9. General Information

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9.1 Academic Accommodation Procedure

Faculty and staff members are required to provide reasonable accommodations to all students with disabilities who have provided appropriate documentation of the disability to the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD). Therefore, all students requesting accommodations because of a disability should be referred to the OSD.

Once the request has been made, the OSD will determine eligibility for disability-related services. Students must have a documented disability as defined by the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

If correct documentation has been submitted and a student qualifies for accommodation, the OSD will notify each instructor by letter. The letter from the OSD explains the accommodations necessary for that student. Please keep in mind that this information is to remain confidential and discussing accommodations with a student should be done discretely. If a student talks to a class member or another faculty member, that is his or her right, but not the right of the faculty member. All students sign a Release of Information Form so that the OSD may share the information with the necessary parties. Please do not share this information with anyone without written consent from the student.

For each trimester, it is then the student’s responsibility to notify the OSD of his or her updated class schedule, and the OSD will in turn notify each instructor by letter. If a faculty member feels that he or she cannot implement all of the recommended accommodations, the faculty member should contact the OSD to negotiate an acceptable alternative. The alternative will then be discussed with the student by the OSD and faculty member. The OSD is always available to assist faculty with devising suitable classroom and testing accommodations.

The following statement should be included in all AHU syllabi:

Students seeking accommodations must first contact the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) located within the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA), prior to or at the beginning of the trimester.

The student must provide the OSD the requested current, official documentation related to his or her disability. That documentation will be used to determine the type and extent of accommodation that is most reasonable and effective for that student. All forms can be found online at my.adu.edu under The Center for Academic Achievement (CAA) or within the CAA department.

If all forms have been completed, criteria met, and accommodations granted, the OSD will then notify each of the student’s instructors of the accommodations that should be provided. The processing time for these forms is approximately two weeks.

9.2 Children on Campus Policy

Faculty/Staff Policy

The University requests that faculty and staff not bring their minor children on campus except under the following conditions:

• The employee is going to be on campus for a brief period of time.
• The University sponsors an event to which children are invited.

Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the employee’s Department Chair/Director in which case the Child on Campus Exemption form must be completed.  The Department Chair/Director needs to notify the Security Officer and the VP of Student Services.

Children on campus must be under the direct supervision of the parent.

Student Policy

Students (parent/guardian) are not allowed to bring their minor children to campus. This includes taking their child to class. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the student’s Department Chair and the Campus Exemption from must be completed. The Department Chair needs to notify the Security Officer and the VP of Student Services.

The following cases are allowed:

• The student is going to be on campus for a brief period of time.
• The University sponsors an event to which children are invited.

Children on campus must be under the direct supervision of the parent or guardian.

9.3 Library Services

Faculty Resources Portal

(https://library.ahu.edu/connect/faculty-resources)

Please refer to this portal for resource links about teaching and research. There are also request forms found here — Library Instruction Request, Course Reserve request, 3D printing request and more. 

Instruction

Library Orientation tours and Information Literacy classes are available upon request. The Library team provides online tutorials, as well as individual and group instruction to assist AHU faculty, staff, and students in the development of research skills needed to locate, retrieve, and evaluate information.  Instruction requests are made using the online request forms located on the Library website (http://library.ahu.edu) at the Faculty Resources link.

Liaison Program

The Library Liaison Program’s purpose is to develop an information literate academic community at AdventHealth University by connecting students, faculty, and staff with library resources and services.

The library liaisons are available to assist faculty in locating and embedding relevant library resources and services that will enhance the learning outcomes for the curriculum. The list of library liaisons by academic department is located on the Library website (https://library.ahu.edu) at the Faculty Resources link.

Course Reserve Material

The purpose of placing materials on Reserve is to make common reading assignments readily available to a large number of students within a relatively short period of time. 

Items that may be Placed on Reserve

• All R. A. Williams Library materials. This includes books, periodicals, DVDs, CDs, videos, and anatomical models. If the Library does not own the item, and it is a necessary part of the coursework, items may be considered for purchase by the Library.
• Personal copies of journals, books, videos, or other media. The Library cannot guarantee the safety of these items from damage or loss.
• Readings, lecture notes, course syllabi, and exams. Faculty are encouraged to provide a copy of the course syllabus when making Reserve requests.

When to Submit Reserve Requests

Reserve requests should be made six weeks before the beginning of each trimester. This will allow time to recall items that may be in circulation or to order materials that may not be in the collection.

How to Make a Reserve Request

Fill out a Reserve Request Form available under the Faculty Resources link on the library website (https://library.ahu.edu/).

• If the Library owns the item and it is readily available, it can be retrieved and reassigned a temporary location at the Library Reserve section behind the service desk.

Material Requests

Faculty are encouraged to suggest materials to add to the Library collection in a variety of formats including streaming video and e-books. Factors that influence the selection of new purchases are the University curriculum, University mission, collection development policy, and budgetary considerations.

• Purchase Requests:

For purchase requests, please use the Recommend a Resources link https://library.ahu.edu/connect/recommend-resource-1 on the library website (https://library.ahu.edu).

• 3-D Printing:

The Library offers 3-D printing services, giving students and faculty the ability to create custom-built educational and health materials. The policy and request form for the service are found on the library website. The 3D printing service may only be used for academic and AHU purposes only. Printing is provided free of charge for faculty. In addition to printing models, the library offers in-class demonstrations and discussions of 3D printing technology.  (https://library.ahu.edu/connect/3d-print-request)

• Poster Printing:

The poster printing service is available for faculty, adjuncts, staff and students. Poster printing is provided free of charge for educational purposes only. This includes posters for presentations or academic events. Poster requests are only submitted through the library website.  (https://library.ahu.edu/make-request/poster-printing-request-form).You can refer to our poster printing policy for guidelines on sizing and timeframes. (https://library.ahu.edu/policies/library-use-policies#poster-printing-policy).  The policy and request form are found on the library website. The poster printer may only be used for academic and AHU purposes only. Printing is provided free of charge.

Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service to borrow materials from other libraries that the R.A. Williams Library does not own. Materials that are needed for study and research may be requested through ILL.

There is no limit to the number of ILL requests. Many articles borrowed from other libraries are free of charge. However, each academic year once the library pays for 20 requests for a user, the user will be responsible for the fees for additional requests. The user will be notified in advance of any fees they will owe. ( https://library.ahu.edu/make-request/request-article-or-book)

Articles usually arrive via email in 1 - 3 days.  Print materials take longer, an average time of 1-2 weeks.

Materials that are usually available through ILL are:

• Photocopied articles (copyright limitations may apply)
• Circulating books, theses, dissertations, and reports

Loan Periods

Books:  Faculty may borrow books for three months at a time and may renew a loan twice. Adjuncts may borrow books until the end of the current trimester and may not renew. Faculty and adjuncts are charged a fine of $0.25 per day for overdue books after a grace period of 30 days for faculty and 7 days for adjuncts. Overdue books not returned within 60 days of the due date will be declared lost, and faculty and adjuncts will be charged a $20 processing fee and full replacement cost of the lost item.

Videos:  Faculty and adjuncts may borrow videos for one week with three renewals.  Faculty and adjuncts will be charged a fine of $1.00 per day for overdue videos after a 7-day grace period.  Once a video is 60 days overdue, it will be considered lost, and faculty and adjuncts will be charged a $20 processing fee and full replacement cost of the lost item.

9.4 Communicable Disease Policy

It is the policy of the AdventHealth University (AHU) to identify and notify in a timely manner, individuals who may have been exposed to a communicable disease at AHU, Florida Hospital campuses, Denver, or affiliated clinical sites.  An exposure is defined as the sharing of air or contact with a person know to have a communicable disease readily spread by casual contact including, but not limited to, chicken pox, H1N1 virus, tuberculosis, etc.

Employees with a communicable disease are encouraged to isolate themselves during the infectious period of the illness.

AHU will not disclose the identity of any employee who has a communicable disease, except when authorized by law.

For screening and exposure procedures see the full policy on the R: drive.

9.5 Employee Immunizations and Screenings

All incoming employees should bring current immunizations records to their health clearance appointment.  The immunizations/screenings required for employment at the University include: Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Tetanus-Diphtheria, Varicella (Chicken Pox) titer or vaccine.  Individuals who do not comply with the immunization requirements will not be offered employment.

All employees working in a clinical environment must have the tuberculosis screening and the mask fit test. The required tuberculosis screening test is the Quantiferon or the PPD test.   A chest x-ray is necessary when a person has had a positive result. Employees must present annual verification of tuberculosis screening to their supervisor by their anniversary date.  An employee who has tested positive will complete the Health Review form in the subsequent years.

In addition to the annual tuberculosis screening, the Hepatitis B vaccination is strongly recommended for employees involved in a clinical setting. Any employee who does not wish to take the hepatitis B vaccination is required to sign a declination statement stating they decline the vaccine, but understand they may return to Centra Care at any time for the vaccine. 

Hepatitis Declination: I understand that due to the occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, I may be at risk of acquiring Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, I decline Hepatitis B vaccination at this time. I understand that by declining or not completing the series of this vaccine, I may be at risk for acquiring Hepatitis B. I understand that I may return to Centra Care at any time for the vaccine.*

Employees with a communicable disease are encouraged to isolate themselves during the infectious period of the illness.

University employees are subject to Florida Hospital employment policies. See AdventHealth policy 815.033 and AdventHealth policy 815.036 for further details. Requirements for the immunizations and screenings are based on the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Employees with questions may refer to the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.

*If the Hepatitis B vaccine is declined, a signed copy of this form should be returned to the Department Chair or Supervisor and one copy kept by the employee. 

9.6 Appearance Standards Policy

Each AHU department may have specific dress and appearance requirements and guidelines depending on the function of the area.  If specifics are not outlined, then employees are to follow the AdventHealth Appearance Standards Policy (CW HR 268).  

For AHU employees, the only exceptions to the AdventHealth Appearance Standards Policy are: 

• AHU faculty and staff may use lanyards
• AHU faculty and staff may wear sleeveless tops

If faculty or staff are attending meetings, workshops, or other events at AdventHealth, the AdventHealth Appearance Standards Policy (CW HR 268) must be followed.  

9.7 Editorial Policy

To ensure the quality of its documents and publications, AHU requires that all written materials produced for publication or for distribution under the University brand must adhere to the policies stated in the AHU Branding Guidelines. The AHU Branding Guidelines can be found at: www.my.ahu.edu/university-services/marketing*. All written material for publication in both electronic and print media, under the University logo, must be submitted for approval to Marketing.

Procedure

1. Each department of the University will select an individual with strong writing skills from within that department to provide initial editorial help with its publication/documents.
2. Promotional materials, admission letters, etc., should be forwarded to the relevant department Chair.
3. The edited materials are then submitted to the Marketing office for review and final editing.

• If the University logo or crest is used, approval from Marketing must be obtained. 
• *Please note: AHU Branding Guidelines are subject to change

9.8 Faculty Tobacco, Alcohol, Drug and Legally Obtained Substances Policy

Tobacco-Free Campus

AdventHealth University (AHU) is committed to the principles of health and healing. Tobacco-related illnesses are a major cause of preventable disease and death. Because of this, AdventHealth University is a tobacco-free environment. The use of tobacco in any form on the University properties or during any school-sponsored activity or event is prohibited; this includes the use of electronic cigarettes,vaping paraphernalia, and any other devices that simulate the act of smoking. Failure to abide by the stated policy will result in disciplinary actions.

Alcohol-Free Campus

AdventHealth University is committed to providing a working environment that is focused on employee success and safety. AdventHealth University believes that the use of alcohol is counterproductive to a successful and safe environment. Therefore, the possession, use, or being under the influence of alcoholic products on any AdventHealth University property or during any school-sponsored activity is strictly prohibited. Failure to abide by the stated policy will result in disciplinary actions.

Drugs Defined

Illegal drugs include such substances as opium derivatives, hallucinogens (e.g., marijuana, mescaline, peyote, LSD, psilocybin), cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy, ketamine, codeine, heroin, morphine, and other drugs prohibited by law. This definition does not include lawfully prescribed drugs that are being taken under a physician’s care.

Drug Policy

The health risks associated with the inappropriate use of drugs include, but are not limited to, the following: physical and psychological addiction; physical, psychological, and spiritual deterioration; disease; and, possible death, therefore, AdventHealth University is committed to providing a drug-free working environment. The manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia is strictly prohibited.  In addition, the intentional misuse of prescription drugs is considered an infraction of this drug and alcohol policy.  By working at AHU, all employees agree to submit to random drug testing.  In addition, AdventHealth University employees and their possessions are subject to search and surveillance at all times while on University property. Any employee violation of the drug and alcohol policy is grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including, termination.  However, the sale, distribution, or manufacturing of drugs will result in immediate and permanent termination from AdventHealth University.

All employees working at AHU are expected to remain drug free. If at any time university administration has reasonable suspicion or evidence of drug use by an employee, he or she may require that a drug and alcohol screening be performed on the employee. All random drug tests requested by AHU will be performed at a AdventHealth Centra Care at a location and time determined by AdventHealth University. Refusal to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test is presumed to be a positive result, and the refusal will be handled in the same manner as any other positive test results.

Medical and Non-Medical Marijuana Use

Note that the State of Florida’s Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act or the current legislation legalizing cannabis use in Colorado does not change the University’s prohibition regarding the possession, use, provision of, or sale of marijuana or otherwise authorize individuals to use medical marijuana on campus premises. Federal law, including the Drug Free Schools Act, continues to prohibit marijuana. Additional Federal legislation also prohibits any institution of higher education that receives federal funding from allowing the possession and use of marijuana on campus. Thus, marijuana possession or use, even if in compliance with the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act, is prohibited on campus premises.

For the purpose of this policy, campus premises include all properties and buildings, including parking areas, University housing, University vehicles, and all locations where employess are acting within the course and scope of their education/and or employment on behalf of AdventHealth University. Employees who violate any part of the University’s drug policy, including medical marijuana on campus premises, are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including permanent dismissal/termination.

Drug Testing

While AdventHealth University reserves the right to require an employee to submit to a drug test for any reason, the two main reasons for drug testing are found below:

1) Suspicion or evidence of drug use by an employee.

2) Required drug testing for the clinical environment.

Cost of Drug and Alcohol Screening

Cost of screening will be paid by AdventHealth University.

Any employee violation of the drug and alcohol policy is grounds for immediate termination of employment. However, the sale, distribution, or manufacturing of drugs will result in immediate and permanent termination of employment.

Legally Obtained Substances

The use or misuse of any legally obtained substance to render oneself intoxicated or in a state of euphoria is strictly prohibited. Employees found under the influence, using, manufacturing, or distributing said substances for this purpose will face disciplinary actions up to and including permanent dismissal.

Legally obtained substances are defined as natural or manufactured substances that can be obtained legally and without a prescription and when misused will render the users intoxicated. Examples are: over-the-counter medicines, bath salts, synthetic drugs, aerosols, cocktails of natural plants.

Screening Requirements

As a condition of employment, all new employees are required to participate in an initial drug screening.

Federal Drug Laws

The possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs is prohibited by federal law. There are strict penalties for drug convictions, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses. The following information, although not complete, is an overview of federal penalties for first convictions. All penalties are doubled for any subsequent drug conviction. Complete information of U.S. Federal laws regarding illicit drugs can be found at https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/chapter-13/subchapter-I

A. Denial of Federal Benefits
21 U.S.C. 862
A federal drug conviction may result in the loss of federal benefits, including school loans, grants, scholarships, contracts, and licenses. Federal drug trafficking convictions may result in denial of federal benefits for up to five years for a first conviction. Federal drug convictions for possession may result in denial of federal benefits for up to one year for a first conviction and up to five years for subsequent convictions.

B. Forfeiture of Personal Property and Real Estate
21 U.S.C. 853
Any person convicted of a federal drug offense punishable by more than one year in prison shall forfeit to the United States any personal or real property related to the violation, including houses, cars, and other personal belongings. A warrant of seizure is issued and property is seized at the time an individual is arrested on charges that may result in forfeiture.

C. Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties
21 U.S.C. 841
Penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions vary according to the quantity of the controlled substance involved in the transaction. The list below is a sample of the range and severity of federal penalties imposed for first convictions. Penalties for subsequent convictions are twice as severe.

If death or serious bodily injury results from the use of a controlled substance which has been illegally distributed, the person convicted on federal charges of distributing the substance faces a mandatory life sentence and fines ranging up to $8 million.

Persons convicted on federal charges of drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of a university (21 U.S.C. 845a) face penalties of prison terms and fines which are twice as high as the regular penalties for the offense, with a mandatory prison sentence of at least one year.

D. Federal Drug Possession Penalties
Persons convicted on federal charges of possessing any controlled substance face penalties of up to one year in prison and a mandatory fine of no less than $1,000 up to a maximum of $100,000. Second convictions are punishable by not less than 15 days but not more than two years in prison and a minimum fine of $2,500. Subsequent convictions are punishable by not less than 90 days but not more than three years in prison and a minimum fine of $5,000.

Florida State Laws Concerning Illicit Drugs

There are substantial legal sanctions pursuant to state or federal law which may be levied against employees for the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of an illicit drug, controlled substance, tobacco, or alcohol. The law often treats drug offenses as a criminal matter, punishable by substantial fines, imprisonment, or other severe sanctions.

Complete information on Florida state laws regarding illicit drugs can be found at:

2018 Florida Statute, Title XLVI, Chapter 893, Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act

Florida State Laws Concerning Alcohol

Complete information on Florida state laws regarding alcohol can be found at the following site:

2018 Florida Statute, Title XXXIV, Chapter 562, Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, Beverage Law: Enforcement

Colorado State Laws Concerning Drugs*

Complete information on Colorado’s state laws regarding alcohol can be found at:

Colorado Legal Resources Public Access Website

*AdventHealth University recognizes federal drug laws over those of individual state statutes. Therefore, federal laws and penalties will be followed when there are discrepancies between state and federal law.

Colorado State Laws Concerning Alcohol

Complete information on Colorado’s state laws regarding alcohol can be found at:

Colorado Legal Resources Public Access Website

Miscellaneous

AHU Drug and Alcohol Policy will be reviewed biennially (a) to determine its effectiveness and to implement changes that may be needed; (b) to ensure that sanctions are consistently enforced, and (c) to meet the stated requirements for compliance with federal regulations.

All employees are required annually to sign and return a copy of the Drug and Alcohol Policy form to AHU Human Resources.

9.9 Faculty/Staff Computer Policy

A single computer is provided to members of the faculty and staff at AHU to perform daily tasks in support of the mission of the University.  To ensure that information flow between all parties is as smooth as possible, and to reduce computer maintenance complexity, a standard hardware and software configuration is utilized.  The configuration will be based on current technology, and will be updated as necessary.

All hardware and software purchased with University funds are the property of AHU.

The computer used by faculty or staff and its contents are the sole property of AHU.  Files should be stored on the provided network drives or approved cloud storage and copied out of them to the local drive only as needed for offline or off campus work. The user is responsible for any personal files saved exclusively to the local drive, and is encouraged to back them up on the provided network drives regularly. 

The faculty/staff computers will be configured for faculty/staff use on campus.  Users will encounter different environments if they have laptops-such as wireless networks at home, direct cable connections in hotels, or wireless connections while traveling.  This requires each user to be aware of these environments and know and understand how to adapt their laptop to them.

The University maintains software licenses and agreements for the standard software products installed on University computers.  Any other software installed on the University machines must be legally acquired, properly licensed and will be the sole responsibility of the user for its support.  Be aware that software purchased by the user for use on the University’s computers must be compatible with the computer’s operating system and may slow down or otherwise reduce the effectiveness of the computer. This is especially true if it requires a large amount of disk space or system memory to operate.  IF needed, requests can be made to the Information Technology Department (IT) to install programs. IT may choose to grant some users local administrative rights. However, if those rights are improperly utilized, for instance to interfere with the operation of the installed AntiVirus, or to install programs containing viruses, malware, etc. IT may revoke them at any time.

The IT Department at AHU grants access to the University network for current faculty and staff. Accounts will be disabled on the last day of an employee’s service at AHU.  Account passwords should not be shared. 

AHU reserves the right to monitor network and Internet traffic. If there is probable cause for a more in-depth monitoring of a system, the Department Supervisor will notify the Human Resources Department. If it is deemed necessary to monitor computer activities, such as Internet use and e-mail, approval for such a request will come from the Human Resources Department. University IT will commence the process only after approval is received from the Human Resources Department.

9.10 Student Laptop/Mobile Device Policy

The use of laptops/mobile devices in the classroom is strictly for learning activities related to the class in session. Instructors have the prerogative to ask that the lid of the laptops be closed or mobile devices turned off. Students may bring laptops to all classes as long as they abide by this policy.

9.11 AHU Confidentiality Agreement

I acknowledge that during the course of performing my assigned duties at AdventHealth University, I may have access to, use, or disclose confidential information. Federal laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), state regulations, licensure requirements, and practice acts detail the use of specific information related to healthcare and educational settings and professional behaviors. I hereby agree to handle such information in a confidential manner at all times during and after my employment at the University and commit to the following obligations:

• I will use and disclose confidential information only in connection with and for the purpose of performing my assigned duties.
• I will request, obtain or communicate confidential information only as necessary to perform my assigned duties and shall refrain from requesting, obtaining, or communicating more confidential information than is necessary to accomplish my assigned duties.
• I will take reasonable care to properly secure confidential information on computers and will take steps to ensure that others cannot view or access such information. When I am away from the workstation or when my tasks are completed, I will log off my computer or use a password-protected screensaver in order to prevent access by unauthorized users.
• I will not disclose my personal password(s) to anyone without the express written permission of my Department Chair or Department Manager, or record or post it in an accessible location, and will refrain from performing any tasks using another’s password.

I understand that as an employee of AHU, the use and disclosure of patient/student/employee information is governed by the rules and regulations established under HIPAA, FERPA, and related state and federal policies and procedures in addition to the policies and procedures of AHU. Therefore, with regard to confidential information, I commit to the following additional obligations:

• I will use and disclose confidential information solely in accordance with state, federal, and University policies set forth above or elsewhere. I also agree to familiarize myself with any periodic updates or changes to such policies in a timely manner.
• I will immediately report any unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information that I become aware of to the appropriate supervisor.

I also understand and agree that my failure to fulfill any of the obligations set forth in this agreement and/or my violation of any terms of this agreement shall result in my being subject to appropriate state, federal and University disciplinary action.

9.12 AdventHealth System Corporate Compliance Program

AdventHealth Corporate Compliance Program is hereby adopted by AHU in its entirety and incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

The AdventHealth Compliance Program was designed and implemented to help ensure that all AdventHealth Board members, directors, officers, employees, physicians, contractors, agents, entities, and representatives of AdventHealth understand and act in accordance with AdventHealth’s mission and values, as well as its ethical and legal duties.  The mission and values of AdventHealth, as well as its ethical and legal responsibilities, provide the foundation for AdventHealth’s standards of business conduct.

Incorporated into the AdventHealth Compliance Program are standards needed to comply with and provide guidance related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”).  HIPAA provides comprehensive protection for the privacy and security of patient information.

Standards needed to comply with the AdventHealth Code of Conduct Policy CW CR 101.0 and the Responsibility to Report and Non-Retaliation Policy CW CR 202 are hereby incorporated into the AHU Compliance Program.

AHU employees should consult the AdventHealth Corporate Compliance policies with any questions about the appropriateness of their business activities, the business activities of other employees, questions on HIPAA or compliance with the communication or dissemination of confidential information and are to report any suspected violations or other irregularities to their supervisor or the appropriate Compliance Officer.

It is every employee’s and student’s responsibility to report suspected violations of the Code of Conduct or other irregularities to their supervisor, the AHU Chief Compliance Officer (Starr Bender at 407-303-5765), the AdventHealth Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, the AdventHealth Guide Line 888-924-8433 or online at adventhealth.ethicspoint.com.

Purpose of the Compliance Program

The AdventHealth University (“AHU” or “University”) Compliance Program (“Compliance Program” or “Program”) was formally adopted by the AHU Board of Trustees in 2013 and serves as the AHU compliance program.

The Program is intended to demonstrate in the clearest possible terms the absolute commitment of the organization to the highest level of ethics and compliance.  The Program plays an integral role in the Company’s operations, and its standards are infused in the day-to-day business of the Company in educating, training, and enriching students who enroll at the University.

AHU is a Seventh-day Adventist institution that specializes in healthcare education. Its location next to AdventHealth Orlando near downtown Orlando gives students access to unparalleled clinical opportunities in physicians’ offices, imaging centers, rehabilitation clinics, and AdventHealth’s own world-class facilities.

The University’s guiding philosophy, Healthcare as Ministry, is based on the idea that true wellness is not achieved through medical care alone, but through healing relationships that speak to peoples’ minds, bodies, and souls. This philosophy underpins each course of our associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate and online programs.

9.13 Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Nondiscrimination Statement

AdventHealth University maintains a policy of equal education opportunity for all applicants without regard to sex, race, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, color, or national or ethnic origin. AdventHealth University does not discriminate in its educational or admission policies, financial affairs, employment programs, student life, or services in any University- administered program.

This notice is provided as required by the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the Title IX Coordinator, Starr Bender, at:

AdventHealth University
ComplianceDirector/Title IX Coordinator
Attn: Starr Bender
671 Winyah Drive
Orlando, FL 32803
Ph. (407) 303-5765
starr.bender@ahu.edu

Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Below is a brief summary of the Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy and the Resolution Processes which can be accessed at http://www.ahu.edu/policies-and-campus-safety/title-ix.  If there are any discrepancies between this summary statement and the full policy, the full policy will prevail.

Policy Statement

AdventHealth University (“University”) is committed to providing a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex.  The University considers Sex Discrimination in all its forms to be a serious offense.  Sex Discrimination constitutes a violation of this policy, is unacceptable, and will not be tolerated.

Sexual Harassment, whether verbal, physical, or visual, is always inconsistent with the mission and expectations of the University, and may constitute a form of Sex Discrimination and is in violation of this policy.  Sexual Harassment also includes Sexual Violence/Assault.  Definitions and examples of specific conduct that constitutes Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence/Assault are set forth in the Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy.

Scope

The Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy applies to administrators, faculty, and other University employees; students; applicants for employment; customers; third-party contractors; and all other persons that participate in the University’s educational programs and activities, including third-party visitors on campus (the “University Community”).  The University’s prohibition on Sex Discrimination extends to all aspects of its educational programs and activities, including, but not limited to, admissions, employment, academics, athletics, clinicals, housing, and student services.

Reporting a Violation

Reporting a Violation

An notice or complaint of an alleged violation of the policy should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator, Starr Bender, or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Katie Shaw (Denver Campus).  A notice or complaint can be verbal or in writing.  The complaint should include:

1. Date(s) and time(s) of the alleged sex discrimination
2. Names of all persons involved, including possible witnesses
3. Details outlining what happened
4. Contact information for the complainant

All University employees have a duty to file a report or complaint with the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator when they believe or receive information indicating that a member of the University Community may have been subjected to conduct that constitutes prohibited Sex Discrimination.  Students are encouraged to file a report or complaint.

A person may also file a complaint of Sex Discrimination with the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights regarding an alleged violation of Title IX by visiting visiting https://ocrcas.ed.gov/  or by calling 1-800-421-3481.

Investigation, Resolution, and Appeals

All complaints will be promptly and thoroughly investigated under the procedures outlined in Resolution Process A or Resolution Process B, and the University will offer and implement appropriate supportive measures to the parties and take disciplinary and remedial action where appropriate.  The University will endeavor to conclude its investigation within thirty (30) business days of receiving it.  The complaint resolution processes are designed for fairness to both the complainant and respondent and are implemented by University personnel who receive annual training on relevant issues.  The complainant and the respondent will receive a copy of the Notice of Outcome after the investigation has concluded and a resolution has been reached, and both have the right to file a written appeal to the Title IX Coordinator within five (5) days of delivery of the Notice of Outcome.  Once an  appeal is decided, the outcome is final.

9.14 Intellectual Property Policy

Refer to published policy in Appendix C .

9.15 Food Service

The N.E.S.S. Café located in the Campus Center offers a variety of food items.

AdventHealth Orlando offers full meal options at a 15% discount for students and University employees with a valid AHU identification card. Vendor items are not discounted.

9.16 Military Leave - Student Guidelines

Any student called to active duty from the Reserves of any branch of the military or the National Guard will receive special consideration from the University to ensure the smooth transition into and out of the University. Students should notify the Department Chair and a copy of the military orders should be submitted; the length of service should be defined when possible. A full refund of tuition and fees for the current trimester will be granted. Upon returning to University, the student should provide documentation that he or she has been released from active duty. Students leaving a professional program for active duty will be able to re-enter the program at the beginning of the same trimester in the suggested plan of study. Pre-Professional students will be able to begin classes at the beginning of the next trimester following their return to civilian life. Exceptions and special needs will be addressed on an individual basis.

9.17 Sabbath Observance

In keeping with the Seventh-day Adventist belief of the sanctity of the Sabbath, AHU gives special emphasis to the Sabbath hours (sundown Friday evening to sundown Saturday). All on-campus work activity is suspended during this period and may resume after sunset on Saturday evening. AHU values the uniqueness of our diverse spiritual community.  In honoring a culture of inclusiveness, faculty should not require that students submit class assignments from sundown Friday through Sunday. There are, however, worship activities; for example, Restore and occasional faculty and staff worship activities on campus. Campus offices are closed from 3:00 p.m. Friday until 8:00 a.m. Monday, except the Library, which is open on Sunday evenings 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

9.18 Funeral/Bereavement Leave

A period of bereavement time may be arranged for those who have experienced the recent loss of a spouse, father, mother, child, or, in some cases, other significant family members. Typically, such arrangements will take into consideration the impact of such a leave upon the employee’s responsibilities and the University as a whole.  

“Immediate family” includes the employee’s spouse, child, father, mother, sibling, and step or in-law equivalents of the above. Days are also available for the death of the grandparents and grandchildren of the employee.

Contract faculty will submit request for funeral leave to their respective department chair, who will work with them to facilitate arrangements for their classes during the absence.

The employee must provide appropriate documentation (obituary notice, death certificate, etc.) to Human Resources as soon as practical.  The documentation will be filed in the employee’s personnel file.  No provision is made to cover travel costs associated with a funeral leave. 

9.19 Student Bereavement Guidelines

Students are allowed to consider time off for bereavement as excused if the death was an immediate family member (spouse, parent, sibling, child, or grandparent). Other family members such as aunts, uncles, and cousins are usually not in this category unless they were part of the immediate family. In general five school days are given that are not counted against attendance. Additional time must be requested by the student and agreed to by the instructor. Verification must be provided at the time of the student’s return to class. All coursework needs to be made up within a timeframe agreed upon with the course instructor.

9.20 Jury Duty

Employees who are called to serve on jury duty will notify their Department Chair so that arrangements may be made to cover their responsibilities.

Employees may retain the standard jury fee even though they are paid their regular, full salary by AHU.

9.21 APA Citation Style

Authors cite sources used in a publication in order to give credit to the ideas they have incorporated in their own work. This is necessary to avoid plagiarism. There are a range of styles available. The style one uses is dependent on the discipline or class for which an individual is writing. The MLA, APA, and Chicago are commonly used styles. The MLA style is from the Modern Language Association and is commonly used in the humanities. APA is from the American Psychological Association and is generally used for papers prepared for the social sciences, while history scholars use the Chicago and Turabian styles.

AdventHealth University recommends that the APA style be followed for writing assignments in its undergraduate courses and official University documents. However, authors are expected to prepare their proposals, abstracts, or articles in the writing styles required by their editors when writing for journals or publications.

Citation instructions for the APA style can be obtained at http://www.apastyle.org.

9.22 Academic Freedom

All learning and all teaching take place within the framework of a worldview of the nature of reality, humanity, knowledge, and values. The roots of academic freedom in the Christian university are found in a principle that the best education is attained when intellectual growth occurs within an environment in which Biblically-based concepts are central to the aims of education.

AdventHealth University subscribes to principles of academic freedom generally held to be important in higher education. These principles make possible the disciplined and creative pursuit of truth, recognizing that freedom is never absolute and implies commensurate responsibilities.

At AHU, the principle of academic freedom is central to establishing such aims. This principle reflects a belief in freedom as an essential right in a democratic society, but with a particular focus in an academic community. It is the guarantee that instructors and students will be able to carry on the functions of learning, research, and teaching with minimum restrictions. It applies to subjects within the instructor’s professional expertise, within which there is a special need for freedom to pursue truth. It also applies to the atmosphere of open inquiry necessary in an academic community if learning is to be honest and thorough.

For the faith-based institution, academic freedom has an additional significance. This places a responsibility on Christian faculty to be self-disciplined, responsible, mature scholars, and to investigate, teach, and publish within the area of their academic competence without external restraint. They will have due regard for the character and aims of the institution and a concern for the spiritual and intellectual needs of their students.

9.23 Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is fundamental to the vision and mission of AdventHealth University. We place a high value on truth which implies a corresponding intolerance of academic dishonesty. It is important that all students are judged on their ability, and that no student is unfairly allowed an advantage over others, affects the security and integrity of the learning process, or diminishes the reliability and quality of a conferred degree. To graduate ethical, skilled professionals and citizens is a desired outcome of the University

Ethical and Professional Behavior

Students are expected to adhere to the ethical and professional standards associated with their programs and academic courses. Such standards are generally communicated to students by instructors and are available through publications produced by professional organizations. Unethical or unprofessional behavior will be treated in the same manner as academic dishonesty.

Categories of Academic Misconduct

The following document is concerned with students’ actions - not their intentions. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following actions:

A. Cheating on Examinations

Cheating is using or attempting to use materials, information, notes, study aids, or other assistance in any type of examination or evaluation which has not been authorized by the instructor.

Clarification

• Students completing any type of examination or evaluation are prohibited from looking at another student’s materials and from using external aids of any sort (e.g., books, notes, calculators, electronic resources, or conversation with others) unless the instructor has indicated specifically in advance that this will be allowed.
• Students may not take examinations or evaluations in the place of other persons. Students may not allow other persons to take examinations or evaluations in their place.
• Students may not acquire unauthorized information about an examination or evaluation and may not use any such information improperly acquired by others.

B. Plagiarism

Plagiarism is intentionally or carelessly presenting the work of another as one’s own. It includes submitting an assignment purporting to be the student’s original work which has wholly or in part been created by another person. It also includes the presentation of the work, ideas, representations, or words of another person without customary and proper acknowledgment of sources. Students must consult with their instructors for clarification in any situation in which the need for documentation is an issue. Students will have plagiarized in any situation in which their work is not properly documented.

Clarification

• Every direct quotation must be identified by quotation marks or appropriate indentation and must be properly acknowledged by parenthetical citation in the text, in a footnote, or endnote.
• When material from another source is paraphrased or summarized in whole or in part in one’s own words, that source must be acknowledged in a footnote or endnote or by parenthetical citation in the text.
• Information gained in reading or research that is not common professional knowledge must be acknowledged in a parenthetical citation in the text or in a footnote or endnote.
• This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, the use of papers, reports, projects, and other such materials prepared by someone else.

C. Fabrication, Forgery and Obstruction

Fabrication is the use of invented, counterfeited, altered, or forged information in assignments of any type, including those activities done in conjunction with academic courses that require students to be involved in out-of-classroom experiences. Forgery is the imitating or counterfeiting of images, documents, signatures, and the like. Obstruction is any behavior that limits the academic opportunities of other students by improperly impeding their work or their access to educational resources.

Clarification

• Fabricated or forged information may not be used in any laboratory experiment, report of research, or academic exercise. Invention for artistic purposes is legitimate under circumstances explicitly authorized by an instructor.
• Students may not furnish to instructors fabricated or forged explanations of absences or of other aspects of their performance and behavior.
• Students may not furnish, or attempt to furnish, fabricated, forged, or misleading information to University officials on University records or on records of agencies in which students are fulfilling academic assignments (including clinical sites, service learning, etc.).
• Students may not steal, change, or destroy another student’s work. Students may not impede the work of others by the theft, defacement, or mutilation of resources so as to deprive others of their use.
• Students may not access or use patient information in ways that violate HIPAA regulations.

D. Multiple Submissions

Multiple submission is the submission of the same or substantially the same work for credit in two or more courses. Multiple submission shall include the use of any prior academic effort previously submitted for academic credit at this or a different institution. Multiple submission shall not include those situations where the prior written approval of the instructor in the current course is given to the student to use a prior academic work or endeavor.

Clarification

• Students may not normally submit any academic assignment, work, or endeavor in more than one course for academic credit of any sort. This will apply to submission of the same or substantially the same work in the same trimester or in different trimesters.
• Students may not normally submit the same or substantially the same work in two different classes for academic credit even if the work is being graded on different bases in the separate courses (e.g., graded for research effort and content versus grammar and spelling).
• Students may resubmit a prior academic endeavor if there is substantial new work, research, or other appropriate additional effort. The student shall disclose the use of the prior work to the instructor and receive the instructor’s permission to use it PRIOR to the submission of the current endeavor.
• Students may submit the same or substantially the same work in two or more courses with prior written permission from all faculty involved. Instructors will specify the expected academic effort applicable to their courses and the overall endeavor shall reflect the same or additional academic effort as if separate assignments were submitted in each course. Failure by the student to obtain written permission from each instructor shall be considered a multiple submission.

E. Complicity

Complicity is assisting or attempting to assist another person in any act of academic dishonesty.

Clarification

• Students may not allow other students to copy from their papers during any type of examination.
• Students may not assist other students in acts of academic dishonesty by providing material of any kind that one may have reason to believe will be misrepresented to an instructor or other University official.
• Students may not provide substantive information about test questions or the material to be tested before a scheduled examination unless they have been specifically authorized to do so by the course instructor. This does not apply to examinations that have been administered and returned to students in previous trimesters.

F. Misconduct in Research Endeavors

Misconduct in research is serious deviation from the accepted professional practices within a discipline or from the policies of the University in carrying out, reporting, or exhibiting, the results of research or in publishing, exhibiting or performing creative endeavors. It includes the fabrication or falsification of data, plagiarism, and scientific or creative misrepresentation. It does not include honest error or honest disagreement about the interpretation of data.

Clarification

• Students may not invent or counterfeit information.
• Students may not report results dishonestly, whether by altering data, by improperly revising data, by selective reporting, or analysis of data, or by being grossly negligent in the collecting or analysis of data.
• Students may not represent another person’s ideas, writing, or data as their own.
• Students may not appropriate or release the ideas or data of others when such data have been shared in the expectation of confidentiality.
• Students may not publish, exhibit, or perform work in circumstances that will mislead others. They may not misrepresent the nature of the material or its originality, and they may not add or delete the names of authors without permission.
• Students must adhere to all federal, state, municipal, and University regulations for the protection of human and other animal subjects.
• Students may not conceal or otherwise fail to report any misconduct involving research, professional conduct, or artistic performance of which they have knowledge.

G. Computer Misuse

Use of computers that is disruptive, unethical, or illegal use of the University’s computer resources, including any actions which violate the AdventHealth University Student Computer Use Policy is prohibited. Misuse of computers also includes disruptive, unethical, or illegal use of the computers of another institution or agency in which students are performing part of their academic program.

Clarification

• Students may not use the University computer system in support of any act of plagiarism.
• Students may not monitor or tamper with another person’s electronic communications.
• Students may not use University computer resources to engage in illegal activity, including but not limited to the following: illegally accessing other computer systems, exchanging stolen information, and violating copyright agreements which involve software or any other protected material.
• Students may not use any University computer as a host system for any unauthorized service or application.

H. Misuse of Intellectual Property

Misuse of intellectual property is the illegal use of copyright materials, trademarks, trade secrets, or intellectual properties.

Clarification

• Students may not violate the University policy concerning the fair use of copies. This policy can be found in the AHU Academic Bulletin.

I. Policies and Procedures for Dealing with Academic Misconduct

Students suspected of academic misconduct, whether acknowledging involvement or not, shall be allowed to continue in the course without prejudice pending completion of the disciplinary process. If the instructor must submit a final course grade before the case is resolved, then the student should be given an “Incomplete,” which will not affect his or her GPA.

1. The instructor will report the incident to the department chair and inform the student in writing within five (5) business days of the discovery of presumed misconduct. The instructor will include in the written correspondence instructions for the student to contact the instructor and arrange a meeting time to discuss the allegation. The student may have an AdventHealth University faculty or staff member of his or her choice present at the meeting with the instructor if he or she chooses. The student must respond within five (5) business days from the date of the letter.
2. If the student does not respond to the notification, the instructor will continue with the investigation and complete a report without the student’s input.
3. The instructor may take up to five (5) business days to review all evidence, interview any witnesses, and may seek counsel from their department chair, or faculty colleagues.

      Note: Any instructor or other staff member investigating a student of academic misconduct or who receives a complaint alleging misconduct that raises suspicion will contact the Office of Academic Administration or the Office of Student Services to request any record of prior academic misconduct.

 4. The instructor then makes a decision regarding the allegation.

 5.  If the instructor determines that the student has not violated the academic misconduct policy, the student will be notified in writing within five (5) business days of concluding the review.

 6.  If the instructor determines that the student has violated the policy, the instructor will complete the Academic Integrity Report Form (AIRF-See Appendix B ), and send a meeting invitation to the student within five (5) business days of concluding the review.

 7. When the student and faculty meet, the student will be asked to initial and sign the appropriate response. The student will be given a copy of the AIRF. The student may choose an AdventHealth University faculty or staff member to be present at the meeting with the instructor, if he or she chooses.

 8. If the student fails to respond to the meeting invitation, the instructor will complete the Academic Integrity Report Form (See Appendix B ) and impose a final academic sanction. A copy of the final academic sanction will be sent via certified mail to the student.

 9. The original AIRF will be retained by the Department Chair and copies of the form will be submitted to the office of Academic Administration and the Office of Student Services.

10. If the instructor takes no action within (5) business five days of meeting with the student, the allegations will be considered dismissed.

11. The decisions of the Office of Academic Administration or the Office of Student Services may be appealed to the President, whose decision is final.

J. Disciplinary Sanctions for Academic Misconduct

Sanctions will be imposed according to the severity of the misconduct. Multiple sanctions may be imposed should the behavior call for the imposition of a more severe penalty. In all cases, the University reserves the right to require counseling or testing of students as deemed appropriate. Definitions of disciplinary sanctions include the following:

Academic action
May include altering a grade or assigning a failing grade for the assignment, examination, or course.
Note: All academic misconduct and sanctions are recorded on an Academic Integrity Report Form (AIRF), which is kept on file with the Department Chair, Office of Academic Administration, and the Office of Student Services. If student misconduct (academic or citizenship) reoccurs, the AIRF report will be taken into consideration in determining further sanctions.

Restitution
Students are required to compensate the University or other persons for damages, injuries, or losses. Failure to comply could result in suspension or dismissal.

Probation
There may be specific restrictions or extra requirements placed on the student for a specified period. A student found guilty of misconduct may be required to participate in a rehabilitation process. These may vary with each case and may include action not academically restrictive in nature, such as restriction from participation in University activities or other requirements. A student may be required to meet periodically with designated persons during probation or in a rehabilitation process. Any further misconduct on the student’s part during the period of probation may result in disciplinary suspension or dismissal.

University suspension

Suspension prohibits the student from attending the University. It prohibits the student from being present on specified University-owned, leased, or controlled property without permission for a specified period of time. Students placed on University disciplinary suspension must comply with all suspension requirements.

University dismissal

Dismissal permanently prohibits the student from attending classes at the University and prohibits the student from re-enrolling at the University.

Degree Nullification

If allegations of academic misconduct come to light subsequent to a student’s graduation from the University, the instructor, program director, or department chair may make recommendations for disciplinary action to the Office of Academic Administration. Sanctions may include nullification of the degree awarded. Decisions of this nature may be appealed to the President of the University.

The disciplinary authority of AdventHealth University is vested in the President, those asked by the President to act on his or her behalf, and in the committees and administrators of AdventHealth University for whom jurisdiction may be conferred for specific cases or specific areas of responsibility.

Resources

The following institutions’ policies were the sources referred to for guidance in the creation of the AdventHealth University Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures for Dealing with Academic Misconduct:

• The University of Central Florida
• The University of Cincinnati
• The University of New Orleans
• Rutgers University
• Iowa State University
• Central Michigan University

9.24 Breastfeeding Support Policy

Please refer to the AdventHealth Handbook for details (accessed through the Hub).

9.25 Service Animal Support Policy

Service animals are allowed on campus as established by the Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA).   A service animal is defined by the (ADA) as a dog and/or miniature horse individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.  Animals that are not trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a disability, including animals that are used purely for emotional support, are not service animals.

For more detailed policy information see AdventHealth CW HR 252 Assistance Animals as a Disability Accommodation and CW HR 251 Reasonable Accommodations.

9.26 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

AdventHealth University has accommodated and will continue to reasonably accommodate, employ, and promote qualified individuals with disabilites under the same guidelines and policies as other applicants and employees.