CLASSROOM STANDARDS AND STUDENT CONDUCT

While Students are attending school, they are expected to conduct themselves in a manner, which reflects a Massage Therapist’s level of ethics and professionalism, which are defined below in the Montana School of Massage Policies. Policies set forth by Montana School of Massage include the following, but are not limited to:

Inappropriate Behavior
Inappropriate behavior will result in a progressive discipline process that may end in dismissal from MSM. We teach professionalism, intention, and proper draping techniques, and expect Students and staff to adhere to these guidelines.

Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Violation of Sexual Harassment policy
• Violation of Professional Relationship policy
• Persistent tardiness or absenteeism
• Stealing
• Failure to abide by MSM policies


Aggressive and Disruptive Behavior
Aggressive and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. This includes:

• Threatening body language
• Verbal threats
• Any other behavior as reported and investigated by MSM


Nudity and Draping
For liability reasons, you must remain covered AT ALL TIMES! This is a clinic and classroom policy. MSM respects the modesty of the Students, staff, and clients of the Massage Clinic. Nudity: exposure of the genital area and/or of breasts is strictly prohibited. When disrobing as a recipient for massage work in the classroom, please use the designated areas. You must use a sheet or towel to cover yourself while you get on the table. When on the table you will be draped appropriately and professionally, so as to maintain your modesty during the massage experience. Clients in the massage clinic are to undress to their comfort level and lay underneath the sheet and the blanket provided, unassisted by the Student massage therapist. Student Massage Therapists are not allowed to be present in the massage room while a client is dressing or undressing. This also applies to Students who are using a Massage Suite or classroom for homework. At no time should the top sheet be completely removed from the person receiving the massage. Always use proper draping techniques.

Weapons
It is inappropriate to carry any weapon to school. Carrying a weapon in the building or at a school-sanctioned event will result in dismissal from the program. If you have a concealed weapons permit, you cannot carry the weapon while you are in the building or at a school sanctioned event.

Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy
MSM’s sexual harassment policy includes, but is not limited to: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, repeated jokes, innuendos, or comments (written or verbal), of a sexual nature, and any physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Sexual harassment will not be tolerated.

Sexual harassment is against the law and creates a hostile environment.


Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy
MSM is committed to providing an environment for teaching and learning that is not impeded by the presence of illicit drugs or alcohol.

Students and employees who are found to be possessing, using or distributing illicit drugs or any other controlled substance will be subject to full criminal penalties under the laws of the municipality, the United States and the State of Montana. Conviction can result in sanctions including probations, fines, and imprisonment. Therefore any MSM Student who possesses, distributes, or is under the influence (for purposes of this policy, “under the influence” means having one’s behavior altered by the substance) of illicit drugs or alcohol while in class, on school grounds, or at a school-sanctioned event is subject to dismissal. Faculty and Staff have the discretionary power to confront a Student if they discover, either by personal observation or by notification from another person that the Student is in possession of, is distributing, or is under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol. The Student may be asked to leave the school and the Faculty or Staff may notify the proper authorities.

Prescription Drugs
We request that any Student inform their instructor, supervisor or the Director if they are taking psychotropic drugs, mood altering prescription drugs, or over the counter drugs that have behavior-altering side effects, as it may affect their ability to give or receive a massage.


Confidentiality
MSM endeavors at all times to protect the rights of the individual and the well being of all Students, faculty, staff, and clients. Respect of the individual’s privacy and confidentiality is expected at all times. Students’ and Employees’ files are kept confidential and information will not be released from the file to another individual unless a written permission release is signed by the file owner. Permission release forms may be picked up from the Director or Admissions Director. Students may request to view any and all documentation in their own personal file at any time. (Only staff that has access to files may retrieve a Student’s file due to sensitive and personal information) While you are a Student at MSM, you will work with instructors, administrators, fellow Students, massage recipients outside the program, and others who are friends or family members. It is inappropriate to discuss one person’s situation with anyone, unless there is a health or safety concern, in which case, you may consult with Director.

Lost or Stolen Property
MSM is not responsible for lost or stolen property. If an item is lost or presumed stolen, a report should be turned in to the Director or front desk. MSM asks all Students, staff, and faculty to turn in found items to the clinic coordinator, so they may be returned to their rightful owner.

Termination
May occur for violation of classroom standards and student conduct.

If a student is found in violation of any one of the classroom standards and student conduct rules and either a verbal or written complaint has been made, the following proceeding may occur:

Formal incident report is filed and given to the director. The incident is addressed in a timely manner according to the school’s grievance and incident policy. A written notice of incident and disciplinary warning is given to the student. A probation period is automatically applied and lasts the duration of the student’s enrollment. If another incident is filed against a student in the probation period, an automatic suspension or immediate dismissal can be applied to the student depending on the nature of the offense. All disciplinary actions, as result of an incident filed, are shared with MSM company attorney and entered into students’ and MSM files.