VCOM Institutional Policy and Procedure Manual

VCOM Policy and Procedure

Policy #F013

• adversely and unfairly criticize a student or faculty member; and/or • cause interruption of a faculty member’s or the institution’s research programs. Faculty have the right to criticize and seek revisions within VCOM but are expected to always act in a professional manner using the appropriate channels, committees, processes, and procedures that have been developed within VCOM. Faculty should voice criticisms in a manner and in venues where such criticisms will lead to revision and resolve differences and to result in continuous improvement. In cases where differences cannot be resolved in a normal process, a grievance process is outlined in the Faculty Handbook. Faculty are expected to use professional language and not utilize language that is offensive to others. Faculty are also expected to always avoid anger, intimidation, or other unprofessional behaviors when speaking with colleagues or students. Faculty are expected to demonstrate respect for other faculty members, staff, students, and supervisors when in the process of resolution of differences. Professional behavior calls for faculty to address individual concerns directly, informally, or through the formal process. Faculty are expected to represent VCOM in a positive light to the outside community so as not to cause harm to VCOM, the students, or the other faculty. Faculty are expected to treat others with mutual respect and avoid maligning or openly criticizing them. To avoid maligning a student, faculty, or administrator, faculty should engage the Human Resources Department for concerns and address criticisms through the appropriate channels where change can occur. Faculty should defend the right of free inquiry by others and should demonstrate respect for the opinions of others. Faculty must strive to be objective in their professional judgment of colleagues. Whether it be in the classroom or the community at large, faculty recognize that it is unprofessional and destructive to openly criticize students, other faculty, departments, administration, or VCOM regardless of whether the criticisms are to the student body, to other students, or in a public forum. Faculty will bring their grievances to their Division Officer or to the Human Resources Department, where appropriate procedures for grievance exist and where change may be accomplished.

VCOM Policy on Faculty Responsibility to the College

Page 3 of 4