Behavioral concerns

Because a student’s behavior reflects their readiness to become a competent healthcare professional, the colleges at Northeast Ohio Medical University treat dishonest, unethical, irresponsible or criminal conduct as unprofessional behavior.

The colleges may review concerns related to violations of the Expectations of Professional Behavior and Student Conduct, also known as the Honor Code. This includes such issues as abuse of power, discrimination, sexual harassment, breaches of confidentiality, misrepresentation, impairment related to substance abuse and other forms of unprofessional conduct.

If concerns about possible student conduct or professionalism violations are submitted through the Student Conduct/Professionalism Referral Form, the student will be notified. The goal is to address the issue in an educational way. Students have due process rights to address the concerns and, depending on the severity or pattern of the concern, discussions may be scheduled with the Student Conduct Officer of the College representatives to assist the student to improve their professional development or address the misconduct through behavioral change.

Serious concerns of misconduct (behavior is repeated, disruptive, destructive, serious) may be referred to the Student Conduct process for either an informal resolution or for formal resolution through the Student Conduct Hearing Board review. Examples of misconduct include academic dishonesty, criminal behavior, behaviors that impact the safety of the campus community.

Repeated and/or serious professionalism violations may be referred to the Committee on Academic and Professional Progress (CAPP) for review.  Examples of unprofessionalism include repeated tardiness, missed assignments, poor communication with course directors.

Behavioral Concerns are tracked in a confidential, restricted database. Each concern must be filed within 30 days of the incident.

Peers, faculty and staff who observe unprofessional behavior are encouraged to discuss the concern with the individual of concern in a supportive and educational manner before submitting a Behavioral Concern.  Anyone submitting the Student Conduct/Professionalism Referral Form is asked to provide their name to ensure that a proper investigation can be completed for any allegation of misconduct.

Report a behavioral concern

Purpose

The purpose of the the Student Conduct/Professionalism Referral Form is to report of student misconduct or unprofessionalism that violate the NEOMED Honor Code. Receipt of a Behavioral Concern alone does not constitute a violation of the honor code. It simply initiates a process for investigation, discussion, education, and remediation of misconduct or unprofessional behavior to help a student to grow and develop as a thoughtful, professional and humanistic healthcare providers.

Processes

Student misconduct

• Student misconduct includes any behaviors that violate the honor code inclusive of academic dishonesty, behavior that threatens the safety of the campus community, criminal behaviors, or disruptive behavior that negatively impacts the ability to provide an environment conducive for teaching and learning.
• Allegations of student misconduct can be reported using the the Student Conduct/Professionalism Referral Form. Evidence should be provided within the content of the form submission as the University is responsible for providing responsibility.
• An email confirmation of receipt is sent to the submitter. However, the results of the investigation and misconduct discussion are confidential and can not be shared with the submitter.
• Peers may also file a Behavioral Concern when misconduct is observed. Peers who are concerned about providing their names are encouraged to either speak directly with the Student Conduct Officer or the College Assistant Dean of Students regarding the issue or speak with a member of the faculty to assist with submitting the form.
• The student conduct process is intended to focus primarily on addressing behavior through education, behavioral change and growth, and restorative justice. Students are given the opportunity to address the allegations through the Student Response Form, presentation of verbal and/or written statements, evidence, witnesses, etc.
• If a student conduct allegation(s) is serious enough or repeated enough to warrant formal action, an Informal Hearing will be held with the conduct officer. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the conduct officer will call together the Student Conduct Hearing Board composed of faculty, staff and students to review the matter.
• The “Administration of Student Conduct” Policy provides more details about the resolution of student conduct concerns

Professionalism Concerns

• Concerns about student professionalism may arise from a faculty member with whom a student interacts during a course, or another faculty member, clinical staff member, preceptors, staff member, student or patient with whom the student interacts. These individuals are expected to report their concerns to the faculty responsible for the student’s course evaluation.
• Faculty are expected to discuss all concerns about a student’s professional behavior both with the student and the course/clerkship director, who will decide whether to formally submit a Behavioral Concern.
• If the concern for substandard behavior arises outside of a course, faculty or staff may submit the the Student Conduct/Professionalism Referral Form, which is reviewed by the Student Conduct Officer.
• An email confirmation of receipt is sent to the submitter. However, the results of the investigation and professionalism discussion are confidential and can not be shared with the submitter.
• The student of concern may file a written response via the Student Response Form to the allegation, which could include a different side of the story, details regarding extenuating circumstances, etc.
• Peers may also file a Behavioral Concern when unprofessional behavior is observed. Peers who are concerned about providing their names are encouraged to either speak directly with the Student Conduct Officer or the College Assistant Dean of Students regarding the issue or speak with a member of the faculty to assist with submitting the form.

Responding to behavioral concerns

NEOMED wants to reiterate and support the philosophy of the Behavioral Concern Form and the process by reminding students that:

1. Behavioral concerns are not part of a student’s academic record. They’re meant to support learning and growth. Only in serious cases — such as those reviewed by the Committee on Academic and Professional Progress (CAPP) or those that lead to dismissal — would the issue appear in a student’s academic record.
2. Submitter’s names are not included in the communications with the person that is the subject of the report. This information is kept private unless approved by the submitter to be shared if part of a formal hearing.
3. There is no formula (e.g., “three strikes and you’re out”) for behavioral concerns. The goal is always to improve ourselves and our communities and we will support students’ journeys and growth as long as we can maintain a safe educational environment and we can help our students grow.
4. The goal of this process is NOT punitive. It is intended to focus on behavioral change to prepare students to serve in professions that require high levels of moral and ethical judgment, trust, confidentiality and social justice.
5. Your will always be given a chance to respond to any allegation. You will be considered not responsible unless NEOMED finds evidence that shows otherwise. If that happens, we will work with you to address the behavior, connect you with support and guidance, and help you move forward toward your professional goals.

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