Anyone who has experienced or witnessed mistreatment is strongly encouraged to report it using the IU School of Medicine Mistreatment Incident Report Form.
IU School of Medicine abides by the AAMC definition which states that "mistreatment either intentional or unintentional occurs when behavior shows disrespect for the dignity of others and unreasonably interferes with the learning process. Examples of mistreatment include sexual harassment; discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation; humiliation; psychological or physical punishment; and the use of grading and other forms of assessment in a punitive manner.”
Any IU School of Medicine students, staff, or faculty who have experienced or witnessed mistreatment are able and encouraged to submit mistreatment reports. A friend or colleague can also submit a mistreatment report on behalf of the impacted individual.
Anyone who submits a report will be asked to provide the following information: learner status; on which campus, facility and setting did the incident occur; the department and role of the person whose behavior is being reported; which behaviors best describe the event that is being reported; the name of the individual(s) and a description of the incident being reported. Anyone who submits a report is strongly encouraged to provide their name and contact information; however, a report can also be submitted anonymously. Note, if a report is submitted anonymously, IU School of Medicine administration will be limited in the ability to investigate and respond.
Anyone who has experienced mistreatment is strongly encouraged to submit a mistreatment report in a timely manner. We realize retaliation may be one of the biggest concerns in submitting an incident when it occurs; thus, depending on the nature of the incident and preference, the situation may be addressed at a later date to avoid concerns about further disruptions to the learning environment.
No. In fact the system was set up for students to report mistreatment by faculty and/or staff. Any IU School of Medicine learner (student, resident, fellow, or graduate student) can report mistreatment involving faculty, deans, administrators, staff, fellows, residents, medical students, or patients.
Yes. Once a mistreatment report is submitted, it is reviewed by the appropriate institutional authorities. Depending on the nature of the report and preference of the learner, the situation might be handled at a later time to further protect the reporter's identity and avoid further disruptions to the learning environment.
Yes. The impacted individual can choose not to include their name on the report. However, it may be beneficial to include name and contact information for a member of the mistreatment response team to gather further information regarding the incident in order to address it appropriately as well as to offer support to the person reporting the incident.
Retaliation is strictly prohibited, and IU School of Medicine strives to protect all students from retaliation when they report mistreatment. The potential for retaliation will be considered when determining the best course of action for the situation at hand, including waiting to address the situation until after all grades are finalized.
Although the primary and preferred method for reporting mistreatment is via the Mistreatment Incident Report Form, other options for raising concerns exist. Students can add comments on course or clerkship evaluations, contact the Ombuds Office, contact the IU Indianapolis Office of Civil Rights Compliance, consult with a lead advisor, or explore additional reporting options. The mistreatment system maintains records of all prior reports/ incidents, so submitting a report allows the school to know if repeated offenses are happening and more serious action is needed.
The specific activities required in a performance improvement plan depend on the nature of the concerns raised. The ultimate goal of any performance improvement plan is professional development and improvement. For example, when a concern regarding learner mistreatment is raised, the expectations are generally focused on teaching development. Sample activities may include required attendance at sessions of the Academy of Teaching Scholars or Center for Teaching and Learning; a mandatory peer review of teaching; completion of the online module “Understanding and Preventing Learner Mistreatment.” When warranted, DEI training through OIE or FAPD or other resources is also expected.
If you believe a performance improvement plan is warranted for an IU employee, please submit an Honor Code Concern Report Form.