Conduct Policies

Academic Freedom

Academic freedom is a cherished principle in higher education. At the University, academic freedom is the right of faculty members to express their professional opinions regarding the content of the courses they are teaching, as long as they are measured against the intellectual standards of relevant professional disciplines. It should be remembered that the content of courses often builds upon itself and this course content is coordinated to achieve the desired goal of meeting professional accreditation and national licensure subject matter. Faculty have the freedom in the classroom to discuss academic subjects, selecting instructional materials, and determining grades. Likewise, students should have the opportunity to study a wide spectrum of ideas so they may acquire critical thinking skills. We must never lose sight that our students are seeking guidance, not confusion. While they wish to know what to do in every single circumstance, we know they are better prepared if we teach them the skills and give them the content that will enable them to personally find answers. In the development of knowledge and creative activities, the faculty and student body are free to cultivate a spirit of inquiry and scholarly criticism and to examine ideas in an atmosphere of freedom and confidence.

However, there are limits to academic freedom. The courts have decided that free speech does not extend to shouting “fire” in a crowded theater. Likewise, academic freedom, the right to express ones personal views, has its limits and carries with it a measure of responsibility. By all means, faculty may express a different viewpoint about a professional topic, but it should be clearly expressed as a personal viewpoint. Faculty may not subject students to personal views and opinions concerning matters not related to the course of instruction itself. It is necessary that faculty conduct themselves accordingly, with due respect to the welfare of this University and the professions we represent. It is also necessary to ensure consistency within an integrated curriculum and when teaching various sections of the same course/seminar. The philosophy, programs, faculty, and administration of the University are not perfect, and helpful suggestions and constructive criticism can assist all; but public displeasure of University philosophies or practices has no place in our organization.

If a faculty member, staff, or student perceives an infringement on his or her academic freedom, the individual should follow the complaint policy and refer the issue to the appropriate Program Director, supervisor, and/or Dean. If the issue is not resolved in a satisfactory manner, the individual may submit a written grievance to the University’s Grievance Committee at 1 University Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32086, where the issue will be handled according to established time lines and processes.

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity means that all academic work represents the individual work of the stated author. Input and assistance from others must always be appropriate and fully acknowledged. Any deviation from this policy will be considered Academic Dishonesty.

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty can occur in many forms and variations. The following is a list of some academic dishonesty offenses:

• Cheating - a form of misrepresentation. Cheating can include, but is not limited to,
  • using another’s work as your own;
  • utilizing a paper or assignment bought or taken from a website;
  • allowing someone else to turn in your work as his or her own;
  • several people writing one paper and turning in separate copies, all represented (implicitly or explicitly) as individual work;
  • stealing an examination or a solution from the instructor;
  • looking at another student’s exam;
  • using notes or other aids in an exam when they are not permitted;
  • sharing exam questions with other students; or
  • sharing case scenarios from a practical with other students.
• Fabrication - the forgery or invention of information or citation in an academic exercise. This might include
  • the use of false results in a research study or fabricating a resource for a reference list.
• Facilitating dishonesty - assisting another to perform an act of academic dishonesty. This includes
  • someone taking an exam other than the appropriate student (it may also address misuse of a proctor); or
  • falsification of a required proctor.
• Plagiarism using another’s work without crediting that individual or receiving authorization for use. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences defines plagiarism as “knowingly using the words, ideas or language of another author without giving credit to the work.” In its severest form, plagiarism is the theft of another’s intellectual work.

The University does recognize that there are many colors and shades of plagiarism and that, at times, it may even be an inadvertent mistake, such as leaving off a reference from a bibliography.

Intentional violations are a much more serious offense. An example of this might be the use of a paragraph from a journal article without citation in a report or bulletin board response. It is with this in mind that the University has defined the following “levels of misconduct.”

Level One Academic Dishonesty

Level One violations typically occur as a result of students not familiarizing themselves with writing and course requirements. They may include the following:

• Lazy plagiarism-forgetting a citation or leaving a reference off of a reference list
• Failure to cite or acknowledge a source in a small or limited part of the paper

The instructor deals with Level One misconduct offenses and notifies the Program Director. Actions may include

• re-submission of the assignment,
• an additional assignment, or
• reduction of grade per course syllabus and/or the Student Handbook.

Level Two Academic Dishonesty

Level Two misconduct is more serious. These types of violations are more intentional in nature. The following are examples:

• Quoting directly or plagiarizing, to a moderate extent, without acknowledging the source
• Submitting the same work or major portions thereof to satisfy the requirements of more than one course, or the same course when repeated, without permission from the instructor
• Receiving assistance and failing to acknowledge this in a paper or research study

The instructor, in consultation with the appropriate Program Director, deals with most Level Two misconduct offenses. Actions may include

• a zero grade for an assignment,
• writing a paper on academic ethics, or
• reduction of grade, per course syllabus and/or the Student Handbook.

Records of students who commit the above type of offense will be maintained in the student’s file until the student completes the program.

Level Three Academic Dishonesty

These violations are the most serious type of offense:

• Copying another’s exam
• Plagiarizing a substantial amount of text in an assignment or assessment
• Enabling someone else to copy your material during an exam
• Using books, notes, or other forbidden aids during an examination
• Giving or receiving information about the content of an exam
• Stealing or distributing a copy of an examination
• Submitting the work of someone else as your own
• Using purchased or copied manuscripts
• Removing posted or reserved instructional material, or otherwise preventing access to it
• Inventing material (this includes citing artificial sources)
• Using illegal or unethical means of acquiring information
• Utilizing an instant messenger or phone while taking an online exam
• A repeat offender—one who has been caught more than once in an act of academic dishonesty

Students committing Level Three academic dishonesty offenses will be referred to the Professional Misconduct Committee. The Professional Misconduct Committee will make appropriate recommendations to the designated Program Director. Actions may include dismissal from the program.

Professional Misconduct

Disciplinary Action

A student, faculty member, or any other member of the community of interest may initiate complaints against a student possibly warranting disciplinary action for professional misconduct. Referrals for student misconduct are sent to the Professional Misconduct Committee (PMC). The PMC is comprised of Program Directors who handle complaints where students may be dismissed or their academic progression affected.

Professional behavior is expected at all times. At the faculty’s discretion an incidence of professional misconduct may result in a final grade course reduction of 10%. Repeated or egregious incidences of professional misconduct should be referred to the Professional Misconduct Committee (PMC).

Although not inclusive, the following list of misconduct behaviors provides examples of acts that may be subject to disciplinary action:

• Level III academic dishonesty, such as Cheating, plagiarism, falsification of records, unauthorized possession of examinations or parts of examinations, intimidation, and any other actions that may affect the evaluation of a student’s academic performance or achievement.
• Repeated Level I or II academic dishonesty
• Disruption of teaching, research, administration, and disciplinary proceedings or other institutional activities.
• Physical and/or mental abuse of any person or any form of harassment as defined under the Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy
• Failure to follow directives of authorized University personnel acting in the performance of their duties
• Destruction, misuse, damage, or defacement of any University property, or property leased or controlled by the University
• Violation of the Internet Acceptable Use Policy
• Violence, hazing, or the threat of violence including possession or use of firearms, fireworks, explosives, incendiary devices, or other weapons of any description, including air rifles and pistols, on the University campus
• Unauthorized participation in, agitation of, or instigation of any activity that interferes with ingress or egress from University facilities and/or that interrupts any activities of the University community in its normal functioning
• The use, possession, sale, or distribution of nonprescription and prescription-controlled substances
• Permitting or engaging in unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys, passwords, or access cards to any University premises, hardware, software, or services
• Any action without authorization from the University that modifies, destroys, discloses, or takes data, programs, or supporting documents residing in or relating in any way to a University computer, computer system, or computer network, or causes the denial of computer system service to an authorized user of such a system
• Repetitive violation of any University policy
• Commission of an act that would constitute a crime under federal, state, or local law
• Unprofessional behavior while on internship, fieldwork, clinical rotation, or practicum, or any off-campus activity when representing the University.

Professional Misconduct Committee Procedures

The University has established a Professional Misconduct Committee (PMC) to hear each complaint. A student may be required to appear before the PMC or in certain circumstances be allowed to speak to the committee via telephone or webinar conference.

At least 5 business days in advance of the hearing, a student shall be given written notice of the allegations against him or her and the opportunity to respond. Hearings before the PMC shall be informal. The allegations and evidence against a student shall be presented by the chair of the PMC. The student then will be given an opportunity to present his or her version of events, facts, and evidence in his or her defense. Formal rules of evidence do not apply. Documentary evidence and hearsay shall be admissible, but the PMC shall determine the proper weight to be accorded to hearsay evidence.

1. If the PMC finds that the facts do not support the allegation(s), a recommendation to dismiss charges will be made. The chair of the PMC will transmit the committee’s recommendation that charges be dismissed and as applicable, any preventative recommendation(s) in writing to the student’s Program Director within 4 business days following the conclusion of the hearing. The Program Director will review the PMC recommendations and provide a written response to the student within 2 business days outlining his or her decision on the matter.
2. If the PMC finds that the facts support the allegation(s) against the student, the student shall be found guilty, and the PMC will recommend disciplinary action(s), which can range from a written warning to dismissal from the program. The chair of the PMC will transmit the committee’s recommendations to the student’s Program Director within 4 business days following the conclusion of the hearing. The Program Director will review the PMC recommendations and provide a written response to the student within 2 business days outlining his or her decision on the matter.
3. A student referred to the PMC may not withdraw from the University until the findings of the PMC have been made and the student has been informed of the decision.

The PMC record of the case shall be maintained by the Program Director’s Administrative Assistant apart from the student’s academic record for 5 years following the student’s last date of attendance.

Student’s Right of Appeal

Each student has the right to appeal the decisions of the Program Director. The student may continue to participate in academic and co-curricular activities until a final determination is made, including any appeal, except where immediate suspension is reasonably required for the safety and welfare of students, faculty, staff, or University property. If the decision the student is appealing includes program dismissal, the student may continue to attend classes (excluding internship or fieldwork courses) during the appeal process, but he or she is not considered an enrolled student and is therefore not eligible for financial aid.

To request an appeal, the student must provide to the Registrar a completed PMC Appeal Request Form (available with procedures on myUSA, Students tab) along with a written statement of the basis for his or her appeal within 10 business days from the date the decision letter is emailed or mailed to the student’s last known address.

An appeal may be based only on the grounds that

1. the PMC failed to comply with the procedural requirements outlined herein and/or elsewhere in this handbook;
2. there is relevant and material evidence which, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, could not have been produced or which was improperly excluded at the hearing before the PMC; or
3. the evidence presented at the PMC hearing was not sufficiently substantial to justify the final decision.

If the Registrar has not received the completed form and written statement (email or letter is acceptable) within the specified time frame, the decision of the Program Director will be final, and no further appeals are available to the student.

If an appeal is filed, the Registrar will, within 10 business days, forward to the Dean of the division in which the student is enrolled, or the Dean’s designee, the student’s completed PMC Appeal Request Form and written statement, along with copies of all materials provided to the PMC, and the written decisions of the Program Director.

The Dean has 10 business days* to consider the appeal request. The Dean may deny the appeal for failure to allege facts that, if true, would be sufficient to constitute grounds for appeal. The Dean may also modify the decision or approve the appeal request. Should the Dean deny the appeal, the decision of the PMC and Program Director will stand affirmed. The student will be notified in writing of the Dean’s decision regarding the appeal.

The student can appeal the decision of the Dean to the University President. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the President within 5 business days from the date of mailing of the Dean’s decision letter. If the decision of the President includes suspension or dismissal, the student will no longer be permitted to remain in any course. The decision of the President shall be final.

Refer to the Forms list on the Student Services tab of myUSA for procedures associated with the nonacademic appeal process.

The Program Director’s Administrative Assistant will maintain all records included in an appeal apart from the student’s academic record for 5 years following the student’s last date of attendance.

^{*Should the Dean, or the Dean’s designee, receive an appeal request during the last 15 days of the term or during the trimester break, as indicated on the Academic Calendar, it will be considered during the first 10 business days following the first day of class of the subsequent term.}

Permanent Record

Records of the following will be maintained.

1. Records of the sanctions of the Academic Appeals Committee and the Professional Misconduct Committee will be maintained permanently.
2. Records of all other sanctions will be maintained for 5 years from the last day of the academic year in which the incident occurred.
3. A copy of any warning or disciplinary action that is placed on a student’s record will be given to the student.

Religious Accommodation

It is the policy of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences that an instructor will make a reasonable attempt to accommodate student needs in the case of serious incompatibility between a student’s religious creed and a scheduled test or examination. This requirement will not apply in the event that administering the test or examination at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship which could not reasonably have been avoided. Undue hardship occurs when granting a requested accommodation would require significant expense or difficulty for the University or other students in the class, or would result in the inability of the student to perform the essential functions of his or her course/program of study. The determination of undue hardship is dependent on the facts of each individual situation.

Accommodation for alternative examination dates will be worked out directly and on an individual basis between the student and the instructor involved.

Students must provide reasonable notice of their need for an accommodation by making such requests of the instructor during the first 2 weeks of an academic term, or as soon as possible after a particular examination date is announced by the instructor. The timing of the request may be considered in determining whether the accommodation would create an undue hardship.

For all degree programs, there will be times when students will be required to attend weekend and/or evening activities. A student should contact the instructor to request a religious accommodation if testing will occur during these times.

If the student and instructor are unable to come to a resolution, the student should bring the matter to the Program Director, who will make a final determination.

Student Code of Conduct

Admittance to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences carries with it an obligation and responsibility to abide by federal, state, and local law, respective county and city ordinances, as well as all University rules, regulations, and procedures. Admission to the University is a privilege, not a right, and is extended to those individuals who meet all admission criteria. All students, faculty, guests, patients, and staff of the University have a responsibility to report violations of the Student Code of Conduct to the appropriate officials. As a student you will be asked to read and acknowledge this as part of the enrollment process.

The following behaviors are to be adhered to at all times while on University facilities or when associated with the University in any manner:

• The University is a tobacco and e-cigarette free, drug-free, and alcohol-free environment, therefore no smoking or being under the influence of banned substances or intoxicants is permitted.
• Use of profane language is not acceptable.
• Weapons are not permitted.
• Violence, or the threat of violence in any form, is not tolerated.
• Sexual or other forms of harassment will not be tolerated.
• The Internet Acceptable Use Policy must be adhered to at all times.
• It is expected that students will:
  • conduct themselves with professionalism, courtesy, and respect for others in all dealings with institution staff, faculty, and other students;
  • present qualifications and background truthfully and accurately for admission and other academic-related documentation to the institution;
  • observe the institutional policies and rules on submitting work, taking examinations, participating in online discussions, and conducting research;
  • never turn in work or present another person’s ideas or scholarship as one’s own;
  • never ask for, receive, or give unauthorized help on graded assignments, quizzes, or examinations;
  • never divulge the content of or answers to quizzes or examinations to fellow students;
  • never improperly use, destroy, forge, or alter the institution’s documents, transcripts, or other records; and
  • never divulge one-s online username and password.

The following interpersonal behaviors are expected at all times:

Of paramount concern is that students and graduates of the University display and present a positive and respectful attitude to their patients/clients, colleagues, supervisors, faculty, staff, community, and to the University. This attitude is a key ingredient to successful completion of studies at the University and to excel as health care professionals. Students will endeavor at all times to

• Utilize titles and surnames when addressing authorized University personnel
• respect the worth and individuality of every person (e.g., listen/pay attention while others are speaking and promote constructive feedback);
• refrain from disruptive behavior;
• refrain from proselytization (proselytization is defined as aggressively and/or harassingly trying to convert, recruit, or induce someone to join one’s own political cause or to espouse one’s own doctrine); and
• respect confidentiality.

Always report any violations of the Code of Conduct to the appropriate institution official, and report any evidence of cheating, plagiarism, or improper conduct on the part of any student of the institution when there is direct knowledge of these activities. Failure to observe the Student Code of Conduct is professionally unacceptable and could negatively impact academic progression.

Student Conduct Policies (Specific)

Classroom and Laboratory Conduct and Standards

Students are expected to arrive to lecture and lab sessions on time and with the appropriate clothing and equipment. The following behaviors are also expected in all lecture and lab session:

• No food or drinks (except in spill-proof containers) are permitted in the lecture or lab areas. Gum chewing is only allowed during written examinations. No bubbles may be blown.
• Students are expected to assist the instructors in the pre- and post-lab organization of equipment.
• Students will operate lab equipment in a safe and respectful manner.
• Shoes must be removed while on the lab tables or mats.

Flex courses may include labs for learning hands-on skills. Lab sessions are typically scheduled for Saturday and Sunday; however, some PT coursework requires weekday attendance. Students are notified of the next term’s lab schedule approximately 2 months before the start of the term.

Professional Dress and Appearance Code

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences students are highly visible to the public and should be sensitive to this fact. The following guidelines will be interpreted and enforced in a manner determined by the faculty and administration to be in the best interest of both the University and the professions of physical therapy and occupational therapy. Further, the University is free to change these guidelines without prior notice to students, although every effort will be made to provide such notice.

It is intended that daily appearance on campus be analogous to daily appearance in the future as a health professional and as an ambassador for our University and profession. A high level of professionalism comes naturally when practiced at a high level daily.

Students must abide by the following policies regarding professional dress and appearance while on the University campus. The University’s campus consists of the entire physical plant, which includes the student parking lot, faculty and staff parking lots, all classrooms, laboratories, lounges, hallways, lobby, and library. The University is a 7-day-a-week campus and a professional environment. This dress code is in effect during scheduled classroom and lab hours.

• University ID: The University ID must be properly exposed above the waist on your front collar or on a lanyard at all times.
• Grooming: Students will portray the well-groomed appearance of a responsible health professional. Hair will be clean, neat, of natural color, and, in the case of both men and women, will not be excessively long. Nails must be groomed to ¼″ or less with neutral polish only (no artificial nails). Men must be cleanly shaven or well groomed; beards or mustaches are acceptable. No heavy makeup, perfume, cologne, or aftershave.
• Accessories, Jewelry, Body Piercing, and Tattoos: All accessories and jewelry shall be free of writing, pictures, symbols, or any other insignia that are crude, vulgar, profane, obscene, libelous, slanderous, or sexually suggestive. Any accessory or jewelry that creates a safety or health concern, or causes or threatens to cause a disruption to the educational process, is prohibited. Dark glasses, sunglasses, hats, caps, visors, and other head coverings shall not be worn indoors. No tattoos may be visible.
  • Unacceptable for men: Earrings or other body piercing jewelry are prohibited on campus.
  • Unacceptable for women: Body piercing jewelry other than lobe earrings (maximum of two earrings per lobe) is prohibited on campus.
• Swimsuit: Recreational and instructional swimsuit attire must not be disruptive or distracting. For women, one-piece swimsuits are preferred. Suits must fully cover the chest and buttocks. For men, mid-thigh swimsuits are preferred. All swimsuits must remain nontransparent when wet. Any swimsuit not appropriate will require shorts and shirt.

All students must maintain high standards as individuals in order to uphold the reputation of our University and professions. Being neatly dressed, well-groomed, and avoiding faddish modes of dress is required. It is University policy that students maintain University dress code while on the University’s campus or while participating in any coursework outside the University’s campus. The following outlines the required Professional Dress and Appearance Code for scheduled events.

Lecture Attire

• Acceptable attire for men: Collared shirts only (button-down oxford or polo-type) are permitted. Shirts must be of a length that can be tucked into and remain in the pants. If you can do three full-extension jumping jacks without your shirt becoming untucked, your shirt is acceptable. Dress or walking shorts (just above the knee) or casual dress pants are preferred. Jeans are acceptable provided they are in good condition. Dress sandals (Teva or Birkenstocks), clean tennis or running shoes, or any other closed-toed shoe with socks are acceptable.
  
  Unacceptable attire for men: Shirts without collars, t-shirts, tank tops, sleeveless tops, low-cut shirts, “grunge look” pants, and bib overalls, are not acceptable; nor are thong-type, “beach casual,” or flip-flop sandals. Underwear is not permitted to show outside or through the clothing. No exposure of gluteal fold is permitted.
• Acceptable attire for women: Shirts should have sleeves; however, a “professional-looking” sleeveless blouse is acceptable. Shirts must be of a length that can be tucked into and remain in the pants. If you can do three full-extension jumping jacks without your shirt becoming untucked, your shirt is acceptable. Dress or walking shorts (just above the knee) or casual dress pants are preferred. Jeans are acceptable provided they are in good condition. Skirts and dresses may not be unreasonably short for a practicing health professional. Dress sandals, clean tennis or running shoes, or any other closed-toed shoe with socks/stockings are acceptable.
  
  Unacceptable attire for women: T-shirts, tank tops, low-cut shirts, yoga, “hip-hugger” pants, “grunge look” pants, bib overalls, and “beach casual” or flip-flop sandals are not acceptable. Underwear is not permitted to show outside or through the clothing. No exposure of midriffs, cleavage, or gluteal fold is permitted.

Guest Lecture Attire

On occasion, students are required to wear business attire on days when guest lecturers and/or others are visiting the University. Students may also be required to wear business attire when giving formal presentations or case presentations as a part of their coursework. Appropriate business attire for men is a business suit including jacket, dress shirt, and a tie, or a blazer and dress pants with a dress shirt and tie. Appropriate business attire for women is a business suit (skirt or pants) including jacket and blouse. Skirts may not be unreasonably short for this professional health care environment (skirt hems should be no higher than three inches from the top of the patella). Shoes are to be closed toe and closed heel. Course instructors reserve the right to modify or further specify required dress for guest lectures or presentations. Refer to individual course syllabi for further requirements.

Laboratory Attire

Certain labs require laboratory dress and some require special dress for physical assessment or manual techniques inducing perspiration or for the handling of special materials. Unless otherwise noted in the class syllabus, students may arrive on campus in laboratory attire if lab is their first scheduled class of the day. However, students must change from laboratory attire into lecture attire for the remainder of their scheduled classes. Students without lab as their first scheduled class must arrive on campus in lecture attire and change into laboratory attire immediately prior to a lab session.

• Solid color gym shorts that allow for modesty and free movement and a plain solid-colored T-shirt are acceptable. T-shirts should be devoid of any print or pictures with the exception of official University of St. Augustine logo which is permissible. T-shirts MUST be clean, properly sized, and be of a length that can be tucked into and remain in the pants.
• When t-shirts are approved for University sponsored activities, students will be notified if they are also approved as lab wear. Athletic shoes with socks are required. Nails must be groomed to ¼″ or less with neutral polish only (no artificial nails).
  • Scrubs, to include matching tops and bottoms, are acceptable for certain labs (Anatomy dissection and Neuroscience for example) as defined by class syllabi.
  • For many labs, women will need to wear a sports bra, halter-top, or a bathing suit top that exposes the scapulae and may be unfastened at the back.
• Unacceptable attire for both men and women: Jean shorts, cargo-style, cutoffs, or bright neon shorts are not acceptable. Underwear is not permitted to show outside or through the clothing. No exposure of midriffs, cleavage, or gluteal fold is permitted.

Students requiring medical or cultural allowances for certain policies, including dress and appearance code, must have the approval of their respective Program Director.

Clinical Affiliation Attire

Please refer the Clinical Education Handbook.

Miami Campus Dress Code 

Acceptable attire for men and women:

Solid color polo-type shirts are permitted. The shirts must be tucked into and remain in the pants/shorts. If you can do three full-extension jumping jacks without your shirt becoming untucked, your shirt is acceptable. Dress or walking shorts (Chino style and above the knee) or casual dress pants are required.  Acceptable color for pants and shorts are brown, black and shades of brown and black.  A belt must be worn.   

Shoes: Must be clean tennis or running shoes, or any other closed-toed shoe is acceptable. Socks are required and must be a solid colored and ankle length. 

Unacceptable attire for men: Shirts without collars, t-shirts, tank tops, sleeveless tops, low-cut shirts, “grunge look” pants, cargo pants and bib overalls, are not acceptable; nor are thong-type, “beach casual,” or flip-flop sandals. Underwear is not permitted to show outside or through the clothing. No exposure of gluteal fold is permitted.

Unacceptable attire for women: T-shirts, tank tops, low-cut shirts, “hip-hugger” pants, “grunge look” pants, cargo pants, leggings (yoga pants), bib overalls, and “beach casual” or flip-flop sandals are not acceptable. Underwear is not permitted to show outside or through the clothing. No exposure of midriffs, cleavage, or gluteal fold is permitted.

Guest Lecture Attire

On occasion, students are required to wear business attire on days when guest lecturers and/or others are visiting the University. Students may also be required to wear business attire when giving formal presentations or case presentations as a part of their coursework. Appropriate business attire for men is a business suit including jacket, dress shirt, and a tie, or a blazer and dress pants with a dress shirt and tie. Appropriate business attire for women is a business suit (skirt or pants) including jacket and blouse. Skirts may not be unreasonably short for this professional health care environment (skirt hems should be no higher than three inches from the top of the patella). Shoes are to be closed toe and closed heel. Course instructors reserve the right to modify or further specify required dress for guest lectures or presentations. Refer to individual course syllabi for further requirements.

Laboratory Attire

Certain labs require laboratory dress. These are scrubs.Scrubs for labs must be solid color, with matching tops and bottoms (also considered Rehab Professional).  

Alternate Lab Attire

Some labs require special dress for physical assessment or manual techniques inducing perspiration or for the handling of special materials. Students are required to change to and from lecture and laboratory attire immediately preceding and after laboratory class.

Specifications for Alternate Dress lab attire as defined in the course syllabi. 

Above knee gym shorts (2”- 6” above knee) must be a solid color that allows for modesty and free movement and a plain solid -colored T-shirt are acceptable. T-shirts should be devoid of any print or pictures with the exception of official University of St. Augustine logo which is permissible. T-shirts MUST be clean, properly sized, and be of a length that can be tucked into and remain in the pants.

When t-shirts are approved for University sponsored activities, students will be notified if they are also approved as lab wear. Athletic shoes with ankle socks are required. Nails must be groomed to ¼′′ or less with neutral polish only (no artificial nails). 

Shoes: Must be clean tennis or running shoes, Socks are required and must be a solid colored and ankle length. 

Jewelry must be removed.

For many exercise and manual therapy labs, women will be required to wear a sports bra, halter-top, or a bathing suit top that exposes the scapulae and may be unfastened at the back. Please note an appropriate T-shirt or polo shirt must be worn over this until asked to remove.

Unacceptable attire for both men and women: Jean shorts, cutoffs, or bright neon shorts are not acceptable. Underwear is not permitted to show outside or through the clothing. No exposure of midriffs, cleavage, or gluteal fold is permitted. Students requiring medical or cultural allowances for certain policies, including dress and appearance code, must have the approval of their respective Program Director.

Clinical Affiliation Attire

Please refer the Clinical Education Handbook.

Student Rights

All students enrolled at the University are accorded the basic rights as set forth by the Board of Directors Student rights are as follows:

• The right of respect for personal feelings.
• The right of freedom from indignity of any type.
• The right to expect an education of the highest quality.
• The right to make the best use of one’s talents and time toward the objectives which brought him or her to the University.
• The right to inquire about and to recommend improvements in policies, regulations, and procedures affecting the welfare of students.
• The right for students and/or their representatives to meet with the appropriate Program Director, Chair, Dean, and the President.
• The right of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly as defined by the Constitution of the United States and laws of the States of Florida, California, and Texas.
• The right to participate in dialog during public discussions that provide a diversity of opinion.
• The right to join organizations for educational, political, social, religious, and cultural purposes within the limits imposed by their responsibilities to each other and to the student life of the University.
• The right of due process.
• The right of freedom of the press and media (newspaper, radio, television, etc.) to publish and distribute materials will be granted when identified by authorship and sponsorship.

Student Responsibilities

The University expects its students to be responsible for helping to maintain a healthy academic climate where students can grow and develop as mature individuals with a commitment to lifelong learning. Student responsibilities include the following:

• The responsibility of assuming the consequences of one’s own actions and of avoiding conduct detrimental to fellow students and University employees.
• The responsibility of taking the initiative to volunteer for service on committees.
• The responsibility for ensuring that the essential order of the University is maintained.
• The responsibility for academic work and clinical education requirements.
• The responsibility to be fully acquainted with and to adhere to the University’s Catalog, Student Handbook, and other published policies and procedures.