Learning Environment
At Ponce Health Sciences University, we are dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment where all members of our community feel respected, valued, and supported. As an institution committed to excellence in education, we recognize the fundamental importance of maintaining a culture of professionalism, integrity, and mutual respect.
It is imperative that every individual within our academic community feels safe and empowered to thrive academically and personally. To uphold these principles, Ponce Health Sciences University maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of mistreatment, harassment, or discrimination in the educational process.
We firmly believe that acts of mistreatment, harassment, or discrimination have no place in our learning environment and are antithetical to our mission of nurturing future healthcare professionals. Such behaviors not only undermine the well-being and dignity of those affected but also compromise the quality of education and patient care.
Therefore, we are steadfast in our commitment to:
- Providing a safe and supportive learning environment where diversity is celebrated and all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
- Encouraging open communication and dialogue to address concerns and promote understanding among members of our community.
- Ensuring that all reports of mistreatment, harassment, or discrimination are promptly and thoroughly investigated, and appropriate actions are taken in accordance with our policies and procedures.
- Offering resources and support services to those who have experienced or witnessed mistreatment, harassment, or discrimination.
- We encourage all members of our community to actively uphold these principles and to speak up against any behavior that violates our shared values. Together, we can cultivate a learning environment that fosters excellence, compassion, and professionalism in healthcare.
Thank you for your dedication to upholding these standards and for contributing to a positive and inclusive learning environment at PHSU.
Mistreatment
The Mistreatment Incident report enables any member of the academic community to report a situation, whether they are a victim or a bystander.
Mistreatment, as defined by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), refers to any behavior that demonstrates disrespect for the dignity of others and unreasonably disrupts the learning process, whether intentional or unintentional.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines as the action to treat badly, to abuse.
Examples of mistreatment include:
- Physical violence or abuse
- Threats of academic consequences (such as failing grades or poor evaluations) based on characteristics like gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or refusal to comply with personal requests
- Verbal abuse, belittlement, or humiliation directed at a student
- Offensive remarks targeting characteristics like gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion
- Unjust exclusion from fair learning opportunities
- Exploitation of students, such as requiring them to perform personal tasks
Actions that do not constitute mistreatment include:
- Being asked to participate in discussions or answer questions (“being put on the spot”)
- Being held accountable or expected to meet high standards
- Receiving constructive criticism or having actions corrected
Reference: AAMC Student Mistreatment Experiences Classifications
Concerns or Complaints
The Mistreatment Incident report enables any member of the academic community to report a situation, whether they are a victim or a bystander.
This is a round-the-clock reporting tool designed to address student concerns effectively. Through this reporting portal, students can easily submit their concerns to the Student Affairs Division. The system directs reports to the appropriate office: Title IX concerns are routed to the Title IX Coordinator, while other student concerns are directed to the Vice President of Student Affairs and designated officers. The form also facilitates anonymous submissions for those who prefer not to disclose their identity.
Complaints submitted are processed following the Grievance Policy.