Academic Policies

Each student in the graduate nursing program is responsible for knowing all degree requirements and for monitoring her/his academic progression toward the completion of the degree requirements. Students should refer to the Graduate Nursing Handbook for a complete discussion of academic policies. General policies that are applicable to all students will be contained within this handbook.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

1. Students enrolled in the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program must complete 39 credits in didactic and clinical components for graduation. Students enrolled in the Nursing Education concentration must complete 37 credits of didactic and practicum requirements for graduation. Students enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration must complete 43 credits of didactic and clinical components for graduation. Students enrolled in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration must complete 42 credits of didactic and clinical components for graduation.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required each semester as well as a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for graduation.
3. A grade of B (83.0) or higher must be achieved in all courses.  Failure to achieve a grade of B in a graduate nursing course prohibits students from enrolling in the subsequent nursing course.
4. If a grade below B is received in a graduate nursing course, the course may be repeated once upon recommendation of the nursing faculty.  A grade of B (83.0) or higher must be earned the next time the course is offered.
5. Clinical practicums are graded on a Pass/Fail basis.  A failing grade in a clinical practicum will result in dismissal from the program for academic reasons.  No repeat will be allowed in clinical practicums.
6. Students who are admitted to the program with outstanding pre-requisite courses pending (undergraduate health assessment and statistics) must complete these pre-requisite courses prior to registering for the second semester after admission. Documentation of achievement of a B or higher in undergraduate pre-requisite courses must be achieved in order to progress in the graduate program.
7. Students may not register for a clinical course until all prior clinical requirements have been successfully completed.
8. Course offerings in the graduate nursing program are sequenced in a cohort format.  Therefore, failure to register for one semester will require that the student request a Leave of Absence until the course sequence is repeated.  Failure to request such a leave will result in administrative withdrawal.
9. Once admitted to the program, students must complete all required course work for the Master of Science Degree with a Major in Nursing at St. Joseph's University.
10. Students who are accepted as transfers from another graduate program may be allowed to transfer in a maximum of 6 credits in equivalent course work.  Equivalency will be determined by the Office of the Registrar in consultation with the Director, Department of Nursing.  
11. All students must successfully pass a Capstone Presentation Project to graduate from the program. The project will be completed over the last two semesters of the program. Any student who fails this presentation project may be allowed to appeal the grade at the discretion of the nursing faculty. Failure to achieve a pass will result in academic dismissal from the program.

St. Joseph's University, Department of Nursing, reserves the prerogative to adjust admission and program requirements in response to changes in accreditation or credentialing/registration criteria.
 

CONDITIONAL ADMISSIONS

1. Students admitted with an overall undergraduate GPA below 3.0, will be admitted on a Conditional Status basis. The student must complete the first two semesters with a grade of B (83.0) or above in each course and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above per semester in order to meet the academic requirements of the Graduate Nursing Program. Failure to meet these requirements will result in Dismissal from the Graduate Nursing Program. After meeting the specific academic requirements, the graduate nursing student will achieve full matriculation status to the Graduate Nursing Program.
2. Students admitted who have graduated from a non-accredited (NLNAC, ACEN, CNEA or CCNE) undergraduate program will be admitted on a Conditional Status basis. The student must complete the first two semesters with a grade of B (83.0) or above in each course and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above per semester in order to meet the requirements of the Graduate Nursing Program. Failure to meet these requirements will result in Dismissal from the Graduate Nursing Program. After meeting the specific requirements, the graduate nursing student will achieve full matriculation status to the Graduate Nursing Program.

CHANGE OF CONCENTRATION

A change of program concentration may be approved prior to March 15 of the first year in the Nursing Graduate Program if there is space available in the desired concentration and the student is in good academic standing.

The procedures for a change in concentration require that the students:

1. complete required advisement with the nursing graduate coordinator.
2. complete a written request for permission to change concentration.
3. sign the request form and submit.

Requests for changes in concentration will be reviewed by the assistant director and must be approved by the program director.

DEFERMENT OF ADMISSION

If a graduate nursing student is admitted into the Graduate Nursing Program and cannot matriculate in the entering cohort class, a request for deferment of admission must be submitted. Deferments are only granted for one year. Request for deferment of admission must be sent in writing to the Director, Department of Nursing and must specify the reason for seeking the deferment. Each request is reviewed on its individual merits, and deferments are not granted automatically. Requests for deferment must be submitted between the time of admission to the program and registration. Graduate nursing students who wish to activate their deferred admission should write to the Director, Department of Nursing, by June 1st, two months before the beginning of the Fall semester. Failure to do so will result in having to re-apply to the Graduate Nursing Program.

GRADING SYSTEM

1. The grading system is available in the St. Joseph's University School of Professional and Graduate Studies Catalogue and on the St. Joseph's University web site located under “Current Students”.
2. While C and D grades are considered passing grades at St. Joseph's University, students in the graduate nursing program must achieve a grade of B (83.0) or higher in all graduate nursing courses. A pass must be achieved in all clinical components of the graduate program.  Failure to achieve a pass in clinical course will result in academic dismissal from the program.
3. The following procedures regarding incomplete coursework/clinical or practicum components will be strictly enforced. An extension of time to complete coursework, clinical components, or practicum experiences will be granted only when very unusual, extenuating circumstances exist, and ONLY after consultation with the course instructor. Approval will also be required from the assistant director on the respective campus as well as from the director of the nursing department. Proof of extenuating circumstances will be required when the request for an incomplete is made.

An incomplete in either coursework or the clinical or practicum components may result in the need to withdraw from the original cohort group unless the incomplete is resolved prior to the beginning of the next semester. Due dates for the completion of incomplete coursework/clinical/practicum hours are:

Fall Semester: January 20

Spring Semester: Consultation with the faculty member and assistant director

Summer: 

1. For Summer Session I: no later than before the start of the Summer Session II
2. For Summer Session II: September 1.

If approval is granted for an incomplete, the incomplete form will be signed by the student, by the course instructor, by the assistant director, and by the nursing program director. It will then be submitted to the registrar’s office. It is the responsibility of the student for whom such an exception has been granted to submit all missing coursework or clinical/practicum documentation by the date indicated on the incomplete form. Failure to comply with the above procedures and specified timelines will result in a student receiving a zero (coursework) or failure (clinical/practicum components) for the missing work. Students with incomplete grades will not be permitted to register for the subsequent semester until the outstanding incomplete grade is removed.

The instructor reserves the right to reduce the grade on incomplete coursework or clinical/practicum components in addition to any other reduction in grade already imposed for the late submission of coursework/clinical/practicum components.

An Incomplete grade in the clinical component of a course will result in the student assuming any costs associated with continued faculty supervision.

GRADE APPEAL PROCEDURE

1. An appeal to review a final grade should be directed to the Registrar within 10 days after the grade is posted. The student will complete a “Review of Grade” form and will arrange an informal meeting or contact with the instructor. The instructor will return the appeal form to the Registrar.
2. If the matter is not resolved through discussion, the student may notify the campus specific Director of Nursing, submit relevant materials, and request a meeting with the Executive Director of Nursing. The AdHoc Nursing Department Committee of the opposite campus will review the materials and the grade for the appeal. If necessary, the Executive Director of Nursing will consult with the course instructor, and then notify the student of the outcome.
3. If the student disagrees with the decision reached by the Executive Director of Nursing and AdHoc Committee, the student may appeal to the Executive Dean. The Executive Dean will render a decision, in writing, usually within ten 10 school days after meeting with the student. Please note: Reviews of academic matters will be scheduled as soon as possible, but when requests are made outside of the regular session, they may have to wait for the availability of the faculty member. Examinations and quizzes may not be reviewed for appeal. The Ad Hoc faculty committee will obtain all tests, papers, grade breakdowns, preceptor evaluations (if applicable) the course outline and all other relevant course materials.
4. The Ad Hoc faculty committee will review all submitted materials and consult with the faculty member and preceptor (if applicable). A change in or retention of the grade will be the responsibility of the faculty member. The student will be contacted at the completion of this process.
5. If, however, the matter cannot be settled by agreement between the faculty member and the Ad Hoc committee, or if the student disagrees with the decision reached in the step above, the decision may be appealed to the associate dean for nursing, who may seek consultation with objective parties as needed
6. If the student disagrees with the decision reached by the associate dean for nursing, the student may appeal, in writing, the decision of the associate dean for nursing to the executive dean within 7 (seven) days of the associate dean for nursing's decision. The executive dean or his designee will meet with the student. If the student disagrees with the decision reached by the executive dean, the student may appeal to the provost. The provost’s decision will be final.

NON-ACADEMIC PROGRAM COMPLAINT POLICY

Any student or group of students who finds it necessary to file a complaint in a non­academic matter must follow this procedure:

1. Consult informally with the campus specific Director of Nursing.
2. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the student should register the complaint in writing with the Executive Director of Nursing. If the matter is not resolved, the student will submit in writing, the complaint to the Executive Dean. The Executive Dean or their delegate will conduct an investigation within a reasonable time of the receipt of the investigation may involve a meeting with the parties involved.

APPEAL PROCESS FOR OTHER NON-ACADEMIC DECISIONS

The student may appeal the decision by filing a written request for review with the President of the University no later than five (5) school days after receipt of notice of the decision. The President or an appropriate delegate will review the matter and may confirm or reverse the decision but may not increase any penalty imposed. Within a reasonable time of receipt of the request for review, the President or an appropriate delegate will advise the student, in writing, of a decision.

POLICY FOR BACKGROUND CHECKS OF STUDENTS

Purpose:

To describe the policy regarding the conduct of background checks for students participating in clinical or practicum experiences.

Policy/Procedure:

1. Certain clinical and/or educational agencies may require background checks for students prior to placement for clinical or practicum experiences.
2. Students scheduled for experiences at these agencies are then required to submit to and satisfactorily complete a background check.
3. Compliance with this requirement and satisfactory findings are essential for clinical or practicum placement and progression in the graduate nursing program.
4. St. Joseph's University, Department of Nursing will designate an approved company to conduct the background check.
5. Students will contact the designated company and comply with its instructions in authorizing and obtaining a background check.
6. The cost of background checks is the responsibility of the student.
7. In the event of a questionable background check, student placement may be compromised.
8. Clinical/Practicum agencies’ guidelines on background checks will determine acceptance to placements.
9. The Director of the Nursing Department will review all students’ findings and make a determination of student participation in the clinical or practicum experience.

PLAGIARISM AND OTHER FORMS OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

The University expects students to observe academic integrity in all aspects of their academic life, including the conduct of their examinations, assignments, and research.  All members of the University community share the responsibility for creating a climate of academic integrity, based on fairness to others and respect for oneself.  Violations of academic integrity are treated very seriously.  Plagiarism (the act of copying, stealing or representing the ideas or words of another as one’s own without giving credit to the source), cheating on examinations, and all forms of academic dishonesty are forbidden.  Students found guilty of such behavior are subject to appropriate disciplinary actions, which may include a reduction in grade, a failure in the course, suspension, or expulsion.  

Instructors at St. Joseph's University routinely use plagiarism detection devices such as Turnitin, Safe Assign, and Google to uncover acts of plagiarism.

Procedure to be Followed

The individual faculty member will confront the student with the allegation of dishonest behavior, and shall procure evidence substantiating the charges. The faculty member will report the matter to the associate dean for nursing, who will determine the appropriate action to take.

Appeal

The student may appeal the decision of the associate dean for nursing, to the executive dean, by filing a written request for a review within five (5) days.

The executive dean will render a decision within five (5) school days. The student may appeal this decision by notice in writing filed with the provost within five (5) days of receipt of the executive dean's decision.

DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM

Academic Dismissal is dismissal from the Graduate Nursing Program based on continued unsatisfactory progress toward meeting course or degree requirements evidenced by:

1. A cumulative grade point average of 2.999 or below.
2. On academic warning more than once.
3. Failure in Clinical Practicum/Education Practicum.

The Graduate Nursing Program reserves the right to require the withdrawal of students who do not maintain the required academic standing or whose enrollment in the nursing program would be detrimental to their health, or to the health of others. Dismissal for other than academic reasons may be initiated for professional misconduct that reflects a lack of accountability in the care of clients or unsafe nursing care, or for any of the reason specified in the Student Code of Conduct, as described in the School of Professional and Graduate Studies Student Policies booklet.

A nursing faculty committee will evaluate the documentation of professional misconduct or violation of the Student Code of Conduct and provide the involved student with an opportunity for an impartial hearing. The associate dean for nursing then will evaluate the documentation and the committee’s recommendation and determine the appropriate disciplinary action. A student who is dissatisfied with the decision of the associate dean for nursing may appeal in writing to the executive dean of St. Joseph's University within seven (7) days following the associate dean for nursing’s decision. The student Grievance Procedure in areas other than professional misconduct is described in the St. Joseph's University Student Handbook.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Students may apply to the Director for a leave of absence when it is necessary to interrupt temporarily their progression in the program.  When a leave of absence is granted, a specific time period is designated.  The student may return without reapplying for admission at the termination of the granted leave of absence.  The student subsequently will be placed in another cohort group.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PROGRAM

Students contemplating withdrawal from the program should initially meet with the Director of their respective campus. Students who then plan to withdraw from the Graduate Nursing Program should subsequently submit a written notification indicating reasons for withdrawal to the Associate Dean for Nursing, Department of Nursing. The appropriate forms can be obtained from the Office of the Executive Dean.

READMISSION

Readmission may be granted to students who withdrew from the program. A written request for readmission needs to be made to the associate dean for nursing. Each request will be considered individually.

Guidelines that will be followed are:

1. Admission policies in practice at the time of readmission prevail.
2. The student’s academic record and standing is evaluated.
3. Academic requirements for readmission are specified.
4. The student must meet the curriculum requirements that prevail at the time of readmission.
5. Students may be readmitted only once.

CLINICAL AND PRACTICUM

The education practicum and clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner clinical components will be graded on a pass/fail basis. Students must achieve a pass in the practicum and/or clinical segments. Failure in the practicum or clinical segment will result in academic dismissal from the program.

CAPSTONE PRESENTATION PROJECT

All students will be required to successfully complete a capstone presentation project to graduate from the program. If a pass grade is not received, the student may request an appeal. A grade of pass must be achieved on the appeal request.