short version:
no longer on probation as of 2004; an official site:
http://www.lcme.org/directry.htm
long version:
for 2003-2004 we were still accredited but on probation because the facilities needed improvement and the students graduated with a high average debt. so basically they are building a new medical school building, slightly decreasing class size (my class started at about 215) and putting more money aside for financial aid. it is well known that temple is strong in the clinical training of its students. the dean now wants to strengthen its research, attract more scientists, encourage current docs to partake in research and increase funding. this will all make more money for the school.
the changes that students probably notice are the lab upgrades, 24 hr study facilities that are very comfy, computers and internet and wireless access all around campus, laptops with wireless access which the library loans u- just like taking out a book. and in your later med school years you'll notice and appreciate the convenience of journal and med info access. Things like OVID, MDconsult, UpTo Date, all Lange subject books and Harrisons, etc, etc. are
free.
the only thing that isn't so great just yet is the financial aid. what i've noticed is that there are
more scholarships BUT it's like $500 here, maybe $1000 there. i mean, yes, it is something, but when you are talking about damn near 40,000 a year.....you get my point. i understand they are trying to stay in the black. (and Temple Univ Hospital has been turning a profit) fed loans will barely cover you. so they need to do something about that in the future IMHO.