Graduate Business Programs Statement of Responsibilities and Professional Standards of Conduct

Student Responsibility

All official communication from the University and Graduate Business Programs is sent to the student’s Santa Clara University email address.

The student is personally responsible for knowing all the academic regulations in the Graduate Business Programs in which they are enrolled. Failure to understand these regulations and requirements does not relieve the student of responsibility.  This includes but is not limited to grading, holds, honor code, professionalism, leave of absence, withdrawal, concurrent enrollment policies, and deadlines (add, drop, swap, late fees, tuition payments, refund policy, etc.), and graduation requirements. Additional information can be found in the Academic Information section, Chapter 5.

The student is responsible for resolving any holds placed on their student record.  

Honor Code

As an institution of higher education rooted in the Jesuit tradition, Santa Clara University is committed to creating and sustaining an environment that facilitates students’ academic, personal, and ethical development. This commitment balances freedom of individual choice and expression with the expectation that individual members of the community will:

  • Be honest
  • Demonstrate self-respect and respect for others
  • Demonstrate respect for the law and University policies, procedures, and standards.

Engaging in any form of academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism (representing the work or ideas of others as one’s own without giving proper acknowledgment), cheating (e.g., using unauthorized resources or assistance on coursework, copying the work of another person, falsifying data, sabotaging the work of others, and the unauthorized use of electronics, media, or data), or other acts generally understood to be dishonest by faculty or students in an academic context will subject the student to disciplinary action.

Every student is required to sign the honor code and adhere to its conditions. Any students who violate the terms and conditions of this agreement will face disciplinary action from their faculty and, if merited, the University.

Professional Standards of Conduct Agreement

Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business expects its Graduate Business Students to uphold high standards of professional conduct in addition to adhering to the university's Student Conduct Code. Our goal is to cultivate professionals and leaders who embody competence, conscience, and compassion, and are prepared to make positive contributions to their communities and society at large. To this end, all students are expected to abide by the following Professional Standards of Conduct outlined below.

As an enrolled Student at Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business, the Student agrees as follows:

ON-CAMPUS, OFF-CAMPUS, AND ONLINE INTERACTIONS

The Student agrees to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times while participating in the Program: on-campus, off-campus, and in online interactions.

  1. The Student shall treat all faculty, staff, and fellow students with respect and dignity, fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying in any form.
  2. The Student shall refrain from engaging in behavior that disrupts the learning environment or negatively impacts the experiences of others in the Program.
  3. The Student agrees to be honest, accountable, trustworthy, and flexible in their interactions with classmates, faculty, and staff.
  4. The Student shall actively seek opportunities for professional growth and development offered by the Program, including workshops, seminars, and networking events.
  5.  The Student shall engage in reflective practices to assess their own strengths and areas for improvement, seeking feedback from faculty and peers when necessary.

ETHICAL BEHAVIOR

Students must demonstrate integrity, honesty and openness in their interactions with students, faculty, and staff. Students must adhere to the Santa Clara University Student Code of Conduct and standards of Academic Integrity at all times.

  1. The Student shall remain honest and demonstrate integrity in all interactions. The Student agrees to be accountable, trustworthy and communicative in interactions with other students, faculty, and staff.
  2. The Student shall uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty in all academic pursuits, including assignments, exams, and research.
  3. The Student shall not engage in plagiarism, cheating, or any other form of academic dishonesty, as outlined in the Program's academic integrity policy.

DEFINING RESPECT

Students must demonstrate respect for their fellow classmates, staff, and faculty through both their words and actions.

  1. The Student agrees to address others politely by using respectful language and appropriate titles (e.g., Dr., Mr., Ms., Professor).
  2. The Student agrees to refrain from using derogatory or offensive language, including profanity, insults, and threatening language.
  3. The Student agrees to listen attentively to others without interrupting and acknowledging their viewpoints and concerns.
  4. The Student agrees to engage in constructive dialogue and express opinions or disagreements in a respectful and tactful manner.
  5. The Student agrees to be mindful of others' feelings, needs, and boundaries, and act in ways that demonstrate consideration and empathy.
  6. The Student agrees to arrive on time for any appointments, meetings, and classes, and to reliably fulfill commitments as promised.
  7.  The Student agrees to respect others' personal space and boundaries, and refrain from behaviors that make others feel uncomfortable.
  8.  The Student agrees to value diversity and treat everyone with fairness and dignity, regardless of differences in background, age, religion, beliefs, or identity.

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION

Students are expected to arrive on time and remain for the entire session for all classes as specified in each course's syllabus.  Active engagement in class discussions and completion of homework and project assignments are essential components of participation. This commitment extends to actively participating in virtual discussions through platforms such as Camino or Canvas, as well as attending optional Office Hours.

  1. The Student agrees to remain attentive and focused during class.
  2. The Student agrees to attend class and/or office hours fully prepared, having completed any required readings, reviewed relevant lectures, and finished assignments or formulated questions in advance.
  3. In case of absence, the Student agrees to notify the appropriate faculty or staff member as soon as possible and make arrangements to catch up on missed work.

COMMUNICATION

Prompt and transparent communication is required when: seeking assistance, informing about unavoidable class absences, missing assignments, projects, or exams, dropping or swapping classes, and addressing any other factors that could potentially impact the Student’s academic success.

  1. The Student agrees to address any issues directly with faculty or graduate program staff rather than their classmates.
  2. The Student agrees to communicate promptly and respectfully with faculty, staff, and fellow Students, both verbally and in writing.
  3. The Student shall use professional language and tone in all communications, whether in person, via email, or through any other medium.
  4. The Student shall check their Program-provided email regularly and respond promptly to all communications from faculty, staff, and classmates.
  5. The Student agrees to adhere to the designated deadlines as outlined in the Academic Calendar and syllabus for every enrolled course.

COLLABORATION & TEAMWORK

Students are expected to collaborate effectively in team settings, demonstrating active listening, punctuality, and commitment to deadlines. Constructive feedback should be given and received openly, with a focus on supporting team goals and resolving conflicts.

  1. The Student agrees to engage in collaborative activities, discussions, and projects with enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute.
  2. The Student agrees to take initiative to offer ideas, ask questions, and seek clarification when needed.
  3. The Student agrees to demonstrate a proactive and inclusive approach to teamwork.
  4. The Student agrees to collaborate with peers to problem-solve and overcome challenges, leveraging the collective expertise and creativity of the group.
  5. The Student agrees to fulfill assigned tasks and responsibilities effectively, ensuring that work is completed to a high standard.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Students should address team conflicts or conflicts with other students, faculty or staff promptly and directly, evaluating the causes of conflict and seeking resolution through respectful dialogue and mediation with those affected, involving faculty or staff if necessary. Proactive use of available resources is encouraged when internal attempts at resolution are unsuccessful.

COMPLIANCE

Each Student is required to sign this Professional Standards of Conduct Agreement and adhere to its conditions. The Student agrees to comply with all policies, rules, and regulations of the University and the Program, as outlined in official Program documents and communicated by faculty and staff. Failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement may constitute a violation of the Student Conduct Code and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the Program. The Professional Standards of Conduct set forth in this Agreement may be amended or modified in writing by the Program at any time upon written notice to the Student, and the Student agrees to follow all such amendments or modifications.  

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all in-person class sessions. Specific attendance requirements are set by the faculty in the syllabi of individual courses and are binding. Students should select courses carefully in a quarter when an unavoidable absence is necessary. Attendance during the first week of the quarter is critical. Failure to attend does not result in automatic removal from a class. Students are responsible for withdrawing from courses if they are unable to meet attendance requirements.

Completion Requirements

The full requirements for the MBA and MSIS degree must be completed within six (6) years of admission, including leaves of absence and any other break in attendance. For MSM, MSFA, and MSBA, the full requirements must be completed within (3) three years of admission, including leaves of absence and any other break in attendance.

Requests for an extension beyond the six-year/three-year completion period must be submitted in writing, accompanied by a detailed plan outlining how and when the requirements will be met. Approval of extension requests is subject to the discretion of the Senior Director, Graduate Business Programs Academic Support and Records, relevant to the student's program of study.

Graduation Petition Process

In order to graduate, all students must complete and submit an online Petition to Graduate form. The information provided in the petition will be used to order and mail the diploma and list all graduates’ names in the SCU commencement book. If this data changes after the petition has been submitted, students must contact the Graduate Business Programs Office.

To be eligible to graduate, Graduate Business students must complete:

  • All required coursework with passing grades specific to the year in which they began the program
  • The required number of units specific to the year in which they began the program
  • The program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • AND, not have any I or N grades on their transcripts
  • Completed all necessary Career Requirements specific to the program

Deadlines to submit a Petition to Graduate are listed in the Graduate Business Academic Calendar. Students that complete their degree in August, December, March or June will be eligible to participate in the June Commencement activities.

Commencement “Early Walker” Eligibility

SCU hosts one graduate Commencement ceremony each year, at the end of the Spring term.  As a courtesy, the Programs Team offers graduates who have a limited number of course units left to complete their degree, to walk in the Commencement ceremony before their degree is completed.  To be eligible a student must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have 10 or fewer course units remaining at the end of Spring term
  • Have completed a Summer Petition to Graduate form
  • Be in good academic standing

An “early walker” request form will be distributed to eligible students during Winter term.