G020 School of Nursing Building
3901 Rainbow Blvd.,
Mail Stop 2029
Kansas City, Kansas 66160
TEL. (913) 588-1619
FAX (913) 588-1615
http://www2.kumc.edu/son/
Phone Directory listing for the School of Nursing
III. GRADUATE PROGRAMS (MASTER'S AND DOCTORAL)
ACADEMICS
SCHOOL OF NURSING - GENERAL INFORMATION
Administrative Staff
Chancellor, Robert Hemenway , Ph. D.
Executive Vice Chancellor, Barbara Atkinson, M. D.
Dean, School of Nursing, Karen
L. Miller, R. N., Ph. D.
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs-Graduate, Cynthia Teel,
R. N., Ph. D.
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs-Undergraduate, Nelda Godfrey, R.N., Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Research, Marge
Bott, R.N., Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Rita
Clifford, R. N., Ph. D.
Associate Dean for Clinical and Community Services, ________
Academic Affairs Office Staff
588-1640
Director of Academic Affairs Administration, Kim Rock
Coordinator, Academic Affairs, Michael Martin
Nursing Grants and Research Office Staff
588-1630
Grants Director, Priscilla Reckling
Administrative Assistant, Virginia Baskas
Accountant, Steven Swisher
Student Affairs Office Staff
588-1619
Graduate Recruiter, Debbie Stratton
Assistant Dean & RN/BSN Recruiter, Debbie Ford
Undergraduate Advisor/ Recruiter, Cyndie Schudel
Manager, Student Activities, Elaine Brinson
Office Specialist (Graduate desk), Carolyn Ross
Office Specialist (Undergraduate desk), Alice DeBauche
LETTER TO NEW STUDENTS
Dear Nursing Student:
Welcome to the University of Kansas School of Nursing. Nursing is
a profession that can take you anywhere you wish to be. It has virtually
no boundaries. The KU School of Nursing provides the educational foundation
that makes all of this possible for you. Since opening its doors in
1906, the University of Kansas School of Nursing has provided the
highest quality of education. Our faculty has clinical and academic
expertise that is recognized nationally and that places them among
the nursing leaders in educational innovations and nursing research.
You join a student body made up of students with both excellent academic records and a true sense of caring for individuals that can make a difference in their lives. You will learn to apply the science and art of health care to meet the needs of individuals and the community.
On behalf of the faculty and staff of the University of Kansas School of Nursing, I invite you to immerse yourself in learning. Enjoy your time here at the University of Kansas Medical Center with the students in the other health professions as you learn to work together.
Karen L. Miller,
RN, PHD, FAAN Dean, KU School of Nursing
For further information about school policies, codes and regulations please see www. kumc. edu/ studenthandbook or the Dean's Office of your respective school. Site for School of Nursing is the following: http://www2.kumc.edu/son/
ORGANIZATIONS
Association of Undergraduate Students in Nursing (AUSN)
The Association of Undergraduate Students in Nursing (AUSN) at the
University of Kansas is the body of student government for undergraduates
in nursing. The purpose is to provide a means for establishing and
maintaining communication, cooperation and understanding among the
undergraduate nursing students at the University of Kansas and to
promote the welfare of undergraduate students in nursing through participation
in designated university and school governance activities. The organization
provides an avenue of interaction between the School of Nursing faculty
and other student organizations at the University of Kansas. All undergraduate
students in nursing at the University of Kansas are members upon enrollment.
A copy of the current AUSN bylaws is distributed to each undergraduate
nursing student early each fall semester.
The Association of Graduate Students in Nursing (AGSN)
serves as a representative body of the Graduate Students in Nursing
at the University of Kansas. It provides a means of facilitating communication
and fosters scholarly interactions between students and faculty of
the School of Nursing. AGSN organizes representation to and/ or communication
with other appropriate committees and organizations within the University.
The membership consists of all graduate students in nursing, Master's
and Doctoral. For a copy of the bylaws or other information about
AGSN, contact the School of Nursing Office of Student Affairs.
Kansas University Student Nurses Kansas Association of Nursing
Students (KANS)
is part of a nationwide organization, the National Student
Nurses Association (NSNA). The local chapter affiliate is KU Student
Nurses (KUSN). It is the only national professional organization for
undergraduate students in schools of nursing.NSNA and KANS offer the
opportunity to participate now as a change agent and to develop the
leadership skills BSN students will need as a professional nurse.
NSNA is involved in speaking for all nursing students; it is their
voice in nursing and health care. Issues of concern to NSNA include:
Student rights and responsibilities, level of entry into practice,
recruitment of minority students, community health activities, and
national and state legislation affecting the health care system. There
are annual state and national conventions, officers at all levels
are elected each year, and activities are offered at both state and
local levels. NSNA is an autonomous organization but has very close
ties with the American Nurses Association (ANA).
The local organization (KUSN) supports activities that promote health by participating in health fair screening programs for children and migrant workers and other programs. Fund raising activities are conducted throughout the year to assist interested members financially when attending state, regional and national conventions. Meetings are usually held monthly or bi-weekly. In addition, the members plan some "just for fun" activities throughout the year that include friends and families.
Sigma Theta Tau International, is the honor society of nursing. The Delta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau at the University of Kansas School of Nursing, honors students who meet the eligibility criteria for membership. The purpose of the organization is to foster excellence in nursing.
STUDENT REPRESENTATION ON FACULTY AND
STUDENT COMMITTEES
Faculty committee representatives are sought early in the school
year. Students have found that participation on these committees has
been extremely helpful as an added learning experience. Appointments
are usually made for the year. The student is encouraged to respond
to announcements for volunteers or to contact the Office of Student
Affairs for more information. The following is a brief guide to faculty
committees on which students have voting representatives:
General Faculty Committee: This is a monthly meeting of all faculty
in the School of Nursing. The student representatives are encouraged
to share opinions with other students.
Research Committee: This committee reviews proposals of faculty
research for funding recommendations to the Associate Dean for Research
and makes policy recommendations regarding research and research support
issues. The graduate student representative participates fully in
the committee's work and also assists in planning KUMC Student Research
Forum. Meetings are held monthly.
Curriculum Committee: This is a faculty group that discusses,
among other things, curriculum, independent studies, and plans for
the future of the programs. The student representatives provide a
communication link between the student body and the nursing faculty.
Meetings are usually held twice monthly.
Student Admission and Progression Committee: This committee reviews
problems and discusses issues pertinent to faculty and students, as
well as makes policy recommendations and curricular suggestions. Meetings
are usually held twice monthly.
In addition to faculty committees, graduate nursing students are represented on the Graduate Student Council (two representatives), the Student Senate (three representatives) and the AGSN Board of Directors (two masters, two Ph. D. representatives). The GSC is a combined council of medicine, allied health, and nursing graduate students. This council sponsors a variety of social activities during the year, as well as the annual Student Research Forum. The Student Senate has an annual meeting on the Lawrence campus.
In addition to the aforementioned School of Nursing Committees, undergraduate students also have two representatives from each class on the Student Governing Council. Other organizations may request input from undergraduate nursing students. The AUSN Executive Committee will elect or appoint representatives as deemed necessary.
LOCKERS
A locker is assigned to each undergraduate upon enrollment. Any
RN or graduate student who feels that she/ he needs a locker may request
one. See the appropriate Office Specialist in the School of Nursing
Student Affairs Office for more information.
The School of Nursing locker policy is:
1. Locks Students may provide their own lock, if they wish, and will be responsible for the expense of cutting it off if they lose/ forget the key/ combination.
2. Locker Assignments Lockers will be assigned for use only while the student is enrolled. It is the student's responsibility to remove articles from the locker when not enrolled in the School of Nursing. At the beginning of the semester or term following the student's graduation or dismissal, the lock will be cut off, if necessary, and the School of Nursing will dispose of any articles left inside. If you lock articles in a locker not assigned to you, the School of Nursing reserves the right to cut the lock and dispose of the contents of the locker.
3. Valuables The KU School of Nursing bears no responsibility for valuables left in the lockers or for items taken from the lockers.
4. Contents Storage or possession of alcoholic beverages, flammable liquids, firearms, explosives, other potentially dangerous/ hazardous or illegal substances in lockers is strictly forbidden.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMUNICATION
The Student Affairs Office maintains a bulletin board and distributes
information especially for students. Items to be posted or submissions
may be made in writing to the Manager in the Student Affairs Office,
University of Kansas School of Nursing.
All students are urged to consult their e-mail and the Student Resource Center, basement level of the School of Nursing Building, regularly for posted announcements of particular interest to them, including job notices. All information is important, but much of it cannot be brought quickly and conveniently to the attention of those affected in any other way. Pertinent information will also be posted on the School of Nursing web site, http://www2.kumc.edu/son
Mail Every student should inform the appropriate area of the School of Nursing Office of Student Affairs of any changes of name, home address, and/ or telephone number as soon as possible. Only by maintaining an accurate record will material be addressed correctly. All students should provide a home address instead of listing the School of Nursing as a business address. There is no vehicle to deliver mail on campus to students.
E-mail Upon admission, each student is assigned an e-mail address at which they will receive electronic communications. E-mail is the official means of communication from the University to the student. It is expected that students adhere to KUMC policies related to proper usage. The e-mail policy is available for review at http://www2.kumc.edu/email/policy.asp
COMPUTER LAB
Nursing students may utilize the computers located in the Dykes
Library. In addition to the many Computer Aided Instruction (CAI)
programs used in nursing coursework, students will find popular programs
such as word processing, the SPSS-X (PC) Statistics Package, several
types of integrated software, and spreadsheet programs. All School
of Nursing Students have the use of the above facilities. In addition
to this, PhD students have a special facility located in Room 3053
School of Nursing. This room contains several machines that are connected
to the network as well as the other PC software described above.
POLICY ON TELEPHONE USAGE
Students may use the telephones located in the School of Nursing Atrium,
the lobby of Murphy Building, the Francisco Lounge, second floor Orr
Major and ERC. Faculty and staff telephones are not available for
student use.
POLICY ON SECRETARIAL ASSISTANCE
Students are responsible for their own class materials and typing
needs. The School of Nursing has the following policy: No typing is
done for students by the secretaries in the School of Nursing during
the regular working hours. If a secretary wishes to do typing for
students after hours for compensation, he/ she will post a notice
to that effect and mutual arrangements can be made.
STUDENT IDENTIFICATION BADGES
Student photo identification badges are required to be worn at
all times. Details about the distribution will be announced during
new student orientation. This badge is required to gain entry into certain KUMC
buildings after hours. Call (913) 588-1619 if you have questions.
Distance education students (those in web-based and outreach site programs) may request a KU Medical Center photo identification badge by contacting the appropriate records specialist (graduate or undergraduate) in the School of Nursing Student Affairs Office.
SCHOOL OF NURSING/ NURSING
DEPARTMENT RELATIONSHIP
A cooperative arrangement exists between the KU Hospital Department
of Nursing and the School of Nursing. Students in nursing are requested
to adhere to the policies and regulations of the University of Kansas
Hospital which pertain to safe care of patients. In the patient area:
no smoking, proper identification (student identification badge),
and proper dress. A lab coat may be worn over professional looking
street clothes in the patient area, if not giving nursing care. Employment
opportunities are available through the Department of Nursing. Interested
students may contact the KU Hospital Human Resources Department at
588-4500. The faculty members recognize that clinical agencies employ
University of Kansas nursing students in various job capacities. Students
working for clinical agencies must clearly understand that when they
work for pay in a clinical agency, they do not represent the University,
and therefore must not wear anything that designates them as a KU
student (such as uniforms, name tags or arm patches). Students are
further cautioned to perform only those duties outlined in the job
descriptions for which they are adequately prepared and which are
within the legal confines of a non-professional position. University
of Kansas liability insurance does not cover nursing students under
employment conditions.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Several scholarships are awarded each year to nursing students.
The School of Nursing Student Admission and Progression Committee
reviews the applications and recommends the recipients. Some of them
are listed below. For more information, contact the School of Nursing
Student Affairs Office.
Alumni and Endowment Scholarships - The KU School of Nursing has several endowment scholarship and several scholarships from the KU Nurses Alumni Association that are awarded to students who meet a specific grade point average and financial need requirements.
Dean's Scholars - Students from each level of the nursing program are selected to receive scholarships each school year. Recipients are chosen for outstanding academic achievement, leadership capabilities and potential for success in a nursing career. These students also act as ambassadors for the School of Nursing during their year as a Dean's Scholar.
Lawrence Memorial Hospital Scholarship - Every other year, this scholarship is given to a new junior nursing student who has an outstanding academic record and whose permanent residence is in Douglas County, Kansas.
Helen and Rebecca West Oncology Scholarship - BSN and Master's nursing students who are interested in oncology are considered for this scholarship.
KU Medical Center Student Union Corporation Scholarships - Each year the Student Union Corporation board of directors determines the number and amount of scholarships they will make available to students in the schools on the Kansas City campus.
Baker Trust Scholarships – This scholarship is available for Registered Nurses working toward the BSN or MS degrees who live west of highway 81 in Kansas and intend to remain in western Kansas after graduation.
CLINICAL LABORATORY FEES
The School of Nursing Academic Affairs Office charges clinical
laboratory fees to help cover the cost of consumable items in specific
courses. All laboratory fees are collected through the Office of Student
Affairs, and are due before classes begin each semester. For a complete list of the courses for which lab fees are required, go to the Comprehensive Fee Schedule www.registrar.ku.edu/~registr/pdf/CFS_FY2009.pdf and scroll to the School of Nursing section 41.5.01.
POSTING OF GRADES
Grades may not be posted by KU ID number or social security number.
Course faculty will provide information on how examination results
will be communicated to students.
APPLICATION FOR DEGREE
During the semester in which s/he expects to complete
degree requirements, the student must complete an "application for
degree" on-line. The "application for degree" is available on Enroll & Pay,
GRADUATION ACTIVITIES
Senior Celebration This celebration is the only such event
organized by and for graduating BSN students, faculty and their "significant
others." Recent celebrations have been held in area hotels. This event
occurs several weeks before finals and graduation, as deemed convenient
by the senior class. Senior Representatives to the AUSN Executive
Committee plan and coordinate the celebration.
Sigma Theta Tau Induction Event
This event is held to welcome new inductees into nursing's only honor
society and to honor persons receiving awards for excellence. Candidates
who have been selected for membership in Delta Chapter are inducted
during a formal ceremony. Sigma Theta Tau Delta Chapter Homepage
Alumni Banquet Sponsored by the KU Nurses Alumni Association
This banquet honors nursing classes which are celebrating their 10th,
20th, 25th, 50th, etc. class reunions and the current graduates.
Recognition Ceremony
Each year the Recognition Ceremony is designed to honor each
nursing graduate individually. Friends and family members are invited
to attend. Held the day before graduation, this academic ceremony
commemorates the end of each student's effort to earn their degree
in nursing. Awards are presented to students and KU nursing faculty
members. The Recognition Ceremony is held at the Gymnasium on the Johnson County Community College campus at 12345 College Boulevard, Overland Park, Kansas. It should be noted
that the official KU commencement ceremonies are held on the Lawrence
campus the next day involving graduates from all schools. School of
Nursing graduates are encouraged to attend both the School of Nursing
Recognition Ceremony and the University Commencement.
Graduation Brunch
The Executive Vice Chancellor hosts a brunch for all graduating
students and selected friends and family members. This takes place
the same weekend as The University of Kansas Commencement ceremony
each May. All candidates for all degrees in May, August or December
are eligible to participate. One of the distinctive elements of commencement
at the University of Kansas is the procession which forms near Strong
Hall on Jayhawk Boulevard, continues down Mount Oread, and into Memorial
Stadium. Faculty members and graduates wear academic dress which contributes
to the pageantry of the event, and bears significance determined by
the graduate's field and level of academic achievement.
Awards - Various awards are presented to and by graduating nursing students. The students are recognized at various banquets and at the Recognition Ceremony. Awards include:
Sigma Theta Tau - To a graduating senior, a masters and a Ph. D. student with outstanding scholastic achievement, research, and leadership ability.
Dean's Award - To a graduating senior for outstanding academic achievement and service to the School of Nursing.
Kay Schlicter Award - To a graduating senior for outstanding scholastic achievement and demonstrated leadership ability.
Registered Nurse Award - To a graduating registered nurse for outstanding achievement and service to the School of Nursing.
Mary Roberts Senior Nursing Award - To a graduating senior for outstanding scholastic achievement, leadership potential, and social consciousness during the senior year.
Mary Roberts Junior Nursing Award - To a graduating senior for outstanding achievement, leadership potential, and social consciousness during the junior year.
Outstanding Senior - To a graduating senior with outstanding scholastic achievement.
Jean Hill and Jeanne Quesenbury Awards - To graduating seniors who demonstrate outstanding clinical performance.
Jayhawker, R. N. Award - To the nursing teacher( s) voted most outstanding by the senior class.
Hester Thurston Award - To a Master's graduate who demonstrates excellence in leadership and community service activities.
Henrietta Froehlke Award - To a Master's student in nursing with high scholastic achievement and leadership ability.
Melba Carter Award - To the Doctoral student whose dissertation was most outstanding in the field of health promotion or disease prevention.
PhD Alumni Award - To the Doctoral nursing student demonstrating outstanding performance in scholarship and leadership.
GUIDELINES FOR INDEPENDENT STUDY
Rationale: In keeping with the Philosophy of the University of
Kansas School of Nursing, independent study supports the following
statements: Nursing students should have the opportunity to select
from nursing courses in order to acquire additional knowledge and
skills within a circumscribed area. Learning is accomplished best
when the learner is involved in the teaching-learning process with
the teacher as a catalyst and facilitator. Learning situations should
stimulate intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and self awareness.
Due to the diverse amount of knowledge needed by professional nurses
to give optimum care, the baccalaureate, masters or doctoral nursing
student should be allowed to pursue areas of interest in nursing in
which there is an opportunity to gain depth and breadth of knowledge
in an area of interest. Independent study should encourage a student
to be self-directive and assume primary responsibility for seeking
out learning experiences which meet the student's and the school's
objectives.
Introduction
In order to provide flexibility within the curricular design
of the Baccalaureate, Master's and Ph. D. Program in Nursing, the
Curriculum Committee established the opportunity for students who
may have particular needs in relation to specific nursing knowledges
and skills (not provided within official course offerings) to meet
these needs through the vehicle of the independent study. NOTE: No
more than 6 credits may be taken by independent study. Appropriate
prerequisite courses, as determined by the Independent Study faculty
advisor, must be completed.
Course Description
NURS 469 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN NURSING (BSN)
NRSG 890 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN NURSING (MASTERS)
NRSG 997 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN NURSING (DOCTORAL)
Intensive study in an area of interest with experiences selected according
to the student's written purpose, conceptual framework, objectives
and evaluation (1-5 credit hours).
Procedure If a student chooses to do an independent study,
use the following procedure:
1. Select the specific area of knowledge to be explored.
2. Select a faculty advisor who is an expert in the area of interest.
3. In conjunction with the faculty advisor, prepare the independent study proposal and submit a copy to the Office of Academic Affairs, 2010 School of Nursing.
4. The independent study proposal must include:
a. Title
b. Name of faculty advisor
c. Number of credit hours
d. Name of student
e. Semester for which independent study is requested
f. Purpose of the study
g. Behavioral objectives
h. Methodology
i. Evaluation
j. Selected bibliography documenting area of study
5. A copy of the final paper, project, or clinical evaluation will be sent by the faculty advisor to the School of Nursing Office of Academic Affairs.
NOTE: A sample format of an independent study is available in the School of Nursing Academic Affairs office, 2010 School of Nursing, for review.
READMISSION TO THE BSN, MS OR PHD
PROGRAMS
When a student who has withdrawn from the School of Nursing (due to
personal reasons, expired LOA status or academic dismissal) wishes
to renter the appropriate program in the School, the following procedure
should be followed.
1. Completion of a new application form.
2. Submission of any transcripts which include coursework not already
on file in the School of Nursing.
3. Statement from the applicant describing his/her activities since
the last enrollment in the School of Nursing
4. Statement about the reasons the applicant thinks the request for
readmission should be approved.
5. These items will be reviewed by the School of Nursing Student Admission
and Progressions Committee and the applicant will be informed of the
decision.
WITHDRAWAL FROM COURSES OR FROM THE SCHOOL
OF NURSING
You can drop individual classes online via Enroll and Pay. Dropping your last or only class is considered a withdrawal from school and can not be conducted online (see below). See the KUMC Registrar's web site for specific information, including dates.
Dropping a Course after the 5th day of classes
Students can not drop classes online after the 5th day of classes. A drop card needs to be completed and submitted to the respective Records Specialist in the School of Nursing Student Affairs Office. Until the 14th day of classes, dropped courses are not reflected on a student's transcript. After the 14th day of classes, dropped courses are considered withdrawals and are subject to WP/WF grading by the instructor. After the 14th week of classes, students can not withdraw from any coursework. Dropping your last or only class is considered a withdrawal from school and can not be conducted online (see below).
Withdrawing from school through the 14th day of classes
In order to completely withdraw, you must contact your respective Records Specialist in the School of Nursing Student Affairs Office to get the withdrawal paperwork. The paperwork must then be delivered to the Office of the Registrar. The date the paperwork is received by the Office of the Registrar is the official withdrawal date and is used for tuition and fees adjustments. Individual drop cards do not not need to be completed for the courses being dropped.
Withdrawing from school after the 14th day of classes through the 14th week of classes
In order to completely withdraw, you must contact your academic advisor and the respective Records Specialist in the School of Nursing Student Affairs Office to get the withdrawal paperwork. In addition to the withdrawal paperwork, individual drop card(s) need to be completed and signed by the instructor in order to indicate WP or WF grade. The paperwork must then be delivered to the Office of the Registrar. The date the paperwork is received by the Office of the Registrar is the official withdrawal date and is used for tuition and fees adjustment
Students who choose to remain in a course after the fourteenth day of a semester will receive a grade of "WP" or "WF" from the instructor. The School of Nursing recognizes that unforeseen circumstances may occur late in the semester and may affect your academic performance; therefore, very strict criteria have been established for withdrawal from a class during the last part of a semester. Withdrawal petitions will not be approved if based upon poor academic performance, a loss of interest in the class, a change of major, a long-standing problem, a situation that existed early in the semester, etc. If you wish to withdraw from a class for any of these reasons, you must do so prior to the fourteenth day of a semester.
Only the Associate Dean, Student Affairs has the authority to withdraw a student from a class during the last part of a semester. You cannot withdraw yourself, nor can your instructor withdraw you. The Associate Dean recognizes certain grounds for late withdrawal. These are listed below. Please note that your petition will not be acted upon unless you submit documented evidence to support your reason( s) for dropping your courses( s).
Remember, a withdrawal will not be approved if the Associate Dean, Student Affairs believes that sufficient information concerning your situation was available to you in time to permit you to consider dropping prior to the fourteenth day of the semester.
1. Withdrawal based upon illness, disability, or stress. Generally petitions based upon illness, disability, or stress will not be approved unless the problem affected your academic performance for at least two weeks during the last part of the semester. Also, petitions will generally not be approved if the problem is a chronic one. The Associate Dean, Student Affairs will not be able to determine the validity of these petitions based upon your description alone. You must obtain a letter from a physician, dentist, psychologist, social worker, police, or court official who is involved in your problem. Normally, if the problem was not serious enough to cause you to seek professional help, withdrawal is not justified. The letter should include the following information: a. How your problem affected your academic performance, e. g., your inability to attend class. It is not necessary to state the specific illness, disability, or stressful event. b. The period during which your academic performance was affected. The dates should also be included. c. The periods of hospitalization, bedrest, etc. The dates should be included. d. When the problem began and ended. e. Whether a reduction in class load is recommended.
2. Withdrawal based upon a death. You must document the death. Generally, this is done by submitting a newspaper clipping or funeral announcement that includes the date of the funeral or death. You must state your relationship to the person who died and the period during which your academic performance was affected. 3. Withdrawal based upon misadvising. Usually cases of misadvising consist of a University representative giving erroneous information. If your instructor gives you incorrect information concerning the dates or procedures for withdrawal, for example, this would be misadvising.
If you were given erroneous information, you should petition and submit a letter from the faculty member, University staff, or University official who misadvised you. This person must accept responsibility for the misadvising.
4. Withdrawal based upon work. Very few withdrawal petitions based upon work are approved. Usually work situations are long-standing or voluntary. It is your responsibility to assess these situations early and withdraw, if necessary, from the affected classes during the first part of the semester. If late in the semester your performance in a class is affected by a change in your work schedule that is required by your employer as a condition of employment, you should petition and submit a letter from your employer on business letterhead. This letter should include your working schedule for the semester, the changes in your schedule, the date your employment began, the date( s) when the change( s) occurred, and a statement that the change( s) that prompted the petition was (were) required by your employer as a condition of your continued employment. We expect that the University, Athletic Corporation, fraternities, sororities, etc., will not require employment changes that interfere with your classes; therefore, it is unlikely that a petition involving changes in such jobs will be approved.
5. Withdrawal based upon lack of evaluation. If prior to the end of the first part of the semester, you have received no evaluation of your academic performance in a class, you may be withdrawn from the class. You must submit a letter from your instructor verifying that no evaluation for any work for the class (e. g., homework, paper, quiz, test, etc.) has been made available to you prior to the end of the fourteen days of the semester.
6. Withdrawal based upon enrollment error. Generally, these petitions concern a course that you thought you had dropped or for which you were not aware you were enrolled. You are responsible for properly dropping a course and for knowing the courses for which you are enrolled; therefore, unless the error is well-documented, it is unlikely that your petition will be approved.
If an enrollment error occurred, you should submit a petition and include a copy of your enrollment, copies of drop/ add slips, a letter from your instructor stating when you stopped participating in class, and a statement indicating when and how you became aware of the error. Claims of having dropped a class that are not substantiated by a drop slip are not likely to be approved.
7. Withdrawal based upon other circumstances. The above are the most common reasons for the approval of a withdrawal petition. It is not possible to state all the circumstances that justify withdrawal. If your circumstances do not fall into one of the categories above and you submit a petition, you should include the following information: a. State the circumstances that you believe justify withdrawal showing how they affected your performance, and when. Be specific. Give the dates during which your performance was affected. b. Provide documented evidence supporting your statements. Petitions which lack necessary supporting documents, or which are in other ways incomplete, will not be acted upon.
To withdraw from the School of Nursing a student must make arrangements prior to the cessation of attendance at class or clinical practice. A student wishing to return to the School of Nursing after withdrawing or being dismissed may petition for readmission. This petition will be reviewed by the Student Admission and Progression Committee. The petitioner is responsible for supplying all data requested by the Student Admission and Progression Committee as well as any other information which maybe helpful to the petition.
THE AMERICAN NURSES' ASSOCIATION'S "CODE OF ETHICS FOR NURSES"
Information about the ANA's "Code of Ethics for Nurses" is available
at:
http://www.nursingworld.org/ethics/ecode.htm
KANSAS NURSE PRACTICE ACT 60-3-110
Standards of revocation, suspension, limitation, or denial of nursing
licensure.
Unprofessional conduct. Any of the following shall constitute “unprofessional conduct”:
DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING INFORMATION
For certain clinical rotations, drug and alcohol testing is required.
When this is necessary the student will receive specific written instructions
from the faculty member. They student must follow the instructions
carefully to avoid any unnecessary re-takes of the test (if re-takes
are allowed). A representative of the clinical agency will personally
report the specifics of any positive test results directly to the
student. The School is notified only of the student's "failure to
meet Health Status Requirements". Students who do not meet this "Health
Status Requirement" are responsible for informing the faculty/ School
of the specific issue as soon as possible so that arrangements for
an alternative clinical practice site can be made, if possible. If
no acceptable alternative clinical sites are available the student
will need to drop the course and enroll at a later date when a clinical
placement is available. The School does not assure availability of
appropriate clinical placements; therefore, graduation may be delayed.
If the reported situation warrants, other administrative action may
be taken.
KANSAS STATE BOARD OF NURSING LAW REGARDING DENIAL, REVOCATION,
LIMITATION OR SUSPENSION OF NURSING LICENSES
There are a number of reasons that the Kansas State Board of Nursing
may deny, revoke, limit or suspend a nursing license. These include:
fraud or deceit in practicing nursing or in procuring a license; holding
a felony conviction; being incompetent; being unable to practice due
to abuse of drugs or alcohol; being judged in need of a guardian;
exhibiting unprofessional conduct; having violated the provisions
of the Kansas Nurse Practice Act; and having action taken against
your nursing license in another state. The Kansas Nurse Practice Act,
passed in the Kansas Legislature and effective July 1, 1997, added
a new provision in the felony section. In the past, persons with a
felony conviction or a misdemeanor drug offense could receive a license
in Kansas provided an investigation conducted by the Board of Nursing
showed that the person was sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the
public trust. However, effective July 1997, no person who has been
convicted of a felony against persons (as specified in article 34
of chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated and amendments) shall
be granted a license to practice nursing in the state of Kansas. In
other felony or misdemeanor instances, the Board of Nursing will conduct
an investigation and make an individual decision. As always, admission
to the University of Kansas School of Nursing does not guarantee eligibility
to test for a nursing license in Kansas if a person's past record
includes any of the situations listed above. Many sites used for clinical
experience for nursing students now require that each student who
practices there make a felony disclosure. This may become a requirement
for all clinical sites during the next year.
IMPAIRED STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IN THE SCHOOL OF NURSING
Diagram: Model
For Policy on Impaired Nursing Student Assistance Program (in
PDF format)
PHILOSOPHY:
The faculty of the University of Kansas School of Nursing recognize
and accept their responsibility to provide nursing education to students.
The faculty also recognize and accept their responsibility to the
public, health care institutions, and their clients to provide safe
patient care. In support of these beliefs, the faculty concur with
the University of Kansas policy prohibiting the unlawful possession,
use, manufacture, or distribution of alcohol or other drugs by students
or employees on its property or as part of any of its activities.
We further believe that impaired nursing students may need assistance
in order to free themselves of chemical dependency. We support participation
in treatment programs that have goals to provide a lifestyle free
of substance abuse as an option prior to expulsion.
PURPOSE AND COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM:
1. Interventions: The Dean of the School of Nursing has
designated a member of the administrative staff to be trained and
function as the intervener(s). Responsibilities of this person are
to:
a. assist in the identification and referral to treatment programs,
students enrolled in the School of Nursing who are potentially impaired
as the result of alcohol or other drug abuse.
b. establish a liaison and referral system to the Kansas Nurses Assistance
Program to which all students who are licensed to practice nursing
are referred.
2. Student Admission and Progression Committee: This committee
has the responsibility to:
a. promote and monitor efforts for the KU School of Nursing faculty
and students to be sensitized and receive education regarding the
impaired student and professional.
b. develop, implement and monitor the policies and procedures of the
KU School of Nursing regarding the impaired student and professional.
c. serve as a model that can be utilized by other professional nursing
education programs.
DEFINITIONS:
The following terms are used in this policy:
"Student/s" for this policy refers to individuals enrolled
in any of the School of Nursing courses either at the Medical Center
campus or on-line courses.
"Suspected Impaired Nursing Student" may be one whose behavior violates the rules, regulations, and ethics of the University of Kansas and the accepted standards of the nursing profession with respect to alcohol or other drug abuse or a student who voluntarily self-reports but whose behavior does not violate the above. (See Policy on Prevention of Illegal Drug and Alcohol Use on Campus and in the Workplace in this handbook.)
"Intervention" is a carefully planned, structured method of penetrating the web of denial and distorted perception commonly experienced in alcohol or other drug abuse. The goal of the intervention is to elicit an agreement that the student will seek professional help for an evaluation of possible chemical dependency (Sullivan et al, 1988).
"Evaluation" is determination of whether or not actual alcohol or other drug abuse or dependence is present and, if dependence is found, a determination of appropriate treatment by a professional trained in substance abuse.
GUIDELINES FOR A STUDENT ENTERING THE PEER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
1. Self Referral: If a student independently identifies
and acknowledges a problem with alcohol or other drug abuse to any
member of the faculty, staff or student body, the student will be
referred to the designated administrative individual for referral
to a substance abuse expert for evaluation and treatment (if indicated).
The School of Nursing will make every effort to support the student's
recovery on reentry by affording them the opportunity to continue
their education. Students must obtain written approval from the School
of Nursing's designated administrative individual that they have successfully
met the criteria of the recovery process prior to reentry. Confidentiality
will be maintained concerning the reason for the leave of absence.
2. Non-Self Referral:
a. Identification: It is essential that faculty, staff and the
student body recognize their responsibility to act when they suspect
a student is abusing alcohol or other drugs. The identifying individuals
should document physical evidence and objective behavioral data related
to the School of Nursing that support the deviation in student performance.
These include specific observable behaviors in class or clinical activities.
If they suspect that these performance deviations represent impairment,
then they may notify the designated administrative individual.
b. Determination of Probable Alcohol or Drug Abuse: If the data collected indicate possible alcohol or other drug abuse, the identifying individual will contact the designated administrative individual for a confidential consultation on how to proceed.
c. Intervention: While the optimal solution is for the student to recognize the problem and seek treatment voluntarily, the School of Nursing designated administrative individual may decide to proceed with a planned intervention if behavioral signs indicate a potential problem (see definition). It is important to note that at the time of the intervention, a diagnosis is not being made. An intervention simply indicates a need for evaluation to determine if substance abuse exists.
The intervention is conducted without prior notification of the student
by the School of Nursing designated administrative individual and
may include other appropriate individuals. If the student is receiving
mental health care, the student's written consent will be sought to
inform the current therapist of the intervention and its outcome at
the conclusion of the intervention.
In the intervention, each member presents behavioral documentation of the student's actions. At the conclusion of the intervention, the student will be asked to agree to evaluation by a substance abuse treatment center. The treatment center must be mutually agreed upon by the School of Nursing designated administrative individual and the student. When possible, the student will go directly to evaluation from the intervention. The decision to seek evaluation and treatment is the student's.
If the student is a current LPN or RN and refuses evaluation, a report will be made to the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN). For all students who refuse evaluation, other University policies regarding academic/ nonacademic misconduct may be implemented.
d. Evaluation: If the student agrees to an evaluation, it will be conducted as soon as possible, by a trained professional in substance abuse. The student will be responsible for providing the School of Nursing designated administrative individual with a written copy of the evaluation outcome and appropriate follow-up measures. If the student refuses to comply with this provision, dismissal from the School of Nursing may be considered, but strictly for behavioral conduct and/ or performance reasons, which fall within the provisions outlined in the applicable student handbook. SCHOOL OF NURSING NON-ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT policy
e. Possible Evaluation Outcomes:
i. If the evaluation indicates that the student is impaired due to
alcohol or other drug abuse, the therapist recommends treatment, and
the student agrees to treatment, then the student may be placed on
approved leave for the duration of the treatment program.
ii. If the evaluation indicates that the student is impaired due to
alcohol or other drug abuse, the therapist recommends treatment, and
the student refuses treatment, dismissal from the school will be considered,
but strictly for behavioral conduct and/ or performance reasons, which
fall within the provisions outlined in the applicable student handbook. SCHOOL OF NURSING NON-ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
policy
iii If the evaluation does not indicate that the student is impaired
due to alcohol or other drug abuse but includes a recommendation regarding
another health problem, the School of Nursing designated administrative
individual will determine if further action is necessary.
iv. If the evaluation does not indicate that the student is impaired
due to alcohol or other drug abuse and the therapist makes no recommendation
then no other action will be taken, except in cases where a faculty
member has observed the physical evidence or problems. At this point
the academic/ non-academic misconduct procedure may be initiated.
f. Reentry to School of Nursing: Upon successful completion of a
treatment program, the student submits written documentation of treatment
to the School of Nursing designated administrative individual requesting
reentry to the nursing program. Based on this information, the School
of Nursing designated administrative individual makes a decision regarding
reentry and notifies the student. Conditions for reentry will include:
i. a written certification of successful completion of treatment from
the treatment agency/ therapist.
ii. documentation of plans for continued involvement in post-treatment
support groups.
iii. agreement to participate in random drug screens for which
the student is required to pay.
iv. provision for release of information to appropriate faculty.
g. The School of Nursing designated administrative individual will carry out supervision of the student's adherence to the requirements of the post-treatment follow-up. This includes attendance at appropriate support groups such as AA and Narcotics Anonymous and negative drug screens at all times. If any of these conditions are not met, the School of Nursing administrative individual will institute the Non-Academic Misconduct Procedure. Any of the possible sanctions, including dismissal from the program, may be dispensed.
Adopted 1993
Revised 12-15-03
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM (B. S. N. AND R. N TO B. S. N.)
Diagram: Undergraduate
Curriculum Plan
Nursing Honors Program
The Nursing Honors Program offers enhanced educational opportunities
for the most academically talented, promising, and motivated baccalaureate
students while providing a foundation for leadership development and
articulation into graduate education. The focus of the Nursing Honors
Program is development and completion of a research project under
the guidance of an active research mentor. Four courses comprise the
program:
(a) NURS 382, Honors Seminar -spring junior year;
(b) Honors section of NURS 460, Nursing Research -summer; and
(c) NURS 461, Honors Practicum -fall and spring of senior year.
Applications for admission to the Nursing Honors Program can be obtained from the SON Student Affairs Office. Applications are completed by students during fall of the junior year and are due the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Students eligible to apply are those who are enrolled full-time in the generic BSN program and who have an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher. Note that students who are participating in the KU University Honors Program will automatically be admitted to the Nursing Honors Program -application is required for administrative purposes only. The Honors Program Admission Committee will review applications and make the final decision about acceptance into the program in December. Applicants will be notified in writing of their status into the Nursing Honors Program.
R. N. to B. S. N.
The faculty of the School of Nursing developed the R. N. to B.
S. N. Program for Registered Nurses in keeping with the philosophy
of the school and the following primary beliefs about the R. N. student:
The R. N. who decides to seek further formal education in nursing:
1. Is demonstrating personal and professional commitment by embarking
on this learning process;
2. Is a learner who brings nursing knowledge and life experiences to the new learning situation;
3. Is entitled to counsel and support in regard to both the personal and professional change process being undertaken;
4. Is entitled to the opportunity to:
a. enter the B. S. N. nursing curriculum with advanced standing placement,
equivalent to the knowledge and competencies which can be demonstrated
and evaluated;
b. participate in educational experiences which enhance knowledge,
competencies, and professional behaviors;
c. achieve the same terminal objectives as the generic students in
the B. S. N. curriculum, though not necessarily through the identical
curriculum process and/ or teaching strategies;
5. Is entitled to:
a. individualized learning opportunities based on mutually assessed
needs and goals;
b. flexible progression, responsive to adult life responsibilities
and choices;
c. positive action in relation to support needs( personal, educational,
or financial);
d. ongoing evaluation of progress toward curriculum objectives;
e. implementation of all of the above to the extent possible, consistent
with the School of Nursing philosophy, objectives, and available resources.
STUDENT ADVISING
All advising of undergraduate students for enrollment purposes
or program planning purposes will be done with an Advisor in the Office
of Student Affairs. For career planning or other kinds of professional
growth activities, the student may seek out their faculty mentor,
a faculty member with whom they have developed rapport; or the student
may contact Rita Clifford, Associate Dean, Student Affairs. Upon enrollment
Registered Nurse students are assigned a faculty advisor.
ACADEMIC POLICIES OF THE BACCALAUREATE
PROGRAM
Enrollment in Nursing Electives
Students not enrolled in the University of Kansas Medical Center Baccalaureate
in Nursing Program may be admitted to nursing electives on a "consent
of instructor" basis.
Enrollment in Nursing Core Courses
All students must initially enroll for and complete theoretical
and clinical core courses, concurrently. Exceptions to this policy
will be handled by the Associate Dean, Academic Affairs and the lead
teacher.
Maintaining Current CPR Status
Before beginning class, each student must pass and receive certification
in the Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer including
AED Essentials or the American Heart Association’s BLS for Health
Care Providers and must maintain that certification throughout each
clinical rotation. Failure to meet this requirement will result in
removal from the clinical rotation. The clinical instructor will inspect
each student's card and note the expiration date. Lead teachers will
be notified of students whose certification has expired or will expire
before the end of the clinical rotation and will follow up with those
students.
HIV-HBV Risk Exposure
The federal government requires that students in a clinical major
complete the HIV-HBV Risk Exposure learning experience and questionnaire
regularly during their enrollment. This process will be administered
as part of the coursework in the undergraduate curriculum.
Class Attendance
The University of Kansas has no policy on class attendance however,
students are responsible for material presented in class and for any
announcements made in class regarding changes in schedule, class content,
location or similar information.
Absences from Clinical Practice
Excused absences may be granted by the lead teacher in conjunction
with faculty members of the course or courses involved. Arrangements
in regard to make-up work (if required) are left to the discretion
of the faculty involved.
Semester Overload
Permission must be obtained from the Associate Dean, Student Affairs
to enroll in more than eighteen hours in any one semester or more
than eight hours in any summer session.
Examinations
All students enrolled in academic programs in the School of Nursing
are required to take examinations as scheduled, unless prior permission
is obtained from the lead teacher.
Drop/ Add of Courses
All drop and add transactions for courses are handled through
the Student Affairs Office. Students wishing to drop, add or change
sections in a course should see the Advisor for paperwork and refer
to the respective Timetable of courses for appropriate drop and add
dates.
A change of section for BSN students is official after the student has met with the Student Affairs Advisor. It is the student's responsibility to process the transaction through the Registrar's Office.
Petition Process
Diagram: Undergraduate
Petition Process (in PDF format)
Students may use the petition process to obtain special permission to pursue a different order of course work than normally required. A student seeking a petition should:
1. Make an appointment with the Advisor in the Office of Student Affairs to discuss options available.
2. Upon recommendation from the Advisor, write a letter of petition to the Associate Dean, Academic Affairs.
3. Submit the letter of petition to, and make an appointment to discuss it with, the Associate Dean, Academic Affairs.
4. The Associate Dean, Academic Affairs will select one of
the following options after the appointment:
a. Specify an action plan with regard to the petition; or
b. Forward the petition to the School of Nursing Curriculum Committee
for action; or
c. Determine the appropriateness of the petition, including denial.
5. If the petition is to go forward to the Curriculum Committee, the Associate Dean, Academic Affairs will ask faculty members related to each individual petition to submit their input regarding agreement with the petition and rationale.
6. The Associate Dean, Academic Affairs will inform the student and the Advisor of decisions made.
7. Following action by the Curriculum Committee, appropriate instructors will be notified on a need-to-know basis, if necessary, by the Office of Academic Affairs.
Acceptable Grades in Nursing Courses
All classroom courses designated "NURS" or "NRSG" must be completed
with a grade of C or better to meet requirements for graduation. All
clinical courses must be completed with a "satisfactory" to meet requirements
for graduation. No student will be allowed to graduate with an "unsatisfactory"
in a clinical course. Classroom/ theory courses are graded on a letter-grade
basis. Clinical and skills courses are graded on a satisfactory/ unsatisfactory
basis. Nursing electives with a clinical portion may be graded with
a combination of letter grades and satisfactory/ unsatisfactory or
letter grade only. The faculty member( s) for each course establishes
the minimum requirements for each letter/ satisfactory grade.
No student may graduate:
1) with a nursing GPA below 2.0, and/ or
2) with a cumulative GPA below 2.0, and/ or
3) with any "unsatisfactory" grades.
Repetition of Nursing Courses
If necessary to maintain the minimum course grade of a "C" or "S", a student may repeat a course once to earn the necessary grade. This practice is allowed one time for a single course in the nursing curriculum. Failure to achieve a "C" or "S" in two nursing courses, or the repeated nursing course, will result in dismissal from the School of Nursing at semester's end. If the second failure is in a course at the end of the first rotation, the student will be prohibited from beginning a new course in the second rotation. The student may complete courses currently in progress. nursing course may be repeated one time only if necessary
to earn the minimum grade of "C" or "S". (Approved by Faculty Assembly 3-27-06 for immediate implementation)
Incomplete Grade
Refer to the current issue of The University of Kansas Undergraduate
catalog for the current policy on incomplete grades.
Time Limit for Completion of Degree Requirements
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree must
be completed within five years of the date of the first enrollment
in nursing courses.
Difficulty at Mid-Term
Diagram: Classroom/Theory
Course Problem Resolution - Graduate and Undergraduate (in PDF
format)
Academic difficulty is considered as earning a "D" or "F" in any course. Grades may be reported to the Associate Dean, Student Affairs by the lead teacher. Students may receive written notifications of the student's areas of difficulty from the Associate Dean, Student Affairs. It is the student's responsibility to seek a conference with the Student Affairs Advisor. The student and the Student Affairs Advisor will jointly assess the situation and make appropriate recommendations.
Probationary Status
Students who receive below a 2.0 GPA for the semester are placed
on probation. The student is notified by letter from the Associate
Dean, Student Affairs. It is the student's responsibility to seek
a conference with the Student Affairs Advisor. The student and the
Student Affairs Advisor will jointly assess the situation and make
appropriate recommendations.
Removal from Probationary Status
A student remains on probationary status until completion of the
next semester or term in which the student is enrolled full-time.
(Full-time enrollment is 12 hours or more; full-time summer school
is 6 hours or more). A part-time student must maintain a 2.0 GPA in
the next 12 semester hours of enrollment in order to be removed from
probation. Only those courses required for the nursing major (junior/
senior coursework) will apply toward the required GPA for removal
from probation. If, in that semester, the student attains above a
2.0 GPA and earns "satisfactory" grades in clinical courses, the student
is removed from probation. If, in that semester, the student does
not attain a 2.0 GPA, the student is dismissed from the School of
Nursing for academic reasons.
No student may graduate:
1) with a nursing GPA below 2.0, and/ or
2) with a cumulative GPA below 2.0, and/ or
3) with any "unsatisfactory" grades.
Leave of Absence
Leaves of absence may be granted by the Associate Dean, Student
Affairs. Leaves of absence may be granted for up to three semesters.
The student must meet the graduation requirements of the curriculum
in effect at the time of return to the School of Nursing. Leaves of
absence do not exempt one from the five-year limit for completion
of the degree requirements.
Failure to Enroll in Initial Nursing Courses
After having been accepted as a degree-seeking student, failure
to enroll in nursing course( s) applicable to the baccalaureate degree
in the initial semester for which the student has been accepted will
result in separation from the school and will require a reapplication
for admission.
Nonresidential Credit
No greater than 1/ 4 of the credit hours applied to the degree
may be completed by nonresidential means. Nonresidential means for
earning credit include:
1. Extension, correspondence, and/ or extramural independent study courses;
2. Credit earned in programs of the Armed Services;
3. Credit earned by examination (such as CEEB, CLEP, ACT, and the University of Kansas Program of Examinations for Advanced Standing Credit).
4. Articulation credit
5. Nursing Challenge exams No greater than 31 credit hours of nonresidential credit can be applied toward the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Prior to completing any coursework by a nonresidential means, the student should seek advisement and/ or consult the Undergraduate Catalog, the Office of Admissions and Records (Lawrence), or the Office of Student Affairs (School of Nursing) for preliminary transfer evaluation of that coursework.
Policies Governing Eligibility to Challenge Other NURS Courses
1. The Student must register intent to challenge and pay a $12.50 record ing fee for each course.
2. Permission of the instructor must be secured.
Policies Governing Procedures for School of Nursing challenge examinations and Award of Credit for Registered Nurse Students
1. The student must register intent to challenge in both the theoretical and clinical portions of a core nursing course concurrently. The student will be assessed a $12.50 recording fee for each examination and the cost of the standardized examination if one is used.
2. Successful completion of the theoretical challenge examination is pre-requisite to attempting the clinical challenge examination in those courses in which credit is earned in separate theory and clinical examinations.
3. The actual date of completion of the clinical challenge examination needs to be concurrent (i. e., within the same semester) with the date of completion of the corresponding theoretical challenge examination when credit is earned in separate theory and clinical examinations.
4. Challenge examinations will be graded as Pass/ Fail. The lowest passing "C" (as established by course faculty) is defined as "pass" level for teacher-made examinations. The pass level for standardized examinations is also set by the faculty.
5. Upon successful challenge of a course, the entry on the student's University of Kansas permanent record will reflect: course number, course name, credit hours earned, and a grade of CREDIT. 6. No entry shall be made on a student's permanent record of any unsuccessful attempt to challenge for credit by examination.
7. A student may challenge only one time for credit in a course using teacher-made examinations and appropriate standardized tests. One retest is permitted for challenge of nursing core courses.
Credit hours earned by any nonresidential means, including nursing course challenge examinations, must meet criteria set by the University of Kansas and/ or the Board of Regents in order to be accepted for transfer. A maximum of 31 credit hours (including nursing course challenge exams or articulation credit) will apply toward degree completion status. Most RN students elect to complete core nursing clinical courses (20-25 credit hours) by these methods. Thus, no more than eight (8) credit hours of other nonresidential credit earned by examination, correspondence, CLEP, for example, should be completed prior to enrollment in the School of Nursing.
Articulation Policies for Registered
Nurses
The Kansas
Articulation Plan for Nursing Educationhas been endorsed by
the School of Nursing. Graduates of Kansas Associate Degree or Diploma
nursing programs who meet the requirements stipulated in the Articulation
plan will be awarded selected nursing credit hours by portfolio examination.
Out of state graduates will be evaluated individually before nursing
credit is awarded and may be required to complete Nursing Challenge
Exams.
Appeal for Exception to Advanced
Standing Policies
University of Kansas School of Nursing policy regarding appeal
for exception to advanced standing states:
The student who fails to meet the stated criteria for:
(1) direct transfer of credit or
(2) eligibility to challenge for credit by examination may petition
the Associate Dean, Student Affairs for special consideration or waiver
of the stated criteria.
Professional Conduct
The University of Kansas Medical Center/University of Kansas Hospital
is at once both a campus for education and a hospital complex devoted
to the diagnosis and treatment of the sick. Thus, it is imperative
that health sciences students conduct themselves in such a manner
as to maintain both the professionalism which typifies those who dedicate
themselves to maintenance of health through education, service and
research, and the hygienic conditions most conducive to that maintenance
of health. Since the student has chosen to become a health professional,
it is the administration's view that such professionalism reflected
by appropriate behavior, appearance, and personal hygiene should begin
on the first day of school and continue throughout the career. All
conduct with patients should be in accordance with the guidelines
of professional behavior and in the Patient's Rights brochure.
Dress Code for Undergraduate Nursing
Students (Implemented Fall 1998)
The clinical uniform, a matching set of jacket and top with silk screened
KU School of Nursing emblem and pants, the lab coat, the engraved
name pin and the arm patch must all be purchased from the KU Medical
Center Bookstore. A specific style of lab coat and scrub will be selected
each year for students to purchase. The lab coat and scrub uniform
are to be worn only while the student is in clinical practice. No
part of it is to be worn in any setting where the student is functioning
as an employee. Name Badge Students must wear the official, KU student
photo identification badge at all times when at the KU Medical Center.
The name badge will also allow after hours access to specific areas
of the campus. The photograph for the identification badge will be
taken during New Student Orientation.
Classroom Dress - For lectures and class time when not performing patient care, a dress, skirt and blouse, or shirt with slacks, jeans, or shorts are appropriate.
On Clinical Units When Not Performing Patient Care - When a student is on a clinical unit but not performing patient care, (s) he must wear the lab coat over professional looking street clothes (no jeans or shorts). The KU School of Nursing patch must be sewn to the top of the right sleeve of the lab coat.
Clinical Uniform When on the clinical unit performing clinical assignments, the students are required to wear the uniform top and pants. The jacket is optional. The student's only other option will be whether or not to wear a white sleeveless or a white long sleeve knit shirt under the scrub top. Only wristlength sleeves will be allowed. Each student will wear leather shoes that are all white and professional looking, such as oxfords or walking shoes. No clogs or athletic shoes with colored stripes, decorations or markings are allowed (a very small colored logo is acceptable). Stockings will be white or neutral in color. Each student must use a watch, with a second hand, which is large enough to be easily visible.
Community Health Uniform (Implemented Fall 1999) The Community Health Uniform required for NURS 341 clinical activities consists of specific navy blue slacks or skirt purchased from the designated vendor, the white polo shirt with the KU School of Nursing insignia and the KU School of Nursing engraved name pin. The polo shirt and name pin must be purchased from the KU Medical Center Bookstore. Women are to wear natural colored hose and men need to wear navy blue or black socks. Shoes must be navy or black leather with heels no higher than one inch. Shoes such as combat boots, high heels of any type, tennis shoes, or clogs of any kind are not acceptable footwear for the clinical area. For student safety, it is suggested that jewelry not be worn in the community clinical setting.
Artificial Nails and Extenders Policy (Implemented Spring 2004)
For all clinical settings: Because artificial nails and extenders have been found to harbor pathogenic organisms and have been implicated in the transmissions of organisms to patients, students who are providing direct patient care may not wear artificial fingernails or extenders and must keep fingernails trimmed to ¼ inch above each finger in keeping with Association for Professionals in Infection Control standards. These standards have been adopted by the majority of hospitals and health agencies where KU students are assigned for clinical practice.
Nursing faculty supervising students will monitor this policy, however,
the clinical agency will also monitor this policy as it involves the
safety of their patients.
Removal from the Clinical
Setting
Diagram: Suggested
Management of Problematic or Unsafe Clinical Behavior - Graduate and
Undergraduate (in PDF format)
The student may be removed from the clinical setting temporarily based on the professional opinion of the faculty, if the student is:
1. Unprepared for the clinical assignment;
2. Performing nursing care in a manner detrimental to the patient's welfare. The student may return to the clinical setting upon validation by the faculty that the clinical deficit has been removed;
3. Displaying behaviors defined as academic or non-academic misconduct.
If a student is removed from the clinical area for behavior defined as misconduct, the faculty member will follow the Disciplinary Actions and Procedures for Misconduct. For definitions of Academic and Non-Academic misconduct, see those sections in this book.
NOTE: If the student has a declared disability, the relevancy of that disability will be considered in respect to the conduct or behavior that has precipitated the possible removal.
Removal from the Clinical
Course
Removal from the clinical course may be recommended should the
deficit remain unresolved following assistance and counseling. The
clinical faculty member will be responsible for conferring with the
student and informing the lead teacher, division coordinator, and
the Associate Dean, Student Affairs, in writing, of the rationale
for this action and methods utilized to resolve the issue. The student
has a right to request a conference with the lead teacher and/ or
the division coordinator. The Associate Dean, Student Affairs will
meet with the student to review the recommendations and take action,
the Associate Dean, Student Affairs will notify the clinical faculty
member of the action taken.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN MAY INCLUDE, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:
l. Reduction in grade which may include the awarding of an" F".
2. Suspension from school.
3. Dismissal from school.
If the student is dissatisfied with the action taken, he/ she can
request a hearing as described in the following sections.
SCHOOL OF NURSING STUDENT GRIEVANCE
PROCEDURE
Diagram
of Grievance Procedure (in PDF format)
The following procedure is available to any student, graduate or undergraduate,
in the School of Nursing, should a grievance arise between a student
and a faculty member or other person (hereinafter called the involved
party or parties) pertinent to the student's program of study. This
procedure is NOT to be used by students seeking resolution of conflicts
arising because of academic or non-academic misconduct.
NOTE: ISSUES INVOLVING GRADES IN A PARTICULAR CLASS SHOULD BE RESOLVED BETWEEN THE INSTRUCTOR OF THE COURSE AND THE STUDENT, AND WILL NORMALLY NOT BE CONSIDERED GROUNDS FOR GRIEVANCE. EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES MUST BE EVIDENT FOR GRADE MATTERS TO FALL WITHIN GROUNDS FOR A GRIEVANCE.
Should a grievance exist, it is the student's responsibility to follow the proper sequence in the Grievance Procedure.
EXHAUSTION PHASE:
I. PRELIMINARY RESOLUTION EFFORTS:
A. The student will make a good faith effort to resolve the conflict
with the involved party within five (5) academic days of the incident.
The student is to meet with or make an appointment with the involved
party to discuss the incident. The goal of this meeting is to agree
upon a resolution to the incident.
B. In the event that no resolution is found, the student should attempt to resolve the conflict with the lead teacher of the course for that semester (if not already done with the first meeting). This meeting should be held within three (3) academic days of the first meeting.
C. In the event that no resolution is found between the student and the lead teacher, or in the event that the course does not have a lead teacher, or the lead teacher is the object of the grievance, the student should attempt to resolve the conflict with the involved party's Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. This meeting should be held within three (3) academic days of the student and involved party meeting or within three (3) academic days of the student-lead teacher meeting, according to the particular case.
D. If the conflict fails to be resolved after steps A-C, and the student wishes to pursue the grievance further, the student will have the opportunity for a hearing before the Student Admissions and Progression Committee as follows
GRIEVANCE PHASE:
II. PROCEDURE: Throughout the entire Grievance process both involved
parties have procedural guarantees as outlined in Article XIV of the
University Senate Code. It is required that all steps be carried out
within the prescribed time limits. Failure to do so on the part of
the student may negate the grievance. There are four steps:
STEP I
The student will submit a typed statement of the Grievance complaint to the Dean of the School of Nursing within five (5) academic days of conclusion of the steps of Exhaustion.
Upon receipt of this statement the Dean will:
A. Notify the student(s) of the right to select a faculty advisor. In the instance of a grievance filed by a student group, the student group may be represented at the meeting referenced below by no more than two (2) currently enrolled University of Kansas students, and these students may be accompanied by an advisor. These individuals will have no vote in the Committee decision. The role of the advisor is to support the student(s) in regard to procedural and/ or substantive (relating directly to the allegation) areas. It is the student's responsibility to contact the advisor and obtain his/ her consent to serve as an advisor;
B. Forward the Grievance complaint to the Chairperson of the Student Admission and Progression Committee. If the involved party is the Chairperson, the Dean will forward the complaint to the Chair of the School of Nursing Faculty Steering Committee, who will appoint a replacement chairperson for the hearing;
C. Forward a copy to the involved party(ies).
STEP II
The Chairperson of the Student Admission and Progression Committee will schedule a meeting of the committee and all involved individuals to hear the grievance. The Student Admission and Progression Committee consists of six (6) faculty members (two (2) representatives from each program level), and three (3) student representatives (one from each program level). Membership of this Committee may include a representative from another University department if deemed appropriate to the situation. Substitutes for this committee can be appointed by the Chairperson as deemed necessary for reasons of conflicts of schedule or interest.
The student has a right to an unbiased tribunal. If the student perceives
that there is a potential conflict of interest with any member of
the committee, a specific written declaration of this potential conflict
of interest should be presented to the Chair of the School of Nursing
Faculty Steering Committee. If the Chair of the Faculty Steering Committee
agrees about the potential conflict of interest, he/ she will appoint
a replacement from the appropriate category (student representative
or faculty member of the committee).
The chairperson may seek advice on procedural matters about the grievance from the Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Dean of Student Services and/ or university attorney.
STEP III
The purpose of the Student Admission and Progression Committee is to gather pertinent information in a fair and impartial manner and to recommend to the Dean of the School of Nursing an appropriate course or courses of action.
Within three (3) academic days of receipt of the meeting notification
from the Chairperson of the Student Admission and Progression Committee,
all involved individuals will provide the Student Admission and Progression
Committee with:
1) a copy of any and all documentation regarding the issue that the student identified in the Grievance statement;
2) information regarding a declared documented disability if it is relevant to the issue identified by the student in his/ her grievance statement;
3)the names of witnesses to the conflict.
The student and the involved party will be responsible for notifying their witnesses of the date, time and place of the meeting in which they are to testify.
Prior to the meeting of the Student Admission and Progression Committee, the student and the involved party will be provided a list of the members on the Grievance Committee, and the opportunity to review all of the documentation and the list of witnesses submitted to the Student Admission and Progression Committee by all involved parties. In the event that the documentary evidence or the names of witnesses are not available by the deadline, both parties will be given time at the beginning of the proceeding to review the material submitted.
All parties will be invited to be present during the meeting in which
the student's Grievance is addressed. Witnesses may be present only
during the time that their testimony is required. However, the individual
against whom the grievance is filed, is not required to give evidence
and will be so informed at the beginning of the proceeding. The role
of the advisor during the hearing process is to support the student.
This advisor may not question any witnesses or hearing members.
The process of the hearing will progress as follows:
Closure of hearing by the Chairperson
Minutes of the proceeding will be recorded. All participants will
maintain strict confidentiality of the proceedings and outcome of
the entire Grievance process. All records related to the proceedings
will be collected by the chair of the Student Admissions and Progression
Committee and secured in the Office of Student Affairs for 8 years.
All photocopied material (other than that required for archiving)
will be shredded immediately after the hearing.
Committee deliberations and final decision will be made in closed session. The vote for the final decision will consist of a simple majority of the voting members. The voting members consist of all committee members except the chairperson, who may vote in case of a tie. The committee will base all decisions upon all of the evidence before the committee and known to the involved parties. After all evidence has been heard, the Student Admission and Progression Committee will prepare a written summary of the hearing, including the final decision on the grievance and the recommendation. The Student Admission and Progression Committee will forward the document to the Dean of the School of Nursing within three (3) academic days after completing deliberations. The committee will not convey this decision or the recommendations to the student because the committee's recommendations are only advisory.
STEP IV
The Dean may implement or reject the recommendations of the Committee. The decision of the Dean shall be final and not subject to further appeal. The Dean will notify the involved party and the student in writing of his/ her decision on the matter by certified mail. This should normally take place within five (5) academic days from the time the Dean receives the Committee's summary and recommendation. The student has the right to continue class as scheduled until such time as the Dean's letter, containing the final decision, is received
Revised 3-29-99
Revised 11-26-01
PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY SYSTEM BLUEPRINT
(PROFITS)
I. Philosophy - The Professional Integrity System of the
University of Kansas School of Nursing delineates a standard of behavior
expected of all persons, faculty, staff and students, associated with
the School. The system helps prepare students to practice professionally
and ethically in the nursing role and helps faculty and staff maintain
professional and ethical standards. Becoming a member of the School
of Nursing obliges implicit and explicit adherence to the system,
without which learning would be compromised, personal responsibility
would be relinquished, and community standards would suffer. The Professional
Integrity System builds on values brought to the academic setting
and provides a means of incorporating these values to form the foundation
of professional nursing practice. This standard addresses behaviors
in
(a) classroom and clinical settings,
(b) evaluation and non– evaluation situations, and
(c) research and scholarly endeavors. It promotes a spirit of community
conducive to mutual trust and responsibility among students, faculty
and staff. Mutual trust is essential to effective functioning of the
System. The System is built on the School of Nursing conceptual framework,
the concept of students as adult learners, and the rights and responsibilities
of individuals. Students and faculty together share the responsibility
for development, implementation and evaluation of the system. The
System also delineates a process for handling student related occurrences
of academic misconduct or abuse of academic resources. Faculty and
staff related occurrences of unprofessional behavior will be handled
by established policies for classified and unclassified staff.
The PROFITS system is a School of Nursing policy and applies to all students who are admitted to nursing programs (degree and non-degree seeking). Students admitted to other schools/programs are expected to abide by the integrity standards of their respective school/program and infractions will be handled by that system.
II. Purpose - The purpose of the Professional Integrity System (PROFITS) is to promote:
A. professional and ethical standards of behavior in the nursing student role;
B. mutual trust and responsibility among students, faculty, and staff;
C. shared responsibility for development, implementation and evaluation of the system; and
D. an environment in which academic misconduct or abuse of academic resources is not tolerated.
III. Structure
A. PROFITS Committee – The primary body responsible for implementing the Professional Integrity System is the PROFITS Committee.
1. Committee composition
a. The PROFITS Committee is composed of 1 junior student, 1
senior student, 1 master's student, 1 doctoral student, and 3 faculty
members.
b. Ex– officio members will be the Associate Deans of Student Affairs
and Academic Affairs or their designees.
2. Committee eligibility
a. Student representatives must be enrolled currently in the School
of Nursing (full– time or part– time) and in good academic standing.
b. Faculty representatives may be any members of the non– administrative
faculty of the School of Nursing.
3. Committee selection
a. Undergraduate representatives
(i) The junior representative will be selected at the time of the
election of class representatives in the fall semester of each year.
The entire incoming junior class will have the opportunity to vote
for those nominated. The student with the greatest number of votes
will be the committee member. The student with the second most votes
will be designated as an alternate. Nominations will be solicited
and a ballot prepared with information on all nominees. Self– nominations
are acceptable.
(ii) Length of appointment: Students will serve for the length of their tenure in the nursing major but no more than three years as long as they maintain good academic standing.
b. Graduate representatives
(i) The call for nominations for positions that are open will go out
in the graduate newsletter during April of each new academic year.
Elections will be conducted by mail ballot. Information about all
nominees will be included with the mail ballot. The master's and doctoral
students with the greatest number of votes will be the elected committee
members. The master's and doctoral students with the second most votes
will be designated as alternates.
(ii) Length of appointment: Same as undergraduate length of appointment.
c. Faculty Representatives
(i) Three faculty members will be elected as follows:
(a) Two faculty members will be elected by students. During spring semester, a call for nominations of faculty will be publicized through the undergraduate and graduate newsletters. Slates of candidates will be generated by Association of Undergraduate Students in Nursing and Association of Graduate Students in Nursing representatives, using the nominations submitted by students. Elections will be held in April for 2– year appointments. In even years, one faculty member will be elected by undergraduate students; in odd years, one faculty member will be elected by master's and doctoral students. Faculty with the second most votes will be designated as alternates.
(b) One faculty member who is elected by the faculty of the School of Nursing to serve on the Student Admission and Progression Committee will be appointed by the Student Admission and Progression Committee to serve as a member of PROFITS. Length of appointment: 1 year
(ii) Re– election/ reappointment: Faculty will serve no more than two consecutive terms.
d. Use of alternates
(i) When a regular PROFITS Committee member is unable to serve on a hearing panel due to a conflict of interest or unavailability an alternate will be asked to serve. The junior alternate will serve on the PROFITS Committee if a hearing is held during the summer.
(ii) When a regular PROFITS Committee member is unable to serve on the Committee, the alternate will be appointed.
e. A chair will be selected by all PROFITS Committee members from among the faculty members of the Committee.
f. A vice-chair will be selected by all PROFITS Committee members from among the student members of the Committee. The role of the vice-chair is to share the responsibility of the Committee functions.
4. Source of Authority
a. Responsibility for facilitating the function of the committee will reside in the School of Nursing Office of Student Affairs in collaboration with the Office of Academic Affairs.
b. The Professional Integrity Committee will be a subcommittee of the Student Admission and Progression Committee.
c. Quorum for meetings will be defined as a simple majority of all elected members.
B. PROFITS Advisors
1. The purpose of the PROFITS Advisor is to provide advice to a person suspected of misconduct The PROFITS Advisor will serve as advisory counsel in regard to procedural issues or substantive issues relating directly to the allegation. The Advisor will have an obligation of confidentiality. PROFITS Advisors will be chosen from a list of eligible individuals.
2. The PROFITS Committee will develop a list of ten or more people (students, faculty, or staff from the School of Nursing) who are knowledgeable about the PROFITS investigation and hearing process and are willing to serve as Advisors. PROFITS Advisors will receive orientation regarding these procedures during fall term of each academic year by the PROFITS committee chair or his/ her designee. PROFITS Advisors cannot be current members of the PROFITS Committee.
3. PROFITS Advisors, at the request of the individual they are assisting, will be allowed to attend the hearing and be present during the testimony before the PROFITS Committee and the Appeals Committee. The PROFITS Advisor cannot be present during the PROFITS Committee discussion and decision.
IV. Elements – Key elements addressed by the Professional Integrity System include academic misconduct and abuse of academic resources. PROFITS specifically assumes that classroom, clinical and research settings are within its purview.
A. Academic misconduct: (Adapted from the University of Kansas Senate Rules and Regulations, Article II, Section 6) Academic misconduct by a student will include, but not be limited to: cheating on examinations whether by a student on his/ her own behalf or by giving to another student or receiving from another student unauthorized aid on examinations; giving or receiving of unauthorized aid in the preparation of notebooks, papers, reports, nursing assessments and/ or care plans, or other types of assignments, or in the preparation of master's theses or doctoral dissertations; or knowingly misrepresenting the source of any academic work, falsification of research results, plagiarizing of another's work, violation of regulations or ethical codes for the treatment of human and animal subjects, or otherwise acting dishonestly in research; and knowingly violating the rights of patients for safe, professional and humane treatment.
B. Abuse of academic resources: Abuse of academic resources includes unauthorized access to and/ or use of:
1. Information systems (computer, telephone, print materials);
2. Security systems (keys, secret codes, etc.).
C. Determination - of unauthorized aid in meeting course expectations
and academic program requirements
Determination of what constitutes unauthorized aid is the responsibility
of the instructor. At the beginning of a course and/ or project, students
will be informed in writing of the general expectations. Further clarification
is the responsibility of the student.
D. Honor Pledge - Each student will sign the following honor pledge during new student orientation. Failure to sign the pledge does not release a student from accountability. The pledge will appear in each nursing course syllabus as a reminder.
"I pledge that I will not give, receive, or tolerate unauthorized aid, nor will I abuse academic resources while I am a member of this academic community."
E. Confidentiality - An essential element of the Professional Integrity System is confidentiality. Students, faculty, and staff who participate in the reporting, investigation, or hearing of suspected misconduct are bound to confidentiality. All documentation related to suspected misconduct will be secured appropriately.
V. Processes
A. Education – PROFITS incorporates an educational process for a continuous
program of campus education directed at students, faculty and staff.
The aims of the educational program are to provide information about
the Professional Integrity System philosophy, purposes, and procedures
and to communicate expectations for participation as a member of the
School of Nursing community.
1. Student educational programs will be offered by the PROFITS committee for students at the time of enrollment in courses.
a. Incoming junior students will attend PROFITS education during
the normally scheduled School of Nursing orientation.
b. Incoming RN to BSN students will attend PROFITS education when
they enroll in NURS 404 Interpersonal Concepts of Professional Nursing
and Health Promotion.
c. Newly enrolled master's and doctoral students will attend PROFITS
education during the normally scheduled School of Nursing new student
orientation sessions or through the School of Nursing Virtual Orientation.
d. Students at outreach sites are encouraged to attend a PROFITS educational
session when it is offered during new student orientation. Students
at outreach sites, or those taking webbased courses, may prefer to
complete the required PROFITS Orientation through the School of Nursing
Virtual Orientation.
e. A videotaped educational program about PROFITS will be available
through the School of Nursing Student Affairs Office for viewing by
any student at any time.
f. The following content will be included in the student educational
programs:
(i) Philosophy of the Professional Integrity System
(ii) Interface of PROFITS with other School of Nursing processes
(iii) Description of PROFITS elements
(iv) Definition of academic misconduct and abuse of academic resources
(v) Examples of academic misconduct and abuse of academic resources
(vi) Student responsibilities under PROFITS
(vii) Faculty and staff responsibilities under PROFITS
(viii) PROFITS Committee responsibilities
(ix) Other sources of information about PROFITS
(x) Current PROFITS committee membership
2. Educational programs will be offered by the PROFITS Committee for School of Nursing faculty and staff.
a. An annual educational program will be offered for new faculty
and staff as part of orientation; this program will be open to all
School of Nursing faculty and staff.
b. The following content will be included in these educational programs:
(i) Philosophy of the Professional Integrity System
(ii) Interface of PROFITS with other School of Nursing processes
(iii) Description of PROFITS elements
(iv) Definition of academic misconduct and abuse of academic resources
(v) Examples of how to apply the definitions in individual courses
(vi) Faculty and staff responsibilities under PROFITS
(vii) Student responsibilities under PROFITS
(viii) PROFITS Committee responsibilities
(ix) Other sources of information about PROFITS
(x) Current PROFITS committee membership
3. Educational programs will be supplemented with educational materials developed by the PROFITS committee.
a. Description of PROFITS Committee and PROFITS procedures will
be included in the student handbook as well as the faculty handbook.
b. A brochure describing the Professional Integrity System will be
distributed to all students at time of admission to the School of
Nursing.
c. A videotape including content as outlined above will be available
in the School of Nursing Student Affairs office.
Diagram: Timeline for Profits Investigation and Hearing Process (in PDF format)
B. Investigation and hearing of suspected misconduct – Behaviors described in sections IV. A. Academic misconduct, and IV. B. Abuse of academic resources, constitute an occurrence of suspected misconduct within the Professional Integrity System. If the student has a documented disability, the relevance of that disability will be considered in respect to the conduct or behavior that has precipitated the possible academic misconduct. Occurrences of suspected misconduct will be addressed using the following procedures. Every effort will be taken to process cases as expeditiously as possible by adhering to the time frames established in the following procedure.
1. Report of occurrence: Any person suspecting misconduct will report the incident in question to a member of the PROFITS Committee, either orally or in writing. Initial reports made by faculty, staff, and students of the School of Nursing must be made within 5 academic days from the day of detection. The PROFITS Committee member will inform the individual reporting the suspected misconduct that it will be necessary to disclose his/ her name to the student only if the investigation determines that a hearing is needed. When a faculty member reports an occurrence, he/ she cannot apply sanctions for any suspected occurrence. The PROFITS Committee chair will exercise discretion as to whether to proceed with an investigation when a report of suspected misconduct is received outside the usual reporting time.
PROFITS Committee members are responsible for reporting occurrences to the PROFITS Committee Chair within 1 academic day of receiving a report of an occurrence. The PROFITS Committee chair has the option of requesting a written statement of the occurrence from the person reporting. The PROFITS Committee Chair will appoint an investigator from among the faculty members on the Committee within 1 academic day. All data gathered by the investigator will be documented in writing. The investigator is charged to speak with the person reporting the occurrence, the student in question, and other individuals who may be involved directly. Confidentiality will be maintained in all cases. In cases where patient safety is a factor, identification of the student in question will be revealed strictly on a need– to– know basis. After data are gathered the investigator will meet with the committee chairperson to determine the need for a hearing.
2. The student in question will be notified by the PROFITS Committee Chair of the suspected misconduct within 1 academic day of receiving the report. Relevant evidence known to the chair and/ or investigator will be made available to the student being investigated. During the time of the investigation and pending a hearing the student is encouraged to continue attending class. The student may not drop a course to avoid investigation of alleged misconduct or imposition of sanction if it is found that misconduct occurred. Only if it is found that misconduct did not occur, or if the charges are dismissed, may the course be dropped following the regular procedures of the University.
3. The investigator and the PROFITS Committee Chair will meet as soon as possible, but not later than 5 academic days after the appointment of the investigator, to determine whether evidence is sufficient to require a hearing. If a hearing is to be held, the student in question will be notified, informed of the allegations, told the name of the person who reported the incident and given a copy of the investigators report. The student will be informed of the right to select an Advisor, call witnesses and/ or submit documentation. Each party will be notified of the date, time, and place of the hearing no later than 2 academic days prior to the hearing.
The person who reported the incident also will be informed that a hearing will be held, given a copy of the investigator's report, and informed of the right to select an Advisor. At this time PROFITS committee members will receive notice of hearing. If the PROFITS Committee Chair and the investigator determine there is insufficient evidence to bring the case to a hearing, the student will be notified by means of direct communication, either in writing or in person, within 2 academic days that the charge has been dismissed. All documented material related to the investigation will be destroyed and information about the investigation will remain confidential.
4. All cases will be heard by the PROFITS Committee within 15 academic days after the Chairperson and investigator determine there is sufficient evidence to hold a hearing. Cases not heard within this period will be dismissed, unless extraordinary circumstances prevent a hearing within the 15 academic days.
5. Without prior notification to the PROFITS Committee chair, failure to report to the hearing will result in the following action: Failure to appear on the part of the student in question: Decision is made based on that student's testimony given to the PROFITS Committee investigator during the investigation process. The right to further speak to the alleged misconduct or answer additional questions is waived. Failure to appear on the part of the individual who reported the occurrence: Dismissal of the case.
6. In instances where the student in question admits that he/ she committed the misconduct, the Committee will be given access to the investigator's report and will meet to recommend sanction( s).
7. The hearing will occur prior to any action being taken by the PROFITS Committee to recommend sanction. If the student in question denies committing the alleged misconduct, a hearing will be held to determine what misconduct, if any occurred and to recommend sanction.
8. If a hearing is to be held, representation by legal counsel is neither required nor encouraged. Should the student in question decide to be represented by an attorney, it will be necessary for the faculty member/ School of Nursing to be represented by University Counsel. Within 2 academic days of being told that a hearing will be held, the student must inform the PROFITS Committee Chairperson of his/ her decision to be represented by an attorney.
9. Witnesses
a. The student in question, the person who reported the incident and the PROFITS Committee are entitled to call witnesses.
b. The PROFITS Advisor may serve as a witness on behalf of the student in question.
c. Names of the persons who will testify will be presented to the PROFITS Committee chairperson following scheduling of a hearing and at least 7 academic days prior to the hearing date. The Committee chairperson will disclose all witnesses to the appropriate persons at least 5 academic days prior to the hearing.
d. All witnesses will appear in person to testify before the PROFITS Committee and are subject to cross examination by PROFITS Committee members and the student in question.
e. Facts pertaining to the case will not be shared with the witnesses by the Committee.
10. Hearing Procedures
a. The Hearing Panel will be comprised of the members of the PROFITS Committee excluding the member who served as the investigator for the case in question.
b. The hearing will at all times be presided over by the PROFITS Committee Chair. The individual presiding over the hearing will decide all questions of procedure, evidence, and conduct of the proceedings. He/ she will administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses and members of the Hearing Panel and may recess or adjourn the hearing, upon request of any Hearing Panel member, student, counsel, or his/ her own motion upon such terms and conditions as he/ she deems just. The student in question, the individual reporting the incident, or the PROFITS Committee Chair can request that a person duly licensed to practice Law in the State of Kansas, appointed by the University General Counsel for such purpose, preside over the hearing and serve as the Law member for the proceedings. When the student in question exercises the option for Legal Counsel, a person duly licensed to practice Law in the State of Kansas, appointed by the University General Counsel for such purpose, will preside over the hearing.
c. Prior to assuming its duties as a Hearing Panel, each member of the PROFITS Committee will swear or affirm to justly and fairly weigh the evidence and to cast his/ her vote based solely upon the evidence, testimony, and content of the hearing, and to follow the instructions of the individual presiding over the hearing.
d. The only persons allowed in closed hearings of the PROFITS Committee will be the student in question and his/ her PROFITS Advisor, the individual who reported the occurrence and his/ her PROFITS Advisor, witnesses while testifying, PROFITS Committee members, the individual presiding over the hearing, and Legal Counsel, when this option is exercised. The student in question and the individual who reported the occurrence each presents his/ her testimony. The student in question has the right to query the individual who reported the incident and the person reporting the incident has the right to query the student in question. The name of the individual who reported the occurrence will be known only to the chair of the PROFITS Committee, members of the PROFITS Committee, the student in question, and the PROFITS Advisor, and Legal Counsel when this option is exercised.
e. All testimony will be taken under oath or affirmation, administered by the individual presiding over the hearing. There will be a record made of the proceedings by certified short - Student hand reporter or such other mechanical means as lends itself to completeness, accuracy and security (e. g., tape recording, videotape). Upon written request therefore, any student finally aggrieved by an adverse decision of the Hearing Panel, may request and obtain a transcription of the proceedings, at his/ her own expense.
f. No student can be compelled to testify at any PROFITS Committee hearing nor to answer questions posed by the hearing panel; no inference can be drawn by the Hearing Panel against a student in question due to his/ her failure or refusal to testify or respond to questions.
g. After hearing all the evidence, testimony and any argument advanced on behalf of or against a student, the Hearing Panel will receive instructions from the individual presiding over the hearing. The instructions will be on the record and will be read as follows:
(i) The person( s) making any claim( s) or charge( s) against the student which, if true, constitutes misconduct warranting discipline, will carry the Burden of Proof. (Mandatory instruction in all cases.)
(ii) "Burden of Proof," for the purpose of this hearing, will mean that the Hearing Panel must be made to believe by a preponderance of the evidence, that the student has committed one or more of the claims or charges offered and that said claim(s) or charge(s) constitute misconduct warranting discipline. (Mandatory instruction in all cases.)
(iii) Therefore, if you believe that (name of student) has engaged in misconduct of the following nature: (list each claim or charge), then you will vote against the student on said claim or charge. If you do not believe misconduct has occurred, your vote will be in favor of the student upon such claim or charge, proceeding in like manner to each claim or charge until all are voted upon. (Mandatory instruction in all cases.)
h. After the instructions are given to the Hearing Panel by the individual presiding over the hearing, the Hearing Panel will deliberate in private. After voting and deliberations are complete, the Hearing Panel will adjourn.
11. Determination of whether or not the student committed the alleged misconduct will be made by vote of the committee members. The decision will be based on a simple majority of all present, eligible voting members. Only members of the PROFITS Committee who have heard all testimony concerning the case in question will vote. The Chair will not vote except in the event of a tie. When determining the number of votes needed for a simple majority, the base number will be determined by counting the total number of votes cast. Abstentions are not permitted. Voting will occur by secret ballot. Extenuating circumstances will not be considered in deciding whether or not the misconduct occurred.
12. There will be a separate vote by secret ballot on the recommended sanction. The sanction will be determined by a majority vote of those PROFITS Committee members eligible to vote on the case. The Chair will vote only in the case of a tie. Sanction options for academic misconduct or abuse of academic resources are defined in Article II, Section 6 of the Rules and Regulations of the University Senate, adapted by the School of Nursing to include abuse of academic resources.
a. Admonition: An oral statement that his or her present actions constitute academic misconduct or abuse of academic resources.
b. Warning: An oral or written statement that continuation or repetition, within a stated period, of actions which constitute academic misconduct or abuse of academic resources may be the cause for a more severe disciplinary sanction.
c. Censure: A written reprimand for actions which constitute academic misconduct or abuse of academic resources. Censure may include written warning.
d. Reduction of grade: Treating as unsatisfactory any work which is a product of academic misconduct or which was based upon the abuse of academic resources. Reduction of grade may include the awarding of an F in the course.
e. Disciplinary Probation: Exclusion from participation in a specified privileged or extracurricular activity for a period not exceeding 1 academic year.
f. Suspension: Exclusion from classes and other specified privileges or activities for a definite period not in excess of 2 academic years.
g. Expulsion: Termination of student status for an indefinite period. The conditions of readmission, if any, will be stated in the order of expulsion. "Extenuating circumstances" may be deemed acceptable grounds for deviation by the PROFITS Committee or the PROFITS Appeals Committee from these sanctions. Students who admit to misconduct may appear before the PROFITS Committee to request a deviation from standard sanctions.
13. Typical recommended sanction includes lowering the grade for a project, but may be more or less severe according to the circumstances of the case.
14. Findings from the hearings will be forwarded to the Dean of the School of Nursing by the PROFITS Committee Chairperson within 2 academic days after the recommendation(s) have been formulated. Findings will include the Committee's decision of whether or not academic misconduct was committed. If the committee finds that academic misconduct was committed, they also will recommend one or more sanctions to the Dean, who will make a final determination of the sanction(s) to be imposed and will notify the student.
15. Formal written notification of the Dean's decision will be sent to the student from the Office of the Dean within 10 academic days by certified or registered mail. The Dean will notify the hearing chair of the decision in writing using the most expeditious means available (first class mail, campus mail, hand delivered, etc.) If the sanction is relevant to the person reporting the occurrence, the Dean will also notify that individual.
16. All data from the investigation and hearings are confidential. Except for the investigator assigned to collect data related to a reported incident, members of the PROFITS Committee will not discuss cases with anyone not connected with the PROFITS Committee. During the investigation, the investigator will maintain confidentiality during all contacts to collect data. Breaches of confidentiality will result in immediate dismissal from the PROFITS Committee. Witnesses and PROFITS Advisors also will be bound by confidentiality. All records and evidence from the hearing, including notes taken by individual Hearing Panel members, will be collected by the PROFITS Committee Chairperson before the Hearing Panel disbands. These materials will be secured in the Office of Student Affairs for 5 years.
17. The PROFITS Committee Chair will notify the individual who reported the incident that an investigation has been conducted and that appropriate action has been taken following the decision.
C. Appeals
1. Appeals of the Dean's decision may be made to the Appeals Committee. A student may appeal either the finding that misconduct occurred or the sanction.
2. The Dean's decision is binding unless the student files an appeal with the Appeals Committee within 10 academic days from the date of the written notification of the Dean's decision.
3. All appeals will be considered as expeditiously as possible after receiving the written request for an appeal.
4. Appeals must be based on and sustained on the grounds that the decision was arbitrary and capricious. When filing an appeal the student will state with specificity why he/ she believes the decision was arbitrary and capricious.
5. An Appeals Committee, consisting of the following members, will be established to hear appeals to the outcomes of PROFITS hearings when brought forward by students.
a. Two faculty, appointed by the School of Nursing Steering Committee, will be appointed at the end of the academic year following regular School of Nursing Committee Elections. Two alternates also will be designated should the appointed faculty have a conflict of interest. Length of appointment: Two years with option to succeed oneself for one additional term.
b. Two junior students, elected by the undergraduate students in April, will serve from Stop Day, Spring Semester, of their junior year to Stop Day, Spring Semester, of their senior year. Two alternates also will be designated should the elected students have a conflict of interest.
c. One graduate student, elected by the graduate students during the spring election, will serve for the length of their tenure in the graduate nursing program, but no more than three years as long as they maintain good academic standing, as defined by School of Nursing program policy. One alternate also will be designated should the elected student have a conflict of interest.
d. Members of the PROFITS Committee, PROFITS Advisors, and individuals
involved in the alleged incident will not be eligible to serve on
the Appeals Committee.
6. An Appeals hearing will be conducted as follows:
a. The hearing will at all times, be presided over by an Appeals Committee Chair. The person presiding over the hearing will decide all questions of procedure, evidence, and conduct of the proceedings. He/ she may recess or adjourn the hearing, upon request of any Appeals Committee member, student, counselor, or his/ her own motion upon such terms and conditions as he/ she deems just. The student in question or the PROFITS Committee Chair can request that a person duly licensed to practice Law in the State of Kansas, appointed by the University General Counsel for such purpose, preside over the hearing and serve as Law Member for the proceedings. When the student in question exercises the option for Legal Counsel, a person duly licensed to practice Law in the State of Kansas, appointed by the University General Counsel for such purpose, will preside over the hearing.
b. The student in question or his/ her PROFITS Advisor will present the reason for appeal to the Appeals Committee.
c. The Appeals Committee will review the materials and testimony from the original PROFITS Committee hearing.
d. The Appeals Committee will address relevant questions to the student in question.
e. In private, the Appeals Committee will discuss the information presented.
f. The Appeals Committee will vote on whether appeal meets stated grounds (see V. C. 4.). A simple majority is required.
g. If appeal meets grounds, the Appeals Committee will vote on whether to modify or reverse the decision made by the Dean. A simple majority vote is required.
7. The Appeals Committee has the sole power within the School of Nursing to modify or reverse a decision of the Dean.
D. Evaluation – Evaluation of the System will be conducted by the PROFITS Committee on a regular basis (frequency to be determined).
E. Revisions – Procedures and policies outlined in this document are subject to change.
NOTE: This appeals process will be in effect subject to the implementation of the all-university appeal procedure.
Adopted: 4-28-95
Revised 1-26-98, 3-29-99, 3-27-00, 1-26-04
SCHOOL OF NURSING NON-ACADEMIC
MISCONDUCT
Diagram: Timeline
chart for Investgation and Hearing Process(in PDF format)
I. Definition. Students and nursing student organizations are expected
to conduct themselves as responsible and professional members of the
University community. Non-Academic misconduct includes any violation
of the University policy on prevention of alcohol abuse and drug use
on campus and in the workplace as well as any other published University
policies applicable to nursing students. While on University premises
or at University sponsored or supervised events, students and organizations
are subject to disciplinary action for violations of published policies,
rules, and regulations of the University and Regents, and for the
following offenses:
NOTE: The relevancy of a documented disability will be considered in respect to the conduct or behavior that has precipitated the possible nonacademic misconduct. Any nonacademic conduct that may involve behavior rising to the level of illegal discrimination or harassment must be reported to the Equal Opportunity Office.
A. Offenses Against Persons. Include but are not limited to: An offense against a person may be committed when a student:
1. Threatens the physical health of another person; places another person in serious bodily harm; uses physical force in a manner that endangers the health, welfare, or safety of another person; or willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or attempts to make unwanted contact with another person (students, patients, visitors, faculty, staff, co-workers).
2. Exhibits inappropriate sexual behaviors with students, patients, visitors, faculty, staff, or co-workers.
3. Engages in hazing of another person for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or continuation of membership in any organization operating under the sanction of the University. "Hazing" includes, but is not limited to, any action, activity, or situation that recklessly, negligently, or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health, welfare, or safety of a person, exposes a person to extreme embarrassment, or involves personal servitude. It is presumed that hazing is a forced activity regardless of the apparent willingness of an individual to participate in the activity.
4. Possesses or carries any firearm, weapon, or explosive on University premises.
5. Falsely reports a bomb, fire, or other emergency.
B. Offenses Against Property. Include but are not limited to: An offense against property may be committed when a student:
1. Knowingly and without proper consent or authorization has in his or her possession the property of another person, the University, or any clinical site.
2. Knowingly and without proper consent or authorization removes, uses, misappropriates, or sells the property of another person, the University, or any clinical site.
3. Willfully or maliciously damages or destroys property owned or in the possession of another person, the University, or any clinical site.
4. Obtains the property of another person by misrepresentation or fraudulent means.
5. Misuses, damages, or alters any fire fighting or other safety equipment.
6. Enters the facilities of, or uses the property of another person, the University, or any clinical site without proper consent or authorization.
7. Knowingly, and without proper payment, uses the services of the University or any clinical site that require payment of a charge.
C. Offenses Against the Orderly Process of The University. An offense against the orderly process of the University may be committed when:
1. A student intentionally causes or attempts to cause a substantial disruption or obstruction of classroom or clinical teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other University learning activities, or other authorized, permitted, or constitutionally protected activities on University premises, including employment, recruitment, and public service functions.
2. A student or applicant knowingly furnishes false information to the University, faculty, or staff; or a student, applicant, or former student forges, alters, misrepresents, or misuses University documents, records, or instruments of identification.
D. Offenses by a Student Organization or Campus Organization. Organizations may be held responsible for conduct in accordance with guidelines established for individual students. Organizations may be held responsible for their conduct determined to be a recognized group activity regardless of location (on or off University premises) or University supervision or sponsorship. Organizations may be sanctioned in a manner suitable to circumstances, similar to those outlined for individual students.
E. Other Offenses. Include but not limited to:
1. Conviction of a felony.
2. Substance abuse
a. Being impaired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
while in clinical settings or on University premises.
b. Non-compliance with Impaired Student Assistance policy and/or agreements/contracts
associated to it.
c. Substance abuse in this policy does not include the unimpaired
individual using a controlled substance pursuant to a valid prescription.
3. Unprofessional dress.
4. Missing clinical experience without notice.
II. Advisors
A. The purpose of the Advisor is to provide advice to a student or organization (the word student will be used in remainder of document, but also will imply organization) suspected of non-academic misconduct, or to the person who reported the misconduct. The Advisor will serve as advisory counsel in regard to procedural issues relating directly to the allegation. The Advisor will have an obligation of confidentiality. The Advisor may be any faculty member in the School of Nursing, except members of the SAP Committee.
B. The Student Admissions and Progressions (SAP) Committee Chair will notify the student and the person who reported the misconduct of the right to select a faculty advisor of his/ her choosing. It is the individual's responsibility to contact the advisor and obtain his/ her consent to serve as advisor.
C. Advisors, at the request of the individual they are assisting, will be allowed to attend the hearing and be present during testimony before the SAP Committee and the Appeals Committee. Advisors cannot be present during the SAP Committee or Appeals Committee discussion and decision. Advisors are not permitted to present testimony at any time during the hearing.
III. Investigation and hearing of suspected non-academic misconduct -Behaviors described in sections I. A. through I. E. constitute an occurrence of suspected misconduct. Occurrences of suspected misconduct will be addressed using the following procedures. Every effort will be taken to process cases as expeditiously as possible by adhering to the time frames established in the following procedure.
A. Report of occurrence: Any person suspecting misconduct will report the incident in question to a member of the SAP Committee, either orally or in writing. Initial reports made by faculty, staff, and students of the School of Nursing must be made within 5 academic days from the day of detection. The SAP Committee member will inform the individual reporting the suspected misconduct that it will be necessary to disclose his/her name to the student in question during the investigation. When a faculty member reports an occurrence, he/ she cannot apply sanctions for any suspected occurrence. The SAP Committee chair will exercise discretion as to whether to proceed with an investigation when a report of suspected misconduct is received outside the usual reporting time.
SAP Committee members are responsible for reporting suspected occurrences to the SAP Committee Chair within 1 academic day of receiving a report of an occurrence. The SAP Committee Chair will appoint an investigator from among the faculty members on the Committee within 1 academic day. All data gathered by the investigator will be documented in writing. The investigator is charged to speak with the person reporting the occurrence, the student in question, and other individuals who may be involved directly. Confidentiality will be maintained in all cases. In cases where a patient is involved, identification of the student in question will be revealed to the University or clinical site strictly on a need-to- know basis. After data are gathered, the investigator will meet with the committee chairperson to determine the need for a hearing.
B. The student in question will be notified by the SAP Committee Chair of the suspected misconduct within 1 academic day of receiving the report. Relevant evidence known to the investigator will be made available to the student being investigated. During the time of investigation and pending a hearing the student is encouraged to continue attending class. The student may not drop a course to avoid investigation of alleged misconduct or imposition of a sanction if it is found that misconduct occurred. Only if it is found that misconduct did not occur, or if the charges are dismissed, may the course be dropped following the regular procedures of the University.
C. The investigator and the SAP Committee Chair will meet as soon as possible, but not later than 5 academic days after the appointment of the investigator, to determine whether evidence is sufficient to require a hearing by the SAP Committee or if the alleged occurrence shall be referred to other established procedures within the university: Impaired Student Assistance Program in the School of Nursing; Alcohol and Drug Use Policy, Policy and Prevention Concerning Sexual Assault, Policy on Sexual Harassment, Policy on Racial and Ethnic Harassment.
If a hearing is to be held by SAP Committee, the student in question will be notified, informed of the allegations, told the name of the person who reported the incident, given a copy of the investigator's report, and be informed of the right to select an Advisor. The person who reported the incident also will be informed that a hearing will be held, given a copy of the investigator's report, and informed of the right to select an Advisor. Each party will be notified of the date, time, and place of the hearing no later than 5 academic days after the investigator and chair meet. At this time SAP committee members will receive notice of the hearing. If the alleged misconduct is referred to other established procedures of the University, the student will be notified of this no later than 5 academic days after the investigator and chair meet.
If the SAP Committee Chair and the investigator determine there is
insufficient evidence to bring the case to a hearing, the student
will be notified by means of direct communication, either in writing
or in person within 5 academic days that the charge has been dismissed.
All documented material related to the investigation will be destroyed
and information about the investigation will remain confidential.
D. All cases will be heard by the SAP Committee within 20 academic days after the Chairperson and investigator determine there is sufficient evidence to hold a hearing. Cases not heard within this period will be dismissed, unless extenuating circumstances prevent a hearing within the 20 academic days.
E. Without prior notification to the SAP Committee chair, failure to report to the hearing will result in the following action:
1. Failure to appear on the part of the student in question: Decision
is made based on that student's testimony given to the SAP Committee
investigator during the investigation process. The right to further
speak to the alleged misconduct or answer additional questions is
waived.
2. Failure to appear on the part of the individual who reported the
occurrence: Dismissal of the case.
F. The hearing will occur prior to any action being taken by the SAP Committee to recommend sanction. If the student in question admits that he/ she committed the alleged misconduct, the hearing will be held to determine recommended sanctions. The student in question will appear before the SAP Committee unless he/ she waives this right. In instances where the student in question admits that he/ she committed the misconduct, the Committee will be given access to the investigator's report.
G. If a hearing is to be held, representation by legal counsel is neither required nor encouraged. Should the student in question decide to be represented by an attorney, it will be necessary for the faculty member/ School of Nursing to be represented by University Counsel. Within 2 academic days of being notified that a hearing will be held, the student must inform the SAP Committee Chairperson of his/ her decision to be represented by an attorney.
H. The student in question and the person reporting the incident are entitled to call witnesses. The Advisor may serve as a witness on behalf of the student in question. Names of persons who will testify will be presented to the SAP Committee chairperson by the student in question and the person who reported the incident following scheduling of a hearing and at least 10 academic days prior to the hearing date. The SAP Committee chairperson will disclose all witnesses to the appropriate persons at least 8 academic days prior to the hearing. All witnesses will appear in person to testify before the SAP Committee and are subject to cross examination by SAP Committee members, the person who reported the incident, and the student in question. Facts pertaining to the case will not be shared with the witnesses by the Committee.
I. Hearing Procedures
1. The Hearing Panel will be comprised of the members (faculty and
students) of the SAP Committee excluding the member who served as
the investigator for the case in question.
If the involved parties or the accused student perceives that there is a potential conflict of interest with any member of SAP Committee, a specific written declaration of this potential conflict of interest should be presented to the Chair of SAP Committee. If the Chair of SAP Committee agrees about the potential conflict of interest, he/ she shall appoint a replacement from the appropriate category (student representative or faculty member of the committee). If the involved parties or the accused student perceives that there is a potential conflict of interest with the Chair of SAP Committee, a specific written declaration of this potential conflict of interest should be presented to the Chair of School of Nursing Faculty Steering Committee. If the Chair of Faculty Steering Committee agrees about the potential conflict of interest, he/ she shall appoint a replacement.
2. The hearing will at all times be presided over by a person duly licensed to practice law in the State of Kansas, appointed by the University General Counsel for such purpose, unless waived by the accused student. The Law Member will decide all questions of procedure, evidence, and conduct of the proceedings. He/ she will administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses and members of the Hearing Panel and may recess or adjourn the hearing, upon request of any Hearing Panel member, student, counsel, or his/her own motion upon such terms and conditions as he/ she deems just. If the accused student waives the option to have a Law Member preside over the hearing, the SAP Committee chair will assume all of the above responsibilities. The administration of oaths/affirmations will be as follows: "Do you as Hearing Panel members swear or affirm to justly and fairly weigh the evidence and to cast your vote based solely upon the evidence, testimony, and content of the hearing, and to follow the instructions of the Chair?" (Per recommendation of legal counsel.)
3. Prior to assuming its duties as a Hearing Panel, each member of the SAP Committee will swear or affirm to justly and fairly weigh the evidence and to cast his/ her vote based solely upon the evidence, testimony, and content of the hearing, and to follow the instructions of the Law Member.
4. The only persons allowed in closed hearings of the SAP Committee will be the student in question and his/ her Advisor (for an organization, the organization may be represented by 2 student members, and these students may be accompanied by an advisor), the individual(s) who reported the occurrence, witnesses while testifying, SAP Committee members, the court reporter, the Law Member, and Legal Counsel, when this option is exercised. The student in question and the individual(s) who reported the occurrence each presents his/ her testimony. The student in question has the right to question the individual(s) who reported the incident. The name of the individual(s) who reported the occurrence will be known only to the chair of the SAP Committee, members of the SAP Committee, the student in question, and the Advisor, and Legal Counsel when this option is exercised.
5. All testimony will be taken under oath or affirmation, administered by the Law Member or SAP Committee chair if the Law Member option was waived by the student. There will be a record made of the proceedings by certified shorthand reporter or such other mechanical means as lends itself to completeness, accuracy and security (e. g., tape recording, videotape). Upon written request therefore, any student finally aggrieved by an adverse decision of the Hearing Panel, may request and obtain a transcription of the proceedings, at his/ her own expense.
The process of the hearing agenda will progress as follows:
1. Opening remarks by chair
a. Purpose of convening to hear accusation of non-academic misconduct
brought by ___, against ___.
b. Official record of proceedings will be the tape recording (or other
method of recording)
2. Introductions
a. State name, role (accused student, advisor, individual reporting,
committee member) and level (graduate, undergraduate)
3. Due Process (Chair to explain exhaustion of steps leading to the
hearing phase.)
4. Procedure (Chair to explain items below.)
a. Role of the chair
b. May consult with Manager, Office of Student Affairs
c. May consult with legal counsel
d. Witnesses present only during testimony
e. Individual reporting not required to give testimony or evidence.
5. Conflict of interest (Chair to ask, "For the record, does
any party have a conflict of interest with any member of the SAP Committee?"
6. Statement of confidentiality to be read to each new party to the
hearing
7. Chair to ask about any questions before hearing the accusation
of non-academic misconduct.
8. Presentation of the accusation and testimony by individual reporting.
9. Questioning of individual reporting by accused student.
10. Questioning of individual reporting by SAP Committee.
11. Testimony of witnesses for the individual reporting.
12. Questioning of witnesses for the individual reporting by the accused
student.
13. Questioning of individual reporting by SAP Committee.
14. Chair dismisses each witness and calls for the next.
15. Presentation of testimony by accused student if desired (optional).
16. Questioning of accused student by individual reporting.
17. Questioning of accused student by SAP Committee.
18. Testimony of witnesses for the accused student.
19. Questioning of witnesses for the accused student by the individual
reporting.
20. Questioning of witnesses for the accused student by SAP Committee.
21. Presentation of counter evidence by individual reporting (optional)
22. Presentation of counter evidence by accused student (optional)
23. Any hearing panel member may ask final questions (if any) of either
party, if desired.
24. Summary by individual reporting.
25. Summary by accused student.
26. Closure of hearing by the Chairperson. Includes reading 7a, 7b,
7c, J., K., L., M., and paragraph #2 of N. of Non-Academic Misconduct
policy.
6. No student can be compelled to testify at any SAP Committee hearing nor to answer questions posed by the hearing panel; no inference can be drawn by the Hearing Panel against a potential student witness due to his/ her failure or refusal to testify or respond to questions.
7. After hearing all the evidence, testimony and any argument advanced
on behalf of or against a student, the Hearing Panel will receive
instructions from the Law Member (or SAP Committee chair). The instructions
will be on the record and will be read as follows:
(a) The person(s) making any claim(s) or charge(s) against the student
which, if true, constitutes misconduct warranting discipline, will
carry the Burden of Proof. (Mandatory instruction in all cases.)
(b) "Burden of Proof," for the purpose of this hearing,
will mean that the Hearing Panel must be made to believe by a preponderance
of the evidence, that the student has committed one or more of the
claims or charges offered and that said claim(s) or charge(s) constitute
misconduct warranting discipline. (Mandatory instruction in all cases.)
(c) Therefore, if you believe that (name of student) has engaged in
misconduct of the following nature: (list each claim or charge), then
you will vote against the student on said claim or charge. If you
do not believe misconduct has occurred, your vote will be in favor
of the student upon such claim or charge, proceeding in like manner
to each claim or charge until all are voted upon. (Mandatory instruction
in all cases.)
8. After the instructions are given to the Hearing Panel by the Law Member (or SAP Committee chair), the Hearing Panel will deliberate in private. The hearing panel may consult with legal counsel during deliberations if needed. If a Law Member chaired the Hearing Panel, then after voting and deliberations are complete, the Hearing Panel will notify the Law Member who shall rejoin the hearing and receive the decision of the panel.
J. Determination of whether or not the student committed the alleged misconduct will be made by vote of the committee members. The decision will be based on a simple majority of all present, eligible voting members. Only members of the SAP Committee who have heard all testimony concerning the case in question will vote. The Chair will not vote except in the event of a tie. When determining the number of votes needed for a simple majority, the base number will be determined by counting the total number of votes cast. Abstentions are not permitted. Voting will occur by secret ballot. Extenuating circumstances will not be considered in deciding whether or not the misconduct occurred.
K. There will be a separate vote by secret ballot on the recommended
sanction. When appropriate more than one sanction may be imposed.
The sanction will be determined by a majority vote of those SAP Committee
members eligible to vote on the case. The Chair will vote only in
the case of a tie. Sanction options in order of increasing severity
for non-academic misconduct are:
1. Warning: Notice in writing that continuation or repetition of conduct
found wrongful, within a period of time stated in the warning, may
be the cause for more severe disciplinary action.
2. Restitution: Reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of property. This may take the form of appropriate service or other compensation.
3. Fine. A money payment to a designated University fund.
4. Disciplinary Probation: Disciplinary probation shall have as its purpose the rehabilitation of the student or organization and may include suspension of specified privileges for a definite period not to exceed two years. Disciplinary probation also may require the student or organization to participate in specified activities, including one counseling information session, or may prescribe any program that is deemed just and fair under the circumstances of the case. The authority imposing this sanction (SAP Committee) may assign any qualified person within the University community, other than an undergraduate student, to act as a probation supervisor. The probation supervisor should report periodically to the appointing authority. If the probation supervisor should report that the student is not fulfilling probation requirements, the case will be reviewed by the SAP Committee, who may recommend additional sanctions.
5. Campus/ Community Service: Students or organizations may be required to complete a specified number of service hours to an identified campus or community agency. The authority imposing this sanction (SAP Committee) may assign any qualified person to serve as the service supervisor. If the service supervisor should report that the student or organization has not fulfilled the service requirements, the case will be reviewed as in III.
6. Student Suspension: Exclusion from University privileges and activities as set out in the order after a hearing for a definite period not to exceed two years. The conditions of re-admission shall be stated in the order of suspension.
7. Organization Suspension: Exclusion from University privileges and activities as set out in the order after a hearing for a definite period not to exceed two years. The conditions of reinstatement shall be stated in the order of suspension.
8. Student Expulsion: Termination of student status for a minimum of 2 years. The conditions of readmission, if any, shall be stated in the order of expulsion.
9. Removal of Organization Registration: Termination of registered organizational status for a minimum of 2 years. The conditions of re-authorization of organizational registration, if any, shall be stated in the order of removal of registration.
"Extenuating circumstances" may be deemed acceptable grounds for deviation by the SAP Committee or the Appeals Committee from these sanctions. Students or organizations who admit to misconduct may appear before the SAP Committee to request a deviation from standard sanctions.
L. Findings from the hearings will be forwarded to the Dean of the School of Nursing by the SAP Committee Chairperson within 2 academic days after the recommendation(s) have been formulated. Findings will include the Committee's decision of whether or not non-academic misconduct was committed. If the committee finds that non-academic misconduct was committed, they also will recommend one or more sanctions to the Dean, who will make a final determination of the sanction(s) to be imposed and will notify the student.
M. Formal written notification of the Dean's decision will be sent to the student from the office of the Dean within 10 academic days by certified mail.
N. All data from the investigation and hearings are confidential. Except for the investigator assigned to collect data related to a reported incident, members of the SAP Committee will not discuss cases with anyone not connected with the SAP Committee. During the investigation, the investigator will maintain confidentiality during all contacts to collect data. Breaches of confidentiality will result in immediate dismissal from the SAP Committee. Witnesses and Advisors also will be bound by confidentiality.
All records and evidence from the hearing, including notes taken by individual Hearing Panel members, will be collected by the SAP Committee Chairperson before the Hearing Panel disbands. These materials will be secured in the Office of Student Affairs for 8 years.
O. The SAP Committee Chair will notify the individual who reported the incident that an investigation has been conducted and that appropriate action has been taken following the decision.
IV. Appeals
A. Appeals of the Dean's decision may be made to the Appeals Committee.
A student may appeal either the finding that non-academic misconduct
occurred or may appeal the sanction.
B. The Dean's decision is binding unless the student files an appeal with the Appeals Committee within 10 academic days from the date of the written notification of the Dean's decision.
C. All appeals will be considered as expeditiously as possible after receiving the written request for an appeal.
D. Appeals must be based on and sustained on the grounds that the decision was arbitrary and capricious. When filing an appeal the student will state with specificity why he/she believes the decision was arbitrary and capricious.
E. An Appeals Committee, consisting of the following members, will
be established to hear appeals to the outcomes of hearings when brought
forward by students.
1. Three faculty, one of whom will be designated as chair, will be
appointed by the School of Nursing Steering Committee at the beginning
of the academic year. Two alternates also will be designated should
the appointed faculty have a conflict of interest.
2. One undergraduate and one graduate student appointed by the School
of Nursing Steering Committee at the beginning of the academic year.
Two alternates will be designated should the appointed students have
a conflict of interest.
3. Members of the SAP Committee, the Advisor, and individuals involved
in the alleged incident will not be eligible to serve on the Appeals
Committee.
F. An Appeals hearing will be conducted as follows:
1. The hearing will at all times, be presided over by a person duly
licensed to practice law in the State of Kansas, appointed by the
University General Counsel for such purpose, unless waived by the
accused student. The Law Member will decide all questions of procedure,
evidence, and conduct of the proceedings. He/ she may recess or adjourn
the hearing, upon request of any Appeals Committee member, student,
counselor, or his/ her own motion upon such terms and conditions as
he/ she deems just.
2. The student in question or his/her Advisor will present the reason for appeal to the Appeals Committee.
3. Members of the SAP Committee who are called to testify before the Appeals Committee will be allowed to review the records and evidence on the original hearing and deliberations before testimony is given.
4. The Appeals Committee will review the materials and testimony from the original SAP Committee hearing.
5. The Appeals Committee will address relevant questions to the student in question.
6. In private, the Appeals Committee will discuss the information presented.
7. The Appeals Committee will vote on whether appeal meets stated grounds (see IV. D). A simple majority is required.
8. If appeal meets grounds, the Appeals Committee will vote on whether to modify or reverse the decision made by the Dean. A simple majority vote is required.
G. The Appeals Committee has the sole power within the School of Nursing to modify or reverse a decision of the Dean.
V. Revisions - Procedures and policies outlined in this document
are subject to change.
Implemented 8-97 Revised 3-29-99 Revised 11-26-01
GRADUATE PROGRAMS (MASTER'S AND DOCTORAL)
The following information is provided as an overview of the graduate
nursing program. For more detailed information, consult the Graduate
Studies and Research section of this handbook and the current issue
of PhD in Nursing Student Manual, available from the School of Nursing
Student Affairs Office.
ACADEMICS
Graduate Nursing Student Orientation
Orientation will occur during enrollment for the fall and spring
semesters. Students admitted in the summer will be oriented during
the week of fall enrollment. Students will receive a letter regarding
orientation activities. The coordination of these activities is done
in the School of Nursing Office of Student Affairs. The purposes of
orientation include:
1. Students obtain packets of information related to the program.
2. Students complete forms necessary for enrollment.
3. Students receive an overview of the mission of the University of
Kansas Medical Center, the Graduate School, the Master of Science
in Nursing Program, and the Ph. D. in Nursing Program.
4. Students get acquainted with each other, the campus and faculty
members.
ADVISING— Master of Science in
Nursing Program/Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing The student will be
assigned an academic advisor by the Associate Dean, Student Affairs
when she/ he is admitted to the Master of Science in Nursing Program.
Each student will be sent a letter giving the name and phone number
of her/ his advisor. It is recommended that students contact the academic
advisor at their earliest convenience. Functions of the academic advisor
include the following:
1. Long range planning with the student for the program of studies
for the Master of Science in Nursing degree.
2. Short range planning: i. e., petition for waiver of credit; transfer
of credit; independent study; defining clinical and academic needs
with student.
3. Acting as a support person or referring the student to special
services as indicated.
4. Being aware of honors and awards available and eligibility requirements.
5. Being aware of financial assistance and eligibility. If the student
wishes to change academic advisors, she/ he may do so by obtaining
the consent of the faculty member chosen and by reporting the request
in writing to the Associate Dean, Student Affairs. If the student
wishes to change major tracks, she/ he must complete a Change of Major
form and submit career goals in writing to the Office of Student Affairs.
Notification of approval or denial of the request will be forwarded
to the student.
Students should have no doubt as to their academic standing and should not hesitate to approach the appropriate graduate faculty members for information on their academic standing and counsel. In each course, the instructor will be glad to discuss the student's work with her/ him. The Associate Dean, Student Affairs, the Associate Dean, Academic Affairs, or the Dean of the School of Nursing are available for consultation regarding more general questions. An appointment may be necessary.
ARTIFICIAL NAILS AND EXTENDERS POLICY (Implemented Spring 2004)
For all clinical settings: Because artificial nails and extenders have been found to harbor pathogenic organisms and have been implicated in the transmissions of organisms to patients, students who are providing direct patient care may not wear artificial fingernails or extenders and must keep fingernails trimmed to ¼ inch above each finger in keeping with Association for Professionals in Infection Control standards. These standards have been adopted by the majority of hospitals and health agencies where KU students are assigned for clinical practice.
Nursing faculty supervising students will monitor this policy, however,
the clinical agency will also monitor this policy as it involves the
safety of their patients.
GRADES
The basic grading system in the Graduate School is an A, B, C,
D, F, system, where A designates above-average graduate work; B, average
graduate work; C, passing but not average graduate work; D and F,
failing graduate work. (D and F work does not, of course, count toward
a degree.)
The letter P is used in this system only to indicate participation in thesis, dissertation, and research enrollments directly related to thesis or dissertation, or in the first semester enrollment of a two semester sequence course. When the student's performance is considerably above or below expectations in research enrollments directly related to thesis or dissertation, with permission of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, instructors may assign a letter grade (A, B, C, D, or F). Upon completion of thesis or dissertation, as evidenced by the presentation of a thesis or dissertation, a letter grade (A, B, C, D, or F) shall be reported by the instructor for the last term of thesis or dissertation hour( s) in which the student was enrolled. This grade is to be based largely on the final product. The I grade is not appropriate for enrollment in thesis, dissertation, and research and will not be accepted.
Probationary Policy
If a student falls below a 3.0 GPA in any semester or term, that
student will be placed on academic probation. The student attending
full-time (9 semester credits) must attain an overall B average in
the next semester of full-time enrollment in order to be removed from
probation. Part-time students will be evaluated at the end of each
subsequent semester to determine their progress toward raising the
overall GPA to 3.0. No more than the equivalent of a semester of full-time
study will be allowed on probation. Students admitted on probation
will be removed from probation upon completion of the first 9 hours
if the overall GPA is above 3.0. If the GPA is below 3.0, the student
will face academic dismissal.
Provisional Policy
An applicant may be admitted as a provisional graduate student
when either the quality or kind of his or her undergraduate preparation
is deficient, i. e., the student's undergraduate grade-point average
is below 2.75 or the student has not met the prerequisites to do graduate
work in the department or program to which he or she has applied.
After the equivalent of one semester of full-time study as a provisional
graduate student, the department or program in which the student is
enrolled reviews his or her performance and recommends that the student
be
(1) transferred to regular status or
(2) dropped from the Graduate School or
(3) allowed to continue the equivalent of another semester as a provisional
student. It is ordinarily expected that provisional status will not
exceed two semesters. The transfer from provisional status is not
automatic as it is in the case of probationary status.
Incompletes
For enrollments other than thesis, dissertation, or research,
the letter I is used to indicate coursework that has been of passing
quality, some part of which is, for good reason, unfinished. The grade
of I for graduate courses shall remain unchanged on the student's
record except that should the student subsequently complete the coursework,
the instructor would then change the I to a letter grade, i. e., A,
B, C, D, or F. In addition, the School of Nursing has established
a policy that a student in the Master of Science in Nursing Program
or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program has a maximum of one year
from the time she/ he receives an I in a nursing course to complete
the requirements for the course and receive a grade for the course.
The instructor has the prerogative to require a shorter time for completion
of the requirements. If the student wishes to receive credit for a
course incomplete for longer than 1 year, the student then must enroll
and repeat the coursework. Any exception to this rule would be determined
by petition to the Student Admission and Progression Committee. The
student should inquire with departments outside the School of Nursing
regarding their policies for incomplete coursework, because those
policies may differ.
Repetition of graduate courses
For students in the graduate nursing program, one required course
(nursing and non-nursing) may be repeated only one time, if necessary,
to earn the minimum grade of "C" or "S". Failure to earn a minimum
grade of "C" or "S" in two courses or one repeated course will result
in the student's dismissal from the graduate nursing program.
Graduate School Policies
The official statement of policies regarding Graduate School programs,
faculty, and students is in the Graduate School catalog. The graduate
student is responsible for being acquainted with this information.
Current copies may be obtained from the KUMC Graduate Studies Office,
5015 Wescoe or on-line. In addition, consult the School of Graduate
Studies & Research section of this handbook. This information
should be read and available for reference by the student. The following
are some of the current policies which may be of interest.
ENROLLMENT IN GRADUATE COURSES
Graduate work is considerably more demanding and involves much more
independent investigation than undergraduate study. The School regards
9 credit hours as the normal desirable full-time load in a fall or
spring semester; a comparable load in a summer session would be 6
hours.
Required enrollment: Every student doing research must be enrolled
in NRSG 898 Research Application in Nursing or in NRSG 899 "Thesis"
or NRSG 990 or NRSG 999 "Dissertation" when expecting to have consultation
with the major advisor. Usually, one would expect to do this on a
continuous basis until completion. The student must be enrolled during
the semester in which the thesis or project is defended. Doctoral
students must be enrolled continuously.
RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS for the
Master of Science in Nursing Program
Forty to forty-seven hours are required for completion of the requirements
for the Master of Science in Nursing degree. Thirty hours of resident
work must be completed at the University of Kansas. Six hours of transferred
graduate credit may be applied toward the total number of hours needed
to complete the degree. Only work graded A or B may be transferred.
The University of Kansas does not accept the transfer of credit from
other institutions for graduate-level courses completed in institutes
and workshops.
Students planning to transfer graduate credit from other institutions must secure advance approval from the Office of Student Affairs, School of Nursing. After the coursework is finished, the student then submits an official transcript to the Associate Dean, Student Affairs, School of Nursing, showing the work completed elsewhere with a written request to transfer credits.
In cases where the student has completed graduate level coursework elsewhere which cannot be transferred, the student may request a waiver of the requirement which that coursework fulfills. However, for Master's students, additional coursework will be required so that the minimum of 30 hours of KU coursework can be met. See the Associate Dean, Student Affairs for details.
TIME LIMITS
Students have 7 years in which to complete the requirements for the
Master of Science in Nursing degree and 8 years to complete the Ph.
D. in Nursing degree. Extension of the limit may be granted in exceptional
circumstances for up to 1 year at a time by the Graduate Division
of a student's school or college upon receipt of a satisfactorily
documented petition from the student and a letter of support from
the thesis or dissertation advisor. If the program is not completed
within the time limit and an extension has not been granted, those
courses which are over 7 or 8 years old must be repeated. If, for
any reason, a master's student is unable to enroll in coursework in
any semester or summer session, the student must notify the Office
of Student Affairs. In some circumstances, a leave of absence may
be appropriate.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
A graduate student may petition the Graduate Division through the
department for a leave of absence during either the pre-or post-comprehensive
period to pursue full-time professional activities related to the
student's graduate program and long-range professional goals. Leaves
of absence may also be granted because of illness or other emergency.
After an absence of 5 years, however, a graduate aspirant or candidate
loses status as such and, in order to continue, must apply for readmission
to the program and to the Graduate Division.
COGNATE COURSES
for the Master of Science in Nursing Program Cognate courses are graduate
level non-nursing courses which are approved by the student's academic
advisor as appropriate for the individual's course of study.
DEFINITION OF PRACTICUM - for the Master of Science in Nursing Program Practicum is considered enrollment in courses identified as practicum only. Thesis is not practicum.
GUIDELINES FOR MASTER'S THESIS
Consult with thesis advisor for direction and any revisions to
the following.
I. GENERAL INFORMATION / Thesis
A. Students opting to complete a thesis are required to take a total
of six (6) credit hours. The six (6) credits of thesis work required
must be taken over at least two (2) academic sessions. Continuous
enrollment in thesis is not required; however, every student expecting
to have consultation with the thesis advisor must be enrolled in NRSG
899 Thesis. The student must be enrolled during the semester in which
the thesis is defended.
B. Prerequisites: One (1) advanced practice or administration track
course or consent of instructor, NRSG 754 Health Care Research and
a graduate level course in statistics or concurrent enrollment.
C. The subject of the thesis is selected by the student in collaboration
with the thesis advisor and may be in any nursing topic within the
advisor's area of interest of expertise.
D. The thesis should be a scientific, scholarly work which provides
evidence of the student's knowledge and ability to conduct a scholarly
project in an area of nursing.
E. The student has the responsibility of seeing that all of the guidelines
regarding thesis direction are met, including the Graduate School
guidelines "Instructions to Candidates for Any Master's Degrees."
F. Students need to complete the KUMC Tutorial for Human Subjects
Protection which can be found at: http://www2.kumc.edu/instruction/research/humansubjects/
The certificate must be printed while online and a copy submitted
to the Office of Nursing Grants and Research.
G.. Students planning to initiate clinical research in the University
of Kansas School of Nursing should send a copy of the proposal to
the Chief Nursing Officer, for approval, one week prior to date requested
for submission to Human Subjects. The Chief Nursing Officer will decide
if additional hospital approval/ review is necessary. (Inpatient services
only).
II. THESIS ADVISOR AND COMMITTEE
SELECTION
A. Selection of the thesis Advisor
1. The thesis r advisor must be a doctorally prepared faculty member
of the School of Nursing with a regular, special or adhoc appointment to
the Graduate Faculty of the University of Kansas.
2. The thesis advisor does not need to be the student's academic advisor
or to be from the area in which the student is taking track courses.
3. In the initial interview with the student, the thesis advisor should
clarify the terms of the contractual agreement. The agreement for
thesis direction may be terminated at the discretion of either party.
4. Prior to enrollment for thesis direction (before registration day),
a faculty member must have agreed to act as the thesis advisor.
5. The role of the thesis advisor is:
a. Guide the student in the development of the proposal to the point
where the advisor thinks the problem and purpose of the study are
identified and the possible methodology is outlined clearly.
b. Assist the student in selecting other members of committee in keeping
with the committee selection criteria. (see section II. B. 3.)
c. Conduct thesis proposal meeting.
d. Assist the student in modifying proposal to include committee recommendations,
as necessary.
e. Guide the student through Human Subjects Committee requirements,
as needed.
f. Guide the student through thesis development, including data collection
and analysis, as appropriate.
g. Critically review and evaluate thesis for accuracy and merit.
h. Conduct final thesis defense and final oral examination and assume
responsibility for thesis by signing completed thesis copies.
B. Committee
1. The members of the thesis committee are chosen in collaboration
with the student and thesis advisor.
2. The student may elect to have a three member thesis committee or
a five member committee. A five member committee has two members designated
as readers.
3. Criteria for selecting committee members and readers are as follows:
a. One faculty member of thesis committee must be from student's designated
track.
b. If the thesis is to be an investigation of a clinical nature, one
member of the committee must have clinical expertise in that area.
c. If the study involves advanced statistical analysis, one member
of the committee must have such expertise.
d. In addition to the thesis r advisor, two other thesis committee
members must have graduate faculty appointments at the University
of Kansas. These faculty members do not necessarily have appointments
in the School of Nursing.
e. Readers, who need not have a faculty appointment, should be selected
on the basis of their expertise in the area of study.
4. Once the selected committee members have agreed to serve, the student
completes the thesis committee form
(Appendix A) to establish a file in the School of Nursing Academic
Affairs Office. The discipline, academic degree( s), and complete
mailing address of committee members who are not School of Nursing
faculty must be included on the Thesis Committee Form.
5. The Associate Dean, Academic Affairs for the School of Nursing
reviews committee membership for appropriateness.
6. If the student changes the topic of study, the student should contact
each committee member regarding the member's desire and qualifications
to continue to serve on the committee. A change of topic or committee
membership requires a change of record in the School of Nursing Academic
Affairs Office. The student must complete a new Thesis/ Oral Examination
Committee Form (Appendix A).
7. The role of thesis committee members and readers is as follows:
a. Assumes responsibility as a resource person in the area of expertise
which the student identified in selecting the faculty member as a
committee member, e. g., track clinical nursing, research design,
statistics.
b. Serves as an objective reviewer of proposal and completed thesis.
c. Attends the proposal and final thesis committee meetings. If attendance
is not possible, he/ she provides written comments to the thesis advisor.
A substitute graduate faculty member may attend so at least three
members are present.
d. Critically reviews and evaluates the thesis on completion for accuracy
and merit.
e. Signs the thesis.
III. THESIS PROPOSAL PROCEDURES
A. Development of the Proposal
1. The student is expected to work with the thesis advisor and committee
members as appropriate in the development of the proposal as identified
within the original contractual agreement.
2. The thesis advisor is considered the principal investigator and
the student is named as co-investigator when the proposal is forwarded
to Human Subjects Committee.
B. Preparation for the Proposal Committee Meeting: Once the student
and thesis advisor agree that the proposal is in final form the student
will:
1. Identify a date and time for the proposal meeting with the committee
members approval.
2. Reserve a conference room for the proposal meeting (contact Academic
Affairs Office to schedule room).
3. Notify all committee members and readers of the date, time, and
meeting place.
4. Send a copy of the proposal to all committee members and readers
at least one week prior to the committee meeting.
C. Procedures for Conduct of Proposal Committee Meeting (A Do-All
form is not needed for this meeting)
1. Introduction of the problem by the student.
2. Clarification of proposal content by student and committee members.
3. Discussion of recommended revisions.
4. Review of consent/ assent forms and information/ master's sheets,
as appropriate.
D. Thesis Committee Approval of the Proposal
1. Upon committee approval, signature of the thesis advisor is obtained
on the Human Subjects Committee form. 2. If the proposal needs minor
revisions, the thesis advisor may sign the form at the meeting or
wait until revisions are completed.
3. If the proposal is not approved, revisions must be made before
approval and subsequent signing of the Human Subjects form. Another
committee meeting may be needed following revisions and is scheduled
at the discretion of the thesis r advisor and committee members.
E. Clinical Agency Approval
1. Prior to the proposal committee meeting, the student shall request
written agency permission to conduct the study within the specified
facility.
2. The written request to the agency should include a brief description
of the study, purpose, method of data collection, and anticipated
dates for data collection. Some agencies may wish to have the entire
proposal or an interview with the investigators prior to forwarding
a letter of approval.
3. The written agency approval should be placed in the proposal appendix
of the final proposal copy, unless the agency requires prior Human
Subjects approval. If approval is requested prior to agency consent,
a letter to this effect should be included.
F. Final Approval of Proposal: After the thesis committee approves
the proposal and necessary additions and corrections are made, the
proposal will be forwarded to the School of Nursing Academic Affairs
Office.
1.The Human Subjects Committee form with the original signatures and
2 copies of the proposal must be sent to the Academic Affairs Office
with three (3) copies of the proposal if non-exempt. Two copies are
required if the proposal is exempt. (Sample Application for Review
of Research Involving Human Subjects form is found in Appendix C).
2. . The Human Subjects Committee meets the second and fourth Tuesdays
of each month. The Human Subjects Committee must have the proposal
by noon on Monday, 8 days prior to the meeting date. The Associate
Dean, Academic Affairs, assumes responsibility for taking two (2)
copies of all approved proposals to the Human Subjects Committee by
noon on the first and third Mondays of the month. No exceptions will
be made to this procedure.
3. Students conducting research at the University of Kansas Medical
Center also need to send a copy of the proposal to the Chief Nursing
Officer for approval, one week prior to the date requested for submission
to Human Subjects. The Chief Nursing Officer will decide if additional
approval/ review is necessary. (Inpatient services only).
4. . Notification of the Human Subjects Committee's decision is sent
to the thesis advisor. The major thesis advisor will notify the student
and forward a copy of the notification to the Associate Dean, Academic
Affairs for the student's file.
IV. DATA COLLECTION/ RESEARCH
PROGRESS
A. Approval from the Human Subjects Committee must be received prior
to beginning data collection.
B. Students should keep the thesis r advisor informed of data collection
progress.
C. Continued enrollment in thesis hours and contact with the thesis
advisor are expected.
D. Subject consent forms must be given to the thesis advisor when
the study is completed.
V. DATA ANALYSIS
A. Once the data collection phase is completed, the student will contact
the thesis r advisor, the statistical consultant, and/ or other committee
members, as needed, for the analysis of the data.
B. In some circumstances, computer programming for data analysis is
available. Students can discuss this with their thesis advisor.C.
If the computer is to be used in analysis of data, the student will
be responsible for entering data into the computer.
VI. THESIS FORMAT
A. A sample title page is in Appendix E. The format for the final
draft of the thesis shall be determined by the thesis advisor and
student. One of three formats may be used for the thesis: Publication
Manual of the APA, Campbell and Ballou, Form and Style: Theses, Reports,
Term Papers, or Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses
and Dissertations. If a student has a large table it should be reduced
to fit on regulation sized paper if at all possible. If the reduced
table is impossible to read then a fold out sheet or continuation
on additional pages (depending on format used) is permissible.
B. The introduction, review of literature, and methodology sections
can be developed further while the student is collecting and analyzing
the data. The section on ethical considerations included in the proposal
could be addressed in the discussion section in the final copy of
the thesis. The data analysis and summary sections are written after
completion of the data analysis. The student should work closely with
the thesis r advisor and committee members, as indicated, in writing
each of these sections.
C. When the advisor believes that the thesis is in proper format and
is completed, the student should prepare and distribute a copy of
the final draft to members of the thesis committee. Note: Students
may be requested to submit chapters to the committee members as they
are drafted. Procedures will depend on the individual thesis advisor
and on the student's project.
D. An abstract limited to 350 words in length must be included with
the thesis. The abstract page should be titled simply "ABSTRACT".
The abstract should be double spaced and include statement of the
problem, purpose, research question( s) or hypotheses, methodology,
results, and conclusion. NOTE: University Microfilms will not accept
abstracts exceeding 350 words. The following is recommended for counting
characters: Maximum 2,450 typewritten characters per abstract. The
number of characters (including spaces and punctuation) in a line
of average length are counted and multiplied by the number of lines.
In an average abstract, there will be about 70 characters per line
with a maximum of 35 lines.
E. The final thesis draft must be submitted to the members of the
thesis committee at least one week prior to the oral examination.
VII. ORAL EXAMINATION FOR THESIS
STUDENTS
A. Students should check with the Student Affairs Office one semester
prior to the anticipated semester for oral examination, which will
include thesis defense for thesis students, to make certain their
academic record indicates all courses required for graduation. The
student is responsible, after clearance with the thesis advisor, for
arranging for the oral examination with the committee and, once the
date and time are established, for making the necessary arrangements
for a conference room through the School of Nursing Academic Affairs
Office. The student will:
1. Identify a time when all thesis committee members can attend.
2. Reserve a conference room for the meeting.
3. Send a written memo to members to verify the time, date, and place
of the meeting.
4. Notify the Student Affairs Office of the School of Nursing to provide
information for the "Do-All" form and scheduling the oral
examination at least three weeks prior to the desired date.
5. Complete the Master's Program Evaluation (Appendix G) using a computer
scoring card and submit it to the Office of Student Affairs.
6. The oral examination must be conducted during the student's last
semester. The student must be currently enrolled.
B. The oral examination committee and the thesis committee are always
the same. Their names must be on file in the Academic Affairs Office
(Appendix A). The oral comprehensive examination for thesis students
will include the student's formal defense of the thesis. This defense
and oral examination will be up to two hours in length. The purpose
of the oral examination is to provide the student an opportunity to
present her/ his research in terms of its scientific merit, its contribution
to nursing knowledge, and its implications for further research activities.
At the discretion of the thesis advisor and/ or student, other persons
may be invited to attend the oral examination. In addition, questions
must be addressed to the student to assess competency in the individual's
field of study.
The suggested procedure for the oral examination is as follows:
1. The thesis advisor introduces the student and the title of the
thesis.
2. The student summarizes the thesis in a logical, formal presentation
detailing the background of the problem studied, the actual problem
and its ramifications, the methodology, analysis of data, major findings,
and recommendations for further research based on the conclusions
of the study.
3. The thesis committee members then discuss the thesis with the student,
raising questions for further clarification of content. Recommended
editorial changes should be given to the student in writing and should
not comprise part of the oral examination unless major ideas are to
be changed.
4. The thesis committee will direct questions to the student in order
to assess the student's competency in the selected field of study
and the student's ability to synthesize knowledge gained in the program.
5. After the examination has been completed, the student will be requested
to leave the room. At this time committee members evaluate the student's
thesis and presentation. The criteria for determining a satisfactory
and unsatisfactory thesis are as follows:
a. "Satisfactory"
(1) Problem is defined well.
(2) Literature review is complete and appropriate for specific problem.
(3) Study is well designed.
(4) Data are analyzed appropriately.
(5) Results are related to a broader universe.
(6) Implications for nursing are stated clearly.
b. "Unsatisfactory"
(1) Problem is not as defined in proposal.
(2) Literature review is incomplete or inappropriate for specific
problem.
(3) Research design is not as approved.
(4) Data are analyzed inappropriately.
(5) Results are not related to a broader universe.
(6) Implications for nursing are not stated clearly.
6. If the thesis is found to be unsatisfactory, the "Do-All"
form will be returned to the Office of Student Affairs marked unsatisfactory.
Students are responsible for scheduling subsequent oral comprehensive
exam meetings allowing adequate time to generate a new "Do-All"
form. Students are allowed a total of three (3) attempts to successfully
pass the oral comprehensive exam. The thesis advisor is responsible
for providing written feedback to students not passing the oral comprehensive
exam and for sending a copy of the feedback to other committee members.
The written feedback will give students information about areas of
weakness and strength.
7. If the thesis is found to be satisfactory, the "Do-All"
form is to be signed by the thesis advisor and returned to the Student
Affairs Office of the School of Nursing. The title listed on the Do-All
must be exactly the same as the final title on the cover page of the
bound thesis.
8. Date on the title page is blank for the library to insert.
NOTE: IF A COMMITTEE MEMBER IS UNABLE TO ATTEND AN ORAL EXAMINATION,
THE EXAM MUST BE RESCHEDULED AND A REVISED DO-ALL MUST BE SUBMITTED.
VIII. DISPOSITION OF
THE THESIS
A. The student and the thesis advisor work together to make any needed
revisions following the thesis defense/ oral examination.
B. The final draft of the thesis is reviewed by the thesis advisor
for completeness and for format.
C. Approval by a representative from the Office of Graduate Studies
will be required before the student can submit their thesis to the
Registrar's office. Complete instructions are available from the Office
of Graduate Studies, 5015 Wescoe. For further information, please
contact Karen Stanze, 588-1238. "Instructions for Candidates
for any of the Master's Degrees," distributed by the Graduate
School needs to be studied and followed to ensure program completion
and graduation. This document is available from the School of Nursing,
Academic Affairs Office (2010 School of Nursing). It is the responsibility
of the student to comply in every respect with the thesis regulations
established by the Graduate School. The sample title page for the
thesis is illustrated in Appendix E.
D. Two (2) unbound copies of the thesis, with original signatures,
one loose copy of the title page with original signatures, one loose
copy of the abstract, and a binding fee of $25.00, payable to the
University of Kansas, are deposited in the Registrar's Office, approximately
six (6) weeks before graduation. (See graduate calendar for exact
date).
E. One (1) bound copy of the thesis, with original or photocopied
signatures, is deposited in the School of Nursing, Student Affairs
Office, by the same date as above, along with one copy of the title
page and one loose copy of the abstract. The bound copy will be cataloged
and available at Dykes Library. The title page and abstract will be
used to finalize the "do all" for graduation.
GUIDELINES FOR MASTER'S
RESEARCH PROJECT
Consult with project advisor for direction and any revisions to
the following.
II. ORAL EXAMINATION
for NON-THESIS
A. Students should check with the Student Affairs Office one semester
prior to the anticipated semester for oral examination to make certain
their academic record indicates all courses required for graduation.
The student is responsible, after clearance with the chair of the
committee, for arranging for the oral examination with the committee
and, once the date and time are established, for making the necessary
arrangements for a conference room through the School of Nursing Academic
Affairs Office. The student will:
1. Identify a time when all oral examination committee members can
attend.
2. Reserve a conference room for the meeting through the SON Academic
Affairs office.
3. Send a written memo to members to verify the time, date, and place
of the meeting.
4. Notify the Student Affairs Office of the School of Nursing to provide
information for the "Do-All" form and scheduling the oral
examination at least three weeks prior to the desired date.
5. Complete the Master's Program Evaluation (Appendix G) using a computer
scoring card and submit it to the Office of Student Affairs.
6. The oral examination must be conducted during the student's last
semester. The student must be currently enrolled.
B. Selection of the Oral Examination Committee and Chair
1. The oral examination committee is composed of three nurse faculty
members with a regular, special or ad hoc appointment to the graduate faculty
of the University of Kansas.
2. The oral examination committee chair must be a doctorally-prepared
nurse faculty member with a regular or adjunct graduate appointment.
It is not necessary for the chair to be either the project advisor
or the academic advisor.
3. It is suggested that the chair or at least one committee member
represents the student's specialty area.
4. It is suggested that the chair or at least one committee member
have a regular graduate appointment.
5. The project advisor may serve as a member or chair of the committee
but his/ her participation is not required.
6. Once the selected committee members have agreed to serve, the student
completes the oral examination committee form for non-thesis students
(Appendix B) to establish a file in the School of Nursing Academic
Affairs office.
7. The Associate Dean, Academic Affairs for the School of Nursing
reviews committee membership for appropriateness.
8. If students change oral examination committee membership they must
complete a new oral examination committee form (Appendix B) in the
School of Nursing Academic Affairs Office.
9. Prior to the exam role of oral examination committee chair and
members is to assume responsibility as resource persons in the area
of expertise which the student identified in selecting the faculty
member as a committee member, e. g., administration or clinical nursing
track.
C. For project students, the oral comprehensive examination is up
to two hours in length. The purpose of this examination is to assess
the student's competency in the selected field of study. The oral
examination must be conducted during the student's last semester.
The student must be currently enrolled. The suggested procedure for
the project student's oral examination is as follows:
1. The committee chair introduces the student.
2. The student summarizes his/ her experiences as a master's student.
3. Presentation of his/her research project is optional.
4. The committee will direct questions to the student in order to
assess the student's competency in the selected field of study and
the student's ability to synthesize knowledge gained while in the
program. The project should carry no more weight than any other course
during the oral examination.
5. After the examination has been completed, the student will be requested
to leave the room. At this time the committee members evaluate the
student's understanding of the selected field of study. The criteria
for determining a satisfactory and unsatisfactory oral examination
are:
a. Satisfactory
(1) The ways in which the student synthesizes knowledge from the core
courses, the specialty courses, and the research courses are clearly
articulated.
(2) The student identifies a variety of strategies whereby this knowledge
can be applied for the future.
b. Unsatisfactory
(1) The ways in which the student synthesizes knowledge from the core
courses, the specialty courses, and the research courses are not clearly
articulated.
(2) The student cannot identify a variety of strategies whereby this
knowledge can be applied in the future.
6. If the oral examination is found to be unsatisfactory, the "Do-All"
form will be returned to the Office of Student Affairs marked unsatisfactory.
Students are responsible for scheduling subsequent oral comprehensive
exam meetings allowing adequate time to generate a new "Do-All"
form. Students are allowed a total of three (3) attempts to successfully
pass the oral comprehensive exam. The exam committee Chair is responsible
for providing written feedback to students not passing the oral comprehensive
exam and for sending a copy of the feedback to other committee members.
The written feedback will give students information about areas of
weakness and strength.
7. If the oral examination is found to be satisfactory, the chair
of the committee signs the "Do-All" form and returns the
completed forms to the Office of Student Affairs in the School of
Nursing.
NOTE: IF A COMMITTEE MEMBER IS UNABLE TO ATTEND AN ORAL EXAMINATION,
THE EXAM MUST BE RESCHEDULED AND A REVISED DO-ALL MUST BE SUBMITTED.
TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Graduate students who may be interested in assisting faculty members
with teaching responsibilities may contact one of the Assistant Deans
and/ or the Associate Dean, Academic Affairs of the School of Nursing.
Written requests by graduate students may be made to the appropriate
Assistant Dean as early as one semester prior to the request for employment.
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
Graduate students who may be interested in assisting faculty members
with research responsibilities such as coding data and library searches
may contact the Associate Dean, Nursing Grants and Research, who may
be able to refer students to faculty who are seeking research assistants.
KUMC-UMKC COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT PROGRAM
KUMC has an agreement with UMKC which allows graduate students
in good standing at KUMC to participate in courses of study or research
for a minimum of one semester at UMKC. Please see the “Forms” section
at the following link for more information. http://www.kumc.edu/studentcenter/regenroll.html.
Contact the academic advisor, the Registrar's Office or the School
of Nursing, Office of Student Affairs for applications and deadlines.
©
The University of Kansas Medical Center