Introduction
The Pharmacy Profession must adhere to high ethical and professional standards. All members of the College of Pharmacy must likewise adhere to high standards of conduct. However, as a result of persistent and preventable errors in judgment related to conduct, by members of the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, the Student Issues Committee, acting under direction from Pharmacy Council, has explored the creation and implementation of a Code of Conduct for the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy.
The Student Issues Committee has used several documents as guides in the development of a College specific policy regarding conduct. These documents include: the College’s Honor Code, the Procedure for the Resolution of Grievances, the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists, the Policy Statement on Ethical Conduct and Scholastic Integrity, the Pledge of Professionalism, the Pharmacy Internship Guide policy of “Ethical Behavior and Student Intern Performance”, and the University Catalog of General Information 2004-05 Appendix C, Chapter 11.
The Code of Conduct is not intended to embarrass or punish, but rather to provide a guideline on which to base decisions. For that reason, the Code of Conduct is to be used as an educational tool to guide all members of the College of Pharmacy in their professional development. For that reason, the Code of Conduct would be applicable to all members of the College of Pharmacy in all activities associated with the College of Pharmacy. The Code of Conduct has several intentions:
- To promote and protect an environment of learning for all members of the College of Pharmacy both inside and outside of the classroom,
- To assist in improving and maintaining the image of the College of Pharmacy as an institution of the first class, and
- To foster character development by establishing a standard of principled behavior and professional decision-making.
Responsibilities of Members of the College of Pharmacy
The culture of the College of Pharmacy is determined by its members. Therefore, all members of the College of Pharmacy have responsibilities to uphold and protect the learning environment, professional education, and integrity of a degree awarded from the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. To that end, all members of the College of Pharmacy should:
- Be familiar with the expectations listed in the Code of Conduct,
- Actively promote and maintain professional conduct, and
- Adhere to the same standards they expect others to follow.
In addition, all activities associated with the College of Pharmacy could have clear and reasonable expectations regarding the conduct of participants. When appropriate, written expectations should be provided with advanced notice. Examples of situations that could have further written expectations for conduct include, but are not limited to, course syllabi, local, state and national meeting information, student organization meetings and functions, scholarship applications (academic and travel), college events (dinners, programs, events, etc.), and any other activity where patient or professional contact is possible.
- Members of the College of Pharmacy shall show respect for themselves and each other as colleagues. Actions are considered unacceptable if they are intended to insult or stigmatize an individual or group on any basis. Actions are considered unacceptable if they exhibit conduct which is lewd, indecent, or obscene, or which is patently offensive to an individual, academic community or clinical practice setting.
- All communications involving members of the College of Pharmacy will be respectful and courteous. Verbal, written and electronic communications must be free of material that is harassing, profane, intimidating, or inappropriate. Every communication reflects the College of Pharmacy and should be professional in manner.
- All members of the College of Pharmacy should enjoy an opportunity to take part in the learning process. Members of the College of Pharmacy shall not disrupt instructional sessions, administrational activity, or other college related events. Special attention should be paid to common etiquette such as the following:
– Members of the College of Pharmacy should arrive on time (late attendees should be discreet)
– Members of the College of Pharmacy should be attentive rather than disruptive (do not talk, eat, sleep, etc.)
– All comments should be on topic and respectful of everyone in attendance
– Members of the College of Pharmacy should dress appropriately for the occasion - Members of the College of Pharmacy shall not steal, damage, destroy or endanger physical or intellectual property belonging to the college, a member of the college or a location affiliated with the college. The College of Pharmacy and its members have invested a great deal of time and resources and deserve the respect of others.
- Members of the College of Pharmacy must always represent themselves truthfully. Falsely representing oneself or another is unacceptable.
- Members of the College of Pharmacy shall not violate any laws or policies that bring into question the member’s suitability as a member of the College of Pharmacy.
- Members of the College of Pharmacy have several obligations, both academic and extracurricular, that are agreed upon within the college. All professional and organizational obligations shall be upheld whenever possible. If obligations are unable to be fulfilled, appropriate measures should be taken (i.e. phone calls, apologetic letters, etc.).
- Members of the College of Pharmacy who feel that the code of conduct is being violated should follow the existing grievance policy as set forth by the college. When appropriate, the grievance should first be discussed, privately, between the two parties. All parties involved in the grievance are innocent until proven otherwise and are entitled to due process.
- All decisions and actions taken, as a result of reported grievance, will remain confidential as stated by University policy.
