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College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Student Code of Professional Conduct

Procedure Number: SPC-6

Statement and Purpose

The University of Toledo (UToledo) College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CPPS) follows the University Student Code of Conduct (UToledo Policy 3364-30-04). This procedure outlines how the College will implement the University policy for the affected student population.

The Student Code of Professional Conduct for the College provides general notice of prohibited conduct and the sanctions that may be imposed when violations occur. The Student Code of Professional Conduct should be interpreted broadly and is not intended to define misconduct in exhaustive terms. The Student Code of Professional Conduct specifies the rights and responsibilities of the students, student organizations, the College, and the rights of other parties to the procedure.

Students and student organizations must engage in responsible social and professional conduct that reflects positively upon the College community and demonstrates good citizenship in all settings. Conduct by students or student organizations that disrupts the orderly functioning of the college or threatens the health, safety, or well-being of members of the college community will not be tolerated.

Delegation of Authority

The Dean of the College, or designee, is responsible for administering and implementing this procedure, including establishing and disseminating the standards of conduct published as "The Student Code of Professional Conduct”. This code outlines the procedures and standards governing student conduct within the College.

The Student Progress Committee is authorized to review each matter, determine whether a violation of the code has occurred, and issue appropriate sanction(s) when warranted. The Dean of the College is responsible for ensuring that any imposed sanctions are carried out.

Application

This procedure, along with the UToledo Student Code of Conduct, applies to all students and student organizations of the college. In areas of overlap, this procedure supersedes the UToledo Student Code of Conduct.

Rules of Student Professional Conduct

Academic Rules

Assessments

Within this procedure, assessment is defined as a tool used to evaluate student learning.

A student must follow all instructions and procedures established by the College and by its instructors concerning the administration of an assessment. Additionally:

  • students must not begin an assessment before the designated start time or continue working after the assessment period has ended.
  • at the conclusion of an assessment, students must submit all required materials, including assessment questions, answer sheets, and any other materials specified by the instructor.
  • if a student becomes aware of unauthorized information related to an assessment beyond what has been released by the instructor, the student must promptly notify the instructor or, if the instructor is unavailable, the chair of the department offering the course.

Unless explicitly authorized by the College, instructor, or assessment proctor, a student must not:

  • give, receive, or exchange any information about assessment content at any time.
  • receive assistance of any kind or refer to any materials or resources other than those permitted for the
  • discuss any portion of the assessment with anyone they know or reasonably believe will take a similar assessment or engage in any discussion that could compromise assessment security.
  • communicate in any way with unauthorized individuals, except when necessary, due to a personal emergency.
  • take an assessment on behalf of another individual or allow another person to take an assessment in their place.
  • attempt to breach or compromise the security procedures related to the preparation, handling, or storage of assessments.

Assignments

Students must follow all instructions provided by the instructor or other authorized individuals regarding papers, projects, or other assignments completed for academic credit. Students may not consult with others or receive assistance in any form that violates the specific guidelines established for the assignment.

Plagiarism

Students must not submit work created by another person or generated by an artificial intelligence (AI) tool as their own. Any use of AI-generated material must be properly acknowledged in accordance with college requirements and/or the permission of the instructor.

Interference with Academic Materials

A student must not take, convert, conceal, misfile, misrepresent, deface, damage, or destroy any materials related to academic assignments, research, or assessments.

Non-Academic Rules

Individual Performance

Students must:

  • demonstrate independent, self-directed learning and cultivate habits that support lifelong learning.
  • recognize personal limitations and seek appropriate assistance when needed.
  • accept constructive feedback and make appropriate changes accordingly.
  • complete all educational assignments and responsibilities in a timely manner, including required health documentation and immunizations.
  • be punctual for all educational activities, including assessments, clinical experiences, small group sessions, and site visits.
  • refrain from using fatigue, stress, or personal circumstances as justification for unprofessional behavior.
  • adhere to dress code requirements consistent with institutional and/or site-specific standards.

Relationships with Students, Faculty, Staff, Patients and Community

Students must:

  • establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries in all learning environments.
  • demonstrate respect toward all individuals in all settings.
  • respect the professional competence, expertise, qualifications, and contributions of faculty, preceptors, and colleagues.
  • work to resolve conflict in a manner that preserves the dignity of all individuals involved.
  • remain attentive and responsive to individual differences, including those related to culture, communication, and health literacy.

Commitment to Ethical Principles of the Pharmacy Profession

Students must:

  • demonstrate honesty, integrity, and empathy in all interactions.
  • prioritize patient safety and quality care at all times.
  • obtain a valid Ohio Pharmacy Intern License by December 31 of the P1 year and maintain the license throughout the program (Pharm.D. program only).
  • contribute to an atmosphere conducive to learning and be committed to advancing scientific knowledge.
  • protect patient confidentiality at all times.
  • abide by the University policy on Research Misconduct (Policy number 3364-70-00).
  • not engage in any illegal activity whatsoever.

Procedures and Appeals

Students in the College are held to the highest standards of professionalism, as outlined above, and are subject to the procedures below regarding alleged violations.

Allegations

Any faculty or staff member with evidence that a student in the College has violated this Code shall submit an online report via the early alert system describing the allegation, including supporting evidence. Any student with evidence that a fellow student in the CPPS has violated this Code may submit an online form via the Stand-Up for Integrity reporting system.

Due Process

Due process will be provided to a student accused of violating this code. The Student Progress Committee chair will do the following:

  • notify the student in writing of the charge(s), the date, time, and location of the hearing and allow the student the opportunity to be present. The student may waive the right to such an appearance at their sole discretion.
  • provide the student with a statement or summary of the allegations, along with any information or evidence that will be presented to or considered by the committee. The complainant may submit affidavits from individuals unable to appear, as well as exhibits, witness testimony, and other supporting materials. All written materials must be provided to the student at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
  • provide the student a full opportunity to present relevant information to the committee regarding the allegations. The student may submit affidavits from individuals unable to appear, as well as exhibits, witnesses, and other supporting materials for the committee’s consideration. Any written materials must be submitted at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
  • notify the student in writing of the protocols governing the investigation / hearing and provide a copy of this policy. The student is entitled to have an adviser present at the hearing.
  • invite the complainant(s) to the hearing.
  • preside over the hearing, for which minutes will be maintained. The proceedings may be recorded or transcribed at the request of the committee chair.
  • ensure that the hearing is not, and should not be construed as, a legal proceeding. Both the complainant(s) and the student will be permitted to make statements relevant to the issues under consideration.
  • notify the student that they are expected to cooperate in the investigation and hearing. The complainant is likewise expected to cooperate and cannot be guaranteed anonymity.
  • ensure that any decision regarding student sanctions is based on the committee’s deliberations. The committee’s findings and conclusions will be documented in a written statement, signed by the committee chair, and delivered to the student via email and certified mail (with a copy to the Dean of the College) within three (3) business days of the hearing, unless additional time is required, in which case the student will be notified.

Appeal

The student may appeal the committee’s decision to the Dean of the College in writing, requesting a review related to the following that apply: (1) the failure of due process; or (2) a review of the evidence concerning the charges and/or sanctions.

  • A written request for appeal must be received within ten (10) business days following the issuance of the written recommendation, or any further right to appeal is waived.
  • The Dean of the College may review all evidence presented at the hearing, any procedural concerns raised by the student, and issues related to the charges and/or sanctions. Following this review, the Dean may request a meeting with the student.
  • Upon completion of the appeal review, the Dean of the College may uphold, reverse, or modify the committee’s decision. The Dean will inform the committee of the decision, which is final.
  • The Dean of the College will notify the student of their decision regarding the appeal within ten (10) business days of the appeal being filed, unless additional time is required, in which case the student will be notified.

Pendency of Action

Implementation of sanctions will generally be suspended until all student appeals have been resolved. However, the Dean of the College may, at their discretion, impose interim suspensions or restrictions if the alleged conduct poses a risk to patient or public safety (including faculty and other students), or if dismissal from the College is a possible sanction.

Sanctions

A student found responsible for violating this Code will be subject to sanctions determined by the Student Progress Committee and implemented by the Dean of the College. Summary reports of the committee’s activities will be shared with faculty, staff, and students of the College.

The Student Progress Committee may impose sanctions as it deems appropriate based on the circumstances. Sanctions may include:

  • permanent expulsion from the CPPS
  • suspension from the CPPS for a specified period or until lifted by the Student Progress Committee
  • loss of course credit, including assignment of a grade of “F” for any course directly related to the violation
  • restitution to the University, organization, or individual for property taken, misappropriated, damaged, destroyed, or otherwise affected, or payment of the monetary value of such property
  • probation for a specified period, including removal from and ineligibility for offices or positions in College or University student organizations or student government
  • loss of privileges, including access to College or University facilities or services (e.g., student lounge, computing resources), for a specified period, consistent with the nature of the violation
  • recommendation for degree revocation, subject to approval by the President and the Board of Trustees, if a violation is determined after the degree has been awarded
  • other sanctions as deemed appropriate by the Student Progress Committee
  • combination of sanctions listed above

Interpretation and Revision

  • Any question regarding the interpretation or application of the Student Code of Professional Conduct shall be referred to the Chair of the Student Progress Committee or their designee for final determination.
  • The Student Code of Professional Conduct will be reviewed at least every two (2) years for consistency and procedural accuracy under the direction of the Chair of the Student Progress Committee.
  • Recommendations for changes must be submitted in writing to the Chair of the Student Progress Committee for review.

Scope: This procedure applies to all students and student organizations within the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Responsible Agent: Associate Dean of Student Affairs, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Last Revised: 5/18/2026

Last Updated: 8/26/26