USF System regulations and reporting requirements specific to student mistreatment and abuse are referenced below. A complete index for Regulations and Policies may be accessed here HERE.
Bullying
Bullying is defined by the American Medical Association (AMA) as a pattern of repeated aggression with deliberate intent to harm or disturb a victim despite apparent victim distress and a real or perceived imbalance of power (e.g., due to age, strength, size, social status). Bullying is professional misconduct and is a violation of academic standards subject to sanction by USF Student Code of Conduct (USF Regulation 6.0021). Allegations of professional misconduct are also subject to review for disciplinary action under the STUDENT ADVANCEMENT PROCEDURES AND DUE PROCESS.
Discrimination and Harassment
Student complaints or grievances related to discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status are governed by the USF Discrimination and Harassment Policy 0-007.
Retaliation
Retaliation, Retribution or Reprisals are prohibited (USF Policy 0-20). When appropriate, department administrators will work with the designated University offices to promptly respond to and remedy any circumstances contributing to a hostile environment and to assure first-party and third-party Title IX reporting is protected from any adverse consequence, harassment, intimidation or discrimination.
Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment (including Sexual Violence)
Sexual harassment and sexual violence are prohibited forms of sexual discrimination (Title IX Federal Statute, USF Policy 0-004). Sexual harassment is defined as conduct of a sexual nature or with sexual implications “sufficiently serious that it interferes with or limits a student’s ability to participate or benefit from the University programs”, creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment. This conduct may include but is not limited to the following: inappropriate touching; the display of sexually explicit or suggestive materials; use of sexually explicit or suggestive language or gestures; and subtle pressure for sexual activity, as well as demands for sexual favors or physical assault. Sexual violence is a criminal offense (to include domestic violence, dating violence and stalking). One single allegation, if proven without a reasonable doubt, is sufficient to qualify this College as a hostile learning environmentUSF Health’s Morsani College of Medicine is committed to assuring a safe, encouraging, and supportive learning environment that reflects commitments to professionalism, respect, diversity, and virtues such as integrity, compassion, and kindness. All MCOM faculty and staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and contribute to creation of a culture that is supportive of learning. Mistreatment, bullying, discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment are prohibited at MCOM. The student mistreatment policy, in accordance with LCME standard 3.6, ensures that concerns about the learning environment are promptly dealt with and resolutions reached in a fair and just manner. The College forbids any retaliatory action against students who present grievances in good faith.
The MCOM Student Mistreatment policy aims to safeguard medical students from mistreatment by any faculty member or staff associated with MCOM, including clerkship directors, attending physicians, residents, and other medical students by:
· educating members of MCOM about student mistreatment;
· prohibiting medical student mistreatment by anyone associated with MCOM;
· encouraging the early identification of medical student mistreatment as a preventative measure;
· identifying individuals to whom medical students can report mistreatment;
· requiring those who receive complaints regarding student mistreatment to report the complaint to the appropriate administrator;
· providing a confidential system for reporting mistreatment;
· assuring confidentiality to the fullest extent possible;
· assuring that all reports of mistreatment will be thoroughly and promptly addressed;
· providing an avenue for corrective action.
Reports of mistreatment will preferably be addressed within an informal framework when appropriate, but formal procedures are available for use when necessary.
MCOM is committed to preventing mistreatment of medical students through education of the MCOM community. The policy and related procedures will be disseminated among MCOM on an annual basis. Additionally, MCOM will periodically use varying methods (e.g., email, workshops, orientations) to inform medical students, faculty, and staff about medical student mistreatment and the MCOM policy on addressing mistreatment.
When mistreatment is believed to have occurred, please follow the detailed procedures outline in the MCOM Student Mistreatment Policy Statement HERE.
Responsibility to Report Allegations of Mistreatment or Abuse Violations
The Clery Act requires this University to disseminate formal notice of nondiscrimination and formal policies for “prompt and equitable” reporting options (to include complaint/grievance procedures and accommodations) for individuals/environments affected by any allegations of discrimination.
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Applicable USF System Policies 0-007 and 0-004. The circumstances of any allegation and the responsibility status of the individual “who knows or should know” largely determines if the obligation to report is voluntary or compulsory, as set forth below.
Who Should Report?
A person who believes he/she has been a victim of mistreatment or abuse maintains a right to file a formal complaint, report and/or grievance and will be encouraged to do so, though assumes no absolute duty to do so.
Any student, faculty or staff member who has direct or indirect knowledge of an alleged act of sexual discrimination should report this to their immediate supervisor for report to the designated “responsible” office.
Who Must Report?
A supervisory or responsible employee who has knowledge of an alleged incident of sexual discrimination (to include sexual harassment and sexual violence) MUST report the incident to one of two offices, as appropriate: Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity (DIEO); Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR). The responsible supervisor may also elect to directly report the incident to the USF Health Title IX Coordinator.
Process for Reporting Allegations of Mistreatment or Abuse Violations
Students are encouraged to discuss any and all issues of physical, emotional, psychological or sexual mistreatment without fear of retribution. Students who experience harassment or discrimination
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may report their concern using this form.
Alternatively, they may contact the MCOM Office of Student Affairs, Associate Dean,
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(Dr. Kira Zwygart, 813-974-
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2068) for impartial review and guidance, which may include referral to the USF Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the USF Center for Victim Advocacy and Prevention, USF Counseling Center, USF Student Health Services or Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
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.