VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

enrolled at VCOM must be reported to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs within 72 hours from the time of the charge or arrest. Students who do not report an arrest or criminal charge while a student are considered as acting in an unprofessional and/or unethical manner and may be suspended until a Professional and Ethical Standards Board is held. The student is advised that a recommendation by a third party (such as a lawyer or fellow student) to not report an arrest or criminal charge is not an acceptable excuse to not follow this policy. Arrests and Illegal Behavior VCOM recognizes that students may be arrested for a minor offense such as a traffic violation. Students are required to report arrests or criminal charges of any type as a part of their secondary application (except as excluded by law) and any arrest or criminal charge after acceptance that may occur prior to enrollment. After enrollment, a student must report any arrest or criminal charge. The requirement to report includes arrest or criminal charges of any kind including, but not limited to, a ticket or criminal summons. The College administration recognizes minor driving offenses may occur (such as exceeding the speed limit by less than 10 miles per hour) and will make the decision as to whether the charge or arrest warrants further investigation. Current students and accepted students awaiting enrollment must report an arrest or charge for any illegal behavior whether guilty or not guilty, to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs within 72 hours from the time of the arrest or charge. Students who do not report such an arrest or charge are considered as acting in an unprofessional and/or unethical manner and may be referred to Honor Code Council or the Professional Ethical and Standards Board (PESB). A Professional and Ethical Standards Board (PESB) hearing may be called to review illegal behavior, even if a criminal charge has not been made, if the illegal action or behavior becomes known to the administration. Substance Use and Eligibility for Admission, Enrollment, and Graduation VCOM is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive learning and working environment free from the effects of alcohol, illicit drugs, misused prescription medications, and other psychoactive substances. This commitment supports the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and the patients entrusted to the care of VCOM representatives. VCOM prohibits student or employee use, possession, or dissemination of narcotics or other mind-altering drugs on or off campus. In addition to adversely affecting a student's physical, psychological, and cognitive functioning, substance use may impair the ability to effectively learn, integrate, and apply the knowledge and skills required throughout the medical curriculum. Because successful progression through the curriculum is essential for the development of competent clinical skills and sound professional judgment, substance-related impairment may compromise a student's ability to safely participate in clinical education and provide safe, effective patient care. VCOM recognizes that some states have legalized medical marijuana and certain amounts of recreational marijuana. However, as marijuana is a mind-altering drug, its use, prescribed or otherwise, is prohibited by VCOM. Further, VCOM has an obligation to their clinical healthcare partners to maintain safe, productive, and drug- and alcohol free environments. Participation in clinical rotations during a student’s time at VCOM is an essential requirement of the curriculum. VCOM’s clinical healthcare partners require that all participants submit a negative drug screen prior to participation in clinical rotations. These guidelines assist the student in maintaining personal and professional integrity and facilitate the student’s success in their education. They promote a healthy teaching/learning environment for the student, and in the clinical setting, ensures patient safety. They also foster the development of a professional who is aware of and considers the prevalence and adverse physical, psychological

195