Conduct Policy
Introduction
As a part of the MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP), the Entry Level OTD program (OTD) 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 OTD program, must adhere to the Institute’s Code of Conduct (Institute Policy). 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 OTD program must uphold the code of conduct as defined in Article I of the Institute’s Code of Conduct Policy. In addition, students are expected to adhere to the principles delineated in The Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and Ethics Standards of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
The OTD program has further specified technical standards that all students are expected to know and adhere to while they are enrolled at the Institute. Failure to comply with these technical standards may result in action being taken by the program that follows the procedures of the Code of Conduct.
Additional Program Standards
In addition to the Institute’s Code of Conduct, the following are additional OTD program policies that, if violated, will result in a student being subject to the procedures outlined in the code of conduct.
1. Use of Technology in Classroom
2. Attendance
3. Professional Dress
4. Professional Communication
5. Fieldwork Punctuality
6. Fieldwork Professional Behavior
Code of Conduct Procedures
A. Informal Resolutions
When a violation occurs in an academic or clinical setting, faculty of record aims 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. In the OTD program, a common mechanism for informal resolution is a Notification of Concern. More information about a Notification of Concern can be found in this manual and apply to behavior during fieldwork experiences.
For violations occurring outside of an academic or clinical setting, the Assistant Dean for 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 academic advisor. 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 (link) and procedures outlined in the Code of Conduct.
1. Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures (CAPP)
Formal resolutions will be heard by the Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures (CAPP).
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.
C. Appeals
Students who wish to appeal decisions made through the Code of Conduct process should refer to this manual and the SHRS appeals policy.