EMORY UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
Emory University Respect for Open Expression Policy
Open expression is the sharing of thoughts, ideas, beliefs, dissent, and protest through inquiry, speech, activism, and assembly, using displays, flyers, and other forms of communication consistent with University guidelines. Emory University’s educational process requires diverse forms of open expression, including freedom of thought, inquiry, speech, activism, and assembly. Underpinning that process, the University affirms the rights of Emory community members to assemble and demonstrate peaceably within the limits of the institution’s Respect for Open Expression Policy. Simultaneously, the University affirms the right of others to pursue their normal activities and to be protected from injury or property damage, as defined by law. Learn more about Emory University’s commitment to open expression through the Respect for Open Expression Policy, University Senate Committee for Open Expression, and Open Expression Observers Program.
Bias Support Services (BSS)
Emory University is a community of respect, openness, understanding, and civility. We continually “practice” community by sharing our experiences, listening carefully to others, and debating ideas in civil, generous, and constructive ways. However, there are times when the actions and behaviors of community members impact others negatively. The Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) was established to respond to these actions and behaviors with resources, support, and actions. While Emory University values open expression and vigorous debate in the context of civility and mutual respect for diverse individuals and communities, bias incidents directly impact our ability to know, trust, support, and learn from one another. The term 'bias incident’ refers to language and/or actions that demonstrate bias against persons because of, but not limited to, their actual or perceived race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or status as a military veteran. Bias incidents include, but are not limited to, name-calling, stereotyping, belittling, or excluding others based on their identity. Some, but not all, bias incidents may rise to the level of discriminatory harassment, sexual misconduct, or other violations of policy or law. Learn more about BSS and how to report a bias incident.
Sexual Misconduct Policy 8.2
The Sexual Misconduct Policy applies to each of Emory’s Schools, including the students of the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. Policy 8.2 sets forth a centralized reporting, investigation and grievance/conduct process for allegations of sexual misconduct pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). Policy 8.2, which is administered through the office of Emory’s Title IX Coordinator for Students, shall apply in the principal instance to address sexual misconduct allegation(s) in matters where the respondent is a student. Although each student is also bound by the provisions of the Nell Hodgson Woodruff
School of Nursing Conduct Code, any investigation and adjudication pursued under Policy 8.2 shall take precedence over the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing’s separate Conduct Code or Honor Code provisions.
If there are multiple violations implicated by a reported incident (e.g., a violation of Policy 8.2 in addition to a violation of an individual School policy), the student/respondent may either by subject to multiple conduct proceedings, depending on the particular facts involved, or, upon the student’s request or request by the Title IX Coordinator for Students, consent to a single proceeding under Policy 8.2, wherein all charges are adjudicated in one forum. Moreover, if a student is ultimately found not to have violated Policy 8.2, the student may still be subject to separate disciplinary proceedings under the policies of the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing Student Handbook. To the extent that there may be any conflicts between the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing policies/Conduct Code/Student Handbook and Policy 8.2, the provisions of Policy 8.2 shall govern allegations of sexual misconduct.
Pregnancy Policy for Students (Policy 8.22)
Policy 8.22 applies to Emory students and applicants, and you can access and read the full policy here. The policy states that Emory does not discriminate in its education program or activity against any student or applicant based upon their current, potential, or past pregnancy or related conditions. Under the policy, Emory employees informed by a student of their pregnancy have a responsibility to (1) provide the student with the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information and (2) explain the Title IX Coordinator’s role in preventing discrimination and ensuring equal access.
Importantly, the policy lays out Emory’s response obligations when the Title IX Coordinator is notified of a student’s pregnancy or related conditions. These response obligations include, but are not limited to:
Providing the option of making reasonable modifications to Emory’s policies, practices, or procedures;
Allowing a voluntary leave of absence;
Ensuring the availability of lactation space in accordance with Policy 4.91; and
Prohibiting and maintaining grievance procedures that provide for the prompt resolution of complaints of sex discrimination.
Students may seek a reasonable modification by contacting the Title IX Coordinator, who will consult with the student to determine what modifications are appropriate based on the student’s individualized needs. A proposed modification that would fundamentally alter the nature of Emory’s education program or activity is not reasonable. Students are empowered with the discretion to accept or decline each reasonable modification offered to them. (See Section 1.4.2 for a list of examples of reasonable modifications.) The policy also includes a limitation on supporting documentation that may be required of a student, stating that supporting documentation will only be required if necessary and reasonable under the circumstances. (See Section 1.5 for a list of circumstances in which requiring documentation is not necessary and reasonable.)
A student who is pregnant or has a pregnancy-related condition may voluntarily take a leave of absence to cover, at minimum, the period deemed medically necessary by the student’s licensed healthcare provider. The student will be reinstated to the academic status and, as practicable, the extracurricular status the student held when their voluntary leave began.
Finally, the policy encourages anyone who has been affected by discrimination, harassment, or retaliation related to pregnancy to make a report by contacting the Title IX Coordinator. Emory will respond promptly and equitably to all such reports and will take appropriate steps to eliminate the behavior, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects.
Social Media Guidelines
Social networking sites are an integral part of everyday life. How students and programs of Nursing are represented and viewed through social media has become increasingly important. Students should be cognizant when using blogs and social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. of the impact they may have on themselves and the program.
Each student is responsible for his/her postings on the Internet and in all varieties of social media. Inappropriate postings on the Internet or social media will be considered a lapse in the standards of professional conduct expected of School of Nursing students and students may be subject to Code for Professional Conduct policies and may face disciplinary actions including dismissal from the School of Nursing.
Knowing that all students, staff, and faculty use social media – the following should be considered prior to ANY posting:
NOTHING IS PRIVATE: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN ‘ANONYMOUS’ POST.
Anything you say online can be misunderstood or misinterpreted. Anyone with access to the web can gain access to your activity on social media regardless of privacy settings and attempts to separate your personal and professional life may be unsuccessful. Making postings “private” does not preclude others copying and pasting comments on public websites. “Private” postings that become public are still subject to sanctions by the School Code of Conduct.
DO NO HARM: Respect your audience. Do not use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, or engage in any conduct that would not be acceptable at Emory University or any of our many clinical partners. Show proper consideration for others’ privacy and for topics that may be considered objectionable or controversial such as politics and religion.
BE POLITE: Realize that social media communities have their own culture, etiquette and norms, and be respectful of them.
UPHOLD PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY: Do not share information in a way that may violate any laws or regulations, i.e., HIPAA. Disclosing information about patients without written permission of the patient and School of Nursing, including photographs or potentially identifiable information is strictly prohibited. This rule also applies to deceased patients.
RESPECT COPYRIGHT, FAIR USE, AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE LAWS: It is critical that you show respect for the laws governing copyright and fair use of copyrighted material owned by others, including copyrights and brands such as Emory University and the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing logos. When in doubt, students should seek guidance regarding appropriate use of such materials.
DON’T PICK FIGHTS: Be the first to correct your own mistakes and don’t alter previous posts without indicating that you have done so.
TRY TO ADD VALUE AND CREATE INTEREST: Provide worthwhile information and perspective. Use your own voice and bring your own personality to the forefront.
BE VIGILANT: Be aware of your association with Emory University and the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing in online social networks. If you identify yourself as an Emory nursing student, ensure your profile and related content is consistent with how you wish to present yourself with colleagues and patients.
USE YOUR PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS - NOT YOUR EMORY EMAIL ADDRESS as your primary means of identification on social media, just as you would not use Emory or School of Nursing letterhead when writing a personal correspondence. Do not use your Emory School of Nursing email address to express your personal views. Any posts or comments submitted for others to read should be posted with full identification of the writer. Where your connection to Emory is apparent, make it clear that you are speaking for yourself and not on behalf of Emory. A disclaimer, such as, “The views expressed on this [blog/website] are my own and do not reflect the views of my University or the School of Nursing”.
USE YOUR BEST JUDGMENT: If you are about to publish something that makes you uncomfortable, review the suggestions above. Internet activities may be permanently linked to the author, such that all future employment may be hampered by inappropriate behavior on the Internet.
For additional information, please see the National Council for State Boards of Nursing, Guide to Social Media
ULTIMATELY YOU HAVE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT YOU POST TO YOURBLOG OR PUBLISH IN ANY FORM OF ONLINE SOCIAL MEDIA!
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy
Emory University is committed to the health and well-being of its faculty, staff, and student body. Alcohol and drug misuse and abuse can be detrimental to one’s overall physical and emotional health; academic and/or professional performance; and adversely impact family, friends and co-workers.
As a recipient of federal grants and contracts, Emory University adheres to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. As administrator of certain state-funded financial aid programs for students, Emory University also adheres to Georgia’s Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990. More information about the Emory Policies and Procedures Policy: 8.8 Alcohol and Drug Abuse can be found here: http://policies.emory.edu/8.8
Students are expected to conduct themselves in both the academic and clinical settings in a manner that is befitting a professional nurse and comply with the Emory University Standards of conduct.
Absolutely no alcohol is allowed in the classroom or in the clinical setting. Students are not to drink alcoholic beverages before class or clinical experiences. Any conduct that appears to indicate alcohol consumption, such that the student appears to be exhibiting behavior of being loud, boisterous, and unruly will be grounds for dismissal from class and from clinical.
Students that appear under the influence of alcohol or other substances in these learning environments may be subject to disciplinary action up to dismissal from the program.
University/ health care facility police will be notified to escort any student off campus who does not immediately comply with instructions to leave the campus or clinical.
The University sponsors several programs that provide information and professional services for its faculty, staff and students on matters related to the misuse and abuse of alcohol and drugs. These programs provide education, consultation, assessment, counseling and referral in a professional environment that respects individual confidentiality and integrity.
Both the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (404.727.7450) and the Office of Health Promotion (404.727.7551) are available for students.
Tobacco Free Environment
Emory University recognizes the serious health implications of both direct use of tobacco products and indirect exposure to the use of tobacco products. In order to create an atmosphere that is consistent with Emory’s mission and commitment to improve the health and wellness of members of the Emory community, Emory University and Emory Healthcare (collectively “Emory”) prohibit the use or sale of tobacco products in or on Emory owned or Emory leased property effective January 1, 2012. Smoking in unauthorized clinical areas is prohibited. More information about the Emory Policies and Procedures Policy: 4.113 Tobacco Free Environment can be found here: http://policies.emory.edu/4.113.