Technical Standards

A candidate for the MS or PhD degree must possess abilities and skills that include: observational, communicational, motor, intellectual-conceptual (integrative and quantitative), and behavioral and social. The use of a trained intermediary is not acceptable in laboratory situations; it implies that a candidate’s judgment must be mediated by someone else’s skill.

• Observation: The candidate must be able to acquire information as presented through demonstration and experiences in the basic sciences. This includes information conveyed through physiological and pharmacological demonstrations in animals, microbiological cultures, and microscopic images of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathological states. Furthermore, a candidate must be able to:
  • Observe experimental results or subjects accurately, acquire information from written documents, and visualize information as presented in images from paper, films, slides, video or other forms of modern electronic media.
  • Interpret graphic images and other forms of data readout (such as oscilloscopes, computer screens, and gels,) with or without the use of assistive devices.

• In any case, where a candidate’s ability to observe or acquire information is compromised, the candidate must utilize alternate means to collect and convey the essential information. Obtaining and using such alternate means shall be the responsibility of the student. Costs should be reasonable and will be properly borne by the university if not otherwise funded.

• Communication: The candidate must be able to communicate effectively, efficiently and sensitively with research subjects, faculty, staff, and colleagues.
• Motor: The candidate must possess the motor skills necessary to design and perform laboratory experiments and statistical analysis of collected data.
• Intellectual-Conceptual (Integrative and Quantitative) Abilities: The candidate must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate and synthesize data, knowledge,  and concepts. The candidate must be able to perform these problem-solving skills in a timely fashion.
• Behavioral and Social Attributes: The candidate must work to their fullest potential while exercising good judgment. They must be able to function effectively in stressful situations and adapt to changing environments. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, motivation, and work ethic are all personal qualities required for a successful scientific career, and are assessed during the admissions and educational process.

Use of Technical Standards in Admissions: The Graduate School will consider any applicant who can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for the satisfactory completion of the graduate degree. Students will be judged not only on their scholastic accomplishments, but also on their capacities to meet the requirements of the school’s curriculum.

The applicant will be judged by the existing record of scholarship, motivation, character, personality, and achievement as submitted in the application and through the interview. The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies disseminates its Technical Standards through the catalog, brochures and other publications. It is assumed that applicants will be aware of the technical standards required for promotion and graduation. It will be the responsibility of the applicant to determine whether or not he/she will be able to meet these standards and, therefore, whether to apply. It is the responsibility of the University to decide whether technical and academic standards have been met by each student.

Use of Technical Standards in Promotion and Graduation: The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies recognizes the responsibility to provide educational training for the student’s development as a responsible scientist. The faculty holds the responsibility for approving graduates who have achieved such development. In each case, the students will be judged on their achievements and behaviors, regardless of a disability. The faculty of the student’s program will determine whether they have met the specified criteria.

Questions:  If you have any questions about these standards or other policies as they pertain to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Academic Support at 847-578-8354 or email academic​.support​@rosalindfranklin​.edu.