The Ethics Code

PCOM students pledge to neither give nor receive unauthorized aid in academic matters or leave unreported any knowledge of such aid given or received by any other student. This pledge applies to all tests, papers, reports, examinations or any other activities required for awarding of an academic degree. In clinical work involving patient care, falsifying information or deceitful representation of patient care information is included in those actions, which are considered violations of the PCOM Ethics Code.

Additionally, all students at PCOM are expected to:

  1. Respect the right of their fellow students to pursue their studies in a professional environment conducive to study.
  2. Maintain professional interpersonal relationships by civility and respect.
  3. Uphold the highest standard of academic honesty and integrity.
  4. Show respect for the diversity of an individual, including age, race, sex, color, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, genetic information, marital status or any other legally protected class status.
  5. Fulfill their responsibilities to their peers, clients and patients in group work, including clinical clerkships and outside training assignments.
  6. Adhere to all of the policies of PCOM, including those prohibiting discrimination or harassment.

All PCOM students are also expected to adhere to the Ethics Code and policies on intellectual property and academic integrity. The code is intended as a preliminary step in mediating or, if necessary, adjudicating incidents of unacceptable behavior as stated in PCOM’s Disciplinary Policy. In addition, academic programs may adhere to an ethical code of conduct in alignment with professionalism standards. These expectations are included in the academic program handbook.