As a professional preparation program, we expect students to follow the ASHA code of ethics, which can be found at https://www.asha.org/policy/ET2016-00342/ . Rules of conduct in the program include, but are not limited to, professional expectations on conflict resolution, maintaining constructive interactions with each other, faculty and clients, being an engaged member of the department community, and more. Specific standards are outlined below. Repeated failure to follow standards of conduct will be grounds for academic discipline and may include declassification.
Academic Dishonesty / plagiarism: In addition to the policies on academic dishonesty described in university policies and procedures, please review the following considerations for clinical writing.
Clinical writing requires a certain amount of repetition (such as when documenting the medical history of the client). However, reproducing large parts of another client’s report in one’s own, using language from previous reports in sections of clinical reports related to current status, goals and objectives, supports and strategies, or home programs will be identified as plagiarism. Clinicians are advised to consult with their instructor and/or supervisors for clarification and support in understanding requirements for clinical writing to avoid negative consequences.
Consequences of plagiarism will be determined by the clinical supervisor in collaboration with the Clinic Director and Department Chair. An Academic Dishonesty Incident Report will be filed with the Academic Affairs Office detailing the infraction and the department action taken. The clinician will receive a copy. The report will remain on file for five years or until the clinician graduates, whichever comes first. If the office receives two or more reports on an individual, the Director of Student Conduct, Rights and Responsibilities (DSCRR) will be notified.
Social Media policies: For HIPAA guidelines on client interactions, please see the Confidentiality/HIPAA section of the clinic manual. In addition, the following rules apply in non-clinical settings:
Students, faculty and staff may not discuss other students, faculty, staff, or clients in any social media formats open to the public. Students may not post on any social media or set up social media accounts on behalf of Cal State East Bay or the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences unless explicitly approved by a faculty member. When communicating within closed groups set up by the department (e.g. Blackboard Discussion Boards), students must adhere to confidentiality and professional language standards.
Email guidelines and expectations: Students who contact faculty and staff should remember that email is professional communication that adheres to standards for formal written language (e.g. capitalization, complete sentences, formal titles and greetings, provision of necessary context). Students should check with faculty about expectations for time required for email response. It is more effective to attend office hours or schedule a phone call to address longer or more complex questions.
Having difficult conversations: In the course of the program, to support your learning, students will receive frequent feedback from, and will occasionally be asked to offer feedback on, instructors, clinical supervisors, and fellow students. Effective feedback focuses on specific observable skills rather than an individual’s personal character. It is timely, structured to further a student’s educational goals, and offered with the student’s current level of knowledge in mind. While offering critical feedback may be temporarily uncomfortable and upsetting for one or all parties involved, adhering to professional conversation standards will ensure that feedback conversations lead to positive change. In the case of potential student-instructor miscommunication, students should arrange a face-to-face meeting with the instructor as soon as possible to discuss their concerns. If you would like support in setting up the meeting with the instructor, please contact your academic advisor.
Work and Study Spaces: Graduate students have use of two spaces - the clinic work room and Graduate Collaborative room.
The clinic work room is a dedicated room for graduate students currently in clinic, internships, and external clinical placements. Please note the following departmental guidelines about the space:
- Please keep in mind that the Music Building is not soundproof, so sound travels easily throughout the space. The work room is located inside the clinic, and excessive noise may disrupt ongoing sessions.
- It is the responsibility of graduate students to ensure the space is clean at all times. Students will sign up weekly to maintain the cleanliness and organization of the work room. If there are issues or concerns with the room, please notify the department ASC immediately.
- The computers and printer inside the work room are for clinic related use only. Excessive use of the printer/printer paper may result in a reduction or suspension of printing privileges.
The Graduate Collaborative room is a venue for constructive collaborations, respite on long days, and a space to build our SLHS community. Please note the following departmental guidelines about the space:
- The room cannot accommodate large groups of students. Please be mindful in your use of the space so all can utilize the amenities provided in the room. Remember that spaces such as individual therapy rooms or the library are available to you. This is just one additional space in the department created specifically for you to use during your long hours/night classes in the department.
- The room will be typically be opened at 8 am Monday-Thursday, and locked but left open at 5 pm if night classes are in session that day.
- Please remember that the Graduate Student Collaborative is adjacent to classes and clinical spaces that may be disrupted if the room gets too loud or noisy or messy. We ask that you follow the guidelines suggested by your Space Committee members in the video as well as pay attention to the “Constitution” displayed in the room for rules of use.
- All food items in the room must be cleaned up and securely put away when not in use. It is the responsibility of graduate students to ensure the space is clean at all times. If there are issues or concerns with the room, please notify the department ASC immediately.
- Finally, in the event that the space is not adequately maintained or if other more pressing needs arise, the Chair of the department reserves the right to request the room back for departmental use. Please note that space on a university campus is a luxury.
The department typically requests a committee be formed each academic year to work with the department to oversee the space to help meet student and facility needs. An email will be sent to graduate students requesting volunteers. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns about the space, please email slhs@csueastbay.edu .
The clinic work room is available to graduate students currently registered for clinical practicum, with room and materials use policies outlined in the clinical manual.
Equipment Use: Some equipment (e.g. iPads, a projector, books and games) is available for student use, primarily within clinical practica, but also for academic courses, department events and other occasional uses. Students must complete a User Agreement form for access. Students must complete a Property Custody Receipt form for each offsite use of equipment of high value, such as audiometers.
