Student Mistreatment / Learning Environment

Student Learning Environment - group of students in hallway

Learning Environment

Zero Tolerance

UTRGV School of Medicine has a zero-tolerance for student mistreatment. It is committed to maintaining an environment where there is mutual respect between students, teachers, peers, patients, and all members of the education and health care teams. See Teacher Learner Compact and the complete Mistreatment Policy.

To maintain an optimal learning environment, instances of alleged mistreatment will be investigated, and appropriate measures will be taken to stop the mistreatment. Retaliation against reports of mistreatment is not tolerated.

Know Your Role

Students, Faculty, Staff, and Residents all have a role in maintaining a positive learning environment. All parties should know the policies as they relate to them. Anyone who is a victim of mistreatment, a witness to another's mistreatment, or the recipient of a report or outcry about mistreatment, should report the concern.

Know How to Define Mistreatment

The Association of American Medical Colleges defines mistreatment as behavior that shows disrespect for the dignity of others and unreasonably interferes with the learning process. It can take many forms and includes any behavior that humiliates, degrades, demeans, intimidates, or threatens an individual or a group.


More information and examples

Know Your Options for Reporting and Resolution

To be dealt with judiciously and equitably, mistreatment must be reported in a timely and respectful manner. Anonymous reports are permitted. However, your decision to remain anonymous may greatly limit UTRGV's ability to act against parties accused of violating the policy.

You may make reports of suspected mistreatment in any of the following ways:

  1. If there is an immediate risk to life or property, call UT Police: (956) 882-4911 or 911
  2. To report mistreatment or unprofessional behavior in an academic or clinical setting: Go online and make a mistreatment report via Vaqueros Report It
  3. To report mistreatment by staff personnel, contact the direct supervisor or the Office of Human Resources
  4. To report sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, or discrimination, report to the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity
  5. If in doubt - whether to report a concern or to whom to make a report - call the Dean on Call: (956) 296-2502 or submit a report via Student Mistreatment Form
Vaqueros Report It Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) provides an online reporting system, called Vaqueros Report It, which allows students, staff and faculty a way to report any potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct, a concerning student behavior or a complaint. Click for more information

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) provides an online reporting system, called Vaqueros Report It, which allows students, staff and faculty a way to report any potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct, a concerning student behavior or a complaint.

Click for more information
Title IX UTRGV provides resources and reporting options to students, faculty, and staff to address concerns related to sexual misconduct prohibited by Title IX and University policy. Click for more information

UTRGV provides resources and reporting options to students, faculty, and staff to address concerns related to sexual misconduct prohibited by Title IX and University policy.

Click for more information

Additional Resources

Senior Associate Dean

Maurice Clifton, MD, MSEd, MBA


Maurice Clifton, MD, MSEd, MBA

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