Reference No CRS- 21-22-186

Date: June 17, 2022

For: All PT/OT/SLP Students (first year to fourth year)

From: Ma. Elizabeth V. Rey-Matias, MD, PTRP, MHPEd, PhD

Dean, College of Rehabilitation Sciences

Subject: Professional Behavior Policy, other CRS Policies, &

Conforme to all CRS Policies

THE PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR POLICY

This is adapted from the Professional Behavior Policy of Duquesne University in

Pittsburgh at Pennsylvania, USA. Castleton University at Vermont and other universities
in the US are also implementing this policy as part of requirements for promotion and
graduation. The goal is to foster students’ progress in their professional development
as they enter and proceed through the professional phase of the curriculum and
move on to clinical practice which explains why this is included as a requirement for
promotion and graduation. We expect that all students will be successful in all parts of
their education, including academic, behavioral, and clinical. Just as there are standards
and protocols established for students who require remediation for academic issues, we
have established a similar process for professional behavior. A favorable
recommendation from the CRS College Discipline-Professional Behavior Committee
(CD-PB COM) is required for promotion and recommendation. The following
procedure outlines the identification of a professional behavior issue, a plan for
remediation, and the process leading to further action.
Each student is expected to demonstrate appropriate professional behavior during all
learning activities, including classroom, laboratory, experiential, group, community and
clinical experiences. The following behaviors are expected in the academic and clinical
settings:

Professional Behavior Expectations

1. Attend and participate in all scheduled learning activities inclusive of clinical training
at the scheduled times. Students who are unable to attend class/clinical duties due to
personal illness or emergency are required to notify the course faculty/clinical
supervisor prior to the scheduled time. If personal illness repetitively interferes with
attendance, the faculty/clinical supervisor may discuss the possibility of the
student/intern taking a medical leave of absence.

2. Optimal use of time during learning experiences including clinical internship

activities. Students are expected to complete readings, assignments, and submissions
according to assigned dates/times in order to be prepared for learning experiences.
Active participation is expected.

3. Recognize learning problems and seek faculty guidance. Students are expected to
recognize learning difficulties and welcome help from the faculty for guidance.
Students together with the faculty should develop a plan of learning that may include
additional learning strategies, tutorial assistance, and use of the institutional library
and external resources.

4. Integrity. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in any form and under any
circumstance. Issues of academic improprieties will be addressed according to the
guidelines outlined in the DLSMHSI Student Handbook.

5. Professional Attire. Students are expected to portray the appearance of a responsible

health care professional. Classroom/internship guidelines include that clothing must
be worn that does not expose the abdomen, chest, or buttocks. Hats and clothing with
unprofessional wording or pictures are prohibited. It is required to wear the
appropriate attire for protection when treating patients.
Professional Behavior Policy
If an academic or clinical faculty member identifies and documents a problem with a
student’s professional behavior or inability to maintain a standard within the realm of
acceptable professional behavior, the student will be placed on the Professional Behavior
Policy (PBP). The policy has three steps:

Step 1
The faculty member will meet with the student to identify the behavior and counsel the
student to demonstrate behavior consistent with the professional standard.

Step 2
If the faculty determines the student has a recurrence of an unprofessional behavior prior
to the completion of their professional program, both the student and faculty member will
meet with the Professional Behavior Committee to determine a remediation plan and
contract for the student.

The remediation plan and contract will include the following items:
1. Description of the specific behaviors that the student is expected to demonstrate.
2. Specific tasks that the student is expected to accomplish.
3. Time frames related to accomplishing the tasks and behaviors.
4. Repercussions for unsuccessful remediation or inability to meet the terms of the
contract.
5. Faculty responsible for monitoring the terms of the contract.
6. Explanation of how the terms of the contract will be monitored.

Step 3
Should, while a student is on Step 2 of the PBP, s/he again exhibits unacceptable
professional behavior or fails to maintain a standard within the realm of acceptable
professional behavior, or demonstrates behavior that is considered reprehensible (even if
a ‘1st offense’), one of the following repercussions will be instituted:

1. Immediate dismissal
Examples for this action include but are not limited to: felony conviction; pleading no
contest for behaviors that would prohibit the granting of a physical therapy license;
 behaviors that jeopardize the welfare of the patients they will care for or other
behaviors that are determined to be non-remediable.

2. Dismissal
Examples for this action include but are not limited to behaviors the committee has
determined are remediable however the student has been unable or unwilling to
remediate as defined in the remediation plan contract that is deliberate and
unreasonable.

3. Probation
Examples for this action include but are not limited to behaviors that the committee
has determined are remediable. The terms of the probation and remediation will be
outlined in a subsequent contract.
Appeal Process
Should a student be dismissed from the program for a violation of the Professional
Behavior Policy, s/he may appeal this decision to the Professional Behavior Committee
in accordance to the guidelines and policies of the DLSMHSI Student Handbook.

Before each semester ends, the student should answer the Professional Behavior
Continuum which is a self-reflective tool to assess his/her professional behavior
during the progression in the program. Students are encouraged to meet with their
advisors to review their progress using the tool and to seek guidance as needed.
Submission of authentic responses in answering the Professional Behavior
Continuum by the student, and demonstration of the professional behaviors according
to the Professional Behavior Policy will merit a favorable recommendation from the
Professional Behavioral Committee for promotion and graduation.

As long as the student is PBP-compliant as declared by the Vice-Dean in consultation

with the College Discipline-Professional Behavior Committee (CDPB COM), and
advisers, a favorable recommendation is in order for promotion and graduation.

OTHER CRS POLICIES

CRS Disqualification Policy
The College implements the following set of criteria for immediate disqualification in the
PT/OT/SLP programs across all year levels:
1. Failure to pass the same subject twice.
2. Failure to meet the grade and GWA requirements after a semester of probation
3. Deliberate and unreasonable failure or unwillingness to demonstrate
professional behaviors based on the Professional Behavior Policy (PBP)
during the probationary period.
4. Dismissal due to major offenses specified in the Institutional Handbook following
due process as recommended by the Professional Behavior-Discipline Committee.

CRS Promotion/Retention Policy

To be eligible for promotion to the next level in the PT/OT/SLP programs and to
graduate, students must:
1. Be cleared in all pre-requisite subjects
2. Have a favorable endorsement from the CRS CD-PB COM
3. Have no grade lower than 80 in any subject
4. Have a cumulative GWA of 85 or higher
Professional Behavior Continuum
References:
Duquesne University Professional Behavior Policy
https://www.duq.edu/assets/Documents/health-sciences/_pdf/OT_Professional_Behavior.pdf
https://duq.edu/Documents/health-sciences/_pdf/PT_Professional_Behavior.pdf
https://castleton.s3.amazonaws.com/files/pages/profesional-behavior.pdf
 SAMPLES OF PBP CASES in STEPS 1, 2, 3

Step 1
A student was absent in a lecture or scheduled activity and failed to inform the faculty-in-
charge of the lecture or activity. Behavior #1 was not demonstrated by the student. The faculty
has to email the student to ask why he/she has been absent without giving notice.

After the student acknowledges or explains what happened. because Behavior #1 was not
demonstrated, Step 1 Notice has to be issued. The faculty-in-charge informs the student that
he/she should comply with the professional behavior expectations because a recurrence of the
same unprofessional behavior that prompted Step 1 will lead to a Step 2 Contract.

This Step 1 Notice has to be signed by the student and a copy of which is provided. The Vice-
Dean keeps a file of the signed Step 1 Notice, informs the adviser and all the faculty members
in charge of the subjects of the student.

In STEP 1 Notice:
1. The communication should be by email and not by social media. There will be an online
form where the faculty should document this STEP 1 on the specific behavior.
2. The adviser should be informed of Step 1 and a copy of this STEP 1 should be provided
to the Vice-Dean for monitoring and documentation purposes.

A student may receive a Step 1 Notice for Behavior #1 and another Step 1 Notice for Behavior
#2. If the student fails to demonstrate Behavior #1 after a Step 1 notice has been given, he/she
will be issued a Step 2 Contract.

Step 1 and Step 2:

A student was absent and failed to submit a requirement that was announced and explained
beforehand without giving any explanation why. The faculty-in-charge of the subject has to
email the student to ask why he/she has been absent without giving notice and why there was
no submission of the requirement.

After the student acknowledges or explains his/her circumstances, and because Behaviors #1
and #2 were not demonstrated, two (2) Step 1 Notices for Behaviors #1 and #2 have to be
issued. The faculty-in-charge informs the student that he/she should comply with the
professional behavior expectations because a recurrence of the same unprofessional
behaviors that prompted Step 1 will lead to a Step 2 Contract.
These Step 1 Notices have to be signed by the student and a copy of each must be sent to the
student. The ViceDean keeps a file of the signed Step 1 Notices, informs the adviser and all
the faculty members in charge of the subjects of the student.

After Step 1 Notices were issued, the same student failed to submit another requirement on
time. There was a recurrence of non-compliance to Behavior #2. This will prompt a Step 2
Contract.

Once the student is issued a Step 2 Contract, he/she is expected to demonstrate all five
(5) professional behaviors and can no longer be issued a Step 1 Notice.

The effectivity of the Step 2 Contract is two semesters from the time it takes effect. The two
semesters would include the semester when the Step 2 Contract was issued and the next. The
reason why it has to be 2 semesters is that the Step 2 Contract is intended for the student to
follow a remediation plan. Please see illustrations of effectivity from the time the Step 2
Contract is issued.

It is very important for the student to understand that if s/he again exhibits unacceptable
professional behavior or fails to maintain a standard within the realm of acceptable
professional behavior, or demonstrates behavior that is considered reprehensible (even if a
‘1st offense’) while the Step 2 Contract is in effect, STEP 3 is warranted with one of the
following repercussions will be instituted:
1. IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL for felony (crimes)
2. DISMISSAL for behaviors the committee has determined are remediable which the
student has been unable or unwilling to remediate as defined in the remediation plan
contract that is deliberate and unreasonable.
3. PROBATION for behaviors that are determined but not limited to remediable. The terms
of the probation and remediation will be outlined in a subsequent contract. (CRS
Professional Behavior Policy).

Signatories of the Step 2 Contract:

1. Vice-Dean
2. Faculty Adviser
3. Member of the CD-PB COM

Step 3:
A Step 3 status in the Professional Behavior Policy only occurs if the student fails to comply
with any of the 5 professional behavior expectations while the Step 2 Contract is still in effect.
STEP 3 has one of the following repercussions:
1. IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL for felony (crimes)
2. DISMISSAL for behaviors the committee has determined are remediable which the
student has been unable or unwilling to remediate as defined in the remediation plan
contract that is deliberate and unreasonable.
3. PROBATION for behaviors that are determined but not limited to remediable. The terms
of the probation and remediation will be outlined in a subsequent contract. (CRS
Professional Behavior Policy).

Signatories of the Step 2 Contract:

1. Vice-Dean
2. Faculty Adviser
3. Member of the CD-PB COM

Parent is notified of the Step 3 Contract and will be invited in a conference with the student
prior to signing.

SAMPLES OF PBP CASE PROFLES

Submission of authentic responses in answering the Professional Behavior Continuum by the student,
and demonstration of the professional behaviors according to the Professional Behavior Policy will
merit a favorable recommendation from the Professional Behavioral Committee for promotion and
graduation.

As long as the student is PBP-compliant with or without any Step Contract in effect as declared by the
Vice-Dean in consultation with the College Discipline-Professional Behavior Committee (CD-PB
COM), and advisers, a favorable recommendation is in order for promotion and graduation.
Submission of authentic responses in answering the Professional Behavior Continuum by the student,
and demonstration of the professional behaviors according to the Professional Behavior Policy will
merit a favorable recommendation from the Professional Behavioral Committee for promotion and
graduation.

As long as the student is PBP-compliant with or without any Step Contract in effect as declared by the
Vice-Dean in consultation with the College Discipline-Professional Behavior Committee (CD-PB
COM), and advisers, a favorable recommendation is in order for promotion and graduation.
Submission of authentic responses in answering the Professional Behavior Continuum by the student,
and demonstration of the professional behaviors according to the Professional Behavior Policy will
merit a favorable recommendation from the Professional Behavioral Committee for promotion and
graduation.

As long as the student is PBP-compliant with or without any Step Contract in effect as declared by the
Vice-Dean in consultation with the College Discipline-Professional Behavior Committee (CD-PB
COM), and advisers, a favorable recommendation is in order for promotion and graduation.
 PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR POLICY STEP 1 – NOTICE

I am informed that I need to comply with the professional behavior expectations as a

requirement for retention, promotion, and graduation. I acknowledge my failure to
demonstrate/comply with Behavior # ____.

A recurrence of failure to demonstrate/comply with Behavior # ____that prompted this

Step 1 Notice will lead to a Step 2 Contract.

Student name with signature {{Student Name}}

Student Number {{Student Number}}

Program, Year level and {{Program, Year level and section }}

section

Date filed {{Date filed}}

Active email address of {{Active email address of student

student (institutional) (institutional)}}

Name of reporting faculty {{Name of reporting faculty (Surname, Name,

M.I.)}}

Name of adviser {{Name of the faculty adviser (Surname,

Name, M.I.)}}

Date of observed failure to {{Date of observed unprofessional conduct}}

comply with the expected
professional behavior
 Professional behavior # of {{Professional behavior of interest. Specify
interest which of the five (5) professional behaviors is
given notice}}
Details {{Details}}

PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR POLICY STEP 2 CONTRACT

I, Mr./Ms. (name of student) in (program, year level) am placed in STEP 2 following the Professional Behavior Policy.

This STEP 2 Contract is written as a consequence of a recurrence of my unprofessional behavior or my repeated non-
compliance to the expected professional behavior/s required of students.

I fully acknowledge that there are five (5) professional behavior expectations mentioned in the Professional Behavior Policy
required of students to demonstrate to merit retention, promotion and graduation on top of the academic grade requirement. I
am oriented and in agreement with the Professional Behavior Policy.

Terms and conditions of this STEP 2 Contract

A. Behaviors that I am expected to demonstrate:

1. Attend and participate in all scheduled learning activities at the scheduled times. If I am unable to attend class due to
personal illness or emergency, I am required to notify the course faculty prior to the scheduled class time. If personal
illness repetitively interferes with my attendance, I should reach out to my adviser to discuss the possibility of taking a
medical leave of absence.
2. Optimal use of time during learning experiences. I am expected to complete readings and assignments according to
assigned dates/times in order to be prepared for learning experiences. I should actively participate and be engaged in
fair and collegial group activities.
3. Recognize learning problems and seek faculty guidance.
4. Integrity.
5. Professional Attire.

B. Tasks that I am expected to accomplish:

All activities and requirements relative to the five (5) professional behavior expectations most especially Behavior/s #___ in all
the subjects I am enrolled in are the specific tasks expected of me to accomplish.
C. Time frame for me to accomplish the tasks and behaviors.
This STEP 2 Contract is in effect for this semester and the next. The effectivity dates are from XX to XX.

D. Repercussions for unsuccessful remediation or inability to meet the terms of the contract.
This STEP 2 Contract is a remediation plan for me to prove worthy of retention, promotion, and graduation. If while on Step 2
of the PBP, I again exhibit unacceptable professional behavior or I again fail to demonstrate the expected professional
behavior in all the subjects I am enrolled in, STEP 3 is warranted with one of the following repercussions:
1. IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL for felony (crimes)
2. DISMISSAL for behaviors the committee has determined are remediable which the student has been unable or
unwilling to remediate as defined in the remediation plan contract that is deliberate and unreasonable.
3. PROBATION for behaviors that are determined but not limited to remediable. The terms of the probation and
remediation will be outlined in a subsequent contract. (CRS Professional Behavior Policy).

E. Faculty responsible for monitoring the terms of the contract.

The Vice Dean, my adviser, and any member of the Professional Behavior Policy Committee (CD-PB COM) are responsible
for monitoring the terms of this Step 2 contract.

F. Explanation of how the terms of the contract will be monitored.

The Vice Dean, my adviser, and the member of the Professional Behavior Policy Committee (CD-PB COM) assigned will be
monitoring me in my compliance to the five (5) professional behavior expectations most especially Behavior/s #___ All faculty
members in charge of all the subjects I am enrolled in will be involved in reminding me to comply and in reporting my non-
compliance to the Vice Dean and my adviser in the duration this Step 2 Contract is in effect.

I fully agree to the terms and conditions of this STEP 2 Contract in compliance to the
Professional Behavior Policy. _________________________________ (Aug 27, 2022) Name of
student and signature (date signed)

Witnesses:
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Vice Dean Adviser
__________________________________
Professional Behavior Policy Committee (CD-PB COM) Member
PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR POLICY STEP 3 WITH PROBATION
CONTRACT
I, Mr./Ms. (name of student) in (program, year level) am placed in STEP 3 WITH PROBATION following the Professional
Behavior Policy.

This STEP 3 with PROBATION Contract is written as a consequence of my non-compliance to STEP 2 Contract.

I fully acknowledge that there are five (5) professional behavior expectations mentioned in the Professional Behavior Policy
required of students to demonstrate to merit retention, promotion and graduation on top of the academic grade requirement. I
am oriented and in agreement with the Professional Behavior Policy.

Terms and conditions of this STEP 3 with PROBATION Contract

A. Behaviors that I am expected to demonstrate:
1. Attend and participate in all scheduled learning activities at the scheduled times. If I am unable to attend class due to
personal illness or emergency, I am required to notify the course faculty prior to the scheduled class time. If personal
illness repetitively interferes with my attendance, I should reach out to my adviser to discuss the possibility of taking a
medical leave of absence.
2. Optimal use of time during learning experiences. I am expected to complete readings and assignments according to
assigned dates/times in order to be prepared for learning experiences. I should actively participate and be engaged in
fair and collegial group activities.
3. Recognize learning problems and seek faculty guidance.
4. Integrity.
5. Professional Attire.

B. Tasks that I am expected to accomplish:

All activities and requirements relative to the five (5) professional behavior expectations most especially Behaviors #1 and #2
are the specific tasks expected of me to accomplish.

C. Time frame for me to accomplish the tasks and behaviors.

This STEP 3 with PROBATION Contract is in effect this second semester of SY 2021-2022.

D. Repercussions for unsuccessful remediation or inability to meet the terms of the contract.
This STEP 3 with PROBATION Contract is a remediation plan for me to prove worthy of retention, promotion, and graduation.
My inability or unwillingness to comply with this STEP 3 with PROBATION Contract that is deliberate and
unreasonable is tantamount to my dismissal from the PT Program.

E. Faculty responsible for monitoring the terms of the contract.

The Vice Dean, my adviser, and any member of the Professional Behavior Policy Committee (CD-PB COM) are responsible
for monitoring the terms of the contract.

F. Explanation of how the terms of the contract will be monitored.

The Vice Dean, my adviser, and the member of the Professional Behavior Policy Committee (CD-PB COM) assigned will be
monitoring me in my compliance to the five (5) professional behavior expectations most especially Behaviors #1 and #2. All
faculty members in charge of all the subjects I am enrolled in will be involved in reminding me to comply and in reporting my
non-compliance to the Vice Dean and my adviser.

I fully agree to the terms and conditions of this STEP 3 with PROBATION Contract

_Aug 27, 2022____________________________________

Name of student and signature (date signed)

Witnesses:

___________________________________ ___________________________________
Vice Dean Adviser
 __________________________________
Professional Behavior Policy Committee (CD-PB COM) Member

CONFORME

This is to acknowledge the CRS Policies in Professional Behavior,

Disqualification, and Promotion/Retention.

As a student of DLSMHSI-College of Rehabilitation Sciences, I have read

and understood these policies.

I hereby pledge to abide by and comply with all these policies.

___________________________________
Signature over printed name of the Student
Program & Year Level of Student:____BSPT 1-4______
Date signed:___Aug 27, 2022_____

_______________________________________
Signature over printed name of Parent / Guardian
Date signed:____ Aug 26, 2022_______