The manners in which students express criticisms, problems, or suggestions regarding the curriculum, individual courses, or instructors are important. The College values student input; however, the expression of criticism or problems, either in person or via email, through the use of abusive language or disruptive behavior directed toward a class or an instructor is inconsistent with the demeanor aspiring professionals should be seeking to develop. Students are encouraged to bring up issues utilizing the appropriate channels. Concerns about aspects of a particular course should be directed to the appropriate faculty member at a mutually agreeable time and place. These matters should be addressed in person when possible, not via email. Students are encouraged to utilize their representatives to the Pharmacy Student Senate to address those issues of interest to the entire class or student body. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs is also willing to meet with any student(s) to discuss concerns about the curriculum, individual courses or instructors.

The University of Louisiana Monroe’s College of Pharmacy supports an environment wherein individuals (students, staff, faculty, guests) can bridge differences and work as partners in achieving goals. The provision of healthcare in a State with diverse populations requires an inclusive attitude. It is expected that professional students will act in a manner that is guided by the respect for other students, faculty, patients, and health care professionals who may have differences that include, but are not limited to, religious beliefs and practices, nontraditional medical beliefs and practices, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, language, physical and emotional disabilities, racial background, intellectual capabilities, age, and cultural background. Respect is demonstrated by being considerate, courteous, and professional, and by maintaining confidentiality of patient information.

In situations where a student exhibits behavior that is inconsistent with the professional ideal, that behavior should be addressed and the student educated to the appropriate behavior, response or action. The following is a list of examples of kinds of behaviors that are considered inappropriate. Although many of these examples describe overtly aggressive, uncivil behaviors, others speak to a fundamental sense of personal discipline and consideration for fellow students and instructors, and respect for property.

• • Talking during class;
  • Inattention during class;
  • Verbal insults to other students or instructors;
  • Rude, insulting, or emotional verbal outbursts during class;
  • Threats or acts of physical violence;
  • Damage to University property, or that of others;
  • Inappropriate use of computer during class, including sending/checking e-mail, playing games, surfing the Internet;
  • Habitually being late for class;
  • Reading newspaper during class;
  • Use of cell phone during class;
  • Sleeping during class;
  • Eating during class;
  • Any other activity that is disruptive and interferes with the learning environment of the class such as shuffling papers at the end of class;
  • Verbal attacks on students, faculty, teaching assistants or staff at any time;
  • Frequently leaving the classroom during class to go to the restroom or to attend to other personal business;
  • Circumventing established chains of command regarding College policies/procedures or personal grievances;
  • Using electronic channels of communication to disseminate inappropriate or uncivil comments regarding peers, faculty and staff.

In isolated instances of inappropriate behavior on the part of a student, those individuals observing or affected by that behavior are encouraged to address the offending person or persons if possible, depending on the nature and severity of the behavior. Faculty has the discretion of addressing the matter when it occurs in a class or is course related. If the faculty member believes that a student’s behavior is detrimental to the learning activities of the rest of that class, the faculty member reserves the right to ask the student to leave the class and count it as an unexcused absence. Similarly, incidents that are related to student organization activities may be addressed by that organization’s faculty advisor. Alternatively, faculty and advisors may refer the incident to the Director of Student Affairs, and/or Director of Professional Affairs, and/or the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. All incidents of inappropriate behavior outside the context of a course or organizational activity should be referred to the Director of Student Affairs, and/or Director of Professional Affairs, and/or the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. In addition, faculty and advisors are encouraged to inform the Director of Student Affairs, Director of Professional Affairs and/or the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of all incidents of inappropriate behavior to assist in identifying and documenting repeat offenders.

Anyone observing an incident of inappropriate behavior on the part of a pharmacy student is encouraged to report the event to the Director of Student Affairs, and/or Director of Professional Affairs, and/or the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs as soon as possible. Depending on the nature and the context of the incident, one of these individuals will be responsible for discussing the behavior with that student and counseling him or her on how they can correct that behavior. In cases of students who engage in grievous or multiple incidents of inappropriate behavior, the student will be referred to the Committee on Ethical and Professional Conduct to determine an appropriate level of remedial and/or punitive action as necessary.

Title IX Policy and Resources