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General Academic Policies

Absence Authorization for University Sponsored Events
Students representing an official University or College organization, group or athletic team who plan to attend an event, which necessitates absence from a required experience, must obtain approval from the appropriate faculty. The student must obtain an absence authorization form from the College Office of Student Affairs and have it signed by the relevant faculty member at least one week prior to the anticipated absence. The completed form must be returned immediately to the College Office of Student Affairs. Whenever feasible, faculty will attempt to facilitate the student's participation in the event and will arrange make-up of the missed experiences.

Academic Advising

Students are encouraged to seek assistance from faculty and advisors as soon as academic problems occur. For course related problems students should contact the faculty member. All faculty members are required to maintain office hours for academic counseling. All students should feel free to seek out faculty members and advisors for support or career counseling. For most effective service students are encouraged to make appointments with faculty and staff.

Undergraduate Students

The Office of Student Affairs is responsible for general advising and program planning for baccalaureate students. The Baccalaureate Academic Advisor provides service for the traditional baccalaureate students. The RN/BSN Academic Advisor provides service RN/BSN students.

Graduate Students
Each matriculated graduate student is assigned an academic advisor. Students are encouraged to seek assistant as soon as academic problems occur. A change in advisors may be requested from the appropriate Department Head, the Director of the Doctoral Component of the Graduate Program or the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Department Heads, the Director of the Doctoral Component of the Graduate Program or advisors are notified of each student's progress at the end of each quarter by the Office of Student Affairs by way of duplicate grade reports. Students who are in academic difficulty will have their records referred by the Office of Student Affairs to the Admission and Progression Committee for review and recommendation.

Policy on Academic Integrity

The College of Nursing abides by the University Rules as set forth and adheres to the Charter Rights and Responsibilities. The Students Code of Conduct and related procedures are in the policy and are available from a variety of Campus resources, including www.uc.edu/conduct/Academic_Integrity.html, the Office of the Ombudsman and the University Office of Student Affairs. Students are expected to know and follow the rules that are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. The College of Nursing has professional standards that all students in the College or enrolled in College courses must follow.

Code of Conduct for Student Nurses

1. Adhere to the American Nurse Association Code of Ethics for Nurses www.nursingworld.org/ethics/codes.
2. Adhere to the Ohio Board of Nursing Student Conduct Rules that may be found at http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/4723-5-12, see Section B.
3. Adhere to professional standards including those related to cheating, fabrication, failure of omission, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism and professional behaviors.
4. Are punctual in reporting for clinical experience, wearing clothing that adheres to College of Nursing and agency guidelines.
5. Are prepared for all clinical experiences.
6. Communicate in a professional manner with faculty, clients and agency personnel in all settings.
7. Seek opportunities for professional growth.
8. Performs within the role of a professional nurse under the supervision of College faculty and agency professional.

Key Definitions

Cheating

University Policy: Any dishonesty or deception in fulfilling the academic requirements such as

1. Use and possession of unauthorized material or technology devices during an examination, an examination meaning any written or oral work submitted for evaluation or grade.
2. Obtaining assistance with answers to examination questions from another person with or without that person’s knowledge.
3. Furnishing assistance with or answers to examination questions to another person.
4. Possessing, using, distributing, or selling unauthorized copies of an examination or computer program.
5. Representing as one’s own examination taken by another person.
6. Taking an examination in place of another person.
7. Obtaining unauthorized access to the computer files of another person or agency or altering or destroying those files.

College of Nursing: In addition to University Policy the College of Nursing has additional statements that include

1. Copying the written work of another person on process papers, care maps or any project submitted for evaluation and or grade with or without that person’s knowledge.
2. Copying the written professional work of another as in patient assessment, intervention and evaluation and submitting it as your own.

Fabrication

University Policy: The falsification of any information or citation in an academic exercise.

College of Nursing: In addition to University Policy the College of Nursing has additional statements that include

1. Creating patient assessment data and submitting it as authentic information.
2. Reporting professional information as authentic such as resources, personnel, or charting.
3. Falsification of clinical hours, logs, and other experience.

Unauthorized Collaboration

University Policy: Collaboration with another that is done for expediency rather than collaboration that is authorized for enhancement of some forms of learning. The purpose of a particular assignment and the acceptable method of completing it are to be determined by the faculty, not students.

1. Examples of assignments that may be inappropriately used include lab reports, computer programming assignments, papers, homework, or tests (take home, in-class).
2. This violation also includes allowing another person to view your work drafted or completed without the necessary authorization.
3. You should assume that you are to perform all assignments independently unless you have specific permission to work together on an assignment.

Plagiarism

1. Submitting another’s published or unpublished work, in whole, in part, or in paraphrase, as one’s own without fully and properly crediting the author with footnotes, quotation marks, citations, or bibliographical reference.
2. Submitting as one’s own, original work, material obtained from an individual agency or the internet without reference to the person, agency or webpage as the source of the material.
3. Submitting as one’s own original work, material that has been produced through unacknowledged collaboration with others without release in writing from the collaborators.

College of Nursing: In addition to University Policy the College of Nursing has additional statements that include

1. Submitting the work of another or reference in whole, in part, or in paraphrase without demonstrating synthesis of information.
2. Submitting the work of another or reference in whole, in part, or in paraphrase that does not demonstrate individualization specific to the individual client or clinical situation.

The College of Nursing has additional clarification to the Student Code of Academic Integrity

Failure of Omission

1. Failure to report or document incidents of omission, near misses or errors.
2. Failure to report cheating, plagiarism, or academic misconduct of another.

Facilitating Academic Dishonesty

1. Providing written work to another such as process papers, care maps, logs, and documentation with reasonable knowledge that it will be submitted as authentic professional work
2. Covering for the academic misconduct and professional misbehavior of another.

Unprofessional Behavior

1. Failure to adhere to the Ohio Board of Nursing Student Conduct Rules that may be found at http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/4723-5
2. Using inappropriate language or behavior in the clinical/academic setting.
3. Treating others in an unprofessional disrespectful manner in the clinical/academic setting.
4. Not adhering to the College of Nursing dress code in the clinical/academic setting.
5. Using resources/technology of the clinical agency for private personal needs.

Any case involving academic misconduct shall follow the procedures set forth in the University of Cincinnati Academic Integrity Policy. Specifics of the Policy for action within the College are included here for your convenience. Please see the UC Website for the most current policies and timelines.

Procedures for Dealing with Academic Misconduct

Students suspected of academic misconduct, whether acknowledging involvement or not, shall be allowed to continue in the course without prejudice pending completion of the disciplinary process.

1. Faculty-Student Resolution
   1. Allegation
      1. The original jurisdiction of any case involving academic misconduct shall be with the instructor in whose course the alleged misconduct occurred. An instructor who suspects a student of academic misconduct or receives a complaint alleging misconduct that raises suspicion may consult the College Conduct Administrator (CCA) to learn whether there is any record of prior academic misconduct. The instructor will inform the student verbally or in writing within ten days of discovering the misconduct and give the student five days to respond. If needed, the instructor may arrange a review meeting with the student, and the student may have an adviser at that meeting.
      2. If the student fails to respond, the instructor may impose a final academic sanction with a formal notice of action to the CCA and to the student. If the instructor takes no action within five days, the allegations shall be considered dismissed.
   2. Notice
      1. Within three days of the student’s response or a meeting the instructor will notify the student in writing of the sanctions and the college hearing options. Failure on the assignment may be reported to the CCA at the discretion of the instructor and may not be disputed if the student admits responsibility. Failure for the course must be reported to the CCA.
      2. If the student fails to respond to the sanction notice within three days, the academic sanction is final.
   3. Response to notice
      1. No later than three days from the time of the notice, the accused student shall notify the instructor in writing whether the student:
         1. Accepts responsibility for the violations and agrees to accept the sanctions;
         2. Accepts responsibility but challenges a sanction; or
         3. Denies responsibility and requests resolution by the College Hearing Panel (“CHP”).
      2. If the student denies responsibility or challenges the sanction, the instructor will ask the CCA of the college in which the misconduct occurred to convene a CHP.
      3. If the student accepts responsibility and the sanction the instructor will notify the CCA of the college in which the misconduct occurred of how the matter was resolved and the action taken. The CCA will record that resolution and provide a copy to the director of the Office of University Judicial Affairs (OUJA) and to the CCA of the student’s home college.
2. College Hearing Panel Resolution
   1. College hearing panel members
      1. When a faculty-student resolution is not possible, the CCA, without unnecessary delay, shall convene a CHP of the college in which the alleged misconduct occurred. The charge to this CHP shall be to investigate the alleged misconduct and to recommend appropriate sanctions.
      2. The CHP shall consist of: the hearing chair, one representative selected by the college faculty and one representative selected either by the college tribunal or student government for undergraduates, or by the graduate college tribunals or graduate student governance association for graduate students. The hearing chair shall be the CCA. The hearing chair shall vote only in the event of a tie.
      3. Either the student charged or the instructor alleging misconduct may challenge participation of any panel member on the grounds of conflict of interest. Challenges must be submitted in writing to the hearing chair within three days after the parties have been notified of the panel composition. The challenge must specify reasons that would prevent the individual from being unbiased with respect to the hearing proceedings. The hearing chair shall decide whether the challenge has merit. If the challenge is granted, a substitute will be appointed and the same option to challenge shall exist. If the hearing chair is challenged, the dean of the college or his or her designee shall determine the validity of the challenge and either replace or retain the hearing chair.
   2. Hearing participants
      1. Presence at hearings shall be restricted to those individuals involved except as otherwise noted.
      2. The student may elect to have an adviser present who may counsel, but not actively participate as a spokesperson or vocal advocate in the hearing. Students are required to notify the hearing chair 24 hours prior to the hearing if the adviser is an attorney. A student should select an advisor whose schedule allows attendance at the scheduled date and time for the CHP resolution because delays will not normally be allowed due to the scheduling conflicts of an advisor.
      3. The university ombudsman may be present as an observer.
      4. Witnesses are strongly encouraged to be present for hearings. However, if they are unable to attend, notarized statements may be submitted.
      5. If the student, faculty or staff member chooses not to attend the hearing, his or her written statements shall be reviewed at that time and evaluated based on the information available. No adviser may be present for any party who does not attend the hearing.
   3. Hearing procedures
      1. The hearing chair and the CHP shall have the right to determine the acceptability of testimony and other evidence during the hearing and may place time limitations on testimony and on closing comments.
      2. When more than one student is involved in an allegation of misconduct, any involved student may request a separate hearing. Such requests shall be made to the hearing chair at least two days (48 hours) prior to the scheduled hearing.
      3. CHP hearings but not deliberations shall be recorded by the university. Any record of the hearing shall remain the property of the university. Either party may have post-hearing access to the recorded hearing. However, to maintain confidentiality, students are not permitted an audio copy of the recorded hearing.
      4. The CHP may alter or recommend to the dean sanctions of a disciplinary reprimand, probation, suspension or dismissal.
   4. Post-hearing procedures
      1. Within three days after the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing chair shall send the panel’s recommendation to the college dean and to the student. When students outside their home college are involved in an academic misconduct case, the hearing chair shall also forward a copy of the panel’s recommendation to each student’s home college dean or university dean within ten days after the hearing.
      2. Within five days after receipt of the panel’s recommendation, the dean of the college or his or her designee shall concur with, modify, or reject the panel’s recommendation and shall notify all parties in writing. Notification to the student shall include information about the appeal process and the name and address of the university appeals administrator. If the student does not file an appeal within five days, the decision of the dean shall be final.
      3. Records relating to a disciplinary action are maintained by the director of the OUJA and the appropriate college office as educational records separate from a student’s academic record and are subject to the protections and release provisions by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Disciplinary Sanctions for Academic Misconduct

Sanctions shall be imposed according to the severity of the misconduct. Multiple sanctions may be imposed should the behavior call for the imposition of a more severe penalty. In all cases, the university reserves the right to require counseling or testing of students as deemed appropriate. Definitions of disciplinary sanctions include the following:

1. Academic action
   Includes altering a grade or assigning a failing grade for the assignment, examination, or course.
2. Disciplinary report
   Notifies the student in writing that the misconduct and sanction will be recorded in a disciplinary file and if misconduct recurs may be taken into consideration in determining further sanctions.
3. Probation
   Imposes specific restrictions or places extra requirements on the student for a specified period. These may vary with each case and may include action not academically restrictive in nature, such as restriction from participation in college activities or other requirements. Disciplinary action should be consistent with the philosophy of providing constructive learning experiences as a part of the probation. A student may be required to meet periodically with designated persons. Any further misconduct on the student’s part during the period of probation may result in disciplinary suspension or dismissal.
4. College or university suspension
   Prohibits the student from attending the college or university. University suspension prohibits the student from being present on specified university owned, leased, or controlled property without permission of the sanctioning administrator or his or her designee for a specified period of time. The sanctioning administrator shall determine the effective beginning and ending date of the suspension. Students placed on university disciplinary suspension must comply with all suspension requirements. A student seeking to attend the university after the conclusion of his or her suspension shall first request permission to re-enroll from the OUJA and then apply for readmission to his or her college.
5. College or university dismissal
   Permanently prohibits the student from attending classes in that college or permanently prohibits the student from re-enrolling at the university.
6. Other Disciplinary Educational Sanctions

Advanced Standing (Transfer) Credits

Transfer credit may be awarded for courses that parallel those required in the College of Nursing program. A minimum grade of "C" or better is required for courses earned in a regionally accredited program. In order to receive transfer credits, an Advanced Standing Form must be submitted by the College to the appropriate university office. A copy of the form that is submitted is retained in the student's academic record.

Undergraduate students - the Academic Advisor for Undergraduate Students completes the form and submits it to the University Registrar.

Graduate students - The student's faculty advisor completes the form and submits it to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for filing with the Division of Research and Advanced Studies and the University Registrar. Advanced Standing Credits may be granted for transfer and non-transfer credits as specified in this policy.

Attendance

Attendance of all classes is highly recommended as the class activities are important for achieving academic success and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) or certification examinations.

1. Requirements for class attendance are at the discretion of the faculty.
2. Students are responsible for course material covered and all assignments made during class sessions.
3. Students are responsible for contacting the faculty to determine the nature of any make-up tests or examinations for an excused absence. (See Makeup Examinations).

Change in Major (MSN Students)

A MSN student may request to change from her/his current master's major to another major in the MSN program by submitting a completed "Change in Major Form." Signatures of Department Heads from both majors are required prior to submission of the form to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for approval.

Children, Pets and Friends in Classes

Only students who are registered for a class may attend. Students are encouraged to leave pets and children at home. Attendance of family, friends, pets and children may be negotiated when they are a part of the learning experience and the course faculty has approved their attendance.

Degree Requirements

Baccalaureate Degree
The requirements for completion of the BSN degree are a minimum of 182 credits and fulfillment of required program courses.

Master's Degree
The University's minimum requirement for the degree is one year's full-time graduate study, or its equivalent. The University requirement for eligibility for graduation is a minimum of 45 quarter credits, the latter half of which must be completed while in residence at the University of Cincinnati. Advanced Standing Credits (non-transfer credits) may be awarded to students who 1) hold current national certification in the area of clinical specialty for the major and 2) provide evidence of completion of a certificate program. Graduates of certificate programs who hold no master's degree must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 30 to 40 quarter credits (numbers varies by major) including all MSN core requirements (includes Capstone Project or Thesis) and at lease one specialty focused didactic and one clinical practicum nursing course at UC. Students with a Master's Degree in Nursing may be eligible for advanced standing through transfer of credits.

Graduate credits earned in another approved university or college may be accepted in fulfillment of the requirements with consent of the faculty in the student's major. If a student is requesting transfer of credit for core courses in the curriculum, a course outline must be submitted to the faculty member teaching that particular course to determine if the course taken parallels the core courses required. In no case can credit for thesis, project, or comprehensive examination be satisfied by transfer from another institution.

Doctoral Degree
Eligibility for graduation requires a minimum of 135 graduate credits, the last 45 of which, exclusive of research credits, must be completed at the University of Cincinnati.

Residency Requirement
All doctoral students must meet the residency requirements of the University's Division of Research and Advanced Studies. Students must engage in full-time study (a minimum of 12 credit hours per quarter) within a span of five consecutive quarters. The full-time registration must include a Fall Quarter and cannot be solely for dissertation research. (The university Graduate Handbook can be obtained at http://www.research.uc.edu/graduate/pdf/ghandbook99b.pdf)

Dual Credit Courses

Some courses (500, 600 and 700 Level courses) are offered for both graduate and undergraduate credit. Generally, these are courses taken for elective credits. Graduate students registered for these courses may be required to complete a certain amount of academic work in addition to that required of undergraduates in the same course. The extra work may consist of reading and reviewing additional books, presenting reports, or doing such supplementary work as the faculty member in charge of the course deems advisable. It is also possible that where a course is offered for variable credit, the graduate student will be required to take the course for the maximum number of credit hours.

Graduation

BSN Student Requirements
The university confers degrees at the end of every quarter. To receive the BSN degree an "Application for Degree" must be completed and filed with the academic advisors for the BSN and RN/BSN programs in the college's Office of Student Affairs by the date specified each quarter.

Graduate Student Requirements

University Requirements for Conferral of Degree
At the beginning of each quarter the Program Coordinator for the Graduate Program posts notices of deadlines for submission of graduation applications and solicits names of students expected to graduate from the faculty. The Program Coordinator submits a list of the students who are expected to graduate that quarter to the Division of Research and Advanced Studies (DRAS). The DRAS mails to each student a packet of materials and a cover letter specifying deadlines the student must meet in order to be eligible for graduation that quarter. Included in the packet are required forms to be completed and information on preparation of the thesis and dissertations for submission to the DRAS, Thesis/Dissertation Cover Signature sheets indicating faculty approval of the completed manuscript, and the University pamphlet. Instructions for Preparation and Depositing of Master's Thesis and Doctoral Dissertations. Students who have not received their mailing by mid-quarter should go directly to DRAS to obtain their packet. Each student graduating with a master's or doctoral degree is responsible for ensuring that the following are completed by specified deadlines and, where appropriate, submitted to the (DRAS), Suite 773 Edwards Center, Building One.

It is the responsibility of the STUDENT to complete these requirements no later than the dates posted; if any requirement is omitted, conferral of the degree will be postponed.

Forms that must be completed

1. Application for Degree. (Note: If the Formal Application for Degree form is submitted and the student does not graduate, he/she must submit another form for the following graduation date.)
2. Alumni Office Record Card.
3. Request for conferral of the degree in absentia (if applicable).
4. Each doctoral candidate is required to complete the Doctoral Exit Survey and return it to the Division of Research and Advanced Studies.

Grades

1. Confirmation of removal or waiver of all "N" grades.
2. Confirmation of satisfactory completion or waiver of all required courses in which an "F" grade was received originally.
3. Confirmation of removal of all "I" grades.

Evidence of Satisfactory Completion of:

1. the requirements of the program of study in which the student is matriculated, and
2. all applicable departmental requirements (form to be submitted by department).  

Thesis/Dissertation Submission Requirements

1. Submission by required date.
2. Cashier's receipt of payment of binding fee for 2 copies of manuscript for University Archives and University Library; Please pay the fee at the Cashier's Office (5145 Edwards Center, Building One), and present the receipt to the DRAS with the manuscripts. If the fees are paid by mail, request that the receipt be forwarded to the Division of Research and Advanced Studies, Suite 773 Edwards Center, Building One; Mail Location #0627);
3. Receipt of 3 University copies of the thesis/dissertation [NOTE: The 3 copies for the University must be submitted on acid-free bond paper (e.g., Archival Bond), each in a separate manila envelope, marked legibly with the name of candidate, year, College of Nursing, committee Chairperson's name, and degree for which submitted.
   1. Two copies are submitted to DRAS with one of the original signed copies of Thesis/Dissertation Approval form on top of each manuscript.
   2. One copy is submitted to the College of Nursing Library with a photocopied, signed Thesis/Dissertation approval form. Students wishing to have personal copies bound may obtain the name of a binary from the Library or in their local phone book.

College of Nursing Graduation Requirements

Graduate Student Information Sheet
All graduating students must complete an information sheet and return it to the College Office of Student Affairs.

Confirmation of Completion of Course Requirements
The form is signed by the department head or program advisor and forwarded Program Coordinator for Graduate Student in the Office of Student Affairs.

Final Summary of Performance
A final summary of performance in the program is to be included in the student's permanent college record. The summary of performance is to be compiled by the graduate student's faculty advisor. This summary is to be completed during the last quarter of the student's attendance in the graduate program. The summary of performance should include the following aspects:

1. Program performance;
2. Professional growth;
3. Personal growth (NOTE: student's ability to function effectively, independently, with peers, and with others);
4. Research conducted;
5. Special accomplishments, e.g., publications, professional experiences; and
6. Student and faculty advisor signatures.

MSN Students Completing a Thesis
The following options provide a useful guide for anticipating degree completion.

1. Defense of thesis is scheduled.
2. Presentation of thesis other than a defense is scheduled.
3. A publishable paper based upon thesis or project is completed and approved.

The following forms are processed as described:

Record of Thesis Defense, Presentation or Completion of Publishable Article - thesis chair or project advisor completes and returns form to the Office of Student Affairs for filing in the student's file.

Thesis Approval Form (Title Page) - The two original copies with appropriate signatures accompany the thesis copies submitted to the Division of Research and Advanced Studies.

Should the title to the thesis have changed over its development, care must be taken by the student and the chairperson to ensure that all forms reflect the most recently approved title.

Confirmation of Thesis Completion - thesis chair or project advisor signs this form when the student has completed any changes or made any additions on his/her thesis.

Change of Grade Forms - All "I" and "N" grades submitted for thesis must be removed. The thesis chair assigns grades for the course, 29NURS833 Masters Research Thesis and returns forms to the Office of the Registrar with a photocopy to the Office of Student Affairs

Math Testing Policy

General Guidelines for Medication Calculation Math Testing

1. All medication calculation tests will be developed and administered by faculty teaching the first course of each level.
2. All medication calculation tests will be given at a time and day established by the faculty. Students will be notified of the initial testing dates/times prior to the beginning of the quarter.
3. All students will be tested in the same or similar environment. No tests are to be administered in the clinical area.
4. The policies listed below are the minimum requirements to be followed. Individual course faculty may apply additional stipulations to their course.

Level Based Policies

Level	Competency	Preparation	Process	Remediation	Failures
Sophomore Level Foundations of Nursing II or equivalent	Basic Math Calculation	3 Units of College-Prep High School Math	Students must achieve a passing score of 100%. Students may not pass medications on their assigned clinical unit until they have successfully passed the math competency test Calculators may be used.	Math calculation texts, computer assisted instruction or on-line programs Tutoring with graduate assistant or faculty.	Students unable to achieve a 100% or greater by the 5th week of the class will be withdrawn from the course. Students may take the math test a maximum of 5 times during the first 4 weeks of the quarter
Junior Level Nursing Care of Adults or equivalent	Drug dosage calculation, measurement conversions, and IV drip rate calculation	Students are advised to review dosage calculation texts and pharmacology text prior to start of quarter.	All students must achieve a passing score of 100% on the math competency test. prior to 5th week of the quarter. Students may not pass medications on their assigned clinical unit until they have successfully passed the math competency test Calculators may be used.	Math calculation texts, Computer Assisted Instruction or on-line programs Tutoring with graduate assistant or faculty.	Students unable to achieve a 100% or greater prior to the 5th week of the class will be withdrawn from the class. Students may take the math test a maximum of 5 times during the first 4 weeks of the quarter.
Senior Level Care of the  Adult with Complex Health Care Concerns or equivalent	Drug dosage calculations, measurement conversions, IV drip rates, titrations, microgram dosage calculations, and drug dosage/kg/time calculations	Computer Assisted Instruction, dosage calculation texts, web-based instruction modules.	All students taking Care of the Adult with Complex Health Care Concerns or its equivalent must achieve a passing score of 100% on the test prior to beginning clinical placement in the Nursing Care of Adults with Complex Health Care Concerns. Calculators may be used.	Math calculation texts, computer assisted instruction or on-line programs Tutoring with graduate assistant or faculty.	Student unable to achieve 100% by the 3rd week of the quarter will be withdrawn from the class Students may take the math test a maximum of 5 times during the first 2 weeks of the quarter.

Grading Policies, University (Also see Academic Progression Policies)

Undergraduate Grades and Grade Quality Point

Grade	Description	Grade Quality Points	Comments
A   A-	Excellent	4.00 3.67
B+ B   B-	Good	3.33 3.00 2.67
C+ C   C-	Satisfactory	2.33 2.00 1.67
D+ D   D-	Poor	1.33 1.00 0.67
F	Failure	0.00
P	Pass	N/A
U	Unsatisfactory	N/A
T	Audit	N/A
I	Incomplete	0.00	No grade quality points (none) during first quarter after I grade incurred; thereafter, zero (0) grade quality points. If I grade remains on student record at the end of one year after term has ended, the grade will be changed to I/F (Failure).
I/F**	Failure	0.00
W	Withdrawal (official)	N/A
UW	Unofficial Withdrawal	0.00
IP	In Progress	N/A	The grade of IP is used only for those courses that have been approved by college committees to have an extended grading period beyond the normal term ending, due to the nature of the material covered in the courses.
NG	No Grade reported (see instructor)	N/A

Graduate Grades and Grade Quality Points

Grade	Description	Grade Quality Points	Comments
A   A-	Excellent	4.00 3.67
B+ B   B-	Good	3.33 3.00 2.67
C+ C   C-	Satisfactory	2.33 2.00 1.67
F	Failure	0.00
P	Pass	N/A
U	Unsatisfactory	N/A
T	Audit	N/A
I	Incomplete	0.00	No grade quality points (none) during first quarter after I grade incurred; thereafter, zero (0) grade quality points. If I grade remains on student record at the end of one year after term has ended, the grade will be changed to I/F (Failure).
I/F**	Failure	0.00
W	Withdrawal (official)	N/A
UW	Unofficial Withdrawal	0.00
IP	In Progress	N/A	The grade of IP is used only for those courses that have been approved by college committees to have an extended grading period beyond the normal term ending, due to the nature of the material covered in the courses.
NG	No Grade reported (see instructor)	N/A

Change of Grade
Only the professor assigned to a course may award or change a grade. The Registrar may assign a grade of "UW" indicating an unofficial withdrawal or a grade of "N" if no grade is reported by a professor.

Pass/Fail
The pass/fail grading system may be used for some College of Nursing graduate courses. Students should check with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and/or the Department Head if there is a question of which course will be accepted for pass/fail status.

Questions or Problems Regarding Grades
If, after receiving grades, a student does not agree with the final grade or believes a mistake has occurred, the student must contact the faculty member immediately. If there is disagreement between the instructor and the student, the student must contact the Department head and subsequently the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. The procedures as outlined in the University Student Grievance Policies and Procedures must be followed. The parties involved must first attempt to resolve the complaint informally. (BSN students see Undergraduate Student Grievance Procedure; MSN, Post-MSN, and PhD Students see Graduate Student Grievance Procedure).

Independent Study and Clinical Elective

Undergraduate Students
The guidelines for independent study and clinical elective for undergraduate students matriculated in the College of Nursing are as follows:

1. The undertaking of an independent study or clinical elective is the student's decision.
2. If A student wishes to enter into an independent study experience, the student must:
   1. Have a 2.5 overall average.
   2. Contact a faculty member to direct and/or supervise the experience
   3. Receive approval from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
3. All independent studies and clinical electives are to receive letter grades.
4. The student and faculty member supervising the experience will determine the objectives of the experience. The objectives should reflect additional learning experience in the total undergraduate program.
5. The evaluation process for the experience will be negotiated between the student and faculty member.
6. Student and faculty member will determine the number of credit hours for which the student is contracting; a 3:1 ratio of clinical to credit hours is to be used. The student may contract for 1-4 credit hours of independent study.
7. Prior to the registration for independent study or clinical elective, a written proposal concerning the learning experiences must be submitted to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for approval. Specifically, the proposal must include:
   1. Student name with signature
   2. Number of credit hours (1-3)
   3. Quarter and year of course enrollment.
   4. Objectives
   5. Clinical experience, if any, including where the learning will be located.
   6. Faculty member's name with signature
   7. Evaluation process

Graduate Students
The guidelines for independent study and clinical elective for graduate students matriculated in the College of Nursing are as follows:

1. The undertaking of an independent study or clinical elective is a joint student-faculty decision.
2. If a student wishes to enter an independent study experience, the student must:
   1. Provide evidence of satisfactory progress toward completion of program requirements.
   2. Contact a faculty member to direct and/or supervise the experience.
   3. Secure approval of the department head and/or coordinator of the major.
3. Either a letter or Pass/Fail grade may be negotiated. A letter grade is especially required if the credit hours are needed to meet graduation requirements. The evaluation process for the experience will be negotiated between the student and faculty member.
4. The student and faculty member supervising the experience will determine the objectives of the experience. The objectives should reflect additional learning goals for the student over and above those of the required learning experiences in the total program.
5. The student and faculty member will determine the number of credit hours for which the student is contracting. A 3:1 ratio of clinical to credit hours is to be used.
6. Before the beginning of the experience, information concerning the proposed learning experience must be submitted to the student's academic advisor and filed in the student's file (Office of Student Affairs). Specifically, this communication must include:
   1. Student's name with signature
   2. Number of credits
   3. Quarter and year for course enrollment
   4. Objectives
   5. Specific methods of meeting the learning objectives including arrangements made with clinical agencies, if appropriate
   6. Type of grading
   7. Faculty member's name with signature
   8. Evaluation process
7. Written validation of the successful completion of the independent study, learning objectives and its focus as indicated in #6 above is to be filed in the student's permanent folder.

   NOTE: The above procedure does not refer to the one (1) quarter credit hour of Independent Study for which graduate students register to maintain candidacy once all course work is completed or no fee courses to maintain half-time enrollment status.

Makeup Examinations

1. Students are responsible for notifying the faculty in charge of an examination prior to the exam time if they are unable to be present for the exam. If the faculty cannot be reached, the student must leave a message with the departmental secretary. (See Directory for phone listing).
2. Within two school days following the student's return to school, he/she must contact the faculty regarding the make-up exam.
3. At the discretion of the faculty, an alternate test may be given in place of the original test.
4. Any breach of the above will result in reduction of ten percent (10%) from the student's score obtained on the make-up exam.

Registration

Each student should seek the advice of their Student Affairs advisor; their graduate major advisor or faculty advisor; the appropriate department head; or the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs before registering for classes. Registration in excess of nineteen (19) hours per quarter requires an additional fee.

Supplementary Information Form

The following individuals must complete the Supplementary Information Form:

1. New students entering the University
2. Students not enrolled in the previous academic year or for 5 quarters.
3. Students who transfer from another college/department
4. Students who have earned their masters degrees and are admitted to the doctoral program

The student is requested to complete the form and return it to the Office of Student Affairs, before the time that the student registers for classes.

Enrollment of students from other disciplines in nursing course

Undergraduate courses - Enrollment in College 29 courses by non-matriculated students is prohibited unless authorization for enrollment is received from the college's Office of Student Affairs prior to enrollment. Students who enroll without permission will be administratively withdrawn from the course.

Graduate course - Any graduate or upper level undergraduate student in a health sciences field who is not already enrolled in the College of Nursing Master of Science or PhD degree program may be enrolled in College of Nursing course work up to 9 credit hours at the discretion of the nursing faculty and in collaboration with the College of Nursing Department Head for departmental courses, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for program core courses, or the Director of the Doctoral Component of the Graduate Program for doctoral courses.  The student must submit a letter of approval from his/her program advisor indicating that the student may take a course in the College of Nursing.

Readmission

BSN
Students admitted to the sophomore year of the BSN program who cannot complete the program in the cohort to which they are admitted may be considered for readmission into a later cohort. Individual consideration is made based on the following:

1. Academic standing upon leaving the program
2. Space available in the cohort to which they intend to be readmitted

Decisions are made on an individual basis and will be the sole responsibility of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate studies.  If the student re-enters the program under a curriculum that has been revised since they left, the Associate Dean for undergraduate studies will determine the curricular equivalencies and remaining requirements to be completed for fulfillment of the BSN degree.

RN/BSN
For a variety of reasons RN/BSN students may find it impossible to complete the BSN program as planned at the time of their admission to the program. Students may revise that plan but must abide by the following policies to maintain enrollment in the program.

1. Students must notify the Director of the RN/BSN program, in writ ing, two weeks prior to the beginning of a quarter that they will be reducing their load or will not be attending any classes. Students reducing their load should specify the class(es) in which they intend to be enrolled.
2. Pre-requisite courses must be completed in order to enroll in the sequential course.
   1. Transition to Professional Nursing is a pre-requisit e course to all Upper Division Nursing courses except Concepts of Community, Genetics, and Professional Nurse as Leader/Manager (the Transition course is recommended as a pre-requisite to these 3 courses);
   2. Statist ics for Health Sciences is pre-requisite to Nursing Theory/Research;
   3. Concepts of Community is pre-requisite to Community as Partner (theory and clinical courses);
   4. Community as Partner (theory course is pre-requisite/co-requisite to the Community as Partner clinical course);
   5. Enrollment in the RN Senior Capstone course must be concurrent with or following completion of all Upper Division Nursing Courses.
      1. RN students are responsible for creating a revised, written program plan in collaboration with the RN/BSN Director documenting when course requirements will be met and the site where the course(s) will be taken.
      2. Enrollment in courses is contingent on the availability of space in the specific course when taken at another site.
         

RN/BSN Challenge and CLEP Examinations

Obtain current information published by the Office of Student Affairs.

RN/BSN Student Enrollment in the Upper Division

General support courses must be completed successfully, through enrollment, examination, or transfer credit, in order to be admitted to the upper division baccalaureate nursing courses. RNs who have not completed all general education electives or may have another course remaining to be completed may petition for admission prior to completion of all courses. Required general support courses are outlined on the WEB site under academic programs or may be obtained from the College's Office of Student Affairs.

RN/BSN Student Escrow Credits
Upper division RN/BSN students received escrow credit for the their basic nursing education in an associate degree or diploma program. The 64 credits are upon enrollment in 29NURS407, Senior Project for the following courses.

	Cr. Hrs.
General Pharmacology	3
Pathophysiology	4
Nutrition	3
Interpersonal Relationships in Nursing	3
Health Care Ethics	3
Therapeutic Nursing Intervention	4
Practicum: Professional Nursing Care	4
Health Patterns A and B	8
Health Patterns A and B Seminars	4
Health Patterns A and B Practica	8
Health Patterns Integration	4
Health Patterns Integration Seminar	2
Health Patterns Integration Practicum	4
Health Pattern Synthesis in Acute Care	3
Seminar: Health Pattern Synthesis	2
Practicum in Acute Care Environment	5
Total Credits	64

RN Licensure

All RN/BSN and graduate students must hold a current, unencumbered RN license at the time of enrollment in the college. These students must hold an RN license to practice in the State of Ohio when enrolled in the clinical practicum courses throughout their RN/BSN or graduate program. Accelerated Pathway-MSN students must hold a current Ohio RN license in order to progress to courses in the master's major.