Disciplinary Actions and Protocol

The purpose of this protocol is to promote student compliance with School policies, program requirements, Standards of Conduct, and established procedures, while providing a fair, consistent, and transparent process for addressing conduct, professionalism, academic, clinical, and administrative deficiencies.

This protocol applies to all school-related obligations, including, but not limited to:

• Attendance at classes, simulation and skills laboratories, and clinical experiences;

• Completion of assignments, examinations, and required coursework;

• Compliance with onboarding, credentialing, and clinical site requirements;

• Submission of required evaluation forms, documentation, and program materials;

• Adherence to School policies, program policies, and the Standards of Conduct; and

• Compliance with directives and expectations established by faculty, administration, and the program.

The disciplinary process is intended to support student success through progressive intervention, documentation, and remediation whenever appropriate. However, depending upon the severity, frequency, or nature of the concern, disciplinary measures may be accelerated, and a student may be referred directly to the Progressions Committee.

Upon identification of noncompliance with School policies, program requirements, Standards of Conduct, and established procedures, the following progressive disciplinary process may be implemented:

1. Verbal Counseling

Verbal counseling may be conducted by the Program Administrator, Assistant Program Administrators, Director of Simulation, or a faculty member.

Verbal counseling serves as an informal means of communicating expectations, promoting student success, and encouraging compliance with School policies, program requirements, Standards of Conduct, and established procedures. Verbal counseling may occur proactively or in response to identified concerns.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Clarification of expectations related to assignments, examinations, attendance, clinical experiences, onboarding requirements, evaluations, or other program obligations;

• Reminders regarding upcoming deadlines or responsibilities;

• Guidance intended to prevent potential noncompliance or performance deficiencies;

• Discussion of minor, first-time, or isolated concerns;

• Identification of emerging patterns of concern; and

• Direction regarding corrective actions necessary to achieve or maintain compliance.

The purpose of verbal counseling is to provide timely guidance, clarify expectations, facilitate student success, and support professional accountability before more formal disciplinary measures become necessary.

Documentation of verbal counseling may be maintained by the faculty member or administrator when deemed appropriate.

2. Written Disciplinary Warning (i.e., electronic communication)

A written disciplinary warning may be issued when:

• Concerns persist following verbal counseling;

• Compliance is not achieved;

• Multiple incidents occur; or

• The nature of the concern warrants formal documentation.

The written warning shall include:

• A description of the deficiency or concern;

• The expected corrective action;

• A timeline for improvement, when applicable; and

• Potential consequences of continued noncompliance.

A written disciplinary warning is an official disciplinary action, administered by program leadership, and shall be placed in the student's permanent record. The written warning will remain part of the student's educational record and may be considered in subsequent academic, professional, conduct, progression, and disciplinary reviews.

Notification shall be provided to appropriate administrative personnel, which may include the Program Administrator, Assistant Program Administrators, Director of Simulation, Faculty Advisor, and Registrar, as applicable.

3. Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) and Remediation

A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) and remediation may be initiated by the Program Administrator, Assistant Program Administrators, or Director of Simulation when additional intervention is necessary.

The PIP shall include:

• Identification of specific deficiencies;

• Measurable expectations for improvement;

• Required corrective actions;

• Applicable timelines and deadlines;

• Methods for monitoring progress; and

• Criteria for successful completion.

Notification shall be provided to the student's faculty advisor and appropriate administrative personnel, which may include the Program Administrator, Assistant Program Administrators, Director of Simulation, and Registrar, as applicable.

Failure to successfully complete the PIP and remediation requirements, or failure to demonstrate sustained improvement, may result in referral to the Progressions Committee.

4. Referral to the Progressions Committee

Students may be referred to the Progressions Committee if they:

• Fail to meet the requirements of a Performance Improvement Plan;

• Demonstrate repeated noncompliance with School policies, program requirements, Standards of Conduct, or established procedures;

• Engage in conduct warranting further disciplinary review; or

• Present concerns related to professionalism, safety, ethics, or other significant matters requiring committee evaluation.

The Progressions Committee shall review all relevant information and determine appropriate action in accordance with School policies and established procedures. Potential outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

• Additional remediation requirements;

• Probation;

• Suspension;

• Loss of privileges; or

• Other corrective or disciplinary actions deemed appropriate by the Progressions Committee.

Exception

Nothing in this protocol limits the authority of the Program Administrator to bypass progressive disciplinary steps and immediately refer a student to the Progressions Committee when the severity of the conduct, risk to patient safety, professional misconduct, violation of School policy, or other significant concern warrants expedited review.

Guiding Principle

The primary goal of the disciplinary process is to promote student development, professional accountability, and compliance with School policies and program requirements while maintaining a safe, respectful, and effective learning environment for students, faculty, staff, patients, and clinical partners.