Professional Conduct

In the Department of Child Studies and Social Work, professional orientation is an important aspect of what we do.

This includes the following:

• The student’s professional contribution to a broader community.
• A professional approach to all interactions.
• The student’s dedication, demeanour, and commitment as a professional in the field of Child Studies.
  

These behaviours include; appropriate dress, punctuality, professional communication (written and oral), respectful interactions, accountability for actions, and follows agency policy and university protocols including cellphones and electronic devices. The student is required to demonstrate confidentiality regarding children, youth, families and staff at all times. See practicum evaluations for specific guidelines.

These behaviours must be reflected in the classroom, e-learning, and practicum attendance and conduct. The student’s behaviour will be held to the highest standards within the classroom and the experiential learning site. Bachelor of Child Studies students in any experiential learning opportunities in the community are representing Mount Royal University and the Department of Child Studies and Social Work. Any behaviours that would harm this relationship or the reputation of Mount Royal University or the Department of Child Studies and Social Work, could be considered non-academic misconduct. Please refer to the Office of Student Community Standards.

Student misconduct (outlined in the MRU Student Community Standards and/or a violation of the professional behaviours and/or standards of practice or violation of governmental statutes could result in the failure of a course, or expulsion from the program.
If a student violates these codes, they will be reported to the MRU Student Community Standards for academic violations found in the Academic Regulations section of the Mount Royal University Calendar.

If the student exhibits irresponsible and non-professional behaviour in the experiential learning setting, the Site Supervisor and/or the Faculty Supervisor will do the following:

Site Supervisor will:

• Document the incident(s) describing the behaviour, the time and place of the occurrence, and the precipitating factors
• Advise the student that the incident will be documented and presented to the Faculty Supervisor
• Work with the Faculty Supervisor to resolve the issue
  

Faculty Supervisor will:

• Advise the student that the documentation will be shared with the Field Director and potentially the Major Coordinator
• Meet with the student to discuss their side of the situation
• Advise the student that the disposition of the case will be documented and shared with the appropriate parties. Depending on the severity of the incident or the behaviour, the Office of Student Community Standards will be informed and their process will be followed
• Serious incidents may result in the student being placed on a learning contract, or failing the course due to not meeting course requirement or a report could be submitted to the Office of Student Community Standards
  

**Note – The same process will be applied if the misconduct occurs outside of the experiential learning site (ie. seminar and/or classroom)