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AP7. Code-of-Conduct

Introduction

 

As a part of the MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP), the Physical Therapy (PT) 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 PT program, must adhere to the Institute’s Code of Conduct. Any violations of the Code of Conduct 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 PT program must uphold the code of conduct as defined in Article I of the Institute’s Code of Conduct Policy.

 

Along with the Institute’s Code of Conduct, PT students are expected to adhere to the principles delineated in the Code of Ethics of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), along with acting in a manner consistent with APTA’s Core Values. Please see this manual’s AP-5 Professionalism  for further information.

 

All students enrolled in the DPT program are expected to adhere to all policies in the PT Student Manual. If violations occur, students will be subject to procedures outlined in the Code of Conduct.

 

 

Code of Conduct Procedures

  1. 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. Professionalism Feedback is a common mechanism for guidance in the PT program. Students should refer to AP-5 Professionalism of this manual for more information about Professionalism Feedback.

    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 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.

     

  2. Formal Resolutions

    Formal resolution is pursued when:

    • A pattern of violations exists.
    • The breach in conduct is severe.

     

    Formal resolutions will follow the Institute’s  Academic and Disciplinary Action Policy  and procedures outlined in the Institute’s Code of Conduct.

     

    • Formal resolutions will be handled by the Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures (CAPP).
    • 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. Additional details about sanctions recommended by CAPP can be found in AP-7 Oral and Written Warnings. 

     

     

  3. Appeals

Students who wish to appeal decisions made through the Code of Conduct process should refer to the Appeals section of AP-13 Curricular Progression and the SHRS’ Appeals Policy.