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Student Handbook

Explore program-specific student handbooks and the handbook for KU School of Health Professions students which includes academic policies and other important information.

Students are governed by the policies and procedures in both the school's student handbook and their program-specific student handbooks, along with the graduate studies handbook for those in programs at the graduate level.


Student Wellness and Well-being

The School of Health Professions is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of our students. We believe we must care for ourselves in order to care for the communities we serve. Your health and well-being matters. Learn about the health and wellness services available to KU students.


School of Health Professions Student Handbook
Table of Contents

Administrative Offices & School Directory

Honors and Awards

School-Related Organizations

Academic Policies

Institution Policy Information

Performance Standards and Policies

Actions related to academic and non-academic misconduct

School Appeals Procedure For Academic and Non-academic Misconduct


Letter to Students from the Dean

Welcome to the KU School of Health Professions!

We are delighted that you are here with us. We wish both new and returning students every success in their academic endeavors.

Nearly 40 years ago, the KU Medical Center faculty voted to form the schools of Allied Health, Medicine and Nursing. From those beginnings, the School (since renamed School of Health Professions) has grown to include nearly 600 students, 80 full-time faculty and more than 25 health care professions programs in eight academic departments.

This is an exciting time to be at the School of Health Professions. Five of our programs are ranked in the top 25 in the nation in the latest rankings by  U.S. News & World Report’s “ Best Graduate Schools.” KU is also among the Midwest’s largest schools of health care education in both student population and the number of programs offered.

The School of Health Professions continues to grow and adapt to meet the changing needs of our students. You can find more information at the  School of Health Professions website and “like” the  school's page on Facebook to share the latest news and events with your peers and colleagues on campus and around the world. 

Our faculty members are actively involved in cutting-edge research and clinical care. And while they are leaders in their professions, our faculty's most important focus is educating and preparing future health care professionals. The time you spend learning at KU will be challenging, but we hope you will also find it stimulating, exciting, and rewarding.

Sincerely,
Abiodun Akinwuntan, Ph.D., MPH, MBA, FASAHP, FACRM, FAMedS
Dean and Professor, School of Health Professions


Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Core Value Statement

The School of Health Professions and the University of Kansas Medical Center are committed to creating and maintaining diverse and inclusive learning and working environments that nurture the growth and development of our students, faculty, staff, and patients.

We define diversity as a state of being in which the variety of cultures, experiences, expertise, and viewpoints are valued and incorporated into the fabric of our community. Diversity encompasses age, education level, ethnicity and race, gender expression and identity, nationality, national origin, physical and mental ability, political and religious perspectives, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, and other human differences.

By embracing diversity our university will attract and retain skilled and talented employees and students dedicated to excellence in education, research, patient care, community, and global initiatives. A diverse and inclusive community that fosters mutual respect requires the engagement of the university at all levels.

For more related information about initiatives, events, and activities on our campus please visit the KU Medical Center's  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cabinet website.

Statement updated February 24, 2021.


Honors and Awards

Special scholarship opportunities are available for current students in the School of Health Professions.

Dean's List
Undergraduate students who are enrolled full-time and have maintained for the semester (fall, spring) a minimum 3.5-grade point average are included on the Dean's List. A notation of the honor is recorded on the student's transcript.

Phi Kappa Phi
Undergraduate seniors who rank in the top 10% of the School of Health Professions, and graduate students nearing completion of their degree who rank in the top 10% of their class, are nominated for membership in the University of Kansas Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi. This honor society recognizes academically outstanding students and initiates new members each year in a formal ceremony in the spring semester.

Stata Norton Distinguished Teaching Award
Current students and faculty in the School of Health Professions are invited to submit nominations for the Stata Norton Distinguished Teaching Award. Letters of nomination are requested in early spring. Students who will not be on campus during the spring semester may submit their nominations early to the Office of the Dean. Please contact the  Office of the Dean for details.


Health Professions Alumni Association

The Health Professions Alumni Association was established in 1982 to promote and maintain the high quality of professional expertise of its members, to provide opportunities for the exchange of ideas, new theories and techniques affecting the members and to promote the education and fellowship among the graduates and former students of the School of Health Professions at the University of Kansas.

Each year membership dues provide much-needed support for student scholarships. In 1991 the association established the James P. Cooney Leadership Award to recognize a graduate who has served as a leader in his/her program, profession, community and school. Meritorious students are nominated by faculty members. The association's board members review submissions and select an honoree annually.

See also:  KU Medical Center Office of Alumni & Community Relations

Student Senate

The purpose of the School of Health Professions Student Senate is to establish an organization representative of all students in the school. The senate facilitates student involvement by fostering interprofessional relationships and by providing a unified voice to promote a positive relationship and mutual respect among students, faculty, staff, and administration.

As an entity run and led by students, the senate depends on the participation and efforts of students in the school.

The senate discusses emerging issues and activities relevant to students throughout the school and across campus. It is comprised of up to four voting members from each of the school's eight departments. The senate is led by officer positions of chair, vice chair, communications director, and finance director, each via one-year terms.

A portion of KU fees paid by students each year is allocated to the senate. Involvement with senate allows students to help decide how these funds are used.

Among the important benefits to students, the senate engages in the following activities:

  • Supports events specific to students in the School of Health Professions.
  • Examines and discusses proposals, policies, and decisions affecting students in the school.
  • Evaluates requests for funding from organizations on the KU Medical Center campus.
  • Provides travel funding for students in the School of Health Professions to attend conferences.
  • Addresses concerns raised by students of the school.

For more information, please visit the student senate page on The Beat@KUMC.


Academic Policies

The University of Kansas Medical Center has established general guidelines regarding matters of academic policy. Each program in the School of Health Professions has policies and procedures specific to the respective program. Students are directed to his or her program area for more specific information.

Admission

In the School of Health Professions, admission procedures for bachelor's degree programs are handled through the office of the program director of the sponsoring department. Admission procedures for graduate programs are accomplished through the sponsoring department and coordinated by the Office of Graduate Studies.

Registration

Every student (except employees involved in in-service training programs) involved in any education or training program at the KU Medical Center must be registered either in the Office of the Registrar or in the Office of the Division of Continuing Education according to the following guidelines:

  1. Every student involved in a program or course giving academic credit or leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate from the University will register with the Registrar's Office.

  2. Every student involved in an adult or continuing education program that does not award academic credit or lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate will register with the Division of Continuing Education.

Advising and Enrollment

For School of Health Professions students, advising and enrollment services are provided through the department or program in which the student is enrolled.

Personal Counseling Services

Counseling (individual, group, pre-marital, couple, family, crisis intervention, psychological testing) is available through the Counseling Center, first floor Student Center Building at no cost to the student. Access your student health account and make appointments online (network log-in required) or at (913) 588-6580 (711 TTY).

Students facing a mental health emergency are encouraged to call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You don't have to be in crisis to call 988, you can also call to ask questions or get guidance on mental health help. You can also call if you're concerned about a family member or friend.

Learning Resources and Performance Enhancement

The Counseling and Educational Support Services Office offers free assistance with reading comprehension, written expression, identification of learning style differences, note-taking skills, test-taking skills, test anxiety, memory improvement, study strategies, time management and presentation skills. Make an appointment with a learning specialist online (network log-in required) or at 913-588-6580 (711 TTY). 

Attendance

The University of Kansas has no policy on class attendance, however, students are responsible for material presented in class and for any announcements made in class regarding changes in schedule, class content, location or similar information. The various programs in the School of Health Professions are allowed to establish their own regulations regarding class attendance and attendance at clinical and community sites. Please see your department or program student handbook for this information.


Institution Policy Information

Academic Supports

Learning assistance, academic performance enhancement, and psychological services at KU Medical Center are free, confidential, and available at  Student Counseling & Educational Support Services by calling 913-588-6580 (TTY 711) or visiting the Student Center room G116.

Compliance Training for Students

All KU Medical Center students are required to complete annual compliance training prior to and annually thereafter during the fall training window for students. Failure to complete the training will result in a hold placed on your student account that will prevent future enrollment until the training is completed.

Students will receive instructions by email about how to access the compliance training modules based on access granted by using your username and password.

Equal Opportunity/Title IX Policy

KU Medical Center is committed to the elimination and prevention of discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, color, ethnicity, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or retaliation. KU Medical Center and the KU Medical Center sexual harassment policy also prohibit all forms of sexual violence including domestic violence, relationship violence, stalking, and assault.

Allegations of violations of the university’s nondiscrimination policy are investigated in accordance with the discrimination complaint resolution process. Additionally, KU Medical Center prohibits retaliation against anyone who files a complaint or otherwise participates in the complaint process. Equal opportunity policies and procedures are available on the equal opportunity website.

If you believe that you are being discriminated against or harassed, contact Natalie Holick, the KU Medical Center Title IX Coordinator, at 913-588-8011 (TTY 711) or  noholick@kumc.edu to discuss your rights and options for filing a complaint or taking other steps to help stop the behavior.

Academic Accommodation Policy

Any student who needs an accommodation because of a disability in order to complete the course requirements should contact the instructor or Cynthia Ukoko, senior coordinator for academic accommodations for students and residents in the academic accommodations services office as soon as possible. The office is in room 1040 Dykes Library; the phone number is 913-945-7035 (TTY 711).

You may also email Cynthia Ukoko at cukoko@kumc.edu. Online appointments may also be made at  https://medconsult.kumc.edu. For online information about academic accommodations, please visit the academic and student affairs website.

Religious Accommodation Policy

KU Medical Center respects the religious diversity of its students and will make good faith efforts to provide reasonable religious accommodations for the sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances of its students when they conflict with university policy or procedure. Such accommodations must not fundamentally affect the university’s mission or commitment to patient care or otherwise create an undue hardship.

If you wish to submit a request for religious accommodations, please complete this online form with as much lead time as possible to allow time to consider the request and plan alternative learning options:  https://form.jotform.us/71005615090142

Childbirth Accommodation Policy

KU Medical Center wishes to assert itself as an institution valuing family-friendly policies and has adopted a student-specific childbirth accommodation policy. This policy illustrates a commitment by KU Medical Center to diversity and inclusion that allows the institution to recruit and retain the highest quality students.

Relationship Policy

KU Medical Center’s policy on relationships supports the integrity and excellence of our academic and working environments. It is KU Medical Center’s position that consensual romantic or sexual relationships between individuals of unequal power are unwise, often contrary to professional ethics, and create a conflict of interest even if the relationship is consensual. Questions of fairness, bias, and conflict also arise when members of the same family supervise one another.

In the event that a consensual relationship prohibited by this policy exists or develops, the individual in the position of authority has a duty to report such a relationship and cooperate in removing the conflict. Employees also must report the existence of any familial relationship that may pose a conflict of interest at the time of application, employment, or when the relationship or conflict develops.

Social Media Policy

KU Medical Center recognizes that social networking websites and applications are an important and timely means of communication. Students are reminded that they should have no expectation of privacy on social networking sites.

Students must also be aware that posting certain information is illegal. Violation may expose the offender to criminal and civil liability. Offenses may be considered non-academic misconduct and be subject to the appropriate policies and procedures.

The following actions are strictly forbidden:

  • You may not disclose the personal health information of other individuals. Removal of an individual’s name alone does not constitute proper de-identification of protected health information. Inclusion of data such as age, gender, race, diagnosis, date of evaluation, or type of treatment or the use of a highly specific medical photograph (such as a before/after photograph of a patient or a photograph of a patient from a service-learning site) may still allow recognition of the identity of a specific individual.
  • You may not report private academic information of another student or trainee. Such information is covered by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and includes, but is not limited to course grades, narrative evaluations, examination scores, or adverse academic actions.
  • You may not present yourself as an official representative or spokesperson for the University of Kansas, affiliate organizations, the School of Health Professions, any of its academic departments, or individual faculty or staff members when posting information on social networking sites. Although you have the right to express political or other views publicly, do not use an email or any other account that identifies you as a member of the KU Medical Center community.
  • You may not represent yourself as another person, real or fictitious, or otherwise attempt to obscure your identity as a means to circumvent the prohibitions listed above and below.

In addition to the absolute prohibitions listed above, the actions listed below strongly are discouraged. Violations of these suggested guidelines may be considered unprofessional behavior and may form a basis for disciplinary action.

  • Use of vulgar or profane language.
  • Display of language or photographs that implies disrespect for any individual or group because of age, race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
  • Presentation of personal photographs or photographs of others that may reasonably be interpreted as condoning irresponsible use of alcohol, substance abuse, or sexual promiscuity.
  • Presentation of personal engagement in illegal activities, including use of recreational drugs.
  • Posting of potentially inflammatory or unflattering material on another individual’s website or social media platform.

When using any social networking websites/applications, students are strongly encouraged to use a personal email address, one that is separate from their KUMC email address, as their primary means of identification. Individuals also should make every effort to present themselves in a mature, responsible, and professional manner. Discourse should always be civil and respectful.

Weapons on Campus policy

KU Medical Center prohibits faculty, staff, students, and visitors from carrying weapons of any type on its Kansas City, Kansas campus. For additional information, please see the  KU Medical Center procedures for implementing university-wide weapons policy. Students who conceal carry on the Lawrence or Edwards campuses are responsible for making alternative arrangements when attending classes in Kansas City.

Students can transfer a handgun from a backpack or purse to a secure location such as the trunk of their locked vehicle. Individuals who violate the weapons policy or procedures may be asked to leave campus with the weapon and may face disciplinary action under the appropriate university code of conduct.


Departmental Policy Information

Each department or program in the School of Health Professions has responsibilities for informing students in writing about the following:

  1. Department/program policies and procedures, including:

    1. Academic standing required for continuation and/or satisfactory completion of the program

    2. Attendance requirements

    3. Dress code

    4. Technical standards

  2. Expectations for student performance

  3. Features of academic and nonacademic misconduct

  4. Potential consequences resulting from not meeting expectations, up to and including dismissal

  5. Grievance and appeals procedures


Performance Standards and Policies

Professional Conduct

The University of Kansas Medical Center/The University of Kansas Health System is at once both a campus for education and a hospital complex devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of the sick. Thus, it is imperative that students conduct themselves in such a manner as to maintain both the professionalism which typifies those who dedicate themselves to maintenance of health through education, service and research, and the hygienic conditions most conducive to that maintenance of health.

Since the student has chosen to become a health care professional, it is the administration's view that such professionalism reflected by appropriate behavior, appearance, and personal hygiene should begin on the first day of school and continue throughout the career.

We expect students to express a concern and respect for the rights, dignity, and contributions of all people regardless of differences, in all interactions – including with peers, faculty, and recipients of health care services. Indeed, an ability to understand the beliefs, attitudes, and values of other individuals and to value their contributions is a crucial trait for successful and effective practice.

KU Medical Center offers frequent opportunities to explore and enhance your understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion. Your practice and professional career both will benefit from thoughtful incorporation of these principles.

 

Notification and Scheduling Performance Activities

The department chair or program director, in collaboration with faculty, has the responsibility and discretion to schedule all tests, examinations, other performance requirements and activities and final examinations with due regard for any procedures of the School of Health Professions, the Office of Graduate Studies and/or any school offering a particular course.

At the beginning of a course, students should receive a schedule of all evaluation activities, including performance requirements, observations, papers, major examinations, any final examination or other required activity, as well as a statement of the policies governing the use of individual performance results in computing and assigning grades.

Students are responsible for keeping track of their grades each semester and for recognizing when their anticipated course grade is below course and program standards or places them in academic jeopardy in any way. Students are expected to seek assistance from the course instructor at such times, or sooner if they feel they need support from faculty to be successful.

Course instructors provide students with information about performance standards in the course syllabus; they are not expected to provide additional warnings concerning a particular student's prospects for an unacceptable course grade.

End of Semester

The program will notify the student in writing if semester grades result in a change of status in the program (i. e., good standing, probationary status, dismissal).

Grade Policies

  • Undergraduate Programs – The letters A, B, C, D, I, F (and S and U for certain approved courses) are used in the School of Health Professions. Departments may have specific policies about the requirements and outcomes for particular grades; students are responsible for this information. All other regulations on grading specified in the  Handbook for Faculty.

  • Graduate School – The minimum criteria for grading is outlined in the  Handbook for Faculty; the department may select higher criteria for graduate school performance.

Academic and Nonacademic Misconduct

Each program has rules regarding academic and non-academic misconduct. Students have the responsibility to know these rules. In addition to program rules, the School of Health Professions has its own rules regarding academic and nonacademic misconduct:

Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Giving, receiving, or utilizing unauthorized aid on examinations, assignments, preparation of notebooks, themes, reports, projects, and/or other assignments or undertakings

  • Misrepresenting the source of academic work

  • Copying from a textbook or class notes during a closed book exam

  • Taking a test or writing a paper for another student

  • Securing or supplying in advance a copy of an exam without the knowledge and consent of the instructor

  • Using non-approved technology during an exam

  • Falsifying clinical hours or student data

  • During clinical education, engaging in any unprofessional behavior, inappropriate acts or omissions which place the patient in jeopardy

  • During clinical education concealing and not reporting any illegal, unethical, fraudulent or incompetent acts of others

  • During clinical education, committing any breach or violation of the confidence of a person being served

  • Committing unethical practices in conducting and/or reporting research.

Nonacademic Misconduct, Definition

Students and student organizations are expected to conduct themselves as responsible and professional members of the university community. Nonacademic misconduct includes any violation of the university policy on prevention of alcohol abuse and drug use on campus and in the workplace as well as any other published University policies applicable to School of Health Professions students.

While on University premises or at university-sponsored or supervised events, students and organizations are subject to disciplinary action for violations of published policies, rules, and regulations of the university and Kansas Board of Regents, and for the following offenses:

A. Offenses Against Persons include, but are not limited to, the following:

    When a student:
  1. Threatens the physical health of another person; places another person in serious bodily harm; uses physical force in a manner that endangers the health, welfare, or safety of another person; or willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or attempts to make unwanted contact with another person (students, patients, visitors, faculty, staff, co-workers).

  2. Exhibits inappropriate sexual behaviors with students, patients, visitors, faculty, staff, or co-workers.

  3. Possesses or carries any firearm, weapon, or explosive on University premises.

  4. Falsely reports a bomb, fire, or other emergencies.

  5. Is convicted of a misdemeanor or felony involving crimes against persons (e.g. assault, battery, physical or sexual abuse).* (See below)

  6. Is convicted of a misdemeanor or felony related to moral turpitude (e.g. prostitution, public lewdness/exposure, etc.).* (See below)

    *In this context, “conviction” is intended and understood to include pleas of guilty, pleas of nolo contendere, and diversion agreements.

B. Offenses Against Property include, but are not limited to, the following:

    When a student:
  1. Knowingly and without proper consent or authorization has in his or her possession the property of another person, the University, or any clinical site.

  2. Knowingly and without proper consent or authorization removes, uses, misappropriates, or sells the property of another person, the University, or any clinical site.

  3. Willfully or maliciously damages or destroys property owned or in the possession of another person, the university, or any clinical site.

  4. Obtains the property of another person by misrepresentation or fraudulent means.

  5. Misuses, damages, or alters any fire fighting or other safety equipment.

  6. Enters the facilities of, or uses the property of another person, the University, or any clinical site without proper consent or authorization.

  7. Knowingly, and without proper payment, uses the services of the University or any clinical site that require payment of a charge.

C. Offenses Against the Orderly Process of The University may be committed, but are not limited to, the following:

    When a student:
  1. Intentionally causes or attempts to cause a substantial disruption or obstruction of classroom or clinical teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other University learning activities, or other authorized, permitted, or constitutionally protected activities on University premises, including employment, recruitment, and public service functions.

  2. Knowingly furnishes false information to the University, faculty, or staff; or a student, applicant, or former student forges, alters, misrepresents, or misuses University documents, records, or instruments of identification.

  3. Misuses computing resources in violation of university policy

D. Offenses by a Student Organization or Campus Organization.

Organizations may be held responsible for conduct in accordance with guidelines applicable to individual students. Organizations may be held responsible for their conduct determined to be a recognized group activity regardless of location (on or off University premises) or University supervision or sponsorship. Organizations may be sanctioned in a manner suitable to circumstances, similar to those outlined for individual students.

E. Other offenses include, but are not limited to, the following:

    1. When a student:
    2. Is convicted of a misdemeanor or felony for the sale, possession, distribution, or transfer of narcotics or controlled substances. * (See below)

      *In this context, “conviction” is intended and understood to include pleas of guilty, pleas of nolo contendere, and diversion agreements.

    3. Is impaired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs while in clinical settings or on University premises.

    4. Displays unprofessional dress including visible tattoos.

    5. Misses a clinical experience without notice and a valid reason, or leaves a clinical experience without notice and a valid reason.

    6. Uses University broadcast email for personal purposes (e.g., to sell a personal item or promote a non-KUMC event. (Per the University of Kansas Medical Center Operational Protocol: Email)

    7. Commits any other acts or omissions which, if the student were a credentialed practitioner, could result in discipline by the credentialing agency.

Alcohol and Drug Use

The KU Medical Center alcohol and drug use policy is in effect for all students. Currently, the School of Health Professions requests a drug screen only when the student’s clinical site requires one, or if there is a questionable violation of the KU Medical Center drug and alcohol policy. If a drug screening is found to be positive for drugs or alcohol, the Office of the Dean, the SHP Office of Student Affairs and a member of the SHP academic affairs committee will review the results and may refer the student to the Student Counseling Office. (Students in the nurse anesthesia program will follow the protocol as outlined in the NA program handbook.)


Actions related to academic and non-academic misconduct

If, following the program policies and procedures regarding due process, a student is found to have violated regulations or to have engaged in academic or nonacademic misconduct, the student may receive admonition, warning or censure and/or be subject to reduction of grade, academic or disciplinary probation, suspension, or dismissal.

Sanctions for Academic or Non- Academic Misconduct

Sanctions for academic misconduct or non-academic misconduct should be determined and imposed to maintain the integrity of the academic program and the rights of all individuals; maintain the mission of the University and its intellectual environment and to assist in the education of the student responsible for the academic or non-academic misconduct.

    Types of sanctions include:
  1. Warning: A formal written warning for the student’s acknowledgment and signature; the signed warning to be placed in the student’s department or program record

  2. Probation: Probationary status imposed with or without restrictions for a definite period of time not to exceed one calendar year. A student is subject to suspension or dismissal if involved in any academic or non-academic misconduct, including violations of the terms of the probation, while on probation.

  3. Suspension: Involuntary separation of the student from the university for a definite period of time after which the student is eligible to return. The student is subject to immediate dismissal if involved in any subsequent act of misconduct after the suspension has been imposed and/or lifted.

  4. Dismissal: Involuntary separation of the student from the University. See section on Due Process.

Informing Students

During the orientation period each student will sign and date a statement indicating they have access to and have read the department/program policies, the regulations and conditions related to academic misconduct and nonacademic misconduct, and the School of Health Professions student handbook.

At the beginning of each course, every instructor shall make clear the rules for the preparation of classroom assignments, collateral reading, notebooks, or other outside work so that students may not, through ignorance, subject themselves to the charge of academic misconduct.

Due Process

"Due Process" constitutes the procedural safeguards that ensure students receive fair and impartial treatment.

Faculty are expected to deal directly with students when an action that occurs in their courses causes concern. Course materials (i.e., syllabus) should outline expectations and consequences.

The department chair or program director will implement the program policies and resources to address alleged situations of academic or non-academic misconduct and to provide for due process when the situation is not resolved with the faculty.


School Appeals Procedure For Academic and Non-academic Misconduct

Appeals procedures apply to situations in which the student wishes to appeal a proposed suspension or dismissal due to alleged misconduct.  Grades are the purview of the instructor and department or program, and will not be considered in the school's appeals process. Each program in the School of Health Professions has policies that are pertinent to that program. Students are responsible for following the procedures within the program before they may file an appeal with the School.

Proposals to suspend or dismiss a student for misconduct shall be sent from the department chair or program director, in writing, to the dean of the School of Health Professions, the vice chancellor for academic affairs, and to the student. The letter shall specifically recite those facts and circumstances relied upon by the program for recommending the proposed discipline. To access the SHP appeals procedure, the student must file, in writing, a Notice of Appeal to the dean of the School of Health Professions within two (2) weeks of the date of the chair's or program director's recommendation of discipline.

Procedure for filing the Notice of Appeal

  • The student must submit the written Notice of Appeal after completing all steps to attempt resolution through department or program procedures.

  • The written appeal must include a statement regarding why the student wishes to appeal the proposed suspension or dismissal, including a description of efforts to resolve the matter within the program. The dean of the school will initiate the appointment of an appeals committee and charge the committee as specified in this policy.

Composition of the School Appeals Committee

  • There will be five members on the appeals committee.

  • No one directly involved with the grievance will be eligible to serve on the appeals committee.

  • The dean of the school will appoint a chair and two persons from the faculty to serve on the appeals committee. The dean will request that the student and the program each select an additional faculty member to serve on the committee.

Other Matters

The chair or program director of the department will decide if the student will be allowed to continue in the program until the appeals procedure is complete, providing such continuance in the School or in a clinical experience will not seriously disrupt the University or clinical site or constitute a danger to the health, safety, or welfare of patients, staff, faculty or other persons.

Should any final appeals decision occur after the first day of classes in a subsequent semester, and the final appeals decision is grounds for the student's discontinuance in the program, the policies of the KU Medical Center Office of the Registrar will determine whether or not a tuition refund will be allowed. No part of this procedure is meant to preempt University policy.

School Appeals Committee Responsibilities

The committee is responsible for determining whether the student’s proposed suspension or dismissal was for proper cause and was reasonable. The committee will make this determination by conducting a fair and impartial hearing, including a review of materials and information related to the student appeal. Since each program has policies and rules governing its particular program, it is not the purview of the appeals committee to evaluate the department's or program's policies.

School Appeals Committee Process and Hearing Procedures

1. Committee Process

  1. The committee will meet within two weeks of their appointment to consider the Notice of Appeal.

  2. Each party associated with the appeal will submit materials and the name of the individual that they have asked to serve on the committee to the associate dean in the School of Health Professions. The associate dean will provide copies of the materials to the committee, the department/program representative and to the student(s). The program and the student(s) should also provide the associate dean names of individuals who will provide testimony at the hearing. This information will be provided to the chair of the committee.

  3. Neither the student nor the program will be allowed to have legal counsel participate in the hearing. However, the student will be allowed to have a faculty or faculty advisor present at the hearing to assist in the student’s appeal presentation to the committee.

  4. Each party will have the right to present testimony, call witnesses and question witnesses related to the appeal.

  5. The hearing will be audio recorded and this will be part of the record which will be held for five (5) years.

2. Conduct of the Hearing.

The designated chair shall preside at the hearing; call the hearing to order; introduce the student(s), program representative and the committee members; review with the student that he/she has waived his/her FERPA rights to confidentiality based on the appeal request; and review with the committee any extraordinary procedures to be employed during the hearing. The chair of the committee shall be responsible for assuring the hearing proceeds in an orderly and fair manner.

  1. General Rules

    1. The chair of the committee shall preside over the hearing and shall make appropriate introductions of the parties and provide a description of the hearing procedures.

    2. All requests to address the committee shall be addressed to the chair.

    3. The chair will rule on all requests, evidentiary matters, witness concerns, and procedural points of order. In appropriate circumstances regarding hearing procedures and evidentiary matters, the chair shall have the right to declare an executive session in order to confer with committee members

    4. Common courtesy, respect, professionalism, and decency shall be observed at all times.

    5. The student shall bear the burden of persuading the committee that the proposed discipline is without proper cause and is unreasonable.

  2. Opening Statements.

    1. The chair shall make opening remarks outlining the general nature of the student’s appeal.

    2. The student may make an opening statement to the committee regarding the reasons for the appeal.

  3. Department Evidence.

    1. The department/program shall present its evidence in whatever form it chooses, including testimony from witnesses.

    2. The committee may question witnesses at any time.

    3. The student may question each witness at the conclusion of his/her initial testimony.

  4. Student Evidence

    1. If the student has not elected to make a statement earlier under b.ii. above, the student shall have the opportunity to make a statement to the committee about the suspension or dismissal charge prior to presenting evidence.

    2. The student may present evidence in whatever form he or she chooses, including testimony from witnesses.

    3. The committee may question the student’s witnesses at any time.

    4. The department/program may question each of the student's witnesses at the conclusion of his/her initial testimony.

    5. The student shall have the right to offer his/her own testimony but shall not be required to do so.

  5. Rebuttal Evidence

    The committee may permit the program and the student to offer rebuttal evidence or testimony to the other’s presentation.

3. Rights of the Committee.

The committee shall have the right to the following:

  1. Hear cases involving more than one student proposed for discipline which arises out of the same action or occurrence; provided, however, the committee shall make separate findings and recommendations for each student;

  2. Permit the incorporation into the record by reference of any documentation produced and desired in the record by the program or the student;

  3. Question witnesses or challenge other evidence introduced by either the program or the student at any time;

  4. Call additional witnesses or require additional investigation;

  5. Exclude any person from the hearing who interferes with or obstructs the hearing or fails to abide by the rulings of the chair of the committee.

4. Rights of the Student(s).

The student(s) shall have the right to:

  1. Be present at the hearing;

  2. Examine evidence presented to the committee prior to the hearing;

  3. Question witnesses present and testifying;

  4. Present evidence by witnesses or documentation; and

  5. Make a statement to the committee in mitigation or explanation of the conduct in question.

5. Determination by the Committee.

The committee shall make its factual findings and recommendations in executive session out of the presence of the department or program representative and the student(s) charged. The committee will deliberate on the merits of the case based on fair and impartial review of the information presented: A vote will be taken to determine the recommendation that will be put forward to the dean of the school.

6. Official Report of Findings and Determinations.

The committee will provide the dean with the results of its vote, along with a written report of its findings within three working days of completing deliberations. The dean has the responsibility to consider all of the underlying information and the recommendation of the committee and to make a final decision regarding the matter. The dean will notify the student and the program in writing about the decision within one week of receiving the committee’s summary and recommendations. The decision of the dean is not appealable.

7. Record of the Hearing.

The notice, exhibits, audio record, and the findings and determination of the committee and the dean’s letter to the student shall become the “Record of Case” and shall be filed in the Office of the Dean of the School of Health Professions for five (5) years.


Revised August 28, 2023.

For questions or corrections to this page, please send a message to the Office of the Dean at healthprofessions@kumc.edu. Thank you.

 

KU School of Health Professions

KU School of Health Professions
KU Medical Center
3901 Rainbow Blvd
Mailstop 2007
Kansas City, KS 66160
913-588-5235 • 711 TTY
healthprofessions@kumc.edu