Professional and Academic Conduct Policies

These policies describe the behaviors expected of medical students (and faculty) in the learning environment. As PLFSOM medical students (and faculty) you are expected to consistently exhibit these attributes. There are also policies that describe deviations from the expected behaviors. Please see the 2019 – 2020 Institutional Student Handbook:  Code of Professional and Academic Conduct. For more information of policies and procedures https://ttuhscep.edu/studentservices/institutional-handbooks.aspx

Medical Student Code of Professional and Academic Conduct

Medical professionals are expected, not only by patients but also by society as a whole, to possess certain attributes, which include, but are not limited to:

  1. Altruism, whereby they subordinate their own interests to take care of their patients
  2. High ethical and moral standards
  3. Honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, caring, compassion and respect in their interactions with patients, colleagues and
  4. Accountability, not only for their own actions, but also for those of their colleagues, which is the basis for the autonomy of the
  5. Maintaining confidentiality concerning the patient and the patient’s

Medical Student Honor Code

In my capacity as a PLFSOM medical student, I will uphold the dignity of the medical profession. I will, to the best of my ability, avoid actions which might result in harm to my patients. I will protect the dignity of my patients and the deceased, and will protect their confidential information in accordance with the prevailing standards of medical practice. I will not lie, cheat, or steal. I will enter into professional relationships with my colleagues, teachers, and other health care professionals in a manner that is respectful and reflective of the high standards and expectations of my profession. I will not tolerate violations of this code by others and will report such violations to the appropriate authorities.

Complaints or Grievances in the Learning Environment

A breach of the standards of behavior is the occurrence, either intentional or unintentional, of any incident that disrupts the learning environment. Further, the PLFSOM has a policy of zero tolerance for any type of discrimination or harassment. Complaints or grievances include but are not limited to the following:

  • Complaints regarding the general or academic misconduct of another student
  • Complaints regarding discrimination
  • Complaints regarding student records
  • Complaints regarding employment at Texas Tech Health El Paso
  • Complaints regarding grades or grading
  • Complaints regarding other types of mistreatment

Where to File a Grievance

For student complaints or grievances regarding misconduct of another student, discrimination, student records, grades or grading, or other types of mistreatment please visit https://ttuhscep.edu/studentservices/office-of-academic-and-disability-support-services/grievance-policies.aspx

Links to Institutional Policies and Procedures Regarding Grievances in the Learning Environment

OP 51.01, Equal Employment Opportunity Policy and Affirmative Action Plan
https://ttuhscep.edu/elpaso/opp/_documents/51/op5101.pdf

OP 51.03, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, and Title IX Policy and Complaint Procedure
https://ttuhscep.edu/elpaso/opp/_documents/51/op5103.pdf

OP 51.04, Access for Individuals with Disabilities
https://ttuhscep.edu/elpaso/opp/_documents/51/op5104.pdf

OP 77.13, Student Education Records
https://ttuhscep.edu/elpaso/opp/_documents/77/op7713.pdf, provides detailed information about filing complaints relating to student records.

The Process of Reporting a Grievance (taken from the Institutional Student Handbook)

When an incident is reported, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs will coordinate with the student as his/her advocate to ensure that the appropriate policies and procedures of Texas Tech Health El Paso and the PLFSOM are invoked in the student’s behalf (see Policy on Student- Faculty Disputes and Student-Student Dispute Resolution Policy). The procedures of the Code of Professional and Academic Conduct will also be followed as necessary in this process.

The procedures defined below apply to student complaints that fall outside the scope of other institutional and school-based policies and procedures governing specific types of student complaints, including, for example, student complaints against staff members employed at the institutional level or against Texas Tech Health El Paso administrators. The Texas Tech Health El Paso Office of Student Services and Student Affairs will administer this institutional policy and will insure that due process is afforded to all concerned.

  1. Early Resolution


    Prior to contacting the Texas Tech Health El Paso Office of Student Services and Student Affairs, the student shall attempt to resolve the issue with the individual(s) involved. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome after meeting with the individual or does not feel comfortable talking to the administrator or staff member involved, the student may contact the Assistant Vice President for Student Services and Student Affairs (SSSA). The student shall address the issue and initiate action under this policy within 30 days of the event-giving rise to the complaint.

    The Assistant Vice President for Student Services and Student Affairs (SSSA) or designee may counsel the student to discuss the issue with the involved administrator or staff member. If the student does not feel comfortable talking to the person involved, the Assistant Vice President for SSSA for Student Services and Student Affairs or designee will investigate the complaint, attempt to reconcile differences, and propose a solution. The Assistant Vice President for Student Services and Student Affairs or designee will provide a written statement of his or her recommendation to all parties within ten business days following the initial receipt of the student’s report of the complaint. All involved parties will then have ten business days to respond. Every effort should be made to resolve the issue without going beyond this level.

    (If the complaint is against the Assistant Vice President for SSSA for Student Services and Student Affairs, the student should meet with the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, who will follow the procedures outlined here.)

  2. Filing a Hearing Request

    1. If the student is not satisfied with the recommendation of the Assistant Vice President Student Services and Student Affairs (SSSA) or designee, he/she may file a request for a hearing by submitting a written complaint to the Assistant Vice President Student Services and Student Affairs (SSSA). The hearing request must include a specific statement of the student’s complaint, an explanation of what remedy the student seeks, and a copy of the Assistant Vice President for Student Services and Student Affairs’ or designee recommended resolution.
    2. If the student files a request for a hearing, a Student Hearing Committee as defined below must convene within 15 business day

  3. Hearing Procedure


    Upon receipt of a written request for a hearing, the Assistant Vice President for Student Services and Student Affairs or designee will appoint a Hearing Committee according to the following procedure:
    1. Each party will propose in writing a list of four Texas Tech Health El Paso faculty, staff, and/or students to serve on the Hearing Committee. The Assistant Vice President for Student Services and Student Affairs or designee will contact one person from each list in order of the submitting party’s preference to determine the person’s willingness to serve. Through this process, one person will be selected from each list. The two people selected will then select a third member (a Texas Tech Health El Paso faculty or staff member) and these individuals will comprise the Hearing Committee. This group will select a chair from among themselves.
    2. The Assistant Vice President for Student Services and Student Affairs or designee will provide technical assistance and support to this committee.
    3. As soon as the hearing is scheduled, the chair of the Hearing Committee will send a written notice to all involved parties. The notice will specify the time, place, and nature of the hearing, plus a brief description of the complaint. The notice will also confirm the right of all involved parties to present witnesses and evidence and to be accompanied by counsel for advisory purposes only.
    4. At least three days prior to the hearing, all parties will provide to the chair of the Hearing Committee and the Assistant Vice President for Student Services and Student Affairs or designee a list of the names of any witnesses or counsel who will attend the hearing. If the student will be represented by counsel, the University may be represented by the Office of General Counsel. The student and the involved individuals(s) shall have access to all information to be considered by the Hearing Committee, including the names of all persons giving evidenc
    5. The student and the involved parties shall attend the hearing and be offered an opportunity to state their positions and present testimony and other evidence relevant to the case. The responsibility of establishing the validity of the complaint rests with the student.
    6. The Hearing Committee chair shall keep a recording of the hearing, which shall include date, time, and location of the hearing, names of those present, and any evidence introduced (e.g., records, written testimony, duplicated materials). Deliberations will not be recorded.

  4. Committee Decision

    1. After completion of the hearing, the Hearing Committee shall meet in closed session and prepare a written recommendation. Copies of the Hearing Committee chair’s report shall be forwarded to the involved parties within five business day
    2. The appmust be made, in writing, within five business days, to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affair
    3. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will review the complaint resolution and render a decision within five business days. The decision of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is final (except see d. below).
    4. If the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is serving as a mediator in the case, then the President or his designee will review the complaint resolution and render a decision within five business day The decision of the President is final.