Professional Conduct
Veterinary technology students are responsible for maintaining a professional demeanor and ethical conduct. Students found engaging in professional misconduct may be subject to disciplinary review according to college and program policies.
The academic and professional conduct standards of the OTC Veterinary Technology Program have been established to reflect the standards of performance demanded by the various veterinary occupations. Students’ progress and development toward the standards of professional performance are part of our mission. Students are expected to assume responsibility for their actions and will be held accountable for them. All students are expected to abide by the OTC Model Student Conduct Code as outlined in the OTC Catalog. Any student that engages in professional and/or academic misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action and/or dismissal from the program.
Academic misconduct is not only “cheating” the student of learning the needed skills, but also an offense to the academic integrity of the learning environment. All forms of academic dishonesty will call for discipline.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Professional misconduct in any form will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the program. Some examples of professional misconduct include, but are not limited to:
Retaining copies of exams or quizzes without permission from the instructor. This includes saving web-based assignments on an individual computer, taking pictures of or recording tests, exams, or assignments.
Using profanity or vulgar language
Discussing patient care and client records with persons other than the OTC Veterinary Technology Program faculty or other students assigned to the case.
Acting in a disrespectful manner towards the OTC Veterinary Technology Program faculty, staff, or fellow students
Posting malicious or degrading comments about the OTC Veterinary Technology Program faculty, staff, or students on networking apps, social media sites, or online bulletin boards. This policy is to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and professionalism.
Sending mass emails or other communications (such as social media) to faculty, staff, or students, which state grievances with classmates, faculty, staff, or administration. Students should follow appropriate avenues for pursuit of grievances and should avoid involving those not directly associated with the complaint. Furthermore, students should not discuss issues surrounding interpersonal conflicts or professional/academic misconduct with other students, faculty, or staff unless directly involved in the issue.
Taking photographs, videos, or recordings of patients, laboratory animals, clients, the OTC Veterinary Technology Program faculty, staff, or other students without permission from program leadership.
Arriving to the OTC Veterinary Technology Program facilities, classes, laboratories, other universities, or program sponsored activities under the influence of alcohol or any drug which impairs judgment.
Abuse or neglect of animals will not be tolerated and will result in immediate disciplinary action and possible removal from the program.