Stanford School of Medicine has an obligation to evaluate each student’s performance on an ongoing basis from matriculation through graduation. The CP3 is responsible for reviewing concerns regarding a student’s academic performance, professionalism, ability to meet the Technical, Non-Academic Standards, and other requirements for satisfactory progress toward the MD degree. The CP3 may review such concerns when warranted and may take appropriate action based on the nature, severity, recurrence, and circumstances of the concern.

The CP3 is composed of 13 voting members, including the Chair. A quorum of seven voting members is required for decision-making activities. Voting members are basic science or clinical faculty appointed by the Stanford School of Medicine Faculty Senate for three-year terms.

Ex-officio, non-voting members may include, but are not limited to, the Academic Advising Deans, the Executive Director for Medical Education Programs, the Director for Student Success, and the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education.

The primary responsibility of the CP3 is to review the development and performance of each student on an ongoing basis with respect to academic performance, professionalism, technical, non-academic standards, and other requirements for satisfactory progress toward the MD degree. This includes:

• Evaluating achievement of requirements for progression and completion of the MD degree.
• Identifying students who are having difficulty meeting requirements or expectations for academic performance, professionalism, or technical, non-academic standards.
• Recommending or implementing individualized learning plans, academic support, remediation, monitoring, or other interventions, as appropriate.
• Evaluating a student’s completion of required remediation and other CP3-established requirements.
• Reviewing substantive concerns through the CP3 Process for Addressing Substantive Concerns, including Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 review, as appropriate.
• Taking other appropriate action, including dismissal from the Stanford School of Medicine MD Program, when warranted.
• Meeting generally once each quarter, with additional meetings called by the CP3 Chair as necessary.
• Maintaining appropriate confidentiality regarding pending matters and decisions. Communications with students regarding CP3 matters will generally be conducted in writing. Except for Academic Advising Deans, CP3 members should not discuss pending matters or decisions directly with students or be approached by students regarding such matters.

The CP3 considers student petitions and requests for exceptions or extensions within its authority. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Requests for a leave of absence that, individually or cumulatively, exceeds one year.
• Requests for reinstatement.
• Requests related to USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK, including requests for extensions of applicable examination deadlines.

• Requests for an extension of the standard time limit for completion of the MD degree, when extraordinary circumstances warrant an extension.
• Other requests requiring CP3 review or approval under School of Medicine policy.
• Requests for reconsideration of a CP3 decision in accordance with the CP3 reconsideration policy.

Submitting a Petition

• Students must meet with their Academic Advising Dean before submitting a petition to the CP3.
• The student is responsible for submitting a complete written petition that includes:
  • A clear explanation of the circumstances supporting the request;
  • A detailed plan and timeline for completing any outstanding requirements, as applicable; and
  • Supporting documentation relevant to the request.
• The Academic Advising Dean must review the petition before it is submitted to the CP3.
• All submissions and inquiries should be directed to jshields@stanford.edu.
• The CP3 will consider each petition in accordance with applicable School of Medicine policies and the circumstances of the individual request.
• The CP3 may approve, deny, or modify a request and may impose conditions or requirements as appropriate. Approval is not guaranteed.

updated September 2026