Code of Professional Conduct
Application and Jurisdiction
This Code applies to all students as Kansas City University. For purposes of this Code, an individual is a student if KCU has accepted the individual for admission to Kansas City University, and such student status continues until the earlier of: (a) that admission acceptance expiring without the student enrolling in courses; or (b) after enrollment, until separation from KCU, such as through voluntary separation, permanent withdrawal, dismissal, or graduation. Students on a break between semesters, or otherwise on a leave of absence or otherwise temporarily separated from KCU remain subject to this Code.
This Code continues to apply to conduct while the individual was a student, even if the individual withdraws or otherwise ends the student relationship with KCU after allegedly violating this Code.
This Code applies to alleged conduct on campus or otherwise in the context of the student’s education or KCU’s operations. Additionally, conduct that occurs outside the University context is subject to this Code when the alleged conduct implicates professional standards applicable to the student’s course of study or substantially disrupts the University’s operations. “Campus” refers to all entities, property, and programs owned or operated by KCU or its associated corporations.
Without limiting other amendments, this Code may be amended from time to time, with such amendments effective upon publication on the KCU intranet, website, or other means.
Standards
As individuals who aspire to health, scientific, and/or medical professions governed by standards of professionalism, all students are required to conduct themselves professionally. It is not possible to enumerate all forms of behavior that may be unprofessional. Even if not specifically listed below, students shall adhere to all ethical and professional standards expected of persons in the profession(s) relevant to their course of study and such other standards set out in KCU policies. Additionally, the following are examples of behavior that could constitute a violation of this Code of Professional Conduct that would subject a student 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 (see also below, Academic Dishonesty/Academic Integrity/Honor Code);
- Entering or using KCU or hospital/clinic/research facilities without authorization;
- Disrupting teaching, research, administrative, or student functions of the University within a classroom or otherwise;
- Conduct that would or does constitute a violation of federal, state or local laws, excluding minor traffic violations; and/or failure to report such conduct 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;
- In communications with others that in any way relate to the University, students shall:
- First address issues or concerns directly with the person(s) involved, unless direct interaction is not possible, is impractical, or is otherwise inappropriate under the circumstances;
- Except to the extent specifically permitted by law, not make a public display, engage in public protest, or solicit petitions on matters that relate to identifiable members of the University community and/or that can be addressed within the University community;
- Address any concerns about others and their actions in a manner that would be expected in a professional work environment;
- Take steps before communicating criticisms or accusations against other members of the University community to ensure the accuracy of information communicated as factual; and
- Use appropriate communication style and tone for the setting, such as not interrupting the dialogue of others within the classroom and using professional language and messaging in emails, among others; and
- Be attentive and on topic in discussions or other communications during courses and other curricular activities and not inject political, social, or other personal opinions not germane to the course or other curricular activity.
- Violation of any established rules, regulations, and policies of KCU, KCU-endorsed organizations, KCU departments or affiliated institutions;
- Failure to report an observed violation: and/or
- Conspiring, planning, or attempting to achieve any of the above acts.
Disciplinary Sanctions/Dismissal
Students alleged to have engaged in conduct in violation of this Code will be referred to Student Services for evaluation and processing under student disciplinary procedures, as applicable, and are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University and loss or forfeiture of financial aid.
The University reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to dismiss at any time prior to graduation, or take such other disciplinary action warranted, for any reasons warranted, including but not limited to the following reasons:
- violation of the Code of Professional Conduct, or any other violation of policy, or directive set forth in the University Catalog, Student Handbook, or other University policy, or
- failure to comply with other graduation requirements.
Dismissal is a permanent separation of the student from KCU and is permanently noted on the student’s KCU transcript.
Accommodations Reference
Unprofessional or disruptive behavior is at times the result of emotional or mental distress or other health concerns. While these reasons do not excuse conduct that otherwise violates this Code, students are encouraged to seek advance accommodations when health issues may impact their conduct. Please see the Student Mental and Physical Health Concerns section of this catalog for information.
Academic Dishonesty/Academic Integrity/Honor Code
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 dismissal. As stated above as part of the Code of Professional Conduct, all forms of dishonesty are a violation of that Code.
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, works with parties to determine appropriate educational measures and sanctions. These measures cover a wide range of 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 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.
The University encourages individuals with alcohol- or other drug-related problems to seek assistance.
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)
TimelyCare
TimelyCare provides 24/7 access to virtual care for all enrolled students from anywhere in the United States at no cost. Students are eligible for 12 scheduled counseling sessions with TimelyCare providers annually. Visit timelycare.com/KCU or download the TimelyCare app from your app store and register with your (S_____@kansascity.edu) school email address to get started.
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.
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 College and the student’s professional judgment, unless a department, laboratory, or instructor has a dress code for particular activities such as interacting with a real or simulated patient. Additions to the dress code policy are outlined below.
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.
COM Dress Code
The KCU-COM student dress code promotes professionalism by demonstrating the values of excellence, equity, and empathy in the learning and work environment. Students are to wear their KCU identification badge at all times and business casual attire or clean, unwrinkled scrubs while on campus unless specified in a course syllabus. KCU-issued white coats are required at all KCU clinical activities or when specified in a course syllabus. Hair and nails should be clean and neatly groomed, good oral and skin hygiene adhered to, and strong fragrances/perfumes avoided. Students that do not adhere to the dress code may be asked to change by any faculty and/or staff and may incur a grade penalty if the dress code violation occurs within a course. Repeat dress code infractions are a violation of the student Code of Professional Conduct.
OMS-III and OMS-IV students must follow the dress code detailed in the Clinical Education Guidelines.
Download the Clinical Education Guidelines:
2024-2025 Clinical Education Guidelines
CDM Dress Code
CDM students are required to follow the dress code outlined in the CDM Clinic Manual.
Off-Campus 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 on KCU property or at any KCU-sponsored event 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.
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 received by students.
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