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, TCSPP 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, TCSPP does not adopt or endorse AAUP interpretive statements or other policies.

Access Accommodations

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, TCSPP 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 coordinator of access services at the student’s location upon enrollment. The student must 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 accommodation(s), if any, 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.

Accommodations are not retroactive and will be acted upon at the time the student presents said information to the institution.

Additional information about student access available here.

Audio and Visual Recordings

As a general policy, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology records important school events that will most benefit 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 sessions in all delivery modalities (on-ground or online). It is the sole discretion of each faculty member whether to record regular and/or make-up class meetings. Recordings of class sessions are posted on Canvas and accessible only to the faculty member and enrolled students 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 small sections or its entirety, the faculty member must provide students with 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
• Posting in Canvas Class Shell

A student who does not wish to be recorded must inform the faculty member verbally or in writing prior to the recording. The faculty member may continue to hold class without the student present as long as reasonable and adequate accommodations are made for the student to access class content. A student who opts not to be recorded will be assigned an “excused” absence which should not directly impact the student’s performance in the course. Faculty members should never record classes where clinical case material might be discussed or presented. Class sessions that include discussion or presentation of identifying information about unknown 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
• Keynote 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 small sections or its entirety, the event organizer must provide the 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 Communications department.

Please note that private conversations and/or meetings may not be recorded without the informed consent of all parties involved.  Failure to obtain permission to record may result in disciplinary action.

Campus Safety

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

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has a 24/7 recorded information line, 1.800.750.5579, and an Emergency Information webpage, 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 closing information may be found on the University Center of Lake County’s website.

All TCSPP 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

 Washington, D.C. Campus 

 Westwood Campus

Crime Awareness and Campus Security Information

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.

Electronic Signature

In June 2000, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-Sign Act) was signed. The law provides that electronic signatures, contracts, and other records related to a transaction may not be denied legal effect, validity, or enforceability solely because it is an electronic form, or because an electronic signature or electronic record was used in its formation.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology defines an electronic signature as any electronic process signifying an approval to terms, and/or ensuring the integrity of the document, presented in electronic format. An electronic signature identifies and authenticates an individual as the source of any electronic consent or process. In addition, the electronic signature indicates such person’s approval of the information contained in the electronic consent.

An e-signature may be accepted in all situations if requirement of a signature/approval is stated or implied as prescribed under any other TCSPP policy. To the fullest extent permitted by law. TCSPP accepts e-signatures as legally binding and equivalent to handwritten signatures to signify an agreement. TCSPP also reserves the right to designate specific transactions that are to be conducted as e-transactions or maintained as e-records, and that are to be fulfilled by e-signature under this policy. However, this guideline does not supersede situations where laws specifically require a written signature or must meet specific requirements regarding e-signature.

A student may be asked to use electronic signatures to register for courses, accept financial aid awards, pay bills, obtain unofficial transcripts, complete electronic forms, etc. or to increase the efficiency of internal transactions that require authorization. TCSPP may require that students use electronic signatures to conduct certain transactions that previously required handwritten signatures and approvals on paper documents.

It is a violation of this policy for an individual to sign a transaction on behalf of a student unless the student has been granted specific authority by the student. The student must report immediately any suspicious or fraudulent activities related to electronic signatures to any manager or supervisor in the appropriate administrative department or to the Director of Information Technology. A student who falsify electronic signatures or otherwise violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct and criminal prosecution under applicable federal and state laws.

Emergency Text Messaging

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology utilizes Rave, an emergency text messaging notification system, to reach members of the TCSPP community by rapidly transmitting short notifications to a cell phone. TCSPP community members who have not yet registered are encouraged to visit http://www.getrave.com/login/tcsedsystem to submit contact information. Rave does not charge subscribers to send or receive SMS messages. Standard or other messaging charges apply depending upon the wireless carrier plan and subscription details. Once registered, community members may opt out of SMS messaging at any time by texting STOP to 67283 or 226787.

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 the Registrar.

Student Rights

Right to Inspect and Review

A student has the right to inspect and review the education record within forty-five (45) business days after the school receives a written request for access. A written request identifying the record to be inspected should be submitted by the student to the Office of the Registrar. The Campus Registrar or designee will make arrangements for access and notify the student of next steps for inspecting the record. If the Office of the Registrar does not retain the record 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 the education record if the student believes the record is inaccurate or misleading. To request an amendment, the student writes a formal letter to the school official responsible for the record, clearly identifying the part of the record to be changed, and specifying 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 the right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. To request a hearing, the student completes and submits a Request to Amend Educational Record form to the Office of the Registrar. The Campus Registrar 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 record and the denial of requested changes. The formal hearing will be conducted according to the following procedures:

• The student will be permitted to present information and materials in support of the assertion that the record is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise erroneous.
• A representative of TCSPP will be permitted to present information and materials that support 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 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 the student 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 education record, 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 tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill 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 TCSPP
• 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 TCSPP 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.

Right to Restrict Directory Information

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 the Registrar. Once filed, this request becomes a permanent part of the student’s record until the student instructs TCSPP, 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)

Immunizations

For degree-seeking students under the age of 26 attending TCSPP’s Washington, D.C. campus, the D.C. Department of Health requires confirmation of immunization 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. The deadline for submitting the Certificate of Immunity is the add/drop date of the first semester of enrollment. Failure to provide immunization records will result in withdrawal from the institution.

Academic programs based in Illinois and California and are exempt from state immunization requirements.

Minors on Campus

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to providing an educational space free of distractions and conducive to learning.  The presence of minor children on site can be a disruptive factor for students, and it can also present safety and liability issues for the institution. Therefore, appropriate restrictions are placed on bringing minor children to TCSPP’s campuses, sites, and facilities (classrooms, offices, common areas, and grounds).

Unsupervised minors are not permitted in classrooms, research labs, facility grounds, offices or any other common areas. Authorized visits are permitted where minors are accompanied by an adult at all times.

For the purpose of this policy, an authorized visit is defined as:

• A “bring your child to school day” sponsored by the institution.
• A school-sponsored activity that explicitly includes children.
• A short visit, i.e. to pick up a book, drop off a form, meet with an Admissions representative, or tour the campus.
• A department or course event planned especially for minors.

In all of the above instances, minors must be supervised by their parent, guardian, or a paid attendant (e.g. nanny).

Anyone who observes minor children who appear to be unattended should alert a Facilities representative who will attempt to locate the parent, guardian, or paid attendant. If the responsible adult is unable to be located in a reasonable amount of time, the Police Department will be contacted so that local authorities may respond to the matter in accordance with the appropriate city, county, and/or state laws.

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 of Professional Psychology before returning to campus.

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 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.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 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 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 the head of the academic program, campus Dean of Academic Affairs and/or Campus Student Affairs Officer. Any student who feels subjected 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.

Campus SaVE Act

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment for all members of the TCSPP community. The guidelines below are intended to aid TCSPP in preventing and responding to sexual violence as outlined in the Jeanne Clery Act (Clery Act) and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE Act). These guidelines apply to all members of the TCSPP community (students, faculty, and staff), as well as contractors and visitors (collectively, “TCSPP Community Members”).

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology does not tolerate sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, as defined below, in any form. TCSPP Community Members who, after a thorough review of the facts, are found, based on a reasonable belief, to have violated this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal or termination of employment. In extraordinary circumstances, the President may suspend a member of the TCSPP community from participation in activities where there is reasonable belief that serious and immediate harm to others will ensue. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology may institute discipline and other measures regardless of whether the TCSPP Community Member is also facing criminal or civil charges in a court of law.

Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking

Sexual Assault refers to offenses classified as a forcible or non-forcible sex offense under the uniform crime reporting system of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which includes forcible rape, forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, forcible fondling, incest, and statutory rape.

Domestic Violence includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.

Dating Violence refers to violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and where the existence of the relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors - the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between persons in the relationship.

Stalking occurs when an individual engages in a course of conduct directed at the specific person what would cause a reasonable person to fear for personal safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Reporting an Incident

TCSPP Community Members who have experienced a sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, or are aware of incidents of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking experienced by other TCSPP Community Members should immediately report the incident to the local police department.

Victims are not required to report to area law enforcement in order to receive assistance from or pursue any options within TCSPP. For more information about campus security, please visit TCSPP’s Emergency Information page.

Reporting sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking to the police does not commit the victim to further legal action. However, the earlier an incident is reported, the easier it will be for the police to investigate, if the victim decides to proceed with criminal charges.

In addition, a student who has experienced a sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking is also encouraged to report such incidents to TCSPP’s Title IX Coordinator (the Vice President of Student Affairs) at (213) 615-7264.

Employees who have experienced a sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking may also report an incident to the Vice President of Human Resources at (213) 615-7268.

These offices will provide victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking with information about available support services and resources, and also assist any survivor in notifying law enforcement, including the local police, if the survivor elects to do so.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology will assist all members of the TCSPP community by assessing the incident, advising the survivor on how to seek legal protection, and making the survivor aware of medical, counseling, and other support services. If a reported incident did not occur on campus, TCSPP can assist the survivor in notifying the local police department with jurisdiction over the crime. In case of an emergency or ongoing threat, a survivor should get to a safe location and call 911.

Religious Accommodations

A student who wishes to observe religious holidays must inform faculty members in writing. For an on-ground student, notification is required within the first two weeks of the semester. For an Online student, notification is required by the end of the first week of the 7-week term. Timely notification according to the parameters set forth in this policy will allow for reasonable alternative arrangements convenient to both the student and faculty to be made.

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.

A student 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), TCSPP developed a policy in order to combat unlawful file sharing of copyright materials. In particular, TCSPP’s plan requires students, employees and visitors using TCSPP 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 expects that students will use these services in a responsible way for education-related purposes. TCSPP 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.

Service Animals

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology allows service animals on its campuses as a reasonable accommodation only for a student with documented Title 1 (ADA) disabilities.  The service animal must wear appropriate signage to designate its status.  The student must document the request for accommodation with the Division of Student Affairs.

The Facilities department shall be notified of a request to have a service animal on campus, including the date, time, and location of class(es). The service animal must be continuously accompanied by the student.

This policy will be administered and enforced by the Facilities Management team in cooperation with local animal control authorities. The student is responsible for compliance with this policy.  Violation of the policy may result in corrective action under student conduct procedures.

Social Media

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology recognizes that the Internet provides the community with unique opportunities to participate in interactive discussions and share information on particular topics using a wide array of social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, blogs and wikis. A student is advised to use appropriate and professional judgment when using social media. The school expects a student 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 Catalog.

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

Failure to adhere to TCSPP’s social media policy will be considered grounds for discipline, up to and including dismissal from the school. A former student in withdrawn or dismissed status may not claim to be an active student of The Chicago School on any social networking site.

Guidelines

• Social media should never be used in a way that violates any other TCSPP policies or student responsibilities.
• A student may blog or post information or photos and video at their own risk and are personally and legally responsible for personal postings and online comments. The institution 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.
• A student is encouraged to include on personal blogs, blog postings, or websites a disclaimer similar to the following: “The opinions expressed on this (blog, website, etc.) are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology”.
• Personal use of social media should not involve unlawful content or interfere with another student’s learning environment.
• If a student is required to use social media as part of classes or curriculum, the student should do so in compliance with the policies in the Catalog.
• It is recommended that a student 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, client groups, or faculty or staff members of TCSPP.
• A student is encouraged to use good judgment. The student must always strive to be accurate in communications about TCSPP and fellow students.
• A student must be respectful to other students, faculty, and staff of TCSPP and must refrain from posting anything that violates TCSPP policy, including ethnic slurs, sexist comments, discriminatory comments, or obscenity.
• A student may not infringe on copyrights or trademarks. A student may not use images without permission and must properly cite quoted material.
• A student may not use TCSPP logos, trademarks, or other intellectual property without the school’s written permission. The institution monitors the use of its name, copyright, trademarks, website, and other information on the Internet. Requests for permission to use TCSPP brand or intellectual property must be submitted to the National Director of Communications.
• A student must be aware of and remain in compliance with applicable patient confidentiality rules and regulations.
• A student may not transmit confidential information such as educational classifications, psychological diagnoses, psychological reports, and research data in such a way that clients and/or research participants can be identified.
• A student studying abroad are expected to comply with all local legal social media requirements (as long as the requirements do not violate US law) and are expected to be considerate of any subject matter that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory at a regional level, especially with regard to local culture, politics, or religion.
• A student contacted by a member of the media are expected to forward inquiries to the Director of Communications.
• Prior to engaging in any form of social media as a representative of TCSPP, a student must receive permission from the academic department in consultation with the school’s communications staff members.
• A student representing TCSPP in an official capacity via social media, i.e. Student Ambassadors, Community Moderators, or Blog authors shall be held to the same policy conditions as employees of the institution.
• A former student in withdrawn or dismissed status may not claim to be an active student of TCSPP on any social networking site.  A former student who fails to remove references to active status will be subject to a cease and desist order.

Students Affected by Declared Disaster or Emergency

A student who resides in an area located with the United States that is declared a major disaster or emergency area as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security may be eligible for accommodations. A “major disaster or emergency” is defined by FEMA as:

Major disaster: Any natural catastrophe (including hurricane, tornado, storm, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mud slide, snowstorm, or drought) or, regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion, in any part of the United States, which in the determination of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq., to supplement the efforts and available resources of states, local governments, and disaster relief organizations in alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby.

Emergency: Any occasion or instance for which, in the determination of the President of the United States, federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States.

A student affected by a declared disaster or emergency as defined above must contact the advisor, department manager, or department chair within 10 business days (online programs) or 20 business days (on-ground programs) to discuss circumstances and determine whether it is possible to continue with studies during that semester/term. The department representative will engage staff members from the Division of Student Affairs to determine how to best protect the student from potential academic or financial penalties, when possible.

Tobacco, Drug, and Alcohol Regulations

Smoke-Free Environment

Smoking is prohibited, including within 15-feet of building entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes. This smoke-free policy includes cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, and it covers all areas owned or operated by TCSPP. 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. TCSPP, 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 HIV 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 officials, 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.