University of Pikeville

Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
147 Sycamore Street
Pikeville, Kentucky 41501
(606) 218-5251
kycomadmissions@upike.edu

 

KYCOM students are expected to conduct themselves professionally and ethically. All members of the KYCOM community are obligated to maintain the highest standards of integrity with regard to personal and professional conduct. Additional information regarding professionalism can be found in the KYCOM Student Handbook.

Professionalism standards at KYCOM are upheld by the Student Ethics Council, Graduate and Health Professions Student Affairs office and the Promotion and Matriculation Committee.

kycom students in anatomy lab

Civility

Civility is a core component of professionalism. KYCOM prioritizes civility to promote the pursuit of shared ideas, effective communication, inclusivity, social responsibly and community engagement. This includes engaging appropriate interpersonal communication, authentic leadership and empowerment. Incivility has a negative impact on the well-being of others and interferes with the educational environment.

Dress Code

All KYCOM students are expected to dress professionally at all times and be attentive to personal hygiene. Professional attire includes the following:

  • Button-down shirts (with or without ties), sweaters, professional tops and/or blouses should be worn; Avoid low-cut necklines and exposed midriffs.
  • Suit jackets, blazers and cardigans are all appropriate.
  • Professional pants, trousers, khakis, skirts or dresses are appropriate; jeans and shorts should not be worn. Legs should be covered to the knee.
  • Dress shoes with a low or flat heel are recommended. No open-toed shoes, flip-flops or porous shoes.
  • Scrubs and KYCOM sweatshirts (no hoodies) are appropriate for labs.
  • Avoid clothing with rips, tears or frayed edges.
  • All clothing should allow for an appropriate range of movement.
  • Jewelry should be minimal.
  • Avoid cologne, perfumes and strong scents.
  • Tattoos are recommended to be covered.

Punctuality

All KYCOM students are expected to arrive at lectures, practicals and other scheduled activities on time. Excused absences must be requested in advance using the Excused Absence Form. If you experience an emergency, please contact the Graduate and Health Professions Student Affairs office at ghpsa@upike.edu or (606) 218-5400.

Social Media and Email Etiquette

KYCOM students are expected to adhere to standards of professionalism and abide by applicable laws, policies, and rules that govern privacy (e.g., HIPPA). No video documentation of clinical and/or educational events is permitted without prior consent. Activity on social media is subject to the UPIKE Code of Conduct.

Abusive or insensitive language in an email is an inappropriate use of computing resources. Use of electronic means to send harassing, obscene, profane, intimidating or unlawful messages is prohibited. It is the student’s responsibility to check, read and respond to official communication from UPIKE and KYCOM.

Student Ethics Council (SEC)

The KYCOM Student Ethics Council oversees and facilitates student adherence to professional conduct principles. Terms are for one year except for the At-Large First-Year Student position, which is a two-year term. The Student Ethics Council consists of the following positions:

  • KYCOM Second-Year Student (Chair)
  • KYCOM SGA President, Member
  • KYCOM First-Year Class President, Member
  • KYCOM Second-Year Class President, Member
  • KYCOM First-Year Student (At-Large), Member (two-year term; becomes SEC Chair during second year)
  • Assistant Dean of Graduate and Health Professions Student Affairs, Advisor
SEC Grievance form

Promotion and Matriculation Committee (P&M)

The KYCOM P&M Committee is comprised of administrators, faculty and staff. The committee serves under the auspices of the KYCOM Faculty Congress and the Student Conduct Process. Members of this committee will promote the ethical and professional development of KYCOM students. A faculty member serves as chair. The committee shall consist of nine members voting, including:

  • KYCOM Faculty (three positions)
  • Associate Dean of Biomedical Sciences
  • Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
  • Associate Dean of Osteopathic Medical Education
  • Associate Dean of Osteopathic Principles and Practices Integration
  • Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs
  • Assistant Dean of Graduate and Health Professions Student Affairs

Non-voting members may occasionally be requested to attend P&M Committee meetings to provide specific input on a student’s progress towards graduation.  The need for a non-voting committee member to attend P&M Committee meetings is determined on a case-by-case basis.

UPIKE Incident Report form