The FPP is responsible for reviewing reported breaches of professionalism involving students enrolled in the DVM program and clinical rotations.
The FPP may receive complaints or notices of concern, from the following complainants:
- Course Directors/Course Co-directors/Unit Leads/Module Leads
- Individual Faculty
- SGU staff
- Students
The FPP will assess each case to determine if the issue involves academic integrity or non-academic professionalism. Cases involving academic integrity will be handled by the FPP, while non-academic matters will be referred to the SGU Dean of Students (DOS).
The FPP, therefore, has the authority to adjudicate academic noncompliance issues involving SVM students, which may include:
- Missed examinations
- Missed mandatory lectures, laboratories, tutorials, or workshops
- Examination compliance issues
- Cheating
- Plagiarism
Following an investigation, the FPP may take the following actions:
- Dismiss the complaint without further investigation
- Refer the student to one or more of the following:
- Course Director/Co-director
- Term Coordinator
- Student’s Faculty Mentor
- Department of Educational Services
- OAA
- DOS
- Psychological Services
Any panel member with a conflict of interest related to a student’s case should recuse themselves from the proceedings. A quorum for the committee will consist of four members, with decisions made by a simple majority vote. In the event of a tie, the Chair will cast the deciding vote.
Inappropriate professional behavior of a non-academic nature will be referred directly to the DOS for further review. This includes any behavior inconsistent with the objectives and expectations outlined in the University or SVM’s student manual.
For each case (academic or non-academic), the FPP administrative assistant will document the following:
- The original complaint or notice of concern
- Whether the case was handled by the FPP or referred to the DOS
- The proceedings of any FPP investigation
- The outcome of the investigation (Note: It may not always be appropriate for the DOS to share the details of their findings.)
The FPP administrative assistant will submit ALL records of the FPP deliberations and outcomes for each respondent to the SVM DOS for secure storage.
The FPP will submit reports on each case, including the outcome, to the complainant, and to the DOS, the OAA, and the Associate Dean of Year 4 clinical training if appropriate.
Appeals process
A respondent who is subject to disciplinary measures after the investigation by the FPP has the right to appeal. This must be made explicit to them during the deliberations.
A written appeal outlining the sequence of events and explaining the circumstances that led to academic noncompliance must be sent to the Dean of the SVM. The DOS office may assist the student in the appeals process.
The Dean may appoint an independent panel to review the written appeal of a student and may dismiss the FPP’s original decision, uphold the decision, or recommend alternative courses of action.