A University is judged in many ways. One way in which a University is judged is through the conduct and behavior of its students. As a representative of the Forensic Science Program every student should express a courteous, cheerful, and cooperative attitude toward the public, employees, and fellow students. Tact, dependability, punctuality, neat appearance, efficient use of time, satisfactory work performance, a cooperative attitude, and team spirit, and a friendly attitude are all traits which should be the hallmark of your future career.

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Professional Ethics
A sound foundation in professional ethics is essential to all forensic science practitioners.  Note that while a course is not dedicated to “ethics”, examples of ethical considerations are distributed across the forensic science curriculum.  Students are referred to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Good Forensic Practice Guidelines and the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) Code of Ethics as found in this Handbook.  Students are also referred to other publications which emphasize ethical dilemmas which are unique, but not limited to forensic science, such as Peter Barnett’s Ethics in Forensic Science Professional Standards for the Practice of Criminalistics, CRC Press, 2001.

Behavior
Students will read and follow the MU Forensic Science Program Policy on Professional Ethics to include Privacy and Confidentiality issues. Students will observe established safety rules of the program.

Appearance
It is the policy of the Forensic Science Program that each student’s dress, grooming, and personal hygiene be appropriate to the work/classroom situation.  Students participating in internships are expected to dress in a manner acceptable to law enforcement or other forensic-based establishments.  A businesslike appearance is recommended.  Skirts and shorts of an inappropriate length, soiled clothing, or shoes are considered inappropriate attire for the forensic science professional. Hair should be clean and neat.  Regardless of length, unkempt hair is inappropriate.  Beard/mustaches should be neatly trimmed.

Attendance Policy
Students enrolled in the Forensic Science Program are expected to attend all classes, laboratories, seminars, internship sessions, and presentations offered by guest speakers.

Course Attendance: It is the responsibility of each individual instructor to evaluate the importance of student class attendance. Accordingly, each instructor prepares at the beginning of each semester a written statement setting forth his or her policy for consideration of unexcused absences, make-up examinations, and related matters, which will be in force for the semester. This statement is filed with the program and a statement of policy on attendance appropriate to each class is made available to students. 

Absences from Examinations: Students are required to take all regular examinations. If a student attends a course throughout the semester and is absent from the final examination without permission, the instructor counts the examination as zero and reports a final grade of F. If the absence is the result of legitimate illness or some other valid reason beyond the control of the student, the grade of I is reported, and the student may take the examination at a later date. Only legitimate reasons will be considered when students are absent from exams.

Medical Illness: Personal illness or illness of a close family member is valid excuse for missing class. A written physician’s note may be requested based on the requirements of the instructor(s) for a given course. 

Death of Immediate Family Member: Absences such as those resulting from a death in the family are to be excused when a student reports and verifies them with the Program Director. There is no penalty for excused absences. 

Professional Travel: Often national, regional and local forensic science meetings are scheduled during class time. It is not a policy of the Forensic Science Program to cancel classes for students to attend meetings. With the approval of all instructors, class schedules may be changed to accommodate approved class travel. The Forensic Science Program at Marshall University , Marshall University and the West Virginia Policy Board for Higher Education are not liable for accidents or injuries incurred during trips within or out of the state.

Failure to Comply
Should it be necessary for action to be taken against a student due to noncompliance, the student will receive a verbal warning (first offense) prior to a written warning (second offense). Should a third offense of similar nature occur; a formal complaint will be prepared for review by the Forensic Science Graduate Committee. All occurrences and remedial actions will be documented, discussed and signed by the student, and placed in the student’s file.