Reporting Violations of Law

Within five (5) business days of an incident, all students must report to the Dean of Students office any suspected violations of local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

To the extent the University believes that a disciplinary infraction may also violate applicable laws and ordinances, Sonoran University reserves the right to report such behaviors to proper authorities, in addition to any internal disciplinary action taken by the University according to the Code. Specifically, the unprofessional conduct of registered naturopathic medical students in clinical training (or in academic training, if applicable) is reportable to the State of Arizona Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board, NPBOMEX, in compliance with Arizona statutes. This includes practicing without a license.

Violations

University Policies

Sonoran University considers any behavior that violates University policies and procedures as found in Sonoran University's Student Handbook, Course Catalog, Clinical Handbook, and on MySonoran to be a violation of the Student Code of Professional Conduct.

University Clinical Facilities Regulations

ND students are expected to follow regulations published in the Clinical Handbook, with respect to on-site, off-site, and extended-site clinical facilities. These regulations include, but are not limited to: 

• Maintaining strict patient/doctor confidentiality during clinical training
• Performing a diagnosis, modality, or procedure can only occur with a supervising physician’s permission.
  

Professional Standards

Students are expected to comply with dress codes, exhibit appropriate behaviors, provide good patient/client service, and adhere to other best healthcare practice standards established by the University. ND students are to comply with standards of behavior expected of naturopathic physicians in training, including as a guideline, any applicable Standards of Unprofessional Conduct for Naturopathic Physicians as defined in A.R.S. § 32-1501(31). 

Sanctions for Code Violations

In determining which sanction(s) are appropriate for a violation of the Code, the Dean of Students may consider mitigating and aggravating factors, such as the individual’s prior disciplinary record, the nature of the offense, the severity of any damage, injury, or harm resulting from the violation, the payment of restitution to Sonoran University or to any victims, or any other factors deemed appropriate under the circumstances, including but not limited to the individual’s participation in an approved counseling program.

If a student withdraws from Sonoran University after receiving a notice of possible action concerning discipline, expulsion, or suspension, the University may continue with the sanction after the withdrawal. Sonoran University may record the results of such action in the student’s permanent file and on their official Sonoran University transcript.

Repeated violations of the Code will result in the imposition of progressively more severe sanctions; however, any sanction, including dismissal, may be imposed as appropriate depending upon the severity of the offense under the circumstances, regardless of whether the student is a repeat offender.

The Dean of Students may impose one or more of the following sanctions for a Code violation. The sanctions listed are not exhaustive but are intended to serve as guidelines.

• Notice - A written statement from the Dean of Student’s Office advising the student that an action did not rise to the level of a Code of Conduct Violation but will be considered a violation if the current action continues or is expanded. Notices are meant to provide a learning opportunity for a student to modify behaviors in an effective way before becoming impactful and negative. A copy of the notice will be kept in the Dean of Students Office only but will be used in any future violations as an example of continued counterproductive behavior.
• University Warning - A written statement from the Dean of Students Office advising the student that a violation of the Code has been committed and that further misconduct may result in more severe disciplinary action, including a formal Code sanction. A copy of any warning will be maintained in the student’s file.
• Administrative Hold - A status documented in the Registrar’s office that precludes the student from registering from one or multiple programs, dual enrollment for future quarters, receiving transcripts, or graduating until clearance has been received from the Dean of Students.
• Education and Reflection - Activities with the intent of providing opportunities for students to learn about and reflect on issues related to University policies, their behaviors, and impacts on the community of these behaviors. These may include but are not limited to, coursework, seminars, workshops, research, and written statements of reflection.
• Coaching, Training, or Counseling Support Program - A student may be required to participate in and complete an educational or training support program or counseling.
• Fine or Restitution - A monetary penalty that may include property damage, theft, or other violations that result in cost or inconvenience to others and/or a charge for repair or replacement costs resulting from the violation.
• Restricted Access to University Property - A student’s access to Sonoran University property, including but not limited to research, communication, and computing resources, may be restricted for a specified period or until certain conditions are met.
• Restricted Contact - In cases involving sexual misconduct, harassment, or assault, sanctions may also include actions to minimize contact between the complainant and the responsible student (e.g., delayed course registration, course or clinic rotation changes, and restriction in co-curricular activities).
• Service - Designated work performed for the benefit of the University or the community.
• Disciplinary Probation - A written reprimand for a specified period for violation of regulations. Probationary status may include requirements or restrictions. A failure to meet the requirements or a further violation of University policy during a period of probation may result in suspension or dismissal from one or multiple programs if dually enrolled.
• Suspension - Sonoran University recognizes and exercises three types of suspension. In all cases, a suspended student will not participate in any class, lab, clinical rotation, or Sonoran University-sponsored activities and will not be permitted on the University’s physical property or any University affiliate property during the suspension period without the express consent of the Dean of Students.
  • Disciplinary Suspension - Temporary separation of the student from one or multiple program(s) if dual enrollment for a specified period or until specific conditions, if imposed, have been met. An indication of suspension may appear on the student’s transcript.
  • Interim Action Suspension - An interim suspension of a student for a period prior to the final resolution of a Sonoran University disciplinary proceeding. 
  • Indefinite Suspension - Indefinite suspension, as defined by Sonoran University, is a dismissal from Sonoran University with the possibility, but not the promise of re-admission (reinstatement) at some future time.
• Non-Academic Dismissal or Expulsion - Permanent separation of the student from Sonoran University. An indication of dismissal or expulsion will appear on the student’s transcript. The expelled student will not participate in any University-sponsored activities and will be barred from Sonoran University’s property, systems, and activities (both in-person and virtual). A student who has been issued a non-academic dismissal or is expelled from Sonoran University will be ineligible for re-enrollment or re-admission.