Hallmarks of a Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing education include acquisition of skills and knowledge while building character and independence. Essential components of this education are innovation, truthfulness, insight, and respect.
The School of Nursing Honor Code is based on the shared core values stated in the School’s Values Statement. Members of the School of Nursing community, whether student, faculty or staff, hold themselves and others to the highest standards based on the values of excellence, respect, diversity, integrity, and accountability.
Students enrolled in the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the values of this institution of higher education. Each student is obligated to refrain from violating academic ethics and maintain high standards of conduct. In addition, the School of Nursing upholds and holds each student accountable for adhering to the professional code of ethics established in the Code of Ethics for Nurses (ANA, 2015).
The School of Nursing Honor Code is grounded in the following principles:
Honesty and integrity in the performance of all academic assignments, examinations, and in all interactions with others
Engage in providing requested input to improve faculty understanding of the learning needs of students
Respect self, faculty, staff, fellow students, and members of the health team
Respect and protect the confidentiality of information
Advocate for patients’ best interest
Respect the diversity of persons encountered in all interactions
Respect property
Respect policies, regulations, and laws
Abstain from the use of substances in the academic and clinical setting that impair judgment or performance
The School of Nursing Honor Code and Academic Integrity Policy (the “Policy”) is based on the shared core values stated in the School’s Values Statement. Each member of the School of Nursing community, whether student, faculty or staff, holds himself or herself and others to the highest standards based on the values of excellence, respect, diversity, integrity, and accountability.
Each student is obligated to adhere to the highest standards of academic ethics and conduct in their academic endeavors.
The Honor Pledge
The following honor pledge will be included and signed on each examination and assignment:
“On my honor, I pledge that I have neither given nor received any unauthorized assistance on this (exam) (assignment) (care plan) (paper) (project).”
The pledge may be completed in several ways such as:
Student will write and sign the pledge;
Faculty will preprint the pledge on tests and student will initial it;
Faculty will include the pledge on an online quiz/test and ask students to indicate their online verification.
Scope
This Policy applies to all matriculated and continuing School of Nursing students in the full-time, part-time, and professional programs.
Cross-Divisional Enrollments
School of Nursing students may enroll in courses in one or more other University divisions or schools. School of Nursing students are subject to this policy not only when enrolled in School of Nursing courses, but also when enrolled in courses in other University divisions or schools. Academic misconduct in the context of those “outside” courses will be subject to and resolved under this policy.
Research Misconduct
Research misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. For a complete definition, refer to The Johns Hopkins University Research Integrity Policy (“Policy”) available at https://www.jhu.edu/assets/uploads/2017/08/university_research_integrity_policy.pdf. The Policy applies to all University faculty, trainees, students, and staff engaged in the proposing, performing, reviewing, or reporting of research, regardless of funding source. Allegations of research misconduct regarding a student should be referred to the Research Integrity Officer for assessment under that Policy, but may also be directed to the department chair or Dean of the responsible unit where the alleged research misconduct occurred.
Non-Academic Misconduct
All issues of non-academic student misconduct will be subject to the University-wide Student Conduct Code. For more on this policy, please refer to http://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies/student-code/.
Policy Violations
Academic misconduct is prohibited by this Policy. Academic misconduct is any action or attempted action that may result in creating an unfair academic advantage for oneself or an unfair academic advantage or disadvantage for any other member or members of the academic community. This includes a wide variety of behaviors such as cheating, plagiarism, altering academic documents or transcripts, gaining access to materials before they are meant to be available, and helping another individual to gain an unfair academic advantage. Nonexclusive examples of academic misconduct are listed below. All suspicions of academic misconduct, no matter how minor, must be investigated.
Cheating. The following are nonexclusive examples of cheating:
fraud, deceit, or dishonesty in an academic assignment, text or examination
use or consultation of unauthorized or inappropriate materials (e.g., notes, books, etc.) on assignments, tests, or examinations
unauthorized discussion of a test or exam during its administration
copying content on an assignment, test or examination from another individual
obtaining a test or examination or the answers to a test or examination before administration of the test or examination
studying from an old test or examination whose circulation is prohibited by the faculty member
use or consultation of unauthorized electronic devices or software (e.g., calculators, cellular phones, computers, tablets, etc.) in connection with assignments or during tests or examinations
use of paper writing services or paper databases
unauthorized collaboration with another individual on assignments, tests or examinations.
submission of an assignment, test or examination for a regrade after modifying the original content submitted
permitting another individual to contribute to or complete an assignment, or to contribute to or take a test or examination on the student’s behalf
unauthorized submission of the same or substantially similar work, assignment, test or exam to fulfill the requirements of more than one course or different requirements within the same course
tampering with, disabling or damaging equipment for testing or evaluation
Plagiarism. The following are nonexclusive examples of plagiarism:
use of material produced by another person without acknowledging its source
use of another person’s ideas or words without giving appropriate credit
submission of the same or substantially similar work of another person (e.g., an author, a classmate, etc.)
use of the results of another individual’s work (e.g., another individual’s paper, exam, homework, computer code, lab report, etc.) while representing it as your own
improper documentation/acknowledgement of quotations, words, ideas, views or paraphrased passages taken from published or unpublished sources
Wholesale copying of passages from works of others into homework, essays, term papers, dissertation or other assignment without acknowledgement
Paraphrasing of another person’s characteristic or original phraseology, metaphor, or other literary device without acknowledgement
Forgery/Falsification/Lying. The following are nonexclusive examples of forgery, falsification and lying:
falsification or fabrication of data/information for an assignment, on a test or exam, or in an experiment
citation of nonexistent sources or creation of false information in an assignment
attributing to a source ideas or information that is not included in the source
forgery of University or other official documents (e.g., letters, transcripts, etc.)
impersonating a faculty or staff member
request for special consideration from faculty members or University officials based upon false information or deception
fabrication of a reason (e.g., medical emergency, etc.) for needing an extension on or for missing an assignment, test or examination
claiming falsely to have completed and/or turned in an assignment, test or examination
falsely reporting an academic ethics violation by another student
failing to identify oneself honestly in the context of an academic obligation
providing false or misleading information to an instructor or any other University official
Facilitating Academic Dishonesty. The following are nonexclusive examples of facilitating academic dishonesty:
intentionally or knowingly aiding another student to commit an academic ethics violation
allowing another student to copy from one’s own assignment, test, or examination
making available copies of course materials whose circulation is prohibited (e.g., old assignments, texts or examinations, etc.)
completing an assignment or taking a test or examination for another student
sharing paper mill/answer bank websites or information with other students
Unfair Competition. The following are nonexclusive examples of unfair competition:
intentionally damaging the academic efforts of another student.
stealing another student’s academic materials (e.g., books, notes, assignments, etc.)
denying University resources needed by another student (e.g., hiding library materials, stealing lab equipment, etc.).
Failing to Report Alleged Violation
failing to report any known or suspected violation of this Policy
Failing to Follow Applicable Policies, Procedures, Rules
failing to follow applicable JHU, divisional/school, program, course, and/or faculty policies, procedures, rules regarding academic ethics
Improper Use of Electronic Devices.
Transmittal or posting of patient/client data or photographs
Use of electronics in any way to gain an unfair advantage on an assignment/test
Academic Integrity Policy Procedures:
Reporting Academic or Professional Ethics Violations
Any member of the faculty, administration, staff or any student who has reason to suspect or believe a violation of this Policy has occurred is expected to notify the Ethics Board Chair or Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.
Faculty-Student Resolution of First-Time Offenses
If a student is suspected of academic misconduct, the faculty member responsible for the course in which the misconduct allegedly occurred must, if feasible, review the facts of the case promptly with the student.
If, after speaking with the student and any witnesses, the faculty member believes that academic misconduct has occurred, the faculty member must first contact the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs to determine whether the offense is a first offense, or a second or subsequent offense.
For a first offense, after faculty consultation with the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs and/or the Chair of the SON Ethics Board, the faculty member may choose to resolve the case directly with the student, i.e., the faculty member and student may reach an agreement on the resolution of the alleged misconduct. Note, neither the faculty member nor the student are obligated to resolve a complaint under this section. A faculty member may not resolve a second or subsequent offense directly with a student.
If such an agreement is reached, the faculty member must promptly provide the student with a letter outlining the resolution that includes the charges, a summary of the evidence, the findings, and the sanctions agreed upon, and must also simultaneously provide a copy of that letter to the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.
If, however, the faculty member cannot reach an agreement with the student (e.g., the student denies cheating or does not agree with the proposed sanction, etc.), or the offense is a second or subsequent offense, or if in the case of a first offense, the sanction imposed would be greater than failure in the course, the faculty member must promptly notify the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs in writing of the alleged violations, evidence, including potential witnesses, and other pertinent details of the case. In such instances, the case will proceed to an Ethics Board hearing as outlined below.
Ethics Board Hearing
In the case of a first offense that is not resolved between the faculty member and the student or a second or subsequent offense, the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs will convene a meeting of the Ethics Board in consultation with the chair of the Ethics Board.
In advance of the Ethics Board hearing, the student will receive written notification of the hearing date, time, and location.
Ethics Board Selection and Ethics Panel Hearings
The Ethics Board consists of a chair, appointed annually by the Dean or her or his designee; two full-time faculty who teach primarily in one of the following programs—MSN Entry into Nursing Practice, DNP, or PhD, elected by the Faculty Assembly; Program Directors from each academic program; and students representing each academic degree.
For each matter, an Ethics Hearing Panel will be formed. The Ethics Hearing Panel consists of the faculty chairperson of the Ethics Board, the faculty members on the Ethics Board elected by the Faculty Assembly, the program director for the student’s program and two student members. The Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs or designee attends all hearings as a non-voting member of the Ethics Board.
Each student appearing before an Ethics Hearing Panel will have a hearing assistant unless explicitly asking that no hearing assistant be named. The hearing assistant for a student may be his/her academic adviser or other faculty member chosen by the student or recommended by the Ethics Board. If desired, the faculty member, staff member or student who reports the case may also have a hearing assistant of their choice or recommended by the Ethics Board. The assistant may meet with the respective parties to assist in preparation of evidence, testimony, and questions for the hearing. The designated assistants may attend and provide consultation in the hearing while the student or faculty member is present.
Students may request witnesses be present at the hearing. The student must furnish the Ethics Hearing Chair with the names of the witnesses in sufficient time to request the presence of the witnesses. It is within the Hearing Panel’s discretion to limit the number of witnesses appearing at the hearing to a reasonable number.
Faculty, staff or students bringing forth the case are expected to compile evidence and to present their account of the violation during an Ethics hearing. All supporting materials for the hearing must be placed on file in the Office of the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. Supporting materials may be submitted directly to the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs or indirectly through the assistant or the chairperson.
The Ethics Board will endeavor to convene within 10 working days of receiving the request for a hearing.
Legal representation is not permitted at Ethics Board hearings.
In general, hearings will proceed as follows, although the Ethics Hearing Panel has discretion to alter the order or manner in which it hears or receives evidence, and to impose time limits on any stage of the process:
Introductions
Opening statement from the reporter, if applicable
Questioning of the reporter by the panel, if applicable
Closing statement from the reporter, if applicable
Opening statement from the student
Questioning of the student by the panel
Questioning of the witnesses, if any, by the panel
Closing statement from student
The reporter, student or witness is only present in the room with the Ethics Hearing Panel during the time that they are being questioned or responding. At the conclusion of the hearing, all parties are dismissed and the deliberations of the Ethics Hearing Panel will be held in private.
The student is presumed innocent until the Ethics Hearing Panel has made a determination by a preponderance of the evidence that a violation has occurred. A “preponderance of the evidence” standard is an evidentiary standard that means “more likely than not.” This standard is met if the proposition is more likely to be true than not true. The goal of the Ethics Panel is to reach consensus on the allegation and outcome. If this is not possible, a decision will be made by majority vote.
The Chair of the Ethics Board and the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs shall, as soon after the hearing as practicable and reasonable, prepare minutes of the hearing including:
Date, place and time of the hearing,
The names of all persons present at the hearing,
A short statement of the charge against the student,
A summary of the findings of fact and conclusions made by the Ethics Board,
A statement of the decision of the Ethics Board,
The sanction(s) recommended by the Ethics Board, if applicable
The alleged violator and the initiating party will be informed in writing by the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs of the decision on whether a Policy was violated following the decision of the Ethics Hearing Panel.
Any student found not in violation of all charges of the Academic Integrity Policy will be permitted to make-up missed assignments or clinical time during the time of the hearing and appeal process.
After the hearing, the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs assists the chair in implementing the Ethics Board’s decision. This will include notifying the student and appropriate faculty or School personnel (e.g., Registrar, faculty adviser, course faculty, Executive Vice Dean, appropriate program director).
Sanctions
If a students is determined to be in violation of this Policy, the following factors may be considered in the sanctioning process:
the specific academic misconduct at issue;
the student’s academic misconduct history; and
other appropriate factors.
This section lists some of the sanctions that may be imposed upon students for violations of this policy. The School of Nursing reserves the right, in its discretion, to impose more stringent or different sanctions than those listed below depending on the facts and circumstances of a particular case. Sanctions for academic misconduct under policy are generally cumulative in nature.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of possible sanctions and what these sanctions typically mean. The specific conditions imposed under each sanction (i.e. the terms of a suspension, etc.) will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
Formal Warning
The student is notified in writing that his or her actions constitute a violation of this policy, and may be subject to other actions (e.g., re-taking an exam or failure in a course).
Academic
These sanctions may include but are not limited to grade adjustments, including failure, on any work or course, or resubmission of an assignment. This may include or may not include permanent student record notation. If the sanctions include a notation on the student’s transcript, “Grade due to Academic Misconduct” will be noted on the student’s official School of Nursing transcript.
Corrective or Educational Measures
The student may be required to engage in other corrective or educational activities.
Probation
The student is notified that further violations of this policy within the stated period of time will result in the student being considered for immediate suspension or other appropriate disciplinary action. If at the end of the specified time period no further violations have occurred, the student is removed from probationary status.
Suspension
The student is notified that the student is separated from the University for a specified period of time. The student must leave campus and vacate campus residence halls, if applicable, within the time prescribed and is prohibited from University property and events. The conferring of an academic degree may be deferred for the duration of the suspension. A student must receive written permission from the University prior to re-enrollment or re-application. Academic work completed at another institution while on suspension will not be recognized for credit transfer.
Expulsion
Expulsion means the permanent removal of the student from the University. Expulsion includes a forfeiture of all rights and degrees not actually conferred at the time of the expulsion, permanent notation of the expulsion on the student’s University records and academic transcript, withdrawal from all courses according to divisional policies, and the forfeiture of tuition and fees. Any student expelled from the University is prohibited from future reapplication to the University.
Appeals Process
Except in the case of a resolution for first time offenses with a faculty member, the student may appeal a panel’s finding of responsibility and/or sanction(s). A student must file any appeal within five (5) days of the date of the notice of outcome on one or more of the following grounds:
procedural error that could have materially affected the determination of responsibility or sanction(s);
new information that was not available at the time of the hearing and that could reasonably have affected the determination of responsibility or sanction(s); and
excessiveness of the sanction(s).
Any appeal must be filed in writing with the Dean of the School of Nursing or designee. An appeal will involve a review of the file; the appeal does not involve another hearing. On review of the appeal, the Dean of the School of Nursing or designee may:
enter a revised determination of responsibility and/or revise sanction(s); or
remand the matter to the panel to reconsider the determination of responsibility and/or sanction(s), or
convene a new panel to consider the case; or
uphold the panel’s decision
The Dean of the School of Nursing or designee will simultaneously send the appeal determination, with the reasons therefor, to the chair, as appropriate, and to the student. The decision of Dean of the School of Nursing or designee is final. No further appeals are permitted.
Records
A case file concerning a student will be retained by the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs for the duration of the student’s enrollment at JHU and seven (7) years from date that the student graduates or otherwise leaves the University.
The Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs will provide an overview of the process and procedures of the Ethics Board.
Procedural Rights:
In connection with the resolution of alleged policy violations, a student shall:
be notified in writing of the allegations in advance of any meeting or hearing;
be notified in writing of the charges, and the date, time and location of the hearing, and identity of the hearing administrator or panel members in advance of the hearing;
have the opportunity to review in advance of any meeting or hearing any information to be considered by any faculty member, administrator or panel in accordance with the University policy on Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (“FERPA”) and applicable laws and regulations;
be notified in writing of the outcome of any hearing, namely the findings, determination of responsibility, and any sanctions; and
be notified in writing of the outcome of any appeal.
A student may raise the potential conflict of any University personnel participating in the resolution process. All such conflicts must be sent in writing to the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at least two days prior to the hearing date. A student may also decline to participate in the resolution process. The University may however continue the process without the student’s participation.
Communications under this policy will primarily be conducted with students through their official University email address, and students are expected check their official University email on a regular basis.
The School of Nursing Professional Ethics Policy (the “Policy”) is based on the shared core values stated in the School’s Values Statement. Each member of the School of Nursing community, whether student, faculty or staff, holds himself or herself and others to the highest standards based on the values of excellence, respect, diversity, integrity, and accountability.
Each student is obligated to adhere to the highest standards of professional ethics and conduct in their academic endeavors. In addition, the School of Nursing upholds the professional code of ethics established in the Code of Ethics for Nurses (ANA, 2015). Each student is held accountable for adhering to the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics.
The School of Nursing Honor Code is grounded in the following principles:
Act with honesty and integrity in the performance of all academic assignments, examinations and in all interactions with others
Respect self, faculty, staff, fellow students and members of the health team
Respect and protect the confidentiality of information
Advocate for patients’ best interest
Respect the diversity of persons encountered in all interactions
Respect property
Respect policies, regulations and laws
Abstain from the use of substances in the academic and clinical setting that impair judgment or performance
Scope
This Policy applies to all matriculated and continuing School of Nursing students in the full-time, part-time, and professional programs.
Cross-Divisional Enrollments
School of Nursing students may enroll in courses in one or more other University divisions or schools. School of Nursing students are subject to this policy not only when enrolled in School of Nursing courses, but also when enrolled in courses in other University divisions or schools. Academic misconduct in the context of those “outside” courses will be subject to and resolved under this policy.
Research Misconduct
Research misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. For a complete definition, refer to The Johns Hopkins University Research Integrity Policy (“Policy”) available at https://www.jhu.edu/assets/uploads/2017/08/university_research_integrity_policy.pdf. The Policy applies to all University faculty, trainees, students, and staff engaged in the proposing, performing, reviewing, or reporting of research, regardless of funding source. Allegations of research misconduct regarding a student should be referred to the Research Integrity Officer for assessment under that Policy, but may also be directed to the department chair or Dean of the responsible unit where the alleged research misconduct occurred.
Academic Misconduct
All issues of academic student misconduct are subject to the School of Nursing Academic Integrity Policy.
Non-Academic Misconduct
All issues of non-academic student misconduct will be subject to the University-wide Student Conduct Code. For more on this policy, please refer to http://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies/student-code/.
Professional Code of Ethics
Each student enrolled in the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing is expected to uphold the professional code of ethics established for and by the nursing profession and as defined by the School. Ethics are foundational to the nursing profession. The nursing profession expresses its moral obligations and professional values through the Code of Ethics for Nurses (ANA, 2015). Each student should read the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics and is accountable for its contents.
In its Code of Ethics for Nurses, the American Nurses Association states that: “ethics is an essential part of the foundation of nursing. Nursing has a distinguished history of concern for the welfare of the sick, injured, vulnerable and for social justice. This concern is embodied in the provision of care to individuals and the community. Nursing encompasses the prevention of illness, the alleviation of suffering, and the protection, promotion, and restoration of health in the care of individuals, families, groups, and communities.” –American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (2015)
Nursing students are expected not only to adhere to the morals and norms of the profession, but also to embrace them as part of what it means to be a nurse. The nurse recognizes that his/her first obligation is to the patient’s welfare and that all other needs and duties are secondary; the nursing student adheres to this same value. A code of ethics makes the professional goals, values, and obligations of a nursing student more explicit, assisting the student in the development of his/her professional ethics.
A nursing student at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing will strive to act in a professional, ethical manner in accordance with the Code of Ethics for nurses and the JHUSON values. Each student will:
Be responsible for his/her own learning and clinical practice and honor other students’ right to learn and be successful in academic and clinical environments (i.e., develop own knowledge base through study and inquiry; recognize others’ right to do well on their written work; have access to reserved material; and have access to their own preparation materials and supplies used in clinical areas).
Demonstrate respect in verbal and non-verbal behaviors to all others in all clinical and academic settings (e.g., interact with others without using threats of, or commission of, physical harm, verbal abuse, unwanted sexual advances or contact, or other unwarranted physical contact. Arrive to class and clinical sites on time; silence beepers and cell phones in class, etc.).
Assess patient status carefully upon assuming responsibility for his/her care.
Provide safe, competent care, seeking assistance when personal knowledge and/or skill are not adequate. Avoid use of any substances that would impair clinical ability or judgment (e.g., prepare for clinical assignment to develop required knowledge and skill; review patient’s medical record; seek assistance according to course and curricular objectives).
Provide the same standard of care to all patients and families regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sexual preference, disability, religion, economic status, employment status, or the nature of their health problem(s). Accept that others have the right to their own cultural beliefs and values and respect their choices (e.g., demonstrate compassion and respect for every individual; provide the best quality of care possible to all patients; be non-judgmental of cultural differences).
Provide patient care without expectation of, or acceptance of, any remuneration over and above salary (if applicable) (e.g., do not accept gratuities or personal gifts of monetary value).
Document in a thorough, accurate, truthful, and timely manner data that reflects findings from one’s own personal assessment, care, interventions, teaching, or the patient’s and/or family’s response to those activities (e.g., documentation errors are corrected in an acceptable manner, documentation is unaltered, vital signs are recorded at the time they are measured, and late entries are duly noted).
Act in a manner that contributes to the development and maintenance of an ethical educational and practice environment. Recognize that the primary commitment in clinical practice is to the patient and that respectful interactions are expected (e.g., act as a role model for other students and colleagues; speak up if another student is speaking disrespectfully to classmates or faculty; work through appropriate organizational channels to share concerns about situations that jeopardize patient care or affect the educational environment; advocate patient safety).
Complete legally required HIPAA training and University or clinical site requirements regarding confidentiality. Use patient data in all school work, papers, presentations, research findings and in the clinical setting in a manner that is accurate, truthful, and confidential. Patient data must have a justifiable reason for its presence. Acknowledge real data gaps that may exist in written work. Identify patient in paper by initials, not full name.
Refrain from unauthorized use or possession of school or clinical setting’s equipment, patient’s belongings, or items dispersed or intended for patient use (e.g., do not download University software onto a personal PC or mobile device; do not use a hospital computer terminal for personal use; do not take a patient’s prescribed medication for personal use).
Reporting Professional Ethics Violations
Any member of the faculty, administration, staff or any student who has reason to suspect or believe a violation of this Policy has occurred is expected to notify the Ethics Board Chair or Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.
Faculty-Student Resolution of First-Time Offenses
If a student is suspected of professional misconduct, the faculty member responsible for the course in which the misconduct allegedly occurred must, if feasible, review the facts of the case promptly with the student.
If, after speaking with the student and any witnesses, the faculty member believes that professional misconduct has occurred, the faculty member must first contact the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs to determine whether the offense is a first offense, or a second or subsequent offense.
For a first offense, after faculty consultation with the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs and/or the Chair of the SON Ethics Board, the faculty member may choose to resolve the case directly with the student, i.e., the faculty member and student may reach an agreement on the resolution of the alleged misconduct. Note, neither the faculty member nor the student are obligated to resolve a complaint under this section. A faculty member may not resolve a second or subsequent offense directly with a student.
If such an agreement is reached, the faculty member must promptly provide the student with a letter outlining the resolution that includes the charges, a summary of the evidence, the findings, and the sanctions agreed upon, and must also simultaneously provide a copy of that letter to the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.
If, however, the faculty member cannot reach an agreement with the student (e.g., the student denies charge or does not agree with the proposed sanction, etc.), or the offense is a second or subsequent offense, or if in the case of a first offense, the sanction imposed would be greater than failure in the course, the faculty member must promptly notify the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs in writing of the alleged violations, evidence, including potential witnesses, and other pertinent details of the case. In such instances, the case will proceed to an Ethics Board hearing as outlined below.
Ethics Board Hearing
In the case of a first offense that is not resolved between the faculty member and the student or a second or subsequent offense, the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs will convene a meeting of the Ethics Board in consultation with the chair of the Ethics Board.
In advance of the Ethics Board hearing, the student will receive written notification of the hearing date, time, and location.
Ethics Board Selection and Ethics Panel Hearings
The Ethics Board consists of a chair, appointed annually by the Dean or her or his designee; two full-time faculty who teach primarily in one of the following programs—MSN Entry into Nursing Practice, DNP, or PhD, elected by the Faculty Assembly; Program Directors from each academic program; and students representing each academic degree.
For each matter, an Ethics Hearing Panel will be formed. The Ethics Hearing Panel consists of the faculty chairperson of the Ethics Board, the faculty members on the Ethics Board elected by the Faculty Assembly, the program director for the student’s program and two student members. The Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs or designee attends all hearings as a non-voting member of the Ethics Board.
Each student appearing before an Ethics Hearing Panel will have a hearing assistant unless explicitly asking that no hearing assistant be named. The hearing assistant for a student may be his/her academic adviser or other faculty member chosen by the student or recommended by the Ethics Board. If desired, the faculty member, staff member or student bring the case may also have a hearing assistant of their choice or recommended by the Ethics Board. The assistant may meet with the respective parties to assist in preparation of evidence, testimony, and questions for the hearing. The designated assistants may attend and provide consultation in the hearing while the student or faculty member is present.
Students may request witnesses be present at the hearing. The student must furnish the Ethics Hearing Chair with the names of the witnesses in sufficient time to request the presence of the witnesses. It is within the Hearing Panel’s discretion to limit the number of witnesses appearing at the hearing to a reasonable number.
Faculty, staff or students bringing forth the case are expected to compile evidence and to present their account of the violation during an Ethics hearing. All supporting materials for the hearing must be placed on file in the Office of the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. Supporting materials may be submitted directly to the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs or indirectly through the assistant or the chairperson.
The Ethics Board will endeavor to convene within 10 working days of receiving the request for a hearing.
Legal representation is not permitted at Ethics Board hearings.
In general, hearings will proceed as follows, although the Ethics Hearing Panel has discretion to alter the order or manner in which it hears or receives evidence, and to impose time limits on any stage of the process:
Introductions
Opening statement from the reporter, if applicable
Questioning of the reporter by the panel, if applicable
Closing statement from the reporter, if applicable
Opening statement from the student
Questioning of the student by the panel
Questioning of the witnesses, if any, by the panel
Closing statement from student
The reporter, student or witness is only present in the room with the Ethics Hearing Panel during the time that they are being questioned or responding. At the conclusion of the hearing, all parties are dismissed and the deliberations of the Ethics Hearing Panel will be held in private.
The student is presumed innocent until the Ethics Hearing Panel has made a determination by a preponderance of the evidence that a violation has occurred. A “preponderance of the evidence” standard is an evidentiary standard that means “more likely than not.” This standard is met if the proposition is more likely to be true than not true. The goal of the Ethics Panel is to reach consensus on the allegation and outcome. If this is not possible, a decision will be made by majority vote.
The Chair of the Ethics Board and the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs shall, as soon after the hearing as practicable and reasonable, prepare minutes of the hearing including:
Date, place and time of the hearing,
The names of all persons present at the hearing,
A short statement of the charge against the student,
A summary of the findings of fact and conclusions made by the Ethics Board,
A statement of the decision of the Ethics Board,
The sanction(s) recommended by the Ethics Board, if applicable
The alleged violator and the initiating party will be informed in writing by the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs of the decision on whether a Policy was violated following the decision of the Ethics Hearing Panel.
Any student found not in violation of all charges of the Academic Integrity Policy will be permitted to make-up missed assignments or clinical time during the time of the hearing and appeal process.
After the hearing, the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs assists the chair in implementing the Ethics Board’s decision. This will include notifying the student and appropriate faculty or School personnel (e.g., Registrar, faculty adviser, course faculty, Executive Vice Dean, appropriate program director).
Sanctions
If a students is determined to be in violation of this Policy, the following factors may be considered in the sanctioning process:
the specific academic misconduct at issue;
the student’s academic misconduct history; and
other appropriate factors.
This section lists some of the sanctions that may be imposed upon students for violations of this policy. The School of Nursing reserves the right, in its discretion, to impose more stringent or different sanctions than those listed below depending on the facts and circumstances of a particular case. Sanctions for academic misconduct under policy are generally cumulative in nature.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of possible sanctions and what these sanctions typically mean. The specific conditions imposed under each sanction (i.e. the terms of a suspension, etc.) will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
Formal Warning
The student is notified in writing that his or her actions constitute a violation of this policy, and may be subject to other actions (e.g., re-taking an exam or failure in a course).
Academic
These sanctions may include but are not limited to grade adjustments, including failure, on any work or course, or resubmission of an assignment. This may include or may not include permanent student record notation. If the sanctions include a notation on the student’s transcript, “Grade due to Professional Misconduct” will be noted on the student’s official School of Nursing transcript.
Corrective or Educational Measures
The student may be required to engage in other corrective or educational activities.
Probation
The student is notified that further violations of this policy within the stated period of time will result in the student being considered for immediate suspension or other appropriate disciplinary action. If at the end of the specified time period no further violations have occurred, the student is removed from probationary status.
Suspension
The student is notified that the student is separated from the University for a specified period of time. The student must leave campus and vacate campus residence halls, if applicable, within the time prescribed and is prohibited from University property and events. The conferring of an academic degree may be deferred for the duration of the suspension. A student must receive written permission from the University prior to re-enrollment or re-application. Academic work completed at another institution while on suspension will not be recognized for credit transfer.
Expulsion
Expulsion means the permanent removal of the student from the University. Expulsion includes a forfeiture of all rights and degrees not actually conferred at the time of the expulsion, permanent notation of the expulsion on the student’s University records and academic transcript, withdrawal from all courses according to divisional policies, and the forfeiture of tuition and fees. Any student expelled from the University is prohibited from future reapplication to the University.
Appeals Process
Except in the case of a resolution for first time offenses with a faculty member, the student may appeal a panel’s finding of responsibility and/or sanction(s). A student must file any appeal within five (5) days of the date of the notice of outcome on one or more of the following grounds:
procedural error that could have materially affected the determination of responsibility or sanction(s);
new information that was not available at the time of the hearing and that could reasonably have affected the determination of responsibility or sanction(s); and
excessiveness of the sanction(s).
Any appeal must be filed in writing with the Dean of the School of Nursing or designee. An appeal will involve a review of the file; the appeal does not involve another hearing. On review of the appeal, the Dean of the School of Nursing or designee may:
enter a revised determination of responsibility and/or revise sanction(s); or
remand the matter to the panel to reconsider the determination of responsibility and/or sanction(s), or
convene a new panel to consider the case; or
uphold the panel’s decision
The Dean of the School of Nursing or designee will simultaneously send the appeal determination, with the reasons therefor, to the chair, as appropriate, and to the student. The decision of Dean of the School of Nursing or designee is final. No further appeals are permitted.
Records
A case file concerning a student will be retained by the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs for the duration of the student’s enrollment at JHU and seven (7) years from date that the student graduates or otherwise leaves the University.
The Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs will provide an overview of the process and procedures of the Ethics Board.
Procedural Rights:
In connection with the resolution of alleged policy violations, a student shall:
be notified in writing of the allegations in advance of any meeting or hearing;
be notified in writing of the charges, and the date, time and location of the hearing, and identity of the hearing administrator or panel members in advance of the hearing;
have the opportunity to review in advance of any meeting or hearing any information to be considered by any faculty member, administrator or panel in accordance with the University policy on Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (“FERPA”) and applicable laws and regulations;
be notified in writing of the outcome of any hearing, namely the findings, determination of responsibility, and any sanctions; and
be notified in writing of the outcome of any appeal.
A student may raise the potential conflict of any University personnel participating in the resolution process. All such conflicts must be sent in writing to the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at least two days prior to the hearing date. A student may also decline to participate in the resolution process. The University may however continue the process without the student’s participation.
Communications under this policy will primarily be conducted with students through their official University email address, and students are expected check their official University email on a regular basis.
Johns Hopkins University Student Conduct Code
The fundamental purpose of the Johns Hopkins University’s (the “University” or “JHU”) regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically.
This Johns Hopkins University Student Conduct Code (this “Code”) applies to all students, including without limitation undergraduate and graduate students, and student groups/organizations, whether recognized by the University or not, in the following schools and divisions:
The schools and divisions above must comply with, and ensure that their policies and procedures comply with, this Code. To the extent there is any inconsistency between divisional policies and procedures and this Code, this Code controls.
| Faculty Members: |
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| Erin Wright, Chair | [email protected] |
| Valerie Cotter | [email protected] |
| Marjorie Everson | [email protected] |
| |
| Student Members: |
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| Jenna DeBerardinis, MSN | [email protected] |
| Whitney Enriquez, MSN | [email protected] |
| Jesse Gonzalez, DNP | [email protected] |
| Roquan Herbert, MSN | [email protected] |
| Jenny Hwang, DNP | [email protected] |
| Faith Metlock, PhD | [email protected] |
| Ester Plavdjian, MSN | [email protected] |
| Maryam Esperanza Razaz, DNP/PhD | [email protected] |
| Meeka Young, DNP | [email protected] |
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Ethics Board Administrator |
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| Jennifer Dotzenrod, Associate Dean EMSA | [email protected] |
Students who witness unethical or unprofessional behavior have two reporting options:
An optional, informal discussion during which the identity of the suspected student is anonymous. This can be with an Ethics Board Student Representative, the EMSA Associate Dean, a faculty member on the Ethics Board, or the class faculty member.
A formal report of a suspected violation, with the name(s) of any students accused. This can be made either to the class faculty or to the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Q: What do I do if I have questions about unethical or unprofessional behavior?
A: There are three ways to ask questions regarding unethical or unprofessional behavior:
Discuss with the class faculty member (if behavior related to a class)
Discuss with a student or faculty member of the Ethics Board
Discuss with Associate Dean, Jennifer Dotzenrod
Q: If I come forward to discuss my concerns, must I provide the name of the person I suspect of a violation?
A: You are not required to give names when discussing your concerns.
Q: What can happen if I do not name the student(s) involved?
A: With only general information, faculty or the Associate Dean for EMSA can only make changes to minimize unethical behavior in the future. The Ethics Board is unable to act on an unsubstantiated/unidentified concern.
Q: Who determines whether the case proceeds to an Ethics Board hearing and the alleged violations?
A: If provided with enough information to investigate further, class faculty, if applicable, in coordination with the Chair of the Ethics Board and the Associate Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs (EMSA) will determine whether the case proceeds and the specific violation(s) alleged.
If the accused student has had no prior ethics violations, the faculty member can determine the outcome or refer to the Ethics Board. It the accused student has prior ethics violation, the case must be referred to the Ethics Board.
Q: If after understanding my options I decide to name the individual, will the student know I came forward?
A: It will depend on the situation. If you identify the person to the faculty member and it is a first offense, the faculty member can work with the student to resolve the issue without you being named. However, if the case goes before the Ethics Board – either because the alleged misconduct would be the student’s second or repeat offense, or because the student and faculty member are unable to agree on a resolution – the student accused will know you named them. You will be asked to speak to the Ethics Board but will not be in room at the same time as the accused student.
Q: What if I receive backlash because I came forward?
A: The School of Nursing will not permit a faculty member or other employee to retaliate against a student for reporting a suspected violation of the Academic Integrity or Professionalism Policies. It is also unacceptable for any student to retaliate against other another student for reporting a suspected violation. If you receive any retaliatory threats or unprofessional behavior, report it to the EMSA Dean and/or an Ethics Board member. We can bring forth ethics charges against the retaliating student(s). This is a concern we take seriously. Academic or ethical concerns that are not addressed affect all students at the School of Nursing and tarnish the reputation of the students, alumni and school.