The following policy describes which decisions by the Committee for Academic Promotion (CAP) and the Competency Attainment Committee (CAC) can be appealed by students in the WashU Medicine MD program. This policy aligns with LCME Element 9.9: Student Advancement and Appeals Process.

Policy

This policy applies to all students who have matriculated into the WashU Medicine MD curriculum.

CAP Decisions

Students wishing to appeal any of the following CAP decisions are required to follow the steps outlined in the Procedures for Appealing a Committee for Academic Promotion Decision.

  • Students have the right to appeal CAP decisions about the following:
    • Adverse outcomes*
    • The inclusion of language related to the decisions for adverse outcomes (determined by CAP) in the MSPE letter
*

The term adverse outcomes refers to any decision by the CAP that negatively impacts a student's progression toward the MD degree and that usually occurs after a review of academic performance or professionalism concerns.

CAC Decisions

Students wishing to appeal this decision are required to follow the steps outlined in Procedures for Appealing Decisions of Phase 2 Competence Without Distinction.

  • Students have the right to appeal CAC decisions regarding Phase 2 competence without distinction. 
  • All appeals of CAP and CAC decisions must be based on one or more of the following grounds:
    • New Evidence: Information that was unavailable to the student and could not reasonably have been obtained or submitted to CAP at the time of CAP's meeting with the student and significant enough to potentially alter the original outcome. (Note: Evidence that existed but that was intentionally withheld by the student does not qualify as new evidence.)
    • Procedural Error: A failure by CAP to follow its established processes, where such deviation had a material impact on the decision.
    • Bias or Conflict of Interest: Evidence exists that suggests a decision maker demonstrated bias or had a conflict of interest that materially influenced the decision and was not disclosed. Consult the Conflict of Interest During Student Assessment Policy for more information.

Last approved June 2026

Contact Info