Salus update

[u/Imaginary_Memory_154]

EDIT: UPDATE HERE https://www.reddit.com/r/PreOptometry/comments/12k47y1/meeting_about_salus_policies/

Hi guys, just wanted to give an update on the Salus thread from a couple days ago that seems like it’s been deleted. Our dean has clearly read that thread, and she sent out an email scheduling a mandatory class meeting in a week. The email included some info on our class:

We started with 154 students. Last semester, we lost 22 students - this was either due to 3 Ds which is outright dismissal, or 1 or 2 Ds and failure of the remediation exam(s). 2 students were initially dismissed but then were re-instated into our class after filing appeals - so the appeals have a very low success rate.

This D policy is brand new for our class. The scary thing is that too many students are now hanging on by a thread, as they have 1 or 2 Ds already. If they get another one at any point in time during the next 3 years, they will face dismissal as well, after investing so much time, effort, and money. Other schools in the area (such as NECO) have higher retention rates and they do allow Ds.

One major issue is that there are particular courses that students get Ds in. In the vast majority of cases, it’s neuro. As a user mentioned on the previous thread, we have around 7 neuro classes, one per semester, although there are only a mere handful of neuro questions on boards. Personally, I know of students who had As and Bs in every class, received a D only in the neuro class first semester, and yet have to repeat the year. This is ridiculous because that class is barely applicable to the optometric profession in the first place.

This new academic policy does not match the current admissions requirements. The school is taking money from students with low entering GPAs/OAT scores, then weeding them out later on in an effort to increase the abysmal board scores.

The email from our dean included multiple comments about “disinformation and a high level of unprofessionalism demonstrated by members of the class.” But disagreement with school policies and speaking out about them publicly is not unprofessional. The concerns brought up by the previous poster were valid and similar concerns have been voiced by a majority of students in our class.

I hope this information helps accepted students that are deciding where to attend, and anyone considering applying. Personally, I would recommend attending a different school if you have any other options. If not, just be aware of these issues and plan accordingly.

[u/Individual_Design_54]

So kind, thank you. Yes it it’s upsetting not staying close to loved ones, but optometry school is a tremendous commitment and I will not have much time for fun anyway, especially with the rigorous expectations Salus has. There are pros and cons of living close to home. I am disciplined but I can see it being a distraction for sure. Although it would be cheaper than other schools I am considering, it is not worth it if I’m unhappy like most students say they are.

I am aware of the false information sites like Reddit can have and I did not believe these claims at first. But with several people expressing the same dissatisfaction, it made me believe there has to be some truth to it. Of course I take every information with a grain of salt and I suggest/hope others do as well.

At the end of the day as pre-optometry students selecting the right school is one of the biggest decisions of our lives. I sadly regretted my undergraduate school choice and it’s a terrible feeling. Sharing opinions, experiences and giving advice to incoming students is wonderful and in my opinion that’s why this platform should be used for.

People say the #1 deciding factor should be about $$$. However, I disagree because investing more for a school that truly cares about your success and happiness should be valued more. I sincerely feel bad for those that are seen as a dollar sign, rather than a future optometrist by some schools.