Academic Honesty Policy

Please refer to the policy concerning Academic Honesty at the Dean of Students home page located at http://www.umass.edu/dean_students/academic_policy . All members of the University community must participate in the development of a climate conducive to academic honesty. While the faculty, because of their unique role in the educational process, have the responsibility for defining, encouraging, fostering, and upholding the ethic of academic honesty, students have the responsibility of conforming in all respects to that ethic.

Intellectual honesty requires that students demonstrate their own learning during examinations and other academic exercises and that other sources of information or knowledge be appropriately credited. Scholarship depends upon the reliability of information and reference in the work of others. No form of cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or facilitating of dishonesty will be condoned in the University community.

Formal definitions of academic dishonesty, examples of various forms of dishonesty, and the procedures that faculty must follow to penalize dishonesty are contained in the ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY, which follows ACADEMIC REGULATIONS herein. A student identified by an instructor or another student of having committed a breach of the academic honesty regulations has the right to appeal before any penalty can be imposed. Appeals must be filed within ten days of notification by the instructor that s/he suspects dishonesty. Information on the appeals process is also contained in the Academic Honesty Policy, or can be obtained from the Ombud's Office, where appeals are filed. In addition, the Academic Standards Committee adopted the Policy Concerning Academic Honesty in June of 2004, which states the following:

Policy Concerning Academic Honesty

The integrity of the academic enterprise of any institution of higher education requires honesty in scholarship and research. Academic honesty is therefore required of all students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Academic dishonesty is prohibited in all programs of the University. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to:

Cheating - intentional use, and/or attempted use of trickery, artifice, deception, breach of confidence, fraud and/or misrepresentation of one's academic work.

Fabrication - intentional and unauthorized falsification and/or invention of any information or citation in any academic exercise.

Plagiarism - knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own work in any academic exercise. This includes submitting without citation, in whole or in part, prewritten term papers of another or the research of another, including but not limited to commercial vendors who sell or distribute such materials.

Facilitating dishonesty - knowingly helping or attempting to help another commit an act of academic dishonesty, including substituting for another in an examination, or allowing others to represent as their own one’s papers, reports, or academic works.

Sanctions may be imposed on any student who has committed an act of academic dishonesty.

Any person who has reason to believe that a student has committed academic dishonesty should bring such information to the attention of the appropriate course instructor as soon as possible. The procedures are intended to provide an efficient and orderly process by which action may be taken if it appears that academic dishonesty has occurred, and by which students may appeal such actions.

Actions

Social Media Policy and Email Guidelines

Background and Purpose

In an increasingly technologically connected and public world, students must be mindful of their behavior and its consequences online, including the use of social networks, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. It is likely that students, patients, supervisors, potential internship sites, and future employers may be interested in searching for or accessing your online information. Although all information about you is not likely to be within your control, students should exercise caution and restraint and use safeguards when possible. Activities online, including those that you may consider purely personal in nature, may reflect upon your student or professional life. Adherence to this policy also will support your confidentiality and safety.

1. Social Media in Clinical and Simulation Laboratory.
   a. The use of social media platforms is prohibited while performing direct patient care activities or in health care unit work areas, unless Social Media use in these areas has been previously and specifically approved.
   b. Students should not use social media platforms in hospital or clinic spaces unless previously approved by the clinical site and instructor. Please note that the use of electronic devices such as cell phones for social media use is prohibited in clinical and simulation/laboratory settings. Students should adhere to all applicable institutional and legal privacy, confidentiality and property policies and laws.

2. Social Media Guidelines
   a. Patient privacy must be maintained in all communications. Do not disclose information that may be used to identify patients or their health condition and remember that even de- identified information may be recognized by patients, their families, or their employers and is a violation of HIPAA.
   b. Protect confidential and proprietary information:

3. a. Do not post confidential or proprietary information about Elaine Marieb College of Nursing students, faculty, employees, alumni or people or issues you encounter in your clinical settings.
   b. Information related to patient care or clinical work should not be shared on any electronic platform that is not approved by Elaine Marieb College of Nursing for nursing education. This is especially true in cases where postings related to patient care or clinical work could compromise patient confidentiality or reveal patient identity. All persons must follow the applicable federal requirements such as FERPA and HIPAA regulations.

4. Unless you are serving as an approved, official spokesperson for the University of Massachusetts or EMCON, online communications are your personal opinions and do not reflect the opinion of UMASS, EMCON, or its affiliated entities. Students are personally responsible for their posts (written, audio, video or otherwise).

5. There should be no expectation of privacy when using a university account to visit internet websites. Email communications and internet use may be subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act or for audit purposes.

6. The NCSBN Nurse’s Guide to Social Media should be referred to for more detailed information on social media use.

FA 5/17/23

E-Mail Guidelines

With email, keep in mind that everything you write may exist perpetually or be retrievable, so be thoughtful about what you write. Emails sent via the UMass email system are considered public records and the property of UMass. Emails should be professional, efficient, and worded to protect against liability.

Addresses and Subject Lines

• Listserves should only be used for official College and University purposes.

• Always use a brief but relevant subject heading (avoid using this space for your message).

• Always use a greeting and end with your name

While at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, use your university email, not your personal email, for all college and university-related communication.

General advice for email:

• Keep to the subject.
• Use proper grammar and spelling.
• Do not include e-mailed credit card numbers or social security numbers.
• Do not send any names or information that could breach confidentiality.
• Do not send angry messages. It is better to make personal contact to discuss issues.
• Do not use ALL capital letters to emphasize or highlight your message. This is considered to be rude, and can be interpreted as shouting at someone.
• Proofread and make sure the appropriate people are on the e-mail.

Replies and Reply-Alls

• Only include enough of the original e-mail to continue the thought. Avoid sending a string of previous e-mails. This may not be appropriate.

• If you have been sent a question on an e-mail list, send your personal reply to the original mailer only, not the entire list, unless indicated otherwise.

• If you are copied on an e-mail, no reply is required.

Signatures

• Always use a signature when you can.
• Avoid appending long and inappropriate text to your signature.

Courtesy and Timing

• Remember to use “please” and “thank you.”
• Use formal address when indicated such as “Dr., Dean, Professor.”
• The standard for a reply is 24 hours during normal business hours when the university is in session.
• Use emoticons (smiley faces, etc.) sparingly if at all.

FA 02/19; 9/21/22; 5/17/23

Actions

Technology Policy

PURPOSE: To provide students with information regarding the acceptable use of technology in the classroom and clinical setting.

I. POLICY STATEMENT: The use of technology is an integral part of today’s classroom and clinical environment. However, when technology is used inappropriately it can also hinder the teaching, learning, and patient care process. Therefore, each professor will establish times when the use of technology in the classroom and in clinical is appropriate. During those times, the technology must be used for purposes that are relevant to the specific course and not distracting fellow students. Using technology at times other than those permitted by your course professor will be considered disruptive behavior and will result in disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

II. CLASSROOM

A. The Acceptable Use Policy for Computing and Information Technology Resources outline the responsibilities of each member of the community when using computing and information technology resources. This is put forth as a minimum set of standards for all areas of the University. http://www.it.umass.edu/security/acceptable-use-policy.

III. CLINICAL

1. The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing abides by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing publication, “A Nurse’s Guide to the Use of Social Media” (https://www.ncsbn.org/3874.htm) and the ANA’S Principles for Social Networking and the Nurse (https://www.nursingworld.org/~4af4f2/globalassets/docs/ana/.../social- networking.pdf, 2011).

   1. Nurses must not transmit or place online individually identifiable patient information.

   2. Nurses must observe ethically prescribed professional patient nurse boundaries.

   3. Nurses should understand that patients, colleagues, institutions, and employers may view postings.

   4. Nurses should take advantage of privacy settings and seek to separate personal and professional information online.

   5. Nurses should bring content that could harm a patient’s privacy, rights, or welfare to be attention of appropriate authorities.

   6. Nurses should participate in developing institutional policies governing online conduct.

2. 6 Tips to Avoid Problems

   1. Remember that standards of professionalism are the same online as in any other circumstance.

   2. Do not share or post information or photos gained through the nurse patient relationship.

   3. Maintain professional boundaries in the use of electronic media.

   4. Do not make disparaging remarks about patients, staff, fellow students or faculty, even if they are notidentified.

   5. Do not take photos, videos or audio recordings of patients on personal devices, including cell phones.

   6. Promptly report a breach of confidentiality or privacy.

References: American Nurses Association. (2011, September). Principles for social networking and the nurse. Silver Spring, MD: Author. National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2011, August). White Paper: A nurse’s guide to the use of social media. Chicago, IL

Actions

University Policy on Student Absence for Religious Observance

Head/Chairpersons of Departments/Programs should draw the attention of their faculty to the obligations under the Law. Any student who is unable to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study or work requirement because of religious observance is to be provided with an opportunity to make up the said examination, study or work requirement.

Students have the right to make up examinations, study or work requirements that they miss because of absence from class for religious observance, but they also have an obligation to inform the course instructor as to the days on which they may be absent for religious reasons at the beginning of each semester.

If they feel that it is important for course planning, instructors have the right to require students to provide a written list of days they will be absent for religious observance within one full calendar week after the student’s enrollment in the course, provided the course instructor lists this requirement and corresponding deadline on the course outline or other handouts.

In the event of a dispute between a faculty member and a student in the course, the Head (Chairperson/Designee) of the Department in which the course is taught shall be responsible for its amicable resolution. If the dispute cannot be resolved at this level, the issue should be referred to the Ombudsperson. Current procedures of resolving grievances of students (Sen. Doc. No. 86-020) apply.

Actions

Responding to a Critical Incident

If it is possible to do so safely, exit the building immediately when you become aware of an incident, moving away from the immediate path of danger, and take the following steps:

Notify anyone you may encounter to exit the building immediately. Evacuate to a safe area away from the danger and take protective cover. Stay there until assistance arrives. Call 911 and the U- Mass Police department at 545-2121 providing each dispatcher with the following:

1. Your name

2. Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)

3. Number of shooters (if known)

4. Identification or description of shooter(s)

5. Number of persons who may be involved

6. Your exact location

7. Injuries to anyone, if known.

Individuals not immediately impacted by the situation are to take protective cover, staying away from windows and doors until notified otherwise. If you are directly involved in an incident and exiting the building is not possible, the following actions are recommended:

1. Go to the nearest room or office
2. Close and lock the door
3. Turn off the lights
4. Seek protective cover
5. Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room
6. Do not answer the door
7. Notify 911 and UMass Police 545-2121 if it is safe to do so, providing each dispatcher with the following information:
   Your name
   Your location (be as specific as possible)
    Number of shooters (if known)
   Identification or description of shooter
   Number of persons who may be involved
   Injuries if known
8. Wait for local police or security to assist you out of the building.

Actions

Alcoholic Beverage Policy, Smoke-Free Policy, Drug-Free College and Communities Act

The University of Massachusetts has developed policies on the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs on and off campus. See the campus’s Code of Student Conduct: https://www.umass.edu/dean_students/codeofconduct

Actions