Institutional Policies

Academic Freedom

It is the policy of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology to encourage freedom of inquiry, discourse, teaching, research, and publication and to protect members of the faculty against influences that would restrict the exercise of these academic freedoms in areas of scholarly interest. As such, The Chicago School subscribes to the principles of academic freedom formulated by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) as summarized below:¹

¹ By adopting the AAUP statement regarding academic freedom, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology does not adopt or endorse AAUP interpretive statements or other policies.

Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology acknowledges its ethical and statutory responsibility to afford equal treatment and equal opportunity to all persons and thus affirms its policy of compliance with all applicable laws and directives that promulgate nondiscrimination and equality of opportunity through affirmative action. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology prohibits discrimination and harassment against its employees, students, and applicants based on race, gender, religion, age, national origin of ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, marital or parental status, arrest record, military discharge status, or any other impermissible reason. TCSPP prohibits behaviors that include but are not limited to any unwelcome, deliberate or repeated unsolicited verbal, physical, visual, or sexual contact, or solicitations of favors that are offensive, abusive, intimidating, hostile, denigrating, or demeaning.

Harassment can take many different forms. Examples of verbal harassment include derogatory comments, slurs, accusations, or negative stereotyping. Physical harassment examples include assault, impeding movement, or any physical interference with normal work, or movement directed at an individual, as well as visual forms including cartoons, drawings, graphic materials, or derogatory posters.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology further prohibits behaviors that inappropriately assert sexuality as relevant, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communications constituting sexual harassment, including sexual violence. Sexual harassment is unsolicited, offensive behavior that inappropriately asserts sexuality over status as an employee or student. Sexual harassment can take many different forms and is defined as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual violence is a form of sexual harassment prohibited by Title IX. When a student sexually harasses another student, the harassing conduct creates a hostile environment if the conduct is sufficiently serious that it interferes with or limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the institution’s program.  A single or isolated incident of sexual harassment may create a hostile environment if the incident is sufficiently severe. Examples of verbal sexual harassment include sexual innuendo, suggestive comments, insults, humor and jokes about sex or gender-specific traits, sexual propositions, and threats in campus-based classes as well as online environments. Nonverbal harassment includes suggestive or insulting sounds, leering, whistling, and obscene gestures. Physical sexual harassment includes touching, pinching, brushing the body, assault, and coerced sexual contact including, but not limited to, intercourse.

TCSPP also bars retaliation against an employee, student, or applicant who files a good faith complaint of discrimination/harassment or otherwise participates in an investigation relating to the same.

Reporting Conduct That Violates this Policy

Anyone who feels that s/he has been subject to unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation (whether by faculty members, employees, site supervisors, visitors, or other students) should bring the issue to the immediate attention of his/her program chair or academic head of the program, campus dean of academic affairs and/or campus student affairs officer. Any student who feels that s/he has been subject to sexual harassment or sexual violence should bring the issue to the immediate attention of the campus student affairs officer. The campus student affairs officer will report such incidents immediately to the Vice President of Student Affairs who serves at TCSPP’s Title IX Coordinator. A thorough review of the facts and circumstances of each situation will be undertaken to determine whether particular conduct constitutes harassment under this policy. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible.

Individuals who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the institution.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), also known as the Buckley Amendment (20 USC S. 1232g), affords students certain rights with respect to their education records.  For purposes of compliance with FERPA, The Chicago School considers all students independent.  Questions about FERPA and student records may be directed to the Office of Student Affairs.

Student Rights

Right to Inspect and Review

A student has the right to inspect and review his/her education records within forty-five (45) business days after the school receives a written request for access. A written request identifying the record(s) to be inspected should be submitted by the student to the Office of Student Affairs. The director or designee will make arrangements for access and notify the student of next steps for inspecting the records. If the Office of Student Affairs does not retain the records requested, the student will be advised of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

Right to Request Amendments

A student has the right to request an amendment of his/her or his education records if s/he believes the record is inaccurate or misleading. To request an amendment, the student should write a formal letter to the school official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record to be changed, and specify why the record is inaccurate or misleading.

Right to Request a Hearing

The institution has the right to decide whether to amend a student’s education record as requested by the student. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the school will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. To request a hearing, the student should complete and submit a Request to Amend Education Record form to the chief student affairs officer. The chief student affairs officer will refer the request to the Vice President of Student Affairs, who will act as the hearing officer regarding all challenges to the accuracy of educational records and the denial of requested changes. The formal hearing will be conducted according to the following procedures: 

1. The student will be permitted to present information and materials in support of his/her assertion that the record is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise erroneous. A representative of The Chicago School will be permitted to present information and materials that supports the school’s position. Each party will be present during the hearing and may challenge information and materials of the other party. If a student is unable to attend the hearing in person due to distance (such as students participating in Online-Blended programs), the student may be offered the opportunity to participate via a phone conference. The hearing officer will render a decision on the matter generally within five (5) business days after the conclusion of the hearing. FERPA does not provide a process to be used to question substantive judgments, which are correctly recorded. For example, the rights of challenge do not allow a student to contest a grade in a course because s/he believes a higher grade should have been assigned.

Right to Consent to Disclosures

A student has the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position; a person or company with whom the school has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent, or official of the U.S. Department of Education or other federal agency); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology may disclose education records in certain other circumstances:

• to comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena
• to appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency
• to officials of another school, upon request, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll
• in connection with a student’s request for or receipt of financial aid, as necessary to determine the eligibility, amount, or conditions of the financial aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid
• to certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General, to state and local educational authorities in connection with certain state or federally supported education programs
• to accrediting organizations to carry out their functions
• to organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of The Chicago School
• the results of an institutional disciplinary proceeding against the alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence may be released to the alleged victim of that crime with respect to that crime

Right to File a Complaint

A student has the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by The Chicago School to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC, 20202-5920.

A student has the right to restrict the release of “directory information” except to school officials with legitimate educational interests and others as indicated above. To restrict the release of directory information, a student must make the request in writing to the Office of Student Affairs. Once filed, this request becomes a permanent part of the student’s record until the student instructs The Chicago School, in writing, to remove the request.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology designates the following as public or “directory information”:

• Student name
• Mailing address(es)
• Email address(es)
• Telephone number(s)
• Major field of study
• Degree sought
• Expected date of completion of degree requirements and graduation
• Degrees and awards received
• Dates of attendance
• Full- or part-time enrollment status
• Previous educational agency or institution attended
• Participation in officially recognized activities
• Photograph(s)

Religious Observance

Students who wish to observe religious holidays must inform their instructors in writing within the first two weeks of each semester/term of their intent to observe the holiday so that reasonable alternative arrangements convenient to both students and faculty can be made.

Campus Security

Any student who believes s/he has been the victim of a crime on or around school premises should report the incident to their supervisor, Campus Dean, Campus President, Facilities and/or Human Resources as soon as possible and provide assistance with the investigation, as necessary.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has a 24/7 recorded information line, 1.800.750.5579, and an Emergency Information webpage, 911.thechicagoschool.edu, that contains information, guidelines, and resource links. All of these outlets will accompany campus email as a means to help disseminate information in the event of a campus emergency, global class cancellation, or school closing. Grayslake Campus closings may be found on the University Center of Lake County’s website.

All Chicago School campuses utilize security cameras both at public entry points, throughout common areas on campus, and in select computer labs. This security camera system is not used for 24/7 monitoring, but as a tool for capturing and archiving footage to help law enforcement investigate a crime if one were to occur.

Chicago Campus

      
Grayslake Campus 

Irvine Campus 

Los Angeles Campus 

Online-Blended Programs 

Washington, D.C. Campus 

Westwood Campus 

Emergency Text Messaging

TCSPP, in partnership with TCS Education System and Rave Mobile Safety, utilizes an emergency text messaging notification system to reach members of the TCSPP community by rapidly transmitting short notifications by text message to a cell phone. TCSPP members who have not yet registered are encouraged to visit http://www.getrave.com/login/tcsedsystem to enter their contact information. Rave does not charge subscribers to send or receive SMS messages. Standard or other messaging charges apply depending upon your wireless carrier plan and subscription details. Once registered, participants may opt out of SMS messaging at any time by texting STOP to 67283 or 226787.

Crime Awareness and Campus Security Information Report

The institution publishes an annual security report which includes information on the following:

• Campus policies on reporting criminal actions and other emergencies
• Security and access to campus facilities
• Campus law enforcement
• Crime prevention programs
• Policy on the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs
• Drug and alcohol abuse programs
• Crime statistics

To view a copy of the latest Crime Awareness and Campus Security Information Report, visit the Emergency Information page on the school website. A separate report is created for each campus as required by law.

 Accommodation for Students with Disabilities

In pursuit of its mission and in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The Chicago School is committed to providing qualified students with disabilities equal access to academic courses, programs, and school activities.  A student seeking accommodation for a disability should contact the Educational Support Services coordinator at the student’s location as soon as possible, and provide materials from a healthcare provider explaining and documenting the disability, the prognosis, the barriers the student faces given the disability, and suggestions for accommodations that are designed to overcome the barriers without imposing an undue burden on the school and/or fundamentally altering the nature of the service, program or activity at issue.

The decision as to what, if any, accommodation(s) will be provided lies with the school. Reasonable accommodations may include adaptations in the way specific course requirements are accomplished, the use of auxiliary equipment and support staff, and other modifications including testing procedures. Such aids and services are determined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the student who has identified the need for accommodation.

Additional information about disability support services available here.

Tobacco, Drug, and Alcohol Regulations and Policies

Smoke-Free Environment

The Chicago School campuses are smoke-free. In addition, smoking is not permitted within fifteen (15) feet of any entrances. If a local law or ordinance provides greater protection for the rights of non-smokers, it shall apply.

Drug-Free Environment

In compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) of 1986 as amended in 1989, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology explicitly prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs by students or employees on school premises or as part of any of its activities. In addition, the school prohibits the misuse of legal drugs including alcohol.

Legal Sanctions Under Federal and State Law

Federal penalties and sanctions for illegal possession of a controlled substance are as follow.

• First conviction: up to one year imprisonment or a fine of at least $1,000
• After one prior drug conviction: at least 15 days in prison, not to exceed two years, and a fine of at least $2,500 but not more than $250,000, or both
• After two or more prior drug convictions: at least 90 days in prison, not to exceed three years, and a fine of at least $5,000
• Special sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine: mandatory sentencing of at least five years in prison, not to exceed 20 years, and a fine of up to $250,000, or both, if the first conviction and amount of crack possessed exceeds five grams, the second crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds three grams, third or subsequent crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds one gram
• Forfeiture of personal property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance, if that offense is punishable by more than a one-year imprisonment
• Forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft, and any other conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance
• Civil penalty of up to $10,000
• Denial of federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses, for up to one year for first offense or up to five years for second and subsequent offenses
• Ineligibility to receive or purchase a firearm.
• Revocation of certain federal licenses and benefits, (for example, pilot licenses, public housing tenancy, and so on.) as vested within the authorities of individual federal agencies
• Any person convicted of drug trafficking occurring within 1,000 feet of an academic institution is subject to prison terms and fines twice as high as listed above with a mandatory prison sentence of one year for each offense

This list has been included for reference purposes only.  The most current information can be found on the website of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

General State Laws of Alcohol Possession and Consumption

Individuals younger than 21 years old may not purchase, accept as a gift, or possess alcoholic beverages on any street or highway or other public place. Consumption by minors is expressly prohibited. Licensees to sell alcoholic beverages are prohibited from selling, giving, or delivering alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 years of age. It is unlawful for anyone of legal age to purchase or obtain alcoholic beverages and then sell, give, or deliver them to a minor.

Institutional Policy on Alcohol Consumption

Beverage alcohol may be served to and consumed by persons of legal drinking age on school premises or practicum and internships sites in conjunction with a specifically authorized function. Individuals consuming alcohol should do so in a responsible manner.

Sanctions to Be Imposed on Students Who Violate Regulations and Policies

As a condition of matriculation to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, students agree to abide by the terms of these regulations and policies and agree to notify The Chicago School of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring on campus no later than five (5) business days after such conviction. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, through the Student Affairs Committee or campus leadership, will take appropriate action (consistent with local, state, and federal law) against a student who violates the standards of conduct contained herein, up to and including dismissal from the institution and referral for prosecution.

Health Risks Associated with Use of Illicit Drugs, the Misuse of Legal Drugs, and Alcohol Abuse

There are health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and abuse of legal drugs and alcohol including impaired functioning of the following major organs: liver, kidneys, brain, and other aspects of the central nervous system including impaired immune functioning and impaired lung and pulmonary functioning. The effects are both immediate and long-term. Immediate effects include impaired judgment, impaired attention span, and impaired gross and fine motor control. Long-term effects include the risk of premature death. The use of needles to inject drugs into the blood stream engenders the risk of contracting AIDS or hepatitis. These health risks may affect one’s daily life activities, as well as familial, social, and working relationships.

Drug and alcohol abuse causes physical and emotional dependence, in which users may develop a craving for a particular substance. Thus, their bodies may respond to the presence of such substances in ways that lead to increased drug and alcohol use.

Certain drugs, such as opiates, barbiturates, alcohol and nicotine create physical dependence. With prolonged use, these drugs become part of the body chemistry. When a regular user stops taking the drug, the body experiences the physiological trauma known as withdrawal.

Psychological dependence occurs when taking drugs becomes the center of the user’s life. Drugs have an effect on the mind and body for weeks or even months after drug use has stopped. Drugs and alcohol can interfere with memory, sensation, and perception. They distort experiences and cause loss of self control that can lead users to harm others as well as themselves.

Counseling, Treatment, or Rehabilitation Programs

Any student who fails to abide by the terms of the Tobacco, Drug, and Alcohol Regulations and Policies may be required to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a federal, state or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency. Specific programs of counseling or rehabilitation are available within the greater Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas, and Orange County.

Reproduction of Materials

The photocopying or reproduction by other means of copyrighted materials is a right granted under the federal Copyright Act that defines the rights of a copyright holder and how they may be enforced against an infringer. The unauthorized reproduction and distribution of copyrighted material is strictly prohibited. Students identified as having violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including but not limited to dismissal from the institution, or legal action as appropriate, or both.

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys’ fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.

All students of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology are subject to the restrictions imposed by the Copyright Act. The copyright law applies to all forms of photocopying, whether it is undertaken at a commercial copying center, at the school’s copying facilities, or at a self-service machine.

Reproduction of copyrighted material without prior permission of the copyright owner is prohibited except as permitted under the doctrine of “fair use”, an exception that must not be abused. The “fair use” doctrine allows, under certain conditions, the reproduction of copyrighted material for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. 

Students must exercise prudent judgment when reproducing the works of others so as to not violate the copyright law. Any concern about a student’s reproduction of materials should be brought to the attention of the student’s Department Chair/Lead Faculty or Vice President of Student Affairs.

For more information, please visit U.S. Copyright Office website, especially their FAQ.

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) Notification and Response Plan

In compliance with additional requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008 and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), The Chicago School developed a policy in order to combat unlawful file sharing of copyright materials. In particular, The Chicago School’s plan requires students, employees and visitors using Chicago School networks or computers to comply with pertinent U.S. and international copyright laws. Failure to comply with the policies in the DMCA plan may result in disciplinary action as well as civil and criminal penalties. The full policy can be found here.

Acceptable Use of Online Services

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides students with access to online services such as the Internet. The school expect that students will use these services in a responsible way for education related purposes. The School does not allow inappropriate use such as accessing, downloading from, or contributing to sites that contain gross, indecent, or sexually-oriented content, gambling activities and the like.

Audio and Video Recordings of Classrooms and Events

The Chicago School’s general policy is to record important school events that will most benefit our students, faculty and staff. This policy applies to audio, video or other electronic recordings of TCSPP events, including classes and non-class events.

Classes

Classes include regular and make up classes within all delivery modes (on-ground, blended or online). It is within the sole discretion of each professor whether to record regular and/or make-up class meetings. Recordings of classes are posted automatically on eCollege for each class where they are accessible only to the instructor and enrolled members of the course for the duration of the course. These recordings may be reproduced, edited, or distributed for educational purposes within The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

When recording a class in either its entirety or in small sections, the professor must provide his/her students prior notice through one or all of the following methods:

• Verbal announcement to students at start of the class session
• Attendance sign-in sheet with notice
• Placement of sign in classroom/lecture hall
• Syllabi notice
• Posted in eCollege Class Shell

Students who do not wish to be recorded must inform the instructor verbally or in writing prior to the recording. The instructor may continue to hold class without the student present as long as reasonable and adequate accommodations are made for the student to access content. Refusal to attend a recorded class is considered an “excused” absence and should not directly impact a student’s performance in the course. Instructors should never record classes where clinical case material might be discussed or presented. Classes that discuss or present identifying information about unknowing third parties should not be recorded.

Non-Class Events

Non-Class Events, which may be simple or complex, include those sponsored or coordinated by The Chicago School of Professional Psychology or one of its departments such as:

• Career Services sessions or panels
• Academic Success or Faculty Development Workshops
• Events with guest speakers
• Faculty Colloquia
• Key Note Speakers
• Presidential Addresses

These recordings may be reproduced, edited, duplicated, or distributed for educational or marketing purposes within The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

When recording an event in either its entirety or in small sections, the event organizer must provide his/her audience prior notice through one or all of the following methods:

• Verbal announcement to audience at the start of the event
• Attendance sign-in sheet with notice
• Placement of sign in room/lecture hall
• Notice in Promotional Materials

For further information regarding the recording of Class and Non-Class events contact The National Center for Teaching and Learning.

Social Media Policy

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology recognizes that the Internet provides our community with unique opportunities to participate in interactive discussions and share information on particular topics using a wide variety of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and wikis. However, students are advised to use appropriate and professional judgment when using social media. TCSPP expects its students to adhere to the following guidelines and rules regarding use of social media. Furthermore, TCSPP encourages open and transparent dialogue consistent with the ethical and professional comportment guidelines set forth in the Student Handbook.

When participating in any social networking activity, students are representing themselves and also TCSPP. This policy is not intended to restrict the ability to have an online presence or to mandate what students can and cannot say or post. Social networking is a very valuable tool, and TCSPP encourages the responsible involvement of all students in this space.

Failure to adhere to TCSPP’s social media policy will be considered grounds for discipline, up to and including dismissal from TCSPP. 

GUIDELINES

• Social media should never be used in a way that violates any other TCSPP policies or student responsibilities.
• Student may blog or post information or photos and video at their own risk and are personally and legally responsible for their personal postings and online comments. TCSPP does not assume any liability or risk for a student’s blogging or posting online. The following are illustrative of the types of relevant laws implicated by the use of social media tools, but it is not intended to be comprehensive: privacy, libel, defamation, harassment, copyright, data theft, disclosure of material non-public information, and disclosure of confidential intellectual property or trade secret information.
• Personal use of social media should not involve unlawful content or interfere with other student’s learning environment.
• If a student is required to use social media as part of classes or curriculum, s/he should do so in compliance with the policies in the Student Handbook.
• It is recommended that students refrain from posting any content, including photos and video, that is harassing, discriminatory, defamatory, threatening, disparaging, libelous, or otherwise illegal or injurious to other students or faculty or staff members of TCSPP.
• Students are encouraged to use good judgment. They must strive always to be accurate in communications about TCSPP and fellow students.
• Students must be respectful to their students, faculty, and staff of TCSPP. They must refrain from posting anything that violates TCSPP policy, including ethnic slurs, sexist comments, discriminatory comments, or obscenity.
• Students may not infringe on copyrights or trademarks. Students may not use images without permission, and must properly cite quoted material.
• Students may not use TCSPP logos, trademarks, or other intellectual property without TCSPP’s written permission. TCSPP monitors the use of its name, copyright, trademarks, website, and other information on the Internet.
• Students must be aware of and remain in compliance with applicable patient confidentiality rules and regulations.

 Immunization Policy

For students attending The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, D.C. campus, the D.C. Department of Health requires confirmation of immunization for all degree students under the age of 26 prior to enrollment in school. The following immunizations or tests are required: Tetanus/Diphtheria (Td), Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR), Hepatitis B (Hep B), and Varicella (Chicken Pox). 

Students must submit a Certificate of Immunity  along with proof of immunization as part of the enrollment process. Please see instructions included with the certificate of immunity for additional information.

TCSPP campuses in Illinois and California are exempt from state immunization requirements. 

 Physician’s Release

 A student who has been on medical leave due to communicable illness for a specified duration of time must provide a physician’s release to The Chicago School before s/he may return to campus.