Introduction: As a part of the MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP), the Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitative Sciences (PhD-RS) 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 PhD-RS 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.
An Academic Review Committee may be appointed, which will be comprised of Executive Committee members and/or other IHP faculty. The Academic Review Committee may provide guidance for the student to improve conduct, professionalism, and/or academic performance in the program; require certain remedial actions for the student to complete as a contingency to passing a course, exam, or continuing in the program; or terminate the student from the program due to unacceptable conduct or performance in academic or research lab settings.
Course Instructors, Research Mentor(s), Faculty Advisor, or other PhD-RS Faculty member will document issues related to conduct and professional or ethical behavior and provide documentation to the Director/Associate Director.
10.1 Professional and Conduct Standards
All students in the PhD-RS program must uphold the code of conduct as defined in Article I of the Institute’s Code of Conduct Policy. Students are also expected to adhere to the principles of professional conduct as outlined by their respective licensing and accrediting bodies, including ethical standards in research, clinical practice, and academic integrity. In addition to the Institute’s Code of Conduct, t
10.2 Code of Conduct Procedures
When a violation occurs in an academic or 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 violations occurring outside of an academic or research setting, the Assistant Dean for Student Success will meet with a student when informal resolution is appropriate.
Formal resolution is pursued when:
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A pattern of violations exists.
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The breach in conduct is severe.
Formal resolutions will follow the Academic and Disciplinary Action Policy and procedures outlined in the Code of Conduct. Formal resolutions will be heard by the PhD-RS Executive Committee or an appointed Academic Review Committee. For more information on the Academic Review Committee, please see the (10.4).
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. More information can be found in the Disciplinary Actions section of this manual.
Informal or Formal decisions were made arbitrarily may initiate an appeal after receiving an unfavorable response to their petition from the program (see SHRS Appeal Policy). If you wish to initiate an appeal, you will need to submit a request in writing to shrsdean@mghihp.edu within ten (10) business days of written notice of the program decision.
10.3 Academic Integrity Policy
Introduction: As a part of the MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP), the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Rehabilitation Sciences program is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior, including academic integrity and intellectual honesty. Faculty students, and staff are all held to these principles to maintain a strong and ethical academic community.
All students at the IHP, including those enrolled in the PhD program, must adhere to the Institute’s Academic Integrity Policy.
Community members are expected to report violations of this policy as they witness or are made aware of them. If you are aware of any violations, you are expected to submit an Academic and Conduct Report Form.
Academic Integrity Standards
All students in the PhD must uphold the standards of academic integrity as defined in Article II, Section 1 of the Institute’s Academic Integrity Policy. Students, faculty, and staff are responsible for the honesty and integrity of their own academic work, including applications for admission, financial aid, in addition to any group or collaborative academic or clinical work attributed to them that is submitted for academic evaluation or credit in an academic course or program of study. Students are expected to adhere to the principles of professional conduct as outlined by their respective licensing and accrediting bodies, including ethical standards in research, clinical practice, and academic integrity. Students should also refer to the following policies for additional standards of behavior related to Academic Integrity.
Academic Integrity Procedures
Faculty and administrators aim to address minor academic integrity issues informally when appropriate. Informal resolutions are designed to provide students with feedback and guidance to improve, rather than imposing punitive measures. Students should refer to the Disciplinary Actions section of this manual (10.3) to learn more about sanctions in the PhD program.
Formal resolution is pursued when:
1. A pattern of violations exists.
2. The breach in conduct is severe.
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Academic Review Committee
Formal resolutions will be heard by an Academic Review Committee. For more information on the Academic Review Committee, please see the section of the manual.
Sanctions for violations that are resolved through the formal resolution process will be in accordance with those outlined in the Institute’s Academic Integrity Policy. Students should refer to the Disciplinary Actions section of this manual (10.4) for additional information about formal sanctions.
Students who wish to appeal decisions made through the Academic Integrity process should refer to the Petitions and Complaints section (Section 11) and the SHRS appeals policy.
10.4 Disciplinary Actions
When behaviors do not meet acceptable standards, depending on the nature and severity of the infraction and the setting within which it occurs, one or more of the following actions may be taken at the discretion of the Executive Committee of the Program.
10.4.1 Academic Review Committee
Program faculty, the Research Mentor, or the Faculty Advisor will notify the student about violations of professional and conduct standards with a written warning. If inappropriate behaviors are cited on subsequent occasions, faculty will bring the issue to the attention of the Director/Associate Director, who will determine if the issue warrants Executive Committee review. An Academic Review Committee may be appointed, which will be comprised of Executive Committee members and/or other IHP faculty. The Academic Review Committee may provide guidance for the student to improve conduct, academic integrity, and/or academic performance in the program; require certain remedial actions for the student to complete as a contingency to passing a course, exam, or continuing in the program; or terminate the student from the program due to unacceptable conduct or performance in academic or research lab settings.
10.3.2 Termination of Student Enrollment
The Program may terminate a studentbecause of unacceptable conduct, following due process, and written notification and documentation of the infraction(s). Students have the right to initiate grievance procedures for disciplinary action, according to the processes delineated in the IHP Academic and Disciplinary Action Policy and procedures outlined in the Code of Conduct.
10.5 Laptop Computer Use during Class
The Institute has a policy requiring all students to have their own laptop computers. Students are expected to bring laptops to each class. All use of laptops during class periods should be related to the in-class course activities. Use of laptops while in class for activities such as reading e-mail or accessing social media sites that are unrelated to class activities is considered a violation of conduct and professional behavior standards. Students may be subject to disciplinary action for a pattern of violations.