changing or
omitting data or, results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research
record;
(c) plagiarism - the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words
without giving appropriate credit.
Research misconduct does not include honest error or honest differences of opinion.
Touro’s Research Misconduct Policy can be found: https://www.nymc.edu/media/schools-and-
colleges/nymc/pdf/policies/PoliciesandProceduresforRespondingtoAllegationsofResearchMiscon
duct.final6.15.23.pdf
Other Unethical Conduct
Misleading or Fraudulent Behavior
Misleading or fraudulent behavior, put simply, is lying, and includes acts contributing to or
associated with lying. It takes on any form of fabrication, falsification or misrepresentation.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
• Reporting false information to gain an advantage;
• Omitting information or data resulting in misrepresenting or distorting findings or
conclusions;
• Providing false information to explain lateness or to be excused from an assignment, class
or clerkship function;
• Signing in another person's name on any attendance sheet/roster representing them as
present when they are not;
• Falsely accusing another of misbehavior, or otherwise misrepresenting information about
another;
• Providing false information about oneself, such as on an application or as part of some
competition;
• Taking credit for accomplishments achieved by another person or computer-generated
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material via artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies;
• Omitting relevant information about oneself.
Tampering
Tampering is the unauthorized removal or alteration of college/university documents (e.g., library
resources, official institutional forms, correspondence), software, equipment, or other academic-
related materials, including other students’ work. It should be noted that tampering as a form of
cheating may also be classified as criminal activity and may be subject to criminal prosecution.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
• Intentionally sabotaging another student’s work;
• Altering a student’s academic transcript, letter of recommendation, or some other official
college document;
• Electronically changing another student’s or colleague’s files, data, assignments, or
reports.
Copyright Violations
Academic integrity prohibits the making of unauthorized copies of copyrighted material, including
software and any other non-print media. Individuals, under the legal doctrine of “fair use,” may
make a copy of an article or copy small sections of a book for personal use, or may use an image
to help teach a concept.
Examples of copyright violations include:
• Making or distributing copies of a copyrighted article for a group (on paper or
electronically);
• Disseminating an image or video of an artist’s work without permission, including those
found on the internet;
• Copying large sections of a book.
The “fair use doctrine” regarding use of copyrighted materials can be found at the following link:
https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use. Also see the library’s guide on frequently asked copyright
questions: https://libguides.tourolib.org/copyright/faqs.
Sanctions
The following sanctions may be imposed for violation of this Policy. Informal resolution of
violations can be accompanied by Class C sanctions only. Formal resolution can be accompanied
by any combination of sanctions from Class A, B, and C. Except in the case of a student’s
expulsion or dismissal, any student found to have violated this Policy is required to take additional
ethics tutorials intended to assist student to avoid future misconduct. (Academic Integrity
Plagiarism Tutorial, https://libguides.tourolib.org/AI, for an overview on how to avoid plagiarism.
Scroll down the page for the link to the Touro University Academic Integrity Test,
https://libguides.tourolib.org/research-101 that will go to the instructor’s email.)
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Class A Sanctions:
• Expulsion/dismissal
• Revocation of awarded degree in the event that the violation is identified after graduation
Class B Sanctions:
• Suspension (up to twenty-four months)
• Indication of the violation in a letter of reprimand, in reference letters, licensure and
regulatory forms, etc.
• Notification of the violation to the other schools within Touro University System
• Indication of ‘disciplinary action for academic integrity violation’ on the permanent
transcript
Class C Sanctions:
• Placement on Academic Probation
• Failure in the course, with consequences as determined by the individual program’s rules
and regulations
• Reduction of the grade for a particular submitted piece of work, segment of work
required for a course/clerkship, or the entire course/clerkship with or without the option
of redoing the work or the course/clerkship
• Requiring the student to redo the assignment or to do an alternative assignment, which
may include a grade reduction
Procedures in Response to Violations of Academic Integrity
This Touro University System Academic Integrity Policy applies to all Touro students. Any act in
violation of this Policy or any allegation of misconduct related to this Policy involving a student
must be reported and addressed in accordance with the adjudication procedures outlined below or
those of the student’s school, which may not be less stringent than the requirements and standards
set forth in this Policy.
The Dean of each school or the Provost shall designate a member of the school’s administration
as Chief Academic Integrity Officer (herein referred to as the “CAI Officer”) to oversee the
adjudication of violations and to maintain appropriate documentation. The CAI Officer of each
school will maintain written records of all violations and resolutions, both informal and formal.
The CAI Officer must be an assistant dean or higher, or another appropriate responsible individual
approved by the Provost or Vice President of the Undergraduate Division for schools in that
Division.
Each school shall designate a Committee that will adjudicate violations of academic integrity via
a formal Hearing process.
The Provost or Vice President shall designate a Dean responsible for hearing formal resolution
appeals (herein referred to as the “Appeals Dean”). The CAI Officer and the Appeals Dean cannot
be the same individual.
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Reporting a Case of Suspected Plagiarism or Cheating
Due to the organizational and administrative differences among schools and programs, each school
can determine its own reporting sequence from faculty member to CAI Officer.
Depending on the school or program, faculty or students may report an alleged incident to:
Department Chair, Department Deputy Chair, Program Chair, Sequence Chair, Program Director,
Department Director, Academic Dean, Preclinical Dean, Dean, or CAI Officer directly.
Each school and program should make its reporting sequence known to its constituencies.
For the sake of clarity, the faculty member’s supervisor will be referred to as “Chair” in the
paragraphs that follow.
Faculty members, students, or other members of the Touro community who encounter suspected
academic integrity violations should contact the relevant “Chair”. The “Chair” will consult with
the faculty member, and if a violation is identified, the faculty member will inform the student.
The “Chair" will also report all suspected violations in writing (using the Academic Integrity
Violation Reporting Form) to the CAI Officer, who will advise the “Chair” on whether to pursue
an informal or a formal resolution. For first-time suspected violations, CAI Officers and faculty
are strongly encouraged to seek an informal resolution with the student. No permanent grade may
be entered onto the student’s record for the course in question before the issue is resolved.
If an instructor strongly suspects cheating during an exam, the instructor should stop the student’s
exam and collect all evidence of cheating. The incident should be immediately reported to the
“Chair”, who will investigate and report in writing to the CAI officer.
Resolution of Academic Integrity Violations
Incidents of academic integrity violations are reported to the department Chair, and a report by the
Chair is submitted to the CAI Officer. The method of resolution of the violation may be either
informal or formal. Students who are found to have violated the Touro University System’s
Standards of Academic Integrity are subject to the sanctions listed above.
Should a student action be of such a serious nature that it is felt that he/she may be considered a
danger in a clinical setting, the CAI Officer or the Chair may remove such a student from a clinical
assignment, not to exceed fourteen (14) days pending the outcome of a formal resolution. A
student shall not be removed from a didactic course while an allegation of an academic integrity
violation is ongoing. It is the responsibility of the student to work with their program to make up
any time missed from clinical assignments.
Informal Resolution
After consulting with the Chair and the CAI Officer (as per “Reporting a Case of Suspected
Plagiarism or Cheating”), the faculty member may attempt to resolve the issue informally with the
student. Once an informal resolution is agreed to between the faculty member and the student, the
faculty member must present such resolution to the department Chair for approval. The faculty
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member, in consultation with the Chair, may impose any range of Class C sanctions, but must
include requiring the student to take additional ethics tutorials intended to assist that student to
avoid future misconduct. Once accepted by the student, the informal resolution is binding on both
the student and faculty member, and cannot be appealed by the student.
If the student is found to have committed an academic integrity violation, the outcome of the
informal resolution should be reported in writing by the Chair to the CAI Officer, who will
maintain the record for the duration of the student’s academic career. NOTE: Some Touro schools
may be required to report the violation to outside licensing agencies.
The informal resolution process is not available to individuals who have previously committed an
academic integrity violation.
Formal Resolution
In the event that (1) the accused student denies the charge, (2) the student and faculty member do
not agree to informal resolution, (3) the student has been previously found guilty of a similar
infraction, or (4) for any other reason for which informal resolution is not appropriate as
determined by the CAI Officer, then the matter shall be submitted for formal resolution.
To institute formal resolution, the following procedures shall be followed:
• The Chief Academic Integrity Officer receives a written statement from the instructor,
proctor, student, or any other complainant, as the case may be.
• The written statement must include the name of the involved student(s), the name and
position of the reporting person, and the nature of the alleged act.
• The CAI Officer shall arrange a hearing which, generally speaking, should take place no
earlier than five (5) calendar days and no later than twenty (20) calendar days after
notification that informal resolution was unsuccessful or not pursued.
• The hearing shall take place before the designated Committee on Academic Integrity of the
School. If the hearing involves a student in a dual-degree or joint-degree program, then the
Hearing Committee should have representatives from both programs.
• The Committee shall receive the written statement, and any documents submitted by the
student or reporting person.
• All persons involved in a hearing shall be given notice of all hearing dates, times and
places. Such notice, which will be sent by e-mail will be given at least two (2) business
days prior to any hearing, unless waived by the parties involved.
• Postponements of Committee hearings may be made at the discretion of the Committee
Chair. Either party may be granted a postponement only if pertinent information or
interested parties cannot, for good cause, be present at the appointed time. Any
postponement may not extend beyond a one-month period and any delay may affect the
student’s ability to progress in the program.
• The accused student and the accuser will be afforded the following opportunities:
To review, but not copy, all pertinent information to be presented to the Committee.
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The length of time for review shall be reasonable, as determined by the Committee
Chair.
To present fully all aspects of the issue before the Committee.
Committee Hearings will proceed under the following guidelines:
• All Committee hearings and meetings are closed to the public.
• The Committee may hear the student, the faculty member or proctor, and any other
individual who may be knowledgeable or may have information to share with the
Committee regarding the suspected offense. Each person will meet with the Committee on
an individual basis.
• The Committee may consider relevant written reports, discussions with involved parties,
examinations, videos, papers, screen shots, social media posts, or other related documents.
• The Committee must be comprised of a minimum of three people, who must be present
either in person or via video-conference, and may not be the faculty member of the course
in question.
• All decisions shall be made by majority vote.
• The student has the right to appear before the Committee, in person or via video conference,
in order to present his/her case, but, after proper notice of a hearing, the Committee may
proceed, notwithstanding the student’s absence.
• The hearing is academic in nature and non-adversarial. Student representation by an
attorney or other representative at the hearing is not permitted. However, the student may
bring a support person to accompany them and be present in an anteroom, put not
participate, in the hearing.
• Audio recordings of the hearing are not permitted and transcripts are not required.
• All information supporting the charges made against a student shall be presented first.
Following this presentation, the student who has been accused of a violation will present
his/her side of the matter by submitting to the Committee information that he/she chooses
to submit to support their stance or position. The CAI Officer, his or her designee, Office
of Institutional Compliance or other members of the faculty and Administration may also
meaningfully participate in this information exchange. Pursuant to the Touro University
Code of Conduct, the student is expected to conduct themselves harmoniously so as not to
obstruct the investigation or proceedings.
• The student, his/her accuser, the Committee, and/or Touro University System’s
representatives may raise questions about the information under review so that all aspects
of the case are clarified.
The Committee shall reach a decision using the following guidelines:
• The Committee will meet in closed session to reach a decision, including recommended
sanctions, if applicable. Such meeting shall generally be held immediately after the hearing
or within one Touro business day (a Jewish Day of Observance as delineated on the Touro
calendar does not count as a business day).
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• If the Committee seeks additional information following commencement of its
deliberations, it will notify the parties within two (2) Touro business days, and reconvene
the hearing within five (5) Touro business days of the conclusion of the original hearing.
The Committee's final decision must then be made.
• The Committee may impose a range of Class A, B, or C sanctions
Appeal Process
• Following a Formal Resolution Hearing and notification of the Committee decision, either
party may appeal the decision. An appeal may only be granted on the basis of: 1) evidence
of bias of one or more of the members of the Committee; 2) new material documenting
information that was not available at the time of the decision; 3) procedural error.
• The appellant has three (3) business days within which to submit a formal written appeal
of the decision to the Appeals Dean for the School. The appeal should be accompanied
by the Hearing Committee’s letter and by a narrative explaining the basis for the appeal.
The narrative should fully explain the appellant’s position and substantiate the reason(s)
for their appeal.
• The Appeals Dean may request to meet with the appellant.
• After consideration of the Appeal, the Appeals Dean may accept, reject or modify the
Committee’s decision, and will notify the student in writing of the decision.
• The Appeals Dean, when notifying the student of the decision, shall inform the student of
his/her right to appeal an adverse decision to the Chief Academic Officer.
A copy of the Appeals Dean’s final decision will be transmitted to the CAI Officer and the Chair.
A student has three (3) business days from receipt of written notification to submit a formal written
appeal of the decision, that is discretionary in nature, to the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) (i.e.,
Provost) or his/her designee. In the event the CAO decides to consider the matter, the CAO may
only sustain the appeal on the basis of one of the following:
• Evidence of bias of one or more of the members of the Committee or of the Appeals Dean.
• New material documenting information that was not available to the Committee or the
Appeals Dean at the time of the initial decision.
• Procedural error.
The CAO may, at his/her discretion, conduct interviews and review materials. The CAO will
notify the student, the CAI Officer, and the Appeals Dean in writing of the appeal decision. The
decision of the CAO shall be final.
The complete Touro University Academic Integrity Policy can be found online at
www.touro.edu/students/policies/academic-integrity/.
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ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
For purposes of this policy, "Dispute" means all legal and equitable claims, demands, and
controversies, of whatever nature or kind, whether in contract, tort, under statute or regulation, or
some other law or theory; the application, potential enrollment, enrollment, matriculation,
continued enrollment and matriculation, and graduation (or denial thereof), suspension, dismissal,
expulsion, separation or any other academic, disciplinary or other action or termination of such
student by Touro; any other matter related to or concerning the relationship between the student
and Touro including, by way of example and without limitation, allegations of: discrimination or
harassment based on race, religion, national origin, age, veteran status or disability, sex, gender,
sexual orientation, retaliation, defamation, infliction of emotional distress, violation of The
Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United
States Code, The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Montana Code Title, New York
State Human Rights Law, New York City Human Rights Law, or any other federal, state or local
civil, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), Campus Sex Crimes
Prevention Act, Title VI or Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, as well as any other law related to students, not-for-profits
and higher educational institutions. Disputes do not include collections actions of tuition or other
fees payable by the student and owed to Touro University.
Touro’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) policy was created with the intention of
providing a program for the quick, fair and accessible resolution of Disputes between Touro, and
Touro’s current and former students (as well as applicants) related to or arising out of a current,
former or potential academic relationship with Touro. The policy provides the exclusive
mechanism for the final and binding resolution of all Disputes that cannot otherwise be resolved
internally through the academic and disciplinary methods described elsewhere in this handbook.
A student’s acceptance, registration, enrollment, matriculation and/or petition for graduation and
matriculation at Touro acts as his or her consideration and consent to these terms.
All Disputes (as defined below) between Touro, on the one hand, and any current or former student
or applicant on the other, which cannot be resolved internally, shall first be submitted to non-
binding mediation (the “Mandatory Mediation”). The Mandatory Mediation shall be conducted by
a neutral mediator selected at Touro’s sole discretion. Touro shall be responsible for paying 50%
of the costs associated with the Mandatory Mediation. The student shall be responsible for paying
50% of the costs associated with the Mandatory Mediation. Touro and the student shall each be
responsible for paying their own respective attorney’s fees (if any) incurred in conjunction with
the Mandatory Mediation.
If upon completion of the Mandatory Mediation all or any part of the Dispute is still unresolved,
the remaining Dispute shall proceed to binding arbitration (the “Mandatory Arbitration”), as
described below.
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In accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act and to the extent not inconsistent with the primacy
of federal law, all Disputes remaining after completion of the Mandatory Mediation shall be
exclusively conducted and heard by a single arbitrator, affiliated with JAMS or another reputable
ADR organization, who shall be an attorney or judge. The arbitrator and location of the Mandatory
Arbitration shall be selected at Touro’s sole discretion. Touro shall be responsible for paying 50%
of the costs associated with the Mandatory Arbitration. The student shall be responsible for paying
50% of the costs associated with the Mandatory Arbitration. Touro and the student shall each be
responsible for paying their own respective attorney’s fees (if any) incurred in conjunction with
the Mandatory Arbitration. The results of the Mandatory Arbitration shall be binding and final.
The Mandatory Mediation and Mandatory Arbitration of any claims by a student or applicant as
part of a Dispute shall be limited to his or her individual claims. The student or applicant shall not
assert, prosecute, or obtain relief on, and expressly waives, any and all class, collective or
representative claims which purport to seek relief on behalf of other persons. Any judgment upon
the award rendered by the arbitrator shall be final and non-appealable, and may be entered in any
court of competent jurisdiction.
If any provision of this ADR policy is determined by any arbitrator or court of competent
jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, said provision shall be modified to the minimum extent
necessary to render it valid and enforceable, or if modification is not possible, the provision shall
be severed from the policy, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect, and
shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purpose and intent of the policy.
For the avoidance of doubt, this policy prohibits a student or applicant from filing or prosecuting
any Dispute through a civil action in court before a judge or jury involving any Dispute. The
student’s acceptance, registration, enrollment, matriculation and/or petition for graduation and
matriculation at Touro acts as a knowing and voluntary waiver by the student of the student’s right
to seek judicial relief in any manner inconsistent with this policy.
ADR Procedures
To initiate ADR, the student or applicant must send a written demand for ADR to the Office of
Institutional Compliance (“OIC”). The demand shall set forth a statement of the facts relating to
the Dispute, including any alleged act(s) or omission(s) at issue; the names of all person(s)
involved in the Dispute; the amount in controversy, if any; and the remedy sought. The demand
must be received by the OIC within the time period prescribed by the earlier of Touro policy or
the statute of limitations applicable to the claims(s) alleged in the demand. If a student or applicant
fails to file a request for ADR with Touro within the required time frame, the Dispute will be
conclusively resolved against the student or applicant without any right to appeal same.
Within thirty (30) days of receiving such demand, or as soon as possible thereafter, if Touro and
the student/applicant are unable to resolve the Dispute informally, the Student shall indicate his/her
desire to proceed to the Mandatory Mediation. As described above, to the extent any Dispute
remains thereafter, the Dispute shall proceed to the Mandatory Arbitration.
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FAILURE-TO-EDUCATE AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
The payment of tuition entitles a student to register and matriculate in the courses and programs
available and offered by Touro University. In order for a degree to be earned, passing grades must
be achieved and any other prerequisites required by the school and program must be fulfilled.
While students expend significant sums associated with higher education, successful completion
of a course, program, or degree is dependent on many factors, Touro University makes absolutely
no assurances or representations of guaranteed success, merely that it will provide students with
the tools needed to accomplish their academic goals.
Touro University’s liability (as well as that of its faculty and staff, and including liability for action
by, through or on its behalf by third parties) is limited in all respects, no matter the cause of action
or theory of liability, to the amount of tuition actually paid by the student in the one year prior to
which the claim is made. No award of incidental, consequential, punitive or lost profits damages
may be awarded.
T
OURO POLICY ON BIAS-RELATED CRIMES
Touro is committed to safeguarding the rights of its students, faculty, and staff, and to providing
an environment free of bias and prejudice. Under New York law, criminal activity motivated by
bias and hatred toward another person or group based upon a belief or perception concerning race,
color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability, or sexual
orientation is illegal and punishable not only for the underlying crime, but, additionally, as a hate
crime pursuant to the New York Penal Law# 485, et, seq. specifically Law # 485.05.
Additionally, under Montana Law criminal activity motivated, in whole or in part, by the
offender’s bias and hatred toward another person or group based upon a belief or perception
concerning race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability
or sexual orientation is illegal and punishable not only for the underlying crime, but, additionally,
as a hate crime pursuant to the Montana Code 46-18-222.
In the tables that list hate crimes, Touro is required to apply federal regulations for the “counting”
of hate crimes, which is different from the New York state law as outlined below. The crimes listed
can be considered hate crimes under certain conditions:
• Assault (1st, 2nd and 3rd Degree)
• Aggravated Assault on a Person Less than 11 Years Old
• Menacing (1st, 2nd and 3rd Degree)
• Reckless Endangerment (1st and 2nd Degree)
• Manslaughter (2nd Degree)
• Stalking (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Degree)
• Criminal Sexual Acts (1st Degree)
• Sexual Abuse (1st Degree)
• Aggravated Sexual Abuse (1st and 2nd Degree)
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• Unlawful Imprisonment (1st and 2nd Degree)
• Kidnapping (1st and 2nd Degree)
• Coercion (1st and 2nd Degree)
• Burglary (1st, 2nd and 3rd Degree)
• Criminal Mischief (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Degree)
• Arson (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Degree)
• Petty Larceny
• Grand Larceny (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Degree)
• Robbery (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degree)
• Harassment (1st Degree)
• Aggravated harassment
• Simple Assault
• Larceny Theft
• Intimidation
• Destruction/damage/vandalism of property
In the tables that list hate crimes, Touro is required to apply federal regulations for the “counting”
of hate crimes, which is different from the Montana state law as outlined below. The crimes listed
can be considered hate crimes under certain conditions:
• Murder and Non-negligent manslaughter
• Sex Offense
• Robbery
• Aggravated Assault
• Burglary
• Motor Vehicle Theft
• Arson
• Destruction/Damage/Vandalism to Property
• Intimidation
• Larceny/Theft
• Simple Assault
In addition, any attempt or conspiracy to commit any of these crimes is also punishable as a hate
crime. A person convicted of a hate crime will be subject to certain sentencing guidelines for
felonies that impose a more severe penalty than similar but non-hate crime offense.
A hate-crime conviction may also subject the offender to monetary penalties pursuant to the law
of their state. Any incident or attempt to commit a hate crime should be reported to your Campus
Security Department. In addition, any incident or attempt to commit a hate crime should be
reported to the Touro University Campus Security Director, Lydia Perez, at 50 W. 47th Street,
14th Floor, New York, NY 10036; office number (646) 565-6134; or by calling 1-88-Touro-911
(1-888-687-6911) for appropriate processing and documenting.
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Reported incidents of hate crimes and attempts to commit hate crimes will be referred to the local
law enforcement agencies for further investigation and legal action. Touro treats all hate crimes as
serious offenses that need to be prosecuted with the full force of the legal system.
POLICY ON TITLE IX AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
This policy applies to all members of the Touro University (“Touro”) community, including
students, faculty, and administrators as well as third parties (i.e., vendors, and invitees).
Discrimination or harassment of any kind in regard to a person's sex is not tolerated at our
institution. Information and/or training regarding this policy is available to students, faculty, and
staff.
Touro promotes an environment in which the dignity and worth of all members of the community
are respected. It is the policy of Touro that sexual intimidation of students and employees is
unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated.
Title IX Grievance Policy
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 prohibits any person in the United States from
being discriminated against on the basis of sex in seeking access to any educational program or
activity receiving federal financial assistance. The U.S. Department of Education, which enforces
Title IX, has long defined the meaning of Title IX’s prohibition on sex discrimination broadly to
include various forms of sexual harassment and sexual violence that interfere with a student’s
ability to equally access our educational programs and opportunities.
This Title IX Grievance Policy became effective on August 14, 2020, and only applies to formal
complaints of sexual harassment alleged to have occurred on or after August 14, 2020. Alleged
conduct that occurred prior to August 14, 2020 will be investigated and adjudicated according to
the Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy then in effect.
Title IX Coordinator
Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person
reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination
or sexual harassment), in person, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information
listed for the Title IX Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator
receiving the person’s verbal or written report.
Contact Information for the Title IX Coordinator:
Matthew Lieberman
50 W. 47th Street, 14th Floor
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 646-565-6000 x55667
Email: Matthew.Lieberm[email protected]
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Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the
telephone number or electronic mail address, or by mail to the office address listed for the Title IX
Coordinator.
When Title IX Applies
The Title IX process will apply when all of the following elements are met:
1. The conduct is alleged to have occurred on or after August 14, 2020;
2. The conduct is alleged to have occurred in the United States;
3. The conduct is alleged to have occurred in Touro’s education program or activity;
and
4. The alleged conduct, if true, would constitute covered sexual harassment, as
defined under Title IX, as:
1. an employee conditioning educational benefits on participation in
unwelcome sexual conduct (i.e., quid pro quo);
2. unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine is so severe,
pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal
access to the educational institution’s education program or activity; or
3. sexual assault (as defined in the Clery Act); or dating violence, domestic
violence, or stalking (as defined in the Violence Against Women Act
(VAWA)).
If the alleged misconduct meets these requirements, then the Title IX grievance process applies
and the Potential Complainant may file a Formal Complaint or their prior Complaint submission
will become a Formal Complaint. For the purposes of this Title IX Grievance Policy, “formal
complaint” means a document – including an electronic submission - filed by a complainant with
a signature or other indication that the complainant is the person filing the formal complaint, or
signed by the Title IX Coordinator, alleging sexual harassment against a respondent about conduct
within Touro’s education program or activity and requesting initiation of the procedures consistent
with the Title IX Grievance Policy to investigate and adjudicate the allegation of sexual
harassment.
If the alleged misconduct does not meet these Title IX requirements, it requires a mandatory
dismissal under Title IX, but it may be addressed by the broader Touro Sexual Misconduct Policy
or another applicable Touro policy.
For more details surrounding the Title IX Grievance Policy please see: https://www.touro.edu/title-
ix-policy/
Sexual Misconduct
Touro prohibits discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment. The prohibition against
discrimination extends to employment and third-parties. Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct
of a sexual nature and can include sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal,
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non-verbal, or physical conduct. Environmental harassment (sometimes referred to as hostile
environment) is sexually harassing conduct that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive to
limit an individual’s ability to participate in or receive benefits, services, or opportunities at Touro.
This can include persistent comments or jokes about an individual’s, sex; verbal behavior,
including insults, remarks, epithets, or derogatory statements; nonverbal behavior, including
graffiti, inappropriate physical advances short of physical violence such as repeated and unwanted
touching; and assault, including physical violence or the threat of physical violence.
New York Law also defines these acts as crimes if any of them are engaged in with a person who
is incapable of consent either because of the person's age or because the person is mentally
defective, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless. Therefore, sexual abuse, sodomy, and
rape are sex crimes and violators will be prosecuted in accordance with New York Penal Law.
Montana Code also defines these acts as crimes if any of them are engaged in with a person who
is incapable of consent either because of the person's age or because the person is mentally
disordered, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless or overcome by deception, coercion or
surprise. Therefore, sexual abuse, sodomy, and rape are sex crimes and violators will be prosecuted
in accordance with Montana Code.
Retaliation against any individual who made a complaint will not be tolerated.
To officially file charges for an act of sexual assault or rape, please contact the Office of
Institutional Compliance If the alleged perpetrator is a student, you can initiate disciplinary action
against this individual. All incidents must be reported within six (6) months of their occurrence.
All divisions of Touro seek to foster a collegial atmosphere in which students are nurtured and
educated through close faculty-student relationships, student camaraderie, and individualized
attention. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is anathema to Touro’s mission, history, and
identity. Touro will resolve any identified discrimination in a timely and effective manner, and will
ensure that it does not recur. Compliance with Touro’s policies and procedures is a necessary step
in achieving a safe environment in our educational community. The policies set forth were
developed to promote a safe educational environment in compliance with the Violence Against
Women Act (VAWA) and a high-quality campus life.
Those believing that they have been harassed or discriminated against on the basis of their sex,
including sexual harassment, should contact the Office of Institutional Compliance immediately.
When Touro has notice of the occurrence, Touro is compelled to take immediate and effective
corrective action reasonably calculated to stop the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and as
appropriate, remedy its effects.
This policy applies to all members of Touro, including students, faculty, and administrators as well
as third parties (including, but not limited to, vendors, invitees, etc.). Information and/or training
regarding this policy are available to students, faculty, and staff. In addition, information about this
policy will be available on Touro’s website.
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Complaints may be filed by contacting the Office of Institutional Compliance:
Phone: 646-565-6000, ext. 55330
Email: [email protected]
For Further Information: Students are strongly urged to read the full policy at
https://www.touro.edu/sexual-misconduct-policy/
For Further Information: Students at the Great Falls campus are strongly urged to read the full
policy at https://touro.box.com/s/uquod2twnmvnqc99914qn91l302jvlvc
Students are also urged to read the Annual Security and Fire Report at
https://www.touro.edu/departments/campus-security/clery-reports/TOURO_U-2023_ASFSR-
web.pdf
Additional information about this policy will be available on Touro’s website. Students may
contact the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education for inquiries concerning
the application of Title IX as well as the implementation of its regulations. The Office for Civil
Rights can be contacted using the following information:
New York Campuses (Harlem, Middletown)
U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
32 Old Slip, 26th floor
New York, NY 10005
Phone: 646-428-3800
Fax: 646-428-3843
Email: [email protected]
Great Falls Campus
U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
915 Second Avenue, Room 3310
Seattle, WA 98174-1099
Phone: 206-607-1600
Fax: 206-607-1601
Email: OCR.Seattl[email protected]
STUDENT COMPLAINTS
Touro University is committed to safeguarding the interests of all students. Students are entitled
to be treated with fairness and respect in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures.
The University does not condone unfair treatment of students by administration, faculty and/or
staff. Students who believe that they have been aggrieved by the University, and that such
occurrence is not governed by another complaint mechanism, may seek redress through the
complaint procedure outlined below. No adverse action will be taken against any person who files
a complaint because of the filing of such complaint.
This student complaint procedure is available to any Touro University student who seeks to resolve
a legitimate grievance directly affecting that student, provided that such circumstance is not
governed by another complaint mechanism (see Exception to Policy below). The procedure only
applies to complaints that are the result of actions by another member of the University community
while acting in an official capacity (e.g. faculty member, administrator, or staff) in contravention
of the written policies of the University or the school in which the student is enrolled.
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If any student believes that his or her rights have been violated or infringed upon, or that Touro’s
policies and procedures have not been followed, that student may file a formal complaint with the
Dean of the school or division in which he/she is enrolled. When a complaint concerns an
administrative function of the University, including, but not limited to, tuition refund and student
financial assistance, a student may file a formal complaint with the University-wide director or
supervisor of the administrative unit in question, or their designee. Prior to filing the formal
complaint, the student should attempt to remedy the situation via an informal mediation (described
in Phase One below). If the informal mediation is unsuccessful, or if the student is uncomfortable
attempting an informal resolution, then a formal complaint may be filed. The complaint should
state, with particularity: the person(s) involved, the nature of the claim, the date, witnesses (if any),
documents (if any), and the circumstances under which the alleged claim may have been
committed.
Limitation Period
Claims under this policy may only be brought within sixty (60) calendar days of the alleged
misconduct.
Exception to Policy
This Policy is not applicable to situations that are governed by other policies. For example,
complaints of sexual harassment are governed by Title IX; the University currently has a robust
policy and procedure for dealing with such allegations. Therefore, all such incidents are considered
under that anti-harassment policy/process. Other examples of exceptions to the Grievance Policy
include, but are not limited to, race discrimination, Code of Conduct violations, and ADA
Reasonable Accommodations requests and complaints.
Additionally, this Policy is separate and distinct from the Touro University or program-specific
grade appeals polices. Therefore, this Policy may not be used for appealing grades, dismissals, or
academic decisions by any Touro University programs. Such appeals are governed by the Student
Handbook or Catalog for the program in which the student is enrolled.
Confidentiality
Touro has a duty to report or investigate potential misconduct, even if a complainant does not wish
to initiate an official process. Therefore, though Touro will protect, to the extent possible, the
privacy of all persons relevant to a complaint, absolute confidentiality cannot be promised since
facts may be disclosed when necessary for Touro’s effective investigation of a matter.
Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) Compliance
The Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation publishes standards for all colleges or
schools of osteopathic medicine. These standards may be found at www.osteopathic.org. Students
are hereby informed that they may submit complaints concerning accreditation standards to the
Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, 142 East Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611,
(800) 621-1773, [email protected].
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 157
POLICY ON DRUGS AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
The United States Department of Education has issued regulations implementing the provisions
of The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226).
In compliance with Federal law, New York and Montana laws, this policy includes information
to ensure that all members of the Touro Community are aware of the dangers of substance abuse
and to outline the sanctions for violating this policy.
Students, faculty, and staff who distribute or use illegal drugs or illicitly use drugs which would
otherwise be legal, including alcohol, while on Touro campuses, locations and facilities, or as
part of any Touro activities, are violating Federal laws, New York and Montana laws, and the
policies and procedures of Touro. Violations of federal and state laws may lead to prosecution
and criminal sanctions, including, but not limited to, fines and/or imprisonment.
Touro is committed to educating and informing students, faculty and staff about the dangers and
effects of substance abuse. Touro recognizes that drug addiction and alcoholism are illnesses
that may not be easily resolved and may require professional assistance and treatment.
Touro may provide confidential counseling and referral services to students, faculty, and staff
with drug and/or alcohol problems. These services are available through the Office of the Dean
of Students, the Vice President of the Division of Graduate Studies, and/or Human Resources.
All inquiries and requests for assistance will be handled with confidentiality.
Touro University also has a Biennial Review that is used to document the progress made by
Touro and also provide insight into how Touro’s Alcohol and Drug policy and programs could
be improved.
Touro seeks to safeguard the health and well-being of all members of Touro students, faculty,
and staff. All members of Touro are accountable to know the law and to understand the policies
and procedures of Touro.
In order to better educate students, faculty, and staff, Touro wishes to provide all members of
Touro with an education of the effects of substance abuse. The mind-altering substances to be
discussed here are: marijuana, cocaine, heroin (and their derivatives); amphetamines (uppers);
barbiturates (downers); hallucinogens; and alcohol. Many individuals take such drugs to escape
from their problems; but doing so only creates more problems.
For the complete New York policy, see https://touro.app.box.com/v/ControlledSubstancesPolicy
For the complete Montana policy, see https://touro.box.com/s/xyb6d49xjjs63bmraj23n9o2jzuyu073
Students are urged to view pages 28-30 in the Annual Security and Fire Report at
https://www.touro.edu/departments/campus-security/clery-reports/TOURO_U-2023_ASFSR-
web.pdf
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 158
TOURO UNIVERSITY CAMPUS SECURITY POLICIES
Safety and security are concerns commonly shared by the students, faculty and staff employees of
Touro University. The University is committed to keeping its campus locations, centers and sites
secure.
Access to the Campus
Students must show a valid identification card to enter Touro University Facilities. Visitors must
receive a temporary pass from guards on duty to enter Touro facilities.
Security Services
Touro University has contracted with professional security guard services to maintain and monitor
security at its campuses and sites. Selected locations have armed Security Officers. Security
Personnel are carefully screened before being assigned to Touro University, and supervised to
ensure quality assurance. Security staff are supervised by means of their agency supervisor, and as
well as the Campus Security Director.
Security personnel respond to emergency calls for service, enforce regulations, and assist in
security building inspections and fire prevention. Electronic means, such as closed-circuit
television, are also used to monitor activities at many University centers.
The Security Officers may detain individuals who engage in illegal and criminal actions until local
police officers arrive and/or your local law enforcement agency arrives. They are empowered to
enforce Touro’s regulations, to investigate incidents, and to apprehend those who violate Touro
regulations or commit crimes on campus. Criminal violators that are apprehended are turned over
to the police. Our Security Officers are not Peace Officers or Police Officers and have no power
of arrest.
Our Security Director meets regularly with Police Commanders to help ensure the safest
environment for our campus community.
Reporting Criminal Incidents & Other Emergencies
All students, employees, and guests should promptly report criminal incidents, accidents, and other
emergencies to the Department of Campus Security by dialing 1-88-Touro911 (1-888-687-6911).
This service allows you to speak to a live operator, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to
report any incidents or occurrences. The service refers all calls to the appropriate agencies (i.e.,
fire, police, etc.) for assistance, as well as to the appropriate university authorities. Additionally,
you may report any incidents to any Security Officer at your site, the Campus Security Director,
and/or Operations. The Touro University Campus Security Administrative office is located at 50
W. 47th Street, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10036, and can be reached at (646) 565-6134 or via
email at [email protected].
If assistance is required in completing or reporting an incident/occurrence to local Law
Enforcement agencies, we at Touro Campus Security will be glad to render any assistance needed.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 159
Annual statistics on the incidence of crime at Touro University campuses and sites are published
in the Touro University Campus Security Handbook.
Students are urged to read the Annual Security and Fire Report at
https://www.touro.edu/departments/campus-security/clery-reports/TOURO_U-2023_ASFSR-
web.pdf
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS
CAMPUS CITIZENSHIP
Students of Touro University are expected to be considerate of all individuals at the University –
fellow students, faculty, staff and administrators – and to help maintain a harmonious and
supportive environment conducive to learning and the furtherance of academic pursuits. While
specific regulations are listed on the following pages, it is expected that all members of the
university community demonstrate respect for their colleagues, sensitivity to their needs, and
tolerance for their ideas and views. Please cooperate with university officials by observing the rules
and regulations of the university, and by exercising respect for university values and property.
STANDARDS OF CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
The faculty has primary responsibility for managing the classroom. Students who create a
disruption in the classroom may be directed by the instructor to leave the class for the remainder of
the class period. Behaviors defined as disruptive include persistently speaking without being
recognized, using a cell phone in the class, eating in the classroom, interfering with the class by
entering and leaving the room without authorization, carrying on private conversations, and
refusing to follow the directions of the course instructor.
To ensure a clean and healthy environment for all students at the university, eating, drinking and
smoking are not permitted in any classroom, laboratory, or auditorium.
Students are strictly forbidden to bring pets or other animals into any facilities of the university,
unless they have obtained specific authorization in advance from the dean of their division/school.
Additionally, please see Touro’s Policy on Weapons in the Annual Security and Fire Safety
Report, https://www.touro.edu/departments/campus-security/clery-reports/TOURO_U-
2023_ASFSR-web.pdf
I
NTERNET SERVICES AND USER-GENERATED CONTENT POLICY
As an educational institution, we recognize that these Internet-based services can support your
academic and professional endeavors, but we are also aware that, if not used properly, they can be
damaging. In both professional and institutional roles, students, faculty and staff should follow the
same behavioral standards online as they should offline, and are responsible for anything they post
to a social media site regardless of whether the site is private (such as a portal open to the Touro
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 160
community only) or public. The same laws, professional expectations, and guidelines for interacting
with students, parents, alumni, donors, media and other university agents apply online as apply
offline.
Student are urged to read the complete policy, which can be found at
https://touro.app.box.com/v/InternetService-UserGenContent.
A
CCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The Acceptable Use Policy provides for users of the institutional technology resources, facilities,
and/or equipment to act responsibly, to abide by Touro’s policies, and to respect the rights and
privileges of other users. Each user of Touro technology resources is responsible for adhering to all
legal and ethical requirements in accordance with the policies of Touro and applicable law.
All users of Touro technology resource users must submit, upon commencement of their
relationship with Touro, or at another appropriate time, acknowledgement of the Acceptable Use
Policy (AUP). In submitting the AUP Acknowledgement Form, each individual will be certifying
that he/she has read and will comply with the AUP.
Students are urged to read the complete policy, which can be found at
https://touro.app.box.com/v/AcceptableUsePolicy.
ANTI-HAZING REGULATIONS
No student or group of students shall encourage or participate in any form of hazing. Hazing is
defined as action taken or situations created to produce excessive mental or physical discomfort,
embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. This covers coercive activities and mentally degrading
games.
NO-SMOKING POLICY
(including the use of electronic cigarettes or vapor devices)
Touro University recognizes the health, safety and benefits of smoke-free air and the special
responsibility that it has to maintain an optimally healthy and safe environment for its faculty,
students, employees and guests. Touro is committed to the promotion of good health, wellness
and the prevention of disease and to comply with state law regarding smoking indoors. Out of
respect and loyalty to the university and its mission, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is
not permitted inside any campus building, any of our healthcare facilities where patient care is
delivered or inside University vehicles. Violators are subject to disciplinary action. In addition,
smoking materials shall not be sold or in any way distributed under the auspices of Touro
University.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 161
CONFIDENTIALITY OF STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS
THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, grants all eligible students
the right of access to their own educational records as defined in the law. The law prohibits access
to or release of personally identifiable information without the prior written consent of the student
except under certain limited circumstances. Touro University policy does not permit access to or
release of student records to any party except as authorized by this law. It should be noted,
however, that this legislation concerning privacy is affected by Section 510 of the Veterans
Education and Employment Act of 1976, which provides that, P.L. 93-568 notwithstanding,
records and accounts pertaining to veterans, as well as those of other students, shall be available
for examination by government representatives. It is also affected by Sections 507 and 508 of the
Patriot Act of 2001, which provides that officials designated by the U.S. Attorney General may
petition the court to examine records deemed relevant to certain authorized investigations or
prosecutions. If a student wishes to inspect or review his or her records, he or she may contact the
Office of the Registrar, which can also provide complete information concerning this policy.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (FERPA), was designed to
protect the privacy of education records. Education records include records, files, documents, or
other materials in hard copy or in electronic format, maintained by Touro University or a party
acting on behalf of Touro University, which contain information directly related to a student.
FERPA specifies some limited exceptions including certain personal memory aids and certain
employment records.
FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:
1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within a reasonable period
of time, but not more than 45 days after the University receives a request for access.
Students should submit to the Office of the Registrar written requests that identify the
record(s) they wish to inspect. The Office of the Registrar will make arrangements for
access and notify the student of the time and place the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request an amendment to the student’s education records that the student
believes contains information that is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s
rights of privacy. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is
inaccurate. They should write to the Office of the Registrar, clearly identify the part of the
record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the University decides not
to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of
the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for
amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to
the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 162
3. The right to provide signed and dated written consent before the University discloses
personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to
the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
a. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school
officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person
employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or
research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and
health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such
as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of
Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or
grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her
tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to
review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
b. A second exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure of
Directory Information. Directory Information is information that is generally not
considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released.
The following is considered “Directory Information” at Touro University and may
be made available to the general public unless the student notifies the Office of the
Registrar in writing before the last day to add classes in a semester:
• Name • Dates of enrollment
• Address • Enrollment status
• E-mail address • Classification (freshman, etc.)
• Telephone listing • Honors and awards
• Date and place of birth • Degrees and dates of conferral
• Photograph • Most recent prior educational
agency or institution attended
• Major field of study
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged
failures by Touro University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and
address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.
Authorization for Non-Disclosure of Directory Information
Enrolled students may refuse to permit disclosure of Directory Information. To do so, they must
submit a completed “Authorization for Non-Disclosure of Directory Information” form to the
Registrar before the last day to add classes in a semester. This request is valid only for the academic
year in which it is made. A new form requesting non-disclosure must be submitted each academic
year.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 163
TOURO UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mr. Zvi Ryzman, Chairman Mr. Brian Levinson
Dr. Alan Kadish, President Mr. David Lichtenstein
Rabbi Doniel Lander, Chancellor Mr. Martin Oliner
Mr. Abraham Biderman Dr. Lawrence Platt
Mr. Shmuel Braun Mrs. Margaret Retter
Dr. Benjamin Chouake Dr. Stephen Rosenberg
Mr. Allen Fagin Mr. Israel Sendrovic
Mr. Howard Friedman Mr. Gary Torgow
Mr. Gilles Gade Mr. Jack Weinreb
Rabbi Menachem Genack Rabbi Shabsai Wolfe
Mr. Solomon Goldfinger Mr. Steven Zuller
Mr. Abraham Gutnicki
TOURO BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Mrs. Rena Barta Rabbi Moshe Krupka
Mr. Gavriel Berger Rabbi Doniel Lander
Mr. Harvey Blitz Mr. Bruce Lilker
Mr. Stephen Brown Mr. Joshua Manaster
Rabbi Alan Ciner Mr. Robert Marcus
Mr. John Crepsac Mrs. Meryl Maybruch
Mr. Manuel de Torres Mr. Ira Nutis
Dr. Hazel Dukes Mr. Joseph Popack
Mr. Sam Epstein Mr. David Portal
Mr. Benjamin Fishoff Mr. David Raab
Mr. Alan Fuchsberg Mr. Daniel Retter
Mr. Charles Ganz Dr. Alex Rovt
Mr. Adam Geiger Ms. Patricia Salkin
Mr. Paul Glasser* Mrs. Lindsay Schottenstein
Ms. Beth Gorin* Mr. Nathan Sklar
Mr. Bruce Gould Mr. Howard Stein
Mr. David Grunblatt Mr. Andrew Tananbaum
Rabbi Michael Hasten Dr. A.M. Tannenberg
Mr. Aaron Herzog Dr. Marvin Weitz
Mrs. Robin Jacobs Dr. Rachel Yehuda
Dr. Alan Kadish
Dr. Martin Katzenstein * Office of Institutional Advancement
Mr. Lloyd Keilson
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 164
UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Rabbi Doniel Lander, Chancellor
Alan Kadish, M.D., President
Rabbi Moshe Krupka, M.S., Executive Vice President, University Ombudsman
Melvin M. Ness, B.S., C.P.A., Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Patricia Salkin, J.D., Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Graduate
and Professional Divisions
Michael Newman, J.D., Senior Vice President of Legal Affairs and Chief Compliance Officer
Jeffrey Rosengarten, B.A., Senior Vice President for Operations
Salomon Amar, D.D.S., Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Research Affairs, Chief Biomedical
Research Officer
Franklin M. Steen, Ph.D., Vice President, Chief Information Officer
Yehudah Meth, B.A., Associate Vice President of Government Relations, Special
Administrative Assistant
Sabine Charles, D.B.A., CIA, CISA, CFE, CISM, Chief Internal Auditor/Internal Audit Director
SENIOR LEADERSHIP
Matthew F. Bonilla, M.S., Vice President of Student Administrative Services
Stanley L. Boylan, Ph.D., Vice President of Undergraduate Education and Dean of Faculties
Rabbi Alan G. Ciner, M.A., Vice President of Community Engagement
Roy Finaly, M.B.A., ABD D.Mgt., Interim CEO, Touro University Worldwide
Simcha Fishbane, Ph.D., Liaison, European Branch Campuses, Vice President,
Managing Director, Touro University Berlin
Paul Glasser, B.A., Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Robert Goldschmidt, M.A., L.L.D., Vice President for Planning and Assessment,
Dean of Students
Edward Halperin, M.A., M.D., Chancellor and CEO, New York Medical College and Touro
Provost for Biomedical Affairs
Tami Hendriksz, D.O., Interim Chief Academic Officer, Touro University California
Newman Hoffman, J.D., Vice President and Interim Chief Executive Officer, Touro University
California
Marty Katzenstein, M.D., Vice President of Community Affairs
Andrew Priest, Ed.D., PT, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Touro University Nevada
Rabbi Shmuel Schuman, M.A., CEO, Hebrew Theological College
Israel Singer, Ph.D., Vice President for International Affairs
Marian Stoltz-Loike, Ph.D., Vice President, Online Education and Dean, Lander College
for Women
Judah Weinberger, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President for Collaborative Medical Education,
Associate Vice President of Undergraduate Education, Dean of NYSCAS
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 165
OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Patricia E. Salkin, J.D., Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost,
Graduate and Professional Divisions
Stanley L. Boylan, Ph.D., Vice President of Undergraduate Education and Dean of Faculties
Robert Goldschmidt, M.A., L.L.D., Vice President for Planning and Assessment, Dean of
Students, Executive Dean, Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Henry Abramson, Ph.D., Dean, Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Robert Askey, Ed.D., Dean, College of Health and Human Services, Touro University Nevada
Henry Cohen, Pharm.D., Dean, Touro College of Pharmacy
Nelly Lejter-Morales, Ph.D., Dean, Graduate School of Education
Nancy Gallina, Ph.D., Dean, Graduate School of Social Work
Wolfgang Gilliar, D.O., Dean, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University Nevada
Tami Hendriksz, D.O., Dean, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University California
Issac Herskowitz, Ed.D., Dean, Graduate School of Technology and Chief Computer
Instruction Officer
David Jacobson, Ph.D., Dean, Touro College Los Angeles
Rabbi Shmuel Klammer, Ed.D., Dean, Touro College Israel
Elena Langan, J.D., Dean, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
Shelia Lewis, Ph.D., Provost, Touro University Worldwide
Mary Lo Re, Ph.D., Dean, Graduate School of Business
Steven Lorenzet, Ph.D., Dean, School of Health Sciences
Ronnie Myers, D.D.S., Dean, Touro College of Dental Medicine
Lisa Norton, Ed.D., Dean, College of Education and Health Sciences, Touro University
California
Elizabeth Palmarozzi, D.O., Dean, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Montana Campus
James Scott, Pharm.D., Dean, College of Pharmacy, Touro University California
Michael Shmidman, Ph.D., Dean, Graduate School of Jewish Studies
Moshe Z. Sokol, Ph.D., Dean, Lander College for Men
Kenneth Steier, D.O., Executive Dean, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem,
Middletown, and Montana Campuses
Marian Stoltz-Loike, Ph.D., Dean, Lander College for Women/The Anna Ruth and Mark
Hasten School
Chani Tessler, Ph.D., Chief Academic Officer, Hebrew Theological College, Interim Vice
Provost, Touro University Illinois
Judah Weinberger, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President for Collaborative Medical Education and
Associate Vice President of Undergraduate Education
TOUROCOM ADMINISTRATION
https://tourocom.touro.edu/about/our-leadership/
TOUROCOM FACULTY
https://tourocom.touro.edu/do/faculty/
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | 2023 – 2025 Catalog 166
