Student Mistreatment Policy

Approved by: Dean, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

To whom this policy applies

University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) Medical Students, including students in any phase of a dual degree program.

Purpose/Background

Mistreatment of students can occur in many forms and can seriously impair the educational experience. This policy is intended to define inappropriate conduct in relationships with/and between students to ensure access to educational programs is free from student mistreatment. It also provides the mechanisms for students to report violations without fear of retaliation.

Definitions

Community: all sites where University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) students receive training.

Malicious accusations: a complainant or witness found to have been dishonest or malicious in making allegations at any point during the investigation may be subject to disciplinary action.

Policy

UNR Med is committed to an environment of mutual respect that ensures access to educational programs free from student mistreatment at all sites where UNR Med students receive training. All members of the medical school Community are expected to maintain a positive learning environment in which students, faculty, staff and residents treat each other with respect. Community members, including UNR Med institutional leaders, will not tolerate harassment, intimidation, exploitation and/or abuse. Retaliation against students reporting mistreatment is regarded as a form of mistreatment and will not be tolerated. Accusations that retaliation has occurred will be handled in the same manner as accusations concerning other forms of mistreatment.

Examples of Mistreatment may include but not be limited to:

1. Yelling at and/or verbally berating a student.
2. Actions reasonably interpreted as demeaning or humiliating.
3. Assigning duties as a means of punishing students rather than for educational benefits.
4. Unwarranted exclusion from learning opportunities.
5. Threats to fail, assign a lower grade or give a poor evaluation for reasons not related to criteria, standards and requirements.
6. Requiring students complete personal chores or errands.
7. Unwelcome or inappropriate comments or discrimination because of race, religion, color, age, sex (including a pregnancy related condition), sexual orientation, military status, military obligations, disability, or national origin.
8. Pushing, shoving, slapping, hitting, tripping, throwing objects or other forms of physical abuse or intimidation.
9. Discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment per the NSHE Handbook, Title 4, Chapter 8, Section 13 (Policy Against Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment).

Reporting Student Mistreatment

Students and others may report mistreatment online using Learning Environment Report Form, or directly to any UNR Med faculty member or staff. Reports will be treated confidentially to the extent permissible by law and will be shared only on a need-to-know basis including mandatory reporting under Title IX. The Learning Environment Report Form provides a mechanism for students, residents, fellows, faculty and staff to report issues of professionalism in the learning environment to the Navigator. The purpose of the learning environment report is to enable UNR Med to respond promptly to any reports of mistreatment or unprofessional behavior and to also recognize exemplary behavior to ensure all members of the learning environment maintain professional standards. The UNR Med Navigator serves as an impartial, independent, and informal conflict resolution resource for addressing concerns in the learning environment. The Navigator reviews every report which is submitted and forwards the report to the appropriate office to address the report and confirms the concern was addressed.

Faculty, staff, residents and clinical affiliates may report student mistreatment using the Learning Environment Report Form or to the Chief Academic Officer or Chief Medical Officer at their facility.

Individual incidents reported to the Navigator will be forwarded depending on the nature of the incident, the individual(s) involved, and the impact on future contact with students. Reports will be forwarded as follows:

• Resident Involvement: Designated institution official (DIO), and program director.
• UNR Med faculty involvement: The dean, department chair, UNR General Counsel, program directors, block directors and/or clerkship directors.
• Hospital-employed faculty or staff involvement: The Chief Academic Officer and UNR Med department chair. Program directors, block directors and/or clerkship directors may also be notified.
• Community Faculty: The course director and clinical chair are notified. The director of the Office of Community Faculty, Program directors, block directors and/or clerkship directors may also be notified.
• Student to student involvement: Associate Dean for Student Affairs will refer these matters to the SPCC in accordance with the Medical Student Discipline, Dismissal and Due Process Policy. (link)
• Any incident that concerns the NSHE Policy Against Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment: The University’s Center for Civil Rights & Equal Access.

Learning Environment Report Form

Sharing Student Mistreatment Information

Student mistreatment information will be shared in an annual de-identified disclosure to UNR Med administrative leadership, curricular committees, SPCC, department chairs and Chief Academic Officers for all affiliates.

Promoting a Positive Learning Environment

UNR Med provides ongoing educational and developmental opportunities to promote a positive learning environment respectful of all individuals. This policy is included in both student and resident handbooks and will be posted on the UNR Med website. The policy is distributed electronically by the Dean to Faculty Council and to all faculty members. The topic will be addressed annually throughout UNR Med and will include resources for identification and prevention of mistreatment and abuse.