Academic Information and 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 Graduate Advisor’s role is to provide academic and career guidance and support the student throughout the College experience. The Graduate Advisor assists in planning the student’s academic program, advises regarding course registration each semester, interprets academic requirements, policies, and procedures and monitors student progress toward fulfilling degree requirements and grade point achievement.

Academic Support Services

Academic resources are available through the Academic Support Services Office:

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

APA Writing 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 for all student papers.

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.

Accommodation for Student Learning

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 to 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 the 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 lead 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 attention, and requesting accommodation.

Requests for Modifications for the ANCC Certification Examinations

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and its testing vendor make every effort to reasonably accommodate candidates with documented disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you have a disability as defined under the ADA, you must notify ANCC by submitting the following information with your application:

A report regarding your request from your physician or a qualified health care professional is required. The information must be on the physician’s or other qualified health care professional’s letterhead, typed, dated, and signed by the health care professional. The report must document the following information in order to be considered:

• A specific diagnosis and date of your diagnosis
• Specific and current findings that support your diagnosis (relevant medical history, tests administered, date of the most current evaluation, within the last 3 years)
• A description of your substantial day-to-day functional limitations resulting from your stated disabilities
• Specific recommendations for your testing accommodation(s) including a detailed explanation of why the accommodation is needed. If the accommodation includes extra time, please indicate the amount of time requested.

Important Note: Additional information may be requested after a review of your information.

Ohio Registered Nurse License

It is mandatory that each Master’s Program student maintains a current unrestricted Ohio Registered Nurse license during the entire program. If the RN license becomes “Inactive” at any time during the program, the student must notify the Associate Dean of the Graduate Program and/or the President/Dean of the College. Failure to do so may result in immediate dismissal from the College. The responsibility to keep current rests solely with the student.

Professional Liability Insurance

Graduate students are required to purchase professional liability insurance prior to their enrollment in nursing courses. Students in the nurse practitioner tracks will need to purchase student insurance specific for nurse practitioners. The Mount Carmel Health liability insurance will cover students only when functioning in the role of a Mount Carmel student nurse.

Technology Proficiency Requirement

All entering Mount Carmel students are required to demonstrate a minimum level of computer and Internet competency (Technology Proficiency). Students 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 Microsoft Word documents.
6. Attach documents/files to email messages and/or assignments.
7. Follow and participate in an online discussion or chat.

The Technology Proficiency is an independent self-study online exercise.

• A new student enrolled in any on-line course must complete the Technology Proficiency prior to the start of the first course.
• A new student enrolled exclusively in onsite courses must complete the Technology Proficiency by the end of week 8 of the first semester of enrollment.
• A new student will not be permitted to enroll for the second semester until successful completion of the Technology Proficiency requirement.
• For additional assistance or computer help sessions, contact the Office Academic Support Services. 

Attendance

Class and practicum 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. An online student listed on the class roster who has not attended class, or participated in the online class, by the end of the first week of class and has not been excused will be administratively withdrawn from the course. In addition, two unexcused absences will result in the student being administratively withdrawn from the course.

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

The College reserves the right to administratively withdraw students from courses based on clinical absences.

Students in onsite classes 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.

Unexcused Absence

Two unexcused absences will result in the student being administratively withdrawn from the course. Class sessions will be one week on-line or one day on-site.

Code of Conduct

It is understood that the Mount Carmel College of Nursing administration, faculty, staff, and student body share in the responsibility of upholding the College Mission and Core Values. The Code of Conduct strives to:

• ensure the integrity of the nursing and allied health professions;
• create an academic and professional environment that reflects the College’s Mission and Core Values;
• reflect the policies of the College on standards of conduct; and
• follow the policies on nursing practice from the Ohio Board of Nursing. 

In accordance with the above the administration, faculty, staff, and students will commit to the following Code of Conduct:

Academic Excellence

1. Achieving the highest level of academic excellence that I can through honesty and integrity both in and out of the classroom and in clinical settings.
2. Striving to embody excellence and provide the highest quality work in the academic and in the clinical settings.
3. Acting in a professional manner while in the College of Nursing and in all activities, functions, and clinical sites associated with the College and the profession of nursing.

Respect

1. Contributing to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive atmosphere for teaching and learning.
2. Regarding privacy and confidentiality as essential obligations.
3. Communicating with peers, staff, and faculty in a professional and respectful manner.
4. Taking responsibility for my words and actions.

Compassion

1. Demonstrating a commitment to the attributes of compassion, empathy, altruism, responsibility, and tolerance.
2. Demonstrating caring behaviors at all times.
3. Respecting individual diversity through a non-judgmental attitude and approach.
4. Working to become a creative problem solver.

Social Responsibility

1. Refusing to tolerate discrimination, disrespect, or bullying.
2. Committing to bring any discrimination, disrespect, or bullying to the attention of the Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee or the Director of Student Life.
3. Refusing to tolerate incidents of dishonesty or lack of integrity.
4. Committing to bring incidents of dishonesty or lack of integrity to the attention of the Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee or the Director of Student Life.

Academic Progression

After a student has been admitted to the graduate program, continuous progress toward completion of the degree is expected. The time limit for the completion of graduate course work is five (5) years for the Master of Science in Nursing program This time limit is computed from the first date credit is recorded on the University transcript until the program curriculum requirements are completed.

*The exception to the length of program is in the nurse practitioner tracks. Students are required to follow the prescribed curriculum plan-completion in 5-8 semesters.

Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice

Student Progression Responsibilities

To progress in the graduate program, students are responsible to keep current with the following requirements. The responsibility rests solely with the student.

Annually:

1. Annual Compliance Education - students doing practicums in nursing schools, hospitals and health agencies will be required to meet the individual agency’s annual compliance education requirements.
2. Criminal Background Check
3. Influenza Vaccine
4. TB Skin Test
5. Professional Liability Insurance

Biennially:

1. CPR Requirement - upon expiration, no grace period
2. Ohio Board of Nursing RN License Verification - (upon expiration, no grace period

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: bookstore.mbsdirect.net/mccn.htm. 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 or for courses taken by students in the MCCN-Fairfield Medical Center Program can be purchased at the respective institution bookstores or other retail textbook suppliers.

Professional 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.

Master’s nursing students must satisfactorily complete the required 10 hours of community service prior to the beginning of their final semester. This is a requirement for graduation. The student will document the service and submit documentation to the graduate program advisor.

Types of service: Documented service must be at a professional level and be completed sometime during the program of study. Service should occur outside the place of employment and outside the academic assignments in the college. It can be completed at the local, state, or national level.

Documentation: Documented evidence of the volunteer service must be submitted to the graduate program advisor in order to receive credit toward the graduation requirement. Documentation should include the following information:

• Student name
• Date(s) and time of service
• Numbers of hours completed
• Nature of service, name of group or organization
• Service Site
• Comments and signature of an agency representative
• Brief statement of the student’s experience
• Student signature

*All 10 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 until this requirement is met.

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 Requirement  prior to starting an online course.

Course and Faculty Evaluations

Student completion of course and instructor evaluations is an expectation of each course. Students are expected to complete the appropriate evaluations during the last two weeks of the course and prior to the final day of class.

Scholarly Manuscript Policy

As a requirement of graduation, students complete a publishable manuscript during the program of study. Once coursework is completed but the manuscript remains to be finished, the student must enroll in NURS 598  each semester (Fall, Spring, Summer) until the manuscript is completed.

NURS 598  is a one credit hour course designed specifically for development of the manuscript, Tuition charge is one credit hour at the current tuition rate.

Failure to meet this requirement after two consecutive semesters will automatically terminate the student’s enrollment in the degree program.

Students are required to have the coursework, professional service and manuscript completed within 5 years of the date of first enrollment.

When all graduation requirements have been met, including submission and approval of the manuscript, the program completion date will be recorded on the student’s academic transcript. The “degree conferred” date will be the next official graduation date of the College.

Process: Publishable Manuscript

Students completing the graduate program at MCCN are required to develop a scholarship project consisting of a publishable manuscript. The manuscript is not an assignment in any one course but rather a scholarly work that reflects student achievement over the total graduate program. Students should plan to work on the manuscript at least two semesters. The manuscript evolves from a student area of interest / expertise. The manuscript topic needs to be related to your program of study.

Advising and Developing the Project: Students will either be assigned a faculty advisor by the Associate Dean of the Graduate Program or submit a request for a specific faculty advisor. The student will work with the faculty advisor to develop their paper or transform a course paper into a publishable manuscript. A second faculty advisor will be chosen by the faculty advisor. This faculty will be a reviewer of the final document prior to approval. The completed manuscript must be approved by both of the faculty advisors. The completed, approved manuscript must be submitted to the Graduate Advisor no later than 2 weeks prior to graduation.

To receive a diploma in May, completion of a satisfactory publishable manuscript must be approved by 15 March and all other obligations to the College fulfilled.

The process for scholarly manuscript:

1. You will receive your faculty advisor assignment from the Associate Dean of the Graduate Program or from a student approval
2. You are responsible for scheduling your first meeting with your assigned faculty advisor.
3. Have the following prepared for the first meeting with your faculty advisor.
   • Bring the form SCHOLARLY ADVISEMENT AGREEMENT. Your faculty advisor and you will complete this form during the first meeting.
   • Provide an overview of the proposed manuscript- Focus and purpose of the article with an outline or draft of the paper
   • Identify the proposed journal(s) for publication- publication guidelines from a refereed nursing or non-nursing journal
   • Provide a timeline for completion of the manuscript- proposed schedule of goals and completion dates for review
4. Submit the signed SCHOLARLY ADVISEMENT AGREEMENT to the Associate Dean of the Graduate Program.
5. The paper will be expanded, revised, and re-written as needed in order to arrive at a manuscript that fulfills the graduation requirement.
6. The final manuscript is to be approved by the advisors at least 2 weeks prior to graduation. The Faculty Advisors will need to sign the MANUSCRIPT COMPLETION form.
7. The completed manuscript is to be submitted to the graduate program advisor 2 weeks prior to graduation; the manuscript will be kept in the student’s official student file.

Scholarly Advisement Agreement

This form serves as a written agreement between the graduate student and faculty advisors for completion of the student’s scholarly project – a publishable manuscript.

Scholarly Advisement Agreement  

Manuscript Completion

Manuscript Completion  

Research Assistant Program - Alternative to Scholarly Manuscript

Purpose: The purpose the Graduate Research Assistant Program (GRA) is to provide students with an alternative learning experience to the Scholarly Manuscript as part of the graduation requirement. The GRA will promote graduate student engagement in nursing research; provide graduate students with an authentic learning experience in nursing research; engage faculty and practicing nurses in the Mount Carmel Health System and others in nursing research; provide graduate students with an alternative to the completion of a scholarly manuscript; and support the Mount Carmel Health System Magnet ® designation endeavors.

Process: Each August and throughout the year as appropriate the College of Nursing Graduate Studies program will post via the web and the use of posters throughout the College current research being conducted by the College of Nursing (CON) faculty, various nursing units/nurses throughout the Mount Carmel Health System and others. This posting will include a brief overview of the research, including but not limited to the research question, goal, objectives, hypothesis; proposed study population, location of the study and the site researcher. In addition, the site researcher will identify the number of Graduate Research Assistants (GRA) the study will support (generally 1 or 2).

Graduate Research Assistant: Students enrolled in a Graduate Nursing track of the CON who have completed NURS 501 - Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice   with a B or better may apply for the GRA experience. The research must be in the area of the students’ graduate track or clinical focus. The student(s) will meet with the site researcher/team and develop a Learning Contract (see Graduate Research Assistant Learning Contract ) specifically outlining their role in the research. This may include: completion of the review of literature; recruitment of subjects, data collection, writing the literature review, to some extent data analysis and other activities as appropriate. The GRA is required to meet with the site researcher/team regularly, submit a written copy of their contribution to the research and upon completion of the research project present the research to a faculty group who will evaluate and determine the quality of the GRA’s participation (a rubric will be developed to guide both student and faculty).

Students are expected to function in a collaborative manner with the site researcher and the research team and participate in regular meetings with the faculty advisor. It is assumed that in many cases the role of a GRA will span several semesters and require the student to function independently in some aspects of the research process.

Site Researcher: The site researcher, for the purpose of engaging a GRA in the research, must be prepared at the Master’s level at the minimum. The site researcher will submit a completed Announcement of a Graduate Research Assistant Opportunity to the faculty advisor providing the research topic, goals/objectives/hypothesis and a brief description of the project (see attached). The site researcher will agree to involve the GRA in regular meetings of the research committee and identify the GRA as a tertiary author at a minimum. A doctoral prepared faculty advisor or other doctoral prepared individual will serve as lead researcher or principle investigator. A signed agreement will be maintained between the CON, research site, and the GRA.

The Site Researcher is expected to engage the GRA in a collaborative role, ensure the GRA is aware of all research team meetings and communicate with the faculty advisor as needed.

Faculty Advisor: The CON will identify a Faculty Advisory to oversee the operational aspects of the GRA program. This will include, but not limited to the following:

1. Be a doctoral prepared faculty member of the CON;
2. Serve as the liaison between the CON and the Mount Carmel Health System Evidenced-based Practice and Nursing Research Committee.
3. Work with CON and site researchers to develop a list of potential research projects to be distributed/posted each August;
4. Communicate with the site researchers as needed;
5. Oversee the student application for participation in the GRA program;
6. Approve the Student Learning Contracts;
7. Serve as an advisor to the GRAs; and
8. Assemble a faculty panel to hear/review research presentations.

The Faculty Advisor is expected to work in a collaborative manner with the site researchers/teams; serve as an advisor to the GRA and assist CON faculty members who are perusing research endeavors. The Faculty Advisor may be author or co-author on all publications.

Intellectual Property Rights: Intellectual property rights shall remain with the individuals conducting the research and/or the institution conducting the research. The CON shall have no institutional claim to the research.

Announcement of a Graduate Research Assistant Opportunity

Directions: The Announcement is to be completed by the lead researcher or individual overseeing the research at the site/College and submitted to: Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Graduate Research Assistant Program, 127 South Davis Avenue, Columbus, OH 43222.

Announcement of a Graduate Research Assistant Opportunity  

Application for the Position of Graduate Research Assistant

Application for the Position of Graduate Research Assistant  

Graduate Research Assistant Learning Contract

Graduate Research Assistant Learning Contract  

Academic Standards

Academic Probation

A graduate student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 3.00 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.

Graduate students are advised of their probationary status through an official Notification of Probation Status letter issued by the Chair of the Graduate Academic Progress Committee. Following this notification, students are strongly encouraged to meet with the graduate advisor to develop a plan for academic improvement.

Academic Dismissal

Students failing to achieve a minimum cumulative 3.00 average for two consecutive semesters will be dismissed from the College. An appeals process is in place for students who are academically dismissed.

Disciplinary Dismissal

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

Dismissed Graduate students must request reinstatement, in writing, to the Chair of the Graduate Academic Progress Committee. Request for Reinstatement forms are 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 Graduate Academic Progress Committee will review the student’s petition and any supporting documentation of potential for academic success. Reinstatement is not an automatic process and the student’s request may be denied.

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

Following reinstatement to the College, enrollment in specific classes will be on a space available basis. A reinstated student must meet the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of reinstatement. A reinstated student will be placed on probationary status for one semester.

Academic and Professional Misconduct

Mount Carmel College of Nursing seeks to foster the intellectual, moral, and professional development of students. The faculty and staff believe that intellectual development evolves through a student’s own intellectual efforts. Academic and professional misconduct will not be tolerated.

Academic and professional misconduct are viewed as serious matters. Alleged acts of academic or professional misconduct will be investigated and all confirmed acts will result in sanctions related to the misconduct.

Academic and professional honesty is determined by the student doing his/her own work throughout the program in either the classroom or clinical setting. This includes the student’s own work with drafts, reports, examinations, papers, clinical summaries, care plans, take home assignments, take home exams, online assignments, and other work as assigned in the course syllabus.

Academic and professional misconduct implies deception in fulfilling academic or professional requirements. Misconduct may take many forms and includes, but is not limited to:

1. Plagiarism: this is defined as submission of work that is not the student’s own work or submitting the ideas, writings, or thoughts of another person without proper documentation.

• use of someone’s exact words as a quote in assignments without proper citation
• use of material from the Internet without proper citation

1. Self-Plagiarism: In the Graduate Program, students are required to submit original work for all courses. Papers and written work submitted for one course may not be used for an assignment in another course, except through negotiation with the instructor. Submitted duplicate work is considered self-plagiarism (academic misconduct).

3. Cheating during an examination by:

• using notes or textbooks without the instructor’s consent
• looking at another person’s paper
• bringing items with notes written on them with the intent to use during an exam
• communicating with another student during an examination
• using electronic devices without instructor’s consent

4. Fabrication: this is defined as constructing, manufacturing, inventing, or creating for the sake of deception any classroom or clinical assignment.

• forging or falsifying any clinical or academic information
• documenting clinical hours that were not actually completed
• falsifying any client record or other document used during clinical experiences

5. Unprofessional behavior: this is defined as violating the rules and ethical codes of the profession of nursing and this College as defined below.

Professional Behavior

The nursing profession demands that the individual in practice be responsible, accountable, self-directed, and professional in behavior. The process of becoming a professional person begins upon entering a professional education program. Opportunities to develop and practice these qualities exist in the student role. The College expects that students will demonstrate their professionalism by:

• attending all classes and clinical experiences;
• exhibiting courteous behaviors in the classroom, clinical sites, while on the College campus, or while representing the College;
• being prepared for class and clinical assignments;
• being punctual for classes and College appointments; and
• by being respectful toward all members of the College community (faculty, staff, and students).

Student Conduct in the Nursing Care of Clients

The following policy is taken from the Ohio Board of Nursing’s Rules Promulgated From the Law Regulating Practice of Nursing, effective February 1, 2008 (reviewed October 1, 2011), 4723-5-12 (B) (accessed on the Ohio Board of Nursing website, March 15, 2012).

The policy, related to student conduct in providing nursing care, includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. A student shall, in a complete, accurate, and timely manner, report and document nursing assessments or observations, the care provided by the student for the client, and the client’s response to that care.
2. A student shall, in an accurate and timely manner, report to the appropriate practitioner errors in or deviations from the current valid order.
3. A student shall not falsify any client record or any other document prepared or utilized in the course of, or in conjunction with, nursing practice. This includes, but is not limited to, case management documents or reports, or time records, or reports, and other documents related to billing for nursing services.
4. A student shall implement measures to promote a safe environment for each client.
5. A student shall delineate, establish, and maintain professional boundaries with each client.
6. At all times when a student is providing direct nursing care to a client the student shall:
   1. Provide privacy during examination or treatment and in the care of personal or bodily needs; and
   2. Treat each client with courtesy, respect, and with full recognition of dignity and individuality.
7. A student shall practice within the appropriate scope of practice as set forth in division (B) of section 4723.01 and division (B)(20) of section 4723.28 of the Revised Code for a registered nurse, and division (F) of section 4723.01 and division (B)(21) of section 4723.28 of the Revised Code for a practical nurse;
8. A student shall use universal blood and body fluid precautions established by Chapter 4723-20 of the Administrative Code;
9. A student shall not:
   1. Engage in behavior that causes or may cause physical, verbal, mental, or emotional abuse to a client;
   2. Engage in behavior toward a client that may reasonably be interpreted as physical, verbal, mental, or emotional abuse.
10. A student shall not misappropriate a client’s property or:
    1. Engage in behavior to seek or obtain personal gain at the client’s expense;
    2. Engage in behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as behavior to seek or obtain personal gain at the client’s expense;
    3. Engage in behavior that constitutes inappropriate involvement in the client’s personal relationships; or
    4. Engage in behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as inappropriate involvement in the client’s personal relationships.

For the purpose of this paragraph, the client is always presumed incapable of giving free, full, or informed consent to the behaviors by the student set forth in this paragraph.

11. A student shall not:
    1. Engage in sexual conduct with a client;
    2. Engage in conduct in the course of practice that may reasonably be interpreted as sexual;
    3. Engage in any verbal behavior that is seductive or sexually demeaning to a client;
    4. Engage in verbal behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as seductive, or sexually demeaning to a client.

For the purpose of this paragraph, the client is always presumed incapable of giving free, full, or informed consent to sexual activity with the student.

12. A student shall not, regardless of whether the contact or verbal behavior is consensual, engage with a patient other than the spouse of the student in any of the following:
    1. Sexual contact, as defined in section 2907.01 of the Revised Code;
    2. Verbal behavior that is sexually demeaning to the patient or may be reasonably interpreted by the patient as sexually demeaning.
13. A student shall not self-administer or otherwise take into the body any dangerous drug, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, in any way not in accordance with a legal, valid prescription issued for the student.
14. A student shall not habitually indulge in the use of controlled substances, other habit-forming drugs, or alcohol or other chemical substances to an extent that impairs ability to practice.
15. A student shall not have impairment of the ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of habitual or excessive use of drugs, alcohol, or other chemical substances that impair the ability to practice.
16. A student shall not have impairment of the ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of a physical or mental disability;
17. A student shall not assault or cause harm to a patient or deprive a patient of the means to summon assistance;
18. A student shall not obtain or attempt to obtain money or anything of value by intentional misrepresentation or material deception in the course of practice;
19. A student shall not have been adjudicated by a probate court of being mentally ill or mentally incompetent, unless restored to competency by the court.
20. A student shall not aid and abet a person in that person’s practice of nursing without a license, practice as a dialysis technician without a certificate issued by the board, or administration of medications as a medication aide without a certificate issued by the board.
21. A student shall not prescribe any drug or device to perform or induce an abortion, or otherwise perform or induce an abortion;
22. A student shall not assist suicide as defined in section 3795.01 of the Revised Code.
23. A student shall not submit or cause to be submitted any false, misleading or deceptive statements, information, or document to the nursing program, its faculty or preceptors, or to the board.

Effective: 02/01/2012; R.C. 119.032 review dates: 10/13/2011 and 10/15/2016
Promulgated under: 119.03; Statutory Authority: 4723.07; Rule Amplifies: 4723.06 

Suspected Misconduct - Disciplinary Action

When academic or professional misconduct is alleged, it is the responsibility of the staff or faculty in either the graduate or undergraduate nursing program to both discuss the matter with the student and file a written account of the alleged misconduct with recommendations for action, including the grade they recommend the student should earn if the academic misconduct allegation is connected to a graded portion of the course.

The faculty or staff will:

1. Meet with the Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee to determine action to be taken.
2. Conduct a student/faculty conference to discuss the alleged misconduct.
3. Submit all documents relevant to the incident to the Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee within five working days after the conference.
4. The Chairperson will forward all documents from the faculty and student to the Committee members prior to the meeting. If the student submits documents to the Chairperson of the Committee, these will be made available to the faculty involved before the Committee meeting.
5. The Chairperson will then schedule a Misconduct Hearing. 
6. The Chairperson will submit all documents to the appropriate Dean.

When a student suspects misconduct by a peer, it is the responsibility of the student to report the allegation to the lead instructor. The reporting student and/or faculty may submit an allegation of misconduct to the Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee. The reporting student is expected to participate as a witness at the scheduled hearing.

Continuation in Course

Students accused of misconduct are permitted to continue with coursework/clinical pending the final decision of the appropriate Dean. If the alleged misconduct jeopardizes patient safety, the student may not be permitted to remain in the course pending the decision.

Discontinuation in Course

If a student suspected of academic misconduct elects to officially withdraw from MCCN, is dismissed, or seeks an LOA prior to resolution of the misconduct allegation, the Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee, the appropriate Dean, and the Chairperson of the Academic Progress Committee will be notified of the pending allegation of misconduct. A hearing on the alleged misconduct will still be held and a recommendation made in case the student wants to remain in or return to the nursing program at a later date.

Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee

The Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee is composed of four faculty, two students from the undergraduate program, and one student from the graduate program. The Chairperson must be a faculty member and will be selected by members of the Committee.

This Committee is charged with investigating allegations of misconduct and making recommendations to the Dean of the appropriate program.

In the event that a Committee member is involved in a case of alleged misconduct, the Committee Chairperson shall appoint a substitute. The Chairperson is responsible to orient the alternate Committee member prior to the hearing. Should the Chairperson require substitution, the Chairperson shall appoint another faculty committee member to serve as Chairperson.

Academic/Professional Misconduct Committee Hearings

When an alleged act of misconduct is brought before the Chairperson:

1. The student will be notified of the hearing date by the Chairperson.
2. The hearing will be scheduled no sooner than five working days after the student has received the written allegation and all relevant documents.
3. The student accused of misconduct is encouraged by the Chairperson to attend the Committee hearing.

Hearings are considered closed meetings (i.e., only the Committee members, the recorder, the student, and other individuals directly involved in the incident are permitted to attend). All persons involved in the committee meetings are required to sign a statement of confidentiality. The student is provided the opportunity to speak on his/her behalf, present a written statement or invite witnesses directly involved with the case to present information at the hearing. The faculty may also present witnesses, and both student and Committee may question witnesses.

The student’s academic record is not available to the Committee unless the recommendation to sanction has been made. Once the recommendation to sanction has been made, the student’s academic record will be reviewed to assist in determining the type of sanction.

Legal counsel will not be permitted to attend the hearing. A record of the hearing will be made. This record will be available to the student for the appeal period. All records related 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.

Recommendations

The Committee will consider the following recommendations:

1. Dismiss allegations without any documentation in the student’s record of the alleged misconduct, OR
2. Sanction the student. Sanctions are placed in the student’s academic record.

Sanction recommendations may include, but are not limited to:

1. A letter of warning admonishing the student for the violation
2. Academic Probation
3. Dismissal from the College

All recommendations of this Committee will be forwarded to the appropriate Dean. The student, Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee, and the faculty involved will be informed, in writing, of the Dean’s final decision within five working days of the hearing. The appropriate Dean will notify the President/Dean of the College.

Appeal Process

Students have the right to appeal the decision of the Associate Dean of the Graduate Nursing Program or the Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Nursing Program and may do so by submitting an appeal to the President/Dean of the College. The appeal must be filed within 14 days from the date of the Associate Dean’s decision letter. 

Semester Registration

Students are notified of the online registration period scheduled prior to the beginning of each semester. Instructions are distributed to students at the appropriate time during the academic year. Requested courses 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.

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.

Schedule Changes (Add or Drop Courses)

Adding a Course

During the first week of a semester, students may add a course with the consent of the instructor and proper notification to the advisor. Permission of the Associate Dean of the Graduate Program is required to enter a nursing course after the class has started. The appropriate documentation must be filed with the Records and Registration Office.

Withdrawing from a Course*

A student may withdraw from a semester course through the 12th week of the semester. Withdrawing from a course does not force the student to also withdraw from a co-requisite course. A grade of “W” will be posted to the student’s academic record for each withdrawn course. After the stated deadlines, withdrawing is not an option and a grade will be assigned. Students must first notify the course faculty prior to withdrawing from a course. 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.

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 Graduate Advisor. Submission of the form to Graduate Advisor is required for official withdrawal from a course.

Non-attendance in a course after the withdrawal deadline is considered as 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.

Students must complete and submit a Course Add / Drop Form to the Graduate Advisor. A student may withdraw from a course only one time.

Students may withdraw from a maximum of two graduate courses. The student will be administratively dismissed if further withdraws are sought.

*Withdrawing from a Course in a Nurse Practitioner Track

After a student has been admitted to the NP track, continuous progress toward completion of the degree is expected as per the curriculum plan. Any deviation from this plan must be approved by the Graduate Advisor or Associate Dean of the Graduate Program. If the student withdrawals from a NP track course, the student must apply for reinstatement. Reinstatement is not an automatic process and the student’s request may be denied. Refer to Reinstatement policy and procedure.

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. In addition, two unexcused absences will result in the student being 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 Dean of Graduate Program, a student will be dropped from a clinical nursing course and a grade of “W” posted if a patient/client safety is at risk or if a student illness or personal crisis so warrants.

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 Associate Dean of the Graduate Program.

Full-Time / Part-Time Status

Master’s level students (not in the Nurse Practitioner tracks) are considered full-time when they carry at least 6 credit hours per semester. Those enrolled in at least 3 credit hours are considered half-time students and can qualify for financial aid.

Nurse Practitioner students are considered full-time when they follow the full-time NP Program of Study. 

Completion of the Master’s program averages 8 semesters of full-time enrollment (minimum of 6 credit hours per semester).

Non-Degree Students

Enrollment in specific classes for non-degree students is on a space-available basis. Permission is granted by the Associate Dean of the Graduate Program. Students enrolled in the College on a non-degree status must achieve a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA by the time twelve credit hours have been completed or they will not be permitted to continue in the program.

Changing Program Tracks

When students are admitted into the graduate nursing program, they are placed in the track that was indicated on the Admission Application. Students who are uncertain of their track of study are admitted as Undeclared majors until they official choose a program track..

Students who wish to change their declared track should talk with the Graduate Advisor. The student must complete the Change of Track form. The Graduate Advisor will evaluate the student’s transcript to determine needed courses for the new track. The request for change to another track may be granted on a space available basis. The Nurse Practitioner tracks do not accept transfers from other graduate tracks. Students wishing to transfer to the Nurse Practitioner tracks must complete the application process for the specific tracks. Transfer applicants will be reviewed with all other applications for the program.   

Undeclared Major

Degree-seeking master’s students who are undecided about their choice of a major field of study will be considered to have an undeclared major. Undeclared master’s students are those who have not yet declared a major track at the College. There are many reasons students are undeclared.  Some students do not feel as though they have enough information about the academic programs to make a decision, others do not know their own strengths and limitations, and others simply can’t choose between different options.

Master’s students must declare their major prior to completing 12 semester credits. Students who fail to declare their major after completing 12 semester credits will not be permitted further course enrollment.

The Graduate Advisors will help master’s undeclared students monitor their academic progress and plan their course schedule.  All students, regardless of their major, are required to take the Graduate Core courses.  Students who have not declared a major can start taking the Graduate Core courses.

These courses include:

NURS 501 Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice (3 credits)
NURS 502 Quality, Safety and Effectiveness (3 credits)
NURS 503 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3 credits)
NURS 504 Leadership in Advanced Nursing Roles (3 credits)
NURS 505 Writing for Publication (1 credit)

Master’s students who are undeclared majors must follow all the College policies.

Grading Policies

The College uses a four point grading system:

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 with the faculty, an Incomplete (I) grade will be issued to a student who is unable to complete all course requirements due to illness or other serious problems. Incompletes are assigned by the course instructor. Under normal circumstances, incomplete coursework must be completed by the end of the sixth week following the end of a semester. If course requirements are not met by this deadline, the “I” grade is changed to a grade of “F”. Extensions beyond the sixth week must be negotiated with the faculty member.

Auditing Courses

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 Associate Dean of Graduate Program 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.

Transfer Credit

A maximum of 12 credit hours of equivalent course work, with a grade of “B,” may be transferred from another graduate program or proficiency examination. Once enrolled at Mount Carmel College of Nursing, degree candidates are required to complete all degree course work offered through Mount Carmel College of Nursing.

Military Credit

Credit for military training and experience in the armed forces of the United States, the National Guard or the Reserve Components may be granted in accordance with the credit recommendations provided by the American Council on Education. In order to have such work evaluated and added to the permanent academic record, a potential student needs to submit, to the Office of Records and Registration, certified copies of any documentation related to these experiences, including official military transcripts and discharge forms. Decisions regarding the utilization of credit granted through this program shall be made at the discretion of the transcript evaluator, in consultation with the Associate Dean of the applicable program.

Transient Student Status

If a student requests to take a graduate course outside of MCCN, the first step in the process is to contact Director of Financial Aid to determine financial aid status (i.e., Consortium Agreement). The next step is to contact the graduate advisor or the Associate Dean of the Graduate Program for authorization of the course. If approved, the student must submit an approved course schedule from the transient institution to the Director of Records and Registration. Transfer of course credit is per policy. 

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 Committee.
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.

Graduation Requirements

In order to qualify for graduation, degree candidates must complete all the following requirements. A student deficient in any area will not receive his/her diploma until the requirement is complete.

• Submit an online Graduation Application by the posted deadline.
• Complete all academic requirements; official transcripts for all transfer courses must be on file at MCCN.
• Program completion must be within 5 years of date of first enrollment.
• Completion of a satisfactory publishable manuscript or Graduate Research Assistant Program.
• Professional service – 10 hours of  professional service or leadership.
• Complete all required coursework with a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA.
• Fulfill all financial obligations to Mount Carmel College of Nursing.
• Fulfill all library obligations to Mount Carmel College of Nursing.
• Complete the online Financial Aid Exit Interview (required of every student who received any type of loan).
• Complete the Business Affairs Exit Interview (required of every student who received an institutional loan).
• Complete the online Graduation Exit Survey. Students will receive an email with specific instructions a few weeks prior to the end of their program.
• Order authorized graduation cap and gown from jostens.com (the earliest available order date will be announced to graduating students).

Graduate Students who will complete all requirements by the end of Summer Session of the same calendar year may participate in May Commencement activities.

To receive a diploma in May, completion of a satisfactory publishable manuscript must be approved by March 15, all required coursework must be completed by the end of Spring Semester, and all other obligations to the College must be fulfilled.

Commencement

Mount Carmel College of Nursing Commencement is in May each year. Graduation for master’s students adds more focus on their accomplishments.

During the College’s Pinning and Recognition Ceremony the evening prior to Commencement, master’s students will receive an academic hood. The hood has an historical significance for graduate education.

“The colorful hood of each university is reserved for those who attain the highest academic degree beyond the bachelor’s degree. It is a special part of academic regalia and denotes scholarly and professional achievements. The cap, the hood and the robe are the visual components of the academic costume. Gown designs represent the levels of academic degrees. The color of the velvet outer binding of the master’s and doctoral hoods represents the academic discipline to which the degree pertains. The color for the outer binding for the discipline of Nursing is apricot. The colors of the inner lining of the hood denote the institution awarding the degree. Mount Carmel’s colors are burgundy and silver. The tassel color for the MCCN master’s degree is black.”

At Commencement students are “hooded” by the Associate Dean of the Graduate Program and receive their diplomas from the College President/Dean. This additional part of the ceremony signifies success in graduate education.

Leave of Absence (LOA)

A personal Leave of Absence (LOA) from the graduate nursing program may be granted to students in satisfactory academic standing (minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA). A Leave of Absence indicates a desire to interrupt, but not permanently discontinue, enrollment in the graduate nursing program. Normally, a LOA is granted for a maximum of one year.

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 his/her request. If a LOA is granted, it will be the student’s responsibility to notify the Graduate Program Advisor, by the designated date, of intent to return from the LOA. Failure to notify the College 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 may be necessary for the College to request that a student take a LOA due to health reasons. Before returning to the nursing program, a 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.

The College reserves the right to enhance/revise the curriculum at any time. If this occurs during the LOA time for the student, the student might be required to progress in the revised program with different requirements than the original program of study.

Withdrawing from the College

A student whose intent is to officially 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 considered unofficially withdrawn from Mount Carmel College of Nursing. The student’s record will be noted as “unofficially withdrew.” All withdrawals are subject to the Institutional Refund Policy .

Students who have withdrawn from the College and wish to return must complete a new application which will be reviewed for decision by the Graduate Academic Progress 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.