PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY POLICY TENETS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Students must adhere to standards of professional behavior at all times. These standards are the ethical foundation of medical practice and of our integrity as physician assistants. Professional behavior is expressed through respect for instructors, fellow students, patients, preceptors, and colleagues. Violation of one of the Tenets of Professional Conduct may result in the need to appear before the Academic Standing Committee. Professional behavior is evaluated throughout the course of study and is also formally evaluated during advisement sessions.

Examples of unprofessional behavior include but are not limited to:

• tardiness;

• unexcused absences or not following program protocol for notifying program personnel of an absence;

• not following program protocol for reporting lateness or leaving early;

• lack of preparation;

• lack of involvement;

• plagiarism;

• falsifying documents;

• falsifying procedure or patient encounters;

• inability to accept constructive criticism;

• lack of respect for the rights of patients to competent, confidential service;

• lack of respect of others;

• failure to follow protocol, or directions of a physician, physician assistant, member of the healthcare team, or program faculty;

• performing unauthorized procedures or administering services not permitted by the supervisor, the facility, or the program;

• endangering the health and welfare of any patient;

• utilizing illegal substances;

• being under the influence of alcohol during class, while on clerkships, or completing other aspects of the program curriculum;

• violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA);

• failure to perform all or part of assigned tasks and responsibilities;

• leaving the clinical setting without permission from the preceptor;

• performing any activity which is beyond the scope of the role of a student;

• failure to identify as a physician assistant student;

• failure to report all observed unethical conduct by other members of the health profession, including other students;

• engaging in conversation with others during a class or lecture;

• leaving the classroom during lectures;

• using personal e-mail, Facebook, or other social media while in class;

• posting inappropriate content on social media platforms or otherwise violating the social medial policy;

• connecting on social media with faculty, preceptors or supervisors while a student in this program;

• exhibiting un-truthful behavior;

• lying to preceptor, faculty, or staff;

• failure to submit program evaluations in a timely fashion;

• neglecting to turn off cell phones, texting or talking on a cell phone during class, examinations, meetings, on the clinical site, or during any other professional functions;

• unacceptable dress;

• failure to submit required documents;

• violation of the principles of academic honesty;

• violation of the University Honor Code;

• cheating;

• writing down examination questions or content;

• distributing or sharing examination questions or content including notes with exam information on it;

• taking photos or screen captures of examinations;

• talking with classmates during an examination;

• using scrap paper other than what is distributed by the program;

• not replying to emails within 24 hours.

• Attending tutoring sessions that a student is not assigned to

Attendance Policy

All aspects of the program require mandatory, in-person attendance for program activities unless otherwise instructed. ALL events listed on the didactic and research calendar are mandatory unless otherwise specified. Should a student become ill or have another emergency where they will need to be absent from class, the student must email both AC’s prior to the start of a didactic class and all research course coordinators prior to the start of a research class. A remote platform will only be offered to students who are not permitted to attend in-person classes due to COVID-19.

Lateness or leaving class/program activities early must be reported to both academic coordinators via email prior to the start of class during the didactic phase and to all research coordinators during the research phase. It is unacceptable to report an absence, lateness, or leaving early to any of the program administrative staff. It is likewise unacceptable for a student to report the lateness or absence of another student.

If a student follows the appropriate protocol for notifying the faculty, the academic coordinators or research coordinators will evaluate the absence and the student will be notified if absence qualifies as an excused absence. If a student does not follow this protocol, an unexcused absence is issued. An unexcused absence, a pattern of multiple excused absences that are not related to illness (3 or more), and chronic lateness (3 or more) are subject to disciplinary action including appearance before the Academic Standing Committee.

With any absence, the student is responsible for obtaining all information related to any missed class time including course material and announcements. The student is responsible to make up all work missed due to an absence by submitting a 1 (one) page summary of each session missed. This summary is due to the AC’s in the didactic phase and all research coordinators in the research semester within 72 hours of the student’s absence. Failure to submit will result in the student appearing before the ASC. It is important to note that there are some instances where classwork cannot be completed without participation on campus such as simulations, procedures, cadaver lab, CLI, Bioskills, and clinical clerkships. Non-emergent medical appointments and job interviews should not be scheduled during class/program activities.

Students whose repeated absences are cause for academic concern may be informed by faculty that they are in danger of failing the course because of the amount of work or class participation missed. Students with longterm illness that prevent regular attendance should coordinate with the program director for appropriate accommodations.

See the “Examination Policy” below for attendance policies related to examinations.

Additional attendance policies apply to the clinical year and are detailed in the clinical year handbook, which will be distributed during clinical orientation.

Different Time Zone Remote Attendance Policy

Should there be a circumstance where in-person learning needs to be suspended, and classes are remote for an extended period of time, we understand that this may cause some students to reside in areas outside of the Eastern time zone. While we will do our best to avoid scheduling early lectures, at times this may be unavoidable. Therefore, if a lecture starts BEFORE 7am YOUR time, you will be permitted to listen to the recorded lecture instead of listening synchronously with the rest of the class. If you WILL NOT attend an early morning session based on your time zone, you must email the ACs ahead of time to let them know you will not be attending synchronously. You are then required to view recorded content within 48 hours of scheduled class and email AC’s to let them know you have completed the sessions.

Absences For Religious Observance

Hofstra University recognizes that students and/or faculty may from time to time miss class due to religious observances. Students who anticipate missing class for this reason should notify faculty members in advance. Likewise, faculty members who anticipate missing class for religious observance should notify students in their classes.

As per Faculty Policy Series 12 (B): “No student shall be expelled or refused admission to Hofstra University because he or she is unable to participate in any examination, study or work requirement because of his or her religious obligations and practices. However, all students are expected to complete all assignments and examinations. It is understood that no adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student who avails him or herself of religious observances. The University, faculty, and student shall work together to achieve a reasonable accommodation concerning any conflicts between educational and religious obligations.”

In accordance with New York state law, each student who is absent from school because of their religious beliefs will be given an equivalent opportunity to register for classes or make up any examination, study, or work requirements that the student may have missed because of that absence on any particular day or days.

Academic Honesty

Hofstra University places high value upon educating students about academic integrity. At the same time, the University will not tolerate dishonesty, and it will not offer the privileges of the community to the repeat offender. The academic community assumes that work of any kind--whether a research paper, a critical essay, a homework assignment, a test or quiz, a computer program, or a creative assignment in any medium--is done, entirely and without unauthorized assistance, by the individual(s) whose name(s) it bears. Students bear the ultimate responsibility for implementing the principles of academic integrity. For more information, please visit hofstra.edu/fps/11.html.

In the spring of 2012, the University community affirmed a new expression of commitment by instituting the Hofstra University Honor Code. The Honor Code is a statement of shared values.

• Hofstra University Honor Code: “As a member of the Hofstra community I pledge to demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior in all aspects of my life, both inside and out of the classroom. I understand that I am accountable for everything I say and write. I will not misrepresent my academic work, nor will I give or receive unauthorized assistance for academic work. I agree to respect the rights of all members of the Hofstra community. I will be guided by the values expressed in the P.R.I.D.E Values. I accept the responsibility to follow this Honor Code at all times.”

• Honor Code Short Form: “I pledge on my honor that I have done this work with honesty and integrity, without giving or receiving unauthorized assistance.”

Turnitin for Textual Similarity Review: “Students agree that by taking this course all required papers may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism. All submitted papers will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com reference database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers. Use of the Turnitin.com service is subject to the Usage Policy stated in the Turnitin.com site.”

Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are serious ethical and professional infractions. For information regarding academic integrity, examples of violations, procedures for handling violations, as well as a student’s right to appeal a charge, see Faculty Policy Series #11 or Faculty Policy Series #11G.

As members of Hofstra, we abide by the following honor code:

Online Learning

There may be times where synchronous and asynchronous online learning may occur. Below are policies related to online learning.

Video/Audio Faculty and staff commonly use Zoom and Collaborate. Please install Zoom on all personal devices. Should additional software need to be downloaded, faculty and staff will provide instruction. Faculty strive to increase interaction with students regardless of the setting. Further, faculty feel strongly that it is important students are present and engaged during instructional sessions. As part of that initiative, faculty require that video cameras remain on during online platform sessions, such as Zoom or Collaborate. If you are uncomfortable having others visualize what is behind you while participating, you may select a virtual background, set up the computer in front of a blank wall, or hang a drape. When you enter an online session, please ensure that your microphone is muted. Please be sure your first and last name is clear on Zoom and Collaborate. This will help us learn your names, increase interaction, and take attendance. You are expected to maintain professional behavior during all synchronous online sessions. This includes being seated at a table or desk during all synchronous learning sessions. As with in-person classes, you are expected to be fully attentive during all synchronous learning sessions. You should not be engaging in other activities (texting, surfing the web, posting on social media, driving, etc.) during class time. Students who exhibit unprofessional behavior during online learning will be contacted by their advisor and may result in being called before the Academic Standing Committee.

If you encounter technical difficulties installing products or any other issue, please call the University HelpDesk at 516-463-7777. Should you encounter technical difficulties during an instructional session, please email the Academic Coordinator’s and the Course Coordinator informing them and then call the HelpDesk. If technical difficulties arise on your main device which prevent you from being on the lecture, please log onto Zoom with an alternative device (e.g., cell phone, tablet)

Netiquette

While remote program activities may seem "relaxed", it is important to be cognizant of the comments you post in the chat, name displayed on your account and the background included in your video. Remote learning and platforms give you the option of using a virtual background if needed. Your attire should be professional, and your background should be respectful (do not lay in your bed, drive around in your car, travel, etc.). Students should find a quiet location that is free of distractions when participating in remote activities. This information and advice are especially important when participating in activities delivered by outside adjuncts and content experts, as these professionals may end up being your preceptor or be present in a future job interview. It is very easy for someone to misinterpret your communication and behavior during these remote activities. We are all part of the Hofstra-Northwell family and need to ensure that we are representing the physician assistant profession and our program in a professional manner.

Copyright Infringement

All students should be aware that unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject them to civil and criminal liability. Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement. Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or "statutory" damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For "willful" infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys' fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505. Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense. For more information, please see the website of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov, especially the FAQ at www.copyright.gov/help/faq. Students who engage in illegal downloading or unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material may also be charged with failure to comply with the Acceptable Use Guidelines in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Code of Community Standards, and may be subject to loss of Hofstra University computing privileges, disconnection from the Hofstra network, and additional University sanctions as outlined in the Code of Community Standards

Dress Code

Students must dress professionally at all times. While students are not required to dress in business attire while in class, certain types of dress are not acceptable. Clothing that is revealing such as beach-wear or bathing suit tops should not be worn in class. Business attire, closed-toe shoes, white jackets with program patch on left arm, and Hofstra University photo identification in a clearly visible location, must be worn when visiting a hospital, clinic, the Northwell Center for Learning and Innovation, and when otherwise representing Hofstra.

The dress code for the clinical year is more restrictive. These regulations will be outlined in the Clinical Year Handbook, which will be distributed during the clinical year orientation.

Social Media Policy

Maintaining professionalism is of utmost importance when using social media. It is recommended that you assume all postings are visible to program faculty, future employers, and patients. It is strictly prohibited to discuss patient related matters, take photographs of patients or cadavers, including in the operating room, even if the patient is not identified. Similarly, the posting of diagnostic images or any form of patient data on any social media platform such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and blogs is strictly prohibited. Posting on Facebook or any other form of social media regarding program personnel, including faculty and fellow students is strictly prohibited. Other than LinkedIn or program and course related activities, requesting connections with preceptors, faculty, staff, and supervisors while currently a student is unacceptable. Violation of this policy will result in being called before the Academic Standing Committee and possible dismissal from the program. Witnessing any violation of this policy should be immediately reported to the program director.

Hofstra Classes Outside Of The Pa Program Curriculum

Because of the rigor of the PA program, taking additional classes outside of the PA Program Curriculum is prohibited. Extenuating circumstances must be presented to the Program Director in writing.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Hofstra University is committed to extending equal opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status in employment and in the conduct and operation of Hofstra University’s educational programs and activities, including admissions, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school administered programs. This statement of non-discrimination is in compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, the Age Discrimination Act and other applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to nondiscrimination (“Equal Opportunity Laws”). The Equal Rights and Opportunity Officer is the University's official responsible for handling inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and coordinating its overall adherence to Equal Opportunity Laws. Questions or concerns regarding any of these laws or other aspects of Hofstra’s Nondiscrimination Policy should be directed to the Equal Rights and Opportunity Officer at EROO@hofstra.edu, (516) 463-7310, C/O Office of Legal Affairs and General Counsel, 101 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549. The University’s Title IX Coordinator, who is responsible for the University’s efforts to comply with and carry out responsibilities under Title IX, can be reached at TitleIXCoordinator@hofstra.edu, 516-463-5841, 214 Roosevelt Hall, Hempstead, NY 11549. For additional contacts and related policies and resources, see http://www.hofstra.edu/eoe.

STUDENT ACCESS SERVICES (SAS)

Students who need accommodations for a disability should contact Student Access Services (SAS). In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, qualified individuals with disabilities will not be discriminated against in programs, or services available at Hofstra University. Individuals with disabilities are entitled to accommodations designed to facilitate full access to all programs and services. SAS is responsible for coordinating disability-related accommodations and will provide students with documented disabilities accommodation letters, as appropriate.

Please note that accommodations may require early planning and are not retroactive; please contact SAS as soon as possible. All students are responsible for providing accommodation letters to each instructor and for discussing with the instructor the specific accommodations needed and how they can be best implemented in each course. For more information on services provided by the University and for submission of documentation, please contact Student Access Services, Room 107 Mack Student Center, SAS@hofstra.edu, 516-463-7075.

PROVOST’S WEBPAGE

Information about Academic Dishonesty; Disability Accommodations; Resources for Students who are Pregnant; Temporary Adjustments/Academic Leave of Absence; Deadlines and Grading Policies; Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct; Absences for Religious Observance and specific policies relating to COVID-19 guidelines including mask wearing, class attendance, and class seating is available on the Provost’s webpage at the link below.” https://www.hofstra.edu/about/administration/provost/provost-information-for-students.html