The Sheetz Fellows is a prestigious program at Penn State Altoona, providing generous financial support, unique out-of-classroom experiences, and important skills related to leadership and entrepreneurship for our students. The program is regularly used as a best-in-class example for other campuses and universities. The Sheetz Fellows themselves are ambassadors of both the program and Penn State Altoona on our campus and in our communities. It is critical that Sheetz Fellows conduct themselves in a manner that is not only consistent with the University’s Student Code of Conduct but that also demonstrates the values of the program both within the program and outside of it. Ultimately, continued participation in the Sheetz Fellows Program is not guaranteed. Students who do not conduct themselves appropriately can and will be dismissed from the program.
Disruptive behaviors decrease the productivity, performance, and reputation of the Sheetz Fellows Program. Inappropriate and disruptive behaviors that are not acceptable include:
- Alcohol consumption and illegal substance use any time during Sheetz Fellows travel or events
- Gossiping
- Bullying
- Insubordination, negative attitude, and being rude to others
- Unwillingness to take responsibility for oneself and the needs of a team
- Unprofessional and inappropriate communications
- Inappropriate use of social media
- Violations of the University’s Student Code of Conduct
In order to ensure the continued excellence of the program, we will institute a performance improvement plan for students who violate this Code of Conduct. Students will be identified for a performance improvement plan through 360 evaluations and/or at the discretion of the Sheetz Fellows Program Director. This plan will address concerns with performance and disruptive behavior and may include a loss of program benefits. If a student fails to improve or comply with the performance improvement plan, the following actions may be taken:
- Loss of scholarships
- Loss of travel privileges
- Immediate dismissal from the Sheetz Fellows Program
Sheetz Fellows who are placed on a performance improvement plan will receive one “second chance” to improve. If a student successfully completes a performance improvement plan and then subsequently has a decline in performance, behavior or otherwise violates this Code of Conduct for a second time, that student may be immediately dismissed from the program without further notice and opportunity for improvement.
Overall, the purpose of this Code of Conduct is to continue to improve and maintain the strong entrepreneurial and leadership-oriented culture of the Sheetz Fellows Program.