D. Honor Code

D. HONOR CODE

Nursing is a profession, which requires of its members high standards of ethical conduct and honesty. It is expected that each student will respect the academic environment of the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing and make a personal commitment to abide by an honor code exemplifying a standard of behavior that will form a firm basis for future professional conduct. This implies avoidance of any form of dishonesty or misrepresentation as well as the demonstration of respect for the rights and wellbeing of others including students, faculty, staff, patients and members of the community. It also implies a responsibility to take positive action to ensure that failure of others to comply with these standards is not permitted.

The University and the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing take the above listed behaviors seriously. Any breach of behaviors shall be evaluated by the Honor Code Committee using the following process:

Honor Code Committee

The Honor Code Committee is an ad hoc committee established by the Dean of the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing . The membership on the committee will consist of the Chair of Academic Standards & Admissions (AS&A), who will chair the committee as appropriate. The Dean will also appoint three additional faculty members and one student.

Procedure for resolving a claim of misconduct and the institution of the Committee

a. Members of the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing community are encouraged to resolve claims of violation of the Honor Code at the lowest possible level, and as soon as possible following the alleged violation. Therefore, anyone who suspects that a student has violated the Code, e.g., a faculty member, fellow student, preceptor, dissertation committee member or staff member, should first address the concern with the student, allowing the student’s understanding of events to be heard. Students may also initially bring their concerns to the faculty member in whose course the violation is alleged to have taken place.

b. If following a discussion with the student suspected of violating the Code, a claim is filed, the person filing the claim will first notify the faculty member in whose course the violation is alleged to have taken place, if this has not already occurred. The person filing the claim will present in writing (within 10 business days of notifying the faculty member) * a description of the alleged violation of the Honor Code to the Chair of AS&A, with a copy to the faculty member.

c. The Chair of AS&A may consult with at least one other committee member before recommending to the Dean that he/she establish the Honor Code Committee. The Chair will send a copy of the alleged violation to the student and the student’s academic advisor and notify them of the date of the meeting of the Honor Code Committee.

d. Participants in meetings of the Honor Code Committee shall include the committee members, the individual alleging the violation, and the student and student’s advisor, if the student so desires. The student may also bring someone for support, but this person is not permitted to

31