Committees

INTRODUCTION

The Council and Committee Policies of the College of Osteopathic Medicine of Sam Houston State University have been developed to serve as a foundation for the collaborative governance of the College and to define the roles of the administration, faculty and students in policy formulation within the College. The College shall impanel such committees and councils as are needed to provide counsel to the Dean for the proper conduct of the academic programs and business affairs of the College. 

OFFICE OF THE DEAN

The Dean of the College shall have the authority and responsibility for the administration of the college in accordance with the university and college bylaws. This responsibility includes finances and budgetary matters, academic facilities, and personnel matters. The Dean of the College serves as its chief academic officer, and must have earned a D.O. degree from an American Osteopathic Association (AOA) accredited college of osteopathic medicine, AOA board certification (initial and/or active) and have appropriate academic leadership experience. The Dean of the College is a full time employee appointed by the University President and Provost, and approved by the TSUS Board of Regents.   

DEPARTMENTS

The department is the basic administrative unit of education, research, service, and creative endeavor within the college.  The departmental chairperson shall have the authority, responsibility, and accountability for the administration of the department in accordance with the TSUS Rules and Regulations, as well as university, college, and department policies. Appointment of a chair to an administrative unit is at the discretion of the Dean and subject to the approval of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the President (See SHSU Academic policy 110511).  

The chairperson of each department shall be subject to regular review by the Dean. The faculty of the departments shall have shared responsibility with the department chairperson to adopt and publish operating policies.  Such policies shall include, but not be limited to, the composition of the faculty within the department, voting privileges, guidance for promotion and tenure, faculty meetings, standing committees, department organization, responsibilities of the chairperson and other department administrators, modes of student participation in academic affairs and selection of chairperson, in and ensure all such policies align with TSUS Rules and Regulations and University policy. 

COMMITTEE/COUNCIL/ASSEMBLY GUIDELINES

Committees, Councils and Assemblies of the College shall report to the Dean of the College or her/his designee. Unless otherwise detailed in these policies, the chair and members of each committee, council or assembly shall be appointed by the Dean of the College and will serve in an advisory capacity and provide reports of the committee’s/council’s/assembly activities to the College Executive Committee.

Meetings

Committees, councils and assemblies shall meet as often as necessary, but not less than four times per academic year, in order to accomplish the mission, goals and objectives of the college.  Meetings may only be called by the committee, council or assembly Chair or the Dean of the College.  Each committee/council/assembly shall establish a regular agenda for the conduct of its meeting.  A quorum shall consist of a majority of members, with membership determined by the policies of the body, unless otherwise stipulated in this policy. Robert's Rules of Order (revised) shall guide the conduct of all meetings. 

Reporting

Committees, councils and assemblies shall have recording secretaries. A recording secretary has the responsibility for preparing minutes of all meetings.  Copies of these minutes, as approved by majority vote of the members, are maintained by the chair of the committee, council or assembly, and made available to members. A copy of all minutes shall be retained by the chair for a minimum of seven years and provided to the Office of the Dean for distribution to the CEC.

Composition and Terms

Appointments to the College’s committees and councils shall be made by the Dean of the College in consultation with the department chair or supervisor as well as in accordance with these policies.  Where so stated in these policies, committee and council members may be elected to their positions in accordance with applicable policies. Unless otherwise stipulated in these policies, specific terms of membership are one year renewable terms. Appointed or elected members have full voting rights. The chair of the committee or council may vote on all matters brought before the committee or council. 

Ad Hoc Committees

The Dean of the College has the authority to form ad hoc committees as needed.  The Dean of the College will make known to each ad hoc committee its charge at the first scheduled committee meeting.  An ad hoc committee shall exist for as long as its specific charge warrants and as specified by the Dean of the College.


COMMITTEES/COUNCILS/ASSEMBLIES

 

  1. College Executive Committee
  2. Leadership Committee
  3. Faculty Assembly
  4. Staff Assembly
  5. Sam Houston State University Faculty Senate
  6. Standing Committees

A. Admissions Committee

B. SHSU-COM Curriculum Committee

C. Student Promotions and Academic Progress Committee

D. Academic Review Panel

E. Graduate Medical Education Committee

F. Faculty Evaluation System Committee

a. Department Promotion and Tenure Advisory Committee (DPTAC) Subcommittee

b. Preceptor Appointment Subcommittee

G. Research Committee (RC)

H. Professional Development Committee

I. Awards and Scholarship Committee 


College Executive Committee

The CEC advises the Dean concerning administrative matters of the College.

Responsibilities: The CEC is responsible for: reviewing recommendations related to administrative affairs; making recommendations to the Dean on the management of resources and on the organization and development of the College; appointing and charging ad hoc committees (i.e. resources, facilities and safety);  deliberating upon reports from ad hoc committees of the CEC; and reviewing policies, procedures, and recommendations of Standing Committees and Councils of the College.

Composition and Terms:  The CEC is composed of: the Dean and the Associate and Assistant Deans.  Each member shall have one vote and may vote by proxy.  The Dean is the Chair of the Executive Committee.

Meetings: Meetings of the CEC are held at least six times each academic year.   The agenda shall include a report by the Dean and provisions for consideration of old and new business. A special meeting of the CEC may be called by the Dean or by one-fourth of the CEC members via a written request to the Dean.   Special meetings of the CEC shall be restricted to the items of business for which the special meeting was called, and the agenda shall be circulated in advance of the meeting.  A majority of the CEC’s membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  The Dean may invite Committee Chairs, Faculty members, or other interested parties to attend a CEC meeting. The invited individual(s) may provide updates and address the Committee at the request of the Dean but do not have voting privileges.

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Leadership Committee

The Leadership Committee advises the Dean concerning administrative matters of the College and communicates decisions and information to their constituents.

Responsibilities: The Leadership Committee is responsible for: reviewing recommendations related to administrative affairs; making recommendations to the Dean on the management of resources and on the organization and development of the College; and reviewing policies, procedures, and recommendations of Standing Committees and Councils of the College.

Composition and Terms: The Leadership Committee is composed of: the Dean, the Associate and Assistant Deans, the Chairs, and the Directors.  Each member shall have one vote and may vote by proxy.  The Dean is the Chair of the Leadership Committee.

Meetings: Meetings of the Leadership Committee are held at least six times each academic year.   The agenda shall include a report by the Dean and provisions for consideration of old and new business.  A special meeting of the Leadership Committee may be called by the Dean or by one-fourth of the Leadership Committee members via a written request to the Dean.   Special meetings of the Leadership Committee shall be restricted to the items of business for which the special meeting was called, and the agenda shall be circulated in advance of the meeting.  A majority of the Leadership Committee members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  The Dean may invite Committee Chairs, Faculty members, or other interested parties to attend a Leadership Committee meeting.  The invited individual(s) may provide updates and address the Committee at the request of the Dean but do not have voting privileges.

22-23 Chair: Thomas Mohr, DO, Dean
Support: Virginia Vincent, MBA, Assistant to the Dean
22-23 Members:
Keith Ahee, MA, Associate Director, Admissions 
Diego Alvarez, MD, PhD, Chair, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology
James Barker, MD, Director, Rural Education and Outreach
Craig Boudreaux, DO, Assistant Dean, Clinical Education 
Sanjeev Choudhary, PhD, Program Director of Development 
Hannah Haney, MA, Communications & Events Specialist
Jaime Hinojosa, MD, Assistant Professor, Clinical Anatomy, Lab Director
Mary Hogan, PhD, Director, Clinical Education 
Tess Johnson, Ed.D, Director, Medical Student Affairs
Kevin Kalinowski, PhD, Director of Assessment and Accreditation
Mario Loomis, MD, Chair, Clinical Anatomy 
Kevin Lord, PhD, Associate Dean, Biomedical Sciences 
Doris Newman, DO, Associate Professor, OMM
Oluwaseun Olaiya, DO, Assistant Chair, OPP
Dennis C. Rau Jr., DO, Associate Dean, Osteopathic Integration, OPP
Brent Sanderlin, DO, Chair, Primary Care and Clinical Medicine 
Marsha Sellner, BS, Assistant Dean, Graduate Medical Education, DIO
Candace Walkley, MD, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Courtney West, PhD, Senior Associate Dean, Educational Affairs
Dennis Wooten, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Pathology

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Faculty Assembly

The Faculty Assembly serves as a forum for the dissemination and exchange of ideas between the faculty and the college administration.

Responsibilities

The Faculty Assembly acts on all proposed amendments to the SHSU-COM policies. Actions of standing committees of the College, on matters reserved to the faculty may be referred to the Faculty Assembly by majority vote of the faculty members. The Faculty Assembly approves students endorsed for graduation by the Student Promotions and Academic Progress Committee, and acts on recommendations from the College Executive Committee and other college committees that affect academic policy, programs and practices.

Composition and Terms: 

The Faculty Assembly is composed of all full and part-time SHSU-COM faculty members. Faculty who are Chairpersons do not have voting privileges but shall have voice. Neither the Dean nor the Associate Dean for Educational Affairs, shall preside at meetings of the Assembly, but may be present as requested by the chair. The faculty shall elect a chair and secretary. The chair serves as the representative for the SHSU-COM faculty in the SHSU Faculty Senate.

22-23 Chair: Sureni Mullegama, PhD, Assistant Professor of Genetics
Vice-Chair: Owen Kelly, PhD, Assistant Professor, Nutrition 

Sam Houston State University Faculty Senate 

https://www.shsu.edu/dept/faculty-senate/

The function of the Faculty Senate: The Faculty Senate shall consider matters of the general welfare of the University placed before it by members of the faculty, members and committees of the Faculty Senate, the Student Association, the President of the University, and other administrative officers of the University. Inasmuch as the Faculty Senate is advisory in nature, decisions on all such matters shall be final only when approved by the President of the University, subject to the authority of the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Faculty Senate shall have no existence separate and apart from the University. 

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Staff Assembly

The Staff Assembly serves as a forum for the dissemination and exchange of ideas between the staff and the college administration.

Responsibilities: The Staff Assembly acts on recommendations from the College Executive Committee and other college committees that affect academic policy, programs, and practices.

Composition and Terms: The Staff Assembly is composed of all full and part-time SHSU-COM staff members. Staff who are directors do not have voting privileges but shall have a voice. Neither the Dean nor the Associate or Assistant Deans, shall preside at meetings of the Assembly, but may be present as requested by the chair. The staff shall elect a chair and secretary. The chair is responsible for meeting with the Dean or Associate Deans about matters discussed in the Staff Assembly and bringing items to the CEC. 

Sam Houston State University Faculty Senate

The function of the Faculty Senate: The Faculty Senate shall consider matters of the general welfare of the University placed before it by members of the faculty, members and committees of the Faculty Senate, the Student Association, the President of the University, and other administrative officers of the University. Inasmuch as the Faculty Senate is advisory in nature, decisions on all such matters shall be final only when approved by the President of the University, subject to the authority of the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Faculty Senate shall have no existence separate and apart from the University. 

Composition of Faculty Senate:

Section 1. Eligibility

The Faculty Senate shall be composed of full-time faculty members. Persons who are not full-time faculty members and persons holding administrative positions with the rank of program coordinator or above shall not be eligible to serve.

Section 2. Election ProceduresApportionment and Eligibility to Vote

All faculty members, full-time and part-time, are eligible to vote. Positions on the Faculty Senate will be apportioned among the major administrative units of the University. These units are defined as the several colleges and the Newton Gresham Library. Each unit will have a minimum of one senator and the Senate may not exceed thirty members.

Nominations and Elections

Senators will be elected each spring semester to serve for a term of three consecutive years.

An eligible full-time faculty member within any particular administrative unit must designate in writing to the Election Committee his or her willingness to be a candidate for election to the Faculty Senate. Each administrative unit will elect senators from nominees within that unit. A committee composed of one senator from each administrative unit, with the Chair-Elect of the Faculty Senate as chairperson, will be responsible for conducting elections.  This committee will decide on questions or apportionment, subject to approval by the Faculty Senate as a whole. If, for any reason, a member of the Senate cannot serve a full term, the vacancy will be filled by the person receiving the next highest number of votes in the most recent spring election of the appropriate administrative unit. In case of a tie vote, the name will be determined by lot. A vacancy due to resignation will be declared to exist by the Chair of the Faculty Senate upon receipt of a letter of resignation. A vacancy due to removal will be declared to exist after a determination by a two-thirds majority of the Senate that the responsibilities of the position are not being filled.

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Standing Committees

Standing Committees are responsible for developing the policies, procedures, and actions required for the governance of the College as related to the educational, research, and clinical care mission.  Members of the Standing Committees are appointed by the Dean and can be drawn from any College faculty member, staff member, or SHSU-COM student who meets the requirements of the committee. 

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Admissions Committee 

Responsibilities:  The Admissions Committee evaluates the credentials and qualifications of student applicants, recommending to the Dean those best suited to meet the mission of the College and for entry into the osteopathic medical profession.   The Admissions Committee may also participate in evaluations of admissions processes and procedures as determined by the Associate Director for Admissions. 

Composition and Terms: The Admissions Committee is composed of: The Associate Director for Admissions, clinical science and biomedical science department faculty, SHSU faculty, staff, and one osteopathic medical student representative (after the first year of classes).  The student representative (s) is a non-voting member and will not participate in the selection of applicants.  The student representative (s) will participate in interview days and meetings.

22-23 Chair: Shiney Koshy, DO, Assistant Professor Clinical Medicine & Primary Care
Vice Chair Ouida Collins, MD, MPH; Asst. Professor, Family Medicine
Support: Lesley Knappen, MS; Admin. Assoc. III
22-23 Members:
Rebecca Andrews Dickert, MD; Asst. Professor, Physiology
Rachel Erickson, MA; Professional Dev. Coordinator II
Ken Hendrickson, Dean, SHSU Graduate School
Jaime Hinojosa, MD; Asst. Professor, Clinical Anatomy/Lab Director
Mary Hogan, PhD; Director, Clinical Education
Kevin Lord, PhD, MHS Associate Dean, Biomedical Sciences
Rebecca Mertins, BS; Lead Clinical Coordinator
Oluwaseun Olaiya, DO; Asst. Chair, Primary Care & Clinical Medicine
Kelly Owen, PhD; Asst. Professor, Nutrition
George Prada, MD; Asst. Professor, Clinical Anatomy
Luther Quarles, DO; Asst. Professor OMM/ ONMM Residency Program Director
Jailenne Quinones Rodriguez, PhD; Asst. Professor, Clinical Anatomy
Sahar Soliman, PhD, RPh Asst. Professor, Pharmacology
Shawn Staudaher, PhD; Data Scientist
Nikea Vernardo, M.Ed; MSPE Coordinator IV
Keith Ahee, MA, Director of Admissions (non-voting)
Christopher Truong, MA, Associate Director of Admissions & Recruitment (non-voting)

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SHSU-COM Curriculum Committee

SHSU-COM has its own Curriculum Committee that meets the specific needs unique to the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Additionally, SHSU University Curriculum Committee (UCC) assures compliance and integration of all the college(s) into the University system. In this role, the UCC aids the various colleges in the seamless creation of new degrees and courses. When the SHSU-COM has substantial curriculum changes that meet the University criteria for review by the UCC, the information will be presented to the University Curriculum Committee. Once approved by the UCC, the curriculum is then reviewed and approved by the Academic Affairs Council.

Responsibilities: The Curriculum Committee oversees the education program of SHSU-COM as a whole and has responsibility for the overall design integration, evaluation, and implementation of a coherent and coordinated curriculum. The Curriculum Committee defines programmatic goals, reviews course objectives, reviews and recommends educational requirements and curricular content, review and recommend educational requirements and curricular content, recommends faculty to serve as Course Directors, reviews feedback and recommendations, and utilizes outcomes data, feedback, and recommendations to improve the curriculum.

The SHSU-COM Curriculum Committee has oversight of the undergraduate medical education program of the College and recommends policy and procedures to the College Executive Committee (CEC) and the Dean for final approval. The Curriculum Committee is a body that exercises collective responsibility for the education program, and has responsibility for the management, evaluation, and enhancement of the curriculum. The Curriculum Committee monitors all aspects of the curriculum, informs the CEC of changes to the educational program, and monitors and ensures fulfillment of the quality of educational programs.

Authority/Scope: 

1. Review and recommend changes related to curriculum that reflect current medical knowledge and practice and are consistent with COCA standards.

2. Advise the Curriculum Administrative Team (Director of Curriculum, Phase I and II Curriculum Leads) on establishing a logical sequencing of the curriculum and curricular content, curriculum mapping, that is coordinated and integrated within and across the academic periods of study.

3. On an annual basis, review and evaluate the faculty and course evaluation survey questionnaires sent to the student doctors and make recommendations to Educational Affairs for procedural changes concerning course and faculty evaluations.

4. Annually review aggregate and individual course performance and evaluation data. Make recommendations for subsequent action when necessary, and monitor the action taken.

5. Review and approve all syllabi. Ensure that the syllabus for each course adheres to the preapproved template and includes clearly defined learning objectives and the methods and criteria used for evaluation.

6. Ensure that each course includes session objectives, activities, and assessments aligned to clear course learning objectives that support SHSU-COM’s Programmatic Level Educational Objectives.

7. Review, evaluate, and approve proposals for new or revised courses and programs to be offered by SHSU-COM.

8. Prepare, approve, and file meeting notes and minutes using standard accepted format and post them to the Committee’s site on the SHSU-COM share drive.

Composition and Terms: The Curriculum Committee is composed of two basic science chairs, two clinical chairs, two faculty members from any basic science department; two faculty members from any clinical department; four primary student members (one from each cohort and an alternate); and the curriculum administrative team (Director of Curriculum, Phase I Lead, and Phase II Lead). 

Chair members are appointed by the Dean.  Student members are elected by the SHSU-COM student body.  All members except ex-officio and student members have two-year terms that can be renewed.  Ex-officio members include the Associate Dean for Biomedical Sciences, the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, and the Associate Dean of Educational Affairs. The Dean may appoint additional members as may be required to meet the curricular needs of the College.

Note: The clinical faculty appointments must include at least (2) members who are Course Directors of 3rd and 4th year clinical rotations, and at least one (1) faculty member from the OPP Department. The selection of the administrative staff to this role will be determined by the committee and approved by the Dean.

Leadership: The Associate Dean of Osteopathic Integration will serve as Chair of the committee. The Vice-Chair will be elected from the membership. Nominations will be collected from all eligible committee members a month before the academic year ends. Self-nominations are accepted.

Term of Appointment: Faculty and Staff appointments will be three years in length on a rotating basis such that no more than four members are replaced each year. If the Vice Chair elect is in their third year of service, they may get approval by committee vote to stay on for a fourth year. It must be considered that COCA requires that faculty appointments represent pre-clinical (years 1 and 2) and clinical education (years 3 and 4). Student terms will be limited to one year. Each class will have a primary member and an alternate who can vote in the member’s absence.

Frequency of Meeting: Monthly meetings will be held during the academic year, with additional meetings scheduled, as necessary.

Working Groups (Subcommittees): 

Purpose and Reporting Structure: In addition to ad hoc sub-committees the Curriculum Committee shall establish standing Working Groups to research and address specific issues and concerns as assigned by the Chair. When feasible, each Working Group will consist of 4-6 members, including a Group Lead and Group Co-Lead, who must be selected from the curriculum committee membership. The Group Lead/Co-Lead will be responsible for organizing the Working Group’s activities, record keeping, and reporting back to the full committee and committee leadership. Working Groups may, with the approval of the Chair/Vice-Chair and supervisor(s), recruit additional curriculum committee members and/or non-curriculum committee faculty/staff to provide expertise and support. Quorum for each working Group shall consist of three members, including either the Group Lead or Co-Lead.

Preliminary Descriptions, Scopes, and Membership of Standing Working Groups:

Clinical Rotation Directors Working Group: Research and address issues and concerns related to OMS-3 and OMS-4 rotations and curriculum, including reviewing proposals for new or revised courses and electives and approval of OMS-3 and OMS-4 course syllabi.

Membership: The Working Group shall include the Phase II Leader, OMS-3, and OMS-4 Clerkship Directors, and may include faculty and staff members not currently serving on the curriculum committee.

Mapping Working Group: Research and address issues and concerns related to the curriculum map, including identifying gaps and unintentional overlap across SHSUCOM’s preclinical curriculum. The Mapping Working Group shall also make recommendations for improved integration of biomedical and clinical content.

Membership: The Working Group shall include the Director of Curriculum, Curriculum Committee Vice-Chair, Director of Assessment, Evaluation, and Accreditation, Phase I and II Curriculum Leaders, and interested biomedical and clinical faculty who are members of the Curriculum Committee. Expertise from Educational Affairs Program Support and Resources Staff shall be requested as needed.

Assessment Working Group: Research and address issues and concerns related to assessment methodology, assessment performance, and learner outcomes across SHSU-COM’s preclinical curriculum, including evaluation of the efficacy of SHSU-COM’s curriculum and assessments in preparing Student Doctors for success on COMLEX-USA Level 1 and clinical rotations.

Membership: The Working Group shall include the Director of Assessment, Evaluation, and Accreditation, the Curriculum Committee Vice-Chair, Curriculum Administrative Team, and interested biomedical and clinical faculty who are members of the Curriculum Committee.

23-24 Chair: Dennis C. Rau, Jr, DO; Associate Professor, Osteopathic Principles and Practices; Associate Dean of Osteopathic Integration
Vice Chair: Hosam Abdelhady, PhD; Associate Professor, Pharmacology
Support: 
Haley Ford-Wilcox, MS; Administrative Associate, Primary Care and Clinical Medicine
Perla Marquez Dominicis, Administrative Associate, Clinical Anatomy
Voting Members:
Kevin Kalinowski, PhD; Associate Professor, Osteopathic Principles and Practices; Director of Assessment & Accreditation
Townes Leigh, Jr, DO; Assistant Professor, Family Medicine
Sanjeev Choudhary, PhD; Professor, Molecular & Cellular Biology; Director of Program Development
Brent Sanderlin, DO; Chair, Primary Care and Clinical Medicine
Kemi Olaiya, DO; Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics; Assistant Chair of Primary Care and Clinical Medicine
Candace Walkley, MD; Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics; Director of Curriculum
Lesley Gardiner, MD, PhD; Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Phase II Lead
Hatem Elshabrawy, PhD; Assistant Professor, Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology; Phase I Lead
Natasha Shah, MD; Assistant Professor, Pediatrics
Yuan Zhao, PhD; Associate Professor, Microbiology and Immunology; Chair, Molecular & Cellular Biology
Mary Hogan, PhD; Director of Clinical Education
Sahar Soliman, PhD; Assistant Professor, Pharmacology
Diego Alvarez, MD, PhD; Professor and Chair, Physiology & Pharmacology
Mario Loomis, MD, PhD; Associate Professor and Chair, Clinical Anatomy
George Prada III, MD; Assistant Professor, Clinical Anatomy
Christina Seeger, MLS; Assistant Professor; Medical Librarian
23-24 Student Members:
Patrick Smith, Osteopathic Medical Student, Class of 2026
Kiran Lakhian, Osteopathic Medical Student, Class of 2025
Michael Owolabi, Osteopathic Medical Student, Class of 2024

Membership by Appointment (Designated in the SHSU-COM Curriculum Committee Guidelines)

Two Basic Science Chairs

• Diego Alvarez, MD, PhD; Professor and Chair, Physiology & Pharmacology

• Mario Loomis, MD, PhD; Associate Professor and Chair, Clinical Anatomy

Two Clinical Chairs

• Dennis C. Rau, Jr, DO; Associate Professor, Osteopathic Principles and Practices; Associate Dean of Osteopathic Integration

• Brent Sanderlin, DO; Chair, Primary Care and Clinical Medicine

Two faculty members from any Basic Science department

• Sanjeev Choudhary, PhD; Professor, Molecular & Cellular Biology; Director of Program Development

• Sahar Soliman, PhD; Assistant Professor, Pharmacology

Two faculty members from any Clinical department

• Kemi Olaiya, DO; Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics; Assistant Chair of Primary Care and Clinical Medicine

• Natasha Shah, MD; Assistant Professor, Pediatrics

Student members

• Patrick Smith, Osteopathic Medical Student, Class of 2026

• Kiran Lakhian, Osteopathic Medical Student, Class of 2025

• Michael Owolabi, Osteopathic Medical Student, Class of 2024

• OMS 4 Student Member (in AY2023-2024)

Curriculum Administrative Team

• Candace Walkley, MD; Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics; Director of Curriculum

• Lesley Gardiner, MD, PhD; Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Phase II Lead

• Hatem Elshabrawy, PhD; Assistant Professor, Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology; Phase I Lead

Ex-Officio Members

• Kevin Lord, PhD; Associate Professor, Pharmacology; Associate Dean of Biomedical Sciences

• Madeleine Denison, MS; Educational Program Coordinator

• Courtney West, PhD; Associate Professor, Primary Care and Clinical Medicine; Associate Dean of Educational Affairs

• Haley Rothrock, MBA; Associate Director of Enrollment Services

• Brittany Fish, Ed.D.; Director Program Support and Resources

Administrative Support

• Haley Ford-Wilcox, MS; Administrative Associate, Primary Care and Clinical Medicine

• Perla Marquez Dominicis, Administrative Associate, Clinical Anatomy

University Curriculum Committee: 

https://www.shsu.edu/dept/academic-affairs/committee/curriculum-committee.html

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Student Promotions and Academic Progress Committee

Responsibilities: The Student Promotions and Academic Progress Committee (SPAP) evaluates osteopathic medical students’ academic performance and their suitability to undertake the practice of medicine.  This committee makes recommendations to the Dean regarding matters of continued matriculation, promotion, retention, and graduation. The committee’s competency evaluation for all osteopathic medical students includes professionalism and ethics. The committee may, at its discretion, consider prior disciplinary actions in its deliberations but shall not engage in disciplinary hearings. The actions of the committee shall be in accordance with guidelines that shall be approved by the CEC. The proceedings and decisions of the SPAP are privileged information. SPAP members may not discuss particular cases or the outcome with anyone outside the SPAP, except as required by law.

The chair or chair-elect may, in urgent cases, consult with the Associate Dean for Educational Affairs regarding an emergency leave of absence for a student in academic difficulty.  The Chair, Chair-elect, and Associate Dean for Educational Affairs will set the conditions for return from a leave of absence, with the approval of the Dean.  A student withdrawn on an emergency leave of absence may contest the withdrawal after the student is removed.

Composition and Terms:  

The SPAP Committee is composed of: three faculty members from any biomedical science department, three faculty members from any clinical affairs department, and three clinical faculty members who regularly precept and teach third- and fourth-year students in a clinical setting. The clinical faculty members may have an adjunct appointment. Ex-officio members include: the Associate Dean for Educational Affairs and the Associate Deans for Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Affairs. The chair and chair-elect are elected by the committee.

22-23 Chair: Hatem Elshabrawy, PhD; Assistant Professor, Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology; Phase I Lead
Support: Rachel Hoolahan MA; Educational Program Coordinator
22-23 Members:
Craig Boudreaux, DO; Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs
Mario Loomis, D, PhD; Associate Professor and Chair, Clinical Anatomy
Ryan Marek, PhD, L.P; Asst. Professor, Clinical Psychology
Petra Rocic, PhD; Assoc. Professor, Physiology
Marsha Sellner, BS; Assistant Dean, Graduate Medical Education, DIO
Dennis Wooten, MD, PhD; Asst. Professor, Pathology
Keith Ahee (ex-officio)
Cenaiyda Carranza (ex-officio)
Rebekah Filson (ex-officio)
Haley Rothrock (ex-officio)

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Academic Review Panel

Responsibilities: The Academic Review Panel (ARP) is called to investigate alleged grievances and present such findings and recommendations as outlined in SHSU Academic Policy #900823 Section 4.05. The panel is involved in an alleged grievance only after the procedures outlined in SHSU Academic Policy #900823 Sections 4.01 through 4.04 have been exhausted. The panel only involves disputes over those matters set forth in paragraph 2.01.a through 2.01.d of SHSU Academic Policy #900823.

Composition and Terms: The panel consists of three (3) faculty members. The chair of the panel is the associate dean from the designated academic division. 

22-23 Chair: Kevin Lord, PhD, MHS; Associate. Dean, Biomedical Sciences
Diego Alvarez, MD, PhD; Professor and Chair, Physiology & Pharmacology
Candace Walkley, MD; Asst. Professor, Internal Medicine/Director of Curriculum
Yuan Zhao, PhD; Chair, Molecular & Cellular Biology; Assoc. Professor of Microbiology & Immunology
Courtney West, PhD; Senior Associate Dean Educational Affairs (ex-officio)

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Graduate Medical Education Committee

Composition and responsibility: The Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC) will consist of the Assistant Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Designated Institutional Official, who will chair the committee and residency program directors of programs for which SHSU-COM serves as ACGME institutional sponsor. Other members include at least one peer-selected resident, the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, the Associate Dean for Educational Affairs or designee, and clinical chairs for departments sponsoring a program.  The GMEC will meet monthly in person or by electronic means.  Responsibilities include:

  1. Develop, approve and monitor GME policies and procedures
  2. Oversee the educational effectiveness of programs
  3. Ensure compliance with ACGME and review committee standards
  4. Monitor resident well being
  5. Ensure patient safety
  6. Appoint program directors and review performance
  7. Receive and respond to recommendations and concerns raised by trainees in graduate medical education programs
  8. Report to appropriate committees involved in the education of residents
22-23 Chair: Marsha Sellner, BA; Asst. Dean GME & DIO
Support: Karina Peraza, BS; Specialist V, Clinical Affairs
22-23 Members:
James Barker, MD Director of Rural Education and Outreach
Craig Boudreaux, DO; Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs
Kevin Kalinowski, PhD; Associate Professor, Osteopathic Principles and Practices; Director of Assessment & Accreditation
Townes Leigh, DO; Asst. Professor/Family Medicine Residency Program Director HMH
Thomas Mohr, DO, Dean
Luther Quarles, DO; Asst. Professor OMM/ ONMM Residency Program Director
Dennis C. Rau Jr., DO; Associate Professor, Osteopathic Principles and Practices; Associate Dean of Osteopathic Integration

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Faculty Evaluation System Committee

Responsibilities: The Faculty Evaluation System (FES) committee serves as an advisory committee to the Dean, and to the faculty. The committee will review and monitor processes essential to the distribution and completion of annual faculty review and promotion and tenure. The committee will review and recommend criteria for consideration in the evaluation process and advise faculty seeking to apply for promotion and or tenure. The committee is responsible for sustaining a program that evaluates all faculty at least annually. The committee will monitor best practices and national trends in faculty evaluation and seek to provide continuous quality improvement in the COM faculty evaluation processes.

Composition and Terms: Members of the committee and the Chair will serve by appointment of the Dean. The committee will include biomedical and clinical faculty including those representing both undergraduate and graduate medical education. The Chair of the committee reports to the CEC with recommendations regarding procedures and processes related to annual faculty review, promotion, and tenure. The “Departmental” or unit Department Promotion and Tenure Advisory Committee (DPTAC) and the Preceptor Appointment Committee will serve as standing sub-committees and report to the Chair of the Faculty Evaluation System Committee.

22-23 Co-Chairs: Yuan Zhao, PhD; Associate Professor, Microbiology and Immunology; Chair, Molecular & Cellular Biology
Support: Perla Marquez Dominicis, Administrative Associate, Clinical Anatomy
22-23 Members:
Sanjeev Choudhary, PhD; Professor, Molecular & Cellular Biology; Director of Program Development
Rebecca Andrews-Dickert, MD; Asst. Professor, Physiology
Hatem Elshabrawy, PhD; Assistant Professor, Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology; Phase I Lead
Mario Loomis, MD; Chair, and Assoc. Professor of Clinical Anatomy
Megan Woolford, MD; Asst. Professor, Family Medicine

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a. Department Promotion and Tenure Advisory Committee (DPTAC) Subcommittee

Responsibilities: The Department Promotion and Tenure Advisory Committee (DPTAC) is a subcommittee of the Faculty Evaluation System Committee, which evaluates the credentials and qualifications of faculty members and makes recommendations to the Dean for appointment, promotion in rank, and eligibility for tenure. 

Composition and Terms: The DPTAC shall be comprised of faculty in accordance with SHSU Academic Policy Statement 900417.

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b. Preceptor Appointment Subcommittee

Responsibilities: The Preceptor Appointment Committee reviews community faculty packets, credentialing information, and other required documentation to determine if potential preceptors meet the criteria to serve as affiliated Clinical Faculty. The vetted faculty are then brought to the FESC for approval. 

Composition and Terms: The Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, the Assistant Dean for GME and DIO, and the Credentialing Specialist serve on this committee. 

22-23 Chair: Craig Boudreaux, DO; Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs
TBD
Marsha Sellner, BA; Asst. Dean GME & DIO

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Research Committee (RC)

Responsibilities: The Research Committee (RC) advises the Dean on matters related to the research enterprise. This advisement shall include Identification and consideration of research areas for development, especially with regard to the establishment of interdisciplinary and professional development programs; Identification of facilities and equipment needed for replacement and development; Administration and monitoring of grant assistance programs; Development, management, and oversight of research lectures/retreats; Identification and screening of nominees for awards when SHSU-COM is limited in the number of nominees allowed. This committee also makes recommendations to the Dean regarding all procedures germane to the conduct of research by faculty, staff, and students of the College. Such procedures shall include but not be limited to the equitable use of facilities controlled by the College, distribution of intramural funds to support new and continuing projects, establishment and maintenance of student research initiatives, and all other matters that may be referred to the committee by the dean. The RC shall not be responsible for the activities of the Institutional Review Board but shall support the same as requested.

Composition and Terms: The Research Committee is composed of the Dean, Associate Deans of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Affairs, a member from Educational Affairs, two at-large members from any basic science department, two at-large members from any clinical department, two research faculty members from other SHSU colleges, SHSU Authorized Institutional Official for Research, a first-year osteopathic medical student, a second-year osteopathic medical student, and a librarian. The Dean of the SHSU-COM may appoint such additional members as may be required to meet the research needs of the College.

22-23 Chair: Patrick Davis, PhD; Director of Research
Vice-chair: Kemi Olaiya, DO; Asst. Chair, Primary Care & Clinical Medicine
Support: Angela Buckner, BS; Biomedical Sciences Specialist V
22-23 Members:
Hosam Abdelhady, PhD; Assoc. Professor, Pharmacology
Sanjeev Choudhary,  PhD; Professor, Molecular & Cellular Biology; Director of Program Development
Deepthi De Silva, PhD; Research Lab Manager
Lesley Gardiner, MD, PhD; Asst. Professor, Pediatrics/Phase II Lead
Michael Griffin, PhD; Asst. Professor, Cell Biology & Genetics
Owen Kelly, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutrition 
Ryan Marek, PhD, L.P. Asst. Professor, Clinical Psychology
Sureni Mullegama, PhD; Assistant Professor of Genetics
Petra Rocic, PhD; Assoc. Professor, Physiology
Christina Seeger, MLS; Assistant Professor; Medical Librarian
Shawn Staudaher, PhD, Data Scientist 
Thomas Mohr, DO; Dean (ex-officio)

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Professional Development Committee

Responsibilities: The Professional Development Committee oversees the professional development programming for on-campus and off-campus SHSU-COM faculty and staff. This committee shall provide needs-based input on content and methods for SHSU-COM’s professional development efforts that include knowledge and understanding of osteopathic philosophy and principles, and any other aspect of academic development and learning. In keeping with the SHSU-COM’s mission, faculty and staff development programming is assessed and used by the committee for ongoing planning.

The Professional Development Committee promotes continuing education activities for full-time and part-time faculty.  Activities may be delivered on-site at the College, or remotely, either in person or by electronic means, to accommodate faculty at clinical sites.   The committee ensures that offerings are high quality, timely, free from commercial bias, and meets the education and professional development needs of the faculty, staff, and preceptors.  The committee ensures that education meets the requirement for CME credit.   The committee is also responsible for reviewing requests from faculty, staff, and students, and selecting topics to meet their needs. 

Authority/Scope: The Professional Development Committee shall:

  1. Oversee the development and continual improvement of the College’s professional development program for on-campus and off-campus SHSU-COM faculty and staff.
  1. Review proposals for professional development opportunities to be offered by SHSU-COM that include knowledge and understanding of osteopathic philosophy and principles.
  1. Encourage and support awareness of the availability of professional development events and funds.
  1. Establish and oversee, in conjunction with Leadership Professional Development, and the new employee professional development orientation.
  1. On an ongoing basis, the committee will review assessment outcomes for professional development effectiveness.
  1. Liaison with Program Support and Resources personnel and IT@Sam to support technology training and to evaluate and recommend professional development software.
  1. Prepare, approve and file meeting notes/minutes using standard accepted format and post them to the Committee’s site on the SHSU-COM shared drive.

Leadership: An Ex-Officio Chair will be designated by the Dean and a Vice-Chair will be elected by vote of the committee from the committee required representation. The Vice-Chair will perform the duties of the chair in his/her absence.

Term of Appointment: Committee members who serve in an ex-officio status shall remain committee members for as long as they remain in their organizational roles. Faculty members approved by the Dean may serve for two consecutive academic years and shall be appointed in a manner that causes overlapping terms in order to assure continuity in experience and knowledge of committee policies, processes and procedures.

Frequency of Meeting: The committee meets regularly, usually monthly. The Chair may schedule and convene additional meetings as necessary.

Chair: Courtney West, PhD; Senior Associate Dean of Educational Affairs, Associate Professor, Primary Care and Clinical Medicine (ex-officio) 
Vice Chair: TBD
Members:
Hosam Abdelhady, PhD; Associate Professor, Pharmacology 
Diego Alvarez, MD, PhD; Professor and Chair, Physiology & Pharmacology 
James Barker, MD; Professor and Director of Clinical Skills
Craig Boudreaux, DO; Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs
Ouida Collins, MD; Assistant Professor of Family Medicine
Kevin Kalinowski, PhD; Associate Professor, Osteopathic Principles and Practices; Director of Assessment & Accreditation
Faustino Salcido, MS; Lab Manager, Clinical Anatomy
Amber Sechelski, EdD; Associate Director of Medical Student Affairs
Christina Seeger, MLS; Assistant Professor; Medical Librarian
Virginia Vincent, MBA; Director of Operations, Office of the Dean
Rachel Erickson, MA; Professional Development Coordinator, Educational Affairs

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Awards and Scholarship Committee 

Awards Committee

The purpose of this committee is to coordinate promote and support recognition and awards programs for faculty, staff, and students. The committee will manage the nomination and selection process for select recognition and awards annually. The committee will also facilitate, coordinate, and communicate all processes, roles, and expectations related to the awards and recognition programs. 

Scholarship Committee

Responsibilities: The Scholarship Committee reviews scholarship applications for COM students and decides on the recipients of funding awards.

Composition and Terms: Members of the committee and the Chair will serve by appointment of the Dean. The committee will include faculty and staff. The Chair of the committee, the representative from Financial Aid and Scholarships reports to the Dean with funding recommendations.

22-23 Co-Chairs: 

Rebekah Filson, Financial Aid and Scholarships
Hannah Haney, MA, Communications & Events Specialist
22-23 Members:
Keith Ahee, MA, Director of Admissions
Christine Coursey, Academic Technology Coordinator
Madeleine Denison, MA, Educational Program Coordinator
Rachel Hoolahan, MA, Educational Program Coordinator
Tess Johnson, Ed.D, Director, Medical Student Affairs
Lesley Knappen, MS, Admin. Assoc. III
Monique Lee, BAS; Educational Program Coordinator
Rebecca Mertins, BS, Lead Clinical Coordinator
Perla Marquez Dominicis, Administrative Associate, Clinical Anatomy
Kelly Owen, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutrition 
Talrah Pantallion,MA, MBA; Diversity Recruitment Coordinator
Faustino Salcido, MS; Lab Manager, Clinical Anatomy
Nikea Vernardo, M.Ed; MSPE Coordinator IV
Katie Williams, BA, Admin. Coordinator II
Megan Woolford, MD; Asst. Professor, Family Medicine

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AMENDMENT OF THESE POLICIES  

These Policies shall be reviewed by the CEC at least once every three years. Amendment of these Policies may be proposed by faculty or administrators to the Dean. The Dean shall bring the proposed amendments to the CEC for consideration.  Proposed amendments to these Policies require approval by two-thirds of the CEC present at a meeting at which there is a quorum or by two-thirds of the entire CEC membership by electronic voting.  Upon approval by the CEC, the proposed amendment of the policies shall be submitted to the Faculty for review and approval.  The proposed amendment must be distributed to the Faculty at least ten days prior to either a regular Faculty meeting or a special Faculty meeting called for the purpose of considering the amendment.