The Student Code of Conduct of both Verto Education and ISI Florence (Verto-ISI Florence) exists to support an environment conducive to the mission, vision, and values of Verto Education and ISI Florence. Through this Code, Verto-ISI Florence seeks to guide the intentional development of personal responsibility, accountability, and respect for others as students discover themselves and the world around them.
General Expectations
Students will be experiencing a new culture and environment where they are guests who are subject to laws that may be different than in their home. As such, students and families should have awareness of the political and societal dynamics of their host location, including the responsibilities of the student to respect the environment, people and socio-cultural practices of the place. Students are required to comply with the requests of all authorities. Verto-ISI Florence will not intervene should a student face arrest or legal consequences as a result of their actions, behaviors, or ignorance of the law.
General Responsibility
The most important element of a safe and successful program experience is the mindful decision making, situational awareness, and management of personal risk by the student. At all times students are responsible for their actions and behaviors, the impacts they have on others, and the consequences of their decisions. Persistent misconduct or disregard for personal safety, where other interventions and disciplinary actions have failed to bring about cooperation and behavior aligned with the Verto-ISI Florence Student Code of Conduct, will result in immediate dismissal.
Communication
Students will conduct respectful and timely communications in person, by phone, and/or electronic means. Students are required to respond to communications upon request by Verto-ISI Florence staff and authorized family members. Failure to respond to communication as required will result in immediate intervention and may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Communication includes, but is not limited to:
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- Notifying authorized family members of safe arrival to the program location and being in regular contact to confirm health and wellness,
- Maintaining a charged and working cellular phone to facilitate communication,
- Sharing their phone number with Verto-ISI Florence staff and authorized family members, and
- Completion of the Independent Travel and Activity Survey (ITAS), or otherwise informing Verto-ISI Florence staff of their safety and location.
Freedom of Expression
Verto-ISI Florence supports every individual’s right to freedom of expression consistent with the forum in which the expression is made. Verto-ISI Florence also recognizes the importance of fostering a culture of tolerance and civility that is a cornerstone for the accomplishment of its educational goals.
Within the classroom, visual and/or aural demonstrations, depictions, or conduct that may be offensive to an individual will not be restricted when there is a legitimate pedagogical context, such as material having an appropriate connection to course subject matter. Similarly, discourse on topics of political, artistic, or social issues that are conducted consistent with the nature of the forum and reasonable institutional limitations (available space, time, and cultural place) that are clear and unambiguous will be supported.
Engaging in expression which is obscene, libelous or slanderous, persistent, and objectively offensive, that is directed toward an individual based upon that individual’s protected status (e.g., sex/gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age) is not a protected form of speech or expression, and can form the basis of a violation of Verto-ISI Florence harassment, bullying or discrimination policies. Other limitations on free speech include: endangering someone or threatening them, inciting violence, using “fighting words” directed at an individual or group that directly provoke violence, defamation, obscenity, and expression that has a discriminatory effect such that it limits or denies someone’s educational or employment access, benefits and/or opportunities. Disruptive behavior, willful disobedience, habitual profanity or vulgarity, or the open and persistent defiance of the authority of, or persistent abuse of, Verto-ISI Florence personnel or Verto-ISI Florence partners will result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.
Religious Expression
Students have the right to exercise their religious convictions and associate with religious, political, and/or other organizations of their choice provided they do so in a manner that respects the rights of other members of the community and complies with the Verto-ISI Florence Student Code of Conduct. (See also General Expectations, General Responsibility).
Health & Wellbeing
Verto-ISI Florence students are responsible for their personal health and wellbeing to include, but not limited to, eating regular, balanced meals, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and taking any prescribed medications accordingly. Neglect of personal wellness, not taking or altering doses of required medication as prescribed, and/or failure to seek help when the student’s mental or physical health is perceived as declining by Verto-ISI Florence staff, will result in immediate intervention and may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Alcohol and other substances
Alcohol may be used by students who are of legal age in the country where the program is located, AFTER successfully completing the required alcohol education module. Alcohol misuse (e.g. combining alcohol with other substances), alcohol abuse (binge drinking, shotgunning, drinking games where intoxication is encouraged), or alcohol intoxication resulting in hospitalization will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.
When alcohol is included as part of a Verto-ISI Florence experiential or academic component, e.g. excursions to traditional distilleries, Verto-ISI Florence staff have exclusive authority to monitor and restrict alcohol use during Verto-ISI Florence experiential and academic components.
Use or abuse of physically or cognitively altering substances is not allowed on Verto-ISI Florence programs, including negotiating the sale of or possession of any paraphernalia associated with substance use. This includes marijuana, marijuana derivatives including CBD or THC products (regardless of local laws), and the sharing or abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs, or other substances. Products that contain hemp-derived CBD oil or are FDA approved and used in the treatment of conditions that have been medically diagnosed by a licensed practitioner are allowed EXCEPT where prohibited under state or international laws. Violations will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.
Assault
Assault, battery, or attempted assault or battery, or any threat of force or violence upon another Verto-ISI Florence student, staff or faculty, or outside community member, including causing, attempting to cause, or threatening to cause physical injury to another person will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.
Bullying/Harassment/Discrimination
Verto-ISI Florence is committed to complying with all requirements as set forth by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”). As such, discrimination on the basis of sex or gender will not be tolerated in any education programs or activities. Such discrimination includes, but is not limited to: sexual harassment, sexual violence, sex or gender-based bullying, hazing, stalking, relationship violence (including domestic violence and dating violence), and failure to provide equal opportunity in admissions, activities, employment, or athletics.
Engaging in intimidating conduct or bullying against another student through words or actions, including direct physical contact, verbal assaults such as teasing or name-calling, social isolation or manipulation in writing, or by leaving associated discriminatory objects where they will be observed by the intended individual, through social media (cyberbullying), electronic communication, and/or recording another without permission/knowledge will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.
Engaging in harassing (repeated, unwanted) or discriminatory behavior based on disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law, in any form will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.
Respect and Inclusion
Verto-ISI Florence students will respect the diversity of identities, beliefs, cultures, and thoughts of others, and strive to be inclusive in all interactions. Community responsibility and respect are of paramount importance in facilitating a learning environment. Intentional or repeated disparaging remarks, exclusive behaviors, or disrespectful actions will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal. (See Freedom of Expression, Religious Expression, and Bullying/Harassment/Discrimination).
Sexual Misconduct/Assault/Exploitation
Sexual misconduct, assault, or sexual exploitation, regardless of conditions of influence, intoxication, or mental duress, will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.
Smoking/Vaping
Tobacco and Nicotine use (e.g vaping) are not allowed in Verto-ISI Florence contracted facilities (e.g. housing accommodations), on Verto-ISI Florence activities, or by anyone/anywhere not permitted by local law. The burning of any substances (e.g. incense, sage) is further not allowed unless part of a recognized Verto-ISI Florence experiential, academic, or cultural activity. Violations will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal. In addition, the use of nicotine replacements (i.e., nicotine patches) is not allowed except by prescription.
Surreptitious Recording
Verto-ISI Florence forbids any conduct that constitutes a computer-related crime under local laws, including the use by a student of any camera, electronic listening, or recording device without the prior consent of the individual being recorded, downloading, retaining, and/or transmission of said recording or images by computer or other electronic means. Such behaviors will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.
Theft
Removing the possessions, consuming food or supplies intended for the personal use of others, or by Verto-ISI Florence Education, or otherwise committing an act of theft or attempting to commit theft, or knowingly receiving property of another individual without their permission, including extortion, is not permitted and will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.
Trespassing/Vandalism
Unauthorized entry to any Verto-ISI Florence property, contracted space, or local facility without permission is considered trespassing, and subject to local laws as well as disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal. Intentional or accidental damage, including the burning, cutting, defacing, or other injuries to any real or personal property owned by the student, other students, Verto-ISI Florence Education, Verto-ISI Florence partners, or the outside community will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.
Weapons
Possession, sale or otherwise furnishing any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous objects, including, but not limited to any facsimile firearm, knife or explosive, or any object of this type, that is used to threaten harm, harm, or otherwise offensively or defensively engage another person, is not permitted and will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.
Willful Misconduct/Negligence
Verto-ISI Florence Education reserves the right to immediately dismiss any student who places the safety of any participant, staff, local community member, or themselves at risk. Willful misconduct and/or negligence, including failure to share information that could prevent injury and/or death, or knowledge that another has been harmed mentally or physically, or which results in injury or death to a student or Verto-ISI Florence personnel or a member of the outside community, will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.
Academic Integrity Statement
Verto-ISI Florence is committed to upholding a culture of academic integrity within our learning community. By participating in a Verto-ISI Florence semester, students commit themselves to produce academic work of integrity that adheres to accurate attribution of sources, appropriate use of data, and acknowledgment of the contributions of others. Cheating or assisting others in cheating on exams, tests, or quizzes; plagiarizing the ideas or language of others; and any other form of dishonesty (including, but not limited to, lying, falsifying documents, or failing to disclose knowledge of an Academic Integrity violation) constitute violations of the Code of Conduct.
It is the responsibility of each student to consult with their faculty if they have questions regarding what violates Verto-ISI Florence’s Code of Academic Integrity. Academic misconduct at Verto-ISI Florence results in automatic Conduct Probation and may result in a failing grade for the course. Violations of academic integrity may also affect matriculation to academic institutions following a Verto-ISI Florence semester.
Academic Violations
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- Plagiarism: the presentation with intent to deceive or with disregard for proper scholarly procedures of significant scope, of any information, ideas, or phrasing of another as if they were one’s own without giving appropriate credit to the original source.
- One commits plagiarism when one includes the words of another without quotation or when one includes the substantive work of another without properly crediting the source with footnotes, quotation marks, or other appropriate citation.
- A student’s intent may be inferred based on the extent and context of the improperly cited material and whether the student has provided a false citation or has manipulated the original text such that a reasonable person may conclude the student did so in order to avoid detection.
- Disregard for proper scholarly procedure that is minimal in scope may be addressed solely as an academic matter, and faculty may determine whether an academic penalty should be applied. Any intentional acts of plagiarism or disregard for the scholarly procedure of a significant scope shall be treated as a violation of the Academic Integrity Code.
- Note: Verto-ISI Florence Education uses plagiarism detection software to identify plagiarism within students’ work.
- Unauthorized Assistance/Collaboration: giving unauthorized aid to another student or receiving unauthorized aid from another person on tests, quizzes, assignments, or examinations. Unauthorized assistance includes, but is not limited to, providing information to another about an assignment or examination prior to the conclusion of the administration of such exams/assignments to all related sections of the course unless permitted by faculty.
- Use of Unauthorized Materials: using or consulting unauthorized materials (including electronic materials) or using unauthorized equipment or devices on tests, quizzes, assignments, or examinations.
- Unauthorized Dual Submission of Previous Academic Work: using any material portion of a paper or project to fulfill the requirements of more than one course unless the student has received prior permission to do so from the appropriate faculty.
- Directions Violation: failing to follow instructions for an assignment or examination despite knowing or having reason to know that such conduct would result in an unfair academic advantage.
- Failing to disclose that another student has committed an Academic Integrity Code violation.
Overt violations of the policies outlined above will warrant a grade of zero on the assignment for the first offense and a failing grade for the course beyond that.
Verto-ISI Florence Disciplinary Process
Verto-ISI Florence seeks to guide the intentional development of personal responsibility, accountability, and respect for others as students discover themselves and the world around them. To facilitate this development, a holistic approach in response to behavioral concerns and issues is embraced by Verto-ISI Florence staff and faculty as they partner with students in the disciplinary process. Behaviours qualifying as violations of academic policy detailed above are also subject to this process.
The disciplinary process will include at minimum:
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- A timely Behavior Education Meeting where the student’s behavior, including decision-making up to the time of alleged violation and the impacts of the behavior, are reviewed and disciplinary actions may be implemented.
- Documentation of all information related to the behavior, alleged violation, and disciplinary actions.
Outcomes of the Behavior Education Meeting may also include the following Disciplinary Actions in response to the behavior concern:
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- Verbal warning that the behavior is in conflict with the Verto-ISI Florence Student Code of Conduct and steps for correcting the behavior
- Written warning that the behavior is in conflict with the Verto-ISI Florence Student Code of Conduct and steps for correcting the behavior
- Sanctions aligned with Verto-ISI Florence’s disciplinary philosophy
- Loss of privileges
- Probation
- Negotiated Withdrawal
- Dismissal
Verto-ISI Florence reserves the right to notify the following parties at anytime during the disciplinary process, and inform students of such notifications, specifically where Verto-ISI Florence is obligated to do so by law:
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- Student’s Enrolled School of Record
- Verto-ISI Florence Partner Institutions
- Emergency Contacts
- Local Authorities
Title IX Statement
Verto-ISI Florence is committed to supporting students and upholding our non-discrimination policy. Under Title IX, discrimination based on sex and gender is prohibited. If you experience an incident of sex- or gender-based discrimination, Verto-ISI Florence encourages you to report it. You do not have to go through the experience alone. Assistance and resources are available, and you are not required to make a formal complaint or participate in an investigation to access them.
If at any point during the semester, you have a need to report any inappropriate activity, want to share something privately, or have a grievance, you may notify your Program Leader or Academic Success Coordinator or email [email protected]. You also have access to the resources at Richard Bland College. To read more about the support services available there, please visit https://www.rbc.edu/my-rbc/title-ix/