Oct 08, 2024  
2023-2024 University Catalog & Student Handbook 
    
2023-2024 University Catalog & Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Conduct & Responsibilities



Conduct & Responsibilities

The University requires all students to be responsible individuals who possess the highest standards of integrity, honesty and personal conduct. These traits are prerequisites to independent learning, professional development, the successful performance of academic and clinical assignments, and the conduct of one’s personal life. Accordingly, students are expected to adhere to a standard of behavior consistent with the University’s high standards at all times off and on campus. Compliance with institutional rules and regulations, in addition to city, state and federal laws, is required of all students.

Code of Professional Conduct

It is not possible to enumerate all forms of inappropriate behavior. The following, however, are examples of behavior that could constitute a violation of University policy. Accordingly, KCU has established the following Code of Professional Conduct, indicating behavior that is subject to disciplinary action:

  • Harassment, harm, abuse, damage, or theft to or of any individual or property;
  • Physical or verbal abuse or the threat of such abuse to any individual;
  • All forms of dishonesty: cheating, plagiarism, knowingly furnishing false information to the University, forgery, alteration or unapproved use of records;
  • Entering or using KCU or hospital/clinic/research facilities without authorization;
  • Disrupting teaching, research, administrative or student functions of the University;
  • Actions resulting in being charged with a violation of federal, state or local laws, excluding minor traffic violations; and/or failure to report such charges/violations to KCU administration within 48 hours;
  • Participation in academic or clinical endeavors at KCU or its affiliated institutions while under the influence of alcohol, non-prescribed controlled substances or illicit drugs;
  • Unlawful use, possession or distribution of illegal drugs, non-prescribed controlled substances, or alcohol at any time
  • Placing a patient in needless jeopardy;
  • Unethical disclosure of privileged information;
  • Behavior or appearance that demonstrates abusive or disrespectful conduct toward members of the faculty, administrative or professional staff, employees, students, patients or visitors of the University;
  • Violation of any established rules, regulations, and policies of KCU, KCU-endorsed organizations, KCU departments or affiliated institutions;
  • Failure to report an observed violation.
  • Conspiring, planning or attempting to achieve any of the above acts.

Inappropriate & Unprofessional Behaviors

During scheduled classes, the following behaviors are considered inappropriate and unprofessional by students, including but not limited to:

  • Any disruptive behaviors that detract from learning by other students (e.g., talking, making excessive noise, playing games).
  • Any disrespectful behaviors toward the faculty member (e.g., talking, inappropriate questions, inattentive behaviors).

Students exhibiting inappropriate and unprofessional behaviors may be referred to Student Services and may face disciplinary action.

Inappropriate, unprofessional, or disruptive behavior is at times the result of emotional or mental distress that can be symptomatic of larger psychiatric issues. Please see the Student Mental and Physical Health Concerns  section of this catalog for information.

Academic Dishonesty

The University holds its students to the highest standards of intellectual and professional integrity. Therefore, the attempt of any student to pass any examination by improper means, present work which the student has not performed, or aid and abet a student in any dishonest act will result in disciplinary action, which may include immediate dismissal. Any student witnessing or observing a perceived violation of academic integrity is required to report it. Students failing to report an observed violation will also be subject to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.

Alcohol & Drugs

A link to the Drug and Alcohol Policy is available on the KCU intranet here.

This policy applies to all employees, students, applicants for employment, customers, third-party contractors and all other persons who participate in the University’s educational programs and activities, including third-party visitors on campus (the University community).

KCU’s Student Code of Professional Conduct and disciplinary actions for violation of KCU’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy is administered by the Office of Student Services. The Office of Student Services is charged with facilitating the resolution process used to determine responsibility. The Office of Student Services, under the authority of the vice provost for Student Services, work with parties to determine appropriate educational measures and sanctions. These measures cover a wide range of educational sanctions, including but not limited to suspension and expulsion from the institution. Student Services may delegate portions of the Conduct Process to other units of the University who have a vested interest in the conduct of smaller student communities.

Counseling & Treatment Programs

The University encourages individuals with alcohol- or other drug-related problems to seek assistance.

KCU Counseling Services
Schedule an appointment here: https://counseling.kansascity.edu/TitaniumWeb/

Emergency Contact for Students, Faculty & Staff
KCU Safety & Emergency Management
Kansas City: 816.654.7911 (Emergency back-up line when power is out - 816.474.7261)
Joplin: 417.208.0800 (Emergency back-up line when power is out - 417.758.9999)

ERS Employee Assistance Program
1.800.292.2780 - www.mylifeexpert.com
ERS, an external student assistance program that connects students and their families to free and confidential counseling services.

The Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons’ (MAOPS) sponsored Physician & Health Professional Wellness Program (a.k.a. Physicians Health Program)
573.632.5562 - www.maops.org/page/PhysicianHealth

Professional Renewal Center
785.842.9772 - http://prckansas.org/

Acumen Assessments

National Clearinghouse for Drug & Alcohol Information
800.729.6686 - Toll-free
The clearinghouse provides resources for specialists and referrals to local self-help groups.

University Sanctions

The use or abuse of alcohol and other drugs also increases the risks of behavioral and social problems such as negative effects on academic work performance; conflicts with classmates, co-workers, family, friends and others; conduct problems resulting in disciplinary action, including dismissal from an academic program; and legal problems resulting in ticketing, fines and imprisonment.

University policies, local ordinances, state laws and federal laws prohibit the unlawful possession, and use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.

Violation of University policies will be subject to campus disciplinary review pursuant to University policies and consistent with local, state and federal laws. Disciplinary action may include dismissal of individuals and/or sanction of organizations in violation of this policy. Violators may also be subject to the loss of financial aid.

Background Check

Prior to matriculation and prior to beginning third-year clinical rotations, all KCU students will have a criminal background check performed at their own expense. The background check is to be performed by a certifying organization retained by KCU. The purpose of the background check is to satisfy federal, state and individual hospital requirements for students participating in clinical activities involving patient care. Any criminal activity occurring prior to or after matriculation must be immediately reported to the vice provost, Student Services. Failure to report may result in dismissal.

Note: Discovery following admission or matriculation of intentional misrepresentation or omission of any information used in the application process or omission of information relative to scholastic records or test records will subject the student to disciplinary action, including rescinded admission, probation, suspension, or dismissal. Matriculation will be denied to applicants who have failed to maintain a good record of scholastic performance and/or personal conduct between the time of their acceptance and matriculation at the University. The University reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant for any reason the University deems sufficient.

Dress Code

Students must maintain a neat and clean appearance befitting students attending a professional school. Therefore, all KCU students must use professional judgment when determining what to wear on KCU’s campus.

On campus the mode of dress is determined by each student’s professional judgment, unless a department, laboratory or instructor has a dress code for particular activities (an example would be interacting with a real or simulated patient).

Clothing having caricatures, messages, symbols, etc., that can be construed based on societal norms to be vulgar or offensive or contribute to creating a hostile learning environment, are considered to be unacceptable attire and demonstrate inappropriate professional judgment that is subject to review and action by Student Services.

Employment

Students are strongly discouraged from seeking off-campus employment during the academic year. Curriculum requirements preclude off campus employment.

Firearms, Explosives & Weapons

The possession or use of firearms, weapons or explosives is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, rockets, roman candles, sparklers, or other devices containing any combustible or explosive substance used to propel another object.

The policy prohibiting bringing or possessing weapons on this institution’s property does not apply in the following circumstances:

  • Local, state or federal law enforcement personnel coming onto the institution’s property in their law enforcement capacity or in accordance with other lawful authority.
  • Use or possession for a legitimate educational purpose under the sponsorship of a faculty member or other institution official, provided the faculty member or official has first obtained appropriate approvals, including the approval of the institution’s director of campus operations.
  • Use or possession for a lawful purpose within the scope of a person’s employment at the institution (e.g., campus security, police).

The University’s director of campus operations is the delegated contact for any exceptions to the above-stated prohibitions for authorized activities.

Off-Campus Activities

Off-campus activities are subject to the same laws and penalties governing all citizens. “Campus” refers to all entities owned or operated by the University or its associated corporations.

University Property & Responsibility

Students will be held responsible for damage to University property caused by their negligence or a willful act. Students must pay fully for damages within 15 days after receipt of invoice through the Office of Finance. Damage to University property is charged to the responsible student(s) at the total cost of repair or replacement. The student(s) will be subject to disciplinary action, dismissal and/or prosecution on criminal charges. The University is not responsible for the damage, loss or theft of personal property under any condition. The University is also not responsible for the payment of medical services not performed on campus.

Student Progress Committees

BIOS Student Progress Committee

The Biomedical Sciences Student Progress Committee (BIOS-SPC) is a committee made up of University faculty and staff charged with being the primary team reviewing the totality of BIOS students’ academic performance and professional conduct. BIOS-SPC reviews any academic, professional or other student matters. As a part of the comprehensive review, BIOS-SPC establishes and mandates protocols and recommendations appropriate to the individual student. The committee directs and requests students to be subject to further review and action by the BIOS-SPC for academic or professional violations.

BIOS-SPC has broad authority to review students’ records, decide how best the University can assist the student, and can recommend a broad number of options for consideration as part of any final decision.

For academic-related failures and reviews, the BIOS-SPC process is, generally speaking, as follows:

  • The student is notified of his/her academic failure via email/digital letter, and informed that he/she will appear before BIOS-SPC for review.
  • The student is instructed to meet with their advisor to discuss their academic standing and prepare for the SPC meeting.
  • The student is notified via email of the time and place of the BIOS-SPC hearing.
  • The student meets with the BIOS-SPC.
  • The BIOS-SPC then makes a recommendation to the Chair of the BIOS-SPC, who communicates the final decision to the student via email/digital letter.
  • The student is given time to consider the decision and can appeal the decision. The appeals process is explained to the student in writing when the decision is delivered. For specific instructions regarding appeals, see Student Appeals & Due Process.

CDM Student Progress Committee 

The CDM Student Progress Committee (CDM-SPC) is a committee made up of University faculty and staff, charged with being the primary team responsible for review of the totality of CDM students’ academic and professionalism performance.  The CDM-SPC evaluates student performance and identifies students in need of intervention to promote student success. The CDM-SPC has broad authority to review students’ records, determine how the University can best assist the student in academic success, and can recommend a variety of professional options as part of any final decision. 

The CDM-SPC comprehensively reviews any student’s academic record who has failed to show adequate academic progress or has demonstrated lapses in professionalism, as well as failure to comply with remediation plans. 

The committee makes recommendations to the dean regarding actions for each student based on their review and deliberation. The dean of the CDM or designee notifies students of their standing and of CDM-SPC decisions in writing.

Composition of the CDM-SPC Committee

The associate dean of Academic Affairs and Research and the associate dean of Clinical Education and Patient Care will serve as non-voting co-chairs of the CDM-SPC Committee. All voting members of the SPC are full time KCU staff and faculty with non-adjunct faculty appointments. CDM-SPC members are appointed by the dean of the CDM and are listed annually in the KCU Committee Handbook. 

A quorum of committee members is required in order for the CDM-SPC to finalize any decision.  A quorum is defined as half plus one voting members present.  The chairperson(s) of the CDM-SPC only vote in the event of a tie vote of those members present.  Any committee member overseeing the remediation or serving as the faculty advisor/coach of an individual student will recuse themselves from voting on a student they are working with.

CDM-SPC Meeting Structure

CDM-SPC meetings will take place minimally once a month and at the conclusion of each academic term. Additional meetings are called as necessary to conduct committee work and/or to address student performance. Students may be scheduled to meet, in person, with the CDM-SPC.

CDM-SPC Process

Review the CDM Academic Failures section of the Academic Standing, Warning, and Probation  policy for the outline of the CDM-SPC process. 

COM Student Progress Committee

The COM- Student Progress Committee (COM-SPC) is a committee made up of COM faculty, administrators and other appointed University faculty or staff. The COM-SPC addresses academic and professional issues when students have not successfully completed COM specific required elements for graduation.

The COM-SPC establishes and mandates protocols, and makes recommendations appropriate to the individual student. The committee has broad authority to review student records, decide how best the program and/or the University can assist the student, and has the authority to include several interventions as a part of a final decision. (See Sanctions Related to the Academic Review Process and Violations of the Code of Professional Conduct). Decisions include but are not limited to remediation of a course, academic warning/probation, repeating an academic year, or dismissal. The COM-SPC also proactively identifies students who are at academic risk. 

COM-SPC Process

Academic Failure is defined as a failure of a course, course remediation, clerkship, or any COMLEX-USA examination required for graduation. Note:
Students are allowed one COMAT failure without penalty. Failure of any second COMAT exam resulting in failure of the attached clerkship is considered an academic failure.

For academic failures, the COM-SPC process is outlined below. 
Note: Failures of a course, course remediation, clerkship, and/or any COMLEX-USA examination accrue cumulatively over a student’s academic career. For example, if a student has failed one course in the first year and fails another in the second year, the failure is considered the student’s second cumulative academic failure.

Course & Clerkship Failure

  • First Course or Clerkship Failure
    • Students are referred to the COM-SPC Subcommittee to develop a remediation plan and monitor progress on that plan. Students who do not comply with the agreed upon remediation plan will be referred to the COM-SPC.
  • Second Course or Clerkship Failure
    • Students are referred to the COM-SPC Subcommittee to develop a remediation plan and monitor progress on that plan. Students who do not comply with the agreed upon remediation plan will be referred to the COM-SPC.
  • Third Course or Clerkship Failure
    • A KCU COM student failing three courses in a single academic year is automatically suspended from KCU with no option to appeal. Student is required to meet with the vice provost for Student Services, and may be allowed to repeat the entire acaddemic year.

    • Students are referred to the COM-SPC via a formal, written notification via email from the vice provost for Student Services. Students will then follow the process described in the COM-SPC Hearing and Decision section below.
  • Fourth Course or Clerkship Failure
    • Students with four course or clerkship failures in a year or over multiple years will be referred to COM-SPC and may be dismissed.

COMLEX-USA Level 1 or 2 Exam Failures

  • First attempt
    • Students are referred to the COM-SPC to determine eligibility to remediate via a formal, written notification via email from the vice provost for Student Services. Students will then follow the process described in the COM-SPC Hearing and Decision section below.
  • Second attempt
    • Students are referred to the COM-SPC to determine eligibility to remediate via a formal, written notification via email from the vice provost for Student Services. Students will then follow the process described in the COM-SPC Hearing and Decision section below.
  • Third attempt
    • Any KCU COM student with three COMLEX-USA Level 1 or three COMLEX-USA Level 2 failures is automatically dismissed with no option for appeal.

Violations of the Code of Professional Conduct

  • KCU-COM students who violate the Professional Code of Conduct or violate the conduct expectations outlined in a course syllabus, in which the student is currently enrolled, are required to meet with the assistant vice provost for Student Services assigned to their campus. The student may also be required to meet with the campus dean, and may be referred to the COM-SPC. 

COM-SPC Hearing and Decision

To prepare, students meet with the vice provost for Student Services or their designee after receiving the written referral to the COM-SPC. Students must submit a written statement to the COM-SPC that addresses the concern, including appropriate background, context and/or additional documentation that explains circumstances and events resulting in the referral as well as proposed next steps in order to rectify the issue(s). This statement, along with the student’s entire academic and professionalism record, is available to the committee. During the hearing, students may read their letter and be asked questions by committee members. Professionalism during the hearing is expected, which includes being on time, being professionally attired in a white coat, and being in a professional environment free of distractions when conducted virtually. Students may not record the meeting per University Policy, and may not have another person present without permission.

After a thorough discussion and review of relevant policies, the issue in question, and the totality of the student’s circumstances, the COM-SPC will vote and determine a decision. The vice provost for Student Services will inform students of the decision via email. Students can appeal the decision of the COM-SPC. The appeals process is explained to the student in writing when the decision is delivered.

COM-SPC Appeal Process

Students have the right to appeal the decision of the COM-SPC for the reasons outlined under Student Appeals & Due Process. The appeals process will be communicated to the student at the time the decision is delivered. The appeals process will be communicated to the student at the time the decision is delivered. If the student wishes to appeal the decision of the COM-SPC, they will submit a written appeal to the vice provost for Student Services. The vice provost for Student Services will notify the appropriate deans, or their designees, that the appeal has been filed. (See Student Appeals & Due Process for specific instructions on appeals.) 

PsyD Student Progress Committee

The PsyD Student Progress Committee (PsyD-SPC) is a committee made up of University PsyD core faculty and one external PsyD member, who is a KCU staff/faculty member. The committee is charged with being the primary team responsible for review of the totality of PsyD students’ academic, professional, training, and other student records and performance. Two subcommittees reside under the full committee:

  • The Clinical Training subcommittee, comprised of the Director of Clinical Training and the Assistant Director of Clinical Training, reviews issues related to clinical training (i.e., violations of clinical training policies as they are listed in the Health Service Psychology Program Manual). The Clinical Training subcommittee can meet with students to address violations (e.g., issue warning letter, issue probation letter, create remediation plan, etc.) or refer students to the full PsyD-SPC for review.
  • The Attendance subcommittee, comprised of the Program Chair and the Assistant Program Chair, reviews issues related to student attendance (e.g., Excused Absence Forms). The Attendance subcommittee can refer students to the full PsyD-SPC for violations of the PsyD Attendance Policy (see Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology’s Attendance Policy).

Students must demonstrate satisfactory achievement in all of the program’s education and training profession-wide competency areas throughout their time in the program. The PsyD-SPC reviews any student’s academic and professional record that is identified as having problems within any evaluative domain in the program. The committee addresses all academic and professional issues according to the policies published in this catalog and handbook.

The PsyD-SPC also aims to proactively identify at-risk students and develop interventions that would assist students who are struggling. The following are examples of issues or problems that may lead a student to be brought before the PsyD-SPC: course failure; issues with professionalism, that do not implicate the University Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy, (e.g., recurrent tardiness, turning in assignments late, making inappropriate comments, inappropriate social media activity), and an inability to meet the Health Service Psychology’s technical standards. This list is not exhaustive and students can be referred to Student Services or the PsyD-SPC for additional issues or violations. When being referred to the PsyD-SPC, students will be provided with formal, written notification of the issue(s) from the vice provost for Student Services, as well as an opportunity to represent themselves before the PsyD-SPC regarding the issue in question.

As a part of a comprehensive review, the PsyD-SPC establishes and mandates protocols and recommendations appropriate to the individual student. The committee has broad authority to review student records, decide how best the program and/or the University can assist the student, and can recommend a broad number of options for consideration as part of any final decision. (See Sanctions Related to the Academic Review Process and Violations of the Code of Professional Conduct.)

For academic-related failures and review, the PsyD-SPC process is, generally speaking, as follows:

  • The student is notified, by the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Services, via email/digital letter, of his/her academic issue. The student is informed of the date and time the PsyD-SPC will meet to review the issue. The student is invited to submit any relevant documentation and address the committee at the hearing.
  • The student is instructed to meet with the vice provost for Student Services or their designee to better understand the PsyD-SPC hearing, how to best prepare for the hearing, and to ask any questions.
  • Once the vice provost for Student Services has provided notice of the hearing and an opportunity for the student to meet, as identified directly above, the PsyD hearing will take place. The student may or may not choose to be present at the hearing; however, the committee will render a decision even in situations where the student chooses not to attend the hearing.
  • After a thorough discussion and review of relevant policies, the issue in question, and the student’s response, the PsyD-SPC will vote and determine a decision. The PsyD-SPC Chair will then communicate the decision to the student via email/digital letter.
  • The student can appeal the decision of the PsyD-SPC. The appeals process is explained to the student in writing when the decision is delivered. For specific instructions regarding appeals, see Student Appeals & Due Process.

Student Discipline Procedures

Complaints involving alleged misconduct by students in both Kansas City and Joplin will be handled according to the following procedures except in those cases where different procedures are prescribed by another University policy (e.g., allegations of sexual harassment, research misconduct). KCU has established a multi-dimensional approach to adjudicating student misconduct, poor academic performance and/or disciplinary issues. The following steps are to be followed in any case where a student is alleged to have violated the Code of Professional Conduct as enumerated in this handbook:

  1. All reports of code violations shall be reported to Student Services and/or to the vice provost for Student Services. Reports must be filed in writing and must be signed by the reporting party.
  2. Student Services will review the report and determine if the charge is of the nature to merit an investigation of the allegation(s).
  3. If the charge is of a nature to merit an investigation, Student Services, along with the vice provost for Student Services, will gather, analyze and investigate the information. (This will be done as quickly as possible, but sometimes the nature of such investigations takes longer to gather evidence and speak with potential witnesses.)
  4. After all information is gathered, the vice provost for Student Services will apply a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard in making a judgment about the validity of the grievance and will then decide how best the alleged misconduct should be adjudicated. The multidimensional nature of KCU’s disciplinary system allows for cases to be heard by the Student Progress Committee (SPC), the student-run Honor Council or administrators within Student Services.
  5. The vice provost for Student Services will make the final decision as to how the case will be heard and will make a referral to the specific adjudicating body for disposition of the case. The student will also be notified in writing to appear before the appropriate body to have their case heard.
  6. In cases where the information does not merit referral to the SPC or the Honor Council, the case will be dealt with by Student Services staff.
  7. Once the case has been formally adjudicated, the vice provost for Student Services will then communicate in writing the outcome to the individual(s) involved.

The University reserves the right to address inappropriate behavior that does not clearly fall within the identified Code of Professional Conduct.

Student Disciplinary Committees

University Honor Council

The University Honor Council, consisting of students representing all degree programs, has authority for and addresses the highest standards of integrity, honesty and professional conduct, as well as all student Code of Professional Conduct/Honor Code policies. The KCU Honor Council may, at the request of the vice provost for Student Services, consider cases involving alleged violations of the Code of Professional Conduct/Honor Code, and make a recommendation of its determination to the applicable SPC. The applicable SPC shall review the recommendation of the Honor Council and any evidence submitted by the student at issue as well as the student’s record and will issue a written decision.  The student can appeal the decision of the applicable SPC. For specific instructions regarding appeals, see Student Appeals & Due Process.

Student Appeals & Due Process

The following assurances are granted to students in the handling of all alleged academic progress issues and violations of the Code of Professional Conduct/Honor Code:

  1. Disciplinary Notification: Any student with applicable academic progress issues or who is charged with an alleged violation of the Code of Professional Conduct/Honor Code will be given written notice. Email notification may serve as written notice.
  2. Hearing: The KCU disciplinary system is a multi-dimensional system that allows the student the right to a formal hearing through the Student Progress Committee, Honor Council, or a hearing through Student Services.
  3. Appeal: All students who are charged and found responsible for a lack of academic progress or a violation of the Code of Professional Conduct/Honor Code have the right to appeal the decision of the Student Progress Committee, or any decision made by staff members within Student Services. Within five (5) business days after the initial decision is delivered in writing to the student, the student must submit an appeal in writing to the vice provost for Student Services who will provide notice of the appeal to the deans’ panel or their designees.

In appealing a decision of the Student Progress Committee, the appeal must fall into one of the following categories:

  1. The student has new evidence, material to the decision rendered, that was not available prior to the original hearing. In this case, the matter will be returned to the appropriate SPC, which will make a determination as to whether new evidence exists. If the SPC determines new evidence exists allowing for a second SPC hearing, the second SPC hearing will be limited to the new evidence to be presented. If the SPC determines new evidence does not exist as a basis for the appeal, the SPC decision will stand.
  2. The hearing process, as outlined, was not adhered to during the SPC hearing.
  3. The sanction(s) do not relate appropriately to the violation.

Appeals that do not fall into one of these categories will not be heard and will be automatically dismissed. Appeals must clearly outline the sanction(s) the student is appealing along with any compelling argument as to why the decision should be overturned.

Appeals will be heard by a panel made up of the deans, or where appropriate their designee, of each college, the COM, COB and CDM.

The appeal is considered by the deans’ panel with the autonomy to uphold the appealed decision, reverse the decision all together, or modify the sanction. Students can expect a written decision on their appeal within a reasonable period of time from the appeal submission date. Decisions of the deans’ appeal panel are final and no further appeals will be granted. Students cannot file a grievance contesting the decision of the SPC or Appeal Panel.

Sanctions Related to the Academic Review Process Violations of the Code of Professional Conduct

The following are examples of sanctions that may be imposed as a result of the disciplinary and/or academic review process and may be levied as a result of a disciplinary or academic review hearing. This list is not exhaustive and sanctions are based on the circumstances of the charges. The merits of each case will be considered before sanctions are levied. It is the intent of the disciplinary process that the sanction(s) imposed are in response to the academic record, student’s professional behavior, any patterns of inappropriate personal behavior, and disciplinary history of the individual student.

No Action

An official response from the disciplinary body indicating that no action be taken in regards to the student’s case.

Verbal/Written Warning

Documented warning that the behavior/academic performance demonstrated was unacceptable.

Required Remediation

Required corrective academic action. This is required only after a student has failed a course, section, clerkship and/or national examination. Remediation is not guaranteed for any student who has failed a course, section, clerkship and/or national examination.

Should a professionalism issue arise and remediation is a possible action, the details of that remediation will be developed by Student Services and COM leadership and implemented in an appropriate time frame. Remediation being granted does not guarantee successful completion of program requirements.

Conditional Requirements

Official stipulations required of the student in order for the student to reconcile his/her behavior. Stipulations may include, but are not limited to the following:

Academic Probation: An official status of warning from the University, stating that the student is under the most sensitive academic monitoring and improvement plan, which becomes a part of the student’s record for the period of time they are on probation. For specific information regarding academic warning, please review:

Academic Probation - DO  
Academic Probation - PsyD 
Academic Probation - Biosciences  

Academic Warning: A status of warning from KCU to the student indicating that the University is concerned about the student’s academic performance. See the program for specific information regarding academic warning:

Academic Warning - DO  
Academic Warning - PsyD 
Academic Warning - Biosciences  

Clerkship Alterations: Required change(s) to a student’s clerkship that might increase the student’s likelihood of successful completion of said clerkship (e.g., changing location, repeating the clerkship, repeating an entire year, repeating a subject exam, completing an independent study)

Counseling Intervention: Required referral to a mental health provider for counseling when a student’s behavior indicates that counseling may be beneficial.

Disciplinary Probation: An official state of warning from the University which states that if the student violates any University policy during the probationary time, he/she could face up to suspension or dismissal depending upon the severity of the violation. The probationary status of the student may be communicated to the student’s academic advisor, faculty or any other person who has legal access to this information.

First-Year Curricular Change: A formal decision that a first-year student withdraw from COM and transfer to COB, with the possibility of readmission to COM, after meeting specified academic criteria.

Partial (nonacademic) Suspension: A partial suspension of a student’s normal right to participate in extra-curricular, co-curricular and other nonacademic activities. The student will continue to attend classes and may use all academic resources. The student will not be in good standing during the time of the suspension.

Referral to Outside Agency: The University may refer a student to the Missouri Physician’s Health Program (MAOPS PHP) or other similar programs, for assessment and treatment.

Required Tutoring/Learning Support: The University has the authority to require a student to seek mandatory tutoring and/or assistance from a learning specialist if it is deemed appropriate in assisting the student with academic performance issues.

Restrictions/Stipulations of Behavioral Activity: The University may restrict a student’s behavioral activity this is deemed appropriate, including but not limited to restricting the student’s contact with another student.

Restitution or Monetary Fine: Financial accountability for damage to property, and/or continued disciplinary problems, caused by the student, or a fine that is deemed appropriate for the offense.

Restorative Service: A project or amount of community service hours served by the student for the good of the community. This is usually completed within the community. If the service is approved to be done off-campus, it must be at a not-for-profit organization and the student cannot receive pay for his/her work.

Suspension

A formal separation of the student from the University during a specific period of time. The period of suspension can range from one semester to an indefinite period of time. The student will not be in good standing during the suspension.

Dismissal

Permanent separation of the student from KCU. Dismissal is permanently noted on the student’s KCU transcript. Students who have received a dismissal decision from the SPC cannot subsequently elect to withdraw.

Other Appropriate Actions

The University reserves the right to place a variety of disciplinary and/or academic sanctions upon a student that are not specifically outlined above, as long as they are approved by the SPC and/or campus dean of COM, the University Honor Council, and/or a member of Student Services.

Student Grievances

KCU is committed to treating all members of the University community (administrators, faculty, staff, students, applicants for employment, third-party contractors, all other persons that participate in the University’s educational programs and activities, including third-party visitors on campus) fairly with regard to their personal and professional concerns. The student grievance policy ensures that concerns are promptly dealt with and resolutions reached in a fair and just manner. The University’s grievance procedure enables students to bring complaints and problems to the attention of the University’s administration. KCU forbids any retaliatory action against students who present concerns and complaints in good faith.

Definition

A grievance is a complaint arising out of any alleged unauthorized or unjustified act or decision by an individual (e.g., student, faculty, staff, administrator) that in any way adversely affects the status, rights or privileges of a member of the student body. Such complaints may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Academic programs or courses
  • Accreditation standards or processes
  • Discrimination
  • Financial aid
  • General mistreatment
  • Harassment, including sexual violence
  • Mentoring
  • Privacy of student educational records
  • Privacy of student health records
  • Parking
  • Research
  • Security and safety
  • Student health.

University policy strongly encourages students who believe they have a concern/grievance to use all appropriate avenues for informal resolution before initiating the formal grievance procedure. Students wishing to informally resolve an issue can contact Student Services or any other academic or administrative office, on campus, which might appropriately handle said issue. If the office contacted cannot resolve the issue for the student, they will refer the student to the appropriate office and provide the student with a specific faculty/staff member who can assist them.

Should such an informal resolution be impossible, the student may pursue the following options if they wish to file a formal grievance.

Procedure

Grievances relating to sex discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual violence fall under the purview of Title IX and will be dealt with under separate procedures. For further details on the basis for these kinds of grievances see the Title IX & Sexual Misconduct Policy .

All other formal grievances should be submitted in writing to the Office of the Provost. The provost, acting in their professional capacity will review all formal grievances, with the goal of attempting to resolve the issue for the student.

Students submitting a formal grievance to the Provost should be as specific as possible regarding the action that precipitated the grievance:

  • Date
  • Location
  • Individuals involved (including witnesses)
  • Summary of the incident
  • Efforts made to settle the matter informally
  • Remedy sought.

Except as noted above or as otherwise stated in the University’s policies, grievances will be evaluated and investigated in accordance with the Student Discipline Procedures. If deemed necessary, the issue will also be referred to Human Resources or other appropriate administrative leadership team member.

A record of all formal grievances, including written findings of fact and any transcripts or audio recordings, will be kept on file in the Office of the Provost and in the student’s permanent educational file. An annual report of formal student complaints will be provided to the leadership team by June 1 of each year. Reports will be provided to the leadership team on a more frequent basis if necessary. The University uses student complaints in its ongoing performance improvement process.

Filing a Complaint with the University’s Accrediting Agencies

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA), the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) recognize their responsibility to provide complainants the opportunity to utilize their organizations as a vehicle to deal with specific grievances as well as being a mechanism for reviewing and finally resolving complaints. Complaints that cannot be addressed by the University may be filed with HLC-NCA, COCA, CODA, or the APA. Contact information for each agency can be found in the Accreditation section .

Information for Crime Victims About Disciplinary Proceedings

The University will, upon written request, disclose to the alleged victim of any crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense or, if the alleged victim is deceased as a result of the crime or offense to the alleged victim’s next of kin the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the institution against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense. Requests for such documentation should be directed to Student Services.