Student Handbook

Penn State College of
Medicine Student
Handbook
2009-2010
The Office of Student Affairs prepares the Student

Handbook. Its purpose is to acquaint students with
the College of Medicine and its facilities, services,
and policies relating to students.
Susan L. Kelley, M.Ed.

Amy KS Bockis, M.Ed.
12/1/2009
December Penn State College of Medicine Student Handbook
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Table of Contents
Penn State’s Code of Conduct.................................................................................................................. 3

Mission ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Essential Standards/Education Objectives ................................................................................................ 7
Leave of Absence .................................................................................................................................. 10
Use of University Name, Symbols and/or Graphic Devices .................................................................... 13
Confidentiality of Student Records ........................................................................................................ 13
Computer and Network Security……………………………………………………………………………………………………………19
Health Insurance Policy ......................................................................................................................... 27

Disability Insurance Policy .................................................................................................................... 29
Criminal Background Checks for Clinical Students................................................................................ 31
M.D. Degree Requirements……………………………………………………………………………….31
Student Evaluation………………………………………………………………………………………...33
Academic Progress Committee……………………………………………………………………………34
Student Fundraising……………………………………………………………………………………….38
Security Policies…………………………………………………………………………………………..40
Bomb Threats…………………………………………………………………………………….40
Code Silver……………………………………………………………………………………….41
Crisis Response…………………………………………………………………………………..42
Lockdown Procedures……………………………………………………………………………43
Weapons on Campus……………………………………………………………………………..45
Workplace Violence Prevention Plan…………………………………………………………….47
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Penn State’s Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct describes behaviors that are inconsistent with the essential values of the University
community. Intentionally attempting or assisting in these behaviors may be considered as serious as
engaging in the behavior. A person commits an attempt when, with intent to commit a specific violation
of the Code of Conduct, he/she performs any act that constitutes a substantial step toward the commission
of that violation. Many Code items are supported by University Policy Statements. The Code of Conduct
Charge Codes can be found within the Judicial Affairs Reference and Training Manual at
http://www.sa.psu.edu/ja. The Code of Conduct behaviors include, but are not limited to:
1. ABUSE/ENDANGERMENT/HAZING OF A PERSON: Physically harming or threatening to harm

any person, intentionally or recklessly causing harm to any person or reasonable apprehension of such
harm or creating a condition that endangers the health and safety of self or others, including through the
facilitation of or participation in any mental or physical hazing activity (also see Policy Statement 8).
2. SEXUAL MISCONDUCT OR ABUSE: The University does not tolerate sexual misconduct or abuse,
such as sexual assault, rape (including acquaintance rape) or other forms of nonconsensual sexual activity.
Sexual misconduct and abuse can occur between acquaintances or parties unknown to each other. Sexual
abuse is attempted or actual unwanted sexual activity, such as sexual touching and fondling. This includes
the touching of an unwilling person’s intimate parts (defined as genitalia, groin, breast or buttock, or
clothing covering them), or forcing an unwilling person to touch another’s intimate parts. Sexual
misconduct includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault, rape, forcible sodomy or sexual penetration with
an inanimate object, intercourse without consent, under conditions of force, threat of force, fear or when a
person is unable to give consent because of substance abuse, captivity, sleep or disability (also see Policy
AD-12).
3. HARASSMENT CREATING HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT AND HARASSMENT, OR

STALKING OF ANY PERSON: Harassment creating a hostile environment is a violation of University
policy. Such harassment is a form of discrimination consisting of physical or verbal conduct that (a) is
directed at an individual because of the individual’s age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national
origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status; and (b) is
sufficiently severe or pervasive so as to substantially interfere with the individual’s employment,
education or access to University programs, activities and opportunities.
To constitute harassment creating a hostile environment, the conduct must be such that it detrimentally
affects the individual in question and would also detrimentally affect a reasonable person under the same
circumstances. This harassment may include, but is not limited to, verbal or physical attacks, threats, slurs,
or derogatory comments or threats of such conduct, that meet the definition set forth above. Whether the
alleged conduct constitutes prohibited harassment depends on the totality of the particular circumstances,
including the nature, frequency and duration of the conduct in question, the location and context in which
it occurs and the status of the individuals involved.
General harassment, stalking of any person is a violation of University policy. A person violates this
section when, with intent to harass or alarm another, the person (a) subjects the other person or group of
persons to unwanted physical contact or the threat of such contact; or (b) engages in a course of conduct,
including following the person without proper authority, under circumstances which demonstrate intent to
place the other person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or to cause the other person substantial
emotional distress (also see Policy Statement 7, and Policies AD-41 and AD-42).
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4. WEAPONS, FIREARMS, AND PAINTBALL DEVICES: The possession, storing, carrying, or use
of any weapon, ammunition, or explosive by any person is prohibited on all University property except by
authorized law enforcement officers and other persons specifically authorized by the University. No
person shall possess, carry, or use any fireworks on University property, except for those persons
authorized by University and local governments to discharge such fireworks as part of a public display.
Paintball guns and paintball markers may only be used on the property of the University in connection
with authorized University activities and only at approved locations.
5. FIRE SAFETY VIOLATIONS: Tampering with fire or other safety equipment or setting
unauthorized fires.
6. ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS: Illegally possessing, using, distributing, manufacturing, selling or

being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Use, possession or distribution of beverages
containing alcohol on University property shall comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of PA and
University Policies and Rules. Note: Anyone, including those under 21, serving alcohol to persons under
21 is in violation of both University regulations and state law. Also, simply being present in a residence
hall room where a quantity of alcoholic beverages is present and/or being served implies possession.
Public drunkenness occurs when a person appears in public when intoxicated to the degree that the person
may endanger himself or other persons or property, or annoy persons in the vicinity. (also see Policies
AD-18 and AD-33 and “Policy Statement on Beverages Containing Alcohol” in Policies and Rules).
7. FALSE INFORMATION: Intentionally providing false or inaccurate information or records to

University officials or employees. Providing a false report of an emergency or University rule or Code
violation. Knowingly providing false statements or testimony during a University investigation or
proceeding.
8. THEFT AND OTHER PROPERTY OFFENSES: Stealing, vandalizing, damaging, destroying, or

defacing University property or the property of others.
9. DISRUPTION OF OPERATIONS: Obstruction or disruption of classes, research projects, or other

activities or programs of the University; or obstructing access to University facilities, property, or
programs. Disruption is defined as an action or combination of actions by one or more individuals that
unreasonably interfere with, hinder, obstruct, or prevent the operation of the University or infringe upon
the rights of others to freely participate in its programs and services (also see Policy Statement 1).
10. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open,
honest and responsible manner. Academic integrity is a basic guiding principle for all academic activity at
The Pennsylvania State University, and all members of the University community are expected to act in
accordance with this principle. Consistent with this expectation, students should act with personal
integrity, respect other students' dignity, rights and property, and help create and maintain an environment
in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts. Academic integrity includes a commitment not
to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception. Such acts of dishonesty
violate the fundamental ethical principles of the University community and compromise the worth of
work completed by others.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information or
citations, facilitation of acts of academic dishonesty by others, unauthorized possession of examinations,
submitting work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor, and
tampering with the academic work of other students (also see Faculty Senate Policy 49-20 and G-9
Procedures).
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11. FAILURE TO COMPLY: Failing to comply with reasonable directives from University officials
when directed to do so. Failure to provide identification or to report to an administrative office or, when
reasonable cause exists, failing to leave University-controlled premises or dangerous situations when
directed to do so by properly authorized persons, including police and/or other University staff. This
charge may be added to other charges, e.g., when a student fails to leave a residence hall during a fire drill
and refuses to leave when directed to do so by a University official.
12. FORGERY/ALTERATION: Making, using or possessing any falsified University document or

record; altering or forging any University document or record, including identification, meal or access
cards. This includes but is not limited to; forging (signing another’s name and/or ID number) or mis-
signing key request forms, manufacturing IDs or tickets, altering permits, misuse of forms (letterhead
stationery, University forms), and keys to mislead.
13. UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY OR USE: Unauthorized entry into or use of property facilities or
University facilities including residence halls, classrooms, offices, and other restricted facilities.
Unauthorized entry or use of facilities is referred to in University policy regarding the rights of
individuals and the rights of the institution. Specifically, policy refers to an “obligation not to infringe
upon the rights of all members of the campus to privacy in offices, laboratories and residence hall rooms,
and in the keeping of personal papers, confidential records and effects, subject only to the general law and
University regulations.” The University also has the right to control use and entry into facilities for
reasons of security, safety or protection of property. This includes closing facilities at specified times. It
should also be recognized that an open or unlocked door is not an invitation to enter and use facilities.
The same concept applies to computer entry or misuse.
14. DISORDERLY CONDUCT: Engaging in disorderly, disruptive, lewd or indecent conduct. The item
includes but is not limited to: inciting or participating in a riot or group disruption; failing to leave the
scene of a riot or group disruption when instructed by officials; disruption of programs, classroom
activities or functions and processes of the University; creating unreasonable noise; or creating a
physically hazardous or physically offensive condition.
15. VIOLATIONS OF UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS: Violating written University policy or

regulations contained in any official publications or administrative announcements, including University
Computer policies. University policies and regulations are contained in official publications,
administrative announcements, contracts and postings (also see Policy AD-20 and Policy Statement 4).
16. VIOLATION OF LAW: Students are members of the campus, local and state communities. As
citizens, students are responsible to the community of which they are a part, and the University neither
substitutes for, nor interferes with the regular legal or criminal process. Students are also responsible for
offenses against the academic community and in some instances student conduct that violates federal,
state, or local law may affect a Substantial University Interest on the University community. Because the
University expects students to conduct themselves in accordance with the law, student misconduct that
occurs on or off the premises of the University that violates any local, state, or federal law will be
reviewed by the University.
Criminal or civil decision is not a necessary prerequisite for a disciplinary decision nor is it necessary that
criminal or civil charges be lodged against the student either before or after a University decision.
Therefore, action taken in a civil or criminal court does not free the student of responsibility for the same
conduct in a University proceeding.
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Mission
Penn State College of Medicine is committed to enhancing the quality of life through improved health,
the professional preparation of those who will serve the health needs of others, and the discovery of
knowledge that will benefit all.
Values
Individual Dignity
Our central responsibility to our patients is to provide humane, compassionate, and expert care,
emphasizing individual dignity.
Knowledge
The creative and energetic pursuit and dissemination of new knowledge to our colleagues, students, and
the public at large form the cornerstones of our educational purpose.
Service Orientation
Our employees are the foundation of our orientation to service. The skill, creativity, loyalty, and energy of
our employees are the source of our effectiveness.
Excellence
A commitment to excellence in all activities will be the basis for the selection of the most talented and
humane scientists, teachers, health-care providers, students, and employees in all fields.
Fiscal Responsibility
Effective and prudent use of financial, human, and physical resources is our moral responsibility and is
essential to our viability.
Diversity
We are committed to diversity among the faculty, staff, students, and volunteers and to promoting an
environment of mutual support and respect for others. Differences in ethnicity, culture, and
socioeconomic status are valued organizational assets. Diversity of individual backgrounds and points of
view are affirmed and respected.
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Essential Standards/Education Objectives
Minimum Essential Standards for Matriculation, Promotion & Graduation
The education of a physician comprises a preparatory phase in college, a rigorous course of professional
education leading to the M.D. degree, postgraduate or residency training, and lifelong continuing
education after the conclusion of formal training.
The award of the MD degree signifies the individual has acquired a broad base of knowledge and skills
requisite for the practice of medicine. The medical school educational process prepares an individual to be
a physician - not a surgeon, psychiatrist, or any other specialist.
A broad medical education is prerequisite for good patient care and for entry into specialized postgraduate
programs. Medical education requires the accumulation of scientific knowledge accompanied by the
acquisition of professional skills, attitude, and behavior. It is in the care of patients that the physician
learns the application of scientific knowledge. Faculties of medicine have responsibilities to students and
patients and ultimately, to society, to graduate the best trained physicians.
Therefore, admission standards for medical school must be rigorous and exacting. Acceptance can be
extended only to those who are best qualified to meet the performance standards of medical school.
Medical students must be able to communicate with and care for, in a non-judgmental way, persons
whose culture, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs are different from their own. Students must be able
to examine the entire patient, male or female, regardless of the social, cultural, or religious beliefs of the
student.
A candidate for the M.D. degree must have demonstrable abilities and skills of five varieties:
perception/observation; communication; motor/tactile function; cognition; and professionalism.
Technological assistance is available to assist with a variety of disabilities and may be permitted to
accommodate disabilities in certain areas. Under all circumstances, a candidate must be able to perform
in a reasonably independent manner. A candidates’ judgment must not be mediated by someone else’s
power of selection, observation and communication. Therefore, the use of an intermediary in the clinical
setting is not permitted.
1. Perception/Observation - The candidate must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments

in the basic sciences, including but not limited to physiologic and pharmacologic demonstrations,
microbiological cultures, and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and
pathologic states. A candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close
at hand. Observation involves the functional use of the visual and somatic senses and is enhanced
by the olfactory sense.
Students must be able to perceive, through the use of the senses and cognitive abilities, the presentation of
information through:
• Small group discussions and presentations
• Large-group lectures
• One-on-one interactions
• Demonstrations
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• Laboratory experiments
• Patient encounters (at a distance and close at hand)
• Diagnostic findings
• Procedures
• Written material
• Audiovisual material
Representative examples of materials/occasions requiring perceptual abilities in years 1 and 2 include, but
are not limited to: books, diagrams, discussions, physiologic and pharmacological demonstrations,
microbiologic cultures, gross and microscopic studies of organisms and tissues, chemical reactions and
representations, photographs, x-rays, cadaver dissections, live human case presentations, and patient
interviews.
Additional examples from years 3 and 4 include, but are not limited to: physical exams; rectal and pelvic
exams; examinations with stethoscopes, otoscopes, fundoscopes, sphygmomanometers, and reflex
hammers; verbal communication and non-verbal cues (as in taking a patient's history or working with a
medical team); live and televised surgical procedures; childbirth; x-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic
findings; online computer searches.
2. Communication - A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients.
Communication includes not only speaking but listening, reading, and writing. The candidate must be
able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the health-
care team, in order to:
• Elicit, convey, and clarify information
• Create rapport
• Develop therapeutic relationships
• Demonstrate competencies
Examples of areas in which skillful communication is required in years 1 and 2 include, but are not
limited to: answering oral and written exam questions, eliciting a complete history from a patient,
presenting information in oral and written form to preceptors, participating in small-group
discussions/interactions, participating in group dissections, participating in pathology labs.
Additional examples of areas in which skillful communication is required in years 3 and 4 include, but are
not limited to: participating in clinical rounds and conferences; documenting patient H&Ps (histories and
physicals); making presentations (formal and informal) to physicians and other professionals;
communicating daily with all members of the healthcare team; talking with patients and families about
medical issues; interacting in a therapeutic manner with psychiatric patients; providing educational
presentations to patients and families; participating in videotaped exercises; interacting with clerkship
administrators; writing notes and papers.
3. Motor/Tactile Function - Candidates should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from
patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers. A candidate should be
able to perform basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, etc.); carry out diagnostic procedures (proctoscopy,
paracentesis, etc); and read EKG's and X-rays. A candidate should be able to execute motor movements
reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients.
Students must have sufficient motor function and tactile ability to:
• Attend and participate in all classes, groups, and activities which are part of the curriculum
• Read and write
• Examine patients
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• Perform basic laboratory procedures and tests
• Perform diagnostic procedures
• Provide general and emergency patient care
• Function in outpatient, inpatient, and surgical venues
• Perform in a reasonably independent and competent way in sometimes chaotic clinical
environments
• Demonstrate competencies
Examples of emergency treatment reasonably required of physicians are cardiopulmonary resuscitation,

administration of intravenous medication, application of pressure to stop bleeding, opening of obstructed
airways, suturing of simple wounds, and performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers. Such actions
require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the
senses of touch and vision.
4. Cognition - Students must be able to demonstrate higher-level cognitive abilities, which include:
• Rational thought
• Measurement
• Calculation
• Visual-spatial comprehension (written & diagrammatic)
• Conceptualization
• Analysis
• Synthesis
• Organization
• Memory
• Application
• Clinical reasoning
• Ethical reasoning
• Sound judgment
Examples of applied cognitive abilities in years 1 and 2 include, but are not limited to: understanding,
synthesizing, and recalling material presented in classes, labs, small groups, patient interactions, and
meetings with preceptors; understanding 3-dimensional relationships, such as those demonstrated in the
anatomy lab; successfully passing oral, written, and laboratory exams; understanding ethical issues related
to the practice of medicine; engaging in problem solving, alone and in small groups; interpreting the
results of patient examinations and diagnostic tests; analyzing complicated situations, such as cardiac
arrest, and determining the appropriate sequence of events to effect successful treatment; reaching a full
understanding of genetic problems.
Additional examples of required cognitive abilities in years 3 and 4 include, but are not limited to:
integrating historical, physical, social, and ancillary test data into differential diagnoses and treatment
plans; understanding indications for various diagnostic tests and treatment modalities - from medication
to surgery; understanding methods for various procedures, such as lumbar punctures and inserting
intravenous catheters; being able to think through medical issues and exhibit sound judgment in a variety
of clinical settings, including emergency situations; identifying and understanding classes of
psychopathology and treatment options; making concise, cogent, and thorough presentations based on
various kinds of data collection, including web-based research; knowing how to organize information,
materials, and tasks in order to perform efficiently on service; understanding how to work and learn
independently; understanding how to function effectively as part of a healthcare team.
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5. Professionalism - A candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of
intellectual abilities, good judgment, prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis
and care of patients, and development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients.
Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads to function effectively under stress. They
must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face
of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for
others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that are assessed during the
admission and education processes.
Leave of Absence
Policy and Procedure
DEFINITION
A Leave of Absence (LOA) is authorized permission to take time off from formal studies.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the LOA is to allow students to interrupt continuous enrollment (usually for not more than
one year) without having to apply for re-enrollment and without changing conditions and requirements of
their academic program.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Students may request a leave of absence (LOA) from the College of Medicine’s educational
program for personal, health or educational reasons (i.e. off-site research)
• LOA requests will be granted or denied, at the discretion of the College of Medicine’s Vice Dean
for Educational Affairs
• Generally, LOA requests for medical students will not be granted for a period in excess of one
year. Any “extensions” for a leave-of-absence must be approved by the Vice Dean for
Educational Affairs.
• A student who fulfills the conditions of an approved LOA may register upon return without
applying for re-enrollment. The student registers for the returning semester according to the
schedule established for that semester.
• The student will be expected to return to the College of Medicine according to the conditions of
the approved leave set forth by the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs.
• If at the end of the Vice Dean’s specified length for the LOA the student does not notify the Vice
Dean of his/her intentions to resume formal studies, it will be assumed that the student no longer
wishes to continue in medical school and has withdrawn from the College of Medicine.
• Students requesting a LOA for health reasons must provide a written request from the physician
involved in his/her care at the time the request is made. In addition, an evaluation from the
physician must be received by the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs prior to readmission. This
evaluation must include the statement that the student from a medical standpoint may resume his
or her studies.
ACTION STEPS
1. A student requesting a LOA must meet with the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs and must
submit the request in writing.
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1. The written request should include the reason for the LOA and the proposed duration of
the leave.
2. If the LOA request is approved by the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs, the student will receive
official approval in writing. This written approval will
1. Summarize any conditions pertinent to the individual student’s leave
2. Set a date (60 days before the student is scheduled to return) by which time the student
must notify the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs of his/her intent to return as scheduled.
3. The student is responsible for getting all the signatures required on the LOA form.
1. The Registrar (the last required signature) will make a copy of the completed form for the
student. The original will be placed in the student’s academic folder.
2. The LOA status will become official when the completed LOA form for the student has
been returned to the Registrar.
4. Sixty days prior to the date of return from the LOA, the student must notify the Vice Dean for
Educational Affairs.
COMPUTER ACCOUNT
A student's Penn State Access Account is suspended at the beginning of the semester that his/her leave
begins. The account (with the same account number and password) is automatically reactivated a few
weeks prior to the student's scheduled return to school. Students, at any Penn State campus, who want to
keep their accounts active while on an official leave of absence, should complete the Penn State Access
Account Extension for Student Leave of Absence form. The completed form can be given to the Office of
Student Affairs at C1802. A monthly fee is charged to the student's University account.
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Leave of Absence Form
Name_________________________ Class of ___________
All of the offices listed below must be visited and signatures obtained before final approval can
be given to your request.
Office Signature
Vice Dean for Educational Affairs
• Request for LOA has been approved.
Curriculum Coordinators
• Course Directors notified for 1st & 2nd year
students.
• Clinical Directors notified for 3rd & 4th year
students.
Bursar’s Office
• Arrangements have been made for the payment
of all College accounts.
• University Housing has been notified (if
appropriate).
Student Aid Office
• Loan status options have been discussed.
• Loan exit information completed (if appropriate).
Registrar
• The above requirements and signatures have
been satisfied. A new schedule has been filed.
I understand the conditions/stipulations of my leave of absence and that written confirmation of

my intent to return must be received by the Registrar sixty (60) days prior to my anticipated date
of return.
Effective Date_____________ Return Date_______________
Student Signature __________________________________
*Mailing address: __________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
*Phone number: ___________________
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*Email Address: ___________________

* List the mailing address, phone number and email address that we should use while you are
away from the College of Medicine.
Use of University Name, Symbols and/or Graphic Devices
Visual Communication Standards and Brand Guidelines
• Anyone wishing to develop a logo or to use a Penn State brand must write a statement of
purpose and receive written approval from Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s Office
of Marketing and Communications.
Confidentiality of Student Records
PREAMBLE:
The Pennsylvania State University collects and retains data and information about students for designated
periods of time for the expressed purpose of facilitating the student's educational development. The
University recognizes the privacy rights of individuals in exerting control over what information about
themselves may be disclosed and, at the same time, attempts to balance that right with the institution's
need for information relevant to the fulfillment of its educational missions. The University further
recognizes its obligation to inform the student of his/her rights under the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA); to inform the student of the existence and location of records as well as to
define the purposes for which such information is obtained; to provide security for such material; to
permit student access to, disclosure of, and challenge to this information as herein described; and to
discontinue such information when compelling reasons for its retention no longer exist.
STUDENT RECORD POLICY:
The University will disclose information from a student's educational record only with the prior written
consent of the student, except that educational records may be disclosed without consent to University
officials having a legitimate educational interest in the records and to third parties specifically authorized
by FERPA, as referenced under Policies on Disclosure of Student Records.
"University officials" are University employees with general or specific responsibility for promoting the
educational objectives of the University or third parties under contract with the University to provide
professional, business and similar administrative services related to the University's educational mission.
Individuals whose responsibilities place them within this category include teachers; faculty advisers;
admissions counselors; academic advisers; counselors; employment placement personnel; deans,
department chairpersons, directors, University Police personnel, health staff, and other administrative
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officials responsible for some part of the academic enterprise or one of the supporting activities;
administrative and faculty sponsors of officially recognized clubs, organizations, etc.; members, including
students and alumni, of official college (University) committees, nonexempt staff personnel employed to
assist University officials in discharging professional responsibilities; and persons or entities under
contract to the University to provide a specific task or service related to the University's educational
mission. Access by these officials is restricted where practical, and only to that portion of the student
record necessary for the discharge of assigned duties.
"Legitimate educational interests" are defined as interests that are essential to the general process of
higher education prescribed by the body of policy adopted by the governing board. Legitimate
educational interests would include teaching, research, public service, and such directly supportive
activities as academic advising, general counseling, therapeutic counseling, discipline, vocational
counseling and job placement, financial assistance and advisement, medical services, and academic
assistance activities. In addition, the University officially recognizes appropriate co-curricular activities
that are generally supportive of overall goals of the institution and contribute generally to well-being of
the entire student body and specifically to many individuals who participate in these activities. These
activities include varsity and intramural sports, social fraternities, specific interest clubs, and student
government.
Records originating at another institution will be subject to these policies.
STUDENT EDUCATIONAL RECORDS:
Student educational records are defined as records, files, documents, and other materials that contain
information directly related to a student and are maintained by The Pennsylvania State University or by a
person acting for the University pursuant to University, college, campus, or departmental policy.
Student educational records do not include records of instructional, supervisory, and administrative
personnel and ancillary educational personnel that are in the sole possession of the maker and that are not
accessible or revealed to any other person except a substitute.
Other exclusions include:
• Notes of a professor/staff member concerning a student and intended for the professor's/staff
member's own use are not subject to inspection, disclosure, and challenge.
• Records of the Police Services Records Division, except in instances where they are transmitted
within the University for administrative purposes.
• Records relating to an individual who is employed by an educational agency or institution not as a
result of his/her status as a student that:
• Are made and maintained in the normal course of business;
• Relate exclusively to the individual in that individual's capacity as an employee; and
• Are not available for use for any other purpose.
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However, employment records relating to University students who are employed as a result of their status
as students are considered educational records.
• Records on students that are made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or

other recognized professional or paraprofessional acting or assisting in that capacity are not
subject to the provisions of access, disclosure, and challenge. Such records, however, must be
made, maintained, or used only in connection with the provision of treatment to the student
and are not available to anyone other than the persons providing such treatment or a substitute.
Such records may be personally reviewed by a physician or other appropriate professional of
the student's choice.
• Application records of students not admitted to the University; however, once a student has
enrolled in an academic offering of the University, application information becomes a part of
the student's educational records.
• Alumni records.
DEFINITION OF STUDENT:
For the purpose of this policy, a student is defined as an individual currently or previously enrolled in any
academic offering of the University.
This definition does not include prospective students (applicants to any academic program of the
University).
PUBLIC INFORMATION REGARDING STUDENTS:
The following is a list of directory items that may be made available to the public regarding students of
the University without their prior consent and is considered part of the public record of their attendance:
• Name
• Address (local, permanent, and electronic mail)
• Telephone number
• Date and place of birth
• Major
• Student activities including athletics
• Weight/height (athletic teams)
• Dates of attendance
• Enrollment status (full-time, part-time, or not enrolled)
• Date of graduation
• Degrees and awards received and where received
• Most recent educational institution attended
• Name and address of parents, guardian, spouse
The student is entitled to request that these directory items not be made publicly available. Such a request
must be made in writing to the University Registrar. Requests filed within ten days after the first day of
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class for fall semester will normally block directory items from appearing in directories and other annual
publications and will block the release of directory items in response to inquiries made to the University
by the public after the receipt of the request. Requests filed after the first ten days of the fall semester will
block only the release of directory items in response to inquiries made to the University by the public
after the receipt of the request. The block will remain in effect until such date as designated by the student
in written instructions filed with the University Registrar.
UNIVERSITY OFFICERS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENT RECORDS:
The following University officers are designated as responsible for student records within their respective
areas;
• Budget Officer of the University,

• Chancellors,
• Corporate Controller,
• Deans,
• Vice Provost and Deans,
• Vice President for Outreach,
• Vice President for Student Affairs,
• Senior Vice President for Finance and Business / Treasurer,
Each of these officers is responsible to make available a listing of student records within his/her area of
responsibility indicating the purpose, storage, security, and disposition of each student record.
POLICIES ON DISCLOSURE OF STUDENT RECORDS:
The following guidelines will be utilized with respect to the disclosure of student records:
NOTE: In no case will letters of recommendation and other information obtained or prepared before
January 1, 1975, that were written on the assumption or expressed promise of confidentiality to the
authors, be available for inspection, disclosure, or challenge. Letters of recommendation and other
information written and/or compiled after January 1, 1975, are available to students in accordance with
guidelines that follow.
A. DISCLOSURE TO THE STUDENT:
The student has the right to inspect and review his/her educational records, and may do so by making an
oral or written request to the University official responsible for the specific record desired. The official
must respond within forty-five days of the request by sending the student a copy of the requested record,
or by arranging an appointment for the student to review it. The student has the right to an explanation of
any information contained in the record.
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Educational records of the student, or the contents thereof, will not be released to the student, his/her
parents, or any third party so long as a financial indebtedness or serious academic and/or disciplinary
matter involving the student remains unresolved. This limitation does not preclude the student from
having personal access to the records - merely from obtaining the release of the information. The student
may not have access to the confidential financial statement of parents or any information contained in
such statements.
A student may waive his/her right to access to confidential letters of recommendation that he/she seeks
for admission to any educational agency or institution; for employment; or for application for an honor or
honorary recognition. The student must be notified on request of all such individuals furnishing
recommendations, and the letters must be solely for the stated purpose for which the student was notified
and for which he/she waived his/her right of access. Such waivers may not be required as a condition for
admission to, receipt of financial aid from, or receipt of any other services or benefits from such agency
or institution.
Where any such records, files, or data contain information relative to a third person, the student is entitled
to be informed of only the portion of that record as pertains to himself/herself. Each record-keeping unit
of the University will establish procedures for accommodating requests for access to student records. An
administrative charge not exceeding the actual cost to the University of providing access may be initiated
in certain areas for access to record information.
The student is entitled to copy privilege as regards his/her records, files, and data at a reasonable
administrative cost.
B. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO THIRD PARTIES:
Disclosure of information contained in student records, files, and data is normally controlled by the
student.
Such disclosures will be made to someone other than a University official having a legitimate educational
interest in the records only on the condition that prior written consent is obtained from the student. The
third party is to be reminded that he/she should not permit additional access to the information by an
additional person without further written consent of the student prior to such an additional transfer of
information.
When information on a student must be shared outside the University, all persons, agencies, or
organizations desiring access to the records of a student shall be required to sign a written form to be kept
permanently with the file of the student indicating specifically the legitimate educational or other interest
in seeking this information. This form will be available solely to the student and to the University officer
responsible for the record as a means of auditing the operation of the record system. Exceptions to this are
C. through I., below.
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C. DISCLOSURE TO OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS:
Disclosure of appropriate academic records may be made to officials of other educational institutions to
which the student has applied and where he/she intends to enroll.
D. DISCLOSURE PURSUANT TO JUDICIAL ORDER:
Information concerning a student shall be released if properly subpoenaed pursuant to a judicial,

legislative, or administrative proceeding. Effort will be made to give advance notice to the student of such
an order before compliance by the University.
E. DISCLOSURE PURSUANT TO REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL AID:
Necessary academic and/or financial student records may be disclosed without the student's prior consent
in connection with the student's application for, or receipt of, financial aid.
F. DISCLOSURE TO FEDERAL AND STATE AUTHORITIES:
This policy shall not preclude access to student records by authorized federal and state officials in
connection with the audit and evaluation of federally supported education programs, or in connection with
the enforcement of federal and state legal requirements that relate to such programs. Except when
collection of personally identifiable data is specifically authorized by federal and state law, any data
collected and reported with respect to an individual student shall not include information (including
Social Security number) that would permit the personal identification of such student.
G. DISCLOSURE UNDER EMERGENCY CONDITIONS:
On an emergency basis, information about a student may be released by a designated officer of the
University when that information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student.
H. DISCLOSURE TO EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES OR INSTITUTIONS:
Information that will not permit the individual identification of students may be released to organizations
of educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of developing, validating, and administering
predictive tests and measurements. Similarly, information may be released to accrediting organizations in
order to carry out their accrediting functions.
I. DISCLOSURE TO PARENTS OF DEPENDENT STUDENTS:
Information concerning a student who is a dependent, within the meaning of Section 152 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954, may be released to that student's parents. The Internal Revenue Code defines a
dependent student as one who has attended an educational institution full time for any five calendar
months of a tax year and who was provided more than one-half of his/her support as claimed by the
parents on their income tax statement. For purposes of this policy, the assumption, unless individually
certified to the contrary under the criteria above, will be that University students are not dependents
within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code.
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CHALLENGE OF RECORD ENTRY:
The student is entitled to challenge and/or add to the factual basis of any record entry contained in records,
files, and/or data. The purpose of this challenge is to ensure that such entries are not inaccurate or
misleading, or in violation of his/her privacy or other rights as a student, and to provide an opportunity for
the correction or deletion of any such inaccuracies, misleading or otherwise inappropriate data contained
therein. The substantive judgment of a faculty member about a student's work, expressed in grades and/or
evaluations, is not within the purview of this right to challenge.
The University will provide, on request by the student, an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the
content of the student's record(s). The request should be submitted to the appropriate University officer
(see "UNIVERSITY OFFICERS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENT RECORDS," above) in whose area of
responsibility the questioned material is kept. The University officer is authorized to rectify the entry and
so notify the student in writing. The designated officer will provide the student with an opportunity to
place in the records a statement commenting upon the challenged information in the educational records
that will be kept so long as the contents are contested. The contents of the student's challenge will remain
a part of the student's records regardless of the outcome of any challenge.
If a records entry question has not been satisfactorily resolved by this informal procedure, the student is
entitled to a hearing on the matter. The hearing must be held within a reasonable time after the request,
and the student notified as to the time, date, and place of the hearing in a reasonably advanced time of the
hearing as to make his/her presence practical.
A hearing officer will be designated by the Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education and the
student will be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues of record
entry validity. The student may be assisted or represented by an adviser of his/her choice including, at
his/her own expense, an attorney. The student will be furnished, within a reasonable time following the
hearing, a written decision from the designated hearing officer. In addition, the student is entitled to
receive in writing a summary of the evidence and the reasons for the decision.
An adverse decision may be appealed in writing by the student to the Executive Vice President and
Provost of the University, and finally, to the President of the University.
The student has the right to file a complaint with the Department of Education concerning alleged failures
of the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
Computer and Network Security

PURPOSE:
To establish conditions for use of, and requirements for appropriate security for University Computer and
Network Resources (as defined in the Glossary of Computer Data and System Terminology, ADG01).
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SCOPE:
This policy is effective at all University locations and applies to all system users at any location, including
those using privately owned computers or systems that connect to University Computer and Network
Resources.
This policy represents the minimum requirements that must be in place. In general, this policy is not
intended to inhibit access to information services that University employees and students have made
accessible for public inquiry (e.g., WWW) via University Computer and Network Resources. However,
use of such services to access or attempt to access information not intended for public display or use, or to
circumvent or violate the responsibilities of system users or system administrators as defined in this
policy, is prohibited. Additionally, servers are not allowed on campus residence hall network connections
except on the basis of a written request of a faculty member for a specific academic purpose and the
explicit concurrence of the Vice Provost for Information Technology or designee.
POLICY:
I. GENERAL:
Appropriate security shall include protection of the privacy of information, protection of information
against unauthorized modification, protection of systems against denial of service, and protection of
systems against unauthorized access.
University Computer and Network Resources may be accessed or used only by individuals authorized by
the University. Issuance of an account to a system user must be approved by an authorized University
representative, as designated in University Policies AD20, AD23, and Administrative Guidelines ADG01
and ADG02. Any computer, computer system, network or device connected to University Computer and
Network Resources will be subject to and must comply with the University's Administrative Guideline
ADG02 - "Computer Facility Security." Any question with regard to whether a specific use is authorized
must be referred to the Security Operations and Services Director.
In order to protect the security and integrity of Computer and Network Resources against unauthorized or
improper use, and to protect authorized users from the effects of such abuse or negligence, the University
reserves the rights, at its sole discretion, to limit, restrict, or terminate any account or use of Computer and
Network Resources, and to inspect, copy, remove or otherwise alter any data, file, or system resources
which may undermine authorized use. The University also reserves the right to inspect or check the
configuration of Computer and Network Resources for compliance with this policy, and to take such other
actions as in its sole discretion it deems necessary to protect University Computer and Network
Resources. The University also reserves the right to control and/or manage use of the frequency spectrum
within the boundaries of all University locations. System users and units of the University are required to
report transmitting devices and their characteristics to University officials, if so requested. The University
reserves the right to require those units or individuals found to have such devices which interfere or are
suspected to interfere with operation of centrally managed University systems, to discontinue use of such
devices, and, if necessary, to remove them from University property.
The University shall not be liable for, and the user assumes the risk of, inadvertent loss of data or
interference with files resulting from the University's efforts to maintain the privacy, integrity and
security of the University's Computer and Network Resources.
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The University is not responsible for the content of users' personal web spaces, nor the content of servers,
programs or files that users maintain either in their personally allocated file areas on university-owned
computer resources or on personally-owned computers connected to the University's Computer and
Network Resources. (Note: Servers are not allowed on campus residence hall networks except on the
basis of a written request of a faculty member for a specific academic purpose and the explicit
concurrence of the Vice Provost for Information Technology or designee. Server - a computer or
computer program that provides or “serves” data, files or processing power to other computers/computer
programs on a network. Examples of servers may include (but are not limited to) Web servers, mail
servers, print servers or file servers.)
The University reserves the right to suspend network access or computer account(s), or to impose
sanctions as defined in this policy if user-maintained files, programs or services are believed to have been
operating in violation of either law or policy. Additionally, the University retains the right subject to
applicable law and policy to search and/or seize, for investigative purposes, any personal hardware or
systems connected to University Computer and Network Resources if there is cause to suspect that such
hardware or systems were used either in violation of federal, state or local law, or in violation of the terms
and conditions set forth in University policies governing computer and network usage. Restoration will be
at the sole discretion of the University. The University shall, to the full extent required under law,
cooperate with all legal requests for information, including, but not limited to, disclosure of system user
account information when made by any law enforcement officer or legal representatives pursuant to court
order, subpoena or other legal process.
The University can enforce the provisions of this policy and the rights reserved to the University without
prior notice to the user.
II. RESPONSIBILITIES RELATED TO ACCESS TO AND USE OF COMPUTER AND NETWORK

RESOURCES:
The Security Operations and Services Director - is responsible for:
a. Developing and assisting units in the implementation of University-wide policies, controls and
procedures to protect the University's Computer and Network Resources from intentional or
inadvertent modification, disclosure or destruction.
b. Monitoring user adherence to these policies.
c. Authorizing security experiments or security scans affecting Computer and Network Resources
(except for those responsibilities specifically accorded to system administrators in this policy).
d. Coordinating response to computer and network security incidents to include, but not be limited
to, notification of incidents to University Police Services, internal Audit and other University
offices as appropriate, and contact with Incident Response teams external to the University.
e. Educating the user community in the ethical use of Computer and Network Resources.
f. Conducting periodic scans of the University's Computer and Network Resources (to include
personally-owned computers connected to the University's Computer and Network Resources) for
common security vulnerabilities, violations of policy or law, and/or malicious code. Reporting the
results of such scans to the applicable University contacts for resolution of possible problems.
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Deans and Administrative Officers - are responsible for:
a. Developing and implementing additional security policies specific to their Colleges or

administrative units in coordination with the Security Operations and Services Director, and in
consonance with this policy. These policies will guide System Administrators within the Colleges
and administrative units in the formulation of detailed security procedures, and are considered to
be a part of this policy statement.
b. Authorizing access to computer systems, including the purpose of the account, and issuance of
passwords, or designating in writing the individual(s) who will exercise this responsibility for the
various systems and networks within the College or administrative unit. Responsibility for
authorizing Group Accounts (as defined in the Glossary of Computer Data and System
Terminology, ADG01) cannot be delegated lower than the academic department head, or
equivalent managerial level within an administrative unit. For centrally managed Computer and
Network Resources, only the applicable Senior Director within Information Technology Services
may approve a Group Account.
c. Ensuring mechanisms are in place to obtain acknowledgment from System Users that they
understand, and agree to comply with University and College/Unit security policies. Such
acknowledgment must be written unless an exception is approved in accordance with the
Exceptions and Exemptions section of this policy.
d. Ensuring technical or procedural means are in place to facilitate determining the User ID
responsible for unauthorized activity in the event of a security incident.
System Users (as defined in the Glossary of Computer Data and System Terminology, ADG01) - are
responsible for:
a. Understanding, agreeing to and complying with all security policies governing University
Computer and Network Resources and with all federal, state and local laws, including laws
applicable to the use of computer facilities, electronically encoded data and computer software.
b. Safeguarding passwords and/or other sensitive access control information related to their own
accounts or network access. Such information must not be transmitted to, shared with, or
divulged to others. Similarly, system users must recognize the sensitivity of all other passwords
and computer or network access information in any form, and must not use, copy, transmit, share
or divulge such information, nor convert the same from encrypted or enciphered form to
unencrypted form or legible text. Any attempt to conduct such actions by a system user is a
violation of this policy.
c. Taking reasonable precautions, including personal password maintenance and file protection
measures, to prevent unauthorized use of their accounts, programs or data by others.
d. Ensuring accounts or computer and network access privileges are restricted to their own use only.
System users must not share their accounts, nor grant accounts to others nor otherwise extend
their own authorized computer and network access privileges to others. System users must not
implant, execute or use software that allows them unauthorized remote control of Computer and
Network Resources, or of accounts belonging to others.
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e. Ensuring the secure configuration and operation of Internet services (e.g., WWW) they may
establish on machines connected to University Computer and Network Resources. Also, system
users are solely responsible for ensuring the content of files, programs or services that they
operate, maintain, store or disseminate using University Computer and Network Resources (to
include personally-owned computers connected to such resources) are compliant with both law
and University Policy. Note: servers are not allowed on campus residence hall networks except
on the basis of a written request of a faculty member for a specific academic purpose and the
explicit concurrence of the Vice Provost for Information Technology or designee.
f. Using accounts or network access only for the purposes for which they were authorized and only
for University-related activities. Use of accounts or network access to conduct a commercial
enterprise, or to promote or advertise a commercial enterprise is prohibited. Transmitting or
making accessible offensive, obscene or harassing materials, and transmitting or making
accessible chain letters, etc., are prohibited. Unauthorized mass electronic mailings and
newsposts are prohibited. Conducting or attempting to conduct security experiments or security
scans involving or using University Computer and Network Resources without the specific
authorization of the Security Operations and Services Director is prohibited. The intentional or
negligent deletion or alteration of information or data of others, intentional or negligent misuse of
system resources, intentionally or negligently introducing or spreading computer viruses, and
permitting misuse of system resources by others are prohibited.
g. Representing themselves truthfully in all forms of electronic communication. System users must
not misrepresent themselves as others in electronic communications. Similarly, system users must
not cause a system to assume the network identity or source address of another Computer or
Network Resource for purposes of masquerading as that resource. System users must not register
Computer and Network Resources that have Internet addresses within the Penn State Internet
domain under any non-Penn State domain name. System users must not provide Domain Name
Service for any non-Penn State Computer and Network Resource.
h. Respecting the privacy of electronic communication. System users must not obtain nor attempt to
obtain any electronic communication or information not intended for them. In particular, system
users must not attempt to intercept or inspect information (e.g., packets) en route through
University Computer and Network Resources, nor use University Computer and Network
Resources to attempt to intercept or inspect information en route through networks elsewhere.
Similarly, system users must not implant, execute or use software that captures passwords or
other information while the data are being entered at the keyboard or other data entry device.
i. Respecting the physical hardware and network configuration of University-owned networks.

System users must not extend the physical network on which their system resides (e.g., wiring,
jacks, wireless connection).
j. Treating non-University Computer and Network Resources in accordance with this policy.
University Computer and Network Resources must not be used to attempt to breach the security
or security policy of other sites (either willfully or negligently). An action or attempted action
affecting non-University Computer and Network Resources that would violate this policy if
performed on Penn State Computer and Network Resources is prohibited.
System administrators (as defined in the Glossary of Computer Data and System Terminology,
ADG01). Unless otherwise stated, system administrators have the same responsibilities as system users.
However, because of their position, system administrators have additional responsibilities and privileges
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for specific systems or networks. For systems which they directly administer, system administrators are
responsible for:
a. Preparing and maintaining security procedures that implement University and College/Unit
security policies in their local environment and that address such details as access control, backup
and disaster recovery mechanisms and continuous operation in case of power outages.
b. Taking reasonable precautions to guard against corruption, compromise or destruction of

Computer and Network Resources. Reasonable precautions for system administrators exceed
those authorized for system users. Specifically, system administrators may conduct security scans
of systems which they directly administer. However, they may not conduct security scans for any
other system or network. Similarly, system administrators may conduct dictionary comparisons or
otherwise check password information related to system users on the systems for which they have
administrative responsibility. They may not do so on other systems. System administrators may
also intercept or inspect information en route through a network, but only information originating
from or destined for systems for which they have direct administrative responsibility and only for
purposes of diagnosing system or network problems. Exceptions must be authorized by the
Security Operations and Services Director in accordance with this policy.
c. Treating the files of system users as private. It is recognized that a system administrator may have
incidental contact with system user files, including electronic mail, in the course of his or her
duties. The contents of such files must be kept private. Deliberate access to system user files is
authorized only in the event of a suspected security breach, if essential to maintain the system(s)
or network(s) for which the system administrator has direct administrative responsibility, or if
requested by or coordinated with the system user.
d. Taking reasonable and appropriate steps to see that all hardware and software license agreements
are faithfully executed on all systems, networks, and servers.
e. Ensuring that Penn State network addresses are assigned to those entities or organizations that are
part of Penn State only. System administrators must not assign network addresses to non-Penn
State entities or organizations.
f. Limiting access to root or privileged supervisory accounts. In general, only system administrators
should have access to such accounts. System users should generally not be given unrestricted
access to root or privileged supervisory accounts. As with all accounts, authorization for root or
privileged supervisory accounts must be approved in accordance with this policy.
III. COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:

Because electronic information is volatile and easily reproduced, respect for the work and personal
expression of others is especially critical in computer environments. Violations of authorial integrity,
including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, and trade secret and copyright violation
using University Computer and Network Resources are prohibited. Computer software protected by
copyright is not to be copied from, into, or by using University Computer and Network Resources, except
as permitted by law or by the license or contract with the owner of the copyright.
Computer networks and computer programs that facilitate and enable locating and downloading digitized
works have made possession of copyrighted material such as music files, videos and software easier than
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ever before. In many cases, however, possession and/or distribution of such files is in direct violation of
state and federal laws, and University policy. The University regards such copyright offenses very
seriously. System users must remove any copyrighted materials that they do not have the copyright
holder's specific permission to possess. As noted above, they must not place such material on University
systems or to personally-owned systems attached to the University network at any time and must not
engage in unauthorized copying, transmission, distribution and/or downloading of such works. System
users are ultimately responsible for ensuring that the copyright holder has granted permission to make or
distribute the copy in question. Suspected misuse of copyrighted materials by system users may result in
exercise of the University's investigatory rights with or without notice to the user, suspension of network
or other account access and disciplinary sanctions as defined in this policy. Additionally, the system user
may face civil or criminal action that could result in fines, imprisonment or both upon conviction.
The TEACH Act [November 2002] modifies and clarifies the ways in which copyrighted material may be
used without permission of the copyright owner. Faculty are protected under the TEACH Act only if they
are in compliance with the new requirements. Such requirements include:
1. Faculty will not interfere with technological controls within the materials they want to use
2. The materials are specifically for students enrolled in a class, and only those students will have access
to the materials. The class is part of the regular offerings of Penn State
3. The materials are directly related and of material assistance to the course
4. Faculty will include a notice that the materials are protected by copyright
5. Faculty will use technology that reasonably limits the students' ability to retain or further distribute
the materials
6. Faculty will make the materials available to the students only for a period of time that is relevant to
the context of a class session
7. Faculty will store the materials on a secure server and transmit them only as permitted by this law
8. Faculty will not make any copies other than the one needed to make the transmission
9. The materials are of the proper type and amount the law authorizes: Entire performances of non-
dramatic literary and musical works Reasonable and limited parts of a dramatic literary, musical, or
audiovisual works Displays of other works, such as images, in amounts similar to typical displays in
face-to-face teaching
10. The materials are not among those the law specifically excludes from its coverage: Materials
specifically marketed for classroom use for digital distance education. Copies that are known to be
illegal or should be known are illegal
Note: For full information about the TEACH Act and the principles of fair use, see:
http://tlt.its.psu.edu/dmd/teachact
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IV. REPORTING SECURITY INCIDENTS OR SYSTEM VULNERABILITIES:

Individuals aware of any breach of information or network security, or compromise of computer or
network security safeguards, must report such situations to the appropriate system administrator and to
the Security Operations and Services Director. The Security Operations and Services Director, in
coordination with appropriate University offices, will determine if financial loss has occurred and if
control or procedures require modification. When warranted by such preliminary review, University
Police Services, internal Audit, and other University departments or law enforcement authorities will be
contacted as appropriate.
SANCTIONS FOR POLICY VIOLATIONS:

Violation of any provision of this policy may result in:
a. restriction or termination of a system user's access to University Computer and Network

Resources, including the summary suspension of such access, and/or rights pending further
disciplinary and/or judicial action;
b. the initiation of legal action by the University and/or respective federal, state or local law
enforcement officials, including but not limited to, criminal prosecution under appropriate federal,
state or local laws;
c. the requirement of the violator to provide restitution for any improper use of service; and
d. disciplinary sanctions, which may include dismissal or expulsion for students, or termination for
employees.
COURSE AND WORK-RELATED ACCESS TO COMPUTERS AND COMPUTER

NETWORKS:
Many academic course and work-related activities require the use of computers, networks and systems of
the University. In the event of an imposed restriction or termination of access to some or all University
computers and systems, a user enrolled in such courses or involved in computer-related work activities
may be required to use alternative facilities, if any, to satisfy the obligation of such courses or work
activity. However, users are advised that if such alternative facilities are unavailable or not feasible, it
may be impossible to complete requirements for course work or work responsibility. The University
views misuse of computers as a serious matter, and may restrict access to its facilities even if the user is
unable to complete course requirements or work responsibilities as a result.
EXCEPTIONS AND EXEMPTIONS:

Exception to or exemptions from any provision of this policy must be approved by the Vice Provost for
Information Technology or designee, which will normally be the Security Operations and Services
Director. Similarly, any questions about the contents of this policy, or the applicability of this policy to a
particular situation should be referred to the Security Operations and Services Director.
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Health Insurance Policy
PURPOSE
1. To explain the actions that will be taken to notify students of the College of Medicine deadlines
for health insurance payment and those health insurance forms that are required for enrollment in
the educational program leading to an M.D. degree. Those requirements are:
a. Health Insurance Waiver Form
b. United Healthcare Student Insurance Enrollment Form
c. New Blue Cross Enrollment Forms and Payment
d. Payment for Blue Cross Insurance (for those currently enrolled)
2. To clarify the steps that will be taken when a student does not respond and is non-compliant to
meeting the requirements.
POLICY REFERENCE
Penn State College of Medicine students
POLICY STATEMENT
1. All students enrolled in the College of Medicine’s educational program leading to an M.D. degree
are required to have health insurance.
2. An electronic announcement declaring the requirements and the dates for completion of the
health insurance forms will be sent to the students by the accountant in the College of Medicine’s
Office of the Bursar to all medical students on the second Monday in July.
a. This announcement will include the following:
i. Specific requirements
ii. Dates for completion – these dates will be set for one-week prior to the
University’s deadlines to give enough time for the Office of the Bursar to meet
the University-established target date.
iii. Consequences for non-compliance, to include:
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1. A meeting with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions,
2. Notification to the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs,
3. A professionalism form citation to the student file, and
4. Withdrawal from classes until the issue is resolved
3. Two weeks after the initial announcement, a follow-up reminder for the requirements and the
dates for completion will be sent out by the accountant in the College of Medicine’s Office of the
Bursar.
a. This reminder will include the following:
ii. Dates for completion – these dates will be set for one-week prior to the
University’s deadlines to give enough time for the Office of the Bursar to meet
the University-established target date.
4. Records of completion will be maintained in the Office of the Bursar.
5. One week after the reminder is sent out to the students, a list of non-compliant students will be
forwarded by the Office of the Bursar to the Director, Office of Student Affairs and the Associate
Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions.
6. The Director, Office of Student Affairs and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and
Admissions will send a note to the non-compliant students, reinforcing the consequences for non-
compliance.
7. Two days prior to the deadline for completion, a list of non-compliant students will be forwarded
to the Director in the Office of Medical Education and the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs.
This list will include the student names, contact information, and their course location.
8. All students who have not responded to the Office of the Bursar on the deadline date will be
considered non-compliant, and the following actions will be taken:
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a. Issue a professionalism citation with a copy to their student file (Office of Medical
Education)
b. Schedule a meeting for the student to meet with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs
and Admissions (Office of Student Affairs)
c. Withdrawn the student from the course until the issue is resolved (Office of Medical
Education).
9. Once the issue is resolved, the student will be reinstated to his/her course by the Office of
Medical Education.
APPLICABILITY
Policy applies to all students enrolled in the College of Medicine’s program leading to an M.D. degree
Disability Insurance Policy
PURPOSE
3. To explain the actions that will be taken to notify students of the College of Medicine deadline
for disability insurance payment that is required for enrollment in the educational program
leading to an M.D. degree. Those requirements are:
a. payment of disability insurance
4. To clarify the steps that will be taken when a student does not respond and is non-compliant to
meeting the requirements.
POLICY REFERENCE
Penn State College of Medicine students
POLICY STATEMENT
10. All students enrolled in the College of Medicine’s educational program leading to an M.D. degree
are required to have the disability insurance which is arranged through the College of Medicine.
11. An electronic announcement declaring the requirements and the dates for payment of the
disability insurance will be sent to the students by the accountant in the College of Medicine’s
Office of the Bursar to all medical students on the second Monday in July.
a. This announcement will include the following:
ii. Dates for completion
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12. Two weeks after the initial announcement, a follow-up reminder for the requirements and the
dates for completion will be sent out by the accountant in the College of Medicine’s Office of the
Bursar.
a. This reminder will include the following:
ii. Dates for completion
13. Records of completion will be maintained in the Office of the Bursar.

14. One week after the reminder is sent out to the students, a list of non-compliant students will be
forwarded by the Office of the Bursar to the Director, Office of Student Affairs and the Associate
Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions.
15. The Director, Office of Student Affairs and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and
Admissions will send a note to the non-compliant students, reinforcing the consequences for non-
compliance.
16. Two days prior to the deadline for completion, a list of non-compliant students will be forwarded
to the Director in the Office of Medical Education and the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs.
This list will include the student names, contact information, and their course location.
17. All students who have not responded to the Office of the Bursar on the deadline date will be
considered non-compliant, and the following actions will be taken:
a. Issue a professionalism citation with a copy to their student file (Office of Medical
Education)
b. Schedule a meeting for the student to meet with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs
and Admissions (Office of Student Affairs)
c. Withdrawn the student from the course until the issue is resolved (Office of Medical
Education).
18. Once the issue is resolved, the student will be reinstated to his/her course by the Office of
Medical Education.
APPLICABILITY
Policy applies to all students enrolled in the College of Medicine’s program leading to an M.D. degree
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Criminal Background Checks for Clinical Students
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has recommended that medical schools conduct
criminal background checks on their students entering their clinical years.
The following outlines the rationale for performing Criminal Background Checks.
1. To bolster the public's continuing trust in the medical profession

2. To enhance the safety and well-being of patients
3. To ascertain the ability of accepted applicants and enrolled medical students to eventually
become licensed as physicians,
4. To minimize the liability of medical schools and their affiliated clinical facilities
In order to conform with the AAMC recommendations and existing hospital requirements, we have
decided to require Criminal Background checks (CBC) for our accepted students, as well as our students
entering their clinical years. Therefore, all second year students will be required to have 3 different
checks done before July 1st:
1-Pennsylvania Criminal History

2-Child Abuse History Clearance
3-Federal Criminal History/Fingerprinting
M.D. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

A curriculum is not merely a collection of courses but a series of planned educational
experiences that facilitate learning and lead to fulfillment of clearly defined educational
objectives. The goal of the curriculum is to provide the student with the basic knowledge,
scientific principles, and clinical skills that are the foundation for the practice of medicine.
Learning techniques focus on problem solving and motivating students to keep pace with the
rapidly advancing body of medical knowledge. Principles of human behavior and humanistic
values are also emphasized. Students are expected to strive to develop a thorough commitment
to those who come under their care whether the student's vocation will be medical practice,
research, administration, or counseling.
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The requirements for the M.D. degree for The Pennsylvania State University College of
Medicine are:
1. Satisfactory completion of the required pre-clinical curriculum (Years I and II) and
current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification.
2. Evidence that the student has mastered the approach to the patient using clinical skills
and relying on a solid background in the basic sciences as documented by successful
completion of the clerkship program. Required clerkships include Medicine (8 weeks),
Surgery (8 weeks), Obstetrics-Gynecology (6 weeks), Pediatrics (6 weeks), Psychiatry (4
weeks), Family and Community Medicine (4 weeks), and Primary Care Clerkship (4
weeks). All required clerkships should be completed no later than September 30 of the
fourth year. In addition, third year students must complete two electives.
3. Satisfactory completion of the Neurology clerkship in the fourth year.
4. Satisfactory completion of a Humanities selective in the fourth year.
5. Completion of the Medical Student Research Project prior to graduation. The project is
done in association with either a clinical or preclinical faculty member. This exercise is
intended to help each student to develop a capacity for thinking, leading to resolution of a
problem, to understand the nature of the research process, and the limitations and
variability of data. The expectations are that the student will articulate a hypothesis,
collect or extract data, analyze the data, reach an appropriate conclusion, and write a
scientific report summarizing their work. For details see Guidelines for Medical Student
Research Projects at http://www.pennstatehershey.org/web/msr/home/guidelines.
6. Satisfactory completion of two acting internships in board approved medical and surgical
specialties and five 4-week electives during the fourth year.
7. USMLE Steps I and Step 2 (parts A and B) must be taken and passed. A passing score in
the USMLE Step I, Step 2-Clinical Knowledge and Step 2-Clinical Skills is required in
order to graduate.
8. All required clinical clerkships must be completed at The Pennsylvania State University
College of Medicine, The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, or at one of our affiliate
sites.
9. Completion of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) at the end of Year
3.
10. Tuition paid for a minimum of four years.
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STUDENT EVALUATION
Students are evaluated by the appropriate course directors and faculty. Examinations are
used as instruments for the promotion and assessment of learning, as an encouragement to each
student to achieve maximum potential, and as an opportunity to develop the student's capacity
for self-evaluation and self-knowledge.
Each course director at the beginning of the course is responsible for delineating the
criteria utilized for assessing student performance, as well as the specific weight to be given to
examination scores. At the end of each course, grades will be assigned to students on the basis
of the instructor's judgment of each student's scholastic accomplishment. Examinations may be
written or practical, as appropriate for each course. A final grade of Honors, High Pass, Pass,
Low Pass or Fail is recorded at the conclusion of each course and on the official transcript of the
College of Medicine. Failure to report for scheduled examinations will result in failure for the
examination. If a student cannot take a scheduled examination, he or she must provide a reason
acceptable to the course director. In the event of illness on examination day, students must
contact the course director or curriculum coordinator prior to the administration of the exam or
risk receiving a failing grade on the exam.
Ordinarily, action concerning promotion or a student's schedule will be taken at the
conclusion of an academic unit. Students are not permitted to drop a required course without the
prior written permission of the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs. A grade of deferred will be
entered at the end of a required course only when the student has failed to take the final
examination or completed the course for reasons acceptable to the course directors. The symbol
DF (deferred) also may appear on a student's transcript to indicate work begun but not completed
during the semester or to indicate that the course is continuing into the next semester. The DF is
a temporary grade that must be converted to a final grade within six weeks of the next semester.
A DF grade may be retained on a student's transcript for longer than six weeks by special
arrangement with the campus registrar for continuing courses in the M.D. Curriculum.
Examinations may be utilized as only one component in a total evaluation of a student's
academic performance during a course. Responsibility, dependability, reliability, integrity, and
the ability to interact effectively with faculty and peers as well as to relate in an appropriate
manner to patients are all factors to be considered in the evaluation process in all courses.
In addition to a grade issued for a course, a written evaluation report describing the
quality of the student's individual performance on each course or clerkship may be submitted to
become part of the student's permanent academic file.
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ACADEMIC PROGRESS COMMITTEE – YEARS I & II and III & IV
Academic Year 2009-2010

Background
Students in the College of Medicine have been carefully selected for the demands of medical study.
However, some students, no matter how qualified, may experience difficulty in meeting the requirements
of certain courses of study. If such difficulties arise, the matter is initially one of concern only to the
student and the department or course director involved. A student who fails a course will be notified
immediately by the department or course director. If a final course grade of Fail is transmitted to the
Office of Medical Education, this grade will be considered by the Academic Progress Committee in
relation to the student's overall performance.
APC Responsibilities Years I and II
The Academic Progress Committee (APC) Years I and II is responsible for the preclinical years and is
composed of the representative course directors, chairs, and faculty; and the Vice Dean for Educational
Affairs, Associate Dean for Preclinical Curriculum and Associate Dean for Academic Achievement (ex
officio). The chair of this committee is Dr. Richard Courtney.
The Academic Progress Committee acting for the entire faculty regularly evaluates and comprehensively
reviews student performance. The APC meets at the conclusion of each semester, although other
meetings may be called. The Committee concentrates on those students who have shown academic
deficiencies. This review is detailed and includes an evaluation of performance in all courses. It is
expected that a student will pass all required courses in Year I and II before entering Year III.
APC Responsibilities Years III and IV
The Academic Progress Committee Years III and IV is responsible for students in their clinical
years and is composed of the representative clerkship directors, clinical chairs, and faculty; and
Vice Dean for Educational Affairs, Associate Dean for Preclinical Curriculum and Associate
Dean for Academic Achievement (ex officio). The chair of this committee is Dr. Kevin Black.
The APC Years III and IV regularly evaluates and comprehensively reviews student performance
during the third and fourth years of medical school. (i.e. the required and elective clerkships).
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Process for Deficiencies
11. Students who receive a final grade of fail or who in a continuing course, i.e., a course that is given
over several semesters, are doing failing work at the end of a particular academic period will be
immediately notified by the department or course director concerned. The failing grade will also be
transmitted to the Office of Student Affairs and placed on the student’s transcript.
12. Students who receive a final course failure are placed on academic probation, a status that indicates
to both the student and the faculty that the student's performance has not met the academic standards
of the College of Medicine. Students who are failing a continuing course will be urged to obtain
appropriate assistance and take necessary steps to overcome the academic deficiencies. Such a
student may also be placed on Academic Probation. Any subsequent failing grades, either as a final
grade or in a continuing course, may be cause for the recommendation for Dismissal from the College
of Medicine for academic reasons.
13. The APC may take other actions with respect to a failing grade:
Years I and II – These include, but are not limited to, requiring that a core course in the same
subject be taken at another institution (SBMP only), possibly over the summer session or
requiring that the entire academic year be repeated. The Vice Dean for Educational Affairs must
approve all decisions.
Years III and IV – Students who fail a required clerkship or elective will be required to meet
with the APC to review his/her academic record and reasons for the failing grade. Students who
receive a low pass evaluation in a required or elective clerkship will be required to meet with
the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs and may be required to meet with the APC to review
his/her academic record and reasons for the marginal performance.
Students who receive a low pass evaluation in two or more required or elective clerkships
will be required to meet with the APC. The APC may, but are not limited to, require that
additional time be spent in a clinical clerkship discipline, decompressing the student's schedule.
14. A student being reviewed by the APC will be asked to appear before the Committee together with his
or her advisor. The student is encouraged to bring their advisor with them. It is the student’s
responsibility to review their status with their advisor prior to the meeting. Course or clerkship
directors may be invited at the discretion of the APC.
15. The student will receive at least five-calendar days notice prior to the interview with the APC. The
student must meet with the Committee at the date, time, and location specified by the Office of
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Medical Education. Attendance is mandatory; exceptions will not be made.
16. The Committee's purposes in meeting with the student and, if possible, with his/her advisor, are to
hear the student's view of his or her past performance and present situation. After hearing from the
student, the committee will make a determination on a specific course of action for the student. In
each case, a student's entire situation, past and present, will be reviewed by the APC, including the
margins by which the student has failed or passed courses, the particular courses that he or she has
failed, the student's personal situation, and other relevant considerations. The above are guidelines
and not rules. The Committee will exercise its best judgment in each individual case.
Recommendations for Action, Other Than Suspension or Dismissal
Recommendations for action, other than suspension or dismissal, on a student's academic deficiency
are communicated to the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs (or designate) who will discuss the decision
with the student.
The student may request a further review of the decision by the APC by submitting a written request to
the Chairperson of the APC.
1. The student can appeal in writing, to the Chairperson of the APC, within seven (7) calendar days
of receipt of the Committees decision. The correspondence must indicate why the student feels
he/she should not complete the action recommended by the Committee.
2. The Committee may choose to meet with the student to listen to the appeal.
3. The Vice Dean for Educational Affairs will send out a follow-up letter notifying the student of the
Committees final decision.
Following further review by the APC, a student may appeal the decision to the Dean of the College of
Medicine. (See – Student Appeal Process for Recommendations of Suspension or Dismissal)
Recommendations for Suspension or Dismissal
1. In the event that the APC recommends dismissal or suspension of a student from the College of
Medicine, a written notice of this recommendation will be submitted to the Dean and the student.
The Dean of the College of Medicine has the ultimate authority for separation of the student from
the College of Medicine. The Dean will review all material relevant to the matter, may meet with
the faculty, and or student. The Dean will notify the student of the final decision.
2. The probability of dismissal increases with the number and seriousness of course failures. A
student who fails one course while on academic probation is at risk for dismissal.
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3. A student who does not pass (either fails or is allowed to drop) as many as three required courses
in the same year is at major risk for Dismissal; as many as four required courses not passed makes
dismissal probable.
4. A student who fails the same course twice should expect dismissal. A student taking an approved
course over the summer will be regarded as retaking "the same course." Continued failures in
successive courses or over several semesters also increase the likelihood of recommendation for
dismissal. In each case, a student's entire situation, past as well as present, will be reviewed by
the APC, including the margins by which the student has failed or passed courses, the particular
courses that he or she has failed, the student's personal situation, and other relevant considerations.
The above are guidelines and not rules. The Committee will exercise its best judgment in each
individual case.
Student Appeal Process for Recommendations of Suspension or Dismissal
In the event that the APC recommends dismissal or suspension of a student from the College of
Medicine, a written notice of this recommendation will be submitted to the Dean and the student. The
Dean of the College of Medicine has the ultimate authority for separation of the student from the College
of Medicine.
1. The student can appeal the APC’s recommendation. He/she must do so in writing to the Dean within
seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the Certified Letter.
2. The student must write a letter to the Dean stating why he/she should not be dismissed.
3. The Dean may choose to meet with the student to listen to the appeal.
4. The Dean will send out a follow-up letter notifying the student of the final decision.
Standards of Professional Behavior
On occasion, students who are proficient at passing written and laboratory examinations do not display
standards of professional behavior sufficient for effective patient care and/or maintaining public
confidence in the medical profession. The faculty expects adherence to these standards of conduct in
addition to course work performance. Failure to maintain such standards will be taken into consideration
by the APC when making decisions concerning students. The following list provides students with
examples of areas that form the basis for faculty assessment of their standards of professional behavior.
The faculty will assist students as much as possible with known deficiencies. Students should recognize,
before matriculation, that the faculty evaluation of overall student performance includes issues of this
type:
• Displays personal honesty and integrity in academic and clinical responsibilities.

• Displays respect and sensitivity toward individuals and/or groups.
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• Is not impaired in the performance of his or her professional duties by alcohol or other drugs not
used for legitimate medical purposes.
• Develops interpersonal skills to form good physician/patient relationships leading to trust and
excellent care and adheres to the principles in the Patient Bill of Rights.
• Meets assignments and responsibilities during clinical clerkships and displays judgment
appropriate for current level of responsibility, including recognition of allowable actions and
obtaining assistance when needed.
• Maintains confidentiality of information and records entrusted to the student.
• Displays a cooperative attitude that enhances patient care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT FUNDRAISING AT PENN STATE HERSHEY COLLEGE OF

MEDICINE
PURPOSE
To establish guidelines and regulations for student-driven fundraising at Penn State Hershey Medical
Center and College of Medicine.
POLICY
All fundraising activities planned by students that occur in an area designated specifically for student
groups and organizations must be approved by the Student Assembly. Fundraising activities occurring in
non-approved areas must vacate the area immediately. In addition, raffles are not permitted.
POLICY STATEMENT
1. A Student Organization at the Penn State Hershey College of Medicine is defined as a group of
students joined together in the pursuit of a common purpose that supports the mission, goals, and
values of The Pennsylvania State University and the College of Medicine’s Office of Student Affairs.
The group will be recognized and registered as affiliated with the University as a result of complying
with formal requirements established by the Student Affairs office. This includes the graduate
student assembly, nursing student assembly, medical student assembly, and all student organizations
that are recognized by the governing student body.
2. Fundraisers may only be conducted in the following pre-approved locations: directly inside the BMR
near the door leading to the breezeway, outside of the entrance to the library, the back lobby of the
BMR building (outside of C1805), the Courtyard (weather permitting), the ASB lobby, and the
lecture room waiting areas. Groups are not authorized to reserve these areas until their fundraiser has
been approved by the Student Assembly. Unapproved fundraisers in any part of the campus are
prohibited.
3. All fundraisers must benefit an organization that directly supports the mission of Penn State Hershey.
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4. There will be no sales for personal benefit or to provide patients with materials or cash goods outside
of approved Penn State Hershey Medical Center programs.
5. All fundraisers must meet the health and safety standards of the Medical Center. Proper
handling/storage of food is required.
6. Marketing & Communications must approve all products and merchandise bearing Medical Center or
College of Medicine (or any other Penn State Hershey entity) name, logo, or other graphic identifier.
Marketing & Communications must also be contacted if any media will be involved with the
fundraiser.
7. If fliers are posted on campus, they must be removed immediately following the event. Fliers may
only be posted on bulletin boards and may not be taped on walls, in elevators, in restrooms, on
fixtures, on doors or on existing signage.
8. The space in which the fundraising event was held must be left in the same condition as it was
found. Any cost incurred by the Medical Center/College of Medicine as a result of the event will be
assessed to the group.
9. Permission may be denied to fundraise on Medical Center/College property to any group or

organization that does not comply with the guidelines and regulations stated above.
10. Any College of Medicine student club organization may schedule ONE sales event during the fall
semester (August 1 – December 31) AND ONE sale event during spring semester (January 1 - May
31). An exception will be made for the Graduate Student Assembly, the Nursing Student Assembly,
and each Medical School Class, who will be permitted to have a third sales event if desired due to
additional financial need.
Approval Procedure
All fundraising requests must be submitted in writing 7 days prior to the fundraiser and submitted to the
Vice President of the Student Assembly for review. Each request must follow the above guidelines and
include the following information:
1. Primary contact person’s name, address, and phone number (request must be submitted by a
recognized student organization officer).
2. Name of the group requesting the fundraiser.
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3. Details about the fundraising event (including date, location of fundraiser, a description of what the
fundraiser is benefiting, and description of fundraiser). If an external vendor is being used, you must
include the vendor name.
4. Explain how the event/benefiting organization relates to the University or Hospital’s mission of
education, research and health care.
Bomb Threats
PURPOSE
To establish guidelines for the action to be taken should a Bomb Threat be received.
POLICY STATEMENT
Each Bomb Threat will be evaluated on its own merits and a decision made by Medical Center
Administrative Personnel as to whether or not to evacuate.
PROCEDURE
1. General Information
a. Remain as calm as possible
b. Notify your supervisor and Security at ext. 8711
c. Note exact date/time of threat
2. Threats by Telephone
a. Ask the following questions and notate answers:
(1) When is it set to go off?
(2) Where is the bomb - exactly?
(3) What does it look like?
(4) What will make it explode?
(5) Why was the bomb placed there?
(6) Where are you calling from?
(7) What is your name?
b. Listen For/Note:
(1) Exact words of caller.
(2) Specific answers to questions.
(3) Voice - young/old, male/female, tone - calm, excited, angry, happy,
sad, loud, soft, accent, speech impediment
(4) Background noises
(5) Does caller sound familiar to you?
(6) Does caller appear to be familiar with the Medical Center
(7) Which phone number did caller call in on?
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c. Notify your supervisor and Security, but no one else at this time. Do not create a
panic.
3. Threats by Mail that you have already opened:
a. Place the letter and envelope in a large envelope.
b. Avoid necessary handling of the letter and envelope.
c. Notify your supervisor and Security.
4. Depending on the specific threat message, Security Personnel will coordinate the bomb search
and the notification of other agencies. Hospital Staff Members will consider the following:
5. If a suspicious package is found:
a. DON'T TOUCH IT
b. Notify Security immediately
c. Keep others away - clear the room or area
Code Silver - Violent Incident Crisis Management Procedures
PURPOSE/POLICY
The purpose of this policy is to provide procedures to follow when confronted by a violent person, who is
threatening to harm, or actually harming anyone on the premises. These situations would include, but not
be limited to incidents such as hostage abductions, armed persons, and barricaded persons.
PROCEDURE
1. Barricade/Stationary Incident with Perpetrator Confined to One Room or Defined Area
• Medical Center and COM staff are instructed to call the campus emergency extension, 8888, if
there exists a situation wherein there is any threat to bodily harm by violent or potentially violent
persons in their work unit. Indicate that a “Code Silver” situation exists, and provide location, and
description of situation (if possible and safe to do so).
• Upon receiving a report of a threatening or possible crisis situation, Security will be dispatched to
the scene immediately. Threatening behavior by persons will be gauged carefully to determine if
verbal de-escalation techniques would be effective in diffusing the situation, or if a more
comprehensive crisis response is warranted.
• Staff present at the scene should provide to Security as much information as possible and the
Derry Township Police (911 or 534-2202) will be notified if situation warrants.
• Isolating the area of the incident within a workable hallway or area perimeter of restricted access
should occur, permitting no one to enter the area during the crisis that is not authorized. Such a
perimeter would be decided on utilizing the judgment of responding Security personnel as well as
that of the staff familiar with the area’s usual human traffic.
• Removal of patients and staff from the area will be considered depending on the gravity of the
situation. If a patient cannot be moved due to medical reasons, essential staff may remain to
attend to the patient.
• Extreme caution should be exercised when approaching a potentially violent situation where
weapons and/or hostages may be involved. Staff should never take any action which would put
them or any by-standers in danger. Armed assailants/abductors may feel threatened by the sight
of approaching persons, including those wearing security/law enforcement type uniforms.
• Security will relinquish control of the incident to police upon their arrival, and provide all
necessary support for law enforcement at the scene.
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2. Active Shooter/Armed Assailant/Active Violent Person Incident
• In the event of an actively violent person, active shooter or armed assailant in a specific area,
evacuation of the area in a direction that is away from the perpetrator should occur immediately,
if possible. Use the closest exit or fire exit pathways and a route which is away from the location
of the dangerous activity. Evacuate to a safe area as far away from the danger as possible, and
take protective cover until assistance arrives.
• If quick evacuation is not possible, persons or groups of persons should conceal themselves in a
room, close the door, lock it if possible from the inside, turn off the lights, remain as quiet as
possible, and stay away from doors and windows so as to create an impression that no one is in
the room. Nursing staff should have all patients enter their rooms and close doors, and faculty in
classrooms should close and lock classroom doors, having students move to a part of the room
not visible from any glass within the door. Wait for Police and /or Security to assist you out of the
building.
• The campus emergency extension 8888 should be called as soon as possible, via house phone if
safe, or cell phone if available (Use 531-8888 if calling from a cell phone). The caller should state
their name and the location of the incident, and then provide information on how many
subjects/perpetrators are involved, a description of the incident, words said, and identity (if
known). Also if possible, the caller should describe the weapons being used, (gun, knife, etc), the
number of shots fired, injuries, and if there are hostages (if known). Police will be notified to
respond immediately to the campus.
• Staff should be aware that after the notification of such an incident, a “Code Silver” and incident
location may be announced over PA system in hospital, with Campus Alert e-mails, PSU TXT
messages sent, Infonet webpage front page announcement, and voice mails to all phones with
voice mail as well. A building “lockdown” may be considered, depending on the situation, as well
as declaration of an Internal Disaster.
Crisis Response Phone Numbers During Emergency Situations
PURPOSE
To provide our campus community with a universal on-campus phone extension that should be used if a
serious security, medical, chemical , or fire emergency is observed on campus, providing a new “catch-all”
extension to report these types of serious emergencies when remembering a specific extension might be
difficult.
POLICY STATEMENT
The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine will utilize the on-campus
phone extension 8888 as an emergency number that can be used to report extremely serious events
observed by our campus community, while still maintaining established campus extensions for non-
emergency security or facilities related calls.
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PROCEDURE
1. Extension 8888 should be called in an emergency situation to report:
• violent or extremely serious security incidents

• fire, chemical, or other serious building safety related emergencies
• medical emergencies
2. Calling extension 8888 will put the caller in immediate contact with the medical center switchboard
who will then appropriately direct the call.
3. For other Security incidents or service requests from Security, extension 8711 should be called to reach
the 24-hour Security command center.
4. BOC can still be contacted at extension 8096 for facilities related problems.
LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide for measures to be taken and procedures to be followed in the
event that a lockdown of the main building, and satellite buildings of the Penn State Milton S.
Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine becomes necessary.
POLICY
In the event of a disaster requiring lockdown and restricted access and egress to the main building,
and satellite buildings of the Medical Center and College of Medicine, (e.g. mass casualties from
chemical spill disaster, avian flu outbreak, or terrorist attack at nearby facilities, with numerous
infected or contaminated persons arriving at or converging on the medical center), several actions will
have to take place and certain access and egress procedures will have to be strictly followed by all
staff, patients, and visitors, in addition to those external disaster protocols currently existing in the
facility’s Disaster Manual. For purposes of this policy the main building shall be considered the
continuous connection of the hospital and college crescent (including the college south wings), the
hospital south and east additions, the Biomedical Research Building, and the UPC complex. Satellite
Buildings will include Animal Research Facility, MRI Building, Long Lane Building, University
Fitness/Conference Center, Life Lion Hangar, Academic Support Building, Sipe Avenue
Communications Center, Eastmoor Building, 30 Hope Drive Practice Site, 35 Hope Drive Practice
Site, Fishburn Practice Site, and Steam Plant Complex.
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PROCEDURE
If a lockdown is ordered either by Disaster Command or Emergency Department Physician in Charge, the
Security dispatcher (x8711) will notify the Derry Township Police of the lockdown and request that the
Police advise the Hershey Fire Department. University EMS will also be notified ASAP by Security.
Disaster Command will facilitate notification of other area hospitals with the information that the
lockdown is occurring.
Lockdown Procedures:
1. The Security dispatcher will remotely secure all exterior entrance card reader doors to the building
within 2 minutes of notification via computer at Security’s dispatch center. The officer assigned to
interior patrol will lock the remaining exterior doors that are unlocked during the day down within 20
minutes.
2. The Security officer assigned to exterior vehicular patrol will be assigned to the Emergency
Department to assist in dealing with requests for access and crowd control.
3. Since the building has numerous exterior stairwell exits, as well as others, (including the card reader
doors mentioned above) it is imperative that word is communicated to as many people as possible
that are in the building when the lockdown takes place not to let anyone in if they are leaving the
building.
a) If a lockdown is called, a plan is in place for campus-wide e-mails and voice mail alerts to be sent
as soon as possible to all persons who have e-mail and voice mail, informing everyone of the
lockdown and advising them not to allow anyone in the building. Persons should be strongly
urged not to leave the building.
b) PSUTXT alerts will be sent to cell phones of PSUTXT subscribers; an alert will be placed on the
front page of the Infonet; and overhead pages will also be performed to this effect.
c) Persons will be advised through these communications that the only entrance and exit permitted
during the lockdown will be at the North Hospital Temporary Main Entrance and the College of
Medicine Main Entrance. No access or egress should be taking place to or from any other exterior
doors of the building. Disaster Command will assign personnel (including any available
unassigned Security personnel), to control access and egress at these points. Persons manning
these doors must be careful not to allow people to leave the building if someone is standing
outside trying to get in who is seeking treatment. Persons seeking treatment must be directed
toward the E.D. exterior front area for determination as to whether they are not
contaminated/infected. Non-contaminated/infected patients will be permitted to enter E.D. Patient
Entrance, and patients who need to be decontaminated or specially treated will first be seen within
a set perimeter at the E.D. front exterior area, and then will enter the E.D. Ambulance Entrance
for any further medical treatment necessary.
d) Signs will be placed on all locked entrances advising staff to come to the Hospital North
Temporary Main Entrance or the College of Medicine Main Entrance, and advising patients to go
to the Emergency Department for triage. Signs will also be placed inside each exterior door to the
facility advising staff not to leave by these doors if they must leave the building, but rather to exit
at the North Hospital Temporary Main Entrance or the College of Medicine Main Entrance
e) The UPC Bridge would be considered a temporary exterior entrance to the main building, and will
be manned by staff designated by Disaster Command to prevent access to the main building until
all patients are out of the UPC complex. At that point, the UPC complex exterior doors will be
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locked. If there is enough advance notice, the UPC complex will be locked before patients arrive,
and access will be controlled at the UPC II main entrance.
f) The Emergency Department Ambulance Entrance doors are already locked at all times with
touchpad access. The Security dispatcher would lock the Patient Entrance as an integral part of
the lockdown. Access will be granted to the E.D. only under the supervision of Disaster
Command designees.
g) When lockdown condition is lifted, the appropriate doors will be unlocked, (depending on time of
day, etc.) Campus-wide e-mails and voice mails will be sent advising of end to lockdown
procedures, and overhead pages performed. PSUTXT messages will also be sent. The lifting of
the lockdown will also be communicated on the front page of the Infonet
4. Some satellite buildings will be locked remotely by Security, (ASB, Sipe Ave. Communications
Center, Long Lane, 30 Hope Drive, the rear doors of 35 Hope Drive, and front doors of ARF.) Other
buildings will have to be manually locked by staff occupants upon receipt of an e-mail disaster
notification requiring a Lockdown. (Eastmoor, Steam Plant Complex, Fitness Center, MRI Bldg.,
front door of 35 Hope Drive, Life Lion Hangar, rest of ARF). Once the buildings are locked, no one
should be admitted to them unless they display a campus I.D. card. Anyone coming to the doors of
these buildings seeking treatment should be directed to go to the Emergency Department area.
5. Penn State Hershey Practice Sites throughout the region will have individual policies on actions to
take in the event of a lockdown of the main medical center complex depending on the specific
situation that has caused the lockdown.
Firearms On Campus / Weapons and Fireworks Regulations
1. The possession, carrying or use of any weapon, ammunition, or explosive by any

person is prohibited on all University/ Medical Center property except by
authorized law officers and other persons specifically authorized by the
University/Medical Center. No person shall possess, carry or use any fireworks
on University/Medical Center property, except for those authorized by the
University/Medical Center and local governments, to discharge such fireworks as
part of a public display.
2. This policy refers to all weapons defined, simply, as instruments or implements,

which are capable of inflicting serious bodily injury. A detailed list of these
weapons is described in the definition section of Penn State Policy SY12,
Weapons and Fireworks Regulations; see attached.
3. Firearms carried under the license by a Sheriff or Police Chief to a private citizen
are not authorized. Neither is a firearm carried under the Lethal Weapon's
License authorized, unless the Officer is on duty on our campus.
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4. Certain Nursing/Patient Units may have restrictions that may be stricter than
outlined here.
5. Those authorized to carry weapons will be responsible for their actions and for
weapon related incidents.
6. Medical Center personnel will not accept unauthorized weapons for

safekeeping. Those in violation will leave the Medical Center or remove the
weapon from the Medical Center.
7. Security will respond to all calls from Hospital patient areas, regarding a patient
with a weapon. Security will take possession of the weapon, if appropriate, and
will note the following on a Weapons/Evidence Storage Form (see policy 7-8).
a. Name and address of the patient/owner of the weapon

b. Make, model caliber, and serial number of the weapon, if applicable.
c. Establish and document a solid chain of custody from you back to the
patient.
d. Permits or licenses concerning the weapon.
The Security Officer will verify the person's authority to have the weapon.
8. If there is no apparent authority or if there is any doubt about authority, call

Derry Township Police. They will respond and assist you. If there is a violation
of the law, they will take the weapon as evidence. If there is no violation of the
law, the weapon will be returned to you.
9. If there is no violation of the law, the weapon will be unloaded and secured in
the weapons safe, located at Post 2. It shall be returned to the patient upon
completion of treatment.
10. Be sure that Nursing Staff know the final disposition of the weapon for addition to
the patient chart.
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11. Any student or staff member who violates these prohibitions shall be subject to
discipline in accordance with regular University or Hershey Medical Center
procedure, which may include suspension, dismissal, or termination. Any
incidents should be reported as soon as practical. In most cases, notification may
be on the next workday, unless death or serious injury is involved. Further, if
possession is in violation of the law, it will be referred to Derry Township Police
or other appropriate law enforcement authorities immediately.
12. Notifications:
Students
Graduate Student - Dr. Richard Simons
Medical Student - Dr. Richard Simons
Nursing Student – Dr. Mary Beth Clark
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION PLAN
PURPOSE
Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (PSMSHMC) is committed to providing a safe and secure
environment for our patients, visitors and staff. PSMSHMC defines workplace violence as acts or threats
of physical violence, including coercion, intimidation, stalking, or harassment that affect the workplace
and occur on PSMSHMC property.
This prohibition against threats and acts of violence applies to all PSMSHMC staff, volunteers, patients,
and visitors. Violations of this policy by anyone on medical center or other Penn State Milton S. Hershey
Medical Center property is considered misconduct and may lead to disciplinary and/or legal action.
Victims of workplace violence will not be discriminated against.
POLICY
• All PSMSHMC personnel are responsible to maintain a violence free work environment.
• A copy of this plan is available on the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Infonet
website.
• The Workplace Violence Prevention Plan will be evaluated on an annual basis by the Workplace
Violence Assessment Group.
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PSMSHMC has established a Workplace Violence Assessment Group including representation from:
• Department of Security • Department of Psychiatry

• Workers’ Compensation • Department of Safety
• Risk Management Services • Department of Nursing
• Human Resources, PSMSHMC • Environmental Health Services
• Emergency Department • Guest Services
• Domestic Violence Medical • Human Resources, COM
Advocate
The group is responsible for review and recommendations related to:
• Hazard Assessment
• Workplace Security Analysis
• Hazard Control and Prevention
• Development of training and education programs
• Investigation and evaluation of workplace violence incidents
• Record keeping
• Annual evaluation of the plan
Hazard Assessment
A Hazard Assessment will be conducted via review of the following:
• OSHA 2000 logs

• Occurrence Reports
• Workers’ Compensation Reports
• Area Crime Statistics
• Security Reports
• Security Statistics
Workplace Security Analysis

The Department of Security will conduct a workplace analysis of identified areas through the hazard
assessment. The analysis will determine what types of hazards, conditions and/or situations exist that
could place an individual in danger of violence.
Training and Education

Based upon the information gathered during the Hazard Assessment and Workplace Security Analysis,
training programs will be developed and presented to staff by qualified individuals.
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Hazard Control and Prevention

Based upon the information gathered during the Hazard Assessment and Workplace Security Analysis;
the Workplace Violence Assessment Group will make recommendations on engineering control, building
and workplace design, and policy/procedure development and/or changes.
Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents or workplace violence must be reported immediately and a Security Incident Report
completed. Refer to Security Department Policy 9-17 for proper security response procedures. An
incident assessment and action team will be established as necessary. Generally, the group will be
comprised of representation from: involved department Manager/Supervisor, Human Resources,
Administration, and Department of Security. Upon completion of an investigation, the team will make
recommendations as necessary on how to revise the plan to prevent future incidents.
Record Keeping
Records of actual/potential incidents will be kept by Security & Workers’ Compensation Coordinator.
Training on awareness and reporting will be included in Annual Safety Training Modules. Specialized
training will be instituted based on the Workplace Security Analysis. Injuries will be reported through
Security Reports and Workers’ Compensation Logs.
Responsibilities
Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, through employee’s Annual Safety Training Modules, as
well as through New Employee Orientation, will ensure that policy and procedure pertaining to workplace
violence are clearly communicated and understood by all staff members.
Department Managers and Supervisors are expected to enforce all policies and procedures in a fair and
uniform manner.
All staff members are expected to follow all policies and procedures and to immediately report any acts of
violence or threats of violence to The Department of Security and their supervisor.
Regulatory and Reference Guidelines

PSMSHMC’s program follows recommended practices established by; (1) The United Stated
Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration per “Guidelines for Preventing
Workplace Violence for Health Care and Social Service Workers” – OSHA 3148-1996, and (2) the Joint
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations per publication “Security – Keeping the
Health Care Environment Safe” – 1996.
49

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Penn State College of

The Office of Student Affairs prepares the Student

Susan L. Kelley, M.Ed.

Penn State’s Code of Conduct.................................................................................................................. 3

Health Insurance Policy ......................................................................................................................... 27

Academic Progress Committee……………………………………………………………………………34

Workplace Violence Prevention Plan…………………………………………………………….47

Penn State’s Code of Conduct

1. ABUSE/ENDANGERMENT/HAZING OF A PERSON: Physically harming or threatening to harm

3. HARASSMENT CREATING HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT AND HARASSMENT, OR

6. ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS: Illegally possessing, using, distributing, manufacturing, selling or

7. FALSE INFORMATION: Intentionally providing false or inaccurate information or records to

8. THEFT AND OTHER PROPERTY OFFENSES: Stealing, vandalizing, damaging, destroying, or

9. DISRUPTION OF OPERATIONS: Obstruction or disruption of classes, research projects, or other

12. FORGERY/ALTERATION: Making, using or possessing any falsified University document or

15. VIOLATIONS OF UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS: Violating written University policy or

Essential Standards/Education Objectives

Minimum Essential Standards for Matriculation, Promotion & Graduation

1. Perception/Observation - The candidate must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments

Examples of emergency treatment reasonably required of physicians are cardiopulmonary resuscitation,

Policy and Procedure

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Leave of Absence Form

Name_________________________ Class of ___________

I understand the conditions/stipulations of my leave of absence and that written confirmation of

Effective Date_____________ Return Date_______________

Student Signature __________________________________

*Mailing address: __________________________________

*Phone number: ___________________

*Email Address: ___________________

Use of University Name, Symbols and/or Graphic Devices

Visual Communication Standards and Brand Guidelines

Confidentiality of Student Records

STUDENT RECORD POLICY:

Records originating at another institution will be subject to these policies.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL RECORDS:

Other exclusions include:

• Records on students that are made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or

PUBLIC INFORMATION REGARDING STUDENTS:

UNIVERSITY OFFICERS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENT RECORDS:

• Budget Officer of the University,

POLICIES ON DISCLOSURE OF STUDENT RECORDS:

A. DISCLOSURE TO THE STUDENT:

B. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO THIRD PARTIES:

C. DISCLOSURE TO OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS:

D. DISCLOSURE PURSUANT TO JUDICIAL ORDER:

Information concerning a student shall be released if properly subpoenaed pursuant to a judicial,

E. DISCLOSURE PURSUANT TO REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL AID:

F. DISCLOSURE TO FEDERAL AND STATE AUTHORITIES:

G. DISCLOSURE UNDER EMERGENCY CONDITIONS:

H. DISCLOSURE TO EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES OR INSTITUTIONS:

I. DISCLOSURE TO PARENTS OF DEPENDENT STUDENTS:

CHALLENGE OF RECORD ENTRY:

Computer and Network Security

II. RESPONSIBILITIES RELATED TO ACCESS TO AND USE OF COMPUTER AND NETWORK

b. Monitoring user adherence to these policies.

Deans and Administrative Officers - are responsible for:

a. Developing and implementing additional security policies specific to their Colleges or

i. Respecting the physical hardware and network configuration of University-owned networks.

b. Taking reasonable precautions to guard against corruption, compromise or destruction of

III. COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:

IV. REPORTING SECURITY INCIDENTS OR SYSTEM VULNERABILITIES:

SANCTIONS FOR POLICY VIOLATIONS:

Name_______________ Class of _

Effective Date_ Return Date___