Code of Professional Conduct (“Student Code”)

General Policy

1. An environment in which the privileges of citizenship are protected and the obligations of citizenship are understood fosters freedom of discussion, inquiry, and expression. Accordingly, the University has developed standards of behavior pertaining to students and student organizations.
2. Students and student organizations are subject to disciplinary action according to the provisions of the Student Code and/or any other applicable University rules or regulations.
3. Each student is responsible for becoming familiar with the various regulations of the University and meeting the various requirements outlined below. Written policies are described in University publications such as this Handbook and the Schools’ individual catalogs. Each student, in accepting admission, indicates a willingness to subscribe to and be governed by the rules and regulations of University officials to take such disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension, dismissal, or expulsion, as may be deemed appropriate for failure to abide by such rules and regulations.
4. Each student is responsible for their own integrity, and is likewise responsible for reporting possible violations of this Student Code by other students. Faculty and staff are also responsible for reporting violations. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Jurisdiction

1. The Student Code shall apply to conduct that occurs on University premises, at University sponsored activities, and to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the professional and ethical standards of each school to which a student is enrolled and/or the missions of the University and/or pursuit of its objectives. On a case-by-case basis, the Dean or their designee of each respective School, in their sole discretion, shall determine whether the Student Code should be applied to conduct occurring off premises.
2. All students are expected to comply with the professional and ethical standards of each school in which they are enrolled and the TTUHSC Student Code. Such compliance shall be implicit upon accepting admission to the University. Each student shall be responsible for their conduct from the time of the application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment. The Student Code shall apply to persons who withdraw after alleged violation of the Code, who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the University, or who have been notified of their acceptance.

Violation of Law and TTUHSC Discipline

A disciplinary proceeding may be instituted against a student regardless of whether conduct allegedly violates either the criminal and/or civil law and/or this Student Code (that is, multiple violations may result from the same factual situation) without regard to the pendency or conclusion of civil litigation or criminal arrests or charges. Proceedings under this Student Code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil and/or criminal proceedings at the discretion of the Dean of each School, or their designee. Determinations made or sanctions imposed under the Student Code shall not be subject to change because criminal charges arising out of the same facts giving rise to violation of University rules were dismissed, reduced, or resolved in favor of or against the criminal and/or civil law defendant.

NOTE: State law will be strictly enforced at all times on all property controlled by the University and is inclusive of all regional sites and its components.

Misconduct

Any student or student organization found to have committed the following misconduct is subject to disciplinary sanctions, conditions, and/or restrictions. Misconduct or prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to:

1. Alcoholic Beverages
   1. The use, possession, sale, delivery, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, except as expressly permitted by University policy or as allowed by laws of the State of Texas.
   2. Being under the influence of alcohol and/or intoxication except as allowed by law.
2. Narcotics or Drugs
   1. ​Use, possession, sale, delivery, or distribution of any narcotic, drug, or medicine prescribed to someone else, chemical compound or other controlled substance, or drug-related paraphernalia, except as expressly permitted by the laws of the State of Texas.
   2. Being under the influence of narcotics or drugs, except as permitted by law.
   3. The failure of a drug test, whether required by TTUHSC or any health care facility to which a student is assigned or has any type of patient care, contact, or responsibility.
3. Firearms, Weapons, and Explosives. Use or possession of firearms, ammunition, explosive weapons, illegal knives, and other deadly weapons are prohibited on university property, except as specifically authorized by federal, state, or local laws. TTUHSC OP 10.30 outlines regulations for the carrying of concealed handguns by licensed holders.
   
   As a health-related educational institution, TTUHSC facilitates a complex composition of activities, which include education, patient care, research, and community engagement. As such, TTUHSC campuses must accommodate the unique needs of diverse stakeholders, including patients, learners of all types, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors. Within the context of this unique and complex composition, TTUHSC is committed to the following principles for the campus environment:
   1. TTUHSC will comply with all necessary laws and regulatory requirements regarding safety and security on its campuses;
   2. Within reasonable effort, TTUHSC will create an environment in which all stakeholders can conduct their business with a sense of personal and collective safety and security; and
   3. TTUHSC will communicate safety policies to stakeholders through all appropriate means.
4. Theft, Damage, or Unauthorized Use
   1. ​Attempted or actual theft of property of the University, students, members of the University community or campus visitors.
   2. Possession of property known to be stolen or belonging to another person without the owner’s permission.
   3. Attempted or actual damage to property of the University, University students, members of the University community, or campus visitors.
   4. Attempted or actual unauthorized use of a credit card, debit card, automated teller machine card, and/or personal check; alteration, forgery, or misrepresentation of any form of identification, including, but not limited to, a social security number or driver license number.
5. Actions Against Members of the University Community
   1. ​Physical harm or threat of harm to any person.
   2. Intentional or reckless conduct that endangers the health or safety of any person, including, but not limited to, a member of the University community.
   3. Behavior that disrupts the normal operation of the University, including, but not limited to, a member of the University community; or conduct that otherwise interferes with or creates a hostile or intimidating environment for a member of the University community’s academic pursuits or work environment. Such conduct does not necessarily have to be in violation of the law to violate this section.
   4. Sexual Misconduct: Sexual Misconduct is a broad term encompassing all forms of sex-based harassment or discrimination and unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature. The term includes Sexual Harassment, Nonconsensual Sexual Contact, Nonconsensual Sexual Intercourse, Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation, Stalking, Public Indecency, Interpersonal Violence, sexual violence, and other misconduct based on sex.
   5. Excessive pressure, threats, or any form of conduct, coercive tactics or mind control techniques used to recruit, initiate, retain or otherwise intimidate a student for membership in an organization.
   6. Actions involving freedom of expression are covered at Use of University Space, Facilities, and Amplification Equipment and governed by OP 61.07, Use of TTUHSC Premises and Amplification Equipment.
6. Gambling, Wagering, or Bookmaking
   1. Gambling, wagering, or bookmaking on University premises is prohibited.
7. Hazing
   1. ​Any intentional, knowing or reckless act directed against a student, occurring on or off campus, by one or more individuals acting alone or collectively, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging or associating, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, seeking, and/or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are, or include, students. Consent or acquiescence by a student or students subjected to hazing is not a defense in a disciplinary proceeding. Hazing includes, but is not limited to:
      1. Any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity;
      2. Any type of physical activity, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
      3. Any activity involving consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
      4. Any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects the student to extreme mental stress, shame, or humiliation, that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the student or discourages the student from entering or remaining registered in an educational institution, or that may reasonably be expected to cause a student to leave the organization or the institution rather than submit to acts described in this subdivision;
      5. Any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code;
      6. Any activity in which a person engages in, solicits, encourages, directs, aids or attempts to aid another, directly or indirectly, in hazing; intentionally, knowingly or recklessly permits hazing to occur; having firsthand knowledge of the planning of a specific hazing incident which has occurred; and fails to report the incident in writing to the specific School’s student affairs office;
      7. Any activity in which hazing is either condoned or encouraged, or actions of any officer or combination of members, pledges, associates, or alumni of the organization commit or assist in the commission of hazing; or,
      8. Any act that is unlawful as designated by local, state, or federal government. See Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151-37.157 and Section 51.936.
8. False Alarms or Terrorist Threats
   1. ​Intentionally or recklessly sounding a false alarm of any kind or character; making a false emergency call or terrorist threat; issuing a bomb threat; constructing mock explosive devices; improperly possessing, tampering with or destroying fire equipment, Automatic External Defibrillators (AED), or emergency signs on University premises.
9. Financial Irresponsibility
   1. ​Failure to meet financial obligations owed to the University, including, but not limited to, the writing of checks on accounts with insufficient funds. See also 4d above.
10. Unauthorized Entry, Possession, or Use
    1. ​Unauthorized entry into or use of University facilities.
    2. Unauthorized possession or duplication, processing, production, or manufacture of any key or unlocking device or access code for use in any University facility.
    3. Unauthorized use of the University name, logotype, registered marks, or symbols of the University.
    4. Use of the University’s name to advertise or promote events or activities in a manner that suggests sponsorship by the University without prior written permission.
11. Traffic and Parking
    1. ​Violation of TTUHSC Parking Services regulations.
    2. Obstruction of the free flow of vehicle, pedestrian, or other traffic on University premises.
12. Failure to Comply with Reasonable Directions or Requests of University Officials
    1. ​Failure to comply with the reasonable directions or requests of a University official acting in the performance of their duties.
13. Failure to Present Student Identification
    1. ​The failure to present student identification to any University official upon request and identify oneself to a University official acting in the performance of their duties. The student identification card is property of the University. Students shall neither allow their student identification card to be used by other persons, nor shall they alter their student identification in any way. A student must pay a replacement charge for lost, stolen or damaged student identification cards.
14. Abuse, Misuse or Theft of University Computer Data, Programs, Time, Computer or Network Equipment
    (OP 56.01 - Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources)
    1. Unauthorized use of computing and/or networking resources.
    2. Use of computing and/or networking resources for unauthorized or non-academic purposes.
    3. Unauthorized accessing or copying of programs, records, or data belonging to the University or another user or copyrighted software without permission.
    4. Attempted or actual breach of the security of another user’s account and/or computing system, depriving another user of access to University computing and/or networking resources, compromising the privacy of another user, or disrupting the intended use of computing or network resources.
    5. Attempted or actual use of the University’s computing and/or networking resources for personal or financial gain.
    6. Attempted or actual transport of copies of University’s programs, records, or data to another person or computer without written authorization.
    7. Attempted or actual destruction or modification of programs, records, or data belonging to the University or another user, or destruction of the integrity of computer-based information.
    8. Attempted or actual use of the computing and/or networking facilities to interfere with the normal operation of the University’s computing and/or networking systems, or through such actions, causing a waste of such resources (people, capacity, computer).
    9. Allowing another person, either through one’s personal computer account, or by other means, to accomplish any of the above.
15. Providing False, Misleading, or Untrue Statements Misuse of Records
    1. ​Knowingly providing to the University, or a University official in the performance of their duties, either verbally, or through forgery, alteration or misuse of any University document, record, or instrument of identification.
16. Skateboard, Roller Blades, or Similar Devices
    1. ​Use of skateboards, roller blades, or other similar devices in University buildings or on University premises in such a manner as to constitute a safety hazard or cause damage to University or personal property or which disrupts the normal operation of the University. Also refer to TTUHSC OP 76.32, Traffic and Parking Regulations.
17. Academic Misconduct
    1. ​A student who witnesses academic misconduct or who is approached with an offer to gain unfair advantage or commit academic misconduct is obligated to report that violation to the appropriate authority. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. Faculty and staff are likewise responsible for reporting academic misconduct in accordance with the Code.
    2. “Academic misconduct” involves any activity that tends to compromise the academic integrity of the University or subvert the educational process, including, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, falsifying academic records, misrepresenting facts, and any act designed to give unfair academic advantage to the student or the attempt to commit such an act.
    3. “Cheating” includes, but is not limited to:
       1. Using any aid, sources, and/or assistance beyond those authorized by the instructor in taking a course, laboratory, field work, quiz, test, or examination; writing papers; preparing reports; solving problems; or carrying out assignments;
       2. Failing to comply with instructions given by the person administering the test;
       3. Using, buying, stealing, transporting, or soliciting whole or part the contents of an examination, test key, homework solution, or computer program or software, including but not limited to Artifical Intelligence;
       4. Seeking aid, receiving assistance from, or collaborating with another student or individual, or using software, including but not limited to Artificial Intelligence, during a course, quiz, test, examination, or in conjunction with other assignment (including, but not limited to writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems or making presentations) unless specifically authorized by the instructor;
       5. Discussing the contents of an examination with another student who will take the examination;
       6. Divulging the contents of an examination or preserving questions for use by another, when the instructor has designated that the examination is not to be removed from the examination room, be returned to, or kept by the student;
       7. Substituting for another person, or permitting another person to substitute for oneself, to take a course, test, or any course-related assignment;
       8. Paying or offering money or other valuable thing to, or coercing another person to, obtain an examination, test key, homework solution, or computer program, or information about an examination, test key, homework solution, or computer program;
       9. Falsifying research data, laboratory reports, and/or other academic work offered for credit;
       10. Taking, keeping, misplacing, or damaging the property of the University, or of another, if the student knows, or reasonably should know, that an unfair academic advantage would be gained by such conduct;
       11. Possession, at any time, of current or previous test materials without instructor permission;
       12. Acquisition or dissemination by any means, without written permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the University community;
       13. Alteration of grade records;
       14. Bribing, or attempting to bribe, a member of the University community or any other individual to alter a grade;
       15. Falsification, fabrication, or dishonesty in reporting laboratory and/or research results;
       16. Submitting substantially the same work to satisfy requirements for one course that has been submitted in satisfaction of requirements for another course, without the written permission of the instructor of the course for which the work is being submitted; or
       17. Possession, during an exam, test, or quiz of prohibited materials, including but not limited to study/review materials, class notes, review questions, or electronic devices.
    4. “Plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the appropriation, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any other means another’s work (such as words, ideas, expressions, illustrations, or product of another), in whole or in part, and the submission of that work as one’s own work for an academic credit or requirement. When a student presents the works of another (published or unpublished) in their academic work, the student shall fully acknowledge the sources according to methods prescribed by their instructor.
    5. “Falsifying academic records” includes, but is not limited to, altering or assisting in the altering, of any official record of the University and/or submitting false information or omitting requested information that is required for, or related to, any academic record of the University. Academic records include, but are not limited to, applications for admission, the awarding of a degree, grade reports, test papers, registration materials, grade change forms, and reporting forms used by the Office of the Registrar.
    6. “Misrepresenting facts” to the University or an agent of the University includes, but is not limited to, providing false grades or resumes, providing false or misleading information in an effort to receive a postponement or an extension on an exam, test, quiz, or other assignment for the purpose of obtaining an academic or financial benefit for oneself or another individual, or providing false or misleading information in an effort to injure another student academically or financially.
    7. For additional information relating to the School of Medicine Academic Misconduct procedures, please refer to the School handbook.
18. Violation of Published University Policies, Rules, or Regulations
    1. ​Violation of any published University policies, rules, or regulations that govern student or student organization behavior, including, but not limited to, applicable publications for each TTUHSC School, such as student handbooks, catalogs, professional and ethical standards, and course syllabus.
19. Violation of any Provisions of Federal, State and/or Local Laws
20. Abuse of the Discipline System
    1. ​Failure by an accused to comply with or respond to a notification to appear before the Dean of their School, Dean’s representative, and/or an official of the University, including, but not limited to, the Student Conduct Administrator, during any stage of a disciplinary proceeding. Failure to comply with or respond to a notice issued as part of a disciplinary procedure and/or failure to appear will not prevent the Dean, Dean’s representative, and/or an official of the University from proceeding with disciplinary action;
    2. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information in disciplinary proceedings.
    3. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a disciplinary proceeding.
    4. Filing an allegation known to be without merit or cause.
    5. Discouraging, or attempting to discourage, by any means, an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the discipline system.
    6. Influencing, or attempting to influence, the impartiality of a member of a disciplinary body prior to and/or during the disciplinary proceeding.
    7. Harm, threat of harm, or intimidation either verbally, physically, or written of a member of a disciplinary body prior to, during, and/or after disciplinary proceeding.
    8. Failure to comply with the sanctions, conditions, or restrictions imposed under this Student Code.
    9. Influencing or attempting to influence, by any means, another person to commit an abuse of the discipline system.
    10. Retaliation against any person or group who files a complaint of misconduct in accordance with the Student Code or grievance under the applicable School grievance policy.

Other Professional and Ethical School Standards

In addition to the misconduct identified in the Student Code, each School shall prescribe professional and ethical standards in their School handbook, the violation of which may form the basis of a disciplinary action.

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

All students entering the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences are required to subscribe to the Student Handbook Code of Professional Conduct as well as the policies and standards described in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Catalog. GSBS students will make every effort to embrace the Values-Based Culture with conduct that is ethical, honest, respectful, and professional to all.

Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy

The following principles of professional conduct are established to guide pharmacists in relationships with patients, fellow practitioners, other health professionals, and the public. A Pharmacist should hold the health and safety of patients to be of first consideration and should tender to each patient the full measure of professional ability as an essential health practitioner.

Julia Jones Matthews School of Population and Public Health

All students entering the JJMSPPH are required to subscribe to the Student Handbook Code of Professional Conduct as well as the policies and standards described in the JJMSPPH Catalog. Students will make every effort to embrace the Values-Based Culture with conduct that is ethical, honest, respectful and professional to all.

School of Health Professions

All students entering the School of Health Professions are required to subscribe to the Student Handbook Code of Professional Conduct, as well as the policies and standards described in the School of Health Professions Handbook. As a student of the School of Health Professions at the TTUHSC, Students are expected to use their knowledge and skills responsibly to improve the quality-of-life tor those we serve. Students should seek, in all academic, professional and personal endeavors, to demonstrate ethical behavior, honesty, integrity and respect for others.

School of Medicine

All students entering the TTUHSC School of Medicine are required to subscribe to the Medical Student Honor Code, as well as the Student Code. Adherence to the Medical Student Honor Code and the Student Code is considered a requirement for admission to the School of Medicine.

School of Nursing

All students entering into the TTUHSC School of Nursing will adhere to the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses. The ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses serves the following purposes: it is a succinct statement of the ethical obligations and duties of every individual who enters the nursing profession. It is the profession’s nonnegotiable ethical standard. The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to promote health and safety, preserve wholeness of character and integrity, maintain competence, and continue personal and professional growth. All nursing students are required to subscribe to the Student Handbook Code of Professional Conduct and embrace the Values-Based Culture; thereby, demonstrating behavior which is ethical, honest, respectful, and professional to all.

Interpretation and Revision

1. Any question of interpretation or application of this Student Code shall be referred to the Dean of the appropriate School or their designee for final determination.
2. The Student Code Review Committee (Review Committee) shall conduct an annual review of the Student Code and make recommendations to the Provost regarding omission, clarifications, constructive changes and other matters relevant to the interpretation and operation of the Student Code. The Review Committee is composed of the Student Affairs representatives from each School. The Provost or their designee may invite recommendations by the President of the Student Government Association. A quorum for the Review Committee is four members.