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Catalog 2025-2026 > Section V: Student Rights and Responsibilities > Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

 

 

Article III. Prohibited Conduct

Any student, group, or organization found to have committed misconduct is subject to student conduct action and to the sanctions outlined in this Code. Attempts to commit any of these acts of misconduct are included in the scope of these definitions. Acts of misconduct may occur in person, through a virtual, digital, or online presence, or through electronic media.

A party who is accused of assisting another party in committing a violation of any Institute policy, including this Code, may be subject to the same or similar charges as a directly accused party.

The following are general categories of misconduct subject to student conduct action. Conduct that is addressed through the Institute’s Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy or through the Academic Integrity Policy will be addressed through those respective policies. Where conduct involves potential violations of both this Code of Student Conduct and the Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy, the Institute may investigate that conduct under the Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy.

A. Access without Authorization: Entering or remaining on or in any part of any Institute premises without valid permission.

B. Alcohol/Drug Violations:  Possession or use of alcohol by underaged persons; possession or use of alcohol by persons regardless of age that is prohibited by other Institute policies; offering, providing, or otherwise making available any alcoholic beverage to any underaged person; intoxication on Institute premises or public property; possession or use of illegal drugs; abuse of controlled substances or intoxicating substances; possession or use of paraphernalia containing residue from illegally used/possessed drugs, controlled substances, or intoxicating substances; manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances; use or possession of alcohol or other drugs with the intent of causing harm to another.

C. Community Disturbance: Making excessive noise either inside or outside a building, including but not limited to shouting, pounding objects or surfaces, or playing music or other electronics at a loud volume in a manner that disturbs others.

D. Discriminatory Misconduct: Prohibited Discrimination is the adverse treatment of an individual or group(s) based on a protected characteristic that interferes with an individual’s participation in an Institute program or activity. Examples of conduct that can constitute prohibited discrimination, include, but are not limited to, restricting an individual’s continued access to an educational program or activity or participation in a student organization or activity or singling out/targeting an individual for different or less favorable treatment because of their protected characteristic. Discriminatory Harassment is conduct that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to create an environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, abusive or offensive. A determination of whether conduct is considered hostile is based on the totality of the circumstances of the situation.

E. Dishonesty and Misrepresentation: Non-academic dishonesty, including but not limited to, misrepresenting information or furnishing false information to Institute officials, misrepresentation of information including but not limited to: age, name, date of birth, or residence; furnishing false or misleading information regarding affiliation with or relationship to the Institute or during any Institute process, including any conduct process; forgery, unauthorized alteration, or unauthorized use or possession of any documents, records, or identification cards, including fraudulent government identification, computer records, misuse of computer facilities, and electronic mailing systems. Academic dishonesty violations will be handled according to the Academic Integrity Policy.

F. Disorderly Conduct: Disorderly conduct may include, but is not limited to, acting in a manner that threatens, endangers, or harasses others, including but not limited to verbally or in writing; disrupting, obstructing, or interfering with the activities of others, including Institute events; or behaving in a lewd or indecent manner or causing others to do so.

G. Misconduct Related to Property: Destroying, defacing, damaging, or tampering with the property of others. This includes but is not limited to Institute property.

H. Non-adherence: Failure to comply with reasonable directions of Institute officials (provided in writing or verbally) acting in performance of their duties. This includes directives to adhere to orders of “no contact,” comply with a barring notice or persona non grata, or to produce identification. Non-adherence may also refer to a failure to comply with reasonable directions of an instructor or administrator acting in performance of their duties at an Institute-affiliated clinical education site or facility. 

I. Outcome Violation: Violating the terms of any student conduct sanction or other outcome assigned in accordance with this Code.

J. Physical Abuse: Engaging in conduct that is likely to cause physical harm. Degree of harm, intent to harm, and minimal self-defense to prevent a clear and imminent threat may indicate mitigating or exacerbating circumstances.

K. Regulation Violation: Any violation of other published Institute regulations and policies.

L. Retaliation: Any adverse action or threat taken or made against a member of the Institute community, including clinical educators and external partners, for making a report of a policy violation or participating in any investigation or hearing related to this policy. This includes threats, intimidation, harassment, or other conduct that would discourage a reasonable person from submitting a report or cooperating with investigation proceedings.

M. Safety Measures Violation: Misuse or damage to safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, window stops, exit signs, or sprinkler heads; knowingly or negligently causing or attempting to cause a fire in a Institute building; initiating or causing to be initiated any false alarm/report, warning, or threat of fire, explosion, or other emergency; failing to evacuate a building during an emergency drill or actual emergency; intentional or unintentional throwing, dropping, allowing to fall, lowering of, or in any way putting any object, solid or liquid, out of a window or from any building structure including but not limited to a balcony, rooftop deck, stairwell, or any equivalent interior structure of any building; and use or possession of fireworks on Institute premises.

N. Theft: Theft of property or of services, including when a person is knowingly in possession of stolen property.

O. Unauthorized Use of the Institute’s Name: Any unauthorized commercial use (including for non-monetary gain) of the Institute’s name, logo, or other representation.

P. Violation of Law: Violation of federal, state, and/or local law.

Q. Violation of Privacy: Surreptitiously observing, photographing, or recording another person; surreptitiously receiving photographs or recordings of another person; or distributing photographs or recordings of another person, without their permission, in any context in which that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, or where the instructor has indicated it, is prohibited. In all instances, permission must be granted by all persons being photographed or recorded. In a situation in which it is not acceptable to observe or take a photograph or make a recording, it is also not acceptable to publicly disclose that observation or publish a photograph or recording. Transmission, in print, by phone, via email, via social media, or any other means of technology constitutes publication. Publication of any photograph or recording is also subject to all applicable policies and laws, including copyright, in the same manner as any other image or document. Documentation for the sole purpose of reporting possible violations of law or Institute policy to the relevant officials may be a mitigating factor. Note that this policy does not necessarily alter obligations to follow state, local, or federal laws regarding recordings and privacy.

R. Weapon Violation:  Use or possession of explosives, firearms or other weapons on MGH Institute of Health Professions property. 

 

Article IV. Roles and Responsibilities

Section I: Faculty, Staff, and Administrator Responsibilities

Faculty, staff, and administrators at the Institute are responsible for promoting the code of conduct, addressing any suspected instances of prohibited conduct, and assisting students in understanding professional codes of ethics and the expectations students will be held to in academic and clinical settings. Faculty, staff, and administrators should:

•  Provide a clear and complete syllabus that describes course expectations, guidelines, and a link to this policy.
• Hold students accountable for understanding and demonstrating code of conduct standards
• Hold students accountable for understanding and demonstrating professional codes of ethics as outlined in the student’s program manual
• Detect and properly handle suspected breaches of the code of conduct.
• Cooperate with investigations and participate in conduct review processes when necessary.
• Maintain fairness and consistency when addressing student conduct issues.
• Foster respectful on-campus environments and promote a culture where all students feel safe to learn and express ideas.
• Recognize when students may be struggling with personal or academic challenges and refer them to the appropriate support services.
• Serve as role models for ethical academic and professional behavior.
  
  

Section 2: Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for understanding this policy and demonstrating behaviors that uphold the code of conduct, as outlined in Article I. This includes:

• Following course policies related to the code of conduct, as detailed in the course syllabus and related course documents.
• Seeking clarification from instructors or staff when conduct standards remain unclear.
• Contributing to an Institute culture that upholds the conduct standards outlined in this policy.
• Committing to the highest standards of excellence in their discipline.
• Reporting any suspected violations of this policy via the Academic and Conduct Report Form.

 

Article V. Procedures for Addressing Violations

 

Section 1: Reporting Violations

Allegations may be initiated by any member of the Institute community, including faculty, staff, students, and clinical site instructors/preceptors.

 

The Academic and Conduct Report Form is the required and official reporting mechanism for documenting and addressing violations. Reports should be made as soon as possible following the discovery of a violation to ensure timely investigation and resolution.

 

This form will be sent directly to the Assistant Deans of Student Success and the Dean of Students. This form is not designed for emergency use. In an emergency, students should contact MGH Police and Security or call 911. For non-emergencies, call security at the main desk in the lobby of the Shouse Building at (617) 726-0528. For all emergencies, call (617) 726-5400.

 

Section 2: Interim Suspension or Removal from Campus

The Dean of Students, a Dean of an Institute school, or designee, following consultation with the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee, and other Institute administrators, as appropriate, may remove a respondent from campus, or suspend a respondent from the Institute for an interim period not to exceed 21 days, pending student conduct proceedings or medical evaluation. The interim suspension or removal from campus shall become immediately effective without prior notice whenever there is evidence that the continued presence of the respondent in the Institute community poses a threat to any person or to the stability and continuance of normal Institute functions. Interim suspension shall be considered an excused absence.

 

Section 3: Resolution Processes

When a code of conduct violation is alleged, students should refer to their program manual for program-specific disciplinary procedures. Each academic program may have additional processes that align with the principles outlined in this policy while incorporating profession-specific ethical standards and remedial actions.

 

Violations for individual students will be handled by the academic programs, with processes being overseen by the Assistant Dean of Student Success, or a delegate, of the program’s respective school. Should a program not be housed in a school at the Institute, then the process will be overseen by the Dean of Students.

 

When a violation occurs outside of an academic or clinical setting, the program will coordinate with the Dean of Students (in matters involving student organizations or groups and interpersonal conflict), the Chief Operating Officer (in instances involving the destruction or manipulation of Institute resources as defined in this policy), and other Institute officials as is appropriate for the infraction.

 

Informal Resolution

For incidents occurring in a clinical or academic setting, faculty are encouraged to resolve minor infractions informally when appropriate, using an educational approach to help students understand code of conduct expectations. If a student has multiple violations or if the violation is serious, the case must be escalated for formal review.

 

For incidents outside of clinical and academic settings, the Assistant Dean of Student Success, or a delegate, will meet with students for matters where informal resolution is appropriate.

 

Informal resolution is not appropriate for any cases that could reasonably result in suspension, dismissal, or a mark in a student’s permanent file.

 

Formal Adjudication

Formal resolution is appropriate for cases that could reasonably result in suspension, dismissal, or a mark in a student’s permanent file. This could be either from the seriousness of the alleged incident, or from a student repeatedly committing minor violations of the code.

 

Cases that require formal investigation will be reviewed by the appropriate program or school’s designated body, which will determine appropriate sanctions based on the nature of the violation.

 

Special Cases for Interprofessional Education and Practice

For violations occurring within Interprofessional Education and Practice courses or activities, the faculty of record, in conjunction with the program that the student is enrolled in, will address sanctions or remedial actions.

 

Special Cases for Courses Outside of a Student’s Program

For violations occurring in courses outside of the program in which a student is enrolled, the faculty of record will work with the academic unit leader of the program in which a student is enrolled to address sanctions or remedial actions.

 

Special Cases for Student Groups and Organizations

For violations committed by multiple members of an Institute student group or organization, acting in their capacity as members of that group or organization, then the Dean of Students, or a delegate, will address sanctions or remedial actions.

 

Section 4: Sanctions

In each case, the following factors will influence the degree and nature of sanctioning. While some violations will have “typical” outcomes, all sanctioning will consider the totality of the situation, including, but not limited to, the following factors:

• the nature of the violation and the incident itself;
• the impact of the conduct on the individuals involved;
• the impact or implications of the conduct on the Institute community;
• prior misconduct by the respondent, including the respondent’s relevant prior student conduct history, both at the Institute or elsewhere, and any criminal convictions, if such information is available and known;
• any expression of remorse or acceptance of responsibility by a respondent;
• maintenance of a safe and respectful environment conducive to learning;
• protection of the Institute community;
• the necessity of any specific action to eliminate the prohibited conduct, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects on members of the Institute community; and, any mitigating, aggravating, or compelling circumstances to reach a just and appropriate resolution in each case.

Status Sanctions

Status sanctions are those that reflect a change in the respondent’s status in the student conduct system. Status sanctions include those that are outlined in the Academic and Disciplinary Actions policy.

 

For student organizations and groups, status sanctions refer to those that reflect a change in being recognized as an official student organization, as outlined in the Student Organization Handbook.

1. Warning – An initial directive against similar behavior in the future.

 For student organizations, warnings will be issued by the Dean of Students or a delegate. Written warning records will be maintained and used when determining the official status of an organization.

• Oral Warning: Documented within the program, but no permanent record is retained after the student leaves the Institute.
• Written Warning: A formal letter placed in the student’s academic file; failure to comply with any corrective action paired with a written warning may result in further sanctions.

2. Disciplinary Probation - Period of probation where additional restrictions or conditions may be assigned. Violations of the student’s probation or additional violations of this Code during the period of probation may result in suspension or dismissal from the Institute if the student is found in violation of new charges.

 

For student organizations, probationary terms will be defined by the Dean of Students or a delegate.

3. Limitation of Privileges - Limits access to participate in specified Institute activities or resources for the designated period of time, including but not limited to parking, use of facilities, use of information technology resources, leadership roles in student organizations, participation in student organizations, study abroad, academic honor ceremonies, Institute-related travel, etc., during disciplinary probation or other status sanction terms.

For student organizations, the organization loses access to some of the rights outlined in the Student Organization Handbook, such as the right to request funding or reserve and use Institute space, for a defined period of time.

4. Suspension - Exclusion from classes and other privileges or activities, including access to Institute premises or Institute-sponsored activities off campus, as set forth in the notice of suspension, for a specified period of time. Any student who is suspended shall not be entitled to any tuition or fee refund and is barred from Institute premises until readmitted to the Institute.

5. Dismissal - Termination of student status and exclusion from Institute privileges and activities, including access to Institute premises or Institute-sponsored activities off campus, in perpetuity. Any student who is expelled shall not be entitled to any tuition or fee refund and is barred from Institute premises.

6. Other status sanctions - Other sanctions may be assigned instead of, or in addition to, those specified above. For example, students may be directed to have “no contact” with other students and/or may be forbidden to access specified areas (barring notice, also known as persona non grata) or students may lose access to Institute-sponsored financial aid or scholarships. Student organizations may have their recognition revoked or suspended.

 

Active Sanctions

Active Sanctions are those that require action by the respondent to be completed. Most active sanctions are appropriate for informal resolution and mediation processes, but active sanctions may also be paired with a status sanction (as described in this policy) as a term that the student must complete to return to good standing. These sanctions may also be applied to student groups and organizations.

 

1.Alcohol and other drug review - This sanction encompasses a variety of assessments and interventions designed to help individuals make choices regarding alcohol and other drug use that are consistent with their goals and continued presence at the Institute. Specific assessments or interventions will be determined by health and medical professionals; the designated official or the Dean of Student Services will make the referral to such professionals. Those assigned this sanction will be required to comply with any and all requirements determined by the health and medical professionals. To the extent permissible under relevant law, those professionals will provide the designated official with a brief summary of what assessments or interventions were assigned, as well as whether or not the respondent completed them. Details of those assessments and interventions will not routinely be provided to the Institute. 

2. Apology - A possible sanction when the respondent’s wish to apologize is demonstrably sincere and the harmed party is open to receiving the apology. 

3. Community engagement - Attendance at or development of an event within the community. The event should be focused on repairing the harm caused to the community, as well as restoring the respondent’s connection to the Institute community. 

4. Community restitution project - A project or activity to be designed primarily by the respondent with a focus on repairing the harm caused by the incident. 

5. Fine - A monetary or other quantifiable, material payment the respondent will make, typically to the Institute. 

6. Meetings - An assignment to meet with a designated person or office for the purpose of specific educational topics or outcomes. The number and frequency of meetings will be determined on a case-by-case basis. 

7. Reflective project - A project by the respondent, possibly in the format of their choosing (spoken word, visual art, writing, etc.) in which they reflect upon and demonstrate their learning from the incident and how they will move forward. 

8. Restitution - Repayment (monetary or otherwise) to the Institute or to a harmed third party for damages, loss, or injury resulting from a violation of this Code. 

9. Workshop - Assignment to complete a specific training workshop, designed or selected to address specific learning outcomes or topics. 

10. Other - At the discretion of the hearing body, other active sanctions may be assigned. Active sanctions should always focus on helping the respondent understand the harm related to their incident, how to repair that harm, and how to succeed as an active and contributing member of the Institute community. 

 

Determining Sanctions

To promote equity across programs, this policy provides basic guidance for the issuance of sanctions for students and student organizations that have been found to have acted in violation of the code of conduct. In determining what sanction or other action might be appropriate, the Institute may require a behavioral assessment conducted by a licensed professional to assess the respondent’s capacity to change behavior and succeed in the Institute community. 

 

Tier One Sanctions

These are sanctions that are appropriate for a first-time offense and for offenses that can be graded as minor when examining the impact on other individuals and the Institute community. Tier one offenses should be resolved through informal resolution whenever possible rather than formal resolution proceedings. Some examples of tier one offenses include, but are not limited to:

For individuals:

• Small but frequent classroom disruptions (arriving late, having side conversations in class)
•  Failure to comply with first-time instructions from someone acting in an official Institute capacity.
• Sending emails in which the tone or content is inappropriate but not in a violating, harassing, or threatening manner.
• Having alcohol on campus property (outside of a sanctioned Institute event)

For student organizations:

• Having alcohol on campus property (outside of a sanctioned Institute event)
•  Unauthorized use of university space for meetings or events
• Excessive noise during meetings or events

 

Recommended sanctions for tier one offenses are a standalone active sanction that requires a student to show reflection and remorse for their behavior, or a program-level status sanction (i.e. an oral warning or a limitation of privileges).

 

Tier Two Sanctions

These are sanctions that are appropriate when multiple tier one offenses have been committed and for offenses that can be graded as moderate when examining the impact on other individuals and the Institute community. Some examples of tier two offenses include, but are not limited to:

For individuals:

• Failure to follow safety protocols in lab or clinical settings
•  Unauthorized access to Institute resources (using databases meant for faculty and staff, entering restricted lab space)
• Inappropriate/excessive use of alcohol at an Institute function that causes disruptive behavior
• Inappropriate conduct in classroom settings (speaking disrespectfully towards a faculty member, disruptive behavior that prevents other students in the class from learning and engaging with the course)
• Disruptive social media behavior that does not meet the threshold for harassment but negatively impacts the reputation of the Institute.

For student organizations:

• Unauthorized fundraising on Institute property
•  Failure to adhere to Institute safety policies
• Exclusionary membership practices that create barriers in participation.

 

Recommended sanctions for tier two offenses are an active sanction paired with a status sanction that is not suspension or dismissal.

 

Tier Three Sanctions

These are sanctions that are appropriate for situations in which a student has repeatedly committed tier one and tier two violations and for offenses that can be graded as severe when examining the impact on other individuals and the Institute community. Some examples of tier three offenses include, but are not limited to:

For individuals:

• Harassment
•  Threats or acts of violence
• Possession or use of weapons on campus
• Major vandalism or property destruction
• Releasing confidential patient data in research or clinical settings
• Distributing drugs or alcohol on Institute property

For student organizations

• Hazing
•  Unauthorized use of Institute name and branding for profit
• Organizing events with illegal drug or alcohol use

 

Recommended sanctions for tier three offenses include suspension and dismissal for individuals and suspension or revocation of official status for student organizations.  For cases where the sanction is suspension, that should be paired with at least one active sanction to be completed before a student is reinstated or a student organization’s official status is reactivated.

 

Section 5: Procedure

 

Incidents Discovered by Faculty

When a faculty member witnesses a potential code of conduct violation that is minor enough to warrant an informal resolution process, then the faculty member should meet with the student and determine (a) if the violation occurred and (b) an informal resolution that can be agreed upon by both the faculty member and the student. Faculty members will submit record of the informal resolution to a student’s academic advisor, who will maintain the record. If a student has multiple informal resolutions in their record, then the academic advisor will forward the case to the Assistant Dean, or designee, who will evaluate the case and determine if formal adjudication is needed.

 

Incidents Discovered by Report

 

When a code of conduct violation is reported using the Academic and Conduct Report Form, the report will be sent to the Assistant Dean of Student Success (Assistant Dean) of the appropriate school or, for student organizations, the Dean of Students or a delegate. The Assistant Dean, or designee, will forward the report to the faculty of record (if applicable) and the appropriate academic unit leader.

 

If the violation occurred within a specific course, the faculty of record may attempt an informal resolution with the student if deemed appropriate. Otherwise, the academic unit leader will send the case to the program’s designated adjudicating body for formal resolution.

 

Formal Adjudication Procedures

For cases requiring formal adjudication:

1. The program’s designated adjudicating body will investigate the alleged violation.
2.  A hearing may be conducted, allowing the student to present their case.
3. The program’s designated adjudicating body will recommend sanctions to the appropriate academic unit leader.
4. The academic unit leader will issue the final decision and communicate the outcome to the student.
5. Sanctions will be recorded as appropriate, and students will be informed of their right to appeal.

 

Special Cases for Conflict of Interest

Should the academic unit leader be unable to determine official sanctions due to a conflict of interest in a case, the program’s adjudicating body will recommend sanctions to the Dean of the respective school or a designee, who will issue the final decision and communicate that to the student. If the Dean is involved in the issuing of sanctions, then any appeal procedures will be overseen by the Dean of Students or an alternate administrator.

 

For student organizations, if it is identified that the Dean of Students has a conflict of interest, then sanctions will be delivered by the Provost or delegate.

 

Section 6: Appeals

 

Students who wish to contest the findings of the code of conduct violation or the assigned sanctions may file an appeal following the process outlined in their program manual.

 

To avoid conflicts of interest:

• Appeals may not be reviewed by faculty or staff involved in the original case.
•  The Dean of the respective School or a designee will oversee the appeal process.
• If a conflict of interest exists, the Dean of Students or an alternate administrator will evaluate and execute the appeal process.