Lapses in Professionalism
The College expects and values a high level of professionalism throughout the organization. To recognize issues and intervene in a timely and appropriate manner, the center relies on receiving reports to identify concerns (Baylor login required), as well as individuals offering suggestions for improvements.
Unprofessional verbal, physical or sexual misconduct includes:
- Yelling, shouting, cursing or attempts to intimidate anyone
- Comments that demonstrate racial, gender or religious bias
- Inappropriate touching or pushing
- Inappropriate advances or sexist remarks
- Intimidation or the possibility of retaliation in any form
Code of Conduct
Based on the College's Code of Conduct, examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to:
- Misrepresentation
- Professional misconduct
- Discrimination
- Disrespectful environment
- Harassment
- Inappropriate dress for professional activities
- Misuse of social media
- Lack of confidentiality
- Lack of the highest standards of honesty, accuracy and objectivity, including work in research and with data
- Inappropriate use of College resources
Submit a Report Online
Use this form to submit a report online (Baylor login required).
Cups of Coffee
Perceived lapses in professionalism can be addressed with a “cup of coffee” -- an informal conversation with a member of the Center for Professionalism to promote reflection and self-regulation.
Consultations
Available to discuss approaches for individuals or groups to navigate professionalism challenges.
Reporting a Concern
Before reporting a concern, the center encourages you to discuss your concerns and observations directly with the person involved. If this is not possible, your initial conversation can be with a trusted faculty member or another person with a higher level of authority, such as a department chair or administrator.
To provide a safe environment for reporting any concern, there are a variety of methods to report an issue. No retaliation for any report made in good faith by a member of the College community will be tolerated. Any act of retaliation will result in disciplinary action.
To report a concern contact:
- Center for Professionalism: (713) 798-4553
- Integrity Hotline: (855) 764-7292
- Submit a report online
Types of Reports
Anonymous
If you do not want to be identified, you can call the hotline, explain your concern and you will be given a tracking number. By calling the hotline periodically and providing your tracking number, you can obtain an update on the outcome of your concern.
Confidential
You will submit your contact information but request that this information remain confidential. Your confidentiality will be maintained within the limit of the law.
Identified
You will submit your information at the time of the report and you agree to allow your information to be used in the management of the complaint.
What Happens After a Report is Made?
Reports are reviewed in a timely manner. Extremely egregious behaviors will immediately result in a referral to the College's Faculty Professionalism Review Committee or Human Resources for investigation and action.
Other issues will begin with a "cup of coffee" conversation with a trained group of colleagues. This tract is an early intervention, low-level category of managing unprofessional behavior. A respected colleague who has received specific training will meet with a faculty member who has had a complaint and discuss the issue in a relaxed manner.
The conversation does not require an investigation or documentation. The goal is to alert the individual of the complaint, with the expectation that the behavior will not recur.
In cases where the initial "cup of coffee" conversation does not lead to increased self-awareness and remediation, and there are subsequent complaints, the center will escalate to the necessary intervention.
View a summary of concerns (Baylor login required) reported to the Center of Professionalism and interventions conducted by the Center.
