Ethics and Professional Behaviour
Western has a formal Code of Student Conduct that defines the standards of behavior which graduate students are expected to uphold, as well as student behavior that is prohibited (e.g., misconduct involving persons or property). This code outlines the complaint and appeals process and the potential sanctions students may face if it is determined that they have in fact violated the code. The School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) has a distinct policy for addressing graduate student scholastic offenses, such as plagiarism and submitting fraudulent research. This policy outlines the processes for addressing such offenses and the appeals process.
In both cases (i.e., Code violations or scholastic offenses), the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies (Psychology) will generally be the first formal administrative contact, although minor concerns may first be discussed with the faculty member who notices the potential issue.
Above and beyond these broader policies to which all Western graduate students are subject, clinical graduate students are also expected to adhere to the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists as described by the Canadian Psychological Association. In any cases in which a violation of the ethics code is suspected, concerns would be brought to the attention of both the Director of Clinical Training (DCT) and the Associate Chair of Graduate Students. If violation of this code is confirmed, the consequences will vary depending on the severity of the issue (e.g., discussion with the DCT, remediation efforts, expulsion from the program).
Students may appeal an academic decision or ruling in accordance with the appeal procedures. Students have a right to appeal to their graduate programs and, if unsuccessful, to the Vice-Provost (Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies). Some decisions may be appealed further to the Senate Review Board Academic. The Vice-Provost’s rulings in academic matters are final unless overturned or modified on appeal to the Senate Review Board Academic (SRBA).
A decision or ruling remains in effect unless overturned or modified by the individual or body hearing an appeal of that decision or ruling.
