Student Code of Ethics

(SCU Policy 6.5.1)

Introduction

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.1)

SCUHS is committed to providing a campus that is safe and secure, and that allows students to develop as professional individuals and responsible citizens. Students are expected to behave in ways that are respectful of the rights of all members of the SCUHS community to learn, work, practice and teach. The Student Code of Ethics is meant to address any student behaviors that disrupt or detract from the goals of the University. To learn more about the principles guiding the Code of Ethics and Judicial Process at SCUHS, please consult the Judicial Handbook.

Students are expected to maintain themselves at all times in a manner befitting a professional institution. Unprofessional conduct at the University will not be tolerated. Students should realize that their enrollment at SCUHS is a privilege, not a right, and carries with it obligations with regard to conduct, not only inside but also outside the classrooms. In addition, students are subject to the laws governing the community, as well as the rules and regulations of the University.

Students are also expected to observe the standards of professional conduct, dress, and appearance approved by the University and the profession. Personal conduct and appearance are outward expressions of character. The right to exclude students whose behavior or appearance is undesirable, unprofessional or prejudicial to the University’s interest is a right reserved by SCUHS.

All students are provided with a copy of this Code of Ethics and Student Judicial Process upon matriculation, and are expected to be familiar with its contents. Additionally, the SCUHS Policy Manual is available in the Seabury Learning Resource Center.

A student may be expelled for unsatisfactory conduct, academic dishonesty, or for any other cause if the student’s conduct is considered to be prejudicial to the interest of the University or the integrative health care professions through the University’s Student Judicial Process. In addition, students may be subject to arrest by local, state or federal agencies for such violations.

The following alphabetized items/actions lack value in the educational process and should serve as a guideline for appropriate decision making:

Academic Dishonesty

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.2)

As outlined in the University’s Academic Integrity Code, academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to lying, cheating or plagiarism, embezzling, defrauding or using false pretenses to procure property or services; knowingly purchasing or possessing stolen or embezzled property, money or services; forgery, alteration or misuse of any SCUHS instrument of identification, document or record; or furnishing false information to any SCUHS official. Please refer to the SCUHS Academic Integrity Code in Volume V of the SCUHS Policy Manual for additional information.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.3)

Students are expected to adhere to the University’s Alcohol and Drug Policy, which can be found in Volume II, Section 2.2.1.1 of this Policy Manual. Failure to comply with the guidelines of this policy will result in disciplinary action.

Complicity

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.4)

A student shall not, through act or omission, assist another student, individual, or group in committing or attempting to commit a violation of this Code of Ethics or any other written University policy. A student who has knowledge of another committing or attempting to commit a violation of the Code of Ethics is required to remove him or herself from the situation, and failure to do so when reasonable under the circumstances may be the basis for a violation of this policy.

Disrespectful Behavior

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.5)

Disrespect shown by any student to an SCUHS official or to any member of the SCUHS community is inappropriate. Discriminatory, derogatory or rude behavior or remarks, in verbal, written or electronic form, will not be tolerated.

Disruptive Behavior

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.6)

Disruptive behavior or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, clinical or other SCUHS activities distracts others from the educational focus necessary at a University. The following list, while not exhaustive, provides examples of typical disruptive behaviors:

1. Lewd, disorderly or indecent;
2. Breaching the peace on campus or aiding, abetting or procuring another person to breach the peace on SCUHS premises or at functions sponsored by, or participated in by the University;
3. Displaying conduct or behavior which disrupts the regular operations of classes, library, laboratories, clinic operations, or the residential or administrative community;
4. Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research or the operation or administration of any University program, including its public services functions on or off campus or online;
5. Disrupting University events or activities;
6. Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on University premises or at sponsored or supervised functions;
7. Obstructing access to any University building or any portion of the University facilities;
8. Inciting to action or participating in unauthorized activities resulting in destruction or damage of property;
9. Infringement upon the rights of others or actions that prejudice the maintenance of public order;
10. Climbing or scaling the exterior of any University building;
11. Exhibiting nudity, either publicly or during the course of treatment or education, or other inappropriate sexual related conduct.

Disruption of the Judicial Process

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.7)

The following examples of disruptions to the judicial process are subject to disciplinary action: failure to obey the direction or summons of the Student Judicial Board or any SCUHS official attempting to investigate an incident; falsification, distortion or misrepresentation of information before the Student Judicial Board or SCUHS officer; disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a hearing; attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in the hearing process; or attempting to influence the impartiality of the Student Judicial Board, judicial officer or appeal officer.

Dress Code

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.8)

The University requires students on campus to practice acceptable personal hygiene, dress, and maintain appropriate attire and appearance befitting students in professional training. All of the following aspects of the dress code shall be observed:

1. Acceptable lecture classroom attire must include shoes, shirts and trousers or shorts for males and shoes, shirt and shorts/pants/skirt or dress for females.
2. Clothing worn in laboratories shall include classroom attire with the exception that no open toe shoes will be allowed. It is recommended, especially in biochemistry, gross anatomy and microbiology labs, that long length laboratory smocks be worn.
3. Students attending laboratory classes in clinic buildings, including the Radiology Department, are required to dress in appropriate clinic attire in accordance with the clinic handbook regulations.
4. Interns are required to wear a clean, short, white coat/jacket over appropriate attire. Long white coats are for clinic faculty only.
5. Any student, at the instructor’s discretion, may be asked to leave a classroom and/or laboratory for failure to comply with Numbers 1 through 4 above.

Endangerment

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.9)

Behaviors that threaten or endanger the health and/or safety of oneself or others are contrary to the character of a learning environment. Members of the SCUHS are expected not to engage in such behaviors.

Specific violations of this standard include, but are not limited to:

1. Creating a safety hazard, including but not limited to obstructing fire escape routes such as hallways or stairwells and the propping open of stairwell doors;
2. Setting or causing a fire;
3. Tampering with, misusing or damaging fire or safety equipment, such as alarms, heat sensors, smoke detectors, hoses, and fire extinguishers;
4. Failing to immediately exit any facility or building when a fire alarm has been sounded, or hindering or impairing the orderly evacuation of any University facility or building; or
5. Disobeying a command by any University official or faculty member in connection with a fire, alarm, or other safety or security matter.

In addition, members of the SCUHS community are expected to reasonably care for their own mental and physical wellbeing. If circumstances arise that prohibit a student from appropriately assessing or attending to his or her own welfare, the student is strongly encouraged to seek counseling and support within the appropriate university offices. In such cases, the student is expected to abide by reasonable directives offered by the professional staff. Refusing to adhere to the standards of this section is considered a violation of the Student Code of Ethics.

Gambling

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.10)

Engaging in any non-University sponsored activity where money or other things of value are at stake while on University property is not permitted. Please refer to the University’s Gambling Policy in Volume II of the SCUHS Policy Manual for additional information.

Harassment

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.11)

SCUHS maintains a strict policy prohibiting unlawful harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment. Please refer to Volume II of SCUHS Policy Manual for the University’s complete Discrimination and Harassment Policy.

Hate Crimes/Conduct

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.12)

SCUHS takes Hate Crimes very seriously. All members of the University community are entitled to a learning or working environment free of discrimination based on a protected status as set forth in the University’s Commitment to Diversity and Non-Discrimination Policy. In addition to applicable criminal statutes, Hate Crimes and “Bias Incidents”, whether occurring on or off campus, are considered violations of the Student Code of Conduct. A “Bias Incident” is defined as behavior or actions discriminating against another based on a protected status. Those committing a hate crime must understand that the penalties for hate crimes are very serious under local penal law.

Off-Campus Events

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.13)

Inappropriate conduct that occurs at off-campus events is subject to University conduct review, regardless of whether or not the event was University-sponsored. A student’s off-campus behavior that negatively affects the mission or reputation of the University or profession is always subject to conduct review, irrespective of the behavior’s ultimate legality or outcome.

Professionalism

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.14)

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, both inside and outside of the classroom. Professionalism may be assessed by instructors and SCUHS officials, but may not count towards the course grade. Professionalism includes, but is not limited to, adherence to Academic Integrity Code, engaging in respectful communication with faculty, peers and staff, and being considerate of the needs of others. Students can also expect professional behavior of faculty and staff at SCUHS.

Rape and Sexual Assault

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.15)

SCUHS maintains a strict policy prohibiting unlawful sexual contact, including the serious crimes of rape and sexual assault. Please refer to Volume II of the SCUHS Policy Manual for the University’s complete rape and sexual assault policy.

Social Networking

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.16)

SCUHS students must be concerned with any behavior that might reflect badly on themselves, their families, and the University. Such behavior includes any activities conducted online.

Students are not restricted from using any online social network site and/or digital platform. However, users must understand that any content they make public via online social networks ordigital platforms (i.e., cell phones, PDAs, etc.) is expected to follow acceptable social behaviors and also to comply with federal and state government laws and University policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Please keep the following guidelines in mind when participating on social networking web sites:

1. Before participating in any online community, students must understand that anything posted online is available to anyone in the world;
2. Students should not post information, photos, or other items online that could reflect negatively on themselves, SCUHS or their profession;
3. Students should not post their home address, local address, phone number(s), birth date, or other personal information, as well as personal whereabouts or plans;
4. SCUHS administrators and staff may monitor these web sites;
5. Potential employers, internship supervisors, graduate program personnel, and scholarship committees now search these sites to screen candidates and applications.

Students must not post information, photos, or other items online that could reflect negatively on themselves, their family, their department or program or SCUHS. The malicious use of online social networks, including derogatory language about any member of the SCUHS community; demeaning statements about or threats to any third party; incriminating photos or statements depicting hazing, sexual harassment, vandalism, stalking, underage drinking, illegal drug use, or any other inappropriate behavior, will be subject to disciplinary action.

Sanctions for failure to agree and adhere to this policy will result in actions ranging from reprimand or suspension to expulsion from the University, as well as loss of financial aid, if applicable.

Violations of University policy or evidence of such violations in the content of social networks or digital platforms are subject to investigation and sanction. They are also subject to investigation by law enforcement agencies.

Theft or Destruction of Property

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.17)

Attempted or actual theft of and/or damage to property of the University, or property of a member of the SCUHS community, is prohibited and subject to assessment and reimbursement of replacement and installation costs of equipment if necessary, according to the SCUHS judicial process.

Theft or Misuse of University Computing Resources

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.18)

Information technology theft includes but is not limited to unauthorized entry into a file to read or change the contents, or for any other purpose; unauthorized transfer of a file; use of another person’s computing identification and/or password; electronic impersonation of another person; use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty or staff member; use of computing facilities to send obscene or abusive messages; use of computing facilities to interfere with normal operations of the university computing system; or any other violation of the technology policy. All forms of information technology theft are prohibited. Students are also expected to adhere to the full University Information Technology Policy, which can be found in Volume II, Section 2.4 of the SCUHS Policy Manual.

Unauthorized and/or Inappropriate Use of Property

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.19)

Attempted or actual use of property of the University, property of a member of the SCUHS community or other personal or public property without proper authorization, or in a manner for which the property was not intended, is prohibited.

Verbal Abuse

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.20)

Verbal abuse includes verbal as well as written abuse and is not limited to threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, crimes of hate, and/or other conduct (whether perceived or actual) that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person. Verbal abuse runs contrary to the professional ideals of the SCUHS community, and will not be tolerated.

Violation of Law

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.21)

Violation of federal, state or local laws, or conduct which otherwise adversely affect the SCUHS community or the pursuit of its objectives, whether on or off SCUHS premises, is strictly prohibited.

Notification of Criminal Arrest

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.21.1)

1. A student is responsible for notifying the Office of Student Affairs of any off-campus arrest.
2. When the Office of Student Affairs is informed of the arrest of a student, the University will require that the student make an appointment for an interview with the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs (or designee). During this interview, the facts involved in the student’s arrest, the student’s obligation to keep the University informed of the progress of the criminal charge(s), and the student’s obligation to advise the University of the final disposition of the criminal charge(s) will be discussed with the student.
3. As outlined in the University’s Student Code of Ethics Policy, Student Judicial proceedings are independent of criminal court processes and may be carried out prior to, simultaneous with, or following off-campus criminal proceeding. The alleged commission of a felony as named in local, state or federal law is a serious violation of the Student Code of Ethics and may necessitate an interim suspension from the University while the University considers the complaint.

Violation of SCUHS Policies

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.22)

Violation of any other SCUHS policy or procedure not articulated in the student code of ethics may be considered a violation.

Violence and Weapons

(SCU Policy 6.5.1.23)

The University is committed to providing an educational environment that is free from acts of violence or threats of violence. In keeping with this commitment, the University has established a policy that provides “zero tolerance” for actual or threatened violence against students, employees, patients, visitors, or any other persons who are either on our premises or have contact with students in the course of their education. Security and safety of the University is every student’s responsibility. It is therefore essential that every student understand the importance of safety and security.

Compliance with this anti-violence policy is mandatory and a condition of attendance at SCUHS, which will be evaluated, together with other aspects of a student’s academic experience. Due to the importance of this policy, students who violate any of its terms, who engage in or contribute to violent behavior, or who threaten others with violence will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate expulsion. The University will support criminal prosecution of those who threaten or commit violence against its students, employees, patients, and visitors within its facilities, programs and activities.

The following list of behaviors, while not exhaustive, provides examples of conduct that is prohibited.

1. Aggressive or hostile behavior that creates reasonable fear of injury to another person or subjects another individual to emotional distress;
2. Jokes or offensive comments, including comments regarding, or references to, violent events and/or behaviors;
3. Physical abuse or attack, waving fists, pushing, stalking, bullying, hazing, unjust exercise of power of authority;
4. Vandalism, arson or sabotage;
5. Throwing things, destroying property in a manner that could injure others;
6. The use or carrying of weapons of any kind (regardless of whether or not licensed to carry a concealed weapon) onto the University property or onto external property utilized for University-sponsored activities. For the purposes of this policy, the following items are considered to be weapons:
   1. Any weapon that, per applicable law, is illegal to possess;
   2. Any firearm, loaded or unloaded, assembled or disassembled, including pellet, “BB” and stun guns;
   3. Knives (and other similar instruments) with a blade length more than three inches, other than those present in the workplace for specific purpose of facilities or classroom use, food preparation and service;
   4. Any switchblade knife;
   5. Brass knuckles, metal knuckles and similar weapons;
   6. Bows, cross-bows and arrows;
   7. Explosives and explosive devices, including fireworks and incendiary devices;
   8. Any object that has been modified to serve as, or has been employed as, a dangerous weapon.

In order to promote compliance with this policy and maximize our efforts to provide a safe and secure educational environment that is free from violence, the University has established security measures and practices. It will also provide programs to train and retrain University employees as appropriate. This will assist employees and the University to make the SCUHS more secure, and to remedy any problems and security hazards that are identified before they lead to injuries. The University violence-free policy will be distributed to students during orientation and registration for classes.

Every verbal or physical threat of violence must be treated seriously and reported immediately to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, the Executive Director of Student Affairs, or Campus Safety. The University will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of threats or actual violence by consulting with the appropriate resources and witnesses.

In situations where a student becomes aware of imminent acts of violence, a threat of imminent violence or actual violence, emergency assistance must be sought immediately. In such situations, students should immediately contact the Campus Safety office at extension 333 and, if appropriate, contact law enforcement authorities by dialing 911.

All students, employees, patients and visitors should be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. The University encourages students to bring their disputes and differences with others to the attention of the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs or the Executive Director of Student Affairs before a situation escalates into potential violence.

Full cooperation by all students is necessary and mandatory for the University to accomplish its goal of maximizing the security and safety of its students. Students should direct any questions they have regarding their obligations under this policy to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs or Executive Director of Student Affairs. Students can report violations of the policy and raise any questions regarding their obligations under this policy without fear of reprisal.