VCOM Faculty Handbook

reason they feel would be appropriate for them to wear a hat or head covering, they should speak to the Director for Human Resources in advance. Scarves or headdresses that appear professional and are worn for religious purposes are allowed.

Scrubs may be worn for laboratory work only.

In the laboratories and patient care areas, OSHA regulations prohibit open-toed shoes; therefore, for purposes of safety, employees must wear closed-toe shoes in these areas.

Faculty Professional and Ethical Policies and Procedures

Confidentiality In a faculty member’s work, they may handle or have access to information of a confidential nature, which can be used only in the performance of their duties. Faculty cannot pass on information to which they have access in their job, nor use it for personal gain or benefit. In other words, when a faculty member is away from their place of employment, they should not discuss any official business that is transacted or any information from the records where they work. All faculty must be aware of FERPA standards, complete FERPA training, and follow FERPA guidelines for confidentiality. Not following FERPA standards is a reason for dismissal. Conflict of Interest VCOM requires that all employees who have a personal interest in an employee-owned business or have a significant financial involvement with a vendor, licensee or potential licensee provide written confirmation that they are following state and VCOM policies regarding conflict of interest or conflict of commitment. VCOM personnel may neither accept nor offer, either directly or indirectly, any gift or favor or loan to or from industry or industry representatives that is conducting or seeking to conduct business with the College even if the gift is of nominal value (zero-dollar amount). This provision also means that VCOM personnel may not accept any financial or other favors in exchange for privileged access by current or potential College vendors to College facilities or employees. VCOM personnel may not accept travel or accommodation stipends from pharmaceutical or device companies. If you have a question as to the acceptance of any item that might be considered a gift, you should contact the Office of Research and the Campus Dean’s office for clarification. This includes gifts from equipment and service providers, and pharmaceutical and biomedical device providers. Please see Policy #U015, VCOM Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Industry Relationships and Policy, and Policy #R013, VCOM Financial Conflicts of Interest in Research Policy, for additional information. Policy #R013 must also be reviewed by all research investigators and the accompanying Research Financial Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form and, when applicable, the Supplemental Research FCOI Disclosure Form must be signed with each extramural grant application. Both policies and forms can be found online in the VCOM Institutional Policy and Procedure Manual . Any gift or remuneration, other than research grants, made to VCOM or through a VCOM employee must be made to the Office of Development and follow the policies and procedures therein. Copyright Policy It is the policy of the College to respect the copyright protections provided by federal and state laws, including protections for digital materials and software. It is against College policy for faculty, staff or students to use College equipment or services to access, use, copy or otherwise reproduce or make available to others any copyright protected materials, including digital materials and software, except as permitted under copyright law (especially with respect to "fair use") or specific license. VCOM expects all members of the College community to follow prescribed procedures to determine the ownership of copyrights and manage copyrights owned by the College.

76