Requests for OMS III elective research rotations will only be considered for continuation of ongoing research projects with firm commitments from the mentor. This mechanism is not appropriate for initiating new research projects.
Class of 2026 Elective Research Rotation Guide
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Important Information
OMS III Elective Research Rotations
The Heritage College encourages research and scholarly activity and facilitates opportunities for students to conduct research through both academic credit and non-credit mechanisms. Whereas the focus for OMS IIIs should be on required clinical rotations, many students have expressed an interest in scheduling a 4-week elective research rotation (OCOM 8944) during Year 3.
As the transition to the required clinical rotations is new and sometimes challenging, Heritage College students are typically encouraged to engage in elective research rotations only during Summer and Fall of their fourth year.
Nonetheless, we understand and appreciate that students may have ongoing projects that they desire to continue developing during Years 3 & 4. As such, and under certain circumstances, a student may be able to request an elective research rotation in Spring Semester of their third year. OMS III students who have an approved elective research rotation during Year 3 will be choosing a research elective instead of a clinical elective.
To be considered for an elective research rotation, students must be in good academic and professional standing, with no Code of Professional Standards violations on record as determined by the Office of Research and Grants.
The following guidelines are provided for students and their APAs interested in scheduling an elective research rotation during Spring 2025.
1. Requesting an Elective Research Rotation
To request an OCOM 8944 (Original Research) elective research rotation, students must have a specific, established project, a firm commitment from their mentor, and defined goals for the research rotation. Permission will not be granted to 鈥渉old鈥 a research block open in anticipation of identifying a research project later. The exact project and mentor must be known prior to requesting an elective research rotation.
2. Time Commitment Required
Students and mentors must commit to a specific 4-week block listed below so that it can be prescheduled around required clinical rotations. The student, after consultation with their APA, must submit the basic details (e.g., project title, mentor name, and timeline) of their plan to the Student Portal in Salesforce for review and provisional approval by the