8. Operations

Normal business hours of the Program are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Building Security

The safety of students and employees is a primary concern of USF Health.

The Campus Security office is located in MDC 1023. Their telephone number is 974-2417. If no one is present the phone reverts automatically to the University Police at 974-2628. The safety of students is a primary concern of the MCOM. The educational process involves long hours, many spent alone studying or working in the laboratory. Students must take extra precautions on and off campus. USF police suggest the following preventive measures: Avoid isolated sites; have access to other people or a phone; call the police department (974-2417) when working or studying on campus after hours so the area can be patrolled; secure doors behind you, and do not walk to the parking lot alone at night, call the SAFE (974-7233) on campus for a SAFE Team Escort.

A Security Officer is on duty at the USF Health Center on a 24-hour basis. Officers frequently check I.D.s so be sure to carry your student I.D. card with you when after regular hours.

If you have a true emergency, you should call 911.

However, if you are calling from a cell phone you will get the Tampa Police Department. You must tell them this is an emergency on USF property and that you are calling from a cell phone. You should be prepared to give your name and precise location. You should also state if you feel threatened.

USF police recommend the following:

Avoid isolated sites.
Have access to others and/or to a telephone.
Call the USF Health police department dispatch (974-2628) when working on campus after regular business hours so the area can be patrolled.
Secure doors behind you.
In the evenings, you may call SAFE (974-2401) for an escort to distant parking lots.
A Security Officer is on duty at the Health Sciences Center 24 hours a day: 974-2417.
Identification cards are often checked for security, so be sure to carry yours when you are on campus after regular business hours.
Security Officers frequently check IDs, so be sure to carry your student ID card with you when studying on campus after normal hours. Sexual assault is a criminal violation subject to prosecution by the State Attorney's Office. All sexual assault allegations reported to the USF police are referred to the State Attorney's Office, which then makes decides whether or not to prosecute.
External access to the building is allowed via ID card swipe twenty-four hours a day, and physical therapy laboratories are accessible via combination door lock. Students are given the door lock combination to classrooms/labs at the beginning of the school year to allow opportunity for practice outside class time.

Study Rooms

Study space is available for students in the USF Shimberg Health Sciences Library, in the WELL, in assigned small group spaces, and in the student lounges. Students have access to the Group Learning space on a 24-hour basis, but must vacate on demand for any scheduled class activities. Space in the Shimberg Library and the WELL are available during normal library hours.

Student Lounge

Food should not be left in the Student Lounge. Students are expected to keep the lounge and appliances clean.

Soda and snack bar and vending machines are available in/near the Bookstore and WELL. The Lounge also provide other amenities for student use.

Lockers

Lockers are provided free of charge for professional students in the area adjacent to the available for students near the classrooms in the MDC building.

Building Problems

Please report any problems (broken desks, malfunctioning equipment, lost keys, etc.) to the PA Program office (813-974-8926).

Parking

Parking permits are required for all vehicles at USF 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After 5:30 p.m. (or posted time), staff, commuter students, and resident students may park in any lot. Individuals may purchase only one vehicle permit; they are available for purchase during the first week of classes and must be renewed annually. Parking lots are often crowded, so allow sufficient time to ensure that you arrive at your classes prior to the scheduled start time.

Permits must be displayed at all times when on campus, including during periods of clinical practice when students are seldom actually on the campus. To avoid citations if you forget your hangtag, stop by the Campus Information Center drive through (Fowler entrance to campus) or Parking and Transportation Services (PSB 101) to pick up a free courtesy permit for the day. To purchase a parking permit or view other parking regulations, visit usfweb2.usf.edu/parking_services/.

Visitors

Guests are not normally permitted in the classroom or labs except with the advance approval of the Academic or Clinical Directors.

Class Cancellation and Emergency Closings

It is rarely necessary to cancel class; however, if warranted by unexpected events, an

event of severe weather or manmade emergency, the department follows USF guidelines as announcement of class cancellation would be made through the Director’s office. In the

announced by the USF Office of Emergency Preparedness. More information about these

policies is available at the following website: www.usf.edu/about-usf/emergencypreparedness/information-contacts.asp. In the event that it becomes necessary for USF to suspend normal operations, USF may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include but are not limited to: Canvas, Elluminate, Skype, email messaging and/or an alternate schedule. It is the responsibility of the student to monitor the Canvas site for each class for course specific communication, and the main USF, College, and department websites, emails and MoBull messages for important general information.

Bicyles:

USF has instituted a new program for bicycle use across campus. Please learn more about this program by clicking here: Share A Bull Bikes

Bicycle racks have been provided for your convenience in several locations around USF Health. Bikes must be parked in these racks and may not be chained to trees, pillars, etc. Bikes are not to be brought into any campus or hospital building.

Bookstore:

The USF Health Bookstore (813-974-4984), operated by Barnes and Noble, is located adjacent to the south courtyard. The store carries all required and recommended books for the MCOM PA Program. In addition, numerous reference books, medical instruments, dissecting supplies and lab coats are available.

USF Main Campus bookstore

Building and Room problems:

Please report any problems (e.g. broken desks, malfunctioning equipment, etc.) to the P.A. Program, MDC 0900 (813-974-8926).

Campus Ministry:

Currently some of the religious groups are members of the Campus Ministry Association. The members of CMA include Baptist Campus Ministry, Crosswinds-The USF Wesley Foundation, Episcopal Student Center, and Hillel Foundation Navigators. In addition to the Campus Ministries, there are diverse student religious organizations on campus. The religious organizations are Baha’i Club, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Campus Advent, Campus Ministry of Bible-Based (CMOBB), Catholic Student Union, Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, Christian Medical Association, Christians in Action (CIA), Christians on Campus, Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Impact Christian Fellowship, International Fellowship, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Koinonia Covenant Campus Ministry, Latter-day Saint Student Association, Lotus Buddhist Society, Lutheran Student Fellowship, Muslim Students Association (MSA), Navigators, Organization of Hindu Minds, Students for Krishna Consciousness, Unfolding Students Faith, United Pagan Allied Network, Warriors for Christ, Young Israel Jewish Student Center, Young Life College Leadership.

Educational Resources:

The USF Shimberg Health Sciences Library, as well as the USF Main Campus library is open to faculty, students and staff.

USF Shimberg Health Sciences Library

Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday: Noon - 11:00 PM

USF Main Campus Tampa Library Hours

Monday - Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Close at 6:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tampa General Library

Tampa General Hospital Library

Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Veteran's Administration Hospital Medical Library

Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Fitness Center:

The Fitness Center and adjoining lounge (MDC 1028 and 1029) are for the exclusive use of all students, faculty and staff in the MCOM. No guests are permitted to use these rooms.

It is the responsibility of everyone to keep these areas clean. You must bring a towel with you and wipe off equipment after use. Report any damaged or broken equipment to MCOM MD program's Office Student Affairs (813-974-2068).

The Fitness Center is not be professionally staffed. As safety is the primary concern, prior to using the Fitness Center you must watch a safety video and then notify, via e-mail, the Associate Dean for the MD program's Office of Student Affairs that you have viewed the video. Once you have watched the safety video, your ID badge swipe card will be activitied to open the facility. Until such time, you must be in the presence of another member of the USF MCOM community – staff, faculty or student – whenever you use the facility.

Violation of this standard will result in the loss of privileges in the Fitness Center for six (6) months. A repeat offense will be referred to the PAP-APRC.

All other rules are posted within the Fitness Center.

Food Service:

Snack bar services are available in the USF Health Bookstore. The hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Food Trucks are present at the entrance of the W.E.L.L. Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Lockers:

Lockers are provided free of charge for first year PA students. You will be assigned a locker and you must supply your own lock. The Program Office will notify all students via e-mail when to remove all articles from their lockers at the end of the academic year.

Childcare:

Class members with children will find many nearby daycare centers. Checkout Childcare at USF.

Post Office:

A branch office of the Unites States Postal Service is located in room MDC 1415. Stamped mail may be dropped off between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. Stamps are not available at this location. A full-service Post Office is located on USF Holly Drive.

Parking on Campus:

There is parking in student lots at USF Health. If you have a car in Tampa and will be parking on campus, you are required to purchase a USF parking permit. This rule applies to all USF students, even PA students during the clinical years of training when they are seldom actually on the USF campus. Lots are often crowded so make certain to allow sufficient time to find parking to ensure that you arrive at your classes prior to the time they begin. Upon orientation you will receive information regarding obtaining the parking permit. Thereafter, you can purchase your permit electronically through the web site. http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/parking/parking/index.aspx

Parking TGH

Photocopy Machines

Students have access to copy machines located in Nickels Student Computer Lounge and the USF Shimberg Health Sciences Library. Students must provide their own paper when using Nickels Lounge. There is a ten-cent per page charge when using the library. If you have a great deal of material to copy, you may want to use Pro-Copy located at 5219 E. Fowler Avenue, which generally discounts PA student copying with a USF ID Card.

Places to Study

Study space is available for students in the USF Shimberg Health Sciences Library, assigned small group space, and the student lounges. Students have access to the small group learning space on a 24-hour basis, but must vacate on demand for any scheduled class activities. The study areas in the library are available during normal library hours.

USF Student ID and Activities

Prior to orientation, students should obtain their USF Student ID card from the USF ID Card Center (Marshall Student Center, Room 1505). The cost for a new card is $10 and the cost for a replacement card is $15.

Your official USF ID card will have a magnetic strip allowing door access to certain areas in USF Health. Your USF ID card is also used as your hospital identification tag. It must be worn on your white lab coat any time you are in a clinical setting. Please go to the USF ID Card Center if a problem occurs with your card or to replace a lost card.

You will need your USF ID card to take advantage of many University services and facilities. Pick up a Student Activities Calendar at the University Center Information Desk to see the schedule of University events for the current term. University activities include low-priced weekend movies, art films, jam sessions, concerts, plays, lectures and sports events. Use the campus newspaper, The Oracle, to keep up with current events.

Student Lounge

Student lounges are located in the Fitness Center (MDC 1030), Nickels Student Computer Lounge (MDC 1050A, located adjacent to the bookstore), USF Shimberg Health Sciences Library, and the student kitchen (MDL 1001 – in the south courtyard on the opposite side from the USF Health Bookstore). MDC 1030, 1050A, and MDL 1001 are open 24/7, and are accessible with a USF ID card.

Student Involvement and Organizations

Check out current information for Student Organizations and Student Government online. A wide variety of student interest groups, Morsani College of Medicine, and local and national organizations are available for your participation.

Fingerprinting and Criminal Background Checks

Before beginning clinical rotations or clerkships, select facilities and both the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System require fingerprinting of Physician Assistant students. The fingerprinting activity is coordinated through the Physician Assistant Program and the University Police Department during the pre-clerkship orientation period. Occasionally, elective clinical rotation sites may require students to provide documentation for fingerprinting and a criminal background check analysis. Costs of background checks are the responsibility of the student.

Student Council

Students of the USF PA Program will be encouraged and assisted in developing a student society to allow further interaction with other PA programs, PA students and the FAPA and AAPA.

The AAPA Student Society Handbook (PDF) is a guide for PA students, faculty advisors and program directors for establishing a student society, organizing and maintaining the society and making it successful. Program faculty will assist students in establishing and developing a unique society at the USF MCOM PA Program to the betterment of the students.

Honor Code

Honor and integrity should embody all that we, as medical professionals, undertake. How we act as students is highly indicative of what our character will be like in both the professional and personal realms of our lives. Practicing integrity now makes integrity in the work place so much more attainable.

The Honor Code is a system that was developed and adopted by the charter class of the USF College of Medicine. The individuals who developed and approved the document believed strongly that the USF College of Medicine represented a community of professionals.

The men and women who make up this community are at the beginning of their careers in medicine, and as such, should conduct themselves in a professional manner in the classroom as well as in the clinical setting. Therefore, all students of the College of Medicine are asked to sign a copy of the Student Pledge of Honor at the beginning of the Physician Assistant Program. Additionally, students are asked to sign an Honor Pledge after each examination as a reminder and reaffirmation of our responsibilities as members of the professional community.

As professionals, we have accepted a great deal of responsibility. The Honor Code represents a model by which we may begin to frame our professional behaviors. I hope you will take the time to read and understand the Honor Code and professional community. Essentially, it represents a description of the standards we, as students, aspire to have as physicians and researchers. A student whose actions are inconsistent with the spirit of the Honor Code may be identified by another student for violating the community of trust.

Student Pledge of Honor

STUDENT PLEDGE OF HONOR
University of South Florida
Morsani College of Medicine Student Honor Code

PREAMBLE

In the tradition of the high standards of professional and personal conduct established over two thousand years ago by our ancestral physicians and scientists, the students of the USF College of Medicine create this Honor Code.

It is our intentions that these standards should guide us not only during our medical training, but also during our lives as physicians, researchers, and community leaders. In these roles, we hope to pursue actively the respect of our patients, peers, and fellow men and women, rather than to accept passively any respect that may be given our title.

We recognize that the practice of medicine is a great privilege and carries with it the responsibility to uphold certain expectations of character and behavior. These principles have long been held as the foundation of ethical medicine, and we must recognize that fact as we now enter the medical community. The central elements of the oaths and creeds repeated over history by those entering medicine comprise the ideals of Self-discipline, Judgment, Conscience, and Personal Responsibility.

SELF-DISCIPLINE: We will strive to master the information presented to us in the classroom, laboratory, and clinic, and will conduct ourselves in a manner befitting our role as healers, scientists, and leaders.

JUDGMENT: We will adopt only the highest standards and ideals to shape our actions and decisions concerning academic, professional, and personal affairs.

CONSCIENCE: We will hold life in the highest regard, whether human or animal, and will strive to uphold human dignity.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: We will deal honestly with our patients and colleagues, and will encourage such behavior in others by example. We recognize that personal accountability can be delegated to no higher authority than oneself.

STUDENT PLEDGE OF HONOR

I have read and understand the statement of the Honor Code in the Preamble and understand the procedures outlined in this document, and hereby agree to abide by them.

_______________________________________________

Name (Please Print)

_______________________________________________

Signature Date

← VIII. USF Health Resources | IX. Addendum →