Academic Information and Policies

Registered Nurse License Requirement

• 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.

Students are required to maintain an active RN licensure status to continue in their chosen graduate degree program. Students should notify the Director of the Graduate Programs immediately if there is a change in licensure status; this includes: inactive status, probation, suspension, or reprimand.

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 3.0 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 clinical attendance is required at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. Each course syllabus includes faculty requirements for specific class and clinical attendance.

• An onsite program 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 class.
• All students must be in clinical compliance with their health records and reports by the end of the first week (Friday) of a clinical nursing course, unless specified within a specific course that clinical compliance with health records and reports is needed for first clinical experience, in order to reduce the risk of being administratively withdrawn from the course.
• A Second Degree Accelerated Program student who is absent without excuse will be withdrawn from the class and from the Program.
• 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 class.
• In all cases, the faculty of the class must notify the Office of Records and Registration with the name of the absent student.

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

Absences in Clinical or Lab-Based Courses:

Nursing Clinical or Lab:

• A student missing more than 1 day (for courses with 99 or fewer scheduled clinical or lab hours) or 2 days (for courses with 100 or more scheduled clinical or lab hours) of clinical or lab, may be withdrawn from the course. Students that are withdrawn from a course are subject to the Academic Progression Policy.

Nursing and Science Labs:

• Students hold the accountability and responsibility for content associated with missed labs. 

Clinical or Lab Make-up Requirements:  

Students are required to make up all missed lab or clinical experience and are responsible for the payment of any clinical or lab make-up fees. 

The College reserves the right to administratively withdraw students from clinical nursing courses based on clinical absences and/or failure to attend a clinical or lab orientation.
By the approval of the Academic Dean, a student will be dropped from a nursing clinical course if patient/client safety is at risk, and a grade of “W” will be posted to the student’s academic transcript

Reporting Absence for Clinical or Lab 

Students who are unable to be present for clinical or lab experiences must notify the Course Coordinator and or the clinical facility and clinical faculty member as indicated, at least two hours prior to the scheduled start time for the experience. Student should refer to their clinical syllabi for individual agency or faculty instructions regarding absences reporting.

As absence reporting processes are in place to establish student conduct that is in concert with behaviors expected of working professionals, if notification is not given, the student may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee.

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.

The MCCN Graduate and DNP Programs follow a flexible due date policy. If the student is unable to meet an assignment deadline, an extension can be negotiated between the course faculty and the student in advance of the assignment due date. Extensions will not be granted after an assignment is due. If an assignment is not turned in on the original due date or the negotiated due date, there will be a 10% deduction for each day the assignment is late (up to 30%). Late assignments will not be accepted after the third day, which will result in a grade of 0. There is no limitation to the number of extensions that a student can request, however, all coursework must be completed by the end of the course or a student may not be able to progress in their program of study. If a student requests more than two extensions, they will be required to meet with course faculty to discuss strategies for success. 

*NOTE: The flexible deadline policy does not pertain to standardized testing that originates from an outside organization due to setup limitations (i.e. Pre/Post-Predicator Exams). 

*NOTE: Clinical practicum hours must be completed by the last day of the semester in order for the student to pass the course. 

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.

CPR Requirement for Clinical-Based Courses

Students enrolled in nursing courses with clinical or lab components are required to have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Current CPR certification is a prerequisite to starting any sophomore, junior, senior nursing course and any graduate course. Each student must upload CPR documentation (CPR certification card or certificate and a photocopy of the card or certificate)to Project Concert. Project Concert will set a renewal date at that time and students must maintain CPR currency throughout their entire program of study.

Pre-licensure students’ CPR certification must be in effect throughout the official start/end dates of the specific nursing course (16-week semester or 8-week term). The expiration date cannot occur before the official end date of the course. Students who fail to meet this requirement will be administratively withdrawn from the course. There is no grace period. Clinical Coordinators will review Project Concert to ensure compliance with all clinical requirements including active CPR certification.

Students are required to comply with this policy; non-compliance will result in administrative withdrawal from the course, which may result in less than full-time enrollment and delay of graduation.

Important Details:

• CPR certification must be in effect throughout the official start/end dates of the specific nursing course (16-week semester or 8-week term) in which the student is enrolled.

• The expiration date cannot occur before the official end date of the course.

• Students who fail to meet the CPR requirement will be administratively withdrawn from the course. There is no grace period.

• Non-compliant students will not be permitted to enter the nursing course on the first day.

• The responsibility to keep CPR certification current rests solely with the student.

Regulations require that any new certification or recertification must be acquired exclusively through: American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org/cpr

One of the following courses is required:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers

• Instructor/Trainer/Faculty

“HeartSaver CPR” or other training does not meet the College CPR requirement for nursing students. Students who mistakenly complete this novice training will be required to complete the appropriate professional-level course from those listed above.

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 Director of Graduate Programs, Faculty Mentor, and Director of DNP Program 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 required to submit all papers and essays to Turnitin for a plagiarism check.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

I. Background

The 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.  In addition, the Fair Housing Act requires reasonable, housing-related accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

The 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. 

Since the nature and severity of disabilities vary, non-academic adjustments may be applicable only when they are appropriate to the needs of the individual student with a disability. To determine eligibility for accommodations, the College generally 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. 

II. Scope of this Policy

This policy applies to both academic and non-academic accommodations, including but not limited to, requests for accommodations with required community service activities and coursework/clinicals.

III. Definition of Accommodations and Disability

Accommodations

• Accommodations (also sometimes called adjustments) are modifications 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 its programs or services, are directly related to any licensing requirements, cause undue administrative or financial 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.  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

• 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.

IV. Admission of Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities may apply to and are considered for admission to the College in the same manner as any other applicant.  Students must meet the same admission requirements and Functional Abilities and Performance Standards, with or without reasonable accommodations, as all other students.   

No student (or prospective student) is required by law to disclose a disability before or after admission to the College. However, disclosure and documentation of a disability is required if accommodations (academic or non-academic) are requested.

Students (and prospective students) are encouraged to review the Functional Abilities and Performance Standards that are essential for the safe practice of professional nursing and for successful participation in and completion of a nursing education program. Students will need to demonstrate satisfactory application of these functional abilities and performance standards, with or without reasonable, during their course of study in nursing. The Functional Abilities and Performance Standards can be found in the College’s Catalog-Handbook.

V. Service Animals

Service Animals: Mount Carmel College of Nursing permits the presence of Service Animals which perform tasks in support of persons with disabilities in College buildings and classrooms. Federal regulations define Service Animals as dogs (and in specific cases, miniature horses) that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, and alerting or protecting a person who is having a seizure. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Only the following two questions may be asked to determine if an animal is a service animal, as federally defined: 1) is the animal required because of a disability? (if the disability is not obvious) and 2) what work or task has the service animal been trained to do? There are no requirements to register service animals with the College but students are encouraged to notify the Student Accessibility Coordinator of the regular presence of a service animal so the Coordinator can provide support and education to others members of the campus community.

Handler Responsibilities: The handlers/owners of Service Animals are obligated to comply with any applicable laws related to animal licensing, vaccination, and identification. Handlers must keep animals under their control at all times and are responsible to adequately care for, clean up after, and maintain the health of their animal. Handlers are responsible for any and all damage to physical facilities caused by their animal. Handlers assume all liability for the action of their animals, including injuries to other persons or damage of others’ personal property. 

Limitations: Service Animals may not be permitted when the animal poses a substantial and direct threat to the health or safety of others, or if the presence of the animal fundamentally alters the nature of the program or service in which the person with a disability is participating. Determinations of this kind are made on a case-by-case basis by the College’s Student Accessibility Coordinator.

VI. Procedures

1. The Student Accessibility Coordinator (the “Coordinator”) has been designated to handle inquiries into academic[1] and non-academic accommodations. A student requesting accommodations under this policy must notify 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. 
   • Contact information: Student Accessibility Coordinator, Mount Carmel College of Nursing, 127 S. Davis Ave., Columbus, OH 43222, Phone: 614-234-4393 or accessibility@mccn.edu.
2. To support most accommodation requests, 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). If the student had a documented disability in high school and received IEP/504 accommodations, the paperwork may also be submitted for consideration of accommodations. The Coordinator will provide application and approval forms to standardize the documentation process.
3. Upon submission of required documentation, the Coordinator will engage in an individualized, interactive process with the student to determine possible accommodations. 
   • For academic accommodations: Coordinator will review the documentation. If necessary, the Coordinator will discuss any alternative accommodations with the student and the Associate Dean.
   • 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 appropriate College leader, where additional time is required for diagnostic evaluation.  A minimum of 2 business days is required to implement the accommodations. A copy of the official documentation will be maintained in the student’s file by the Coordinator.
4. The Coordinator will then notify the student of the determination.  If an accommodation is granted, the Coordinator will send out an accommodation form via email setting forth the accommodations for the student. This form is sent to their faculty each semester and staff in support of implementing the accommodation. If needed, the instructor and Coordinator will collaborate to plan and implement an academic accommodation.
5. If a student feels that his or her accommodations are not being met, he/she must notify the Coordinator immediately.  
6. If a student has been granted an accommodation 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.

VII. 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 following the instructions in the grievance policy.

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: If you believe you have been discriminated against or harassed due to a disability you should contact the Coordinator who will assist you in making a complaint under the College’s Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment 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.

VIII. 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 regulations. 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.

[1] The Ohio Board of Nursing governs requests for accommodations by an applicant for the NCLEX-RN ® Examination.  The Board has promulgated a policy explaining the requirements for applying for testing accommodations, which is available on the Ohio Board of Nursing website. Students are encouraged to review these requirements, including the requirement for a letter for the nursing education program demonstrating that accommodations were in place during the nursing education program.

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

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.

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 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 communications, 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.

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 permissible 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.

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.nsna.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). A full list of the student conduct in the nursing care of patients law and rule are listed in the student catalog-handbook.

Petition for Exception to College Policies and Procedures

If a student believes an exception to a Mount Carmel College of Nursing policy or procedure may be warranted, they may submit a petition to the College’s Petition Committee. The committee does not grant petitions automatically. Strong, documented justification must be provided to establish the circumstances that warrant a retroactive action.

II. Petition Types

The petition process is available for students to request a waiver of a college academic and non-academic policies or deadlines. A petition is used to request:

• Late add of a course;
• Withdraw/Drop from select courses after the withdrawal deadline (non-medical);
  • If a student requests to drop one (or more) course(s) in a semester because of extenuating circumstances, yet wishes to keep other courses in that same semester, the student must address specifically why only the selected course(s) were affected by the extenuating circumstances to alleviate a denial;
• Course substitutions, pre-requisite waivers;
• Stay of academic dismissal;
• Religious holiday request;
  • The College acknowledges that our community is one of many faiths with a diverse range of practices and observances important to each tradition. In order to fulfill the College’s mission to educate a diverse population of students and our commitment to inclusion regardless of religious and spiritual tradition, we seek to practice an equitable and consistent approach in providing religious accommodations.
    
    Students shall not suffer academic penalties because of the conscientious observance of any religious day or days. Penalties include reduction of grades, exclusion from class projects, reduction in number of other excused absences, bias in evaluation, suspension or termination from play or work, and other preventable negative consequences. Religious observances that may require accommodation include but are not limited to attendance at services, fasting, set prayer times, and other practices that would impede a student’s normal participation in classes, labs, and other course-related work.
    
    Accommodations may include excused absences, adjusted exam times, permission to eat during class time, changes to assignment due dates and project schedules, and other reasonable adjustments to course schedules and activities. Accommodations should not reduce the overall expectations of a course nor unduly burden the student requesting accommodation.
• Other requests.
  • Student must specify when petitioning

NOTE: This policy/process does not replace existing appeal or petition processes including, but not limited to, academic grade appeals or tuition refund requests.

III. Petition Process

Petitions have these basic components:

• Personal Statement:
  • Please explain your circumstances, respond to the follow that apply to your situation:
  • College policies are set to ensure fairness and equity for all students. Your explanation must be compelling.
  • How did the timeline of your circumstances cause you to miss a deadline or make decisions that contributed to the need for this exception?
  • Have your circumstances changed? If prior events got in the way of your academic success, you may want to show how they have improved.
• Documents: Evidence to support the reasons you are requesting an exception.
  • If your circumstances were medical, please provide any appropriate medical documentations.
  • If there are other supporting documents (e.g., support letter or email correspondence, a letter from Student Accessibility Services, deployment orders, coursework from another institution, police reports, obituaries), please consider providing them.

Online Submission Form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?MountCarmel&layout_id=31

IV. Petition Review Process

Petition Review Ad-Hoc Committee will consist of, at a minimum:

• Director of Compliance and Safety
• Director of Records and Registration
• Associate Dean of Student Services
• Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
• Program Director (for student petitioner’s program)
• Student Behavioral Health Clinician
• Student Accessibility Services Coordinator
• One at-large faculty member
• One student (from Student Senate leadership)

Petitions will be discussed using materials provided by the petitioning student and any relevant background information provided by College departments.

The Committee will meet weekly; petitions are due for committee review one week prior to date of desired action.

Petitions will be decided by a simple majority vote of the committee. Decisions will be communicated by the Committee’s chair to the student’s MCCN email account. There is no appeal process to the Committee’s decision, the Committee’s decision is final. 

Computerized Testing

I. Purpose

The purpose of the Computerized Testing Policy is to create consistency, fairness, and to maximize the integrity in general examination practices across all programs within Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN).

II. Scope of this Policy

It is the responsibility of all faculty creating and/or administering examinations to adhere to the practices identified within this policy.  This includes all baccalaureate, graduate, and online-programs.

III. Procedures

TEST PLAN

All examinations offered within MCCN will utilize a paperless method for testing.* Each exam should include a testing blueprint and should be created, stored, administered, and analyzed through the ExamSoft® platform. Assessment Technologies Institute’s (ATI) Content Mastery Series exams and Advanced Practice Education Associates’ (APEA) assessments are created, stored, administered, and analyzed through the ATI and APEA platforms, respectively.
 

*If an extenuating circumstance prevents the delivery of a paperless method for testing, faculty should collaborate with the respective Academic Department Leader (ADL) or Program Lead to devise an alternate plan.

TEST WRITING

Faculty should follow best practices for test writing according to the program in which they are involved.ADLs and Program Leads will disseminate specific criteria to each course coordinator.

TEST ADMINISTRATION

• In-Person Proctored Environment - Faculty should ensure the following:
  • Each student will use their own personal device (laptop or tablet device*) for testing. The ExamSoft®, ATI™, or APEA testing platform will be utilized during the examination process.
  • See the Minimum requirements for each operating system can be found in the Catalog-Handbook: http://catalog.mccn.edu > “College Technology”
  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their personal device is fully charged and functioning properly prior to testing.
  • An examination utilizing the ExamSoft® testing platform must be downloaded to the student’s personal device prior to the scheduled test. Failure to download the test prior to the download deadline may result in penalties as outlined in the course syllabus.
  • Only calculators offered through the testing platforms are allowed. If the use of a calculator is required for an examination such as a dosage calculation exam, the student will be provided with a MCCN approved calculator.
  • All personal items including backpacks, purses, tote bags, coats, hats, scarves, and gloves, etc. should be placed in the front/back of the room during the testing session.
  • Entry into backpacks, purses, tote bags and/or other personal belongings is not permitted during testing.*
  • All electronic devices including cell phones, smart watches, and fitness bands should be turned off and stowed with personal belongings during the testing period.
  • Taking breaks and/or exiting the classroom during testing is not permitted. *
  • Consumption of beverages and/or snacks during testing is not allowed. Bottled water without a label is permitted.*
  • During each testing session, students are permitted to use a dry erase board, marker, and eraser; faculty-provided paper and pencil; or ExamSoft’s Notes feature at the discretion of each course faculty. Faculty should outline the expectations in each course syllabus.
  • If items such as earplugs or tissues are needed during testing, students should notify the proctor by raising their hand. *
  • A student should notify the proctor of any technical difficulties during testing, by raising their hand
    
    *: May be allowed in different format with approved student accommodations

• Remote Environment - Faculty should ensure the following:
  • Remote proctored examinations will utilize the recommended proctoring software: ExamID and ExamMonitor with the ExamSoft® platform, Respondus with the ATI platform, and ProctorU with the APEA platform.
  • Forecast the expected use for each academic year, during the month of July, using the Proctored Product Planning Spreadsheet. 
  • Outline minimum system requirements needed for online testing.
    • ExamID/ExamMonitor
    • ProctorU
    • Respondus
  • Identify contact information for technical difficulties during the examination experience.
    • ExamID/ExamMonitor: 1.866.429.8889
    • ProctorU: 1.855.772.8678
    • Respondus (through ATI): 1.800.667.7531
  • Prior to the first exam, provide exam-taker guidelines for each proctoring service utilized to avoid students being flagged for academic misconduct.
    • ExamID/ExamMonitor(a) (b)
    • ProctorU
    • Respondus
  • Ensure students follow the same testing guidelines as identified in the in-person proctored environment (A-I), with the additional remote environment guidelines:
    • Students may choose the setting in which they test as long as the chosen area meets the remote proctored guidelines (e.g., the environment is free of resources [including but not limited to notes on the walls, testing area, etc.], other people, adequate lighting etc.).
    • Students should dress appropriately, as if they were testing in a public, in-person setting.
  • Require students to use a dry erase board, marker, and eraser or ExamSoft’s Notes feature at the discretion of the course faculty. Faculty should outline the expectations in each course syllabi.
  • Enable the Remote Proctoring - Pre-Assessment Notice, instructing students how to perform an environmental scan with a college-provided mirror, and positioning in a manner to reflect the computer and keyboard.
    • Provide students with an opportunity to perform the environmental scan and mirror placement during a practice quiz, prior to the first examination. Inform the student of any errors in this process accordingly.
    • If a student fails to perform an environmental scan prior to initiating an exam, faculty should follow the steps listed under Academic Misconduct. 
  • Complete an analysis of each student’s testing session prior to releasing grades to Canvas, respective of the proctoring solution.
    • Upon notification of a potential threat of academic misconduct from each proctoring solution, review the video recording.  If the faculty member confirms the threat as a potential breach, escalate the incident to the Testing Specialist for an additional review. If the Testing Specialist, in collaboration with the course faculty, confirms the breach, proceed with the steps identified under Academic Misconduct.
      
      *ATI’s test security reviews Respondus videos and will provide a screenshot of any potential threats of academic misconduct to be further reviewed by the Testing Specialist and course faculty.
• Honesty and Integrity
  • Faculty should clearly state expectations for honest, ethical, and independent behavior during computerized and online testing. ExamSoft exams should include the Academic Honesty and Integrity Pre-Assessment Notice:
    • The profession of nursing has a long-standing reputation as being the most trusted profession in the nation. This reputation stands on the foundation of integrity as nursing professionals hold accountability and responsibility for ensuring their individual competency (knowledge, skill), and continued learning in the profession to ensure safe care delivery. BUT, responsibility for one’s knowledge and skill competency is only a part of trust and integrity; nursing professionals have an obligation to do what is right -the moral and ethical obligation of their practice. To cheat in the pursuit of nursing education is in direct opposition to the standards and values of the profession that is being pursued.
      
      In alignment with the professional standards of nursing and in upholding the mission and values of MCCN, it is expected that students adhere to honest, moral and ethical behavior in all matters of academic performance (work) and learning evaluation.As such students are expected to uphold standards of academic integrity and honesty in completing course work and when completing testing.Learners are expected to adhere to testing standards before, during, and following quizzes, tests and or exams no matter the method of delivery [i.e., campus-based or proctored online testi
      
      The following identified, but not limited to behaviors are considered cheating and thus are prohibited during testing:
      • Using unapproved resources during testing.
      • Taking an exam with assistance from others.
      • Looking at another student’s screen during testing.
      • Copying, photographing, and/or screen printing any part of the exam. 
    • Discussing exam questions or answers with others who have not yet taken the test.
      
      As stated in the student code of conduct found in the Catalog-Handbook, cheating is considered a violation of the Academic and Professional Standards policy and students found to have participated in this dishonest behavior will be disciplined accordingly. Students who have been found in violation of the College’s Academic Integrity policies (including, but not limited to plagiarism, cheating, or fabrication will be reported to the Director of Compliance and Safety and may receive sanctions ranging from zero credit for the assessment to full separation from MCCN. 
• Academic Misconduct
  • All identified incidents of academic misconduct should adhere to the following process:
  • Record a zero credit in Canvas as the grade for the exam.
  • Email the student explaining the situation and findings; schedule a meeting with the student if the student desires.
  • Once the student notification has been sent, notify the Director of Compliance and Safety, at which time a Zero-Credit Notice will be sent to the student.
  • The Director of Compliance and Safety will involve the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee accordingly.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Every effort should be made to adhere to all reasonable accommodations requests. Accommodations specific to testing will be set in each testing and proctoring platform by the Testing Specialist upon receipt of the approved accommodation form from the Accommodations Coordinator.

The Accommodations Coordinator will instruct students to communicate their accommodations, in writing, to course faculty following approval.

TEST ANALYSIS

An analysis of each examination should be completed by each coursefaculty. Although the following criteria should be included in theanalysis process, specific guidelines will be designated at each respective program level.

• Test Reliability 
  • Kuder-Richardson Formula
• Item Analysis
  • Effectiveness of Distractors
  • Item Difficulty (P-value)
  • Item Discrimination
  • Item Reliability (Point Biserial)

The item analysis resource, ExamSoft Item/Exam Analysis Cheat Sheet (Indiana University Bloomington, Medical Sciences, n.d.) is available at the following link: http://medsci.indiana.edu/examsoft/docs/softscore_web_formulas_cheat_sheet.pdf

Indiana University Bloomington, Medical Sciences. (n.d.). ExamSoft Item/Exam Analysis Cheat Sheet.  Retrieved from http://medsci.indiana.edu/examsoft/docs/softscore_web_formulas_cheat_sheet.pdf

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 Director of Graduate Programs, Faculty Menyor or the Director of DNP Program. 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 Director of Graduate Program, Faculty Mentor, or Director of DNP Program. Submission of the form to the Director or Faculty Mentor 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 Director of Graduate Programs, Faculty Mentor or Director of DNP Program. 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 Director of Graduate Programs, Faculty Mentor or Director of DNP Program.

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 speak with the Graduate Coordinator. Students will be required to interview with the Program Lead of the program they are wishing to transfer to.  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.

Provisional Acceptance

Students admitted provisionally must achieve a 3.0 GPA or 82% in all courses at the end of the first semester of study to gain full acceptance and remain in the program of study.

Academic Appeals

I. Purpose

The academic appeal process is established to ensure student fundamental fairness, equitable management of a student’s academic grievances, and adequate protection to the rights of all involved parties. The academic appeals process is limited in scope to address disputes related to an academic course failure. There is only one appeal per final course grade.

Other grievances or complaints are handled per the Student Complaints Policy outlined in the current Undergraduate or Graduate Catalog Handbook.

II. Appeal Procedure

The following is the procedure for appealing a failing course grade:

1. A student disputing a final course grade must email the instructor within three (3) 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 three (3) 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 of Academic Affairs.
   • 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 three (3) business days 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 Assistant/Associate Deans may serve may serve in place of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs 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.

III. Appeal 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.

The student and faculty member(s) may submit written statements and evidence prior to the hearing. The student and faculty member both the hearing and provide information and statements. The student may attend alone or with a silent support person, Following any opening statements, there will be time for questioning by Appeals Committee members. This process should generally mirror the hearing process used for Academic and Professional Conduct hearings.

The hearing may be conducted electronically via phone conference Hearings will be recorded. Recordings are maintained in the Office of the Academic Affairs with copies sent to the Office of Compliance and Safety. Recordings are available to students for review by request.

The Chair of the Academic Appeals Committee shall notify all parties of their decision, in writing, within five (5) business days. The letter will be sent electronically through MCCN email. The appeals committee may consider additional relevant information from any party to the proceeding and then decide the appeal based upon the enhanced record. The decision of the appeals committee is final. The appeals committee may:

• Uphold the original decision and/or actions by the Associate Dean;
• Modify the decision/grade;
• If new information is revealed in the hearing, refer the case back to the Associate Dean or new decision body for a rehearing.

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.  Incomplete grades may impact student progression.

A student with good academic standing in the course is permitted to enroll in subsequent level (based on program of study) courses while completing incomplete requirements. However, should the student not earn a passing grade, as defined in course syllabi, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the subsequent level course (when subsequent level progression is a pre-requisite for a course) and/or the student may receive a new plan of study or will be notified that they will be reviewed by the Academic Progression Committee based on course failures.

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 unless otherwise noted (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 or registrar@mccn.edu 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 coursework offered through Mount Carmel College of Nursing.

Degree Candidates may not transfer credit toward core degree courses. Degree candidates must complete a Mount Carmel College of Nursing Petition for Transfer Credit – Graduate Program and include any associated course syllabi from the courses that the degree candidate is wishing to transfer. This form should be returned to the Graduate Coordinator. Transfer reviews may take up to 1-2 weeks to complete. Once completed, students will receive a copy and proposed plan of study.

Applicable to Nurse Practitioner - Post-Graduate Certificate AC-AGNP 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. The AC-AGNP Master’s nurse practitioner program requires 650 clinical practicum hours. A certified nurse practitioner may be given transfer credit for 150 hours of our 650 clinical practicum hour requirement to acknowledge the clinical expertise already demonstrated by the certificate student. 

National AG-ACNP, FNP, and PMHNP certification exams require a minimum of 500 clinical practicum hours. Additionally, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) with a valid APRN license seeking a second nurse practitioner certification may be given transfer credit for NURS 525: Role Transition – APRN.

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.

 Duplicate Credit Pathway - Graduate/DNP

A combined-credit program provides an opportunity for master’s degree students to begin working toward a DNP degree during their graduate program. The Duplicate Credit Pathway - Graduate/DNP is designed for strong academic graduate students who have been offered admission into the doctorate program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. Courses taken for graduate credit may be used to fulfill the requirements of both graduate and DNP degrees. No graduate-level credit will be counted toward DNP level courses. Students will have an opportunity to take a maximum of 9 credit hours within the DNP program and can choose from NURS 767, NURS 765, and NURS 762.

A graduate student who is pursuing a master’s degree at Mount Carmel College of Nursing may be granted permission to take one or more (maximum of 9 credit hours) DNP courses. The DNP level course may be counted toward master’s and any future DNP credit if the student is accepted in an approved DNP program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. The student will be charged at the master’s degree rate for the DNP level course. The student must obtain a B or above in the approved DNP level course to be applied for DNP credit. In order to be considered for dual credit, the student meets all of the following conditions:

1. The student must be accepted into the DNP degree program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing

Can apply through the Direct Admit Pathway

2. The student must apply through the Duplicate Credit application

3. The student can enroll once they are admitted and confirmed to start their DNP program

4. The student must have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better prior to applying

5. The student will have the opportunity to take:

NURS 767 in replacement of NURS NURS 504

NURS 765 in replacement of NURS NURS 506

NURS 762 in replacement of NURS NURS 502

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 Director of the Graduate Programs. If a student on LOA does not return after one year, and has not received an approved extension from the Director of the Graduate Programs, 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 Director of the Graduate Programs). 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 Director 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 Emergencey 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 Director of Graduate Programs or Director of DNP prior to the student’s returning to class and/or clinical.The student should always email either Director with 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 Director of the student’s program. 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 Director 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 Director of Graduate Programs, Faculty Mentor or Director of DNP Program for authorization of the course. If approved, the student must submit an approved course schedule from the transient institution to the Director of Records and Registration. Transfer of course credit is per 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.

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.