Policy Statement:
Discretionary time is any time in the clerkship and post clerkship phases during which a student is not enrolled in course work.
Note: discretionary time is separate from time mandated for scheduled breaks, including winter recess.
Policy Requirement:
- Students are provided discretionary time for residency interviews, preparation for the USMLE Step examinations and to address wellness and/or personal needs.
- Students must use discretionary time for preparation for the USMLE Step 2 CK examination, during which they will not be assigned to any electives, selectives, required clerkships or courses. The Learning Enhancement and Academic Development (LEAD) program will work with each individual student to determine when and how much discretionary time they will use for USMLE Step 2 CK preparation.
- Students are required to use discretionary time for residency interviews. The Office of Student Affairs will work with each individual student to determine when and how much discretionary time they will use for residency interviews. If a student needs to conduct a residency interview while they are enrolled in a course or clerkship, they must request an absence. There is not a specific number of absences that are allowable for residency interviews. Course Directors may require students to complete additional assignments for any course time missed to ensure that students can meet the objectives of the course and achieve a passing grade. Additional assignments may include completion of clinical days in lieu of those missed for residency interviews.
- Discretionary time must be used in blocks of at least one (1) week and may not exceed a maximum of six (6) contiguous weeks. Students requiring more than six (6) contiguous weeks of time away from medical school coursework will be placed on a leave of absence.
Reviewed and Approved: February 7, 2024
Medical Education Executive Council