Policy on Provision of Timely Formative Feedback and Summative Grades

The Zucker School of Medicine is committed to creating an environment that supports learning based on assessment and feedback. As such, the Zucker School of Medicine is committed to the provision of timely formative feedback as well as timely delivery of summative grades to each student.

Formative Feedback

The provision of formative feedback to students is an expectation of the educational program and is intended to complement learning. Formal formative feedback must be provided no later than the mid-point of all courses and clerkships of four or more weeks in duration.

The formative feedback process is centrally coordinated by the Clinical Experiences Team, Integrated Learning Team, and the Office of Educational & Data Analytics. Compliance with the policy of timely formative feedback is monitored by the vice dean and dean for education.

Summative Grades

Summative grades are expected to be delivered in a timely fashion and are made available no later than six weeks after the end of a course or clerkship.

The grading process is centralized through a coordinated effort of faculty, the Clinical Experiences Team, Integrated Learning Team, and the Office of Educational Data & Analytics. Compliance with the policy of timely distribution of grades is monitored by the director for educational data and analytics.

References to Regulations and/or Related Policies:
LCME Element 9.7: Formative Assessment and Feedback
LCME Element 9.8: Fair and Timely Summative Assessment

Last Updated: November 2020