Behavioral Concerns

Insofar as all aspects of a student’s behavior reflects on that student’s qualifications and potential to become a competent professional, any dishonest, unethical, irresponsible, or criminal conduct is viewed as unprofessional behavior and which is within the purview of the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy and Graduate Studies faculty. Specific issues of concern include not adhering to the “Expectations of Professional Behavior and Student Conduct,” (the Honor Code) the characteristics mentioned above, abuse of power (discrimination and sexual harassment, breach of confidentiality), misrepresentation, impairment (from substance abuse), and lack of professionalism.

If allegations of behavior that is either a violation of Student Conduct or a breach of Professionalism are received via the Behavioral Concern form, students are notified with the goal of education in mind.  Students have due process rights to address the concerns and, depending on the severity or pattern of the concern, discussions may be scheduled with the Student Conduct Officer of the College representatives to assist the student to improve their professional development or address the misconduct through behavioral change.

Serious concerns of misconduct (behavior is repeated, disruptive, destructive, serious) may be referred to the Student Conduct process for either an informal resolution or for formal resolution through the Student Conduct Hearing Board review. Examples of misconduct include academic dishonesty, criminal behavior, behaviors that impact the safety of the campus community.

Repeated and/or serious professionalism violations may be referred to the Committee on Academic and Professional Progress (CAPP) for review.  Examples of unprofessionalism include repeated tardiness, missed assignments, poor communication with course directors.

A confidential, restricted database is used to track Behavioral Concerns. The Behavioral Concern must be filed within 30 days of the occurrence of the episode.

Peers, faculty and staff who observe unprofessional behavior are encouraged to discuss the concern with the individual of concern in a supportive and educational manner before submitting a Behavioral Concern.  Anyone submitting a Behavioral Concern form is asked to provide their name to ensure that a proper investigation can be completed for any allegation of misconduct. 

Report a BEHAVIORAL Concern

Purpose

The purpose of the Behavioral Concern reporting form is to report of student misconduct or unprofessionalism that violate the NEOMED Honor Code. Receipt of a Behavioral Concern alone does not constitute a violation of the honor code. It simply initiates a process for investigation, discussion, education, and remediation of misconduct or unprofessional behavior to help a student to grow and develop as a thoughtful, professional, and humanistic health care providers.

ProcessES

Student Misconduct

• Student misconduct includes any behaviors that violate the honor code inclusive of academic dishonesty, behavior that threatens the safety of the campus community, criminal behaviors, or disruptive behavior that negatively impacts the ability to provide an environment conducive for teaching and learning.
• Allegations of student misconduct can be reported using the Behavioral Concern form. Evidence should be provided within the content of the form submission as the University is responsible for providing responsibility.
• An email confirmation of receipt is sent to the submitter. However, the results of the investigation and misconduct discussion are confidential and can not be shared with the submitter.
• Peers may also file a Behavioral Concern when misconduct is observed. Peers who are concerned about providing their names are encouraged to either speak directly with the Student Conduct Officer or the College Assistant Dean of Students regarding the issue or speak with a member of the faculty to assist with submitting the form.
• The student conduct process is intended to focus primarily on addressing behavior through education, behavioral change and growth, and restorative justice. Students are given the opportunity to address the allegations through the Student Response Form, presentation of verbal and/or written statements, evidence, witnesses, etc.
• If a student conduct allegation(s) is serious enough or repeated enough to warrant formal action, an Informal Hearing will be held with the conduct officer. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the conduct officer will call together the Student Conduct Hearing Board composed of faculty, staff and students to review the matter.
• The “Administration of Student Conduct” Policy provides further details regarding the resolution of student conduct concerns

Professionalism Concerns

• Concerns about student professionalism may arise from a faculty member with whom a student interacts during a course, or another faculty member, clinical staff member, preceptors, staff member, student or patient with whom the student interacts. These individuals are expected to report their concerns to the faculty responsible for the student’s course evaluation.
• Faculty are expected to discuss all concerns about a student’s professional behavior both with the student and the course/clerkship director, who will decide whether to formally submit a Behavioral Concern.
• If the concern for substandard behavior arises outside of a course, faculty or staff may submit the Behavioral Concern which is reviewed by the Student Conduct Officer.
• An email confirmation of receipt is sent to the submitter. However, the results of the investigation and professionalism discussion are confidential and can not be shared with the submitter.
• The student of concern may file a written response via the Student Response Form to the allegation, which could include a different side of the story, details regarding extenuating circumstances, etc.
• Peers may also file a Behavioral Concern when unprofessional behavior is observed. Peers who are concerned about providing their names are encouraged to either speak directly with the Student Conduct Officer or the College Assistant Dean of Students regarding the issue or speak with a member of the faculty to assist with submitting the form.

RESPONDING to Behavioral concerns

NEOMED wants to reiterate and support the philosophy of the Behavioral Concern form and the process by reminding students that:

1. Behavioral Concerns are NOT included in the student’s academic record. Only if the matter reaches an egregious level to go to the Committee on Academic and Professional Progress (CAPP) (professional concerns) or lead to a dismissal (for conduct concerns) would the matter become part of an academic record.
2. Submitter’s names are not included in the communications with the person that is the subject of the report. This information is kept private unless approved by the submitter to be shared if part of a formal hearing.
3. There is no formula (e.g., “three strikes and you’re out”) for behavioral concerns. The goal is always to improve ourselves and our communities and we will support students’ journeys and growth as long as we can maintain a safe educational environment and we can help our students grow.
4. The goal of this process is NOT punitive. It is intended to focus on behavioral change to prepare students to serve in professions that require high levels of moral and ethical judgment, trust, confidentiality and social justice.
5. Your will always be given a chance to respond to any allegation. You will always be considered “not responsible” until NEOMED identifies evidence otherwise, and even then, we will always work to provide you with opportunities to change the behavior, provide you support and advice, and to get you ready for your professional destination.

If you have questions about the new form or changes to the process, reach out to the Student Conduct Officer

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