Student Handbook

Other Policies

• New York Medical College Honor Code
• Other Disciplinary Action
• Aid for the Impaired Medical Student (AIMS)
• Infectious Disease Policy for Students
• Policy on Professional Conduct in the Student-Student and Teacher-Student Relationships
• Policy on Student Attendance and Absence
• Policy on Reporting Student Incidents
• Campus Security Program
• Drug-Free Schools and Campus Policy
• Hate/Biased-Related Crime Prevention Statement
• Smoke-Free Policy
• Student Housing Rules
• Name-Change Policy
• Institutional Identity Policy

• Knowingly plagiarize the work of others.
• Purposely mislead, give fraudulent assistance to or misrepresent another student.
• Restrict the use of materials in a manner prejudicial to the interests of other students.
• Reproduce, disseminate, study or otherwise use materials known or reasonably known to be test materials obtained from or contained in examinations administered by the faculty or national standardized testing agencies, except as explicitly authorized by the faculty or the testing agency.
• Engage in any form of cheating or dishonesty.
• Participate in patient care while under the influence of any substance that impairs his or her ability to function.

• The right to a formal hearing.
• The right to be present when charges and evidence are presented to the Hearing and/or Review Boards. (Failure to attend the hearing without just cause will be viewed as a waiver of this right, and the Board has the authority to proceed in the student's absence.)
• The right to be accompanied by an advisor.
• The right to present his or her case and to challenge charges and evidence.
• The right to present witnesses.
• The right of access to all records of the proceedings of the hearing.
• The right to receive prompt written notification of the Board's decision.
• The right to appeal a decision to the Review Board.
• The right not to testify against oneself.

• To provide compassionate assistance to impaired students before they are irreversibly harmed.
• To provide help in a way that fully protects the rights of impaired students to receive treatment in strictest confidence.
• To assure that recovered students are able to continue their medical education without stigma or penalty.
• To protect patients and others from the harm that impaired students may cause.

1. Students are educated to recognize infectious diseases in themselves and in patients. Particular emphasis is given to skin infections, respiratory tract infections, exanthems, blood-borne infections and enteric infections.
2. All students are educated about appropriate isolation techniques for patients with communicable diseases.
3. New York Medical College endorses the concept of universal blood and body fluid precautions, designed to prevent transmission of bloodborne infections such as hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Our interpretation of these precautions is as follows:
   1. All patients and students are regarded as potentially having blood-borne infections, obviating the need to selectively identify individual patients or student with these infections.
   2. Avoidance of direct contact between blood and body fluids of patients and students is to be practiced.
   3. Appropriate isolation procedures are taught to medical students before entering the third year. Special emphasis is placed on the appropriate and safe use of needles and other sharp instruments.
   4. Should an accident occur or if a patient's blood or (body fluid) touches a medical student, these events will be immediately reported to the New York Medical College Student Health Service. The patient's blood will be tested for liver function, VDRL, hepatitis B and C, and after written informed consent, for HIV, if deemed appropriate by the Student Health Service. Based on these findings, and other tests deemed necessary, therapy will be given to the student, if appropriate.
   5. Likewise, if a patient comes in contact with the blood of a medical student, this accident should be immediately reported to the New York Medical College Student Health Service. The Course Director will request of the student the same laboratory tests described above. The Course Director will then notify the patient's attending physician of the accident and of the results of the pertinent laboratory studies, while maintaining strict confidentiality regarding the student's identity.
4. In the third year, special orientation is given during which students receive specific information about the risk of acquiring hepatitis B, HIV infection, and tuberculosis (especially drug-resistant TB).
   
   Universal precautions are explained in detail and information is provided about the epidemiology of needle stick injuries. Students are also instructed in the technique of venipuncture and given the opportunity to perform this procedure under supervision.

1. Students known to have HIV infection who wish to continue their regularly scheduled activities will be evaluated by the New York Medical College Student Health Service as often as necessary. The focus of these sessions will be:
   1. to evaluate the student's ability to carry out his or her assigned duties;
   2. to counsel the student further on ways to prevent transmission of infections between patients and the student.
2. It is the policy of New York Medical College not to discriminate on the basis of HIV status
3. The HIV status of the student will be regarded as STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
   1. In those exceptional instances in which the New York Medical College Student Health Service deems it essential for others, such as a clinical course director, to know the HIV status of the student, this information will be released only after obtaining written, informed consent of the student.
   2. In selected instances, the New York Medical College Student Health Service may request assistance in the evaluation, management or counseling of an infected medical student. The Provost and Dean, or his designee, and the Chief of Infectious Diseases at Westchester Medical Center will serve as co-advisors to the NYMC Student Health Service on these matters.

• Treat others with the same respect and dignity you would wish them to show you. This includes patients, colleagues, students, teachers, administration, staff and other health professionals.
• Do not harass others physically, sexually, verbally or psychologically.
• Do not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, marital, veteran status or disability.
• Be truthful and honest in all communication. Acknowledge errors of omission and commission with colleagues and patients. Do not take credit for or plagiarize others' work.
• Do not use offensive language. Do not belittle patients, students or colleagues in any way, either in or out of their presence.
• Be aware of personal limitations and areas in which you lack knowledge. Know when to ask for and whom to go to for help. Know when and from whom appropriate supervision is necessary.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality on matters relating to colleagues, students and patients. Know when, where, and with whom such matters should be discussed.

• Do not belittle students or colleagues in any way, either in or out of their presence.
• Students should not be required or asked to perform personal services for their supervisors. Examples of inappropriate requests include baby-sitting, shopping, providing transportation, and buying lunch/coffee.
• Students should not be threatened in any way or emotionally or physically harmed.

• The New York Medical College Policy Statement on Sexual Harassment states "sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other physical, verbal or visual conduct based on sex. This would include explicit sexual propositions, sexual innuendoes, suggestive comments, sexually oriented practical jokes or obscene language or gestures."
• Sexual relationships between teachers and students, even when consensual, are always inappropriate due to the disparity of power and control in the relationship. If both parties involved intend to continue their relationship, the supervisory role must be terminated immediately. This is important because such conduct may interfere with the academic environment.

• No student should be treated differently or discriminated against based on race, religion, age, national origin, marital or veteran status or sexual orientation.

1. Contact either the Executive Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of the School of Medicine and Vice Provost for University Affairs (914-594-4500), the Dean of the School of Public Health (914-594-4531), the Dean of the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences (914-594-4109), or an associate dean for student affairs, to discuss in confidence the occurrence of possible abusive behavior on campus or at an affiliated facility. If the complaint does not appear to involve harassment or abuse, and the student and the dean agree that the matter would be more appropriately handled through another process, this will be initiated. If there appears to be student abuse or harassment, an investigation will be initiated. Following a complete investigation by one of the representatives identified in the College's harassment policy, the complaint will be reported to the Dean of the School in which the student is enrolled who will make every effort to resolve the matter in an informal, confidential and expeditious manner within 30 days. The resolution of the matter will be reported to the student. If the complaint is of a statutory nature, (i.e., involves sexual harassment, discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical handicap, or age) it will also be forwarded by the Dean's Office to the Office of the General Counsel of the College.
2. In the event that an informal resolution cannot be achieved, the matter will be taken under consideration by an ad hoc Academic Committee on Harassment. This committee will meet with the parties involved to determine whether further action should be taken. The committee will make its recommendations for resolution to the Office of the Dean, who will make the final decision.

1. The ad hoc Academic Committee on Harassment will be composed of three members: a student member of the school involved selected by the Student Senate of the School of Medicine, the Student Advisory Council of the School of Public Health, or the Graduate Student Association of the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences; a faculty member selected by the Faculty Senate of the School of Medicine, the Graduate Faculty Council of the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences, or the Academic Policy Committee of the School of Public Health; and a senior member of administration appointed by the President and not previously involved in the attempted resolution. This committee looks into complaints brought by any of the involved parties who feel that resolution through informal methods has been unsatisfactory and determines whether further action should be pursued.
2. In addition to the Academic Committee on Harassment, there is an oversight committee to monitor and recommend changes in the established harassment policy and procedures by reviewing complaint activity that occurred during the preceding year.

1. Immediately after notifying the appropriate emergency services (e.g. 911), the College's Security Office, located in Room 223B in the Basic Sciences Building (914-594-4226), should be informed.
2. The security officer on duty will contact the Director of Security immediately.
3. The Director of Security will assess the incident and notify the Provost, the Vice-Provost for Administration and Finance, the Vice-Provost for University Student Affairs, the Vice-President and General Counsel, and the Dean of the school in which the student(s) is enrolled. The Senior Communications Director will be notified if the incident has the potential for becoming public via the media.
4. A comprehensive incident report will be completed by the Security Office and forwarded to the Provost, the Vice-Provost for Administration and Finance, the Vice-Provost for University Student Affairs, and the respective Dean.
5. Following notification, review of the report, and further investigation as needed, appropriate further action will be taken by the university and academic administration of the school(s) involved.

1. It is the policy of New York Medical College to promote the safety and security of all faculty, students and employees on College premises, to prohibit any criminal or illicit activities including sexual assault or other sex offenses, to report any alleged criminal conduct to the appropriate enforcement authorities, and to discipline any faculty, student or employee after conviction of a criminal offense, which may include suspension, expulsion, dismissal or termination of employment. In the case of a student, an ad hoc faculty committee shall be appointed by the respective dean of the medical school or graduate schools to review, report and make recommendations to the respective dean.
2. To promote awareness of and facilitate prevention of sexual assault offenses, the College shall provide specific information to incoming students about sexual assault prevention measures. Such information shall include the legal sanctions and applicable penalties under applicable laws, ordinances and regulations on sex offenses, the campus security procedures for dealing with sex offenses, and the identification and availability of counseling and support services. The respective deans of the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences or the School of Public Health shall each be responsible for the coordination and dissemination of this information in the student orientation processes.
3. Effective September 1, 1991, an advisory committee on campus security was established consisting of the following six members, at least half of whom shall be female:
   • Two designated by the President of the Faculty Senate
   • One designated by the President of the Student Senate of the Medical School
   • One designated by the President of the Graduate Student Association of the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences
   • The Dean of the School of Public Health
   • The Vice Provost for University Student Affairs, who shall chair the committee
   
   The Committee shall review campus security policies and procedures for educating the campus community, including security personnel and those persons who advise or supervise students about sexual assault, personal safety and crime prevention, for reporting sexual assaults and referring complaints to appropriate authorities, and for counseling victims. The Committee shall make recommendations to the President.
   
   The advisory committee on campus security will provide upon request all campus crime statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education. For campus crime statistics, please refer to the United States Department of Education web site at www.ope.ed.gov/security/.
   
   
4. The criminal and legal penalties for the commission of sex offenses range from maximum imprisonment sentences of three months to 25 years depending on the type and seriousness of the offense involved. Additional specific information is contained in Attachment A.
5. It is the responsibility of all faculty, students and employees to report all incidents of alleged criminal conduct to the College's Security Department and to cooperate fully with regard to the specific details of such incidents. The College's Security Department shall investigate such incidents and, as necessary, report the matter to local enforcement authorities. The Security Department shall also maintain records of all reported incidents and shall collect information on reported criminal offense and arrest statistics on he College's Valhalla campus, as required by federal law. Such information, together with relevant campus security procedures shall, beginning September 1, 1992 and each year thereafter, be published and distributed, through appropriate publications or mailings, to faculty, students and employees and to any applicant for enrollment upon written request.

1. It is the policy of New York Medical College to prohibit the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by faculty, employees and students on College premises or as part of any activities of the College.
2. Violation of the above policy shall result in, as a primary and remedial objective, written submission satisfactory to the College indicating completion of an approved drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation program as a requirement for continued employment or, as a last resort, appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or termination of employment and, as applicable, referral for prosecution.
3. The abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs is associated with a number of substantial health risks affecting the performance of employees both at work and home. Alcohol is associated with liver disease, ulcers, birth defects, malnutrition, heart disease, and stroke and can cause brain damage. Its effect on performance includes poor concentration, coordination, and judgment as well as absenteeism, lateness, mood swings, and fatigue. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses of alcohol cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptons, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening.
   
   Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.
   
   Cocaine (crack) can result in death from heart or respiratory failure, stroke or seizures, lung and voice damage. It causes impaired performance by decreasing attention span, causing poor judgment and mood swings, and induces paranoia, hallucinations, and depressions from withdrawal. The abuse of marijuana and anti-anxiety drugs (such as valium, librium or xanax) is also associated with both physical and performance impairments.
4. The legal sanctions under federal, state or local laws for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol are severe and substantial requiring mandatory imprisonment and/or fines. Please contact the Department of Human Resources for further information regarding federal and New York State penalties concerning unlawful distribution or trafficking of drugs and illegal possession of controlled substances.
5. New York Medical College strongly encourages students, faculty and employees needing help in dealing with drug or alcohol dependence to participate in drug counseling and rehabilitation programs approved for such purposes by federal, state or local agencies. A description of some of the available drug or alcohol counseling, treatment or rehabilitation or reentry programs for students, faculty or employees is available through the Department of Human Resources.

1. All residents of an apartment must respect the rights of everyone in the apartment. This includes respecting the right to study and sleep, including maintaining an acceptable noise level within the apartment.
2. All non-bedroom areas of the apartment must remain accessible to all apartment residents. This includes all common hallways, internal stairways, terraces off the kitchen, living room or the common hallways, bathrooms off the common hallway and the kitchen, living room or other non-bedroom area. Any room or terrace accessible only through a bedroom belongs to the person assigned that bedroom.
3. All residents of the apartment should respect the security and access rights of all other residents. This includes ensuring that the apartment doors remain locked and that the door chain is used only when all residents are present in the apartment.
4. All residents of the apartment must respect the cooking and cleaning expectations of all other residents. This includes cleaning up after using the kitchen and bathroom and only using the food, dishes and utensils of others when expressly given permission.

• Notices of interest to the College community may be sent to the public groups under the following:

  – Advertisements - for selling items or other transactions, offering services, housing exchanges, etc.
  – Announcements - for conveying information of general interest, such as academic appointments, new hires or available positions, as well as personal announcements, such as births and retirements.
  – Events - campus events such as lectures, grand rounds, public meetings and other scheduled activities.

• Users not wishing to receive any or all of the above can unsubscribe from these public groups. From the home page (www.nymc.edu), click on Intranet (password required), then on E-mail Group Membership (password required). Check or uncheck the boxes that apply to the e-mail groups to which you wish to subscribe or unsubscribe and submit. This page also contains a link to NYMC Policy IS-107.1 in its entirety.