Standards of Professional and Ethical Behavior and Procedures for Alleged Violations of the Standards (Honor Code)

Standards of Professional and Ethical Behavior

I. Preamble

A. One of the goals of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Nursing and Health Studies (“SoNHS”) is to educate students during their transitions to professional lives. The SoNHS has an obligation to society1 to evaluate Students pursuing the B.H.S., B.S.N., M.S.N., D.N.P., and Ph.D. degrees, as thoroughly as possible. This responsibility includes the Student’s cognitive abilities, academic and professional knowledge and skills, integrity, and suitability to practice the Student’s desired professional roles.
B. Accordingly, the Standards of Professional and Ethical Behavior in this Honor Code have been developed to guide students who are enrolled at all levels within the SoNHS, including undergraduate and graduate students. The Standards are designed to promote accountability for professional and ethical behaviors.
C. Students are expected to adhere to these Standards of Professional and Ethical Behavior, academic and conduct standards set forth in course syllabi, University of Missouri System CRR 200.010, and the SoNHS Policy and Procedure Manual (collectively, “Standards”).
D. Any alleged violations of the Standards will be handled as set forth in the Procedures for Alleged Violations of the Standards (“Procedures”).
E. This Honor Code will be distributed to all newly enrolled students during orientation activities and is available in the Policy and Procedure Manual.​

II. Integrity

A. Personal and Professional Integrity

1. Honesty
a. A SoNHS student shall deal honestly with people including, but not limited to, colleagues, instructors, representatives of the University, consumers, healthcare providers, physicians, nursing staff, any representative of our clinical agencies, other members of the health care team. Students are expected to demonstrate honesty and integrity in all aspects of their interactions with patients, clients, and staff – particularly by being accurate and complete in their actions and documentation.
b. The SoNHS Student shall be willing to admit errors and must not mislead others or promote himself or herself at the patient’s expense.
c. A basic principle underlying all research is honesty. Scientists and students who participate in research have a responsibility to provide research results of the highest quality; to gather facts meticulously, to keep impeccable records of work done; to interpret results realistically, not forcing them into preconceived molds or models; and to report new knowledge through appropriate channels. Co-authors of research reports must be sufficiently acquainted with the work of their co-workers so that they can personally vouch for the integrity of the study and validity of the findings and must have been active in the research itself.
d. Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Cheating

i. Use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations;
ii. Dependence upon the aid of unauthorized sources in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out assignments;
iii. Acquisition or possession without permission of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the University faculty or staff;
iv. Self-plagiarism by use of assignments or papers prepared in one class for another class without disclosing such information to the faculty;
v. In any way giving assistance to others who are participating in any of the three preceding types of behavior; or
vi. Falsifying attendance records or other official documents.

(2) Plagiarism

i. Use by paraphrase or direct quotation of the published or unpublished work of another person without fully and properly crediting the author with footnotes, citations or bibliographical reference;
ii. Unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials;
iii. Unacknowledged use of original work/material that has been produced through collaboration with others without release in writing from collaborators;
iv. Unauthorized use of artificially generated content; or
v. Self-plagiarism

(3) Sabotage

i. Unauthorized interference with, modification of, or destruction of the work or intellectual property of another member of the University.

(4) Falsification of Health Records or Information

i. Any form of documentation by a student that is not entered at the correct time of the data entry, that does not accurately reflect what the student has seen or done, or reporting learning hours that are not verified by the identified agency;
ii. Fabricating and reporting consumer health information such as physical examination findings, lab values, test results, medications, or any other relevant consumer information to authorized students, staff, supervisors, and/or appropriate individuals in the applicable agency; or
iii. Other dishonesty related to clinical practice, service learning, or internships.

2. Responsibility
a. A SoNHS student must acquire competencies with the appropriate concepts, knowledge, and skills that the faculty determines are essential. These competencies shall be utilized to care for the sick and to promote the health and welfare of society2.
b. A SoNHS student shall recognize a responsibility to participate in activities contributing to an improved community.
c. Students in the care of consumers must not be harmful, dangerous, or negligent to the mental or physical health of a consumer or the general public. Negligence means the failure to exercise that degree of skill and learning ordinarily used under the same or similar circumstances by other similar students.
d. Students must be familiar with and follow the rules and regulations of the SoNHS, the University, and professional organizations which they are required to follow as SoNHS students.

B. Professional SoNHS Behavior

1. Non-discrimination
a. As a community of learners committed to upholding University policies against discrimination and harassment based on protected identity, students shall refrain from all forms of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, and any other status protected by applicable State or Federal law.
b. This applies to every aspect of the learning environment, including clinical experiences, service learning, capstone courses, and internships.

2. Confidentiality
a. A SoNHS student shall respect the rights of patients, colleagues, affiliated institutions, and other health professionals, and shall safeguard patient confidences within the constraints of HIPAA and applicable State laws.
b. The consumer’s right to confidentiality in regard to his or her medical record, which includes confidentiality of personal and social history, is a fundamental tenet to health care.
c. The discussion in public of the problems of an identified consumer, without the consumer’s permission, by professional staff (including other students) violates consumer confidentiality laws and ethical standards. This includes any discussion held in public places, such as hallways, break rooms, elevators and cafeterias as well as in any media forum (such as T.V. or print media) or any virtual forum, such as social networking sites.
d. Under no circumstances can any medical/healthcare record be removed from any institution. Copying, scanning or imaging the entire record is never permitted for presentations, rounds, or conferences; if permitted by the healthcare institution or practitioner, students are permitted to extract information, but not copy, image or print entire parts of the chart. Names of consumers shall be omitted or obscured from any documents used for presentations.

3. Disclosure
a. While the SoNHS student is a member of the care team and under direct or indirect faculty supervision, a SoNHS student shall continue to study, apply, and advance scientific knowledge, make relevant information available to consumers, colleagues, and the public, obtain consultation, and use the talents of other health professionals when indicated.
b. Sharing of medical information appropriately with a consumer and colleagues involved in the care of the patient is a fundamental ethical requirement. The consumer must be well informed to make healthcare decisions and work intelligently in partnership with the care team. Information that the consumer needs for decision-making shall be presented in terms and methods, such as with an authorized translator, teach back, or assessing reading level, that the consumer can understand. If, for some reason, the consumer is unable to comprehend information, there shall be disclosure of the information to the consumer’s authorized representative.
c. Failure of a SoNHS student to share medical information relevant to a consumer with a consumer and colleagues involved in the care of the consumer is unethical. Providing inaccurate information with these individuals is also unacceptable.
4. Misconduct with Consumers
a. The SoNHS student will not engage in nonprofessional behaviors with a consumer – even upon the apparent request of a consumer– while the SoNHS student is involved with the consumer’s care.
5. Representation
a. A SoNHS student shall accurately represent himself or herself to others including, but not limited to, colleagues, instructors, representatives of the University and their affiliates, partner institutions, consumers, supervisors, agency staff, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team.
b. Examples of misrepresentation include, but are not limited to the following:

(1) Misrepresentation of the student’s position, knowledge, or authority, including use of the title “nurse” by an undergraduate student nurse, or by use of the titles advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), nurse midwife (NM), or nurse anesthetist (CRNA) by a graduate student.
(2) Use of fraud, deception, lies, or bribery in securing any certificate or registration or authority, diploma, permit, or license issued, or in obtaining permission to take any examinations.
(3) Impersonation of any person holding a certificate of registration or authority, permit, or license, or allowing any person to use a student’s certificate of registration or authority, permit, license, or diploma from any school.
(4) Forgery, alteration, or misuse of a consumer’s records, or knowingly furnishing false information to the other members of the healthcare profession and/or professional organizations.

6. Assessment of Personal Competence (Self-Evaluation)

a. Students shall seek consultation and supervision whenever their ability to play their role in the care of a consumer is inadequate because of lack of knowledge or experience.
b. Students are expected to use constructive feedback to guide appropriate changes in their behavior.

7. Professional Demeanor

a. SoNHS students are representatives of UMKC and must realize that their behaviors may positively and negatively affect the judgments of others about UMKC SoNHS.
b. SoNHS students are expected to be thoughtful and professional when interacting with faculty, consumers and their families, peers, and all members of the healthcare team. This professional behavior is to be maintained in any and all situations, including off-campus and in “virtual” sites such as on-line social networking sites, where the student has been identified as a UMKC SoNHS student.
c. Students shall maintain a neat and clean appearance, and dress in attire that is generally accepted as professional by the consumer populations served, and aligns with the SoNHS Dress Policy.
d. Professional demeanor is required of students in cyberspace in the same manner it is required in all other settings. Students must keep in mind that behavior that is illegal or a violation of University policy on campus will be illegal or violate University policy if it appears online. If a student has been identified as a UMKC-SoNHS student in an online forum, the SoNHS will hold the student to the Standards. While it is not the policy of SoNHS faculty to routinely monitor any student’s web sites, if inappropriate postings are brought to their attention, the faculty will investigate the report.
e. Inappropriate behaviors include, but are not limited to: the use of offensive language, gestures, or remarks; attempting, directly or indirectly, by way of intimidation, coercion or deception, to obtain or retain a patient: or discourage the use of a second opinion or consultation.

8. Impairment

a. The SoNHS student will not use alcohol or drugs in ways that impair the student’s ability to perform the work of the profession or results in compromised consumer care.
b. It is the responsibility of every SoNHS student to strive to protect the public from an impaired colleague and to assist that colleague whose capability is impaired because of alcohol or drug use or other health related conditions.

9. Conflict of Interest

a. If a conflict of interest arises, the moral principle is clear – the welfare of the consumer must be, at all times, paramount.
b. For example, gifts, hospitality, or subsidies offered by manufacturers and distributors of medical and or other equipment/goods shall not be accepted if acceptance could influence the objectivity of clinical judgment.

10. Criticism of Colleagues

a. Professional relations among all members of the healthcare community shall be marked by civility.
b. Scholarly contributions shall be acknowledged, and each person shall recognize and facilitate the contributions of others to this community; slanderous comments and acts are not acceptable.
c. Students shall deal with professionals, staff, and peer members of the healthcare team in a considerate manner and with a spirit of cooperation.
d. It is unethical and harmful for a SoNHS student to disparage, without sufficient evidence, the professional competence, knowledge, qualifications, or services of a colleague to anyone. It is also unethical to imply without reliable evidence – by word, gesture, or deed – that a consumer has been poorly managed or mistreated by a colleague.

11. Teaching

a. It is incumbent upon those entering the healthcare profession to teach what they know of the science, art, and ethics of the profession. It includes communicating clearly and teaching consumers so that they are properly prepared to participate in their own care and in the maintenance of their health.

PROCEDURES FOR ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF THE STANDARDS

I. JURISDICTION OF THE SONHS

A. The SoNHS shall have jurisdiction over alleged violations of the Standards by students.
B. When a SoNHS Student is alleged to have violated the Standards (“Respondent”), the SoNHS shall adhere to the following procedures detailed herein.
C. The procedures described are not to be construed as judicial trials. Care shall be taken, however, to comply as fully as possible with the spirit and intent of these procedural safeguards.

II. DEFINITIONS

A. Adviser: A person selected by Respondent to attend and participate in meetings and hearings. This person may be an attorney.
B. Preponderance of the evidence: The standard of proof used to determine whether it is more likely than not that a violation of the Standards occurred.
C. Record of the Case: An audio, video, digital, or stenographic record of the hearing and the Notice of Hearing, Exhibits, and the report of the Honor Council shall be maintained as the Record of the Case by the Primary Administrative Officer (“PAO”).
D. Respondent: The student alleged to have violated one or more of the Standards.

III. PRIMARY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (“PAO”)

A. The SoNHS Associate Dean for Students shall serve as the Primary Administrative Officer (“PAO”).
B. The PAO shall receive and review all reports of alleged violations of the Standards.
C. The PAO shall have the authority to handle informal disposition of cases, and shall present cases in hearings to the Honor Council.

IV. ORGANIZATION OF THE HONOR COUNCIL

A. Composition and Voting

1. Voting members of the Honor Council include: the Chair; five (5) faculty members(one representing each program: BSN, BHS, MSN, DNP, PhD); and five (5) student members.
2. A quorum shall consist of five members or their alternatives, which shall include at least two faculty members (excluding the Chair) and 3 student members.
3. A designated SoNHS staff member will provide administrative support for Honor Council meetings , and an approved software system, i.e., AI Note Taker, shall take minutes of meetings.
4. Voting is conducted by secret ballot, and only members or alternates present may vote; proxy voting is not permitted.

B. Eligibility and Appointment

1. Faculty members who have no more than a 50% administrative appointment are eligible to serve as Chair or members of the Honor Council.
2. Voting members of the SoNHS Faculty Assembly shall elect faculty members to the Honor Council, and their alternates. Members elected to the Honor Council shall elect the Chair of the Honor Council.
3. Each BSN and BHS class shall elect a student member and alternate.
4. Graduate students (MSN, DNP, PhD) shall elect one student member and alternate to represent all graduate programs.
5. To be eligible for election to the Honor Council, students must be in good standing at the SoNHS.
a. If a student member of the Honor Council is placed on academic or disciplinary
probation, the student becomes ineligible to serve on the Honor Council, and a new student member shall be elected.

C. Time of Appointment and Term of Office

1. All faculty members shall serve a one-year appointment, with the exception of the Chair
who will serve 2 years.

a. Election of faculty will occur at the last spring faculty forum meeting of the year for the next academic year during regular School committee elections.
b. Faculty vacancies are filled by special election.

2. Election of student members shall be held on an annual basis at the beginning of the academic year, no later than September 15.
3. Within 2 weeks of elections, a meeting of all members shall be held to discuss the role and function of the Honor Council.

V. PROCEDURES FOR REPORTS OF VIOLATION, INVESTIGATIONS, AND INFORMAL DISPOSITIONS

A. Report of Violation

1. An alleged violation of the Standards shall be reported to the PAO as soon as possible after discovery of the alleged violation of the Standards.

a. Reports must be submitted electronically and include detailed information and any supporting documentation.
b. Any person who has reasonable cause to believe that a student has violated one or more of the Standards may submit a report.
c. Except for purposes of any investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding, reports and the names of reporters shall be maintained confidential.

2. The PAO shall review the report of the alleged violation and shall determine whether it needs to be referred to the UMKC Office of Equity and Title IX or the UMKC Office of Student Conduct and Civility.

a. The PAO, Office of Equity and Title IX, and Office of Student Conduct and Civility may share information about possible violations to determine how the alleged violation may be handled.
b. Students may be subject to discipline by the Office of Equity and Title IX, Office of Student Conduct and Civility, or the SoHNS; however, a student will not be subject to discipline for the same violation by multiple entities.
c. If the PAO determines the alleged violation will be handled by the PAO, the PAO shall devise and implement a response on how to proceed, based on relevant facts including, but not limited to: the severity of the alleged misconduct; the health, safety, or welfare of Respondent and members of the UMKC community; and the impact of the alleged violation on members of the UMKC community and the educational environment.
d. At any time, the PAO may work with Respondent to negotiate educational solutions or other resolutions to address the alleged misconduct.

(1) Educational solutions or other resolutions are encouraged, and statements made by Respondent or an adviser during such negotiations shall not be used against Respondent in any hearing.
(2) Respondent may refuse to participate in such negotiations and PAO shall proceed to investigate.

B. Temporary Action for Respondent

1. The Dean of the SoNHS or the Dean’s designee may at any time temporarily
suspend or place conditions on the attendance or participation of Respondent, pending completion of the Procedures, when the Dean/designee finds and believes from available information that the presence of Respondent would seriously disrupt the educational environment, or Respondent constitutes a danger to the health, safety, or welfare of Respondent or of others.
2. The Dean/designee shall give Respondent written notice of such temporary action and the detailed reason for it, and that Respondent may submit a written response requesting reconsideration or modification of the temporary action within five (5) business days of delivery of the notice. Such notice may be given in person or via Respondent’s University email.

a. The time for submitting the written response may be extended upon written request at the discretion of the Dean/designee.
b. After due consideration of the response and all relevant circumstances, the Dean/designee will sustain, remove, or modify the temporary action and notify Respondent of that decision. There is no right of appeal.

C. Preliminary Procedures and Meeting

1. The PAO shall investigate the alleged violation.

a. The PAO shall meet with Respondent.
b. The PAO shall inform Respondent of the place and date of the meeting, the details of the reported alleged violation, and the right of Respondent to have any adviser, who may be an attorney or any other person selected by Respondent, to attend and participate in the meeting.
c. Respondent shall also be advised of the right to bring witnesses and evidence to this meeting.
d. The PAO may have witnesses attend the meeting and present
evidence.

2. The PAO may review past reports of alleged violations of the Standards by Respondent, interview witnesses including the reporter of the alleged violation, consult with other pertinent individuals, and collect relevant information.
3. The PAO shall maintain all documents related to the alleged violation and investigation.
4. After conducting the investigation, the PAO shall determine whether a violation of the Standards has occurred based upon the preponderance of the evidence.

a. If the PAO determines that no violation has occurred, educational solutions or other resolutions may be offered to Respondent.
b. If the PAO determines that a violation has occurred, the PAO may, but is not required to, propose an informal disposition. The PAO may proceed to request a hearing with the Honor Council.

D. Informal Disposition

1. If the PAO determines that a violation of the standards has occurred, the PAO shall have the authority to propose informal disposition consisting of a preliminary determination of the responsibility of Respondent for the alleged violation and the proposed sanction.
2. The proposed informal disposition shall be sent via the Respondent’s University email, and to Respondent’s adviser if applicable.
3. The notice of the proposed informal decision shall inform Respondent that failure to reject the proposed informal disposition in writing within ten (10) business days of receipt of the notice shall be considered as acceptance of the proposed informal sanction, which shall then become final and effective.
4. If Respondent rejects the proposed informal disposition, the PAO shall move forward with a hearing with the Honor Council.

VI. SANCTIONS

A. The following are the sanctions that can be imposed on Respondent by the PAO or the Honor Council:

1. No Sanction - Respondent is not found to have violated a Standard.
2. Warning – A notice in writing that Respondent has violated one or more Standards.
3. Probation – A written reprimand for violation of one or more Standards that includes a designated period of time for the probation and may impose other conditions or requirements.
4. Loss of Privileges - Denial of specified privileges in the SoNHS for a designated period of time.
5. Discretionary Sanctions - Work assignments in the SoNHS, service to the SoNHS, or other related discretionary assignments in the SoNHS.
6. Suspension from the SoNHS – An involuntary separation from the SoNHS for a specified period of time after which Respondent is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
7. Dismissal from the SoNHS – An involuntary separation from the SoNHS for an indefinite period of time. It may require a minimum separation time or defined requirements before Respondent may return to the SoNHS.
8. Expulsion from the SoNHS – Permanent separation from the SoNHS.

B. If there are multiple violations of Standards, there may be separate sanctions for each violation or one sanction for all violations.
C. The following sanctions may be reportable to external third parties: Probation; Suspension; Dismissal; and Expulsion.
D. Requirements for education and/or training, or referral to a SoNHS Committee or other resources may be imposed on Respondent irrespective of whether a violation of the Standards has been substantiated. Any such requirements do not require a sanction to be imposed.

VII. HONOR COUNCIL HEARING PROCEDURES

A. Setting of Hearing Date and Notice

1. The PAO shall work with Respondent and any other individuals required for the hearing to identify a date for the hearing.
2. Any request to reschedule the hearing shall be made in writing to the Chair of the Honor Council who is authorized to reschedule the hearing if the request is timely and made for good cause.
3. At least twenty (20) business days before the hearing, or sooner if the agreed-upon date for the hearing is less than twenty (20) business days, a Notice of Hearing shall be provided to the Respondent via Respondent’s University email, Respondent’s adviser (if identified), Chair of the Honor Council, and any attorneys designated for the PAO and Honor Council which shall include:

a. Detailed description of the alleged misconduct and any applicable policies or laws that have been alleged to have been violated;
b. Description of the procedures for the hearing, including the right to have advisers, who may be attorneys, present at the hearing;
c. The potential sanctions that may be imposed;
d. Statement that the Respondent is permitted to inspect, copy, and review all information or evidence obtained as part of the investigation that directly relates to the alleged misconduct;
e. Statement that the Parties and their witnesses must be truthful when making any statements or providing any information or evidence through the hearing, and documentary evidence must be genuine and accurate;
f. Statement that nothing in the hearing procedures is intended to alter any rights that the Respondent may have under applicable Federal or Missouri laws or the US Constitution;
g. Names of the members of the Honor Council and the designated Chair;
h. That an objection to any member of the Honor Council can be made to the Dean of the SoNHS within three (3) business days after receipt of the Notice of Hearing.

(a) The Dean shall determine whether there is good cause to remove the Honor Council member, which includes, but is not limited to, bias that would preclude an impartial hearing or circumstances in which the member’s involvement could impact Respondent’s work or learning environment due to current or potential interactions with the member.
i. Time, date, and location of the hearing;
j. That if the Respondent fails to appear at the hearing, the hearing will be conducted without the Respondent; and
k. That the Parties may request a virtual hearing with technology enabling participants simultaneously to see and hear each other, and/or necessary accommodations.

B. Pre-Hearing Disclosures and Procedures

1. At least ten (10) business days before the hearing, the PAO shall provide the Respondent, the Respondent’s adviser (if identified), and the Chair of the Honor Council with:

a. The investigative report that summarizes the relevant evidence related to the alleged misconduct either in electronic form or hard copy;
b. List of proposed witnesses to be called at the hearing;
c. Copies of all proposed documentary, photographic, video, and audio evidence, and
d. How the Respondent can access all of the evidence collected during the investigation directly related to the alleged misconduct.

2. At least five (5) business days before the hearing, the Respondent shall provide the PAO, Chair of the Honor Council, and any attorneys designated for the PAO and Honor Council with:

a. A written response to the investigative report;
b. List of proposed witnesses to be called at the hearing; and
c. Copies of all proposed documentary, photographic, video, and audio evidence.

3. If the PAO identifies any rebuttal witnesses or evidence to be called or submitted after receipt of the Respondent’s information, the PAO shall provide notice of such witnesses or evidence to the Respondent, the Respondent’s adviser, Chair of the Honor Council, and any attorneys designated for the PAO and Honor Council within at least two (2) business days before the hearing.
4. The PAO, Chair of the Honor Council, and Respondent may agree that certain witnesses do not need to be physically present if their testimony can be adequately summarized in the investigative report or during the hearing by other witnesses.

C. Rights of Respondent at Hearing

1. Be present at the hearing, which may be waived by either written notification to the Chair of the Honor Council or by failure to appear at the hearing.
2. Have an adviser, who may be but is not required to be, an attorney present at the hearing and who may actively participate and assist the Respondent during the hearing.
3. Prior to the hearing, the adviser may communicate with the Chair of the Honor Council, including raising questions or objections, or making requests regarding the hearing procedures.
4. At the hearing, the adviser may request clarification of a procedural matter or object to a procedure by addressing the Chair of the Honor Council.
5. The adviser may make presentations and speak on behalf of the Respondent and may consult with Respondent during the hearing or outside of the hearing during breaks.
6. The adviser may examine and cross-examine witnesses.
7. To testify at the hearing.
8. Hear and examine evidence presented to the Honor Council.
9. Question and cross-examine witnesses testifying at the hearing.
10. Present evidence by witnesses or affidavits.
11. Make a statement in mitigation or explanation of the alleged misconduct.
12. Receive written findings and the sanction imposed by the Honor Council.

D. Rights of the PAO at Hearing

1. Be present at the hearing.
2. Have an attorney from the Office of the General Counsel who may actively participate and assist the PAO during the hearing.
3. State the facts of the investigative report.
4. Hear and examine evidence presented to the Honor Council.
5. Question and cross-examine witnesses testifying at the hearing.
6. Present evidence by witnesses or affidavits.
7. Receive written findings and the sanction imposed by the Honor Council.

E. Rights of Honor Council

1. Hear together cases involving more than one Respondent which arise out of the same alleged violation; however, separate findings and determinations shall be made for each Respondent.
2. Permit a stipulation of facts by the PAO and Respondent.
3. Permit the incorporation by reference to any documentation, produced and desired in the Record of the Case by PAO or Respondent, provided the other Party has had an opportunity to review and respond to the documentation.
4. Question witnesses and challenge evidence introduced by either Party.
5. Hear from PAO about dispositions made in similar cases.
6. Call additional witnesses or require additional investigation by the PAO.
7. Dismiss the hearing at any time.
8. Permit or require amendment to the Notice of Hearing to include new or additional matters which may come to the attention of the Honor Council before final determination of the case; provided, however, that in such event the Honor Council shall grant to Respondent or PAO such time as the Honor Council may determine is reasonable under the circumstances to answer or explain such additional matters.
9. Dismiss any person from the hearing who interferes with or obstructs the hearing or fails to abide by the rulings of the Chair of the Honor Council.
10. Suspend summarily Respondent from UMKC who, during the hearing, obstructs or interferes with the course of the hearing or persistently fails to abide by the rulings of the Chair of the Honor Council on any procedural question or request of the Chair for order.
11. Have an attorney from the Office of the General Counsel who may assist the Honor Council.

F. Rights of Witnesses

1. Students, faculty, and/or staff of SoNHS who serve as witnesses at the hearing shall be protected from retaliation or harassment from Respondent at or apart from the hearing.
2. If retaliation or harassment of one or more witnesses by Respondent does occur, this will be considered a separate violation of the Standards.
3. Witnesses may request to appear virtually at a hearing.
4. Witnesses may consult with the PAO or others regarding the hearing process.

G. Conduct of Hearing

1. All Parties shall have the opportunity to present the facts and arguments in full.
2. The Chair of the Honor Council shall preside at the hearing, call the hearing to order, call the roll of the Honor Council, ascertain the presence or absence of the Respondent, verify the receipt of notices related to the hearing by the Respondent, report any continuances requested and granted, establish the presence of any advisers, explain any special procedures to be employed during the hearing, and permit the Respondent to make suggestions regarding, or objections to, any hearing procedures.
3. The Chair of the Honor Council shall determine the relevancy and admissibility of any evidence offered and shall respond to any procedural questions.
4. The Chair of the Honor Council shall not require, allow, or use any evidence that constitutes, or seek disclosure of, information that is protected under a legally recognized privilege unless the person holding the privilege has waived that privilege.
5. The Chair of the Honor Council may dismiss any person who interferes with or obstructs the hearing or fails to abide by any ruling of the Chair of the Honor Council.
6. Rules of common courtesy and decency shall be observed.
7. The Chair of the Honor Council may exclude any witness, document, or information that is irrelevant, immaterial, cumulative, or more prejudicial than informative.
8. Incidents or behaviors of Respondent that show a pattern of related violations, or character evidence of Respondent may be considered only if deemed relevant by the Chair of the Honor Council.
9. The Honor Council shall consider the trustworthiness of all oral and written statements, and no oral or written statement shall be considered if the source of the statement has not been disclosed.
10. The PAO shall make opening remarks outlining the general nature of the alleged misconduct.
11. The Respondent may make a statement after the opening remarks or at the conclusion of the presentation by the PAO.
12. The PAO may state the facts of the investigation and call witnesses and introduce evidence supporting the alleged misconduct.
13. The Honor Council may question the PAO and witnesses at any time.
14. The Respondent and the Respondent’s adviser may cross-examine witnesses after they have been questioned by the PAO.
15. Upon conclusion of the evidence presented by the PAO, the Respondent may present evidence through witnesses and written documents or other materials.
16. The PAO and Honor Council may question the Respondent and the Respondent’s witnesses at any time.
17. The Respondent has the right to remain silent, and such silence shall not be considered as evidence supporting a finding of misconduct.
18. After conclusion of the evidence has been presented by the Respondent, the Chair of the Honor Council may allow either Party to offer rebuttal of the other Party’s presentation.

H. Record of Hearing

1. There shall be an audio, video, digital, or stenographic record of the hearing maintained.

I. Report of Honor Council

1. The Honor Council shall carefully review all the materials and promptly render its findings and final decision.

a. The burden of proof and the burden of gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination regarding responsibility of Respondent rests on the PAO.

2. The report shall detail the following:

a. Identification of the allegations potentially constituting prohibited conduct and the determination of the Honor Council;
b. A description of the procedural steps taken;
c. Findings of fact supporting the determination and any information the Honor Council excluded from consideration and why;
d. Conclusions regarding the application of the Standards to the facts;
e. A statement of, and rationale for, the result as to each allegation, including a determination regarding responsibility;
f. Any sanctions as set forth in Article VI to be imposed on the Respondent; and
g. The procedures and permissible bases for Respondent to seek review or appeal by the Chancellor.
 

VIII. GROUNDS FOR REVIEW OR APPEAL BY CHANCELLOR

A. The grounds for review or appeal by the Chancellor are limited to the following:

1. A material deviation from established procedures that affected the outcome of the matter.
2. To consider new evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the decision was made that could affect the outcome of the matter.
3. The Honor Council members demonstrated a conflict of interest or bias against the Respondent generally that affected the outcome of the matter.
4. The sanction falls outside that typically imposed for this offense, or for the cumulative conduct record of the Respondent.

B. A review or appeal is not intended to be a full rehearing of the matter and is therefore deferential to the original findings.
C. In most cases, reviews and appeals are confined to a review of the written documentation, Record of the Case, and relevant documents regarding the grounds for review or appeal.
D. A review or appeal granted based on new evidence should normally be remanded to the Honor Council for reconsideration.

IX. PETITION FOR REVIEW BY CHANCELLOR

A. If the sanction is not for suspension, dismissal, or expulsion from the SoNHS, the Respondent may petition the Chancellor, with a copy to the Chair of the Honor Council, in writing for a review of the decision of the Honor Council within ten (10) business days after notification of the Honor Council’s decision.
B. The Petition for Review must state the grounds for review in detail.
C. The Chair of the Honor Council may provide a written response to the Petition for Review within ten (10) business days of receipt of the Petition for Review.
D. Upon request, the Chancellor may extend the time for filing or responding to the Petition for Review for good cause.
E. The Chancellor may review or refuse to review the decision of the Honor Council. If the Chancellor refuses to review the decision, the Parties shall be notified, and the decision of the Honor Council is final.
F. If the review is granted, the Chancellor may affirm, reverse, or modify the decision, or remand it back for further proceedings.
G. The Chancellor shall notify the Parties in writing of the final action within ten (10) business days after the deadline for the submission of any documents has passed.
H. The action of the Chancellor is final unless it is to remand the matter back for further proceedings.

X. PROCESS FOR APPEAL TO CHANCELLOR

A. If the sanction is for suspension, dismissal, or expulsion from the SoNHS, the Respondent may appeal the decision of the Honor Council by filing a written Notice of Appeal to the Chancellor, with a copy to the Chair of the Honor Council, within ten (10) business days after notification of the Honor Council’s decision. The Notice of Appeal may include a written memorandum explaining the details of the grounds for the appeal.
B. The Chancellor shall review the Record of the Case and the appeal documents, and may affirm, reverse, or modify the decision of the Honor Council, or remand the matter back for further proceedings.
C. The Chancellor shall notify the Parties in writing of the decision on the appeal within ten (10) business days after receipt of the Notice of Appeal. In the event that the Chancellor is unable to render a written decision within ten (10) business days, the Chancellor will promptly notify the Parties in writing of the delay.
D. The action of the Chancellor shall be final unless it is to remand the matter back for further proceedings.
E. The action of the Chancellor shall be final unless it is to remand the matter back for further proceedings.

XI. AMENDMENTS TO HONOR CODE

A. Amendments to the Honor Code may be proposed by the Faculty Steering Committee or Honor Council.
B. Proposed amendments must be approved by a 2/3 majority vote of the faculty present at a faculty meeting.
C. All amendments must also be approved by the Chancellor, Office of the General Counsel, and the Board of Curators.
D. The Honor Code may be terminated at any time under the amendment process.

The Curators of the University of Missouri approval April 16, 2026