Academic Information and Policies

Registered Nurse License

• It is mandatory that each Master’s Program student maintains a current unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license during the entire program. Licensure must be current in relation to the State in which the student will be conducting practice experiences during the program of study.
• Each DNP student must maintain a current unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license and, if applicable, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certification or licensure in the state where the practicum courses will be completed.

If the RN license or APRN certification becomes “Inactive” at any time during the program, the student must notify the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs. 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

Students and faculty members participating in educational activities associated with Mount Carmel College of Nursing are covered by a blanket professional liability insurance policy.

Graduate and undergraduate students and full-time, part-time, and adjunct faculty members are covered by the insurance as long as they are acting within the scope of educational duties and responsibilities anywhere that the education takes place. In other words, students and faculty are covered when working in Mount Carmel Health System (MCHS) facilities as well as in other hospitals and community health facilities while participating in educational activities. Coverage under the blanket policy for educational activities is primary in the event that students purchase individual policies (the blanket insurance is activated first prior to any other individual policies).

Directors, officers, trustees, administrators, and committee members are also covered by the insurance. Staff members (registered nurses and others) are covered by the blanket insurance while proctoring, precepting, or supervising students.

Students and faculty insured under this policy do not need to purchase separate liability coverage for educational purposes. However, if faculty or students are working as staff (e.g., providing patient care) in other capacities or in other institutions outside the scope of their MCCN role, then separate coverage may be purchased at the discretion of the individual student, faculty, or staff member.

A copy of the College’s insurance policy is available in the College Administrative office. For a complete copy of the policy on Professional Liability Insurance, click here .

Academic Progression

Satisfactory progression in MCCN graduate and doctorate nursing courses is defined as a 3.0 (B=82 - 90%) or higher and a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3. or higher.

If a grade of “C” or lower is earned in any graduate nursing course, the course must be successfully repeated the next regular academic semester during which the course is offered. Failure to achieve the minimum grade of “B” when repeating a course will result in dismissal from the program. However, the original grade will remain on the transcript and will be calculated into the CGPA. When the course is taken at MCCN, the grade earned upon repeating the course will replace the originally earned grade in the CGPA calculation.

A student who is in the appeal process relating to a course grade may not enroll in any subsequent nursing course for which the course under the appeal is a prerequisite. If the student has already registered, he/she will be administratively withdrawn from those courses.

A student who achieves a grade of “C” in any 2 courses of the program will be subject to dismissal from the program (refer to the dismissal policy).

Canvas - LMS

CANVAS,  the College’s Learning Management System (LMS) supports student learning through access to learning resources activities and serves, in part, as a means for learners to monitor their progress throughout the course and program. Students are required to complete the CANVAS training modules and complete the Graduate/DNP Program Orientation Course prior to registering for courses.

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. In addition:

• 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.

Any graduate student who is ill or injured and cannot attend class or attend the scheduled practicum experience MAY be asked to submit to the appropriate course faculty a note on letterhead or prescription pad that is dated and signed by hand with a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant signature.

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.

Time Required for Coursework

It is customary for graduate students who are enrolled in a 3-credit hour class to have a face-to-face presence for approximately 3 hours per week, or an online classroom presence of approximately 3 hours per week.

In addition, for each credit hour of academic credit, the student can expect an average of 3 hours per week outside the classroom in reading, writing, quizzes, or assignment work. In summary, for each 3-credit hour class in which graduate students are enrolled, they can expect an average weekly time commitment of 12 hours of academic work.

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: https://bncvirtual.com/mccn. 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.

Service Learning

Service Learning is a teaching strategy that provides students with meaningful learning experiences through community interactions. This experience is reciprocal; it builds a relationship with the community, and also helps the student transform through fostering civic responsibility. The practice of nursing is service.

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. Data from these evaluations are used as part of the College’s regular continuous quality improvement efforts. Therefore, students are encouraged to provide constructive, accurate, and professional feedback during the course evaluation process. In addition, exit surveys are distributed to graduating students to obtain information regarding program outcomes.

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 and DNP Advisor provide academic and career guidance and support the student throughout the Mount Carmel experience. Advisors assist in planning the student’s academic program, advise regarding course registration each semester, interpret academic requirements, policies, and procedures and monitor student progress toward fulfilling degree requirements and grade point achievement.

APA Writing Format

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

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.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is respectful of students’ rights and responsibilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) as amended by the ADA Amendment Act of 2008 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These laws require that no qualified person with a disability shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity which receives or benefits from Federal assistance.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is committed to serving qualified students with disabilities in its programs and services. Any qualified student with a disability may request an accommodation to ensure that the academic program does not discriminate against or have the effect of discriminating against that student. For a complete copy of the College’s Accommodations policy,  click here  .

Since the nature and severity of disabilities varies, academic adjustments may be applicable only when they are appropriate to the needs of the individual student with a disability. To determine eligibility for academic accommodations, the College requires current and relevant documentation from a qualified professional with expertise in the area of the diagnosed disability/disorder that establishes a disability and its impact on the student and confirms the need for each accommodation requested.

Accommodations

An accommodation (also sometimes called adjustments) is a modification of policies, practices, or procedures that will allow the student with a disability/disorder to meet the requirements of the course or program.  Examples of available accommodations may include, but are not necessarily limited to, auxiliary aids and modifications to courses, programs, services, activities, or facilities.  The College will take all steps necessary to ensure that its students are not excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in any program or activity because of a lack of auxiliary aids and services for students with impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills. The College, however, cannot honor requests for accommodations that would fundamentally alter academic requirements that are essential to the instruction being pursued by a student or are directly related to any licensing requirements, cause undue hardship on the College, or jeopardize the health or safety of others.

It is the responsibility of the student to make his or her disability status and/or need for an accommodation known to the College, following the process outlined below.  Once notified, the College will work with the student to identify potential accommodations and assess the practicality and effectiveness of each potential accommodation.

Determinations regarding accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis.  An accommodation must be tailored to address the nature of the disability and the needs of the individual within the context of the requirements of the program of study.  If there are two or more possible accommodations, and one costs more or is more burdensome than the other, the College may choose the less expensive or less burdensome accommodation that is still effective.

Disability Definition

Generally, a person with a disability is one who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.  Major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.

Procedure

1. A student requesting academic and/or non-academic accommodations¹ under this policy must notify the College’s Title II/Section 504 Coordinator (the “Coordinator”) as soon as possible after the need for an accommodation becomes apparent. The student should schedule a meeting with the Coordinator to discuss his or her needs and requested accommodations. The Title II/Section 504 Coordinator has been designated to handle inquiries into academic accommodations. Contact information:

2. Students are required to provide current (generally no more than three years old) documentation of the disability to the Coordinator. This documentation must be from a professional who has undergone appropriate and comprehensive training, has relevant experience and licensure appropriate to the profession (such as a licensed psychologist, physician, or nurse practitioner). The documentation should describe the nature of the disability, the extent to which the disability limits one or more major life activities, and the suggested accommodation(s).

3. Upon submission of required documentation, the Coordinator will engage in an individualized, interactive process with the student to determine possible accommodation(s). A copy of the official documentation will be maintained in the student’s file by the Coordinator. For requests for academic accommodations, the Coordinator will review the documentation and any requested accommodations with the appropriate Associate Dean.  If necessary, the Coordinator will discuss any alternative accommodations with the student and the Associate Dean. For requests for non-academic accommodations and when necessary, the Coordinator will review the documentation and any requested accommodations with the appropriate College leader such as the Director of Student Life, Academic Dean or Manager of Information Technology Services. The determination as to whether a requested accommodation will be granted lies with the Coordinator. (In some situations, a temporary plan may be developed and implemented by the Coordinator, upon notification to the Associate Dean, where additional time is required for diagnostic evaluation.  A minimum of 2 business days is required to implement the accommodations.)

4. The Coordinator will then notify the student of the determination.  If an accommodation is granted, the Coordinator will provide to the student a form setting forth the accommodation for the student to provide to instructors, the Director of Student Life or other faculty or staff as required.. If needed, the faculty or staff member andCoordinator will collaborate to plan and implement the accommodation(s).

5. Students who receive accommodations must meet with the Coordinator at the end of each semester to discuss their progress.

6. If a student feels that his or her accommodations are not being met, he/she must notify the Coordinator immediately.

7. If a student has been granted academic accommodations and chooses not to use the accommodation(s), the student is required to notify the Coordinator in writing that the student will not be utilizing the accommodations.

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¹The Ohio Board of Nursing governs requests for accommodations by an applicant for the NCLEX-RN^® Examination. The Board has promulgated a policy, available here directly from the Ohio Board of Nursing website. Students are encouraged to review these requirements, including the requirement for a letter from the nursing education program demonstrating that accommodations were in place during the nursing education program.

Grievance Procedure

If the student’s request for an accommodation is denied or the student is dissatisfied with the accommodation being provided, the College encourages the student to engage in an informal dialog with the Coordinator in an attempt to resolve the issue.

If a matter cannot be resolved informally or if the student prefers to file a formal grievance, a written grievance must be submitted to the Academic Dean. The informal resolution process is strictly voluntary and is not a prerequisite to filing a formal grievance.

The student may file a formal grievance by submitting a written grievance to the Academic Dean within fourteen (14) business days of an occurrence giving rise to the grievance. The Academic Dean will then review the issue, request to meet with the student, and then provide the student with a written decision in response to the grievance no later than fifteen (15) business days after the grievance is submitted.  The Academic Dean’s decision shall be final.

A student is not required to file a grievance with the College prior to pursuing any federal or state administrative remedy.

Discrimination Based on Disability

A student who believes he/she has been discriminated against or harassed due to a disability should contact the Coordinator who will assist with making a complaint under the College’s Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, Anti-Retaliation Policy .

Retaliation

The College prohibits retaliation against anyone who files a grievance under this policy or otherwise complains that he or she has been denied equal access in the form of appropriate accommodations, modifications, auxiliary aids or effective communication.

This prohibition of retaliation similarly extends to anyone who has testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding or hearing related to a grievance or complaint under this policy.

Student Privacy

Except where necessary to further the purpose of this policy or where otherwise permitted by law, documentation of a student’s disability will be kept confidential and will not be shared with other administrators or faculty members without the student’s consent in accordance with federal educational privacy standards. Any request by a student to review the documents associated with his or her request for an accommodation or grievance under this policy should be submitted to the Coordinator.

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.

Academic and Professional Standards

The Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN) faculty and staff are dedicated to facilitating student development of intellectual, moral, and professional standards. This development requires the student to become increasingly responsible for self-directed and engaged learning, thus practicing and achieving academic and professional standards in order to become a highly educated, skilled, and professional nurse. For a complete copy of the Academic and Professional Standards policy, click here .

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

• Attending all clinical experiences and all classes (onsite or online).
• Exhibiting courteous behaviors in the classroom, clinical sites, while on the MCCN campus, within the Residence Halls, and while representing MCCN at community events.
• Being prepared for class and clinical assignments, being punctual for classes and MCCN appointments.
• Being respectful toward all members of the MCCN community (faculty, staff, and students; particularly in the Residence Halls and even “off duty”).
• Being conscious of information shared over all social media platforms-in personal and professional communications and especially over MCCN-sponsored social media platforms.
• Using effective communication, verbally and non-verbally, by remembering always the MCHS/MCCN guiding behaviors:
  • We support each other in serving our students, patients, and communities.
  • We communicate openly, honestly, respectfully and directly.
  • We are fully present.
  • We are accountable.
  • We trust and assume the goodness of intentions.
  • We are continuous learners.

It is understood that the administration, faculty, staff, and student body share in the responsibility of upholding the Mission and Core Values of Mount Carmel College of Nursing. The Student 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 (Rules Promulgated From the Law Regulating Practice of Nursing, 4723-5-12 (B).

In accordance with the above, students will commit to:

Academic Excellence

1. Achieving the highest level of academic excellence through honesty and integrity both in and out of the classroom and in clinical settings.
2. Striving to embody excellence and providing 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.
5. Following the chain of command.

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, harassment, retaliation, disrespect, or bullying.
2. Committing to bring any act of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disrespect, or bullying to the attention of the administration.
3. Refusing to tolerate incidents of dishonesty or lack of integrity.
4. Committing to bringing incidents of dishonesty or lack of integrity to the attention of the Chairperson of the administration.

Diversity

Creating a culture and climate of inclusion that welcomes and celebrates diversity.

Prohibited Conduct

Students are expected to abide by federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, as well as to adhere to all College policies and procedures. In cases where students engage in any prohibited conduct, the student is subject to disciplinary action.

1. Violation of local, state, and/or federal laws.
2. Violation of the Ohio Board of Nursing Law and Rules (www.nursing.ohio.gov/Law_and_Rule.htm)
3. Violation of the National Student Nurses’ Association Code of Ethics, Code of Professional Conduct, and Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct (www.nsna.org/association-chapter-resources.html)
4. Violation of College Policies and Procedures as outlined in the College Catalog-Handbook, as well as the Residence Life Handbook
5. Violation of any of the following Compliance Policies:
   • Anti-Discrimination,
   • Anti-harassment and Anti-Retaliation Policy
   • Anti-Bullying Policy
   • Concealed Weapons Policy
   • Drug Free Policy
   • Title IX Policy
6. Violation of the following General College Policies:
   • Attendance
   • Cell Phone Use
   • Classroom Recording Policy
   • Children on Campus
   • Copyright Infringement
   • CPR Requirements
   • Criminal Background Check
   • Dress Code
   • Food in Classrooms
   • Smoking Policy
7. Violation of the following College Technology Policies:
   • Technology Policy
   • Social Medial Policy
8. Violation of the Academic and Professional Standards Policy
9. Unprofessional Conduct
   • Any behavior which affects a student’s ability to fully participate in the benefits of the College or negatively impacts the College community, including:
     • Failure to show due respect and courtesy
     • Engaging in vulgar behavior
     • Using obscene language
     • Participating in disorderly conduct
     • Unprofessional behavior in the classroom, online environment, clinical settings or on/off-campus activities.
10. Damage: Negligent or intentional damage to personal, public, or College property is prohibited.
11. Dishonesty
    • Presenting, using and/or possessing a falsified ID or another’s College issued ID as one’s own.
    • Misrepresentation; furnishing false information; and falsification or forgery of documents.
    • Any form of Academic Dishonesty, to include, but not limited to: plagiarism, self-plagiarism, cheating, fabrication and using false citations.
12. Encouraging, permitting, or assisting another to commit an act that could subject them to discipline.
13. Failure to Comply with directions of, or interference with, any College official, Safety and Security officer, or individuals working in conjunction with the College who are acting in performance of their duties or failure to comply with any established requirement, policy or procedure.
14. Fire Safety
    • Setting a fire, whether deliberately or accidentally.
    • Intentionally pulling a fire alarm.
    • Improper use of, vandalism, destruction or tampering with fire-safety or electrical equipment.
    • Failure to evacuate a building during a fire alarm.
    • Causing or contributing to a fire-safety hazard.
15. Off-Campus Misconduct
    • The College requires behavior on and off campus, in academic, co-curricular and off-campus locations, consistent with the principles and rules of behavior outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Whenever the College becomes aware of violations of the College’s Policies and Procedures, regardless of where such conduct allegedly occurs, appropriate follow-up (including potential discipline) may take place. If the behavior poses a disturbance, is threatening to the safety and security of individuals or property, or is required to be reported by law, law enforcement may be contacted and a report filed.
16. Theft of property or services from the College
17. Unauthorized Access
    • Unauthorized entry into College buildings or areas, even when unlocked.
    • Tampering with locks to College buildings, unauthorized possession or use of College keys, and alteration or duplication of College keys.
18. Violent or Endangering Behavior
    • Conduct that recklessly or intentionally threatens or endangers the physical or mental health and safety of any person including:
    • Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, and/or coercion.

Criminal prosecution by a government entity does not preclude College disciplinary action against the student for the same conduct. Similarly, any action by the College does not preclude subsequent action by a local, state or federal entity. The College reserves the right to resolve a disciplinary matter before the conclusion of any criminal process. If a student withdraws from the College, the College may resolve the disciplinary matter, regardless of the student’s withdrawal. A student who withdraws will be afforded all the procedural rights of an enrolled student.

Students who do not adhere to academic and professional standards may encounter allegations of misconduct.

Academic Dishonesty/Violations of Standards of Academic Integrity:

Plagiarism: Plagiarism, whether intentional or unintentional, violates standards of academic integrity. Plagiarism is the act of 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 quotes in assignments without proper citation; also use of material from the internet without proper citation, etc. Students are responsible for educating themselves as to the proper mode of attributing credit, where credit is due.

Self-Plagiarism: 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, this includes work first produced in connection with classes at MCCN or other institutions attended by the student, except with prior and explicit approval of all faculty members to whom the work will be submitted. Submitting duplicate work is considered self-plagiarism and violates standards of academic integrity.

Cheating: Cheating is the use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information, study aids, or unauthorized collaboration on in-class examinations, take-home examinations, or other academic exercises. It is the responsibility of the student to consult with the professor concerning what constitutes permissable collaboration. Cheating or assisting another student to cheat in connection with an examination or assignment violates standards of academic integrity. Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to: 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 of using the notes during an exam, communicating with another student during an examination, using electronic devices (phones, wristwatches) without the instructor’s consent.

Fabrication: 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 patient record or other document used during clinical experiences. Fabrication includes submitting false data, data that has been fabricated, altered or contrives in such a way as to be deliberately misleading. Fabrication also includes falsifying academic documentation.

Using False Citations: False citation is the attribution of intellectual property to an incorrect or fabricated source with the intention to deceive.

Academic and Professional Standards in Residence Halls

Please note that the Academic and Professional Standards policy and procedures will be implemented for misconduct that occurs in the Residence Halls in addition to the rules, policies, and sanctions for students living in the Residence Halls. Please refer to the Residence Life policies in the Residence Hall Handbook in the student tab under Residence Life in CARMELink (https://carmelink.mccn.edu/ICS/Student/Residence_Life.jnz).

Standards Outlined by Professional Nursing Organizations

The National Student Nurses Association, as well as the Ohio Board of Nursing stipulate Codes of Professional, Academic, and Clinical Conduct. These codes are fully supported by MCCN and students are expected to be familiar with and follow these codes (National Student Nurses Association, www.nasa.org/association-chapter-resources.html). The conduct of nursing students in providing patient care is also regulated by the state of Ohio through the Ohio Board of Nursing in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 4723-5-12(C).  These codes are fully supported by MCCN and students are expected to be familiar with and follow these codes (Ohio Board of Nursing http://www.nursing.ohio.gov/Law_and_Rule.htm).

Student Conduct-Care of Patients

The following policy is taken from the Ohio Board of Nursing’s Rules Promulgated From the Law Regulating Practice of Nursing, effective December 19, 2016, 4723-5-12(C) (accessed on the Ohio Board of Nursing website).

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 patient, and the patient’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 patient 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 patient.
5. A student shall delineate, establish, and maintain professional boundaries with each patient.
6. At all times when a student is providing direct nursing care to a patient the student shall:

a.   Provide privacy during examination or treatment and in the care of personal or bodily needs; and
b.   Treat each patient 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 and standard precautions established by Chapter 4723-20 of the Administrative Code;
9. A student shall not:

a.   Engage in behavior that causes or may cause physical, verbal, mental, or emotional abuse to a patient;
b.   Engage in behavior toward a patient that may reasonably be interpreted as physical, verbal, mental, or emotional abuse.

10. A student shall not misappropriate a patient’s property or:

a.   Engage in behavior to seek or obtain personal gain at the patient’s expense;
b.   Engage in behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as behavior to seek or obtain personal gain at the patient’s expense;
c.   Engage in behavior that constitutes inappropriate involvement in the patient’s personal relationships; or
d.   Engage in behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as inappropriate involvement in the patient’s personal relationships.

For the purpose of this paragraph, the patient 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:

a.   Engage in sexual conduct with a patient;
b.   Engage in conduct in the course of practice that may reasonably be interpreted as sexual;
c.   Engage in any verbal behavior that is seductive or sexually demeaning to a patient;
d.   Engage in verbal behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as seductive, or sexually demeaning to a patient.

For the purpose of this paragraph, the patient 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:

a.   Sexual contact, as defined in section 2907.01 of the Revised Code;
b.   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, or self-administer or otherwise take into the body any drug that is a schedule I controlled substance.
14. A student shall not habitually or excessively use 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 use of drugs, alcohol, or other chemical substances.
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 misappropriate or attempt to misappropriate 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.
24. A student shall maintain the confidentiality of patient information. The student shall communicate patient information with other members of the health care team for health care purposes only, shall access patient information only for purposes of patient care or for otherwise fulfilling the student’s assigned clinical responsibilities, and shall not disseminate patient information for purposes other than patient care or for otherwise fulfilling the student’s assigned clinical responsibilities through social media, texting, emailing or any other form of communication.
25. To the maximum extent feasible, identifiable patient health care information shall not be disclosed by a student unless the patient has consented to the disclosure  of  identifiable  patient  health  care  information.  A  student  shall report individually identifiable patient information without written consent in limited circumstances only and in accordance with an authorized law, rule, or other recognized legal authority.
26. For purposes of paragraphs (C)(5), (C)(6), (C)(9), (C)(10), (C)(11) and (C)(12) of this rule, a student shall not use social media, texting, emailing, or other forms of communication with, or about a patient, for non-health care purposes or for purposes other than fulfilling the student’s assigned clinical responsibilities.

Effective: 12/19/2016
FYR Date: 12/19/2021
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 4723.07
Rule Amplifies: 4723.06
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/96, 4/1/97, 2/1/02, 2/1/04, 2/1/07, 2/1/08, 2/1/12, 2/1/14

Academic Success Plans

The purpose of the Academic Success Plan (ASP) is to manage and improve student performance and progress in coursework completed at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. The ASP is designed to help students by providing academic structure and support, motivating learners, and encouraging positive study and learning habits. The ASP also serves as a vehicle to bring faculty and students to agreement on course/clinical goals and identify ways for the student to achieve those agreed upon goals. It is also a means to document college outreach to students who need extra help (and is stored in student files). The ASP template will be available on CARMELink. Faculty should complete an ASP to help with improvement and success of students within a course.

As needed, students are expected to meet with faculty to discuss and agree upon goals and objectives to aid in their academic success. The ASP will outline a description of student performance, identified measures to improve performance, and a timeline and goals for completion. As part of an ASP, the student may also be referred to the Academic Resource Center (ARC) and required to complete a certain number of hours at the ARC. The student will be asked to initial each area addressed in the ASP, as well as sign the final document. If a student does not sign this document, it will still be provided to the student and they will be expected to follow through on the outlined goals/timelines for completion.

Student Academic and Professional Standards

Maintaining academic and professional standards is a serious matter for the professional nurse and nursing student, both in the work setting as well as outside the work setting. At MCCN, students with alleged academic or professional misconduct will be evaluated using the following processes and procedures: Initiation of a Performance Improvement Contract and/or Hearings by the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee.

Initiation of a Performance Improvement Contract:
Definition: The Performance Improvement Contract (PIC) is one of a larger repertoire of tools used to promote student learning, improvement, development, and success. Each PIC is initiated to assist the student in identifying, managing, and improving conduct and behaviors that inhibit a student’s full success at MCCN. The PIC is meant to provide the student with guided learning towards improvement and evaluation of that improvement. The PIC is intended to provide the student with Due Process regarding observed conduct and behaviors that may be questionable in terms of possible misconduct.

Faculty and staff members initiate PICs when students demonstrate a potential infraction of College or Health System policies, conduct themselves in a less than professional manner, and/or demonstrate patterns of behavior that impede their ability to provide safe, high quality patient care. The PIC is initiated to help students examine behaviors that are causing them to be less than successful, to identify behaviors that may help them improve, and to engage with faculty and staff in an action plan for making progress toward improvement and success. Because the PIC is a learning tool, there is no appeal process once a PIC has been initiated. For a complete copy of the Academic and Professional Standards Policy which includes process and procedure for a PIC, click here .

The Process and Procedures: Faculty/staff members who identify student conduct and behaviors that may be inhibiting a student’s success will follow the process and procedures outlined below:

1. Faculty/Staff and supervisors, all who are involved with student cases, will maintain confidentiality at all times; not discussing the student with anyone except those involved directly with PIC processes.
2. Faculty members will consult with:
   • The Course Coordinator (CC) and the Academic Department Leader (ADL) in cases where students are undergraduates (the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs will be kept informed of the situation).
   • For online and graduate programs, the appropriate Associate will be involved in the process.
3. In cases where the conduct occurs within the purview of the Residence Halls, the Director of Student Life and/or the Coordinator of Residence Halls will consult with the appropriate Associate Dean and Director of Compliance, as needed.
4. In cases where the conduct and behaviors have occurred in a nonacademic area on campus or off campus, the Director of Compliance will handle the case.
5. The faculty/staff member will meet with the student as soon as possible to discuss the conduct and behaviors that are causing the student to be less than successful. Conduct and behaviors will be explored with the student to determine what types of factors may be contributing to these behaviors.
6. If the conduct and behaviors are resolved when the student and faculty/staff member meet, no further action is taken except for documenting the discussion.
7. If the conduct/behaviors require further attention, faculty/staff will meet with the appropriate supervisors (as noted above) to discuss the potential need for a PIC and a decision will be made to move forward with development of the PIC. Additionally, the ADL will determine if the student has any previous PIC(s) in the online database.
8. The student will be notified by the appropriate supervisor that a PIC will be initiated.
9. The PIC will be written by the faculty member in conjunction with the appropriate supervisor.
10. For Residence Hall or nonacademic/off campus conduct and behaviors, the PIC will be written by the appropriate staff member.
11. The student will then meet with the faculty, course coordinator, ADL or appropriate staff member. At the time of the meeting, the PIC will be reviewed with the student. The student, faculty, and appropriate supervisor will electronically sign the PIC. The student will be provided with a paper copy of the PIC and the electronic version of the PIC will be maintained in the online database with access provided only to the Deans and ADLs. The PIC goes into effect whether the student signs it or not.
12. Following initiation, discussion, and electronical signing of the PIC, the student and faculty, will meet as scheduled to address student progress toward the outlined plan for improvement.
13. If the student violates the terms and conditions of an active PIC or exhibits unprofessional behaviors, an additional PIC will be initiated.
14. At the end of the term/semester, the student, faculty, and the appropriate supervisors will meet in order to assess the student’s progress with the identified issue. If the PIC is successfully completed, written notification of successful completion will be forwarded to the student and placed in the student record located in the Maxient electronic database and the date of resolution will be added by the Course Coordinator.
15. If a PIC is initiated at mid-point of the course or later and is not successfully resolved, it may progress with the student to the next course or term/semester with a new resolution date. If a PIC is initiated prior to mid-point of a course it needs to be resolved by the end of that course, or a second PIC will be initiated with a new resolution date.
16. If a student receives a third PIC, the appropriate supervisor will schedule a meeting with the student. Additionally, the student will be referred to the Academic & Professional Misconduct Committee where those processes and procedures will be initiated.

Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee

Students whose conduct/behaviors do not meet identified expectations and/or who may have incurred three PICS are subject to hearings performed by the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee. Serious violation of prohibited conduct may be referred directly to the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee without the initiation of a PIC. Additionally, egregious violations of prohibited conduct may be referred directly to the Academic Dean for administrative sanctioning, which will bypass the initiation of a PIC  or a hearing before the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee. Due process right will still be an inherent part of these processes, which are outlined below.

Suspected Misconduct

When academic or professional misconduct is alleged, it is the responsibility of the faculty/staff in either the graduate or undergraduate nursing program or Residence Halls to both discuss the matter with the student and file a written account of the alleged misconduct with the Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee. The written account will include recommendation for action.

Interim Suspension

In cases where faculty and College officials are concerned that students pose immediate dangers to self or other people or property, especially in clinical cases related to patient safety, the student’s academic and clinical educational progression will be temporarily suspended by the MCCN Academic Dean until the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee hearing is conducted and recommendations are made about outcomes and potential sanctions.

In cases where faculty and college officials are concerned that students pose immediate dangers to other people and property, especially in clinical cases related to patient safety, the student’s academic and clinical educational progression will be temporarily suspended by the MCCN Academic Dean until the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee hearing is conducted and recommendations are made about outcomes and potential sanctions.

When a student suspects misconduct by a peer:

Student peers have a responsibility to report alleged misconduct to the lead instructor or relevant staff member. The reporting student, lead instructor or staff member 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 misconduct hearing, but he/she may request that the accused student provide their questions to the chairperson so as to not be directly cross examined by another student. Alternatives to participation can be offered, upon request from the reporting student (such as participation via video conference, etc.).

The faculty/staff member will:

1. Maintain confidentiality at all times; not discussing the student conduct/behavior with anyone except those involved directly with the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee.
2. Hold a conference with the student to discuss the alleged misconduct.
3. Maintain a detailed account of all documentation, emails, communication, etc. with regard to the students’ conduct/behaviors.
4. Submit all documents relevant to the alleged incident(s) to the Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee within five (5) business days of the conference with the student. If requested by the Chairperson, a meeting will take place between the faculty/staff member and the Chairperson to gain clarity regarding any submitted documentation.
5. Be prepared to serve as a witness during the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee Hearing.

The Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee will:

1. If the Chairperson determines, after any needed consultation, sufficient information exists to support an alleged policy violation, he/she will schedule a hearing within ten (10) business days. An extension of this timeline may be necessary, and can be requested by the student or the chair, and approval is made at the discretion of the chair.
2. The hearing shall consist of the following parties: 3 Faculty and 2 Students, which is to include 1 faculty and 1 student from the program in which the student is currently enrolled.
   • Three faculty, at least one from the program in which the student is currently enrolled.
   • Two students, at least one from the program in which the student is currently enrolled.
   • the referring faculty/staff member or student,
   • the responding student;
   • as well as any appropriate witnesses at the discretion of the chairperson.
3. At least four business days prior to the scheduled hearing date (unless mitigating circumstances exists, or the student has granted flexibility in the timeline, summer and College closure days may impact timeline), the Chairperson will notify the student via email that the documents related to the allegations involved in their hearing are prepared. These documents may be emailed or provided via hard copy for pick up by the student. In addition, the chairperson will prepare and send the student a letter containing the following information:
   • The allegation of academic or professional misconduct;
   • The date and time of the hearing; and
   • Information about where and when the student can provide any mitigating evidence of the Committee’s packet of materials prior to the hearing.
4. The student has two (2) business days upon receipt of hearing documents to review and provide any additional mitigating evidence to the Chairperson, to be provided to the Committee.
5. Once the Chairperson receives all the relevant mitigating evidence from the student, the Chairperson will forward all documents to the Committee members at least two (2) days prior to the hearing (unless mitigating circumstances exists, or the student has granted flexibility in the timeline, summer and College closure days may impact timeline).
6. With approval of the Chairperson, the student may also present documentation/information at the date of the hearing and the committee will take the appropriate time to review.

PLEASE NOTE:  The Director of Compliance must be informed by the Chairperson of each new case presented to the committee for review. Due to FERPA protections, only the Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee or the Director of Compliance will have contact with the student or the student’s parents. Faculty and staff who are contacted by the student or parents must immediately refer these individuals to the Chairperson or to the Director of Compliance for information.

The student will:

1. Be offered the opportunity to attend all meetings scheduled by the faculty or staff member or Chairperson as related to the alleged incident of Academic or Professional Misconduct. The processes outlined in this policy will continue, with or without the student’s participation.
2. Cooperate with the faculty or staff member and the Chairperson.
3. Not be permitted to record any part of the proceeding. A record will be maintained by the hearing recorder, which the student is permitted access to review.

Student Due Process Within Policy

Students alleged to have violated College policies and/or committed acts associated with academic and professional misconduct will have their cases heard before the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee. Students have a right to due process, or fair procedure, that includes:

1. Presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
2. Submission of reasonable standards of proof or evidence.
3. Right to an impartial hearing.
4. Freedom to appropriately defend themselves.
5. Right to an advisor/support person of their choice, excluding legal counsel, to attend the hearing with them (the student’s advisor/support person may not speak on their behalf).
6. Right to review members of the board for possible conflict of interest.
7. Right to submit witnesses and evidence prior to the hearing, to be considered by the committee.

During the hearing, the student is provided the opportunity to:

1. Speak on his/her behalf,
2. present a written statement,
3. provide materials to be considered as mitigating evidence (character references, etc.) or invite witnesses directly involved with the case to present information at the hearing.
4. The faculty/staff may also present witnesses, and both the student and the Committee members may question witnesses.

The Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee is composed of five faculty members, 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 hearing allegations of misconduct and making recommendations to the Associate 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 and Professional Misconduct Committee Hearings

• The Chairperson of the committee will schedule a hearing withing ten (10) business days after determining that the student’s alleged misconduct warrants a hearing.
• The student accused of misconduct is encouraged by the Chairperson to attend the Committee hearing. Online education students may participate via teleconference, SKYPE, Google Talk/Hangouts, or Blackboard Collaborate (Method of communication is at the discretion of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee.)

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 committee hearings are required to sign a statement of confidentiality.

The student is provided the opportunity to speak on his/her behalf, present a written statement, provide materials to be considered as mitigating evidence (character references, etc.) or invite witnesses directly involved with the case to present information at the hearing. The faculty/staff member may also present witnesses, and both the student and the Committee members may question witnesses.

Legal counsel will not be permitted to attend the hearing.

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

During the hearing, “preponderance of the evidence” is the threshold whereby all the information is determined by the committee members to support, more likely than not, the allegations. This preponderance is based on the more convincing evidence and its probable truth or accuracy, and not on the amount of evidence. Thus, one clearly knowledgeable witness may provide a preponderance of evidence over a dozen witnesses with hazy testimony. The “preponderance of the evidence” means the greater weight of the evidence; i.e., that the evidence on one side outweighs, preponderates over, or is more than, the evidence on the other side.

Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee 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. Recommend that the faculty member provide the student with a PIC and use this situation as a learning opportunity to discuss the student’s performance or behaviors that are contributing to the student’s lack of success. Use this opportunity to help the student improve; or
3. Sanction the student. Sanctions are placed in the student’s academic record maintained in the Office of Records and Registration. Sanction recommendations may include, but are not limited to:

Warning: defined as a notification that a student has committed certain violations and that continuance of such conduct will result in more severe disciplinary action.

Educational Sanctions: These include but are not limited to alcohol education, counseling assessment and adherence to professional counseling recommendations, research paper or project, hall or building program with a residential life staff member, group education program, etc.

Disciplinary Probation: defined as the student is not in good disciplinary standing with the College (for a specified period of time, ordinarily no less than one term/semester), and any future violations may result in an additional immediate referral to the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee hearing process, with a recommendation of a more severe disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Suspension: defined as the denial of the opportunity to continue in the College for a specified period of time (ordinarily no less than one term/semester). While suspended, a student is not allowed to be on campus or to attend any official College event. In the event that additional educational sanctions are imposed in conjunction with the suspension, these sanctions will most likely be expected to be completed prior to an application for reinstatement to be considered before the Academic Progress Committee. A student wishing to return after a period of suspension must apply for reinstatement and is not guaranteed reinstatement.

Disciplinary Dismissal: defined as the denial of the opportunity to continue as a student at the College. A student who is disciplinarily dismissed is not allowed to be on campus or to be on campus or to be at any official College event at any time, unless given prior written approval. A student who is disciplinarily dismissed will not be afforded the opportunity for reinstatement or readmission to the College at any time.

All recommendations of this Committee will be forwarded to the appropriate Associate Dean for decision. The student will be provided a letter via email and certified mail with the outcome of their hearing. The student may also be asked to meet with the appropriate Associate Dean, depending on the severity of the sanctions. The Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee, will be provided with a written letter outlining the decision of the Associate Dean within five (5) business days of the hearing. The appropriate Associate Dean will forward a copy of the notification letter to the Academic Dean of MCCN. In the notification letter to all parties, the Associate Dean must address the decision and sanctions that result from the recommendations of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee. The letter must also provide the student with information about the Appeals Process (see Appeals Process below). If a conflict of interest exists between the student/situation and the appropriate Associate Dean, the decision will be made by the Academic Dean, and the appeal would shift to the College President.

The Associate Dean who issued the outcome letter is required to keep track of the 10 business day appeal timeline. On the date the timeline is exhausted, they are to check with the Academic Dean to determine if an appeal has been filed. If not, they are to notify the Office of Records and Registration of any sanctions requiring notation in the students file, or other actions with respect to course registration/enrollment, etc. Additionally, if the student is being disciplinarily suspended or dismissed, and they reside in on campus housing, the Associate/Assistant Dean is to notify the Director of Student Life to ensure any appropriate check out procedures occur.

Please note: A student who is dismissed from SDAP cannot be admitted to the pre-licensure program if she/he has a pending academic misconduct hearing. The case must be resolved prior to consideration of admittance to the pre-licensure program.

Record of Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee Hearing

Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee minutes constitute the record of the hearing. Should the student decide to appeal the decision of the appropriate Associate Dean, a hard copy of the hearing record will be made available to the student. The student should contact the appropriate Associate Dean and schedule an appointment to read the hard copy of the hearing record while seated in the Associate Dean’s office. The student will not be provided with an electronic or hard copy of the hearing record.

The hearing record and other related documents may be released only to individuals who have a valid reason to know the outcome, according to FERPA guidelines. The hearing record and documents related to a student’s Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee hearing will be maintained in the student record located in the Maxient electronic database.

Appeals Process

The appeal must be based on one or more of the following criteria:

• material or significant procedural error(s) made during the hearing;
• new information unavailable at the time of the hearing;
• sanctions imposed are substantially disproportionate to the severity of the violation; and/or
• decision(s) made absent a preponderance of evidence.

Students have the right to appeal the decision of the appropriate Associate Dean and may do so by submitting a written appeal to the Academic Dean of the College. The appeal must be filed in the Office of the Academic Dean as a formal, written letter within ten (10) business days from the date of the Associate Dean’s decision letter. If a student encounters a serious circumstance prohibiting them for keeping to the ten (10) business day appeal timeline, they may request an extension, in writing, to the Academic Dean, prior to the exhaustion of the ten (10) business day window. Extension request decisions are made by the Academic Dean, at their discretion. The appeals letter must be accompanied by and provide firm and persuasive evidence, in the form of data, letters, documents, etc., to support the written appeals letter. The Academic Dean will review the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee hearing record and relevant documents, as well as the appeal and evidence provided by the student, and will make a determination within ten (10) business days of receiving the appeal. The Academic Dean’s decision is final. If a conflict of interest exists between the student/situation and the appropriate Associate Dean, the decision will be made by the Academic Dean, and the appeal would shift to the College President.

Administrative Hearing

Should a student be alleged to have exhibited behavior(s) that are considered serious or egregious, in that either the student, another member of the MCCN community, or a patient’s health and safety may be at risk due to the student’s behavior or potential behavior, or administrative hearing may be held between the student and the Academic Dean, or appropriate MCCN administrator. Depending on the severity of the alleged behavior, a student may be placed on interim suspension, as defined in this policy, during the pendency of this process. The Academic Dean will gather all appropriate documentation and call a hearing with the student. The same student due process rights apply that are outlined above under the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee hearing process. The student will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations. The Academic Dean will make a decision regarding responsibility and sanctioning within three (3) business days, following the sanction options listed in this document. The student will be informed of the outcome in writing. The student has the right to appeal the outcome of the Administrative Hearing to the next level administrator from whom heard their case (for example, if the case is heard by the Academic Dean, the student will appeal to the College President). The student will be notified of the appropriate appeal authority in their written outcome letter.

The appeal must be based on one or more of the following criteria:

• Material or significant procedural error(s) made during the hearing;
• new information unavailable at the time of the hearing;
• sanctions imposed are substantially disproportionate to the severity of the violation; and/or
• decision(s) made absent a preponderance of evidence.

The appeal must be filed in the Office of the Academic Dean as a formal, written letter withing three (3) business days from the date of the written outcome letter. If a student encounters a serious circumstance prohibiting them for keeping to the three (3) business day appeal timeline, they may request and extension, in writing, to the appropriate appeal authority, prior to the exhaustion of the three (3) business day window. Extension request decisions are made by the appeal authority, at their discretion. The appeal letter must be accompanied by and provide firm and persuasive evidence, in the form of data, letters, documents, etc., to support the written appeals letter. The appeal authority will review administrative hearing record and relevant documents, as well as the appeal and evidence provided by the student, and will make a determination within three (3) days of receiving the appeal. The decision of the appropriate appeal authority is final.

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.

Full-Time / Part-Time Status

Graduate/DNP students 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.

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 Academic Dean, 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 Academic Dean or Associate Dean of Graduate Programs.

Add and Drop Courses

After a student has been admitted to the Graduate or DNP program, continuous progress toward completion of the degree in alignment with the curriculum plan is expected. Any deviation from this plan must be approved by the Graduate Advisor or the Associate Dean. If the student withdrawals from or drops a graduate or DNP track course that results in a break in enrollment exceeding one semester, the student must apply for reinstatement to the program. Reinstatement is not guaranteed and will be considered based on the student’s overall academic performance and program seat availability per the Reinstatement Policy.

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 Graduate Programs 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 drop 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 academuc penalty, from a 6-week session course by Wednesday of week 5 of the course. A grade of “W” will be posted to the student’s academic transcript.
• A student may not withdraw from any courses after Wednesday of week 5 of a 6-week course.
• 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 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. For the DNP students, submission of the form to the DNP 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 Catalog.

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 nursing courses. The student will be administratively dismissed if further withdraws are sought.

*Withdrawing from a Course in a Master’s Track or DNP Program

After a student has been admitted to a Master’s or DNP program, continuous progress toward completion of the degree in alignment with the curriculum plan expected. Any deviation from this plan must be approved by the Graduate Advisor or the program Associate Dean.

If the student withdrawals from or drops a Master’s or DNP track course that results in a break in enrollment exceeding one semester, the student must apply for reinstatement to the program. Reinstatement is not guaranteed and will be considered based on the student’s overall academic performance and program seat availability. Please refer to the Reinstatement policy and procedure.

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 wish to change their declared track should talk with the Graduate Advisor. The student will also be required to submit an admission application for that particular track and follow the interview procedures of that program. 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. Transfer applicants will be reviewed with all other applications for the program.

Academic Requirements

Academic Probation

Probation is defined as the opportunity to continue conditionally in the program after failing to meet minimum academic standards.

• A graduate student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 3.00 is placed on academic probation.
• Students are also placed on probation for failure to achieve a minimum grade of “C” in any nursing course.

DNP students must achieve a minimum grade of “B” or higher in all courses. A grade of “C” in a DNP course will automatically place the student on probation. Students with a full admission acceptance may repeat the course one time and must achieve a “B” or better.

If a grade of “C” or lower is earned in any graduate/DNP nursing course, the course must be successfully repeated the next regular academic semester during which the course is offered. Failure to achieve the minimum grade of “B” when repeating a course will result in dismissal from the program. However, the original grade will remain on the transcript and will be calculated into the cumulative grade point average (CGPA). When the course is taken at MCCN, the grade earned upon repeating the course will replace the originally earned grade in the CGPA calculation.

The student may be placed on academic probation only one time. Probation moves the student out of the original progression plan.

Graduate students are advised of their probationary status through an official Notification of Probation Status letter issued by the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs. Following this notification, students are strongly encouraged to meet with the MS or DNP 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.

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. The Petition for Reinstatement form 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 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 Appeals

The academic appeal process is established to provide a vehicle to ensure due process, equitable management of a student’s academic grievances, and adequate protection to the rights of all involved parties. The academic appeal process is limited in scope to address disputes related to a final course grade.

Other grievances or complaints are handled per the Student Complaints and Grievances Policy  (found under “Compliance Policies”) outlined in the current Undergraduate or Graduate Student Catalog-Handbook.

The following is the procedure appealing a final course grade:

1. A student disputing a final course grade must email the instructor within one (1) business day of the posting of the official course grade.

• The student must be prepared to: (a) state the reason for the appeal, (b) provide any supporting evidence for the appeal, and (c) state the desired resolution.
• If at any step in the process a student misses a due date required for responding to a decision or advancing an appeal to the next phase, the appeals process is terminated and the grievance of dispute is closed. 

2. The faculty member then has two (2) business days to provide a final decision to the student, in writing, regarding the course grade and the appeal.
3. If the student is not satisfied with the faculty member’s decision, the student has one (1) business day to request a meeting, in writing, with the Associate Dean who oversees the student’s program.

• Again, the student must provide: (a) a description of the academic issue the student is appealing (e.g., a course grade), (b) the reason for the appeal, (c) any supporting evidence including details of the communication with the faculty member, and (d) the desired resolution.
• Except in extraordinary circumstances, the meeting will be held within one (1) business day from the date of the student’s request.
• The Associate Dean will render a decision within one (1) business day following the meeting with written notification via email. 
• The Associate Dean should alert the Appeals Committee Chairperson about the situation in case the student contacts the Appeals Committee.
• If necessary, due to scheduling or other conflicts, one of the College Associate Deans, or the Academic Dean, may serve may serve in place of the student’s program Associate Dean during this phase of the appeals.

4. If there continues to be a lack of resolution after meeting with the Associate Dean, the student has one (1) business day to appeal the Associate Dean’s decision to the Academic Appeals Committee. To initiate the appeal, the student must submit the appeal request directly to the Chair of the Appeals Committee and the Chair will establish an Appeals Committee hearing within four (4) business days.

• During the appeals process, students are generally permitted to attend classes and clinical experiences until a decision is made unless it is determined by the Associate Dean that there may be risks to patient safety.

Appeals Hearings

Hearings are conducted in closed sessions and are attended solely and exclusively by the:

• Academic Appeals Committee members
• the student who is appealing
• faculty/individuals directly involved with the appeal

The student may ask a faculty or staff member to provide silent support during the hearing. The role of this support person is strictly to provide guidance and support to the student through the process. There is no discussion from this support person during the hearing. In addition, legal counsel is not permitted to attend academic appeals hearings, which are academic in nature, not legal in nature.

All persons involved in the Committee hearing are required to sign a statement of confidentiality.

The student and faculty member(s) may submit written testimony and evidence prior to the hearing. The student is the first to attend the hearing and provide testimony. The student may attend alone or with a silent support person, and has fifteen (15) minutes for questioning by Appeals Committee members. The faculty member(s) then attend(s) the Committee hearing next, separate from the student, and has/have fifteen (15) minutes for questioning by the Appeals Committee members.

The hearing may be conducted electronically via phone conference or SKYPE/FaceTime, computer chats, but there will be no video or audio recording of the hearing.

Minutes of the hearing are taken by a member of the College staff and are the property of the College. Minutes are maintained in the Office of the Academic Dean with copies sent to the Office of Records and Registration. Minutes are available to students for review in the office of the College President. Students may not have copies of the minutes.

The Chair of the Academic Appeals Committee shall notify the Academic Dean of the Committee’s recommendations. The hearing minutes, written testimony, and written evidence will be provided to the Academic Dean within two (2) business days following the appeals hearing.

The student will be informed of the recommendations in writing (email) by the Academic Dean with two (2) business days following the Committee hearing. A certified letter will also be sent via postal mail to the student’s current local residence.

The Academic Dean may reject a decision of the Academic Appeals Committee only for just cause. Decisions of the Academic Appeals Committee (as communicated by the Academic Dean) are final and are not subject to further appeal.

Click here  for a copy of the Academic Appeals Policy.

Grading Policies

The College uses a four point grading system: Students enrolled in the graduate/DNP programs must achieve a grade of B to progress in the program of study.

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 a Course

A student may audit a course with the understanding that academic credit is not granted and cannot later be claimed as a result of the audited course. Audited courses do not fulfill degree requirements and may affect a student’s status of full-time enrollment. An audited course does not preclude a student from taking the course for credit during a subsequent semester.

A student who audits a course is doing so for information only and is not required to take examinations. However, the student is expected to attend class regularly and the instructor may require some assignments to be completed. Nursing courses may be audited only by degree-seeking students enrolled in the Mount Carmel program.

Permission to audit a course must be obtained from the Associate Dean prior to the beginning of the class. The approved Student Request to Audit form 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.

Transcript Request

A Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN) transcript is the official academic record of a student’s enrollment.

• MCCN provides transcript services (eTranscript) through the National Student Clearinghouse, a third-party vendor.
• Access online transcript ordering here for the published cost.
• Transcript requests are processed within 2 business days (excluding weekends and holidays).
• You may use any major credit/debit card to place your order.

Transcript costs differ depending on delivery method.

• For Mail delivery: each transcript cost is $5.00 and an additional $2.25 processing fee.
• For Hold for Pick Up delivery: each transcript cost $5.00 and an additional $2.25 processing fee.
• For FedEx delivery: each transcript cost is $5.00, a $2.25 processing fee, and an additional $25.00 FedEx fee. This rate is for weekday delivery only (Saturday delivery is not included). FedEx requires a street address and will not deliver to a PO Box.
• For Electronic PDF delivery: each transcript is $5.00, a $2.25 processing fee, and an additional $1.75 PDF processing fee.
  • We recommend that you first check with the recipient before ordering electronic PDF delivery to make sure they will accept the transcript in this format.
  • Electronic transcripts cannot be processed for students completing attendance before Fall 1990 (attending Mount Carmel School of Nursing). Those students should select the “Mail delivery” option when ordering through the online service. These transcripts will be processed manually by the MCCN Registrar’s Office.

Financial obligations to MCCN must be satisfied before a transcript can be released. Requests from individuals with student record holds will not be processed until the hold is resolved. Transcript requests will remain active for 30 days to provide time to resolve the hold. If after 30 days the hold has not been resolved, the transcript request order will be cancelled. Credit/debit cards will not be charged until the order has been fulfilled.

Please contact the Records and Registration Office at 614-234-3522 should you have any questions.

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 into the Master’s Program. To review the DNP transfer credit policy, click here.  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.

Applicable to Nurse Practitioner - Post-Graduate Certificate Programs only - For those students who already hold a national nurse practitioner certification and seek a second nurse practitioner area of focus, their transcripts will be evaluated for clinical practicum hours and courses. Our Master’s nurse practitioner programs require the attainment of 650 clinical practicum hours. It is possible that a certified nurse practitioner will be given transfer credit for 150 hours of our 650 clinical practicum hour requirement, because national AG-ACNP and FNP certification exams require a minimum of 500 clinical practicum hours. We want to acknowledge the clinical expertise already demonstrated by the certificate student. Furthermore, it is possible that Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with a valid license seeking a second nurse practitioner certification, will be given transfer credit for NURS 579: Transition to Advanced Practice.

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.

Personal 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 academic year. Any extension to this timeline for extenuating circumstances outside of the student’s control must be approved by the Associate Dean. If a student on LOA does not return after one year, and has not received an approved extension from the Associate Dean, MCCN will consider the student to have withdrawn from the College. A withdrawn student who wants to return must reapply for admission.

A student must submit a completed Request for Leave of Absence (available from CARMELink or the Graduate Academic Advisor). 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 Academic 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.

A returning LOA student must ensure that all healthcare requirements are current as a condition of registering for courses. Students are obligated to maintain current, immunizations and CPR certification while in the program. CPR certification must be in effect throughout the official start/end dates of the specific course (16-week semester or 8-week term); the expiration date cannot occur before the official end date of the course. A background check will be required for students who have been on LOA for 1 year or more.

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.

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.

College Initiated Leave of Absence

In the uncommon circumstance that a student cannot safely remain at the College or meet academic standards, even with accommodations and other supports, the College reserves the right to require the student to take a mandatory leave of absence.  The Academic Dean, or their designee, in consultation with appropriate healthcare provider(s), will make the decision to require a student to take a leave of absence based on an objective assessment of the student’s ability to safely participate in the College’s programs utilizing the following assessment criteria:

1. the student presents an immediate danger to self or others by threatening and/or inflicting bodily harm to self or to others;
2. the student’s behavior has the potential to result in bodily or other substantial harm to self or others.

The assessment will determine the nature, duration and severity of the risk; the probability that any potentially threatening behavior will occur; and whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures will sufficiently mitigate the risk. In the event that a determination is made to require a student to take an LOA after a thorough assessment, the College will notify the student in writing.

Appeal of College Initiated Leave of Absence

After the College initiates a mandatory LOA, within three business days, the student may initiate an appeal in writing to the President, or their designee.  A student may not stay on campus during the appeal period. An appeal can only be made based on the following criteria:

1. the decision is unreasonable based on the circumstances, or
2. the procedures and/or information relied upon in making the decision were wrong or unfair. 

The written appeal should clearly state the specific unreasonable, wrong, and/or unfair facts and should present relevant information to support the statements. To aid in review of the student’s appeal the President, or their designee, may request an assessment by an outside healthcare provider of the student’s functional ability to return to the College by an outside healthcare provider to aid in their review of the students appeal . The President, or their designee, will review the appeal and will respond to the student in writing within three business days. The response will provide a conclusion as to whether or not the College Initiated LOA is upheld or the appeal is granted upon a thorough review of the relevant facts.

Returning After a College Initiated Leave of Absence

When the College Initiated LOA time frame has concluded, the student may petition to return to the College. It is the policy of Mount Carmel College of Nursing that students must submit a signed release to return to class and/or the clinical unit if they are admitted as an inpatient to a hospital or are seen for treatment in a hospital Emergency Department. In addition, any student who receives written documentation from a healthcare provider (even if the student was not hospitalized or seen as an inpatient in a hospital Emergence Department) stating that they have any restrictions related to class or clinical participation must submit a signed release to return to class and/or clinical. This signed release must be submitted by the student to the Student Health Nurse prior to the student’s returning to class and/or clinical. In the rare circumstances where the Student Health Nurse is unavailable, and the matter needs to be addressed, the student may submit the documentation to their faculty member. The student should always email the Student Health Nurse notification of their circumstances prior to returning to the clinical and/or class setting. If the documentation is submitted to a faculty member, the faculty member must submit it to the Student Health Nurse. The release must clearly identify all restrictions. Additionally, the length of time the restrictions apply must be clearly stated. If the documentation provided by the student indicates that they are not safe to return to the class and/or clinical setting, or the stated restrictions may require the student to request reasonable accommodations, the Student Health Nurse will work with the student to determine the best next steps and connect the student to any other necessary campus resources. This policy applies to students in both on campus and online platforms.

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 any student returning from LOA.

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 withdrawn from Mount Carmel College of Nursing. The student’s record will be noted as ” 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.

Military Deployment

This policy applies to a student at MCCN who is a member of the National Guard of any state, active, or reserve forces of the United States and who is ordered to state military service or federal service or duty. This same policy applies to the spouse (who is a MCCN student) of a member of the National Guard of any state, active, or reserve forces of the United States and who is ordered to state military service or federal service or duty, if the member has a dependent child.

A copy of the military orders for deployment must be provided to the Associate Dean of the respective academic program before any of the actions below are initiated. Any combination of options #1 and/or #2 is acceptable.

1. Withdrawal

a. There is no deadline for withdrawal from the student’s entire registration to receive a full 100% refund of tuition and mandatory fees.
b. The student may drop/withdraw from all courses and remain in the academic program on Leave of Absence status.
c. The student may drop/ withdrawal from all courses and MCCN.

2. Course Grade or “Incomplete” Grade

a. Faculty and Staff are encouraged to be as flexible as possible for academic credit.
b. The student may make arrangements with faculty for a course grade.
c. The student may make arrangements with the faculty for the grade of “Incomplete” that shall be completed by the student at a later date. The student’s registration shall remain intact, and tuition and mandatory fees shall be assessed in full for the courses.
d. Any courses for which arrangements cannot be made for grades of “Incomplete” shall be considered dropped and the tuition and mandatory fees for the courses refunded.

3. Re-entry

a. If the student returns from Leave of Absence status and decides to re-enroll, it is necessary to contact the Associate Dean of the respective academic program at least 2 months prior to restarting classes at MCCN.

Sigma Theta Tau International

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 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.
• Graduate students must have completed a minimum of one-fourth of the graduate nursing curriculum.

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 Graduate Programs 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 Transfer Credit Policy. 

Graduation Requirements

For details regarding graduation from the DNP Program, click here.  

In order to qualify for graduation, MS 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 for the MS Program.
• Program completion must be within 5 years of date of first enrollment for the DNP Program.
• 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 a Financial Aid Exit Interview emailed from the Director of Financial Aid if the graduate student received Federal Stafford Loans.
• Complete a Business Affairs Exit Interview with the Director of Business Affairs if the graduate student received an institutional loan from MCCN during the program of study.
• 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 via CARMELink).

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

Graduate Blessing and Awards Ceremony

On the Friday evening before Commencement, the Graduate Blessing of the Hoods and Undergraduate Pinning Ceremony is held for all graduating students and their guests. During the ceremony, MS and DNP academic hoods are blessed and presented to each graduate. In addition, awards are presented in recognition of academic and clinical excellence for each program track. Furthermore, the Ann Schiele Caring Award is presented annually to a graduate student who exhibits the guiding principles of respect, integrity, professionalism, caring, social responsibility, and who values diversity. These principles are evident in all personal and professional behaviors. The graduate exemplifies the core values of Mount Carmel College of Nursing.

Commencement

Mount Carmel College of Nursing Commencement is held in early May each year. Each MS and DNP student will receive an academic hood. The hood has a 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 of Science and Doctor of Nursing Practice is black.

Details regarding Commencement and student academic regalia are posted to CARMELink at the appropriate time each year.