Institutional Action (IA)

Health professions programs, especially medical and dental schools, take institutional actions (often referred to as IA) very seriously, as they reflect on an applicant’s professionalism, integrity, and judgment, all of which are core competencies for health professionals.

Per AAMC and other application services, an Institutional Action refers to: any disciplinary action taken by a college or university for academic or conduct violations, regardless of whether it appears on a transcript.

As a part of the PATH process, we will ask for a copy of your student record from the URI Office of Community Standards. We will review your record for any of the following: 

Academic Misconduct:

  • Cheating
  • Plagiarism
  • Unauthorized collaboration
  • Falsification of data or documents

Conduct Violations:

  • Alcohol/drug policy violations (especially if they led to suspension or probation)
  • Residence hall misconduct (if serious)
  • Harassment or discrimination
  • Physical altercations or threats
  • Violations of the student code of conduct

Academic Performance Actions:

  • Academic probation
  • Dismissal or suspension for poor academic performance (though these are often separated from conduct violations)
  • Required withdrawal from a course or program

Legal Issues Handled by the Institution:

  • Arrests or legal charges that triggered a campus disciplinary process
  • Title IX findings (if substantiated)

    What Usually Does Not Count (Unless Reported as IA)?

    • Warnings with no formal IA
    • Parking tickets, minor library fines, or other trivial infractions
    • Dropping a course or retaking a course due to a low grade (unless related to probation or dismissal)
    • Informal or unofficial conversations with faculty/staff about conduct

    What the AAMC and other applications will ask:

    “Have you ever been the recipient of any institutional action by any college or university for unacceptable academic performance or conduct violation, even if such action did not interrupt your enrollment or require you to withdraw?”

    If the applicant answers yes, they must:

    • Provide an explanation
    • Indicate if the IA is documented in their permanent record
    • It is extremely important to be honest and disclose this on your application to your health professional school

    The HPAC Committee will look for any of the following:

    • Official notations of probation, suspension, dismissal, or expulsion
    • Records of disciplinary proceedings or findings from the Dean of Students Office
    • Past or current Title IX violations (if your institution shares that)
    • Actions tied to integrity (e.g., academic dishonesty), even if resolved informally

    What happens if I have any of these on my student record?

    Admissions committees care about patterns and growth. A one-time alcohol violation in year 1 may not carry the same weight as repeat academic dishonesty or a Title IX finding. 

    We will work with you to:

    • Encourage you to be honest in your application
    • Help you craft a thoughtful, accountable explanation (if needed)
    • We could consider referencing this in your committee letter if relevant, particularly to demonstrate maturity, growth, or resolution
    • This does not exclude you from participating in the PATH process