DPT Code of Citizenship

Department of Physical Therapy: A Code of Citizenship

"Knowledge Joined with Love"

As a graduate student, adult learner and member of the Department of Physical Therapy at Alvernia University, I live by the core Franciscan values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality.  As a future Doctor of Physical Therapy, I respect the core values of the American Physical Therapy Association that include, but are not limited to, accountability, altruism, compassion/caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty, and social responsibility.  I understand that these values are considered essential functions of a Doctor of Physical Therapy and are integral to effective and ethical practice, a skill which must be exemplified within the student phase of a DPT career.   

Professionalism, as defined within the AU Community Standards includes, but is not limited to, being respectful of other’s thoughts and opinions, obeying rules and procedures, demonstrating respectful communication with faculty, staff and peers in person and in writing, avoiding profanity, gossip and demeaning dialogue, demonstrating teamwork and collegiality, informing faculty and supervisors of absences and tardiness, and maintaining favorable relationships with others. 

I understand my critical contribution to the Department’s “Culture of Excellence” and commit to embrace and support these basic values and standards of citizenship.  I understand that my failure to consistently uphold these values and standards, as outlined within the DPT Policies & Procedures Manual and determined by the Department faculty, may result in consequences up to and including dismissal from the Program.  

Notification of Breaches in Citizenship Standards

As a graduate student, adult learner and member of the Department of Physical Therapy at Alvernia University, I live by the core Franciscan values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality.  As a future Doctor of Physical Therapy, I respect the core values of the American Physical Therapy Association that include, but are not limited to, accountability, altruism, compassion/caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty, and social responsibility.  I understand that these values are considered essential functions of a Doctor of Physical Therapy and are integral to effective and ethical practice, a skill which must be exemplified within the student phase of a DPT career.   

Professionalism, as defined within the AU Community Standards includes, but is not limited to, being respectful of other’s thoughts and opinions, obeying rules and procedures, demonstrating respectful communication with faculty, staff and peers in person and in writing, avoiding profanity, gossip and demeaning dialogue, demonstrating teamwork and collegiality, informing faculty and supervisors of absences and tardiness, and maintaining favorable relationships with others. 

I understand my critical contribution to the Department’s “Culture of Excellence” and commit to embrace and support these basic values and standards of citizenship.  I understand that my failure to consistently uphold these values and standards, as outlined within the DPT Policies & Procedures Manual and determined by the Department faculty, may result in consequences up to and including dismissal from the Program.  

• Unprofessional verbal and/or non-verbal communication during learning experiences, or within interactions with fellow students, core faculty, associated faculty, clinical faculty, or other external stakeholders.
• Unprofessional communication or failure to communicate via electronic media (email, etc) in an effective, professional or timely manner.  This includes violation of the Social Media policy of the University or Department. 
• Failure to meet faculty expectations relative to positive engagement or contribution to the learning environment.
• Failure to meet faculty expectations relative to positive engagement or contribution to the learning environment.
• Demeaning and distracting behavior or language within the learning environment; demeaning behaviors toward any individual internal or external to the program is unacceptable at any time. 
• Failure to assume personal responsibility for behaviors and actions.
• Failure to meet established contribution requirements of volunteerism, service, community engagement, and other non-academic opportunities within the program.

For more information regarding the process of accreditation, please contact the:

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
Phone: 703-706-3245
Email: accreditation@apta.org