Academic Policies

The School of Nursing expects students, faculty, and administration to adhere to TTUHSC institutional and School of Nursing policies and procedures in order to enhance learning and promote a professional environment conducive to meeting the institutional and school mission, vision, and values. The following sections detail policies to support students’ academic achievement in the School of Nursing.

ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT

An advisor is assigned to each student upon admission to provide information about the academic program and to assist in making informed decisions. The advisor should also be consulted during pre-registration, for adding/dropping a course, and withdrawing from the School of Nursing. However, the student is ultimately responsible for seeking adequate academic advice, meeting degree requirements, and enrolling in appropriate courses to ensure orderly and timely progress toward the degree or certificate.

Traditional BSN Undergraduate Department

Traditional BSN Program

Academic advisement for students enrolled in the Traditional BSN program is directed by the Associate Dean/Department Chair. The Enrollment Management Coordinator in the Office of Student Affairs will assist with academic advisement. The student signs and receives a copy of the degree plan at orientation and is expected to follow the signed degree plan when registering for courses. The Enrollment Management Coordinator, under the direction of the Executive Associate Dean, and in collaboration with the Program Director, assists students with academic planning, staying informed of curriculum changes, and facilitating problem-solving related to progression through the degree plan. Program Directors may be consulted regarding academic advisement when necessary to best meet student needs. Questions regarding registration, adding/dropping a course, and withdrawing from the School of Nursing should be directed to the Enrollment Management Coordinator, who will work closely with the Associate Dean/Department Chair to assist students.

Non-Traditional Undergraduate Department

RN to BSN Program

Academic advisement for students enrolled in the RN to BSN Program is directed by the Associate Dean/Department Chair. The Enrolled Student Management Coordinator in the Office of Student Affairs will assist with academic advisement. The student signs and receives a copy of the degree plan at orientation and is expected to follow the signed degree plan when registering for courses. The Enrollment Management Coordinator, under the direction of the Executive Associate Dean and in collaboration with the Associate Dean/Department Chair, assists students with academic planning, staying informed of curriculum changes, and facilitating problem-solving related to progression through the degree plan. Faculty may be consulted regarding academic advisement when necessary to best meet student needs. Questions regarding registration, adding/dropping a course, and withdrawing from the School of Nursing should be directed to the Enrollment Management Coordinator, who will work closely with the Associate Dean/Department Chair to assist students.

Accelerated BSN Program: Second Degree BSN and Veteran to BSN

Academic advisement for students enrolled in the Accelerated BSN Program is directed by the Associate Dean/Department Chair. The Enrollment Management Coordinator in the Office of Student Affairs will assist with academic advisement. The student signs and receives a copy of the degree plan at orientation and is expected to follow the signed degree plan when registering for courses. The Enrollment Management Coordinator, under the direction of the Executive Associate Dean, and in collaboration with the Associate Dean/Department Chair, assists students with academic planning, staying informed of curriculum changes, and facilitating problem-solving related to progression through the degree plan. Faculty may be consulted regarding academic advisement when necessary to best meet student needs. Questions regarding registration, adding/dropping a course, and withdrawing from the School of Nursing should be directed to the Enrollment Mangagement Coordinator, who will work closely with the Associate Dean/Department Chair to assist students.

Graduate Department

MSN Leadership Program (Administration, Education, and Informatics Tracks)

Academic advisement for students enrolled in the MSN Leadership Program is directed by the specified Program Director. The Graduate Enrollment Management Coordinator in the Office of Student Affairs will assist with academic advisement. The student receives the degree plan at orientation and is expected to follow the degree plan when registering for courses. The Graduate Enrollment Management Coordinator, under the direction of the Executive Associate Dean and in collaboration with the Associate Dean/Department Chair and/or Program Director, assists students with academic planning, staying informed of curriculum changes, and facilitating problem-solving related to progression through the degree plan. Graduate faculty are consulted regarding academic advisement when necessary to best meet student needs. Questions regarding registration, adding/dropping a course, and withdrawing from the School of Nursing should be directed to the Graduate Enrollment Management Coordinator, who will work closely with the Associate Dean/Department Chair and/or Program Directors to assist students. All students are encouraged to contact their course faculty if they believe they are not progressing well in the course or have any concerns about being successful in the course.

MSN APRN and Post-Graduate (Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwifery Tracks)

Academic advisement for students enrolled in the MSN APRN tracks is directed by specified Program Directors. The Graduate Enrollment Management Coordinator in the Office of Student Affairs will assist with academic advisement. The student receives the degree plan at orientation and is expected to follow the degree plan when registering for courses. The Graduate Enrollment Management Coordinator, under the direction of the Executive Associate Dean and in collaboration with the Associate Dean/Department Chair and/or Program Director, assists students with academic planning, staying informed of curriculum changes, and facilitating problem-solving related to progression through the degree plan. Graduate faculty are consulted regarding academic advisement when necessary to best meet student needs. Any question the student has about registration, adding/dropping a course, and withdrawing from the School of Nursing should be directed to the Graduate Enrollment Mangagement Coordinator, who will work closely with the Program Directors and Associate Dean/Department Chair for the APRN Program to assist students. All students are encouraged to contact their course faculty if they believe they are not progressing well in the course or have any concerns about being successful in the course.

DNP Program: BSN to DNP, Post-Master's DNP, and Combined Post-Master's DNP with APRN Certificate

Academic advisement for students enrolled in the DNP Program is directed by specified Program Directors. The Graduate Enrollment Management Coordinator in the Office of Student Affairs will assist with academic advisement. The student receives the degree plan at orientation and is expected to follow the degree plan when registering for courses. The Graduate Enrollment Management Coordinator, under the direction of the Executive Associate Dean of Student Affairs and in collaboration with the specified Associate Dean/Department Chair and/or Program Director, assists students with academic planning, staying informed of curriculum changes, and facilitating problem-solving related to progression through the degree plan. Graduate faculty are consulted regarding academic advisement when necessary to best meet student needs. Questions regarding registration, adding/dropping a course, and withdrawing from the School of Nursing should be directed to the Graduate Enrollment Management Coordinator, who will work closely with the Program Director to assist students. All students are encouraged to contact their course faculty if they believe they are not progressing well in the course or have any concerns about being successful in the course.

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

“Academic misconduct” involves any activity that tends to compromise the academic integrity of the University, or subvert the educational process, including, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, falsifying academic records, misrepresenting facts, and any act designed to give unfair academic advantage to the student, or the attempt to commit such an act. Refer to the TTUHSC Student Handbook Part II, D Misconduct, (17) Academic Misconduct.

Filing a Complaint

Any member of the University community may file a complaint(s) against a student(s) or a student organization(s) for violation(s) of the TTUHSC Student Handbook Code of Professional Conduct.

• Prior to filing a formal complaint by complainant (Faculty, Student, Administrator, Staff), a preliminary investigation/discussion with the Associate Dean/Department Chair should be conducted to determine if there is a basis for the complaint. Refer to the TTUHSC Student Handbook Code of Professional Conduct Part II, F Disciplinary Procedures, (3) Filing Complaint.
• If there is a basis for the complaint, refer to the TTUHSC Student Handbook.
• The School of Nursing Student Conduct Administrator is the Executive Associate Dean. For questions, contact the Office of Student Affairs at (806) 743-2025.

Timeline

The timeline for filing a complaint related to academic misconduct is detailed in the TTUHSC Student Handbook Code of Professional Conduct. A complaint shall be submitted no later than twenty (20) business days from the date of the event or when the Complainant becomes aware of the event. Complaints filed more than twenty (20) business days after the event shall include justification for the delay and the Student Conduct Administrator will accept complaints on a “case by case” basis. Within the School of Nursing, timelines for managing the academic misconduct complaint may be altered at the Student Conduct Administrator’s discretion when extenuating circumstances exist and are clearly documented and communicated to individuals involved with the complaint.

ACADEMIC GRADE CHALLENGES/APPEALS

If a student believes that a grade on a particular assignment (not a final course grade) received is incorrect, the student shall:

• Discuss the grade with the faculty who assigned it.
• If the grade is deemed correct, (no miscalculation of grade occurred) then the grade stands as issued. The faculty assigning the grade shall notify the student of the decision in writing within five (5) business days.
• If the grade issued was in error, (miscalculation of grade occurred) then the faculty corrects the grade and shall notify the student of the grade change within five (5) business days.

If a student receives a grade of less than 80 (B) for a written assignment, the student may request another faculty member to conduct a second, independent, blinded evaluation of the assignment. Students seeking a second evaluation of a written assignment must make the request to the course facilitator within five (5) days of the graded assignment being returned to the student. After the second faculty member grades the assignment, the course facilitator and the two evaluators will review and discuss the scores and reconcile the assignment grade. If the two faculty graders cannot reach a consensus grade, the average of the two scores will be used as the assignment grade.

Final Grade Appeal

It is the policy of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing to affirm the right of its students to a prompt and fair resolution of a complaint or grievance. Thus, this policy recognizes that:

• Every student has a right to receive a grade assigned based on a fair and unprejudiced evaluation of the student’s performance using a method that is neither arbitrary nor capricious; and,
• Faculty have the right to assign a grade based on any method that is professionally acceptable, submitted in writing to all students, and applied equally.

The following procedure provides students with a system by which to file an appeal of a final grade they believe was based on arbitrary or capricious action by the faculty. Only the final course grade as entered into the official TTUHSC system may be appealed. The burden of proof that such an influence has affected a final grade rests with the student.

Prior to filing an official grade appeal, the student must meet with the course faculty member to review how the faculty arrived at the final grade. If after the meeting with the faculty the student wishes to pursue filing a final grade appeal, the following procedures shall be followed.

To appeal a grade, the student shall:

• Student must file the Final Grade Appeal Electronic Form (Attachment A), available online (http://nursing.ttuhsc.edu/forms/), within three (3) business days, of the date the final grade is posted in Banner. The Final Grade Appeal Form is to be filed with the Executive Associate Dean. All documents to support the appeal must accompany the Final Grade Appeal Form. Documents received after the log-in date of the Final Grade Appeal Form will not be accepted.
• The Executive Associate Dean will forward the appeal and all supporting documents to the appropriate programmatic Associate Dean/Department Chair.
• The Associate Dean/Department Chair shall meet with the faculty and student separately and review all materials pertinent to the grade appeal.
• After review of all materials, the Associate Dean/Department Chair shall, within five (5) business days from receipt of the formal grade appeal, render a decision. The student shall be notified of the decision via certified mail and/or electronic correspondence to the student’s TTUHSC email address. A copy of the decision is forwarded to the Executive Associate Dean. The grade appeal decision is deemed received by the student when properly mailed and addressed to the official address on file with the university or received electronically by the student at his/her TTUHSC email address. It is the student’s responsibility to keep the university advised of any change in contact information such as email or mailing address.
• The decision on the academic substantive review by the appropriate Programmatic Associate Dean/Department Chair is final.
• All records related to the appeal are retained by the office of the Executive Associate Dean for a period of three (3) years.
• The student may only appeal issues of procedural due process to the Executive Associate Dean.

Procedural Appeal Process

• The student may file an appeal on procedural grounds following receipt of the final decision on the appeal of the grade. A procedural appeal should be filed with the Executive Associate Dean within two (2) business days of the student receiving the Associate Dean/Department Chair’s decision on the grade appeal. Students are to file the Final Grade Appeal Electronic Form - Procedural Appeal (Attachment B) available online (http://nursing.ttuhsc.edu/forms/).
• Upon review of all materials and meeting with the student, Associate Dean/Department Chair, and faculty, the Executive Associate Dean shall render a decision on the procedural appeal with three (3) business day from receipt of the Procedural Appeal.
• The decision of the Executive Associate Dean will be sent to the student via certified mail and/or electronic correspondence to the student’s TTUHSC email address. The decision of the Executive Associate Dean is final.
• All records will be retained in the office of the Executive Associate Dean for three (3) years.

ACADEMIC DISMISSAL / APPEALS

It is the policy of the TTUHSC School of Nursing to dismiss students who have failed to maintain minimum academic standards as outlined below.

Procedure for Dismissal

• A student shall be recommended for dismissal if the Program Progressions Committee determines the student has:
  • Not performed satisfactorily in academic pursuits; and/or
    
  • Has been deemed unsafe and/or is a risk to patient care; and/or
  • Has been deemed by the applicable Program Council, for just reason, unfit to continue the study of nursing.
• The recommendation will be forwarded to the Dean of the school.
• Upon receipt of the recommendation of the respective Program Progressions Committee, the Dean may accept, reject, and/or modify said recommendation.
• Within ten (10) business days from receipt of recommendations, official notification from the Dean regarding the decision will be forwarded to the student via certified mail and/or TTUHSC email.

Appeals Procedure for Academic Dismissal

• A student receiving a letter of dismissal may appeal the dismissal within five (5) business days of date of letter by submitting to the Dean through the Executive Associate Deana written notice of appeal. This dismissal appeal is to be filed electronically. The form can be found at https://nursing.ttuhsc.edu/forms/.
  
• The Executive Associate Dean shall appoint an Academic Dismissal Appeals Committee upon the recommendation by the Dean, comprised of three members of the faculty to hear and determine the appeal. The faculty are not to be associated with the academic track the student is enrolled in. The Programmatic Associate Dean and Department Chair and the Program Director of the appropriate (or designee) will serve as ex officio members of the Committee and will not participate or be present at deliberations.
  
• The Executive Associate Dean will convene a hearing within ten (10) business days from the date of the receipt of the written notice of appeal. The student shall be notified via certified mail and/or e-mail of the date of the appeal’s hearing.
• The hearing will be conducted viz ZOOM or an appropriate electronic platform, due to the geographic diversity of the School of Nursing.
  
• The burden of proof lies with the student. The student’s written appeal will be presented to the Academic Dismissal Appeal Committee. At the hearing, the student may read their appeal letter. The Academic Dismissal Appeal Committee may limit the length of such statement and its presentation in accordance with effective management of time.
  
• The student has no right to be accompanied by a representative at the hearing. Both the Academic Dismissal Appeal Committee and the student may call witnesses relevant to resolution of the appeal. Should information or witnesses be either repetitious or not relevant, the Academic Dismissal Appeal Committee shall take action to expedite the proceedings. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Chair of the Academic Dismissal Appeal Committee shall forward its recommendation to the Dean and the Executive Associate Dean within 3 business days.
  
• Unless suspended for some justifiable reason pursuant to TTUHSC and/or SON Handbooks, the student shall remain on the class roll and may pursue appropriate didactic course work until the appeal is resolved.
  
• The decision of the Dean is final. The student, the Programmatic Department Chair and the Executive Associate Dean will be notified in writing by the Dean within 5 business days from receipt of the Academic Dismissal Appeal Committee’s decision. The letter to the student will be mailed certified mail and/or e-mail.
  
• All notices required to be given shall be deemed received by the student upon mailing via TTUHSC email with read/receipt notification.

Appeals Procedure for Non-Dismissal Action(s)

• The appeal procedure for non-dismissal action(s) shall be the same as the Academic Dismissal Appeal process.

For more information, contact the Executive Associate Dean, (806) 743-2736.

ADDING A COURSE

Students are able to add a course or courses prior to the first day of class and should review the School of Nursing Academic Calendar for important deadlines (http://nursing.ttuhsc.edu/calendars/) related to adding a course or courses. Students register for course(s) via the WebRaider Portal at https://webraider.ttuhsc.edu.

To add a course to an existing schedule:

• Contact the applicable Enrollment Management Coordinator for approval and changes to the area of study plan.
• After the semester begins, students are able to add course(s) up to the 12th class day for fall, spring, and full summer semesters and 4th class day for summer semesters (summer 1 and/or summer 2). Late registration fees may apply.
• When adding course(s) after the semester’s due date, contact the Student Business Services office at (806) 743-7867 to make payment. Payment must be made within two (2) business days.
  • Additional payment and due date information can be found at the Student Business Services web site http://www.fiscal.ttuhsc.edu/studentbusserv/.

CODE OF ETHICS FOR NURSES

Students are expected to function within the framework of the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code for Nurses (2015). Students may purchase the Code for Nurses by contacting the American Nurses Association Publishing Company or it can be purchased or viewed here.

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT (“STUDENT CODE”)

All students of the School of Nursing are expected to adhere to the TTUHSC Code of Professional Conduct section outlined in the TTUHSC Student Handbook. These guiding rules and regulations are present to foster a sense of community and respect among all members of the university community. It states, “each student is responsible for his/her own integrity, and is likewise responsible for reporting possible violations of this Student Code by other students.” Part II.A.4.

COURSE LOADS

Traditional BSN Undergraduate Department

Traditional BSN Program

Undergraduate enrollment in 12 or more credit hours per semester is considered a full-time student. The number of semester credit hours a student may carry (course load) is regulated by the Associate Dean/Department Chair or Program Director. Students are expected to move through the program continuously. Part-time status will not be allowed except in extenuating circumstances. In determining course load, the Associate Dean/Department Chair or Program Director takes into account the quality of prior scholastic work performed and the types of courses involved. Permission is needed to enroll in more than 20 semester credit hours.

Non-Traditional Undergraduate Department

RN to BSN Program

Semester Credit Hours and Course Loads

The number of semester credit hours a student may carry (course load) is regulated by the Associate Dean/Department Chair, taking into account the quality of prior scholastic work performed and the types of courses involved. Permission is needed to enroll in more than 18 semester credit hours. Students are highly encouraged to take no less than 12 semester credit hours each semester. Refer to example course loads in the sample degree plans for the RN to BSN student.

A full-time RN to BSN student has the opportunity to complete the degree in two semesters; however, students have the option to attend on a part-time basis. If a student elects to attend part-time, the student must complete the program in sixteen months (4 semesters) from the time of initial enrollment. Students are admitted in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

RN to BSN Transferring Between Course Sections

Students are assigned to a section of a course based on availability of openings within each section. Students seeking to transfer to another section of a given course must make a request in writing to the RN to BSN Program Director prior to the end of the third class day of the semester. The RN to BSN Program Director will determine if a transfer is feasible based on the availability of space in an alternate course section. Should a transfer be determined to be feasible, the appropriate Enrollment Management Coordinator will notify the Registrar, School of Nursing Education Technology, and the affected faculty by email by the end of the business day the transfer is made.

Accelerated Second Degree BSN

Semester Credit Hours and Course Loads

Second Degree BSN students are required to complete 55 hours of non-nursing courses and 61 hours of nursing courses. The degree plan for the Second Degree track requires students to enroll in 20 to 21 hours per semester. Permission is needed to enroll in more or less semester credit hours.

Accelerated Veteran to BSN

Semester Credit Hours and Course Loads

Veteran to BSN (VBSN) Degree students are required to complete 59 hours of non-nursing courses and 61 hours of nursing courses. The degree plan for the VBSN Degree track requires students to enroll in 20 to 21 hours per semester. Permission is needed to enroll in more or less semester credit hours.

Graduate Department

MSN Leadership Program (Administration, Education, and Informatics Tracks)

Graduate enrollment in 9 or more credit hours in the fall and spring semesters and 6 credit hours in the full summer session is considered full-time enrollment. Fewer than 9 credit hours in the fall and spring semesters and fewer than 6 credit hours in the summer session is considered part-time enrollment. The number of semester credit hours a student may carry (course load) is regulated by the Associate Dean/Department Chair for Leadership Programs. In determining course load, the Associate Dean/Department Chair takes into account the quality of prior scholastic work performed and the types of courses involved.

MSN APRN Program (Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwifery Tracks)

Graduate enrollment in 9 or more credit hours in the fall and spring semesters and 6 credit hours in the full summer session is considered full-time enrollment. Fewer than 9 credit hours in the fall and spring semesters and fewer than 6 credit hours in the summer session is considered part-time enrollment. The number of semester credit hours a student may carry (course load) is regulated by the Associate Dean/Department Chair and/or Program Director for the APRN Program. In determining course load, the Associate Dean/Department Chair and/or Program Director takes into account the quality of prior scholastic work performed and the types of courses involved, and faculty-student ratios.

DNP Program: BSN to DNP, Post-Master's DNP, and Combined Post-Master's DNP with APRN Certificate

BSN to DNP and Post-Master's DNP enrollment in 9 or more credit hours in the fall and spring semesters and 6 credit hours in the full summer session is considered full-time enrollment. Fewer than 9 credit hours in the fall and spring semesters and fewer than 6 credit hours in the summer session is considered part time enrollment. The number of semester credit hours a student may carry (course load) is regulated by the specified DNP Associate Dean/Department Chair or Program Director. In determining course load, the Director takes into account the quality of prior scholastic work performed and the types of courses involved, and faculty-student ratios.

COURSE SYLLABI

Course syllabi for each School of Nursing course are obtained from the online learning platform. Course requirements and student expectations are stated in each course syllabus. Course syllabi and schedules should be posted and available for students one week before classes begin. Students in the Graduate Program can expect the course syllabus to be available in the learning management system by the first official class day.

DEAN’S HONOR LIST / PRESIDENT’S LIST

Undergraduate Programs

Full-time undergraduate students who earn a GPA of 4.0 during a semester are eligible for the President’s List. Full-time students who earn a 3.5-3.99 GPA are eligible for the Dean’s List, based on information supplied from the Registrar’s Office.

DROPPING A COURSE

• Students are able to drop course(s) up to the 12th class day for fall, spring and full summer semesters and 4th class day for summer semesters (summer 1 and/or summer 2) to receive a full refund. See School of Nursing Academic Calendar for deadlines.

To drop a course:

• Contact course facilitator and/or course faculty.
• Contact the applicable Academic Advisor for approval and changes to area of study plan.
• Drop course(s) via the WebRaider Portal at https://webraider.ttuhsc.edu.
  • Dropping a course may delay progression through the curriculum. Students dropping a course to the point of “zero hours” of enrollment are considered to be withdrawing from the School of Nursing (see Withdrawal School of Nursing). When dropping to zero hours, a student’s date of withdraw must be prior to the first class day according to the semester’s academic calendar in order to receive a full refund. Thereafter, contact the Student Business Service office at (806) 743-7867 for the appropriate refund schedule or review the Student Financial Information online at http://www.fiscal.ttuhsc.edu/studentbusserv/.
• Undergraduate and graduate students may file a Leave of Absence (see Leave of Absence section of this SON Student Handbook).
• Review tuition and fees information at http://www.fiscal.ttuhsc.edu/studentbusserv/ or contact the TTUHSC Student Business Service office for more information at (806) 743-7867.

EARLY ALERT UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Traditional BSN Undergraduate Department

Traditional BSN Program

The Early Alert Program provides resources and assistance to ensure success in earning the degree. Students referred to the Early Alert Program by nursing faculty are required to contact their course facilitators to discuss available services which may include referral to the Retention Counselor/Faculty for further assistance. Students may also voluntarily access the services of the Retention Counselor/Faculty.

Non-Traditional Undergraduate Department

RN to BSN Program

The Early Alert Program provides resources and assistance to ensure success in earning the degree. At the midpoint of each course, student progress is evaluated. Students who are failing at the midpoint of the course, according to the course requirements outlined in the syllabus, will be notified of their grade status. Early Alert communication will be sent to students who are failing a course midpoint following these procedures:

1. RN to BSN students who are failing at the course midpoint will be identified by the course facilitator and/or the RN to BSN Student Success Coordinator. 
2. RN to BSN Student Success Coordinator will send an early alert warning via official TTUHSC communication (OP 30.405.02 Attachment B Early Alert) to each student who is failing at course midpoint with a copy to the course facilitator.

Accelerated BSN Program: Second Degree BSN and Veteran to BSN

The Early Alert Program provides resources and assistance to ensure success in earning the degree. At the midpoint of each course, student progress is evaluated. Students who are failing at the midpoint of the course, according to the course requirements outlined in the syllabus, will be notified of their grade status. Early Alert communication will be sent to students who are failing a course midpoint following these procedures:

1. ABSN course facilitators submit names of students who are failing at the midpoint of each course via email to the Enrolled Student Management Student Affairs Coordinator and program director. 
2. The Enrolled Student Management Student Affairs Coordinator will send the early alert warning signed by the course facilitator (OP 30.405.01 Attachment A Early Alert) via official TTUHSC communication to each student with a copy to the course facilitator, lead faculty, and program director.

EARLY ALERT GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Graduate Department

MSN Leadership Program (Administration, Education and Informatics Tracks)

The Early Alert Program provides resources and assistance to students to ensure success in earning the degree. The Associate Dean/Department Chair requests all course faculty submit the names of students who may be in jeopardy of course failure to the Graduate Program Coordinator. The Graduate Program Coordinator and appropriate program director develops letters from the faculty to each identified student notifying the student of the current status and encouraging the student to discuss available services with the course faculty. All students are encouraged to contact their course faculty if they believe they are not progressing well in the course or have any concerns about being successful in the course.

MSN APRN Program (Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwifery Tracks)

The Early Alert Program provides resources and assistance to students to ensure success in earning the degree or certificate. The Associate Dean/Department Chair requests all course faculty submit the names of students who may be in jeopardy of course failure to the Graduate Program Coordinator. The Graduate Program Coordinator develops letters from the faculty to each identified student notifying the student of the current status and encouraging the student to discuss available services with the course faculty. All students are encouraged to contact their course faculty if they believe they are not progressing well in the course or have any concerns about being successful in the course.

DNP Program: BSN to DNP and Post-Master's DNP

The Early Alert Program provides resources and assistance to students to ensure success in earning the degree. The Program Director requests all course faculty submit the names of students who may be in jeopardy of course failure to the Graduate Program Coordinator. The Graduate Program Coordinator develops letters from the faculty to each identified student notifying the student of the current status and encouraging the student to discuss available services with the course faculty. All students are encouraged to contact their course faculty if they believe they are not progressing well in the course or have any concerns about being successful in the course.

ENROLLMENT OUT OF SEQUENCE

Students in the graduate programs may request to take a course out-of-sequence. Approval by the applicable advisor, affected course facilitator(s), Program Director, and/or the Associate Dean/Department Chair must be obtained through the appropriate program office prior to enrollment.

GRADING POLICIES

Course Grade Policy

Undergraduate Courses - SON OP 30.082

• In order to pass a course, the weighted average of all proctored exams including the final must equal 75% or greater.
• For RN to BSN courses, the weighted average of all assignments, quizzes, and exams will be calculated for the final course grade and must equal 70% or greater to pass the course.
  
• In courses where additional requirements are a weighted portion of the grade, the additional course requirements will only be calculated as part of the final course grade if the average of all proctored exams including the final is 75% or greater.
• For Second Degree BSN, Veteran to BSN and Traditional BSN courses with a clinical component, the clinical portion is graded as follows:
  • A clinical evaluation instrument will be used to determine the grade. The student must earn a 75% or greater on the clinical evaluation instrument to pass the course.
• The final course grade shall accurately reflect the grade earned according to course grading criteria. Exam grade averages and the final course grade will be rounded using classic rounding rules (2 decimal points). For example, a grade of 89.45 equals A, whereas a grade of 89.44 equals a B. Rounding of individual grades should not be done. Rather, rounding should be done for the final exam grade average and the course grade only.

Graduate Courses: MSN and DNP

• In order to pass a course, the average of all exams including the final must equal 80% or greater.
• For courses with a clinical component, the clinical portion is graded on a pass/fail basis. Regardless of scores earned on exams or additional assignments, the student must pass the clinical portion of the course in order to pass the course. An unsatisfactory or failing clinical performance will result in a final course grade of “F”, regardless of the didactic grade.
• The final course grade shall accurately reflect the grade earned according to course grading criteria. Exam grade averages and the final course grade will be rounded using classic rounding rules (2 decimal places). For example, a grade of 89.45 equals A, whereas a grade of 89.44 equals B. Rounding of individual items should not be done. Rather, rounding should be done for the final course grade only.

Grade Reports

Final course grades can be obtained electronically through the WebRaider Portal at https://webraider.ttuhsc.edu.

Grading Scale

INDEPENDENT / INDIVIDUAL STUDY COURSES

A student may choose to complete elective course requirements by enrolling in an independent/individual study course. For independent/individual study courses, the student and faculty meet to define specific objectives and complete an Independent/Individual Study Agreement Form. Independent/Individual Study Agreement forms are available online at http://nursing.ttuhsc.edu/forms/ and must be on file with the applicable Coordinator in the Student Affairs office and the Registrar PRIOR to registering for the course. For more information on Independent/Individual Study Courses, contact the appropriate academic advisor.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA) and RETURN FROM LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Undergraduate Students

Under certain circumstances, the TTUHSC School of Nursing may grant permission for an undergraduate student to go on an official leave of absence. Such a leave may be granted only for personal or family emergency situations and endeavors that contribute to the student’s development/leadership within nursing profession or military obligations and is granted at the discretion of the Associate Dean/Department Chair. A Leave of Absence will only be allowed for a period of two semesters. Failure to file a Leave of Absence Form and failure to re-enroll will result in the administrative dismissal of the student from the program.

Leave of Absence Procedure

Requesting a Leave of Absence

1. The student upon initial consideration of a leave of absence must contact their appropriate Student Affairs Program Coordinator to discuss the process to request said leave.
   
2. If student decides to request a leave of absence, the student may obtain the Leave of Absence form from http://nursing.ttuhsc.edu/forms/general/loa.pdf. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain, complete and submit the form for approval.
   
3. Upon completion of the form, the student is to submit the form to their Program Associate Dean/Department Chair for their review. Student must discuss the request for a leave with their Associate Dean/Department Chair. The decision to allow a Leave of Absence rests with the Associate Dean/Department Chair.
   
4. If approved, the Office of the Registrar will be informed via a SON Memorandum of the Leave of Absence to close matriculation. The required signature on the Memorandum will be the dean and/or his representative and the Associate Dean/Department Chair. A copy of the Leave of Absence form along with the Memorandum will be maintained in the student’s file.
   
5. A Leave of Absence will only be granted for a period of two semesters. Students who do not re-enroll in the semester following the declared expiration of the Leave of Absence will be administratively dismissed from the program.
   
6. Failure to file a Leave of Absence Form and/or failure to file a Return from Leave form and re-enroll will result in the student being administratively dismissed from the program. If the student is administratively dismissed due to these failures, the student must seek readmission.

Returning from a Leave Absence

1. When the student makes the decision to return from the leave of absence and enroll in courses, he/she must submit the Return from Leave Form. The student must complete the required form, which can be found at http://nursing.ttuhsc.edu/forms/general/loa_return.pdf, and turn it into their Student Affairs Program Coordinator. Failure to file a Return from Leave Form will delay or prevent enrollment depending on the proximity to the start of the semester that the student wants to resume classes.
   
2. The Return from Leave form will be forwarded by the Student Affairs Program Coordinator to the appropriate Associate Dean/Department Chair. A copy will be forwarded to the Registrar as official notification along with the Return from LOA Memorandum.
   
3. If a student does not re-enroll in the semester immediately following the declared expiration of the leave of absence, or for two semesters after the initial approval of leave of absence by the department chair, the student will be administratively dismissed from the program. Any courses with an incomplete will be treated in accordance with TTUHSC policy after the two semesters and will be rolled over to a grade of “F.”

Graduate Students: MSN and DNP

Graduate students may request a leave of absence (LOA) for one, two, or three consecutive semesters. No more than three consecutive semesters (one year) may be taken during an LOA. Students who do not enroll in the semester following the declared expiration date of the leave of absence must seek readmission through the relevant councils, i.e., MSN, BSN-DNP, Post-Master’s DNP.

The student’s first step when anticipating a leave of absence is to discuss the option with their graduate program advisor. Once a leave of absence is determined, the student is responsible for obtaining, completing and submitting the Leave of Absence Form. When the student makes the decision to return from the leave of absence and enroll in courses, they must submit the Return From Leave Form. Failure to file a Return From Leave Form will delay or prevent enrollment. Students who do not enroll in the semester following the declared expiration date of the leave of absence must seek readmission through the relevant council.

Leave of Absence Request forms and Return From Leave forms are available online at http://nursing.ttuhsc.edu/forms/.

National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN) ELIGIBILITY

The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) has identified certain circumstances that may render a potential candidate ineligible for licensure as a registered nurse in the State of Texas. A Petition for Declaratory Order (DO) is a formal disclosure to the Board of an eligibility issue that may prevent an applicant from taking the NCLEX and receiving initial licensure. The DO permits the Board to make a decision regarding a petitioner’s eligibility for licensure prior to entering or completing a nursing program. An individual who has reason to believe that they may be ineligible for initial licensure due to issues discussed in Rule §213.30 may petition the Board for a declaratory order as to their eligibility such as:

• if the potential ineligibility is due to the petitioner's criminal history, all court documents, including, but not limited to: indictments, agreements for pre-trial diversion or deferred prosecution, orders of deferred adjudication, judgments, probation records, and evidence of completion of probation, as applicable;
  
• if the potential ineligibility is due to the petitioner's mental health condition or diminished capacity, verifiable and reliable evidence of controlled behavior and consistent compliance with recommended treatment, including compliance with a prescribed medication regime, for a reasonable amount of time, as applicable;
  
• if the potential ineligibility is due to the petitioner's substance use disorder and/or the abuse/misuse of alcohol or drugs, verifiable and reliable evidence of sobriety and abstinence from drugs and alcohol, which may include evidence of the completion of inpatient, outpatient, or aftercare treatment, random drug screens, individual or group therapy, and/or support group attendance;

The DO should be submitted electronically via the Nurse Portal at this link: https://www.bon.texas.gov/texasnurseportal/. Students who have obtained a Declaratory Order Petition must notify the Associate Dean/Department Chair and inform them of the outcome of the petition.

*Pursuant to the Occupations Code §301.207, information, including diagnosis and treatment, regarding an individual's physical or mental condition, intemperate use of drugs or alcohol, or chemical dependency and information regarding an any other information in the petition for declaratory order of eligibility is confidential to the same extent that information collected as part of an investigation is confidential under the Occupations Code §301.466.

NOTE: Expunged and Sealed Offenses: While expunged or sealed offenses, arrests, tickets, or citations need not be disclosed, the student has the responsibility to ensure the offense, arrest, ticket, or citation has, in fact, been expunged or sealed. The recommendation is submission of a copy of the court order expunging or sealing the record in question to the Texas Board of Nursing with your application. Failure to reveal an offense, arrest, ticket, or citation that is not in fact expunged or sealed, will at a minimum, subject your license to a disciplinary fine. Non-disclosure of relevant offenses raises questions related to truthfulness and character.

NOTE: Orders of Non-Disclosure: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.142(b), a person who is the subject of information that is excepted from the requirements of Section 552.021 under this section may deny the occurrence of the criminal proceeding to which the information relates and the exception of the information under this section, unless the information is being used against the person in a subsequent criminal proceeding. Pursuant to other sections of the Texas Government Code Chapter 411, the Texas Board of Nursing is entitled to access criminal history record information that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure, even if you properly did not reveal that matter, the Board may require you to provide information about any conduct that raises issues of character.

Statues and Rules governing the Petition for Declaratory Order may be found in the Texas Occupations Code §§ 301.257, 301.452, 304.454 (Nursing Practice Act), and in the Board Rules and Regulations relating to Nurse Education, Licensure and Practice, 22 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §§ 213.27-30 and Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §§ 217.11-12.

The Nurse Practice Act was amended during the 2005 Texas legislative session, adding Texas Occupations Code § 301.4535, to authorize the Board of Nursing to deny or revoke licensure to an individual for certain criminal offenses. Under the provision, the BON shall refuse or shall withdraw a license if the person has been convicted of an identified offense or has noted on his or her criminal record a plea of guilty or nolo contendere. The Texas Board of Nursing may consider eligibility for licensure of an applicant, who otherwise would be ineligible for licensure, after the fifth anniversary of the successful completion of and dismissal from probation or parole. The criminal offenses barring licensure, as defined by Texas Penal Code, include the following: murder, capital murder or manslaughter; kidnapping or unlawful restraint and the offense was punished as a felony; sexual assault; aggravated sexual assault; continuous sexual abuse of young child or children, or indecency with a child; aggravated assault; intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly injuring a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual; intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly abandoning or endangering a child; aiding suicide and the offense was punished as a state jail felony; an offense involving a violation of certain court orders or conditions of bond punished as a felony; an agreement to abduct a child from custody; the sale or purchase of a child; robbery; aggravated robbery; an offense for which a defendant is required to register as a sex offender; or an offense under the law of another state, federal law, or the Uniform Code of Military Justice for similar crimes.

NON-GRADE COMPLAINT or GRIEVANCE

It is the policy of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing to affirm the right of its students to a prompt and fair resolution of a complaint or grievance. The purpose of the Grievance Procedure for Non-grade Complaints is to establish a process for students to express and resolve misunderstandings, concerns, or grievances they have with any university employee or fellow student in a prompt, fair, and equitable manner. Actions that may be grieved under this procedure include (but are not limited to unless otherwise excluded as defined below) unfair, inequitable, or unprofessional treatment, improper application of school policy or procedure, or improper disclosure of grades (i.e. FERPA violation). Although the procedure encourages the resolution of the concern informally, a formal grievance is available should the concern not be resolved informally. The formal grievance process constitutes a formal complaint being filed.

Actions that MAY NOT be grieved under this procedure include: 1) misconduct actions by another student in accordance with the TTUHSC Student Handbook; 2) sexual harassment by an employee or student; 3) discrimination; and 4) American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance complaints. The above actions can be grieved through the TTUHSC Title IX Coordinator, or TTUHSC Student Affairs, Student Disability Services. Grade Disputes shall be grieved through the TTUHSC School of Nursing.

Non-Grade Complaint resolution procedures include both informal and formal processes. Students should use the formal complaint procedure only as a last resort. Prior to the informal process, it may be helpful for the student to consult with the Executive Associate Dean to clarify the issues involved.

Informal Process

The goal of the informal process is to establish communication between the student and the appropriate faculty/staff member or student for the purpose of providing a forum where the student’s questions or concerns can be addressed and a satisfactory resolution developed.

Prior to filing a formal written grievance, students are encouraged to first address their complaint informally with the faculty, staff, or student involved. The parties involved in the non-grade grievance are encouraged to resolve the misunderstanding, concern, or grievance through discussion. If, after meeting with the faculty/staff or student involved in the grievance, the student remains unsatisfied, the next step in the informal process is for the student to discuss the issue with their Associate Dean/Department Chair, Regional Dean, or the Executive Associate Dean as appropriate. If the issue is not resolved informally, the student has the right to meet with the Executive Associate Dean regarding the process for filing a formal grievance.

Formal Process

To file a non-grade grievance, the student shall:

• File a non-grade complaint utilizing the on-line process found at https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-affairs/grievances.aspx. This is to be filed within ten (10) business days from the date of the last meeting with the appropriate faculty, staff, or fellow student with the Executive Associate Dean. The student must include in the complaint form a written statement including any information regarding attempts at resolution, and basis for the allegation that was unfair and the expected remedy or outcome by filing the grievance.
  
• The Executive Associate Dean will submit the complaint form and any accompanying evidence to either the Associate Dean/Department Chair responsible for the faculty member(s) or fellow student involved or the Associate Dean for Business and Finance for the staff member involved. All parties will be notified in regard to the complaint and an informal meeting will convene with the faculty/staff or fellow student and student filing the complaint separately and review all materials pertinent to the complaint. If two or more students are involved, the Associate Dean may elect to meet with the students either separately or jointly. The role of the Associate Dean is to mediate the dispute. If the Associate Dean is the faculty/staff member cited in the grievance, he/she should recuse himself/herself and the Executive Associate Dean shall mediate the facilitated discussions on the grievance.
  
• All parties to the complaint will be allowed to submit documentation to the appropriate supervisor. The Associate Dean will conduct an investigation of the dispute and interview each of the parties to the dispute individually or may at the discretion conduct a joint meeting of the parties to mediate and resolve the dispute. No parties other than those involved in the complaint may participate or attend.
  
• The role of the Associate Dean is to take evidence as described above, to listen to all parties, and make a final decision regarding the complaint. The Associate Dean will have ten (10) business days to render a decision from the date of receipt of complaint form. Notification will be sent to the student filing the complaint as well as the faculty/staff member or fellow student via certified mail and/or via TTUHSC email. All substantive decisions of the Associate Dean are final.

Appeal to the Dean

The student filing the complaint may only appeal issues of procedural due process to the Dean of the School of Nursing. Within five (5) business days of the date of the decision of the Associate Dean, the student filing the complaint must submit to the Executive Associate Dean. The form for procedural appeal is Attachment A. The decision of the Dean will be sent to the student and faculty/staff or fellow student via certified mail and/or via TTUHSC email within five (5) business days of receipt of the appeal. The decision of the Dean is final. All records will be retained in the Office of the Executive Associate Dean for three (3) years.

PASS – FAIL OPTION

Students may not take any courses required for a degree in nursing as Pass-Fail. Courses previously taken as Pass-Fail will not be transferred for credit if the course is required for a School of Nursing degree. Traditional BSN students may be required to take a Pass-Fail course for remedial purposes. For graduate students, courses previously taken as Pass-Fail will not transfer for credit if the course is required for a School of Nursing Degree unless approved by the applicable Graduate Program Associate Dean/Department Chair and/or Program Director.

PLACEMENT IN CLINICAL FACILITY

Undergraduate Students

Every effort will be made to place a student in a clinical facility convenient for the student in terms of location and range of clinical experiences. The decision for clinical placement rests with the faculty teaching in the clinical course. A student may be removed from a clinical setting at any time if the faculty teaching the course believes it is in the best interest of the student. All students are guests of the facility where clinical experiences occur. As such, students are required to adhere to all policies and procedures of the assigned facility.

Graduate Students - Nurse-Midwifery Track

The nurse-midwifery faculty work with the student and the TTUHSC preceptor/site coordinators to ensure each student has satisfactory clinical preceptors and sites to provide access to sufficient clinical experiences. This assures students that they have the opportunity to attain competence in the midwifery practice areas of primary care, gynecologic, antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn care. To offset the additional expenses involved in preceptor and site contracting and coordination, a clinical placement fee is charged for each semester the student is enrolled in a nurse-midwifery practicum course.

PLACEMENT IN COURSE

Students progressing through the program in a regular, uninterrupted sequence are assured space in the nursing courses. Limited resources may restrict the School of Nursing from assuring immediate placement in nursing courses to students whose progress through the curriculum has been interrupted.

READMISSION

Military Service

Students who are members of active United States military under mandatory military obligations, or Reservists and members of the National Guard unable to complete a semester due to having been called to active duty shall be re-admitted and re-enrolled as a student without penalty or re-determination of admission eligibility within two years following release from active military service. If the student does not seek re-admission within two years of active service, the student will be required to complete the admissions process to determine eligibility. (See TTUHSC Operating Policy 77.16, Military Service for additional considerations.)

Undergraduate Programs

Traditional BSN Program

Any student who has been dismissed or who withdrew for academic or disciplinary causes or as a result of a Complaint of Misconduct is ineligible for readmission to the Traditional BSN Program.

Accelerated BSN Program: Second Degree BSN /Veteran to BSN

All requests for readmission must be made no later than two (2) months prior to the first day of the semester in which readmission is requested. The Accelerated BSN Program Council is responsible for overseeing all readmission requests via the Admissions and Progressions Committee. A student who left in good standing and seeking readmission shall complete and submit a readmission application showing the expected entry point to the appropriate Enrollment Management Coordinator. The Coordinator will notify the chair of the Admissions and Progressions Committee of the request for readmission along with providing the most current transcript, and a summary of the circumstances of the student’s withdrawal, if known.

A student who left with a record not in good standing (academic or disciplinary causes) must complete and submit a readmission application to the appropriate  Enrollment Management Coordinator along with a letter explaining the circumstances resulting in the withdrawal/dismissal and the plan to improve or correct performance if offered readmission. The appropriate Enrollment Management Coordinator will forward the application, the letter, any observations regarding academic performance and behavior during prior enrollment at the School of Nursing, and any available academic records including the most recent transcript to the chair of the Admissions and Progressions Committee. The Admissions and Progressions Committee shall review all such requests and may take one of the following actions regarding readmission of a student: 1) eligible and admit, 2) eligible pending space availability in nursing courses and in sequence to date of action in relation to other readmission applicants, 3) not eligible. The Admissions and Progressions Committee may assign requirements to be met as a condition of enrollment, i.e. readmission on a part-time degree plan.

RN to BSN Program

All requests for readmission must be made no later than two (2) months prior to the first day of the semester in which readmission is requested. The RN to BSN Program Council is responsible for overseeing all requests for readmission via the Admissions and Progressions Committee. A student who left in good standing and seeking readmission shall complete and submit a readmission application showing the expected entry point to the appropriate Enrollment ManagementCoordinator. The Coordinator will notify the chair of the Admissions and Progressions Committee of the request for readmission along with providing the most current transcript, and a summary of the circumstances of the student’s withdrawal, if known.

A student who left with a record not in good standing (academic or disciplinary causes) must complete and submit a readmission application to the appropriate Enrollment Management Coordinator along with a letter explaining the circumstances resulting in the withdrawal/dismissal and the plan to improve or correct performance if offered readmission. The appropriate Enrollment Management Coordinator will forward the application, the letter, any observations regarding academic performance and behavior during prior enrollment at the School of Nursing, and any available academic records including the most recent transcript to the chair of the Admissions and Progressions Committee.

The Admissions and Progressions Committee review all such requests and may take one of the following actions regarding readmission of a student: 1) eligible and admit, 2) eligible pending space availability in nursing courses and in sequence to date of action in relation to other readmission applicants, 3) not eligible. The Admissions and Progressions Committee may assign requirements to be met as a condition of enrollment, i.e. readmission on a part-time degree plan.

Graduate Programs

All requests for readmission must be made no later than the application deadline listed in the School of Nursing Catalog for the semester in which readmission is requested. The Graduate Program Associate Deans/Department Chairs and Program Directors are responsible for overseeing all readmissions to the School of Nursing Graduate Program. Readmission of a student dismissed or who withdrew for academic or disciplinary causes is also based upon the decision of the appropriate Associate Dean/Department Chair and Program Director.

A student seeking readmission must comply with the following:

• Submit a letter requesting readmission to the Graduate Program to the Program Director
  
• Meet all recommendations and requirements set forth by the appropriate Associate Dean/Department Chair and Program Director
  
• Complete online application and meet admission criteria for full admission

REGISTRATION

Students register for courses via the WebRaider Portal on the days identified by the TTUHSC Registrar’s Office. Specific information on how to register is provided by the Academic Advisor, after student advisement.

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION VERIFICATION

The United States Federal Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of August 14, 2008 requires institutions offering distance education courses and/or programs to verify the identity of students enrolled in distance education courses/programs, protect student privacy, and notify students of projected costs for student identity verification. TTUHSC School of Nursing verifies student identity, protects student privacy, and notifies students of the projected charges of student identity verification through implementation of the following procedures:

• Verification of students enrolled and participating in each course for each undergraduate and graduate degree program to receive course credit is determined through a secure login and password/code each time the student accesses the Learning Management System.
  
• Student privacy is protected through required use of a secure login and password/code for faculty and staff access to each course in the Learning Management System.
  
• Students are notified in writing of the projected charges for verifying student identity at the time of application acceptance and through the School of Nursing Catalog.

SUSPENSION and RETENTION

Students must meet school and program standards, refer to the TTUHSC Operating Policy 77.05.

TEXTBOOKS

Courses utilize information from various mediums, including textbooks. Specific textbooks may be required to be purchased by the student. Each semester, the required and optional texts are listed for each course on the following website: http://nursing.ttuhsc.edu/textbooks/. Students may purchase the texts through a vendor of the student’s choice.

UNSAFE STUDENT PRACTICES

A student demonstrating any unsafe practices as outlined below may be subject to disciplinary actions dependent upon the severity of the unsafe practice, including but not limited to, the following: verbal warning, written warning, formal reprimand, failure, and/or dismissal. Every effort will be made to use progressive discipline; however, at the discretion of the faculty member, a student can be failed at any time during the semester for an unsafe practice as defined below.

• Violates or threatens the physical, psychological, microbiological, chemical, pharmacological, or thermal safety of the patient.
• Violates previously mastered principles/learning objectives in carrying out nursing care skills or delegated medical functions.
• Accepts assignments beyond knowledge, education, experience, or competence.
• Fails to recognize or accept legal/ethical responsibility for actions as defined in the Nursing Practice Act for the State of Texas or the Code for Nurses of the American Nurses Association.
• Fails to carry out CDC Standard Precautions.