Name
Power of Second Chances: Remediation Policies in the Master of Preclinical Science Program – A Compassionate Pathway for Student Success
Authors
Manish Mishra, Mercer University School of Medicine Angabin Matin, Mercer University School of Medicine Stacy M. Jones, Mercer University School of Medicine Sandeep K. Meharwal, Mercer University School of Medicine Christy Bridges, Mercer University School of Medicine
Date & Time
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 12:15 PM - 12:29 PM
Presentation Category
Proactive Learner Support and Recovery
Description
Purpose The Master of Science Preclinical Sciences (MSPCS) is a rigorous one-year program that prepares students for healthcare professions. Some students struggle to meet the academic demands, resulting in withdrawal or failure to achieve the required 3.0 GPA for graduation. To promote student success, the MSPCS program implemented remediation examinations, providing eligible students a second opportunity to demonstrate competency and improve academic performance. Methods Students with a final course grade below 80% (B) were eligible to complete a remediation examination after final exams. Course directors developed the remediation exams. If the remediation score exceeded one of the student's first three exam scores, the lowest eligible score was replaced. Final course grades after remediation were capped at 80% (B). Results The policy was implemented during the 2025–2026 academic year with 29 students. In Fall 2025, 34.5% completed Cell Biology and Biochemistry remediation exams; 27.6% improved their Cell Biology grade and 24.1% improved Biochemistry. One student completed Microbiology remediation without improvement. In Spring 2026, all students completing Physiology (14.8%) and Human Development (25.9%) remediation improved their final grades, while one of two students completing Immunology remediation improved. Overall, remediation improved academic performance and GPA for many students. Three students (11.1%) achieved the minimum 3.0 GPA required for graduation because of the policy, while four (14.8%) remained below the requirement. Conclusion Structured remediation examinations provided an effective second-chance pathway for students facing academic challenges. Initial findings suggest the policy improved academic performance and helped several students meet graduation requirements. Ongoing evaluation will determine its long-term impact on student success and program completion.