20 Academic Mistreatment Policy

Understanding Mistreatment in the Learning Environment

At the IUI School of Medicine, maintaining a respectful and inclusive learning environment is essential to supporting all students and faculty’s personal and professional development. Mistreatment refers to behaviors—whether intentional or unintentional—that show a lack of respect for others and disrupt the educational process. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), mistreatment occurs when actions compromise the dignity of individuals and interfere with their ability to learn effectively.

Mistreatment can take many forms, including but not limited to:

• Sexual harassment

• Discrimination or harassment based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics.

• Humiliation or verbal abuse

• Psychological or physical punishment

• Inappropriate use of grading or assessments as punishment

The IUI School of Medicine further recognizes that mistreatment may also include being denied learning opportunities, receiving unjustly low evaluations or grades, or being exposed to offensive remarks based on disability, veteran status, age, or pregnancy.

Why Reporting Matters

Understanding and addressing mistreatment is critical to creating a healthy academic environment. IUI School of Medicine encourages anyone who experiences or observes mistreatment to report it so that concerns can be properly addressed. Prompt reporting allows the institution to respond systematically and effectively, helping to protect learners and uphold the school’s values of equity, respect, and integrity.

How to Report Mistreatment

The primary way to report mistreatment is through the Mistreatment Incident Report Form. When a report is submitted, the appropriate institutional offices are automatically notified to begin a confidential review and response process. Reports can be submitted at any time, and depending on the circumstances and the preferences of the person reporting, action may be taken at a later time to avoid disrupting the learning environment or causing additional distress.

Additional Reporting Options

In addition to the incident report form, learners and faculty can raise concerns by:

• Including comments on course evaluations

• Contacting the IUI Radiography Program Director

• Reaching out to the IU Indianapolis Office of Civil Rights Compliance

For more information about the IUI Academic Mistreatment Policy, please visit https://medicine.iu.edu/about/learning-environment/mistreatment.