Office of Compliance

The mission of the Office of Compliance is to promote compliant and ethical conduct with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

We strive to create the framework for a culture of integrity, accountability and commitment to the community through training, guidance, and regular communication.

Education and Training

The Office of Compliance designs and facilitates required, annual Compliance and Ethics training for all faculty and staff. Recorded training sessions are available for viewing through our faculty and staff portal.

For questions regarding AWSOM compliance or to request training sessions, please contact us.

Reporting a Concern

Employees and students are expected to conduct business with integrity and in full compliance with laws, regulations, and AWSOM operating policies and procedures. Voicing concerns about non-compliant or unethical behavior is essential to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of our community.

How to report suspicion of non-compliant or unethical behavior
  • Normal administrative channels (i.e. reporting to the appropriate supervisor)
  • Contact the Chief Compliance Officer
  • Email compliance@alwmed.org
  • Compliance Hotline
    • You can submit concerns anonymously or with optional contact information at 877-842-1250
    • The Compliance Hotline is a toll-free, 24-hour resource managed by an independent, third-party, and may be used to report a variety of ethical, integrity, safety, security and compliance concerns by anyone, including, but not limited to, students, faculty, staff, patients, vendors, contractors, and visitors.
    • You can also submit a concerns anonymously through the forms for Faculty, Staff, and Stakeholders or Students

Disclosure within or outside AWSOM may be required by law or may be necessary in order to enforce AWSOM’s policies. However, disclosure, if any, will only be made to those persons with a legitimate need to know the information.

Individuals providing good-faith reports of compliance concerns and information regarding possible illegal activities on campus are protected from retaliation and retribution.

Title IX

We are committed to the well-being of individuals and communities through maintaining a learning and working environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on sex, in accordance with the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. 

What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. AWSOM protects against sex discrimination and prohibits conduct including but not limited to sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and discrimination based on sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy and parenting status. 

How does AWSOM support Title IX?
The Title IX Coordinator provides support to AWSOM by implementing preventative initiatives, offering supportive measures, and conducting fair and thorough processes when a grievance occurs. Some examples of our supportive measures include: 

  • Counseling 
  • Advocating for extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments 
  • Modifications of work or class schedules 
  • Campus escort services 
  • Mutual restrictions on contact between the parties 

To raise concerns, file a complaint or learn more about resources, please contact our Title IX Coordinator at  TitleIX@alwmed.org. Inquiries about the application of Title IX may also be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights. 

 

Pregnancy and Parenting

Balancing pregnancy or parenthood with the academic rigor of medical school can be challenging. In our commitment to empowering future physicians to care for their patients as well as themselves, the Office of Compliance,  along with the Office of Student Affairs, is here to support students with resources and accommodations. 

Title IX Protections
Consistent with our obligations under  Title IX, AWSOM protects pregnant and parenting students from discrimination and provides reasonable accommodations to students based on pregnancy or other related conditions. This support extends to students during postpartum recovery, including recovery from childbirth, loss of pregnancy, and other medical conditions related to pregnancy. 

Reasonable Accommodations
The School offers individualized support and reasonable accommodations based on each unique situation and doctor’s recommendations. Some examples of accommodations for students may include, but are not limited to: 

  • Reviewing lectures online
  • Rescheduling of tests or exams 
  • A larger desk 
  • Breaks during class, as needed 
  • On-site lactation rooms 
  • Assignment of an Incomplete grade, if eligible​ 
  • Allowing “Withdrawal” with refund, if eligible 
  • Submitting work after a deadline missed due to pregnancy or childbirth​ 

 

 

AWSOM Office of Compliance

James Dockery, JD, LLM | Chief Compliance Officer/Title IX Coordinator

Sarah Kislingbury, MA | Legal Project Manager

James Hopper, MS | Title IX Investigator

Contact: Email