Student Complaints & Conduct

Student Complaint/Grievance Policy

Students should report complaints via the LSU Ethics, Integrity, and Misconduct Helpline or call 855-561-4099

About this Helpline

At Louisiana State University, we strive for excellence within our institutions, and we pride ourselves in fostering an environment that upholds the highest ethical standards. It is our belief that every member of our community plays an integral role in contributing to these efforts.

LSU is providing a system-wide helpline because we are committed to encouraging open and honest communication, and we want to encourage the members of the LSU community to continue to report issues and/or concerns through established reporting channels whenever possible. We also understand the importance of confidentiality when it comes to reporting; therefore, we encourage the use of the Helpline in those situations where you wish to remain anonymous.

Louisiana State University assures Helpline reports will be handled promptly and judiciously. No retaliatory action will be taken against anyone for reporting or inquiring in good faith about potential misconduct or breaches of laws, rules, regulations, or university policies, or for seeking guidance on how to handle suspected misconduct or breaches.

Student Rights, Responsibilites, and Conduct

In accordance with Chancellor Memorandum 21: Student Rights and Responsibilities (CM-21), students at LSU Health Sciences Center at Shreveport (LSUHS) are entitled to various rights that promote a positive academic environment and intellectual freedom. These rights are accompanied by corresponding responsibilities that ensure respectful conduct and the well-being of the institution.

Students who do not meet their responsibilities during any institution-related activity, whether on or off campus, may be subject to disciplinary action. Institutional actions may occur independently of any penalties imposed by external authorities. CM-21 outlines violations of standards of conduct - both academic and non-academic - detailing specific infractions that may lead to disciplinary action, though the list is not exhaustive.

Non-Academic Misconduct Policy

Non-academic misconduct includes actions that disrupt the campus environment or violate community standards, such as harassment, theft, vandalism, substance abuse, or other unprofessional conduct.  Students who violate non-academic professional standards of conduct are subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension, dismissal, or other penalties in accordance with Administrative Directive 2.8.13: Non-Academic Professionalism. They also will have the opportunity to appeal disciplinary decisions, as outlined in the directive.

Academic Misconduct Policy

Academic misconduct involves dishonest actions related to academic work, such as cheating, plagiarism, falsifying data, or unauthorized collaboration, which undermine academic integrity. Students who violate academic standards of conduct are subject to disciplinary action according to the following tiered policy.
 

A. Tier I Violations: This category includes minor academic misconduct that involves violating program-level policies but does not warrant dismissal on its own. However, repeated Tier I offenses, even if unrelated, can escalate to Tier II violations, potentially leading to dismissal. For example, a Tier I violation may involve unintentional plagiarism, where a student’s lack of understanding of citation rules significantly impedes the reader’s ability to identify the original source. These instances are typically deemed unintentional if they are first-time offenses.
 

1. Procedure:

1. A faculty, staff, or student who suspects a Tier I infraction has occurred should provide a detailed written account to the program director within five (5) working days of the alleged misconduct. The program director (or program faculty designee) will discuss the circumstances and evidence surrounding the alleged violation with the accuser as a Tier I violation.
2. If the program director determines that the violation warrants consideration as a Tier I violation, they (or their program faculty designee) will discuss the charge with the student within five (5) working days of receiving the accuser’s written account. At the meeting, the student will be given the opportunity to make comments that substantiate or dispute their behavior. The accuser may or may not be present for this discussion at the discretion of the program director.
3. If the evidence is sufficient to justify such action, the program director (or program faculty designee) shall charge the student with a Tier I infraction, apply a sanction, and craft a remediation plan (if applicable) to help the student address and rectify the behaviors causing the violation.
4. The Tier I infraction, sanction, and remediation plan will be documented on the Academic Misconduct Form by the program director (or program faculty designee) and will be signed by the program director (or program faculty designee) and the student. 
5. A copy of the signed form will be given to the student and the original form will be placed in the student’s program file.
6. The student will be required to complete remediation processes as documented in the plan.
7. Due to its program-level nature, Tier I academic misconduct charges do not have an appeals policy or procedure in place until they reach the level of a Tier II offense.
    

2. Sanctions: Sanctions imposed on the student at the discretion of the program director may include one or more of the following:

• Remediation tasks
• Restorative justice tasks
• Deduction of points from the work in question
• Repeat performance of work (may be at full or partial credit).

​
Notes:

• In exceptional circumstances, the program director may appoint a program faculty designee to serve in their place for the Tier I Academic Misconduct process.
• Excessive Tier I infractions will be reported to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs as a Tier II violation. The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs may determine the infraction does not warrant a Tier II designation only if four or fewer Tier I violations have been committed.

B. Tier II Violations: This category refers to serious violations of academic integrity, which may include but are not limited to those delineated in CM-21 and may result in disciplinary action, including possible dismissal, by the School of Allied Health Professions Administration. Additionally, it also applies to repeated violations of Tier I offenses, even if the violations are not related, when the student shows no improvement after several attempts at the program level to address or remediate the issue. For example, a Tier II violation may include intentional plagiarism, such as a student presenting another’s work as their own or sharing their work for another student to submit. It may also involve unauthorized use of AI tools, cheating on exams, falsifying data, or actions that deliberately breach exam security.
 

1. Procedure:

a. Reporting

• A faculty, staff, or student who has evidence to justify a Tier II charge of academic misconduct, shall present the evidence to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs within five (5) working days of the alleged misconduct.
• This allegation of academic misconduct must be in writing and signed by the individual making the allegation.
• The written report must contain a full summary of what was witnessed and other related details regarding the student’s alleged academic misconduct. 
   

b. Investigation

• The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (or designee) will discuss the circumstances and evidence surrounding the alleged violation with the accuser.
• After reviewing the evidence and supporting documentation pertaining to the alleged violation, the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (or designee) will then discuss the charge with the accused student within five (5) working days of the initial accusation. The accuser may or may not be present for this discussion at the discretion of the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
   

c. Formal Charge Notification

• If the evidence is sufficient to justify such action, the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (or designee) will provide the accused student with a written statement of the formal Tier II charge(s) within five (5) working days of the meeting discussing the charges. The written statement must include:  
  • Notice of the charge(s), specifying the relevant violations of the institution’s rules or policies,
  • Details of the disciplinary proceedings that will follow, 
  • Any evidence the institution has gathered in support of the charge(s).
• A copy of the formal charge will be sent to the accused student and Dean.
   

d. Options for the Accused Student

• Within five (5) working days of receiving the charge(s), the accused student may choose one of the following options and make their choice in writing to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (or designee):

Option 1: Committee on Student Conduct, Dismissal, and Appeals

• The Dean will assemble the Committee on Student Conduct, Dismissal, and Appeals, which shall be advisory to the Dean, within five (5) working days of the accused student’s decision.
• The Committee on Student Conduct, Dismissal, and Appeals is an ad hoc committee that shall consist of one faculty chairperson, two additional faculty members, and if desired by the Dean and approved by the accused student, up to two additional student representatives from a program of equal academic level (graduate or undergraduate). No faculty member nor student from the accused student’s program shall be selected for the Committee. The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs shall serve as an ex-officio / non-voting member of the Committee. University legal counsel may also be in attendance for those hearings where the accused utilizes a legal advocate.
• The Committee Chairperson is responsible for setting up the hearing and informing concerned parties and the Committee members of the time and place of the hearing. 
• At the hearing, evidence and supporting documentation of alleged academic misconduct will be presented. The accused student may present evidence in their defense, question those who present evidence against them, and refute evidence against them. The Committee may question all those who offer evidence. The Chairperson will ensure that the scope of the hearing and evidence presented relate to the charge(s) of academic misconduct.
• After all evidence has been presented, the Committee will meet in executive session to deliberate and formulate its recommendation to the Dean. The Committee may choose one or more sanctions listed in this document as its recommendation.
• The Committee Chairperson shall submit a written report to the Dean including: the Committee’s finding(s), recommendation(s), summary of the evidence presented, and dissenting opinions within five (5) working days of the hearing. 

Option 2: Administrative Hearing by the Dean

• The following conditions must be met for the Dean to accept jurisdiction:
  • The accused student must submit a written request for the Dean to take jurisdiction, and the Dean must agree that the case is suitable for administrative resolution.
  • The student must officially plead guilty in writing to the specific charge(s) prepared by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
  • The student must waive their right in writing to have the charge(s) reviewed by the Committee on Student Conduct, Dismissal, and Appeals. 
• Option 1 will be used in the adjudication process if the student fails to render a choice by the set deadline.
   

e. Documentation:

• The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (or designee) shall retain all documents and evidence relevant to the alleged violation and investigation, including but not limited to:
  • Exculpatory evidence,
  • Documents submitted by any participant, and 
  • The institution’s choice of a video recording, audio recording, or transcript of any disciplinary hearing ultimately held in the matter.
• The file shall not include privileged documents or internal memorandums that the institution does not intend to introduce as evidence at any hearing on the matter.
  ​

f. Grade Assignment

• A grade of “I” (incomplete) may be assigned, if necessary, until the Dean has rendered a final decision. Until the hearing concludes, the “I” will remain on the student’s official transcript and may result in a delay of progression through the program.  
   

g. Action by the Dean

• The Dean will render a final decision within:
  • Five (5) working days of receiving the Committee’s report, or
  • Five (5) working days of accepting administrative jurisdiction.
• The Dean can impose sanctions other than those recommended by the Committee.
• The Dean’s final decision and related findings will be distributed to the involved student and appropriate administrators.
   

h. Appeal Process

• A student may appeal the decision of the Dean. An appeal must be made to the Chief Academic Officer of LSUHS within ten (10) working days of the decision of the Dean. The student retains their right to representation during the appeal. The written appeal must include:
  • Justification for the appeal which must include one of the following: new evidence, contradictory evidence, and/or evidence that the student was not afforded due process.
  • The administrative file with all documents and evidence relevant to the violation. The administrative file may be sent to the Chief Academic Officer (or designee) by the Dean or Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.

• The Chief Academic Officer (or designee) will make a decision in writing within ten (10) working days after receipt of appeal and administrative file to:

• Grant the appeal,
• Deny the appeal,
• Order a new hearing, or
• Reduce or modify the punishment.

• In reaching this decision, the Chief Academic Officer (or designee) may hold a formal meeting with all parties and their advisors, if desired, and/or ask parties to the appeal to make written reply to the request for a review.
• Once a decision is made, the Chief Academic Officer (or designee) will notify all parties of the decision in writing.
• The decision of the Chief Academic Officer (or designee) shall conclude the matter.
   

i. Interim Attendance

• During the appeal, the student may or may not be permitted to attend class based on a session-by-session or course-by-course basis. This decision will be made by the program director and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and will depend on the nature of the offense.
• If the appeal results in the reversal of the decision or a lessening of the sanction, LSUHS shall reimburse the student for any tuition and fees paid for the period of suspension, including a deferred suspension or expulsion if not previously refunded.
   

2. Sanctions: Sanctions imposed on the student at the discretion of the Dean based on the evidence submitted by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs or recommendations of the Committee on Student Conduct, Dismissal, and Appeals may include one or more of the following:

• Tier I Sanction(s)
• Lower course grade by one to four letters
• Suspension from program class / course
• Dismissal from the School of Allied Health Professions
   

Notes: 

• In exceptional circumstances, the Dean may appoint someone other than the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs to serve in their place.
• The accused student shall have reasonable continuing access to the administrative file and the ability to make copies of all evidence or documents in the file beginning at least five business days prior to any disciplinary hearing. 
• A student accused of a Tier II infraction may be represented by an attorney or non-attorney advocate at all times during the selected disciplinary process. The representative may fully participate during any disciplinary proceedings. The student is responsible for payment of all costs of representation. The School of Allied Health Professions reserves the right to utilize University Legal Counsel when legal counsel will be present for the accused. To arrange for appropriate accommodations for the hearing, the student should disclose the advocate of choice (legal vs. non-legal).  Failure to disclose can result in a delay of the disciplinary hearing.

Student Alcohol and Drug Policy

The Student Background Check, Drug Screening, and Substance Use Policy provides procedural guidance for criminal background checks and drug screenings for pre-matriculants and current students to ensure compliance and integrity within the educational environment at LSU Health Shreveport. 

Standards of Professional Dress

Being a student or employee in a health care environment carries many responsibilities, including professional dress and behavior. In recognition of the fact that we are in contact with patients, health professionals, students, faculty, and staff on a daily basis, it is necessary that students and employees maintain a neat, clean personal appearance at all times. The following guidelines apply to all students and employees during any on-campus and off-campus activities sponsored by the School of Allied Health Professions. Please note that these are minimum standards and individual programs and departments may have requirements that are more specific.

1. LSU Health Shreveport identification badges must be worn at all times while on-campus. The badge should be worn with name and photo clearly visible on the front, upper torso.
    
2. Students and employees are expected to dress in business casual attire consistent with a professional environment Monday through Thursday or any time deemed necessary. Business casual attire includes slacks, khakis, and cropped dress pants, as well as collared shirts, blouses, sweaters, dresses, and skirts. Jeans, leggings, spandex pants, sweatpants, or athletic apparel are excluded.
    
3. Students and employees may wear t-shirts and jean pants (free of holes, tears, or rips) on Fridays or for special occasions approved by the Dean. This is an optional privilege. If an event or meeting occurs on a Friday when it would be inappropriate to dress casually, some students may be required to dress in normal business casual attire. This decision would be at the discretion of the course instructor or program director.
    
4. Scrub suits and/or lab coats may be worn if prescribed by individual departments. Scrub tops and bottoms must be solid in color (no patterns).
    
5. Students must follow dress code standards at their external clinical/fieldwork sites.
    
6. Additional dress code standards include:

• Clothing should be free of holes, tears, or rips.
• Clothing should be without offensive language or inappropriate designs.
• Clothing must cover all undergarments.
• No sweatpants, shorts, leggings or spandex pants, or athletic apparel. Some exceptions apply to specific laboratory situations in which the course instructor or program director approves sport dress. However, students should change into business casual dress or scrub suits (if prescribed by the individual department) after the lab, if remaining on campus.
• No strapless garments, spaghetti straps, tank tops, or crop tops. Sleeveless shirts or dresses may be permitted when layered with a sweater or jacket.
• No t-shirts or jeans of any color, unless worn on Fridays or other days approved by the Dean.
• No jewelry that can cause a safety hazard.
• Shoes must be neat and clean. Tennis shoes are acceptable. Open-toed shoes, such as sandals, may be worn unless prohibited by individual programs or departments. Flip-flops are prohibited.
• Hair must be clean, well-groomed, and neat.
• Fingernails must be clean and kept at a safe, functional length.

Violations: Faculty and/or the program director should inform student or employee in a timely manner if they violate the above or program-specific dress code. Program-level infractions may range from verbal warnings with corrective instruction to sending the student or employee home immediately to change clothing with an unexcused absence. Students who repeatedly violate the dress code policy may be subject to sanctions for professional misconduct per the policy outlined in the SAHP Student Handbook.

Adopted May 2022

Social Media Policy

The School of Allied Health Professions (SAHP) prepares students for professions that provide services to the public and therefore the school expects high standards of behavior and professional communication to be maintained at all times. Professional behavior and proper etiquette with technology are expected of students while on the university campus and off campus while representing the university as a student enrolled in a clinical course, volunteering or being involved with a school related project. Students should remember that their professionalism is reflected in their online presence. Future employers, clinical preceptors and other stakeholders with the school may search social media sites when considering candidates to hire or have an interest in the student for whatever reason. Students and faculty are agents for the SAHP and should conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times while engaging in social media. 

The following Administrative Directives and Brand Standard apply to students.

• 6.17 Website & Online Communication
• 6.18 Social Media Use: Personal and Professional Communications
• 6.19 Internal and External Communications
• LSU Health Shreveport Brand Standards

DEFINITIONS:

1. Blog: A blog is a website maintained by an individual or organization with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other materials such as graphics or video. Blogs may provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal on-line diaries.

2. Social Media: For the purposes of this Policy “Social Media” is an on-line social structure made up of individuals or organizations that are tied by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as values, visions, ideas, financial exchange, friendship, business operations, professional exchange, etc. Social Media sites operate on many levels, from families up to the level of nations, and play a critical role in determining the way information is exchanged, problems are solved, organizations are run, and the degree to which individuals succeed in achieving their goals. Examples of Social Media sites include, but are not limited to Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram or other similar sites.

POLICY STATEMENTS:

1. The use of technology can create potential liability for the student, faculty, and the university. Posting certain information can be illegal, and in violation of existing statutes and administrative regulations that may expose the offender to criminal and civil liability.

2. Students, faculty and staff are liable for anything they post to social media sites and may be subject to discipline by the SAHP or litigation.

3. The following actions are strictly forbidden unless done with permission or for official University business:

a. Posting or communicating any patient-related information or information which may potentially identify a particular patient on a social media site or in a blog. Removal of the patient’s name does not solve this problem - inclusion of gender, age, race, diagnosis, etc. may still allow the reader to recognize the identity of a specific individual. Violations of this requirement may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the program, as well as other liability for violation of HIPAA. Students should never publicly make comments about the care of a specific patient, including online. Even acknowledging the care of a patient is an unacceptable disclosure of patient identifying information. Disclosing confidential patient information in an inappropriate manner is a federal offense under HIPAA. The penalties include significant fines and/or criminal penalties. The SAHP takes violations of patient privacy seriously and will take corrective action when aware of such a violation.

b. Posting or communicating private academic information of another student, including but not limited to grades, narrative evaluations, or adverse academic actions.

c. The taking of any photographs and/or posting, sharing, or printing of photographs from a patient care area or laboratory environments unless authorized by faculty.

d. Use of University logos, marks, or graphics on social media sites.

e. Posting of confidential or proprietary information about the university, staff, students, clinical facilities, preceptors, patients/clients, or others with whom one has contact.

f. Use of the University’s name or the student’s program’s name to promote a cause, product, political party, or candidate.

4. The following actions are considered unprofessional behavior and violations of these guidelines are subject to disciplinary action:

a. Display of vulgar language while on social media sites, in the classroom, or clinical area.

b. Display of language or photographs that imply disrespect for any individual or group for any reason (for example: age, race, religion, ethnicity, culture, disability, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation) with social media.

c. Posting of potentially inflammatory or unflattering material regarding a patient, student, faculty member, staff, or administrator.

d. Videotaping or audio recording faculty or fellow students and posting these recordings online without the permission of the faculty or fellow student.

5. Suggested tips when using social media:

a. Be smart about protecting private and confidential information.

b. There is no such thing as a “private” social media site. Search engines can turn up posts years after the publication date. Comments can be forwarded or copied. Archival systems save information, including deleted postings.

c. If you feel angry or passionate about a subject, it’s wise to delay posting until you are calm and clear-headed. Think twice before posting. If you are unsure about posting something or responding to a comment, ask your faculty.

d. Future employers hold you to a high standard of behavior. By identifying yourself as an LSUHSC-Shreveport student through postings and personal Web pages, you are connecting to your colleagues, clinical agencies, and even clients/patients. Ensure that content associated with you is consistent with your professional goals. Employers will conduct Web searches on job candidates before extending offers.

e. Respect your audience.

f. Adhere to all applicable university privacy and confidentiality policies.

g. Monitor comments. You can set your site so that you can review and approve comments before they appear. This allows you to respond in a timely way to comments. It also allows you to delete spam comments and to block any individuals who repeatedly post offensive or frivolous comments.

6. If a student is accused of violating the SAHP’s Social Media Policy, The school’s Student Misconduct and Appeals Policies will be used to address the charge.