Learner Environment - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Navigator? 

Support is available through the Navigator, who serves as a  confidential victim advocate  and neutral resource for anyone experiencing or witnessing mistreatment or professionalism concerns. You can meet confidentially, explore your options and decide what next steps feel right for you — whether that’s seeking support, submitting a report or simply talking through what happened. 

What can I expect from a meeting with the Learner Navigator?

You can expect a confidential, supportive conversation to: 

• Talk through what happened. 
• Learn about your options (informal or formal). 
• Decide whether to submit a report, pursue another resource, or take no action at this time. 

Meeting with the Navigator does  not  automatically generate a report or investigation.

Is my conversation confidential?

When you meet with the  Learner Navigator  as a  victim advocate, your conversation is  confidential. You can talk through what happened, explore your options and decide what next steps feel right for you — without automatically triggering a report. 

If you choose to complete a  Professionalism Report Form, please know that certain concerns require  mandatory reporting, including sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment or threats to safety. In these cases, the information must be referred to the  UNR Title IX & Equal Opportunity Office, which oversees all formal reports in those areas. The Learner Navigator will explain what information must be shared, what remains confidential and will support you through every step of the process — whether you choose to meet privately, submit a report or both. 

Can I report anonymously?

Yes. You can submit a Professionalism Report Form anonymously. However, anonymous reports may limit the university’s ability to investigate or take action if insufficient information is provided.

What happens if I submit a Professionalism Report Form? 

Your report is routed to the appropriate institutional leader (e.g., Department Chair, Associate Dean, Clerkship Director). The reviewer evaluates the concern, determines next steps and takes appropriate action in alignment with the  M.D. Student Professionalism Policy.

The Navigator tracks the process to ensure timely follow-up and, when possible, provides updates to you if you are provided your contact information.

What types of behavior are considered professionalism lapses? 

Lapses in professionalism are behaviors that fall short of UNR Med’s core standards of integrity, reliability, self-awareness, teamwork and communication, and patient-centered care. These may prompt feedback, reflection or formal review under the  M.D. Student Professionalism Policy  and related institutional policies. 

Examples include: 

• Misrepresenting work or attendance, breaching confidentiality or concealing errors that impact trust or patient care. 
• Missing required sessions or clinical duties without communication or neglecting institutional expectations. 
• Dismissing feedback, reacting defensively or allowing stress or bias to compromise professionalism. 
• Using disrespectful or dismissive language, excluding team members or withholding information that affects collaboration or patient care. 
• Making insensitive remarks, violating confidentiality or disregarding patient comfort, privacy or safety.

What are examples of mistreatment?

Examples include (but aren’t limited to): 

• Public humiliation or embarrassment.
• Threats, intimidation or physical harm.
• Discriminatory or offensive remarks. 
• Unwanted sexual behavior or coercion. 
• Denied learning opportunities or unfair grading based on personal characteristics.

What are the possible outcomes after reporting?

Depending on the concern, outcomes may include: 

• Coaching or mentoring. 
• Mediation or facilitated dialogue. 
• Formal review by the Student Affairs and Personnel Committee. 
• Referral to Title IX, EEO, or University Police (if applicable). 
• Disciplinary action consistent with UNR Med’s  Medical Student Discipline, Dismissal and Due Process Policy. 

The goal is always to ensure fairness, safety and accountability while maintaining the integrity of the learning environment.

What if I’m not sure if what happened “counts” as mistreatment? 

You can still meet confidentially with the Navigator to discuss what happened. Together, you can explore whether the behavior aligns with mistreatment or professionalism concerns and decide next steps. 

What if I fear retaliation?

UNR Med prohibits retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports a concern or participates in an investigation. If you experience or fear retaliation, contact the Learner Navigator or Title IX & Equal Opportunity Office immediately. 

What if I’m worried that nothing will happen if I speak up? 

It’s completely understandable to worry that raising a concern won’t lead to change. Please know that all reports are taken seriously and are carefully reviewed. Because of  FERPA  and  federal employment laws, specific outcomes or actions may not always be shared, but that does not mean nothing is happening. 

The Learner Navigator tracks every report through completion, communicates updates when possible, and closes the loop once the concern has been reviewed or addressed. They also identify patterns or systemic issues and share recommendations — without breaching confidentiality — to improve the learning environment. 

Even when outcomes aren’t immediately visible, your report makes a difference.  Every voice contributes to creating a safer, more respectful and equitable UNR Med community.