PT Program Syllabus Appendix

School and University Policies

Academic Integrity Code

Academic integrity is an essential part of the educational process, and all members of the GW community take these matters very seriously. As the instructor of record for this course, my role is to provide clear expectations and uphold them in all assessments. Violations of academic integrity occur when students fail to cite research sources properly, engage in unauthorized collaboration, falsify data, and otherwise violate the Code of Academic Integrity. If you have any questions about whether or not particular academic practices or resources are permitted, you should ask me for clarification. If you are reported for an academic integrity violation, you should contact Conflict Education & Student Accountability (CESA) to learn more about your rights and options in the process. Consequences can range from a warning to expulsion from the university and may include a transcript notation. For more information, please refer to the CESA website, email cesa [at] gwu [dot] edu (cesa[at]gwu[dot]edu), or call 202-994-6757.

University Policy on Observance of Religious Holidays 

Students must notify faculty during the first week of the semester in which they are enrolled in the course, or as early as possible, but no later than three weeks prior to the absence, of their intention to be absent from class on their day(s) of religious observance. If the holiday falls within the first three weeks of class, the student must inform faculty in the first week of the semester. For details and policy, see “Religious Observance Policy” at Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines from the Office of the Provost.

Minimum Technology Requirements

GW IT’s New Student Guide includes suggested minimum laptop/desktop specifications for students. Do not rely solely on tablets or mobile devices (Chromebooks, netbooks, etc.) because these devices are currently incompatible with exam proctoring or other software that may be required. You should have access to a microphone and webcam.

Use of Electronic Course Materials and Class Recordings

Students are encouraged to use electronic course materials, including recorded class sessions, for private personal use in connection with their academic program of study. Electronic course materials and recorded class sessions should not be shared or used for non-course related purposes unless express permission has been granted by the instructor. Students who impermissibly share any electronic course materials are subject to discipline under the Student Code of Conduct. Please contact the instructor if you have questions regarding what constitutes permissible or impermissible use of electronic course materials and/or recorded class sessions.

Student Support

Disability Support Services (DSS)

Telephone: 202-994-8250
Website: https://disabilitysupport.gwu.edu
Email: dss [at] gwu [dot] edu (dss[at]gwu[dot]edu)

SMHS Office of Student Support (OSS)

OSS is an office dedicated to supporting academic success, mental health, and community engagement among students in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences. OSS staff provide individualized academic support (e.g., writing coach, test taking skills, learning strategies), small group academic support (establishing study groups, review sessions, etc.), access to mental health resources, and sponsor school-wide activities in collaboration with the larger University community. All services offered by OSS are free to students. Please visit the OSS website or contact OSS at SMHSStudents [at] gwu [dot] edu (SMHSStudents[at]gwu[dot]edu) for more information.

Student Health Center 202-994-5300, 24/7

The Student Health Center (SHC) offers medical, counseling/psychological, and psychiatric services to GW students. More information about the SHC is available at healthcenter.gwu.edu. Students experiencing a medical or mental health emergency on campus should contact GW Emergency Services at 202-994-6111, or off campus at 911.

Mistreatment Policy

The School of Medicine and Health Sciences is committed to maintaining a positive environment for study and training, in which individuals are judged solely on relevant factors such as ability and performance and can pursue their educational and professional activities in an atmosphere that is inclusive, respectful and safe. The Code of Conduct in the Learning Environment establishes the expectations of faculty, residents, students, other health professionals, and staff in the learning environment. If a student believes they have been mistreated they should report this to the Office of Professional and Respectful Learning as outlined in the Mistreatment Policy and Procedures. Students may also choose from several resources for consultation including faculty and the designated student Ombudsperson. 

Title IX: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic and Dating Violence, and Stalking

The George Washington University and its faculty are committed to creating a safe and open learning environment for all students. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment, including sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, or stalking, please know that help and support are available. GW strongly encourages all members of the community to take action, seek support, and report incidents of sexual harassment to the Title IX Office. You may contact the Title IX Office at 202-994-7434 or at titleix [at] gwu [dot] edu (titleix[at]gwu[dot]edu) or learn more by visiting titleix.gwu.edu. Be aware that faculty members are required to disclose information about suspected or alleged sexual harassment or other potential violations of the Title IX Sexual Harassment and Related Conduct Policy to the Title IX Office. If the Title IX Office receives information about an incident, they will reach out to offer information about resources, rights, and procedural options as a member of the campus community. Community members are not required to respond to this outreach. If you wish to speak to a confidential resource who does not have this reporting responsibility, please contact Counseling and Psychological Services 24/7 at 202-994-5300, or the Office of Advocacy and Support at 202-994-0443 or at oas [at] gwu [dot] edu (oas[at]gwu[dot]edu).

Remote Proctoring

The GW DPT Programs uses Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor to ensure quiz and exam integrity. This system uses your computer camera or webcam and microphone (built-in or external/peripheral) and a reliable connection to the Remote Proctoring website. You will take quizzes and tests in Blackboard using the Lockdown Browser.

Download the GW-specific Lockdown browser. If you have used Respondus Lockdown Browser from a previous institution, please uninstall it before installing GW’s lockdown browser.

When you take quizzes and exams via the proctoring service you are responsible for establishing and maintaining a proper testing environment prior to and during all assessments. (See the Tips below). You must also take exams and quizzes in accordance with the guidelines of the course instructor and the University's Code of Academic Integrity.

Environment Scan

Each quiz or test begins with a scan of your testing environment. All students must sufficiently scan the areas listed below before starting the quiz or test:

  • Area 1: Slowly scan the room up and down while moving in a circle around the room (360°). The scan must include floor and ceiling. This should take at least 15 seconds. Do not rush this scan. 
  • Area 2: Slowly scan the area around the computer screen, around the desk, and below the desk. This should take at least 10 seconds. Do not rush this scan. 
  • Area 3: Place the camera in the testing position with the camera adjusted to display your face, as it will be positioned during testing.

Students must review and approve the video segment of the scan before taking the exam. If the scan does not provide a clear recording of all the above areas, you must repeat the scan. 

Each student's quiz/exam session will be reviewed by faculty for violations and/or suspicious activities. Failure to adhere to the requirements will result in a rules violation or suspicious activity report. All reported violations and/or suspicious activities will be recorded and investigated by faculty and may result in a disciplinary action.

Remote Proctoring Tips 
  • Take the test in a quiet room with doors and windows shut. Use headset if available rather than earphones if your home is noisy and you are required to listen to an audio recording. 
  • Make sure your space and your face are well lit. Try to not sit with a window or light behind you. 
  • You can use one clean sheet of paper for scratch. You will have to show the front and back of the paper to the webcam. Other books, paper, resources, including phones should not be in your space. 
  • You will have to do a 360 view of your space using the webcam including the table/desk and floor. You cannot leave the view of the webcam during the exam. 
  • You should keep you head in view of the camera during the entire exam. Please do not cover your face with your hands. 
  • If you have access to a computer with a hardwired internet connection this will be more reliable than using wifi. 
  • Run the System Check from Respondus located through the Help Center in the LockDown Browser to check for possible issues with your system or internet connection. 
  • If there is an emergency and your internet fails or freezes, please contact your course director. Only in these instances are you allowed to access your phone. Your course director will provide you with a contact number. Sit in front of the webcam while you make the phone call.
GW IT Support Center
  • Contact GWIT for help with your GW email, GW NetID, GWeb Info System, and basic Blackboard issues. 
  • Students can reach GWIT support at https://it.gwu.edu/ or 202-994-4948.
Respondus LockDown Browser Support Center
  • Contact the Respondus LockDown Browser technical support to assess and troubleshoot remote proctoring issues, such as an unsuccessful system requirement check or if you get an error during authentication. 
  • Students can reach Respondus LockDown Browser support 24/7 by clicking on Help Center at the top of the window in the LockDown Browser.

Health Sciences Computer-Based Exam Policy

GW Campus Emergency Information

GW Emergency Services: 202-994-6111
For situation-specific instructions, refer to GW’s Emergency Response Handbook.  

GW Alert

GW Alert is an emergency notification system that sends alerts to the GW community. GW requests students, faculty, and staff maintain current contact information by logging on to alert.gwu.edu. Alerts are sent via email, text, social media, and other means, including the Guardian app. The Guardian app is a safety app that allows you to communicate quickly with GW Emergency Services, 911, and other resources.  Learn more at safety.gwu.edu.

Protective Actions 

GW prescribes four protective actions that can be issued by university officials depending on the type of emergency. All GW community members are expected to follow directions according to the specified protective action. The protective actions are Shelter, Evacuate, Secure, and Lockdown (details below). Learn more at safety.gwu.edu/gw-standard-emergency-statuses.

Shelter

  • Protection from a specific hazard
  • The hazard could be a tornado, earthquake, hazardous material spill, or other environmental emergency.
  • Specific safety guidance will be shared on a case-by-case basis.
  • Action
    • Follow safety guidance for the hazard.

Evacuate

  • Need to move people from one location to another.
  • Students and staff should be prepared to follow specific instructions given by first responders and University officials.
  • Action
    • Evacuate to a designated location.
    • Leave belongings behind.
    • Follow additional instructions from first responders.

Secure

  • Threat or hazard outside of buildings or around campus.
  • Increased security, secured building perimeter, increased situational awareness, and restricted access to entry doors.
  • Action
    • Go inside and stay inside.
    • Activities inside may continue.

Lockdown

  • Threat or hazard with the potential to impact individuals inside buildings.
  • Room-based protocol that requires locking interior doors, turning off lights, and staying out of sight of corridor window.
  • Action
    • Locks, lights, out of sight
    • Consider Run, Hide, Fight