The Medicine Doctoral (MD) BVI Program has ACCM preliminary accreditation.

Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine
6-9 Trinity Street, Dublin D02 EY47, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 209 1996
Web: https://accredmed.org/

Ponce Health Sciences University is approved by the Puerto Rico State Approving Agency to provide academic training to the students under the various GI Bill® programs. GI Bill® is a required trademark of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Research Building

The Research Building is a two stories facility where all research protocols are processed. Also, most of the Basic Sciences Departments offices are located in this building.

Student Lounge
PHSU has a student lounge of 1,500 sq. ft. of interior space and a 1,600 sq. ft. terrace. It is fully equipped.

Standardized Patients and Simulation Laboratory Unit

The Standardized Patient and Simulation Laboratory Unit, is located at Building O-Main campus and occupies 11,500 sq. ft. 

Use of University Equipment
University equipment and supplies are provided for the use of employees in the performance of their official duties for the University as designated from time to time. Use for purposes other than those authorized requires prior authorization.

Educational Technology and Online Learning

PHSU has an Educational Technology and Online Learning unit under the Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs. This unit has a director, three educational technologists, and one academic media specialist. This team supports faculty, staff, and students in using the educational technology resources available in the institution to meet students’ learning experiences. These resources include the Learning Management Systems (Canvas, Moodle), offline examination platform (ExamSoft), videoconferencing tools (Zoom), and Audience Response Systems (iClickers). The unit specialists also develop courses, resources, and workshops for the training of faculty and staff into the use of new technologies and their implementation in the learning environment.

The unit has the necessary equipment for the use and implementation of current and new technologies in education. Also, it has a Recording Studio to assist faculty in the recording of didactic material to be used in teaching modalities such as the flipped (dynamic) classroom. The studio has acquired production monitors, cameras, teleprompter, TV, and computers for video editing for these purposes. The Recording Studio is located in Building E-Main campus.

Audiovisual Support
PHSU has a complete audiovisual service that ensures that the proper audiovisual facilities are PHSU Audiovisual unit ensures that the proper audiovisual material, equipment, and services be available to support faculty teaching, student learning, and administrative activities. Audiovisual office is located in Building E-Main Campus.

Links to Academic Programs By School

• School of Medicine
• School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences
• Public Health Program
• School of Nursing 
• Transfer of Credits
• Academic Calendars
  • AY 2024-2025
  • AY 2023-2024
  • AY 2022-2023 
  • Reasonable Accommodation Policy and Procedures

Admissions Entrance Exams Waiver COVID-19 Temporary Policies

• School of Medicine- MSMS
• Public Health Program
• School of Nursing 
• School of Behavioral & Brain Sciences

School Policies

• PHSU Catalog 2023 – 2026
• PHSU Catalog  2020-2023
• PHSU Catalog 2017-2020
• Student Handbook 2023-2024
• School of Medicine Policy Handbook 2023-2024
• San Juan Policies
• Student Financial Aid Manual
• TITLE IX
• Bullying and Cyber Bullying Policy
• PHSU DEIC Policy
• PHSU PHP SOGIE Policy

FERPA FERPA Annual Notification

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

Student

Educational Records

1. A personal record kept by a staff member if kept in the sole possession of the maker of the record; the record must not be accessible or revealed to another person, expect a temporary substitute for the maker of the record.
2. Records created and maintained by the Ponce Health Sciences University to comply with the federal rules and regulation a privacy preservation concerns.
3. An employment record of an individual, whose employment is not contingent on their student’s status, provided the record is used only in relation to the individual’s employment.
4. Records made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional if the records are used only for treatment of a student and made available only to those persons providing the treatment.
5. Alumni records containing student(s) information after they are no longer in attendance at the Ponce Health Sciences University, and which do not relate to the person as a student.

• Students will be notified of their FERPA rights annually by publication in the student handbook.
• Students will be notified of FERPA rights annually by publication in the student bulletin; or
• Students will be proved a statement of their FERPA rights in their registration packets.

Procedure to Inspect Education Records

• Students may inspect and review their own academic records upon approval of the Registrar.
• Students should submit to the Registrar or Record Officer a written request, which identifies precisely as possible the record or records he or she wishes to inspect.
• The Record Custodian or an appropriate University staff person will make the needed arrangements for access as promptly as possible and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. Access must be given in 15 days or less from receipt of the request.
• When a record contains information about more than one student, the student may inspect and review only the record related to the student.

Right of University to Refuse Access

1. Letters and statements of recommendation for which the student has waived the right of access, or which were placed in the file before, January 1, 1975.
2. Records connected with an application to attend Ponce Health Sciences University it that application was denied.
3. Those records which are excluded from the FERPA definition of education records.

Refusal to Provide Copies

1. The student has an unpaid financial obligation to the University.
2. There is an unresolved disciplinary action against the student.

Fees for Copies or Records

Types, Locations and Custodians of Educations of Records

Disclosure of Education Records

1. The school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records. A college or university is required to specify the criteria for school officials and for legitimate educational interest. The following are Ponce Health Sciences University criteria:  A school official is:

• A person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position.
• A person elected to the Board of Trustees.
• A person employed by or under contract to Ponce Health Sciences University to perform a special task, such as the attorney or auditor.
• A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official is:
• Performing a task that is specified in his or her position description or by a contract agreement.
• Performing a task related to a student’s education.
• Performing a task related to the discipline of the student.
• Providing a service of benefit relating to the student or student’s family, such as health care, counseling, job placement, or financial aid.

1. To officials of another school, upon request, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. FERPA requires a college or university to make a reasonable attempt to notify the student of the transfer unless it states in its policy that is intends to forward records on request.
2. To certain official of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General and state and local educational authorities, in connection with certain state or federally supported education programs.
3. In connection with a student’s request for or receipt of financial aid as necessary to determine the eligibility, amount, or conditions of the financial aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.
4. If required by a state law requiring disclosure that was adopted before November 19, 1974.
5. To organizations conducting certain studies for or behalf of the Ponce Health Sciences University.
6. To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions.
7. To parents of an eligible student who claim the student as a dependent for the income tax purposes.
8. To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena.
9. To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency.
10. Directory information so designated by Ponce Health Sciences University.
11. The result of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the Ponce Health Sciences University against an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence to the alleged of that crime.
12. PHSU complies with the FERPA USA Patriot Act: Public Law 107-56: DCL April 12, 2002, Section 507.  PHSU follows the provisions outlined in the regulations as follows:  PHSU only discloses personally identifiable information from an education record to appropriate parties in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health and safety of the student or other individuals.

Record of Request for Disclosure

Directory Information

Correction of Education Records

1. A student must ask the official Ponce Health Sciences University to amend a record. They should write Ponce Health Sciences University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
2. Ponce Health Sciences University, registrar, or Record Officer may comply with the request, or it may decide not to comply. If it decides not to comply, Ponce Health Sciences University, registrar, or Record Officer, will notify the student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing to challenge the information believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s rights.
3. Upon request, Registrar of Ponce Health Sciences University, will arrange for a hearing and notify the student, reasonable in advance, of the date, place, and time of the hearing.
4. The hearing will be conducted by a Hearing Committee of three members who are disinterest parties; however, the hearing committee members may be officials of the Institution. The student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issued raised in the original request to amend the student’s education record. The student may be assisted by one or more individuals, including an attorney.
5. Ponce Health Sciences University Hearing Committee will prepare a written decision based on the evidence presented at the hearing and it will be submitted to the President to take the corresponding action. The decision will include a summary of the evidence presented and the reason for the decision.
6. If the President decides that the challenged information is not inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s right of privacy, it will be notifying the student that they have a right to place in the record a statement commenting on challenged information or a statement setting forth reasons for disagreeing with the decision.
7. The statement will be maintained a part of the student’s education records as long as the contested portion is maintained. If Ponce Health Sciences University discloses the contested portion of the record, it must also disclosure the statement.
8. If the President decides that the information is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s right of privacy, the President will order the registrar to amend the record and notify the student, in writing, that the record has been amended.

The Solomon Amendment and FERPA

1. Have a long-standing policy of pacifism based on historical religious tradition.
2. Certify that such information is not collected by the institution.
3. Certify that each student concerned has formally requested to withhold “directory information “under FERPA from third parties.

Use and Management of Social Security Number Policy

• SSNs may only be requested in certain cases, such as when required by law or for business purposes with certain third-party providers, with appropriate disclosure of its use.
• On-line and off-line systems that maintain SSN data must have adequate security controls implemented to protect its confidentiality and integrity.
• PHSU Primary ID (“UPI”) number will serve as the primary identification number for university students, faculty and staff.  A UPI is assigned to all persons affiliated with the University and is displayed on the University’s ID Card.

Scope

• This policy will not apply to clinical and patient systems maintained by PHSU that are required   to use the SSN for billing and healthcare coordination purposes.
• SSNs are considered an identifier under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Requirements for Appropriate Use and Management of Social Security Numbers (“SSNs”)

Sanctions

Additional Information

Health and Safety

• Campus Security Statistics 2021-2022
  • Main Campus
  • PHSU East Campus
  •  San Juan University Center
• Campus Security Statistics 2017-2019
• Emergency Preparedness Plan
• Timely Warning and Emergency Notification
• PHSU Safety & Security Annual Report 2020-2022

Alcohol, Tobacco, Illicit Drug and Violence Policy

Ponce Health Sciences University prohibits the abuse of alcohol within the academic community. The possession, distribution or use of illegal drugs is ground for immediate sanction, including dismissal.  Smoking is prohibited on school grounds. Violence will not be tolerated within academic community or on the school or affiliated facilities.

The danger of alcohol, drugs and controlled substances in the study place is of great concern to us. Everyone at PHSU receives a manual that explains in detail the institutional policies and the resources available to deal with these problems. The following policy is established by PHSU:

It is unlawful for any student in PHSU to engage in any activity that involves illicit use, possession, manufacture or distribution of alcohol, drug, tobacco or controlled substances on the school campus, any location used for academic activities or at any of its organizations or affiliates. Proscribed activities include but are not limited to use, manufacture, sale, transportation, dispensation, distribution, disbursement, or possession of such substances. This does not apply to medically prescribed drugs, or to the manufacture, handling and distribution of drugs used for IRB approved research.

Any student of PHSU found to be engaged in any of the above, activities or in the case of vandalism is subject to dismissal. The student shall have the right to appeal as outlined in the “student promotion, academic probation and dismissal” section of this manual. Whenever a student of PHSU is found to be illicitly using, possessing, manufacturing, or distributing alcohol, drugs or controlled substances on the school or campus or on the grounds of affiliated institutions, or if the student has participated in Institutional activities while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any controlled substance, the following will occur:

Should the offender voluntarily recognize that suffer from drug or alcohol addiction and request help, counseling and rehabilitative services might be offered, including referral to public or private psychiatric services as an outpatient or inpatient, at the student’s own expense.  If within 6 months, a certificate of complete rehabilitation is not presented, the student will be recommended for dismissal. The first offense for any drug related activity other than abuse of a substance: the student might be referred for counseling by the corresponding authority and to any other pertinent professional assistance.  Sanction including dismissal after due notice and hearing.

Second offense: the student will be recommended for dismissal from PHSU after due notice and hearing.

The school procedures do not preclude action by law enforcement authorities for violation of any state or federal laws.

In the event of a conviction by a court of law for any violation or related incident, whether the infraction is committed within or outside the school or affiliates grounds, the PHSU student will sanctioned from the school.  It is the duty of the student involved to notify the Vice President of Student Affairs of PHSU of any such conviction in writing within 10 days.  Failure to do so will lead to immediate sanction, including dismissal.

Specific rules have been established to regulate PHSU sponsored activities where alcohol is served, based on applicable laws and regulations.

For details, please refer to the Institutional Public Policy on Establishing an Academic Community Free from Alcohol, Tobacco, use of Illicit Drugs and Violence.

Prevention Policy & Program

Ponce Health Sciences University is one of the leading educational institutions in Medicine and Health Sciences in Puerto Rico. This represents a genuine commitment to establish an institutional public policy for the academic community free of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and violence. PHSU recognizes that prevention strategies are the first steps to fight against drugs, alcohol, and violence. PHSU promotes a prevention program aimed to provide services to students and employees.

Statement

It is PHSU commitment to ensure for everyone an environment free of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and violence through prevention, education, and rehabilitation.

Title

Alcohol, Drugs Abuse and Violence Prevention Program of PHSU.

The following Prevention Program, is designed to meet various state and federal regulations, including: “Drug Free Workplace Act” (34 CFR 85), the “Drug Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (34 CFR 86) and the Law 40, 1993 the Government of Puerto Rico, known as Law, to Regulate the Practice of Smoking in Certain Public and Private Places in PR.

Policy

Possession and/or use of illicit drugs and unauthorized controlled substances are contrary to university policy and in violation of federal and Puerto Rico laws. PHSU prohibits the possession, use, manufacture, distribution and/or sale of illegal drugs and illegal drug paraphernalia. Students at the University using or otherwise involved with drugs in violation of the Student Conduct Code and are subject to university disciplinary action in addition to any action taken by local or federal law enforcement authorities. Questions regarding the Drug Policy should be directed to the Office of the Students Affairs.

Applicable Laws

This program is based on the following Federal and PR Commonwealth Laws and/or Regulations:

1. Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 101-690) adopted in 1988.
2. Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, as emended (Public Law 101-226) adopted on December 12, 1989.
3. Law of Controlled Substances in Puerto Rico, also known as Law No. 4 of June 23, 1971, as amended.
4. Law to Regulate the Practice of Smoking in Certain Public and Private Places, also known as Law N. 40 of August 3, 1993.
5. Regulations Adopted by the United States Department of Education to implement such laws, 34 CFR 85; 34 CFR 86; HEOA section 488 and HEA section 485.

Drug Free Schools and Communities ACT, Amendment of 1989

The Law PL 100-297 signed in 1986, by the President of the United States, established the policy of a “Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act”. This policy was amended in 1989 and is still valid in the United States and its territories.

This law establishes that any institution that receives funds from the Department of Education of United States of America, shall comply with the rules of the “Drug Free Act”. The Department of Education of the United States has the capacity to monitor and corroborate the existence of a biennial review of the public policy of”Drug Free Act” and its implementation at the institutional level. Failure to comply with this revision, could result in the loss of funding from the Federal Governmentand /or claim for repayment of funds previously granted to the Institution.

This Law required that Institutions must disseminate their policies annually to students and employees, along with information on health risks, disciplinary sanctions, and campus-based treatment options. Every two years, Institutions are supposed to evaluate their programs to ensure they are effective and consistent.

Health Risk

The government has classified controlled substances from I to V according to their potential for abuse. In qualifying, the “I” substances appear more potential for abuse and little or no medical value. They are decreasing the risk to the “V” where substances less potential for abuse and accepted medical use with some appearing. Drugs are, by definition, any chemical substance that alters in any way the functioning of the body, mind and nervous system, behavior, and feelings of people. The use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs can cause dependence, a physical or psychological need to use it. Adding and alcoholism are developing a physical and psychological dependence in which the person loses self-control with the use of the substance.

The Alcohol is a depressant drug that affects the central nervous system and brain function progressively inhibited. In Puerto Rico use by persons 18 years of age is legal. The main component of alcoholic beverages is ethanol or ethyl alcohol, which has a different focus depending on your process. The use of alcohol and / or drugs affects motor coordination, reasoning, vision, and the ability to follow an object with his eyes; and, therefore, it becomes RISKY AND CRIMINAL the act of driving motor vehicles under its state (either use or under intoxication). Is considered legally intoxicated by alcohol to a person whose alcohol concentration in the blood is 0.08. However, I could be mentally and physically prevented from driving motor vehicles at a lower level.

Intoxication is a function of the amount of substance ingested, the time consumed, the alcohol content of the drink, weight, and sex of the person (the woman is more sensitive), the mood and the amount of food in the stomach of the individual at the time of consumption.

Intervention Protocol to Rehabilitate Students and Employees

PHSU believe that rehabilitation could be possible when a proper case management is available. The Office for Students Affairs and its Counseling Services are responsible for handling cases of students or staff, identified or are suspected of having problems related to drugs and alcohol.

Non-confirmed cases could be managed by institutional help services; professional counseling, discipline committee, bulletin board and, e-mails with information related to alcohol and drugs prevention.  Confirmed cases, should be address to professional help from private and public agencies.

Treatment Centers

Prevention Strategies

Standard of Conduct

1. PHSU total and hereby categorically prohibited the possession, use, manufacture and / or distribution of drugs and alcohol by students, employees, and visitors to this Institution.
2. In case of medications use (drugs), it should be prescribed by a doctor   for the treatment of a properly documented health condition.
3. Law 40 of August 3, 1993, prohibits smoking in public and private academic institutions at all levels of education. So PHSU not allow smoking in their classrooms or laboratories, halls, game rooms, libraries, hallways, restrooms, elevators, offices, research laboratories (these could even have areas with liquids, vapors, or flammable materials), lunchrooms, meeting rooms, parking area or within the premises of the animal house or institution.
4. Nor allow smoking in PHSU sponsored activities.
5. Advertising of alcohol and tobacco products are prohibited sponsor academic activities.
6. All student organizations recognized by our institution are subject to the above provisions in their official activities, both on and off campus.
7. The visitors, guests, or tenants of the PHSU facilities are required to comply with the legislation which it establishes public policy.

Sanctions

Student Alert! As set out in section 5310 of the Federal Law on the Use and Abuse of Drugs, 1988, if you are convicted for possession, manufacture or distribution of drugs, your eligibility for financial aid could be (1) suspended temporarily or (2) finished forever. If the student was convicted of drug offense within (not later than) ten (10) days after the conviction, he shall report in writing with your full name and Social Security number to:

Director, Grants and Contract Services
US Department of Education
Washington DC 20202-4571

Student Organizations are required to report within five (5) calendar days of any incident involving the use of alcohol and / or drugs that occurs in any official activity of the organization. Failure to comply with these provisions of public policy may result in sanctions as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Faculty and Administrative Employees under this public policy and in compliance with the law are bound to:

1. Comply with all rules of conduct outlined above.
2. Notify the employer in writing of any criminal conviction under the statutes of controlled substances or alcohol events in the workplace no later than five (5) calendar days after sentencing.
3. PHSU must also take one of the following actions within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving notice of any criminal conviction of an employee.
4. Require the employee to participate satisfactorily in voluntary assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a state or federal health agency, the Department of Justice and other appropriate.
5. Proceed with a relevant institutional action, including termination of job.
6. In addition to the aforementioned, every employee is subject to the rules applicable to their classification.
7. In some cases, if the offense is a not a significant one, employee could be referred to counseling services or a rehabilitation program.
8. A letter on the personnel file is applicable in all cases.

Drug-Free Schools & Campuses Regulations

Biennial review 2019-2021