Academic Policies

Academic Advising

Academic advising is an integral part of the student’s educational experience. To ensure timely resolution of problems and to ensure progression to graduation, the student must assume responsibility in the advising process.

The Academic Support Office provides the following advising services:

1. Assist students in examining and improving study skills, time management skills, stress reduction techniques, and test taking strategies.
2. Provide information about available College academic resources.
3. Assist with resolution of academic problems.
4. Provide information and/or advice about career opportunities.
5. Maintain confidentiality when advising students.
6. Interact with students in a sensitive and caring manner.
7. Maintain records of academic advising and placing appropriate information in a student’s file.
8. Provide math and writing support.

The Office of Records and Registration provides the following advising services:

1. Assist in planning the student’s academic program.
2. Advise regarding course registration each semester.
3. Interpret academic requirements, policies, and procedures.
4. Monitor student progress toward fulfilling degree requirements and academic achievement.

APA Format

Because it is the acceptable format for written papers in scientific disciplines, the College requires the latest edition of the American Psychological Association (APA) style manual for all student papers.

All transfer students with equivalent credit for ENGL 110  but without instruction in APA format will be enrolled in ENGL 112 - APA Writing Style , a 1-credit, 8-week online course. Credit will count toward hours required to graduate. A course waiver will be considered for any student who can provide a syllabus from the semester/quarter the course was taken that shows evidence of APA instruction.

Turnitin®

To encourage Mount Carmel students to maintain honesty and integrity, the College has partnered with Turnitin®, a web-based program that allows students and faculty to check papers and essays for plagiarism. Students are encouraged to check their own papers prior to submitting their assignments to faculty.

College and Career Success Seminar (ADMN 110 – 111)

The College and Career Success Seminar (ADMN 110  and ADMN 111 ) is required for all first-time freshmen during the first two semesters of enrollment. This course is also required for transfer students with less than 16 semester hours of transfer credit who have a TEAS-V Adjusted Individual Total Score of either Basic or Developmental. However, all entering students are eligible to participate in this seminar. This class meets one hour per week during both the Fall and Spring Semesters.

ADMN 110  and ADMN 111  fulfill 2 credit hours of required humanities electives in the curriculum plan. The College and Career Success Seminar offers strategies and princi-ples to apply for a successful college experience.

Math Competency

All students who score at either the Basic or Developmental level on the math section of the TEAS-V are required to successfully complete a non-credit, remedial, online math course (MATH 090 ) during the first or second semester of enrollment. MATH 090  is required prior to enrolling in NURS 206 , Pharmacology, at the sophomore level.

English Placement

Students without equivalent transfer credit for English Composition are placed into ENGL 110  if their ACT-English score is 18 or higher. Students with an ACT-English score less than 18 are placed into ENGL 110  if their TEAS-V English level is Proficient or higher.

Students with an ACT-English score below 18 and a TEAS-V English level of Basic or Developmental are placed into ENGL 100 . Credit for this course counts in hours earned but not in total hours required to graduate. Students who successfully complete ENGL 100  are required to then take ENGL 110 .

Technology Proficiency

All entering Mount Carmel students are required to demonstrate a minimum level of computer and internet competency. The student must demonstrate this competency by the end of week 8 of the first semester of enrollment by successfully completing a technology proficiency assignment. A new student will not be permitted to enroll for the second semester until successful completion of the technology proficiency requirement.

The technology proficiency is an independent self-study course students must complete during the first semester of enrollment. For additional assistance or computer help sessions, contact the Office of Academic Support Office.

The student must have the ability to:

1. Log onto the Internet and other applications with a user ID and password.
2. Use a search engine on the Internet.
3. Use the Library databases to retrieve articles.
4. Receive, send, and reply to email.
5. Develop, file, revise, edit, and print Word® documents.
6. Attach documents/files to email messages and/or assignments.
7. Follow and participate in an online discussion or chat.

Tutoring

There is no charge to students for tutoring services.

How to receive assistance in a course:

1. Contact the Academic Support Office to make an appointment for a learning needs assessment. Allow at least one hour for the appointment. The learning needs assessment must be completed prior to having a tutor assigned.
2. Allow at least one week for the tutoring request to be processed. Tutors will be assigned based on the learning needs assessment.

What to bring to a tutoring session:

1. Bring the textbook, notes, syllabus, a calendar of test dates, past tests or quizzes, and any other information that would help plan the tutoring sessions.
2. Before meeting the tutor, take some time to review the course content and write down what is and is not understood. This will facilitate developing a more specific tutoring plan.

What to expect from a tutoring session:

1. Expect to meet the tutor at the agreed upon time. If you are going to be late or find it necessary to cancel the session, please notify the tutor as soon as possible.
2. You should expect the tutor to have you do the work. When working with the tutor in solving problems or trying to understand information, be sure that you are the person doing the writing and most of the talking.

Contact the Academic Support Office with questions, comments, or suggestions about tutoring services.

Online Courses

Any onsite program student who wishes to enroll in an online course must have a minimum level of computer competency in order to be successful. Tutorials are provided to assist the student to develop or refresh computer skills. All tutorials are to be completed prior to starting an online course. Students will be required to demonstrate minimum computer competence by successfully completing the technology proficiency prior to starting an online course.

Computer Hardware and Software Requirements for Online Courses

The following are suggested minimal personal computer requirements if purchasing a new computer. You may be able to access College course materials using computers with lower specifications. A printer is required.

Community Service

Social Responsibility is one of the “Core Values” contained in the Mission of Mount Carmel College of Nursing. In accordance with the College Mission and Catholic Identity, the Community Service requirement is the application of one’s skills and time, to meet identified community needs of vulnerable and at-risk populations (e.g., children, elderly, homeless, poor and underserved, and organizations that support these populations). This activity leads to learning and developing through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that:

• is conducted in and meets the needs of the community;
• involves reflection and analysis of the experience; and
• promotes the development of leadership skills, citizenship skills, and social responsibility.

After completing the community service requirement, students will identify personal growth in meeting the program objectives which include: valuing the spirituality and dignity of persons, service to others, social justice, altruism, autonomy, and integrity.

Pre-licensure nursing students must satisfactorily complete the required 20 hours of community service prior to the beginning of their final semester. This is a requirement for graduation. See procedure #7 (below) for important information regarding the completion deadline.

Procedure

1. Students will be oriented to the Community Service Program during New Student Orientation, in addition to the information presented in the Student Handbook.
2. Students select a project(s) from the list of pre-approved agencies which are posted on the student portal, CARMELink.
3. Students who wish to volunteer in an agency that is not on the pre-approved list must submit a written proposal to the Community Service Committee (Committee members are listed under the Community Service icon).
4. A Community Service Verification Record must be completed by the student for each volunteer session. Record information must include:
   
   • student name,
   • service site,
   • date and type of service,
   • number of hours completed,
   • comments and signature of an agency representative, and
   • student’s reflection on the experience.
5. Once all required hours have been completed, the student submits the Community Service Verification Record to the Community Service Committee Chairperson.
6. The Community Service Committee will review the Verification Record(s) and forward them to the Office of Records and Registration for inclusion in the student’s academic file.
7. All 20 hours of required community service must be completed and submitted for approval prior to the beginning of the final semester before graduation. Students who fail to meet this deadline will be required to submit verification of 10 hours additional hours of community service in order to graduate. If the student is unable to complete the total required hours prior to the date of graduation, he/she may participate in Commencement activities but will not receive a diploma or be eligible for NCLEX-RN testing until this requirement is met.

Transient and Affiliated Course Credit

Once enrolled at Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN), degree candidates are required to complete all degree course work at MCCN. Exceptions to this policy include only those selected humanities/social science elective courses included in the affiliation with Columbus State Community College and The Ohio State University (see General Education Affiliated Courses, below).

On rare occasions, students may be permitted to take a non-affiliated course at another institution. However, special permission must be granted in advance for such a course to count toward MCCN graduation requirements. Permission to transfer credit to MCCN may not be granted if students fail to seek permission prior to enrolling at another institution.

Contact the Director of Records and registration for additional details and the necessary paperwork.

General Education Affiliated Courses

Students complete required credit hours for the humanities/social science elective (up to 5 credit hours) at one of the affiliated institutions – either Columbus State Community College or The Ohio State University. The choice of institution is made by each individual student. MCCN does offer limited humanities courses that students may choose to fulfill the requirement. Transfer students may already have credit awarded for these courses.

Prior to registering for the first affiliated course, students are required to sign an Affiliation Agreement and are provided with specific registration instructions. Students register for classes and pay tuition at the affiliated institution. Only humanities/social science elective courses are included in the Affiliation Agreement.

A student enrolled in an affiliated course must provide the Office of Records and Registration a printed copy of the approved course schedule from the affiliated institution no later than Friday of the first week of the MCCN semester in which the course is taken.

Credit hours for these affiliated general education courses are added to the student’s Mount Carmel schedule and financial aid load hours. Final grades are transcripted as part of the student’s Mount Carmel academic record.

Science Courses

Students in good academic standing who are required to repeat a science course due to a poor grade may seek permission to repeat the course at another institution, only if repeating the course at MCCN will delay the student’s degree progress. Permission will not be granted if the course is available at Mount Carmel and can be repeated without causing a delay in the student’s degree progress. Credit hours for science courses repeated at another institution are not automatically included in the student’s Mount Carmel financial aid load hours. Mount Carmel courses affected by this repeat policy are:

SCIE 123 - Anatomy & Physiology I  and SCIE 124 - Anatomy & Physiology II 

SCIE 103 - Organic Biochemistry 

SCIE 125 - Microbiology 

SCIE 220 - Nutrition 

SCIE 230 - Physiologic Alterations I  and SCIE 231 - Physiologic Alterations II 

Students seeking permission to repeat a science course at another institution must do the following:

1. Submit a completed Transient Credit Request Form to the MCCN Director of Records and Registration at least two weeks prior to the start date of the repeated course.
2. Within three weeks of the completion of the course the student must have an official transcript sent to the MCCN Records and Registration Office. Transfer credit will be posted to the student’s Mount Carmel record, assuming a final grade of “C” or higher.

Permission to transfer credit to MCCN may not be granted if a student fails to seek permission prior to enrolling at another institution.

Questions regarding the MCCN Transient Credit Policy should be forwarded to the Di-rector of Records and Registration.

Advanced Placement Program (APP)

The Advanced Placement Program (APP) is designed to allow students with significant previous college credit the opportunity to complete the BSN degree in five semesters. Enrollment in APP is limited and highly structured. Students are accepted into this accelerated and highly competitive program based on strong academic performance in previ-ous college coursework as well as successful completion of all prerequisite courses. A minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA is required to apply for APP. The application deadline is February 1; applicants are not guaranteed admission to the Program.

Students selected for the APP will complete a 12-week summer program. This exception-ally demanding and intense program begins in mid-May and concludes in early August. It is comprised of all sophomore level nursing coursework – NURS 204 , NURS 205 , and NURS 206 . Students then begin the Fall Semester in junior level coursework and clinical experiences.

Currently enrolled students should contact the Director of Records and Registration for additional details and prerequisite requirements.

Undergraduate Prelicensure Honors Program

The Honors Program consists of two nursing seminars (two semester credits each) at an advanced level. One seminar is taken in the sophomore year and one in the junior year. These two nursing seminars replace the required four credit hours of nursing seminars in the curriculum.

There is also a Senior Year Option in which honors students are eligible to enroll in a maximum of two graduate level courses: NURS 501 - Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice ; NURS 502 - Quality, Safety, and Effectiveness ; NURS 503 - Theoretical Foundations of Nursing ; or NURS 521 - Advanced Pathophysiology . Credit hours are in addition to the credits required for the baccalaureate degree. Tuition is charged at the undergraduate non-clinical credit hour rate.

Eligibility Criteria

• An MCCN GPA of 3.75 at the end of the freshman year (2 semesters of full time study)
• Transfer freshman college GPA of 3.75 at the completion of freshman coursework
• Upper level transfer students must complete a minimum of one semester of course-work at MCCN to be eligible for the Honors Program.
• Students are eligible to be admitted to the program the first semester of the sophomore year.
• A college GPA of 3.5 must be maintained to continue in the program.

Interested, qualified students should contact the Undergraduate Associate Dean for further, detailed information about the Honors Program.

Senior Graduate Option

The Senior Graduate Option allows an eligible nursing student in the senior year of any baccalaureate nursing program (MCCN or other) the opportunity to begin work in graduate nursing. Students may complete one or two of the courses offered for a maximum of six (6) credit hours. If the student applies and is accepted in the Mount Carmel College of Nursing Graduate Program, the course credit will be transferred, providing the grade is “B” or higher. Credit hours are in addition to the total credits required for the baccalaureate degree. Tuition is charged at the undergraduate non-clinical credit hour rate.

Students may choose from NURS 501 - Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice ; NURS 502 - Quality, Safety, and Effectiveness ; NURS 503 - Theoretical Foundations of Nursing ; or NURS 521 - Advanced Pathophysiology .

Eligibility Criteria

• Senior level baccalaureate nursing student in an accredited nursing program
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Satisfactory completion of undergraduate research and statistics courses
• Approval from the Undergraduate Associate Dean

Student Attendance

Class and clinical attendance is required at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. Each course syllabus includes faculty requirements for specific class and clinical attendance. A student listed on the class roster who has not attended class or clinical by the second class or clinical day and has not been excused will be administratively withdrawn from the course.

Illness during class or clinical: A student who becomes ill or injured during class or clinical time will notify the instructor who will initiate an appropriate plan of action based on the circumstances and in accordance with related College policies.

All missed clinical experiences must be made up. Clinical make up is determined by the course coordinator. The College reserves the right to administratively withdraw students from clinical nursing courses based on clinical absences.

Students who have been admitted as a hospital inpatient or seen for treatment in a hospital Emergency Department must submit a signed release in order to return to class and/or clinical. This signed release must be submitted to the Student Health Nurse prior to the student’s return to class and/or clinical. The release must clearly identify all restrictions and the length of time the restrictions apply.

Final Examinations

Students are required to take the final examination at the scheduled time unless prior alternate arrangements are made with the course instructor.

Final exams for nursing clinical courses are scheduled for the first Monday following the end of each 8-week term. Sophomore clinical nursing courses follow the semester exam schedule. Non-clinical nursing courses follow the semester exam schedule.

If there is a “take home” final exam for a nursing clinical course, a class meeting with a specific agenda will be scheduled on the Monday of exam week. There will be no exceptions to the “take home” policy.

Course and Faculty Evaluations

Students are required to complete course/faculty evaluations for each course. Students are expected to complete the appropriate evaluations prior to the end of the term or semester.

Textbooks

Mount Carmel students may order textbooks through the online bookstore, MBS Direct. Students should place orders early enough to ensure materials will arrive in time for the start of classes. Access the online bookstore via the MCCN website at: www.mccn.edu (Current Students → Student Bookstore). In addition, MBS Direct will buy back used books. Assistance and contact information is available at the online bookstore website.

All students are required to purchase the latest edition of the American Psychological Association (APA) Style Manual.

Textbooks for courses taken through affiliation with Columbus State Community College or The Ohio State University can be purchased at the respective institution bookstores or other retail textbook suppliers.

Supplies

All sophomore students are required to have the following medical equipment for the first Skills Lab in Nursing 204:

1. Stethoscope (dual head)
2. Penlight
3. Bandage scissors
4. Watch (with second hand)
5. Lab coat (full [knee] length) with the Mount Carmel College of Nursing shoulder patch on the upper left sleeve. Lab coats can be purchased from www.flagstaffuniforms.com. Patches are also available for purchase ($5.00 each) at the Reception Desk in Marian Hall.

For student convenience, stethoscopes, penlights, and bandage scissors can be purchased from the McCoy Medical website at www.webmedbooks.com/mtcarmel under the “Required Instrument” tab.

Registration

A course registration period is scheduled prior to the beginning of each semester. Students register online via CARMELink. Requested courses are in “reserved” status until approved. Approved courses will display on the student’s schedule in CARMELink. Any student with a “hold” cannot register for classes which may result in the student being closed out of a specific course or section.

Nursing clinical courses, laboratories, and seminar courses have predetermined enrollment limits. No student is guaranteed placement in his/her choice of a specific course, clinical, or laboratory section.

Students may attend classes only after they have completed the registration process and have made satisfactory financial arrangements. By registering, a student agrees to all academic and financial regulations, terms, and conditions set forth by the College. Late registrations will be processed only if there is space available in each requested course.

Semester Load

The semester hour is the basis of credit at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. To com-plete the degree in four academic years, the student must undertake 16–18 hours of credit per semester. Semester loads of more than 19 hours of credit require the permission of the Director of Records and Registration.

Full-Time / Part-Time Status

Students are considered full-time when they carry at least 12 credit hours per semester. Students enrolled in less than 12 credit hours are considered part-time; those enrolled in less than 6 credit hours are not eligible for financial aid.

Non-Degree Students

Enrollment in specific classes for non-degree students is on a space-available basis. Permission is granted by the Director of Records and Registration. Students enrolled in the College on non-degree status must achieve a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA by the time twelve credit hours are completed or be dismissed from the College.

Schedule Changes

Adding a Course

In order to add a non-nursing course after the course start date, a student must obtain the instructor’s signature on the Add/Drop Form prior to submitting the form to the Office of Records and Registration. Signature of the Undergraduate Associate Dean is required to add any nursing course after the class start date.

In every case, a student must obtain the instructor’s signature on the Add/Drop Form in order gain admission to any non-nursing course that has closed due to maximum registration.

Withdrawing from a Course

For the purposes of this policy, there are two types of courses: non-nursing courses and nursing courses. Nursing courses include all courses with a prefix of NURS (with the exception of nursing seminars). Non-nursing courses include all other courses taken in the academic program (including nursing seminars).

After the course start date, a student must first notify the course instructor and obtain his/her signature prior to submitting an Add/Drop Form to the Office of Records and Registration. Submission of the form to Records and Registration is required for official withdrawal from a course. Non-attendance in a course after the withdrawal deadline is considered being absent from the course. Failure to submit a faculty-signed Add/Drop Form will result in a grade being assigned at the conclusion of the course. All course withdrawals are subject to the “Refund Policy” section of the Student Handbook.

The “end of week” shall be understood as the Friday, or in the case of a holiday or other College closure, the last business day of the week in question.

• A student may withdraw from any course by the end of week 1 and the course will not appear on the transcript.
• A student may withdraw, without academic penalty, from a 16-week semester course by the end of week 12 of the course. A grade of “W” will be posted to the student’s academic transcript.
• A student may withdraw, without academic penalty, from an 8-week term course by the end of week 6 of the course. A grade of “W” will be posted to the student’s academic transcript.
• A student may not withdraw from any course after week 12 of a 16-week semester course or week 6 of an 8-week term course.
• Summer courses operating on a modified schedule will follow deadlines equivalent to the proportional requirements stated above.
• A student may withdraw from only one nursing course during the program of study.
• A student may withdraw from a total of two different non-nursing courses during the program of study.
• A student who is retaking a course from which he/she has previously withdrawn may not withdraw from that course a second time; a course grade will be assigned at the conclusion of the retake.
• Withdrawing from a course does not force the student to also withdraw from a co-requisite course.

Administrative Withdrawal

• A student listed on the class roster who has not attended class or clinical by the second class or clinical day and has not been excused must be reported by the faculty member to the Office of Records and Registration; the student will be administratively withdrawn from the course.
• A student’s attendance must be evident by the end of week 1 in an online course or the student will be administratively withdrawn from the course.
• The faculty of the course will notify the Office of Records and Registration with the name of the absent student.

By approval of the President/Dean or Undergraduate Associate Dean, a student will be dropped from a nursing clinical course if patient/client safety is at risk, and a grade of “W” will be posted to the student’s academic transcript. A student wishing to withdraw from a course for reasons of illness or crisis after the specified deadline may seek approval from the President/Dean or Undergraduate Associate Dean.

Grading Policies

The College uses a four point grading system:

Grading in Nursing Clinical Courses

A final grade of “F” will be assigned in a clinical nursing course if the clinical component of the course is not satisfactory and/or the theoretical component is less than a grade of “C.”

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The grade point average (GPA) determines the student’s academic status. Mount Carmel College of Nursing reports both the semester and cumulative GPAs on the grade report. The grade point average is obtained by dividing the sum of the “points earned” by the sum of the “hours attempted.”

Grade Reports

Official reporting of student grades is through the Office of Records and Registration at the completion of each term/semester.

Students without “holds” on their accounts can view and print final grades via CARMELink. Final grade reports are not mailed to students. Students who require official hard-copy grade reports must contact the Office of Records and Registration in Marian Hall, Rm. 201.

Incomplete Grades

After discussion, faculty may issue an Incomplete (“I”) grade to a student who is unable to complete all course requirements due to illness or other serious problems. Under normal circumstances, the student must submit completed coursework by the end of the sixth week following the end of a semester. If course requirements are not met by this dead-line, the “I” grade is changed to a grade of “F.” Extensions beyond the six weeks must be negotiated with the faculty member.

Auditing a Course

A student may audit a course with the understanding that the course is taken for information only and that academic credit is not granted and cannot later be claimed as a result of the audited course. The course may be taken at a later date for college credit.

Permission to audit a course must be obtained from the Undergraduate Associate Dean prior to the beginning of the class. Nursing courses may be audited only by those students enrolled in the Mount Carmel program.

The approved, written request for audit must be submitted to the Director of Records and Registration. Students granted permission to audit a course will be charged 50% the normal cost of the class.

Proficiency Exam

Some academic areas within the College have developed subject-based proficiency exams leading to the award of “EM” credit if passed with a grade of “C” (73%) or better. Credit by Examination is not an option for nursing clinical courses. Science exams are available to students who have not completed a science course within the past five years or those whose knowledge was gained from experience or training. However, all students permitted to take science proficiency exams must have completed some college-level course work in the subject area.

There is a non-refundable fee for each proficiency exam that must be paid prior to taking the exam. Refer to the College Catalog for proficiency exam fees (“Educational Costs”).

Requests for proficiency exams are handled through the Transfer Credit Evaluator.

Retake Policy

The Retake Policy allows a student to eliminate grades of “D” or “F” in courses previously taken at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. When a course is retaken and the Retake Policy is applied, the original course and grade remain on the transcript. However, the original grade is removed from calculation of the cumulative GPA, and only the repeated grade is included in the calculation.

The Retake Policy may be applied a maximum of three times throughout the nursing program. After the maximum is reached, any retakes will have both grades calculated in the cumulative GPA.

Repeating a Nursing Course

A student who fails to achieve a minimum grade of “C” in any nursing course is placed on academic probation and must repeat the course. This repeat privilege is permitted in only one nursing clinical course. A student who fails a repeated nursing clinical course will be dismissed from Mount Carmel College of Nursing.

Academic Standards

Freshman Level GPA

A freshman with a grade point average (GPA) below 1.50 at the end of the first semester of enrollment will be academically dismissed from the College. A minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA and a minimum 2.00 cumulative science GPA must be achieved to progress from freshman to sophomore level.

Science GPA

1. One science grade of “D” at the 100-level is permitted without repeat, provided the science cumulative GPA is at least 2.00 at the end of the freshman level. Students with less than a 2.00 cumulative science GPA are not permitted to advance to sophomore level.
2. A minimum grade of “C” is required in all 200 and higher level science courses. Any science course in which a grade less than “C” is earned must be repeated.
3. A minimum 2.00 cumulative science GPA is required at the end of each academic year in order to move to the next academic level.
4. A minimum 2.00 cumulative science GPA is required in order to graduate.

A student with a cumulative science GPA less than 2.00 will receive an official letter of warning from the Chair of the Academic Progress Committee.

Academic Probation

A student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 2.00 is placed on academic probation. Probation is defined as the opportunity to continue conditionally in the program after failing to meet minimum academic standards. Students are also placed on probation for failure to achieve a minimum grade of “C” in any nursing course.

A student is advised of probationary status through an official notification letter issued by the Chair of the Academic Progress Committee. Following this notification, the student is strongly encouraged to meet with Academic Support Office to develop a plan for academic improvement.

Academic Dismissal

• A freshman with a grade point average (GPA) below 1.50 at the end of the first semester of enrollment will be academically dismissed from Mount Carmel College of Nursing.
• A student who fails to achieve a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for two consecutive semesters will be academically dismissed from Mount Carmel College of Nursing.
• A student who fails two nursing clinical courses (or a repeated nursing clinical course) will be academically dismissed from Mount Carmel College of Nursing. However, a student dismissed at mid-semester (end of Term 1) may continue through the end of the semester if also enrolled in 16-week non-clinical courses.

An appeals process is in place for students who are academically dismissed.

Disciplinary Dismissal

The President/Dean has the authority to dismiss a student at any time for unethical behavior. Unethical behavior includes, but is not limited to, academic or professional dishonesty. A student who is dismissed due to unethical behavior will not be considered for rein-statement to the College.

Reinstatement

Students who are academically dismissed may apply for reinstatement after a minimum of one semester of non-enrollment. A student will be permitted to apply for reinstatement to the College only one time. A student with less than a 2.00 cumulative GPA is not eligible to apply for reinstatement.

Dismissed students must request reinstatement, in writing, to the Chair of the Academic Progress Committee. A Petition for Reinstatement is available from the Director of Records and Registration. A current transcript of any academic work completed since the dismissal must be included with the Petition for Reinstatement.

The Academic Progress Committee will review the student’s petition and any supporting documentation for potential of academic success. Reinstatement is not an automatic process and the student’s request is subject to approval or denial.

If the request for reinstatement is granted, the Academic Progress Committee will determine any special learning needs that are required as conditions of reinstatement, and a student may be asked to meet specific study requirements prior to course enrollment.

Please note:

1. A student who has failed two nursing clinical courses and has less than a 2.00 cumulative GPA is not eligible for reinstatement.
2. A student with less than a 2.00 cumulative GPA will not be considered for reinstatement.
3. A student with less than a 2.00 cumulative GPA in non-nursing courses may enroll, with permission, as a non-degree student at Mount Carmel and must earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA, or earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA from another institution, in order to be considered for reinstatement.
4. A student will be permitted to apply for reinstatement to the College only one time.
5. Reinstatement to the College does not necessarily indicate reinstatement to the nursing program.
6. Following reinstatement to the College, enrollment in specific classes shall be on a space available basis.
7. A reinstated student will be placed on probationary status for at least one semester.

Program Completion Time

Pre-licensure students must complete the Mount Carmel Nursing Program within 6 years of the date of admission.

Residency Requirements

Transfer students must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours, including all senior level nursing courses, to be granted a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Mount Carmel College of Nursing.

Graduation Requirements

In order to qualify for graduation, pre-licensure degree candidates must complete all the requirements on the following checklist. A student deficient in any area will not receive a diploma until the requirement is complete.

• Submit a completed Graduation Application to the Office of Records and Registration by the posted deadline.
• Successfully complete a minimum of 133 (128 semester hours for students entering MCCN Fall Semester 2012 and later) semester hours of credit. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 32 semester credits in residence, including all senior level nursing courses.
• Complete all required coursework with a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA.
• Earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative science GPA.
• Make certain that official transcripts for all transfer and affiliated courses are on file at MCCN.
• Meet the Community Service Program requirement.
• Fulfill all financial and library obligations to Mount Carmel College of Nursing.
• Complete the online graduation exit survey and interview.
• Complete a Financial Aid Exit Interview (required of every student who received any type of loan).
• Complete the ATI Content Mastery Series of diagnostic assessments (pre-licensure students only).
• Order authorized graduation cap and gown (earliest order date will be announced to graduating students).

Students may participate in May Commencement if they need to complete no more than two additional nursing clinical courses and are eligible to complete the nursing program within the calendar year.

Honors

President’s List

Students completing a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester who have a semester GPA of 3.40 or higher are placed on the President’s List.

Graduation with Honors

Latin honors are based on the student’s final cumulative GPA and indicate a consistently high level of scholastic achievement. Latin honors are awarded according to the following cumulative grade point averages:

A minimum of two years of full-time course work at Mount Carmel is required to qualify for Latin honors.

Graduates completing degree requirements with less than two years (60 semester hours) of Mount Carmel course work and a minimum 3.40 cumulative GPA are awarded Academic Distinction.

Special Recognition

Several awards are presented at the May pinning ceremony to recognize outstanding achievements of graduating students. Pre-licensure recipients of three awards are selected by student peers and two are selected by faculty. One pre-licensure and one RN-BSN graduate are selected for the Leadership Award.

1. Humanitarian Award – for outstanding participation and leadership, promoting community service, and a commitment to equity and diversity within the College and the community
2. Inspiration Award – for serving as a positive role model, inspiring others to achieve at their highest potential
3. Lamp Award – for behavior which is most reflective of caring, as described in the philosophy of Mount Carmel College of Nursing
4. Clinical Excellence Award – for consistent outstanding achievement of clinical objectives throughout the nursing program (nominated and selected by faculty)
5. Leadership Award – for demonstrating leadership in the College and community service (nominated and selected by faculty and staff)

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

Sigma Theta Tau International is an organization committed to fostering excellence, scholarship, and leadership in nursing. The Honor Society promotes the use of nursing research in health care and provides resources to communicate the latest knowledge in nursing care. Mount Carmel’s Rho Omicron chapter, chartered in 2002, is one of 478 chapters around the world.

Those invited to make application to Sigma Theta Tau International include students who have demonstrated superior academic achievement, academic integrity, and professional leadership potential. The criteria for membership include:

All candidates must meet the expectation of academic integrity. Undergraduate students must have completed at least one-half of the nursing curriculum and rank in the upper thirty-five percent of the graduating class. RN-BSN students must have completed twelve credit hours at MCCN, at least one-half of the nursing curriculum, and rank in the upper thirty-five percent of the graduating class. Graduate students must have completed a minimum of one-fourth of the nursing curriculum.

Transcript Request

A transcript is a copy of the student’s permanent academic record. All requests for official transcripts must be made to the Office of Records and Registration (Rm. 201, Marian Hall), using the Transcript Request Form. A student’s signature is required to release a transcript. Transcripts are provided at no charge.

Transcripts will be denied to any graduate, current, or former student with indebtedness to Mount Carmel College of Nursing.

Leave of Absence (LOA)

A Leave of Absence (LOA) from the College may be granted to students in good academic standing (minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA). LOA indicates a desire to interrupt, but not permanently discontinue, enrollment in the College. Normally, LOA is granted for a maximum of one year.

Typically, a student must submit a completed Request for Leave of Absence (available from the Director of Records and Registration). The student will be notified in writing of the approval status of the request. A student granted LOA must return his/her student ID badge to the Director of Records and Registration.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Director of Records and Registration prior to the deadline referenced in the approval letter of his/her intent to return from LOA. Failure to notify by the designated date will result in administrative withdrawal from Mount Carmel College of Nursing.

The returning student must submit a Petition to Return from Leave of Absence and fulfill all indicated requirements. A returning LOA student must pay any outstanding account balance in full before being permitted to return to the College. Late fees and any collection costs will be added to the student’s account. Enrollment in any course will be on a space available basis for a student returning from LOA.

It is sometimes necessary for the College to request that a student take LOA due to health reasons. Before returning to the nursing program, the student must submit a physician’s statement to the Director of Records and Registration that indicates the student is physically and/or emotionally able to return to the nursing program.

Withdrawing from The College

A student whose intent is to withdraw from the College must contact the Director of Records and Registration to submit a Notice to Withdraw. A student withdrawing from the College must return his/her student ID badge with the written notice.

A student who has not requested a Leave of Absence and has not registered for classes by the first week of the semester will be administratively withdrawn from Mount Carmel College of Nursing. All withdrawals are subject to the “Refund Policy” section of the Student Handbook.

Students who have withdrawn from the College and wish to return must complete a new application which will be reviewed for decision by the Admissions Committee (the application and confirmation fees will be waived). Transcripts for work completed at any institution since the withdrawal must be included with the new application. Previously completed Mount Carmel courses will be accepted, as applicable.

Academic Appeals

The academic appeal process is established to provide a vehicle that ensures due process, equitable management of student grievances, and provides adequate protection to the rights of all involved parties. The academic appeal process addresses grievances related to a student’s general academic performance.

Appeal Procedure Related to Academic Performance

It is expected that most academic grievances can be resolved by discussion through normal course and administrative channels. The appeal process should begin with a discussion between the student and the faculty member involved. If the matter is not resolved at this point, the student should state in writing, the desire to discuss the matter with the appropriate Dean. If the matter is still not resolved, the student should submit in writing the nature of the grievance to the Academic Appeals Committee for final consideration of the matter.

The following is the procedure for the appeal process:

1. The initial contact to the instructor must be made within 10 working days from the date of occurrence or, in the case of a course failure, within 10 working days from the beginning of the next term in 8 week courses or within 10 working days from the beginning of the next semester in semester courses. After these deadlines, the situation will be considered resolved and the appeal process closed.
2. If the problem is unresolved after the meeting between student and faculty, the student has 7 days to request a meeting with the appropriate Dean.
3. If the problem is still unresolved, the student will have 7 days to request a meeting with the Academic Appeals Committee. The student must submit a completed Academic Appeals Request Form available in the College office (Marian Hall, Rm. 1C69). This form must be submitted to the Chair of the Academic Appeals Commit-tee.
4. Hearings at each administrative level shall be held within 7 working days from the student’s request for the hearing.

Appeal Hearings

1. The student will be notified of the hearing date by the Chair of the Academic Appeals Committee.
2. Hearings are considered closed meetings (i.e., only the Committee members, the student appealing, and other individuals directly involved in the appeal are permitted to attend).
3. All persons involved in the committee meetings are required to sign a statement of confidentiality.
4. Both the student and faculty member(s) have the right to present testimony and to respond to the testimony of the other party.
5. Legal counsel is not permitted to attend the hearing.
6. A record of the hearing is made and is the property of the Committee.
7. The student appealing will be informed of the decision in writing within 72 hours by the Chair of the Academic Appeals Committee.
8. All records relating to the hearing are considered confidential. They may be released only to individuals who have a valid reason to know the outcome, according to FERPA guidelines.

Committee Decisions

All actions pending and resolved will be forwarded to the appropriate program Dean and the President/Dean of the College.

Functional Abilities and Performance Standards

MCCN believes that certain functional abilities and performance standards are necessary for the safe practice of professional nursing. These include:

1. the ability to see, hear, touch, smell, and distinguish colors;
2. the ability to speak and write with accuracy, clarity, and efficiency;
3. manual dexterity (gross and fine movements);
4. the ability to learn, think critically, analyze, assess, solve problems, and reach judgment; and
5. emotional stability and the ability to accept responsibility and accountability.

Students need to demonstrate satisfactory application of these functions and competencies during their course of study in nursing.

Accommodation for Student Learning Needs

1. The College will provide reasonable accommodations for students with documented learning needs. A copy of the official documentation is to be provided to the College office for placement in the student’s academic file and with the Coordinator of the Academic Support Office.
2. The student is responsible for notifying faculty in each course as to the documented learning needs. The faculty will then collaborate with the Coordinator of Academic Support Office to plan accommodation.
3. Any provision for offering additional assistance in a course to students without documented learning needs, such as extended time for testing, will be made at the direction of the Academic Support Office Coordinator in conjunction with the Course Coordinator.
4. The College publishes the availability of support for learning needs. However, the College does not seek out students with learning needs. The individual student is responsible for seeking documentation, bringing his/her needs to the College’s atten-tion, and requesting accommodation.

Requests for Modifications for the NCLEX-RN Examination

In accordance with requirements of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (Council), the Ohio Board of Nursing (Board) has developed a procedure for maintaining the psychometric integrity of the examination while responding to the special needs of applicants with disabilities who are eligible for admission to the NCLEX-RN examination. Disabilities which should be brought to the Board’s attention include, but are not limited to, the following: physical, mental, hearing, or visual impairments; learning disabilities; attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); conditions necessitating the use of medication or snacks; and/or the use of any kind of special equipment or aids.

To allow sufficient time to secure the required documentation of a disability, it is recommended that the applicant notify the Board, in writing, six months prior to the date the applicant wishes to test, but no later than at the time the licensure application is submitted to the Board. Documentation required must include the following letters/documentation:

1. A letter from the applicant which includes the type of disability involved and the specific modifications desired. The modifications requested must be appropriate to the specific disability. The letter must include the applicant’s full name, address, telephone number, name and location of the nursing education program, and the preferred test date and test center.
2. A letter from the Director/Designee of the nursing education program in which the applicant is enrolled or has completed, submitted directly to the Board, and stating whether or not the instructional staff of the program recognized a need for modifications in testing procedures. This letter must further state what, if any, modifications were actually provided for the student while enrolled in the program.
3. Documentation from an appropriate professional practitioner submitted directly to the Board which must be on the practitioner’s letterhead, typed, dated, signed, and otherwise legible. The name, title, and professional credentials of the evaluator, including information about licensure or certification as well as the area of specialization must be clearly stated in the documentation. This letter must confirm the specific diagnosis of the disability and detail each diagnostic test administered, if applicable, with the test results. This letter must state the specific activities affected by the disability and the impact the disability has upon the applicant’s ability to take the NCLEX-RN examination. Testing must have been administered within the last three years. Please note that accommodations will not be granted if you have taken the NCLEX® examination without accommodations initially. You must request them prior to taking the examination for the first time. If you have questions about accommodations, please contact the Board at 614-466-3947 or licensure@nur.state.oh.us.

Learning Disabilities

The diagnosis must be based on a comprehensive assessment battery with the resulting diagnostic report to include a diagnostic interview, an assessment of aptitude/cognitive ability, academic achievement, and information processing. Actual test scores (stated as graded equivalents, standard scores, and percentiles) from identified, formalized evaluation instruments must be provided.

The practitioner must provide an interpretative diagnostic summary which includes:

1. evidence that the evaluator ruled out any other explanations for academic problems;
2. a description of how the learning disability was determined (i.e., use of patterns in cognitive ability, achievement, and information processing);
3. a description of the limitation to learning caused by the disability and the degree to which the applicant’s NCLEX-RN performance may be affected; and
4. an explanation as to why specific accommodations are needed and how the accommodations will mediate the specific disability.

ADHD

The diagnosis must be consistent with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV, or subsequent editions) and be indicated by documented evidence of both early and persistent patterns of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. The practitioner providing documentation to the Board must confirm the diagnosis in accordance with these criteria and provide clear evidence that:

1. the current symptoms have been present for at least six months;
2. the impairment is present in two or more settings;
3. significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning exists; and
4. the symptoms cannot be better accounted for by another mental or pervasive developmental disorder.

The practitioner must have made the diagnosis following an assessment of intellectual ability, memory function, and attention or tracking tests, and continuous performance tests. The practitioner must provide:

1. actual test scores (stated as grade equivalents, standard scores, and percentiles);
2. an interpretative diagnostic summary indicating other diagnoses or explanations for the symptoms or behaviors have been ruled out;
3. a description as to how patterns of behaviors across the life span and across settings are used to determine the presence of ADHD;
4. a statement as to whether the applicant was evaluated while on medication and whether the prescribed treatment produced a positive response;
5. a statement regarding the substantial limitation to learning that results from ADHD and the degree to which the applicant’s NCLEX-RN performance may be affected; and
6. a statement as to why specific accommodations are needed and how the accommodations will mediate the ADHD.

After reviewing the request for modifications, along with the supporting documents, the Board, in consultation with Council, will make a determination on the request. The Board’s determination is then subject to final approval by Council. The applicant will be notified in writing of the final disposition of the request and of any specific procedures which must be followed for the examination.

If the applicant becomes disabled within the six month period prior to the date the applicant wishes to take the examination, the applicant should contact the Board immediately to ascertain the procedure to follow.

All correspondence and inquiries should be addressed to the Ohio Board of Nursing, 17 S. High Street, Ste. 400, Columbus, Ohio 43215-7410, 614-466-3947, or visit the website at www.nursing.ohio.gov.