In conjunction with the Professional Learning Cycles, the team at your school/district will receive implementation support from a PCE consultant with school and coaching experience to guide the implementation of the work in classrooms.

The PCE consultant will also provide text set recommendations for staff,  customize student materials recommendations and answer any questions throughout the process. 

NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Disaster Recovery Institute (DRI) International, the leading nonprofit in business continuity and resilience education and certification, has announced updates to its Professional Practices for Business Continuity Management. This extensive revision of substance, form, and function was undertaken as part of DRI's ongoing efforts to maintain the relevance and utility of the Professional Practices.

The Professional Practices (PPs) is a body of knowledge designed to assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of business continuity programs, as well as a tool for conducting assessments of existing programs. The Professional Practices is the basis for DRI's flagship Business Continuity Track courses – from review to master level – that have also been revised in accordance with this update.

"For the resilience profession, DRI's Professional Practices are the building blocks for developing business continuity programs," said Chloe Demrovsky, DRI President and CEO. "A committee of subject matter experts worked long and hard to ensure that this latest version provides resilience professionals with the most up-to-date practices, reflecting their needs."

Since the last set of revisions in 2017, the resilience discipline has grown to be more holistic and inclusive as has the technical and business vocabulary. Highlights of the changes and additions include:

• More information on identifying various cyber threats and strategies for remediation by integrating cybersecurity activities into business continuity management, as well as other data backup and technology-specific strategies

• Increased emphasis on preparedness and response activities that reflect major events of the past several years, including the COVID-19 pandemic

• Inclusion of additional crisis communications systems developed since the last update

• Elaboration on regulatory agencies and coordination with legal teams.

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The Professional Practices are available in 10 languages and are available at: https://drii.org/resources/professionalpractices/EN

About DRI International:

Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRI) is the oldest and largest nonprofit that helps organizations around the world prepare for and recover from disasters by providing education, accreditation, and thought leadership in business continuity, disaster recovery, cyber resilience and related fields. Founded in 1988, DRI has certified 20,000+ resilience professionals in 110+ countries and at 95 percent of Fortune 100 companies.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dri-international-releases-update-to-globally-recognized-professional-practices-302009188.html

SOURCE DRI International

Create hubs of innovation: A guiding principle in our work is to create synergies in order to maximize educators’ ability to respond to students’ needs and interests in creative, rigorous, and differentiated ways. The vast intellectual resources of the university and the numerous professionals that we prepare for the region provide us with unique leverage to provide interdisciplinary, research-based responses to the region’s teaching and learning issues and challenges.

Conduct research to inform program development and instruction in our educator preparation programs: Research associates affiliated with CapEd, including a Pathways Research Fellow, conducts a range of research on effective practice for preparing future educators. This research informs the curriculum and instruction in our programs preparing future teachers, special educators, school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, and school social workers.

A sampling of our research:

CapEd sponsors research that marshals faculty expertise, provides students with research experiences, and addresses issues of concern to the region’s educational community. Current research efforts are focused on school climate at a local school, school violence and factors shaping violence prevention and mitigation, and interventions that effectively support English learners with academic writing in high school.

Enhance in-service educator professional learning: Faculty associated with our educator preparation programs routinely engage with in-service educators to share current research, use this research to collaboratively develop applications to pressing problems of practice, and hone skills and expertise so that students are better served and professionals increase their knowledge base and their connection to their fields.

A sampling of our professional learning offerings:

An interprofessional faculty team with expertise in educational leadership, school counseling, and inclusive educational practices is working with a large, comprehensive high school to identify key educational equity issues that will be the focus of their 2019-2020 WASC self-study. Working collaboratively with the school’s Equity Leadership Team, we are surveying students, conducting document analysis, and engaging focus groups.

A faculty team with experts in child/adolescent development, school counseling, and special education is implementing a professional learning series on inclusive practices, particularly related to SB 48, for teachers, parents and school board members associated with a specific charter school district.

A faculty team with expertise in mathematics, science, computer science, and Universal Design for Learning is offering a 5 day summer institute to elementary school teachers interested in best practices for NGSS-aligned, inclusive instruction.
School counseling experts delivered professional learning sessions to high school counselors in a local district to increase their capacity to advise for college/career pathways and to mitigate the summer slump.

Contribute to effective and equitable systems: We partner closely with school districts and agencies serving students and families throughout our region. This vantage point allows us to understand the systemic issues facing our educational partners. Using research and inquiry techniques, we support our partners to develop solutions that can transform systems.

Some of our systems work includes:

Using a nationally-validated survey instrument, we are conducting an exit survey for a partner district to assist them with better understanding patterns of teacher attrition and retention.

With tools from the Society for Human Resource Management, we are working with a local district to better align its new teacher on-boarding practices and protocols as a way to Strengthen teacher retention and efficacy.

As part of a long-term partnership, we are working with local district staff to bring standardization and rigor to its support of schools as they develop their annual Single Plan for Student Achievement.

Amplify student voice through media making and authentic audience. These free, ready-to-use, standards-aligned projects empower your students to share their ideas through audio, video or images that are published on the public Challenge showcase.

Best Practices for Student Professional Conduct

This document is intended to supplement the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine Student Code of Professional Conduct. It is not a substitution for the general ideals and principles outlined in the Code of Professional Conduct. Instead, it is meant to provide a framework with which students, faculty, and staff can think about the practical application of the Code of Professional Conduct. Additionally, this document provides a shared way of talking about the Code of Conduct to foster a sense of communal commitment and understanding. 

The best practices presented in this document are not intended to be comprehensive or necessarily prescriptive. Instead, they serve as a diagnostic tool to facilitate adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct in order that we might maintain the highest standards of excellence, support the healthy development of future physicians, and maintain the primary importance of patient welfare. 

A final note: In the same way patients are best served by members of the healthcare team who seek out others to discuss, learn from, debate with, and look at the patient’s condition from a variety of angles, the same is true when using this document. Issues of conduct, professionalism, and behavior are as complex and diverse as the people they involve, and, except in the most extreme cases, they are multi-layered and often without clear answers. We are all better served when conversations about the ideals and principles in the Code of Conduct — and the elements of this best practices document — are discussed together.

Respect for Ourselves 

We commit to self-evaluation and developing the necessary skills to ensure we are engaged in self-care, particularly in times of increased intensity and stress.

• We will learn how to manage stress and recognize the symptoms of burnout, so that we can mitigate the long-term ramifications to our personal selves and our careers.

• We will develop the skills we need to engage in-the-moment wellness that will help us stay engaged in medical education and training.

We embrace asking for help and seeking out resources to assist us in maintaining our mental, physical, and emotional health and well-being. 

• We will normalize help-seeking behaviors and take advantage of the resources available to us as students. 

• We will be open to talking about the things going on in our lives, with classmates, faculty, and staff, and listening to others when they need to talk. 

We will approach all situations of patient care, whether educational simulations or clinical settings, with clear minds so that our focus can be on learning and providing the best possible care.

•  We will recognize that our personal lives could affect our abilities to care for patients in the most effective way or engage in learning. This means, at times, we will choose to prioritize education and patient care.

  • This might include: refraining from over consuming alcohol during clinical times; refraining completely from use of non-prescribed stimulants; using prescribed stimulants in the proper manner and dosage; to the extent possible, getting adequate sleep during times of patient care. 

Respect for our Classmates 

Maintaining respect and dignity for our fellow students, whether in-person or online. 

• We understand that others do not necessarily share our personal experiences and beliefs, and we recognize the validity and importance bringing a variety of voices into conversations. 

• We will not tolerate discrimination in any forms. This includes, but not limited to cultural, religious, personal beliefs; gender; sexual orientation and identity; disability; race and ethnicity; and age.

• We will speak up against discrimination, in any form. 

• We will purposefully strive to interact with classmates who are different from ourselves.

• We will refrain from using social media as an outlet to express our opinions and feelings about our classmates and colleagues.

• We understand that social networks are public domain and that comments made in these forums regarding other students can have personal and professional ramifications.

Respect our classmates’ learning experience.

• We will demonstrate respect for our classmates and instructors by being punctual and prepared for activities. 

• We will engage in group work, ensuring that all are contributing appropriately. 

• We will be aware of how our actions may affect others in group. 

  • Sometimes this might mean taking a step back, so that others may equally share roles in team activities.

Foster a collaborative environment and community that builds each other up.

• We will support our classmates through sharing appropriate learning resources that have been helpful to us.

• We will strive to support rather than impede others. We are all one team!

  • Unhealthy competitive behaviors and actions only negatively influence everyone’s experience in medical school.

• We will be aware that other stressors may compound the stress of medical education and training. 

• If we notice a classmate is struggling, we will offer to help as much as we are able, including guiding them to the appropriate resources.

• We will strive to assist classmates in maintaining a positive image in all social and public environments.

• We will be aware that our actions as a representative of the school may affect how our peers are viewed. 

  • We will maintain our professional identity for the sake of our classmates and ourselves. 

Respect for our Educators and School 

We recognize that being a student of the Heersink School of Medicine means we are part of an organization larger than ourselves with a history, reputation, and impact that extends beyond our time as students. 

• We will strive to set positive examples for students in classes below our own, and for students who will enter medical school after us.  

• We recognize that, as ambassadors of the school, we determine how others view our institution in the present and years to come.

• We will take the initiative to reach out and be transparent when seeking clarification or advice.

• We will choose to be kind during in-person interactions and correspondence.

We accept that being part of a large, multi-faceted organization means there are rules, policies, and procedures we adhere to, even if the reasons seem unclear. 

We embrace the work of seeking the best for our school, and we commit ourselves to seek clarification, challenge ideas and current thinking, provide feedback, and ask questions in ways that are professional and constructive. 

• We will always strive for positive improvements at our institution.

• After communicating a grievance, we will allow a reasonable amount of time (48 hours) for a response, before reaching out again.

  • When we are dissatisfied or have a complaint, we will criticize the action and not the person, whether an instructor or classmate. Refrain from using inflammatory language and making assumptions about their interactions. 
  • When possible, offer solutions.
  • Follow professional guidelines for submitting a complaint or concern.
  • When in doubt, seek a third party to proofread correspondence.

We accept that we are both represented by and representatives of the Heersink School of Medicine, and that external individuals and groups may base their judgements and perceptions of the School on their interactions and perceptions of us. 

• We will be mindful that our in-person and social media presence reflects on ourselves, but also the school of medicine, as a whole.

• We will conduct ourselves online the same as we do in person.

• We will be respectful and mindful of others, on and off campus.

We welcome the tension that comes with navigating personal autonomy while knowing our decisions and actions may reflect on our classmates, faculty, and administration. 

• As ambassadors of the School, our actions can reflect back on the school in positive and negative ways.

• We will exercise professional judgement in our words, whether spoken aloud or posted online.

  • Recognize that while our thoughts and opinions are valid, they may not reflect the views of the entire class.

  • In all public statements, acknowledge that opinions are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of the students, faculty, staff, and administration of the Heersink School of Medicine, nor the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

• Before posting criticisms of the School of Medicine or calls for change/action online, we will seek guidance from appropriate faculty, staff, or classmates about how and when to express frustration.

We acknowledge that the faculty, staff, and administration are professionals here to help us reach our goals, and we will keep this partnership and professional relationship in focus, particularly when we have disagreements or are providing feedback.

• We seek to always provide feedback in a way that is constructive and direct. 

  • Use professional and non-accusatory language when providing feedback.

• We will be clear and considerate when communicating with others

• When there is a disagreement, we will attempt to remain open-minded of others’ opinions to promote a thoughtful discussion that will reach a positive solution.

• Where there are disagreements and we are uncomfortable with speaking with someone, we will find an appropriate third party to help facilitate the discussion.

Respect for our Patients 

We recognize the centrality of the physician-patient relationship, which forms the basis for effective care and treatment.

• We will not seek to build relationships with patients outside of the appropriate student/doctor-patient context.

• We will allow the patient’s best interest to guide all our decision making and communication.

• We realize that it is our responsibility to communicate clearly for the purpose of patient education and compliance. When we are not satisfied with the level of patient understanding, we will respectfully find the best communication strategy to achieve our goal for the care of the patient.

• When presented with the opportunity to reflect on our own preconceived notions, we will remain mindful that each of us has biases (unconscious or conscious) and will dedicate time to addressing such issues.

We will model the highest levels of professional behavior during patient encounters, whether simulated or real. We will show respect for our patients with all modes of action and behavior. For example:

• We will speak respectfully to our patients.

• We will communicate to others about patients with the highest level of respect.

• We will use best practices for facilitating rapport and trust, including body language cues.

• We will adhere to the standards of dress laid out by the Heersink School of Medicine, as well as those from the clinical settings in which we work.

We will adhere to the legal standards of privacy (regard for the privacy of the person) and confidentiality (protection of their health-related information) as we learn the nuances and complexities of patient confidentiality in real-world situations and cases.

• We will adhere to HIPAA and all relevant state and federal policies pertaining to patient privacy.

• As applicable to our clinical training, we will adhere to the policies of the various hospitals in Birmingham, on the regional campuses, and clinical facilities in which we are working. 

• We will maintain respect of our patients’ privacy in the test room, hallway, and outside of the encounter.

We embrace both the unique tensions of a changing world with new technologies and recognize the timeless responsibility physicians have to guard patient information.

• We will not divulge patient information, including photographs, on any form of social media, unregulated electronic communication, or other digital platform without the written legal consent of the patient or representative.

Respect for our patients is vital for their health outcomes and instrumental for developing an appropriate patient-doctor relationship. Establishing and maintaining respect should be a priority throughout each of our encounters in medical school, setting a firm foundation for our careers. 

• We acknowledge the potential harms of preconceived notions about our patients before and throughout our interactions, remaining mindful that they could undermine the physician-patient relationship.

• We acknowledge our lived experiences might be different from those of our patients. We will refrain from judgment about their words, actions, or beliefs that might detract from the quality of care we provide.

Understand that the time we spend with each patient is essential for providing the best care and both the patient and providers are using valuable time to be present. Both the patient and the student are committing their time to any encounter, and both time commitments are equally worthy of respect. We acknowledge that no time spent caring for patients is wasted.

• We will seek assistance from supervisors when in need of help to provide best care.

• We acknowledge the responsibility to be transparent about any lack of skill or knowledge that could potentially harm a patient. 

• We seek to learn and grow as physicians, and we recognize that it is at times crucial to seek external guidance and information to that end.

Respect for Profession

Maintain a professional presentation within the institution and beyond.

• We will use professional language when interacting with patients, peers, and other members of the health care team.

• We will maintain a professional appearance, in accordance with the stated dress code, for all clinical interactions.

• We will show respect for educational settings and the learning environment as a professional learner.

• We will maintain a professional online presence, recognizing our role as a representative of our School and our profession.

Continuously strive to Strengthen the field of medicine and healthcare for all

• We will demonstrate commitment to curiosity, self-improvement, and lifelong learning. 

• We will work to maintain an updated clinical and scientific knowledge base.

• We will work to advance knowledge by asking questions of unsolved problems.

• We embrace our role as a teacher through sharing knowledge with patients , classmates, and colleagues.

Recognize the “opportunity, responsibility, and obligation” of the practice of medicine

• We will recognize our limitations, and will ask for help when needed

• We will express interest and engagement towards our roles and responsibilities

• We will respond with tact, empathy, and understanding when caring for patients and interacting with classmates and colleagues.

• We understand the unique pressures and sacrifice required of our profession that at times may require prioritizing patient care over personal preferences.

• We will prioritize mutual respect and productive conversation when differences of opinion occur.

Best Practices for Addressing Acts of Misconduct

The complete process and procedures for addressing acts of misconduct can be found in the Student Code of Professional Conduct. While some of the below information is duplicated from the Code of Conduct document, the purpose of this section is to provide some operational and theoretical best practices for how these processes will be followed in the event of a reported act of misconduct. 

• The Heersink School of Medicine will conduct a thorough investigation of any reported violation of the Student Code of Professional Conduct.

• The following questions will direct the investigation.1

  • Act: Was there a potential violation?

  • Knowledge: Did the student know, or should a reasonable student have known that the Act was a violation?

  • Significance: Would tolerating the Act damage the honesty and integrity of our profession or community?
    1Adapted from the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences https://medicine.buffalo.edu/orientation/checklist/code-professional-conduct.html 

• The goal of addressing violations of the Student Code of Professional Conduct will always be the personal and professional growth of the individual(s) involved. However, there may be instances when the behavior is egregious and considered a violation of these standards.  As a result, a student may be sanctioned or dismissed.

Best Practices for Student Engagement with the Code of Professional Conduct

• Students are introduced to the school’s Code of Professional Conduct and best practices, expectations for learner, faculty, and support staff professional behavior, and mechanisms available for reporting unprofessional behavior including mistreatment at the beginning of medical school. This statement, policies, expectations for professional behavior and the reporting mechanisms are covered in detail again prior to the start of clinical coursework during orientation to the clerkships. 

• Students attest to reviewing the Code of Professional Conduct and best practices document during the mandatory annual student credentialing process.  Students are reminded of reporting mechanisms during orientation to each preclinical and clinical course, on the School of Medicine’s websites, and through digital signage in Volker Hall.

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In November 2019, five Saint Louis University School of Education students attended the Annual Conference of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in Nashville, TN, along with SLU early childhood and early childhood special education faculty.

The students — Gwen Cataldo, Madeline Cook, Maya Gross, Dana Meinecke, and Katie Schuller — are all earning their B.A. with either an early childhood or early childhood/early childhood special education concentration. The NAEYC is a nonprofit organization that supports early childhood educators, program administrators, students, and researchers.

The NAEYC conference is the largest early childhood education conference in the world, offering hundreds of presentations and exhibits for attendees. The students each volunteered at the conference and attended sessions featuring the latest information and research in early childhood education. They had the opportunity to select a session track: Teaching with Purpose, Leading with Excellence, Preparing and Engaging Professional Learners, Creating Conditions for Success, or specialized tracks presented in Mandarin or Spanish.

The students were exposed to networking opportunities and able to connect with both their peers and some of the most prominent leaders in the field. Cataldo explained why she appreciated the opportunity to attend the annual NAEYC conference, “I found that much of what I am learning here in the early childhood program at Saint Louis University is preparing me to connect and work with other early childhood educators across the country. While I learned a lot at the conference, I think that my biggest takeaway is that SLU's education program is filled with fantastic faculty and staff who are teaching us things that many educators travel hundreds of miles to learn.”

For information on the early childhood and early childhood special education concentrations through the Saint Louis University School of Education, visit the School of Education website.