5.2 Code of Conduct
Introduction
As a part of the MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP), the Online Prerequisites Program is committed to upholding and fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and respect. Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of honor, responsibility, and ethical conduct and to act in a manner that aligns with the Institute’s core values.
All students at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, including those enrolled in the Online Prerequisites program, must adhere to the Institute’s Code of Conduct. Any violations of the code of ethics may result in consequences as described in this policy, in accordance with the Institute’s Code of Conduct. Students will be expected to understand the expectations they will be beholden to, as outlined in both the Code of Conduct and this policy.
Community members are to report violations of this policy as they witness or are made aware of them. If you are aware of any violations, you must submit an Academic and Conduct Report Form.
Professional and Conduct Standards
All students in the program must uphold the code of conduct as defined in Article I of the Institute’s Code of Conduct Policy. In addition to the Institute’s Academic Integrity policy, students are expected to act in a manner in line with the Program Values.
Students should also refer to the Student Engagement Policy to further understand the behavioral expectations they will be expected to uphold.
Code of Conduct Procedures
A. Informal Resolutions
When a violation occurs in an academic or clinical setting, faculty of record aim to address minor conduct issues informally when appropriate. Informal resolutions are designed to provide students with feedback and guidance to improve, rather than imposing punitive measures. For the first offense of misconduct, Institute faculty or administrators will issue an email warning to a student. Repercussions of these offenses may include required remediation and/or a grade penalty up to and including a failing grade in the course.
For violations occurring outside of an academic or clinical setting, the Assistant Dean for Faculty and Student Success will meet with a student when informal resolution is appropriate.
• Reporting Informal Resolutions: Faculty or administrators must report informal resolutions to a student’s Team Lead. Team Leads will be responsible for maintaining record of informal resolutions. Repeated informal violations may result in formal action.
• Documentation: Informal resolutions will not be added to a student’s permanent academic file but will be recorded to track patterns of behavior.
B. Formal Resolutions
Formal resolution is pursued when:
1. A pattern of violations exists.
2. The breach in conduct is severe.
Formal resolutions will follow the Academic and Disciplinary Action Policy and procedures outlined in the Code of Conduct.
1. Hearing Committee
Formal resolutions will be heard by a Hearing Committee. The hearing committee will consist of the Team Lead and other members of the Institute’s faculty. Hearings may be convened to determine whether a violation has occurred, to discern the seriousness of a violation, and/or to decide on a course of disciplinary actions. Hearings will generally occur within 2 weeks of a violation being reported. Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the Committee will make a recommendation of sanctions to the Program Director. The Program Director will send written notification of the decision to the student, with the Team Lead cc’ed.
2. Sanctions
Sanctions for violations that are resolved through the formal resolution process will be in accordance with those outlined in the Institute’s Code of Conduct Policy. Repercussions of these offenses may include a hearing, required remediation, a grade penalty up to and including a failing grade in the course, suspension from the prerequisites program, and/or dismissal from the MGH IHP.
C. Appeals
Students who wish to appeal decisions made through the Academic Integrity process should refer to the SHRS appeals policy.