Professionalism and Integrity

Professionalism in the D.V.M. Program

Students, faculty, and staff are expected to engage in respectful dialogue. Students should bring forth concerns or complaints in a respectful and collegial manner so that a positive learning environment is maintained for both learners and educators. Students are strongly encouraged to provide feedback to Veterinary Education Review Committee (VERC) representatives and student class officers if concerns arise regarding the learning environment at the Cummings School.

Prompt Communication

Students are expected to check their email and respond promptly (within 24 hours) to emails from the Office of Professional Education, Office of Student Affairs, and course and rotation directors or their representatives. Communications with faculty, staff, and colleagues should be professional and respectful at all times.

Use of Cell Phones

The use of cell phones for personal business should be minimized or avoided during class time and rotation working hours. Using a cell phone or other mobile device for personal reasons during class sessions, and rotation rounds, procedures, or appointments, or when directed not to use mobile devices by the clinician in charge is considered to be a demonstration of failure of professionalism. These devices must be set on a silent ring while in the building to not disturb others. Texting and other personal cell phone/smart phone use are limited to breaks and mealtimes except for urgent issues, such as personal health reasons (doctor appointment, etc.), and in the latter case, the reason for cell phone use should be communicated to the course or rotation director. 

Recording of Teaching Sessions

Students may not record sounds or images of teaching sessions for their own use without the expressed or written consent of the instructor and in some cases, of the Office of Professional Education.

Publishing or Distributing Course Materials

Students may not post, publish, sell, or otherwise publicly distribute course materials without the written permission of the course instructor. Such materials include, but are not limited to, the following: lecture slides, video, or audio recordings, assignments, problem sets, examinations, other students’ work, and answer keys. Doing so results in the unauthorized use of intellectual property and may violate public law.

Course and Rotation Evaluation Feedback

Students must complete online evaluations for all courses by no later than twenty-one (21) days after the completion of the course (i.e., after the final examination, or last class session if there is no final examination).

Completion of online evaluations is required. Students failing to complete an online evaluation form by this deadline may be assigned a grade of Incomplete in the course, which is removed once the online evaluation is completed. 

Policy on Ethical and Professional Conduct

Ethical and professional conduct during enrollment at Cummings School is a critical component of academic learning. There are established guidelines of professional conduct for guidance and protection of students in two circumstances:

1. While they are enrolled as a student in the School and
2. After they have left the School in matters pertaining to their credentials, transcripts, and degrees that have been granted by the School.

The guidelines are written to promote a sense of intellectual honesty, trust, responsibility, and professionalism among students, faculty, and staff of the Cummings School.

Policy on Student Academic Misconduct

Students are required to meet all course requirements ethically and responsibly. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, representing other’s work or the product of generative artificial intelligence as their own, or facilitating academic dishonesty, whether in an examination or other assessment, a course assignment or obligation, a capstone project, or a clinical or other rotation or practicum experience, will be considered to have engaged in academic misconduct and shall be subject to discipline.

Student Appeals Policy

Policy and procedures for student appeals of decisions related to: Academic Misconduct, Non-Academic or Professional Misconduct on or off campus, Academic Promotion Matters, and Academic Assessments and Graded Work.

Student Reinstatement Policy

Policy and procedures by which a student may be considered for reinstatement in an academic program after dismissal related to: Academic Misconduct, Non-Academic or Professional Misconduct on or off campus, Academic Promotion Matters, and Academic Assessments and Graded Work.

Scientific Integrity in Research Policy

Tufts University’s education, teaching and research missions rely upon the principles of honesty and openness in the pursuit of academic excellence and innovation within an environment of public trust. The commitment to a strong and principled work ethic within the institutional partnership is a requirement of all who join the programs of Tufts University.

Policy on Student Compensation During Academic Externships and Selectives

Guidelines permitting students to receive a stipend for externships or selectives and outlines the parameters.