Student Rights and Responsibilities
Academic Integrity
The University is first and foremost an academic community. Students and faculty together engage in the discovery, analysis, application, development, and transmission of knowledge as it pertains to psychological and clinical mental health theory and practice. In order for this honorable pursuit to progress successfully, a firm commitment to academic integrity is required from all members of the intellectual community. Academic integrity entails a respect and reverence for knowledge as a human good and for the whole academic process, by which that knowledge is pursued and transmitted.
Specifically, it entails honesty in all one’s academic dealings. Students at Divine Mercy University therefore shall not engage in or tolerate acts of academic dishonesty. These acts include, but are not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsifying academic records, and any act or attempt to commit an act designed to give unfair academic advantage to the student (such as, but not limited to, submission of essentially the same written assignment for two courses without the prior permission of the instructor, providing false or misleading information in an effort to receive a postponement or an extension on a test, quiz, or other assignment). Students shall acknowledge in appropriate fashion the contributions of others to their work where such acknowledgment is due.
The submission of work for academic credit indicates that the work is the student’s own and that the work has been completed in accordance with the standards of the course or assigned project. At the beginning of each course, it is the responsibility of the instructor to provide students with a statement clarifying the application of the University academic integrity policy to his or her course. In cases where a violation of academic integrity has been verified, the faculty member has the responsibility for determining the academic consequences, which may include assigning a failing grade for the assignment, exam, or course, or non- acceptance of the thesis or dissertation. Consequences can include probation from the University for a designated period of time, and in extreme cases, permanent dismissal from the University. Students accused of a violation of academic integrity have the right to appeal the accusation and/or the imposed penalty. All such appeals are handled through the DMU student grievance process.
Class Lectures and Handouts
In order to respect the academic integrity of the classroom the following are not allowed without the express prior consent of the instructor:
- No one except registered students are to attend the class (either in person or via Zoom)
- Handouts from the instructor may not be distributed to non-students
- Lectures may not be recorded by students
Plagiarism
Self-plagiarism
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Writing
- where an AI bot is drawing its information from,
- if the AI provides citations, whether the information is accurate, and
- whether any given content generated is plagiarized.
Students are permitted to utilize AI in their written work under the following conditions:
- Students may use AI for brainstorming purposes or to explore topics, but any text created from AI is not considered to be scholarship. Students are responsible for finding the primary sources where the information was derived. They must locate and read the original source of the AI output and must paraphrase and appropriately cite the original source content.
- Students are not permitted to turn in work for essays and assignments created by AI even if they paraphrase the AI generated content and cite the AI software as the source. An exception would be if AI generated content was being used as an example of AI text generation. In such a case, the AI would be cited as the source of the material.
In cases where a violation of plagiarism has been verified, the faculty member and the program director has the responsibility for determining the academic consequences which are determined by the degree of plagiarism and the frequency. (Source: California Lutheran University)
| Degree of Plagiarism | Description of Violation | Possible Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal |
|
|
| Substantial |
|
First offense in first course at
With subsequent offenses:
Third Offense
|
| Complete |
|
|
(Source: Columbia International University)
Student Conduct Policy
Giving full respect to the pursuit of the degree students are seeking, it is imperative that students experience and actively maintain a safe, inclusive, harassment-free, and flourishing academic environment. Students are asked to once again carefully review the University’s policies regarding appropriate conduct, ensuring that you understand its contents.
The University’s Statement of Identity and policies on Student Code of Conduct, Non-Discrimination, and a Harassment-Free Environment are included below.
Drug and Alcohol Use
Divine Mercy University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs by students and employees on its property or as part of any of its activities.
It is unlawful to sell, furnish, or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age in a public place or a place open to the public is illegal. It is also a violation of the DMU drug and alcohol policy for anyone to consume or possess alcohol in any public or private area of campus without prior DMU approval. Any individual, group, or organization violating the drug and alcohol policies, or laws may be subject to sanctions by DMU.
The negative physical and mental effects of the use of alcohol and other drugs are well documented. Use of these drugs may cause: blackouts, poisoning and overdose; physical and psychological dependence; damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart and liver; inability to learn and remember information; and psychological problems including depression, psychosis, and severe anxiety. Impaired judgment and coordination resulting from the use of alcohol and other drugs are associated with a variety of crimes. Individuals concerned about their own health or that of a fellow student should consult mental health professionals that are available in their area.
Should it be necessary, DMU will refer the student or employee to an appropriate mental health provider, rehabilitation program, or drug counselor.
Penalties
Penalties for violating the University’s policy may include expulsion from the school and referral for prosecution. Federal and state law also penalize the unlawful manufacturing, possession, use, and distribution of illicit substances. The penalties vary based on many factors, including the type and amount of the drug involved, and whether there is intent to distribute. Federal law holds that any person who distributes, possesses with the intent to distribute, or manufactures a controlled substance on or within one thousand feet of an educational facility is subject to doubling of the applicable maximum punishments and
fines.
Health and Behavioral Risks
The negative physical and mental effects of the use of alcohol and other drugs are well documented. Use of these drugs may cause: blackouts, poisoning and overdose; physical and psychological dependence; damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart and liver; inability to learn and remember information; and psychological problems including depression, psychosis, and severe anxiety. Impaired judgment and coordination resulting from the use of alcohol and other drugs are associated with a variety of crimes. Individuals concerned about their own health or that of a friend should consult a physician or mental health professional.
Treatment
Should it be necessary, the University will refer the student or employee to an appropriate rehabilitation program or drug counselor.
Student Code of Conduct
At the core of the standard of conduct of Divine Mercy University is the teaching of the Catholic Church regarding the transcendent dignity of every human person, created “in the image of God” (Gn 1:27). This dignity calls the members of the DMU community to respond to each other above all with charity, seeking always the true good of the other person (CCC 1822-29). Created by God, who is Truth Himself (Jn 14:6), the human person is called furthermore “to live the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15;). As an academic community rooted in the life of the Church, the members of the IPS community are to pursue and defend the truth in all their endeavors. Finally, made in God’s image, the human person is recognized as a free and responsible being (CCC 1738). Within the boundaries of civil law, institutional policies of DMU, and Catholic moral and religious teaching (CCC 1691-2557), this freedom for excellence is to be respected and encouraged by all members of the DMU community. DMU core values include: faith, hope, charity, truth and goodness, scholarship and academic excellence, service and compassion, integrity and honesty, justice and responsible freedom, forgiveness and Reconciliation. Following from the general principles outlined above, a series of more specific standards may be stated to communicate more fully the expectations regarding moral life at the Institute. The listing of these standards is illustrative rather than exhaustive:
- charitable respect and tolerance for diverse backgrounds, traditions, personalities, and beliefs of students, faculty, staff, and clients;
- mutual service to others in the common search for truth;
- personal responsibility to participate in the life of the Institute, seek truth and wisdom, and develop right practical judgment;
- development of reverence for God and his creation;
- commitment to develop personal, moral, and spiritual character through academic efforts and personal reflection;
- dedication to accept responsibility for moral decisions and actions in terms of rewards and consequences;
- respect for the property of DMU and personal property of others on site at DMU;
- concern for preserving the peace and ensuring orderly procedures;
- shared responsibility for maintaining an appropriate academic and moral climate on campus;
- respect for others and oneself displayed by appropriate conduct.
Harassment-Free Environment
It is the policy of Divine Mercy University that no student, employee, or volunteer of DMU should be subject to unsolicited, unwelcome, abusive, or offensive conduct of either a verbal or physical nature. Harassment refers to behavior that is not welcome, is personally offensive, interferes with efficiency or creates uneasiness. Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to: repeated offensive sexual flirtations, advances or propositions; continued or repeated verbal abuse of a racial nature; graphic, degrading, or demeaning ethnic comments about an individual or about his/her appearance; the display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; or any other offensive or abusive verbal comments or physical contact. Further, students and employees will not be subjected to third party harassment, which is defined as behavior that is personally offensive to an observing party. Students or University representatives engaging in any act that harasses or discriminates against another person because of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, marital status, or the presence of a disability, shall not be tolerated. Such conduct is specifically prohibited. Appropriate action will be taken by the University administration.”
Statement of Non-Discrimination
The University admits to its programs qualified students of any age, race, gender, color, nationality or ethnic origin. Applicants should understand that the central mission of Divine Mercy University is the development of a Christian approach to mental health science and practice. The University welcomes qualified students of any religious faith; nonetheless, all students who seek admission must sincerely desire to share the University’s mission and objectives. Given its distinct and unique goal of integrating with the Catholic view of the person, the degree programs at the University differ from traditional programs in their approach, while maintaining the rigor in both the quantity and quality of clinical training.
Grievance Process Policy and Procedures
Due process for student grievances
It is the policy of the University to utilize due process in handling student grievances. It is also the policy of the University to utilize due process in disciplinary actions taken against students.
In a Christian academic environment, every effort should be made to sustain a relationship of charity and cooperation between all members of the community. Occasionally, however, a student may have a grievance with a member of the faculty, staff, or fellow student/peer. The student with the grievance should endeavor first to meet with the other party to discuss the difficulty in an attempt to resolve the issue. If the student does not feel at ease approaching the individual, or is not satisfied with the results of such a meeting, he or she should consult the vice president of academic affairs who will provide guidance as to what additional steps, if any, should be taken. If resolution is not reached at this informal level, the student may then wish to file a formal grievance. At any point in the process described herein, the student filing a grievance will always have the option to withdraw the grievance. The University has established the following grievance resolution procedure for students to use for all aspects of their experience with academic, student, and other support services of the University.
Confidentiality
In the grievance resolution process, every reasonable effort will be made to protect the privacy of all parties. All records pertaining to the investigation and to the disposition of the grievance shall be maintained in sealed files in conformity with state and federal privacy requirements. Records of individuals involved or alleged to be involved in a grievance will be made available to officials of the University who have a need to know, and otherwise only in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and only to the extent required by law.
Seeking Resolution for a complaint or grievance
The student has two options.
- Option 1: Take no action The student has decided, for personal reasons, that the occurrence does not warrant further attention.
- Option 2: Use the University’s resolution procedures, following the steps summarized below.
Step 1: Informal resolutions Meet with the other party to discuss the difficulty in an attempt to resolve the issue. As stated above, every effort should be made to sustain a relationship of charity and cooperation between all members of the community. The student with the grievance should endeavor first to meet with the other party to discuss the difficulty in an attempt to resolve the issue. If the student does not feel at ease approaching the individual, or is not satisfied with the results of such a meeting, he or she should consult the Vice President of Academic Affairs who will provide guidance as to what additional steps, if any, should be taken. If resolution is not reached at this informal level, the student may then wish to file a formal grievance. At any point in the process described herein, the student filing a grievance will always have the option to withdraw the grievance. The University has established the following grievance resolution procedure for students to use for all aspects of their experience with academic, student, and other support services of the University.
Step 2: File a formal complaint using the student grievance resolution procedures A formal complaint typically cannot be made until an informal resolution process has been conducted. Depending on the nature of the allegation, the formal complaint process requires 90 business days to complete the first level of formal review. When a formal complaint is filed against another person in the university, the complainant is required to provide documentation that they attempted to resolve the complaint with the individual, summarizing the actions taken and the supporting documentation.
When preparing a complaint, students should be as specific as possible, detailing exactly what the allegation is, the name of the individual who committed the act, and why it was offensive. Include supporting material and witnesses if available, as this adds strength to the allegation.
Resolution procedures for student grievance with faculty member or student/peer
Student grievances directed to a member(s) of the faculty or student body (referred to herein as the respondent) will be handled as follows:
- Filing a Grievance: The complainant shall file a written grievance with the Academic Dean. The complainant shall record with specificity the circumstances of his/her grievance. Use the form linked here: Formal Grievance Form
- Time limits: To use this procedure, the complainant must file the written complaint within 30 days from the action or event that forms the basis of the complaint. The 30 days are calendar days including weekends and days that classes are not in session.
- Fact-Finding Committee: The dean will appoint a fact-finding committee consisting of three faculty members. A chair of the committee will be designated by the academic dean. If a conflict of interest or other valid reason prevents a committee member from serving, the academic dean shall select an alternate. The academic dean shall make every effort to ensure that a fair, impartial, and representative committee hears the matter.
- Notification: The academic dean shall give the respondent written notification that a grievance has been filed, as well as a copy of the grievance. The respondent may file a written response with the fact-finding committee chair. The academic dean shall provide a copy of the response to the complainant.
- Investigation: The following standards for investigation will be observed:
- in conducting the investigation, the committee shall receive and review the grievance, the response, and other pertinent statements or documents;
- the complainant and respondent shall be given the opportunity to respond to one another’s statements, and individually to present witnesses or concerned parties in conformity to the evidence presented; and,
- the committee will interview witnesses and concerned parties individually and in conformity with privacy requirements, as it deems necessary.
- Fact-finding report: When, in the judgment of the committee, the positions of the complainant and respondent have been equitably heard, the committee shall submit a written fact-finding report to the academic dean. The fact-finding report shall contain the following:
- a statement of the issues under review;
- the positions of the parties;
- a finding of the results of the investigation;
- conclusion as to whether there is probable cause to believe that the grievance is valid; and,
- recommendations for action(s) to be taken.
The total time period for the investigation, from the filing of a written grievance to submission of the fact-finding report to the academic dean shall not exceed ninety (90) calendar days.
The chair of the fact-finding committee will maintain all records of the grievance, including its conclusions and recommendations. These records shall be transferred to the office of the academic dean at the time of disposition of the grievance. The records shall be maintained in conformity with state and federal privacy and disclosure requirements, policies and procedures.
Disposition of the grievance and disciplinary action
The academic dean will make the decision about action to be taken. The factual conclusions contained in the fact-finding report shall be binding upon the academic dean for the purpose of this determination.
The academic dean will discuss the decision with the chair of the fact-finding committee, prior to taking action, if the action to be taken is different than that recommended by the committee.
The academic dean will immediately notify the complainant and the respondent in writing of the disposition of the grievance once the decision has been made.
The decision of the academic dean will be made within ten (10) working days of the receipt of the fact-finding report. The decision may be appealed in writing by either the complainant or the respondent to the President of the University; the appeal must be made no later than fifteen (15) working days from the date of the academic dean’s notification of the decision.
If the complainant is a student and the student has not received a satisfactory resolution after exhausting all available grievance procedures established by the institution, the student may contact the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) as a last resort in the grievance process, using this link: https://www.schev.edu/students/resources/student-complaints
Student Complaint Process for Out of State Distance Learning
Provisions of the SARA Policy Manual, including those for consumer protection and the resolution of complaints, apply to interstate distance education offered by participating SARA institutions to students in other SARA states. As a critical element of transparency and student consumer protections afforded through SARA policy, NC-SARA collects and shares data on SARA student complaints from SARA-member states on a quarterly basis.
Only those complaints resulting from distance education courses, activities, and operations provided by SARA-participating institutions to students in other SARA states come under the scope of SARA. Complaints about a SARA institution’s in-state operations are to be resolved under the state’s normal provisions, not those of SARA.
SARA consumer protection provisions require institutions’ home states, through their SARA State Portal Entities, to investigate and resolve allegations of dishonest or fraudulent activity by the state’s SARA-participating institutions, including the provision of false or misleading information. The State Portal Entity is responsible for conducting the investigation and resolution of complaints that are not resolved at the institutional level.
More information about Student Consumer Protections and the Student Complaint Process can be found in the Students section of this website.
Procedures for veterans and other eligible persons
The student grievance process policy should be followed by all students. Veterans and other eligible persons may report a grievance against the institution to the Virginia State Approving Agency and US Department of Veterans Affairs as required: The Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA), is the approving authority of education and training programs for Virginia. Our office investigates complaints of GI Bill beneficiaries. While most complaints should initially follow the school grievance policy, if the situation cannot be resolved at the school, the beneficiary should contact our office via email saa@dvs.virginia.gov.
Student grievance resolution procedures involving staff
The same procedures as described for student grievances directed to faculty will be followed in the case of a student grievance directed to a staff member, with the following two exceptions:
- the Vice President for Finance and Administration will serve in place of the academic dean
- the fact-finding committee will be appointed from either staff or faculty of the University.
Retaliation prohibited
DMU strictly prohibits retaliation against a member of the University community who files a grievance, against whom a grievance is filed, or who otherwise is a participant in the grievance resolution procedure. Such retaliatory conduct includes, but is not limited to, decreasing an employee’s pay, reducing a student’s grade, or downgrading a person’s
performance evaluation.