Professional Integrity

The Brown School minimally expects that students will do the following inside and outside the classroom when engaged in University programs or activities:

  • Conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Code of Ethics adopted by the National Association of Social Workers and the Public Health Code of Ethics adopted by the Public Health Leadership Society.
  • Conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the University’s Code of Conduct.
  • Demonstrate an ability to speak and listen respectfully.
  • Demonstrate clarity of thinking, including an ability to process information, conceptualize, and integrate knowledge.
  • Demonstrate honesty in interactions with students, staff, and faculty and at the practicum agency and an ability to be responsible, including such things as accurately recording and reporting practicum hours, keeping appointments, and attending class regularly and punctually in accordance with instructors’ policies.
  • Demonstrate an ability to suspend personal biases in professional interactions with clients, including not imposing personal, religious, or cultural values on others.
  • Represent their backgrounds, experiences, and qualifications honestly.
  • Seek and use help for medical and emotional problems that interfere with scholastic and professional performance, including engaging in treatment for substance abuse and mental disorders when needed.
  • Provide course and instructor evaluations at the end of each term and, if requested, at midterm. Complete individual, peer, and/or team assessments if required. Participate actively in site visits, complete self-evaluations, and complete other assignments needed for a grade in practicum.
  • Respect and maintain the appearance and the functionality of all buildings, classrooms, and other facilities.

Evidence that a student is meeting or failing to meet these expectations may come from a variety of sources, including observation of student behavior in the classroom; the field practicum; interactions with fellow students, faculty, and staff; personal statements; self-assessments; recorded interview situations; and feedback from students, staff, community members, or other sources.

Professional Integrity Violations

Professional integrity violations consist of behavior that is inconsistent with professional or ethical standards in the professional roles for which the student is being trained that are not necessarily covered by policies governing academic integrity. Behaviors inconsistent with the above listed expectations will be considered violations of professional integrity.