Student Conduct

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Expectations for Student Conduct

When you go to class, clinical, lab, or simulation, you are expected to pay attention to the instructor and what is happening in the learning environment, as well as to be considerate of your classmates. It can sometimes help to put yourself in a mental “meeting mode” as it can help remind you that this is an environment where respect for self and others is expected. This enables you to be engaged in what is happening and will enhance your learning and your ultimate success. Your obligation to behave professionally does not end when you leave the classroom or clinical setting. As an MCHP student, you represent the college. As an individual, you are developing a reputation. Your behavior outside of the classroom is what creates that reputation…and remember, you never know what role a stranger may play in your professional life.

Goals of Code of Student Conduct Policy

The college community encompasses administration, faculty, staff, and students. Students are part of the college community and retain the rights, protections, and privileges of fair treatment. Students are also subject to the standards, responsibilities, and regulations associated with an educational environment.

The purpose of the Maine College of Health Professions (MCHP) Code of Student Conduct is to foster a sense of trust, responsibility, professionalism, and accountability among all individuals at MCHP. The Code of Conduct is to assist in students’ personal and intellectual growth to become healthcare professionals, as well as behavioral expectations. Students’ behaviors can have long-term effects, even in their careers. Depending on the offense, students may not be eligible to obtain a professional license; therefore, students should contemplate decisions that violate the Student Code of Conduct. The goals for the disciplinary policy in the MCHP’s Code of Student Conduct are:

  • to develop a sense of responsibility
  • to provide a safe atmosphere for learning and well-being to encourage ethical behaviors
  • to promote academic integrity

The MCHP Code of Student Conduct is located in the MCHP College-Wide Student Handbook.

Student Code of Conduct Violations Procedure

Minor Violations

Unacceptable behaviors are not tolerated, and students are subject to disciplinary actions outlined below. Individuals involved in the Student Code of Conduct violation are expected to participate and cooperate during the procedures and are to uphold all confidential matters regarding the issue.

Anyone in the MCHP college community may file a complaint against a student violating the Student Code of Conduct.

  • The complainant must complete the Student Code of Conduct Violation Form and submit the form to the Program Dean within five (5) business days of the incident.
  • The program dean will make an appointment with the student(s) who allegedly violated the SCC and encourage the student to bring any supporting evidence within five (5) business days of the submitted Student Code of Conduct Violation Form.

After the meeting with the student, the program dean will make a determination regarding the alleged violation. The dean will determine one of the following:

  • The accused is not responsible and/or did not violate the student code of conduct.
    • No disciplinary action occurs; however, the dean keeps the documents on file.
  • The accused is responsible and/or did violate the student code of conduct.
    • The program dean will start disciplinary sanctions from the list provided.

The program dean will document on the MCHP Student Code of Conduct Form the meeting results and inform the student’s right to due process.

  • The dean will submit all evidence and the form to the chief academic officer (CAO) and registrar to become part of the student’s record.
  • If the student does not meet with the dean within the time frame required, the student forfeits all appeals, and the dean’s decision is final.

Major violations are exempt from the above procedure.

Major Violations

Major violations bypass the minor violations procedure. Students with a major SCC violation will meet with the CAO and program dean immediately. The student(s) should bring all supporting evidence to the meeting. The results of a major violation may include suspension or expulsion from the Program and/or college. Examples of major violations include but are not limited to the following:

  • Multiple minor violations (may include the same or different nature as the first)
  • Theft
  • Falsifying documents, signed forms, or other MCHP documents
  • Validated physical threats made toward other individuals
  • HIPAA violations
  • Destroying MCHP property
  • Possessing or distributing drugs or other substances on the MCHP campus or college-sponsored property
  • Bringing a weapon onto the MCHP campus or college-sponsored property
  • Cheating or academic dishonesty on any activity or assignment to prove competency in the course, program, or college outcomes

Sanctions

Below is an example of sanctions or consequences for violating the MCHP SCC. Program deans may use the examples below, but this is not an exhaustive list.

  • Written warnings
  • Remediation
  • Learning projects
  • Referral for prosecution
  • Expulsion
  • Suspension
  • Probation
  • Loss of privileges
  • Community service

Due Process

Whenever possible, resolving the violation of the MCHP SCC should be resolved at the lowest levels; however, students who do not agree with the program dean’s decisions have the right to enact due process. Within five (5) business days of the program dean’s decision, the student must submit a written appeal to the CAO. The CAO will convene the Code of Conduct Committee to review the appeal within five (5) business days of the submitted appeal. Any appeal submitted outside of the time frame forfeits the due process procedure.

Code of Conduct Committee

The code of conduct committee only convenes if a student submits an appeal of the program dean’s decision for minor violations. The committee meeting is a closed meeting and attendees will be limited to the code of conduct committee and the student. All attendees will uphold the strictest guidelines of confidentiality in all matters associated with the alleged violation. The committee’s decision is final; there is no appeal to this process.

The committee is comprised of the following individuals:

  • The dean associated with the Program.
  • One (1) faculty member selected from the Faculty Senate.
  • One (1) faculty or program administrator who is not associated with the Program.
  • One (1) member of the College in a Student Services role
  • The CAO will attend the meeting but is a non-voting member.

Code of Conduct Committee Procedures

  1. The CAO will submit all supporting evidence and documents to the Code of Conduct Committee two (2) days before the scheduled meeting.
  2. Once the committee convenes, the committee will ask questions of the student and will verify any information pertinent to the code of conduct allegation provided by the parties.
  3. Once all information has been verified and all questions have been answered by the student, the student will be excused, and the committee will determine by a vote as to whether the SCC violation is substantiated or unsubstantiated.
    1. If Substantiated: The committee found enough evidence that supports the student violated the MCHP SCC.
    2. If Unsubstantiated: The committee did not find enough evidence to support that the student violated the MCHP SCC.
  4. The CAO will communicate with the student about the committee’s decision.

The CAO will send all evidence, supporting documents, and the Student Code of Conduct Violation Form with the committee’s decision to the registrar to be placed in the student’s file. The Student Code of Conduct Violation Form can be found at the end of this publication.

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