General Student Information

Privacy and Access to Information

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) (20 U.S.C.A. Section 1232g) affords certain rights to students concerning their educational records. FERPA grants students the right to inspect and review their educational records (with exceptions); to request that their records be amended; to have limited control over the disclosure of information contained in their records; and to file a complaint with the U.S. dean of education concerning alleged failures of their university to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The TTUHSC El Paso Institutional Student Handbook/Code of Student Conduct shall serve as the annual notification that must be provided to students under FERPA, 34 C.F.F. 99.7, unless the individual school already notifies its students of FERPA rights on an annual basis.

For more information: https://elpaso.ttuhsc.edu/studentservices/registrar/FERPA/default.aspx

State Privacy Policies

When Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC El Paso) collects personal information - whether through written or electronic means - the paper form or webpage must state (with few exceptions) that the individual is entitled to be informed about how his/her information is being used.

Behavior Expected of Nursing Students: Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics

Student conduct standards are guided by the TTUHSC El Paso Institutional Student Handbook: Code of Professional and Academic Conduct https://elpaso.ttuhsc.edu/studentservices/institutional-handbooks.aspx.

In addition to the conduct standards described in the TTUHSC El Paso Code of Conduct handbook, Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing (GGHSON) students are required to follow additional standards as outlined herein.

All students entering the Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing are required to subscribe to the standards and codes of the nursing profession.

GGHSON students as nursing professionals, are expected, not only by patients, but also by society as a whole to adhere to:

1. American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses http://www.nursingworld.org/codeofethics. The ANA Code of Ethics for nurses describes the values and standards required to maintain the level integrity necessary to practice nursing.
2. Texas Administrative Code Texas Board of Nursing/Unprofessional Conduct Rules which encompass behaviors or conduct which are not permitted in the practice of nursing. https://www.bon.texas.gov/rr_current/217-12.asp

Title IX - Sexual Harassment/Discrimination

The University does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on or related to sex, race, national origin, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected categories, classes, or characteristics. While sexual orientation and gender identity are not explicitly protected categories under state or federal law, it is the University’s policy not to discriminate in employment, admission, or use of programs, activities, facilities, or services on these bases.

The University is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from sex discrimination of any kind. In accordance with Title VII, Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE), and other federal and state laws, the University prohibits discrimination based on sex and other types of Sexual Misconduct.

The University will not take any disciplinary action against a student enrolled at the University who in good faith reports to the University being the victim of, or a witness to, an incident of Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, or Stalking for a violation by the student of the TTUHSC Student Handbook, Code of Professional Conduct, occurring at or near the time of the incident, regardless of the location at which the incident occurred or the outcome of the University’s disciplinary process regarding the incident, if any.

The University reserves the right to investigate to determine whether a report of an incident of Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, or Stalking was made in good faith. After such investigation, the Title IX Coordinator or his/her designee will make a determination as to whether a student is entitled to amnesty. Once a determination is made regarding amnesty for a student, such determination is final and may not be revoked.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, amnesty does not apply to a student who reports the student’s own commission or assistance in the commission of Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, or Stalking.

Although students eligible for amnesty may avoid formal disciplinary action under these amnesty provisions, amnesty does not preclude the University from requiring students to participate in directives such as counseling or educational opportunities relating to the conduct students were engaged in.

Abuse of these amnesty provisions by a student may result in a violation of the TTUHSC Student Handbook, Code of Professional Conduct. The amnesty provisions do not impact criminal proceedings or charges, mandatory reporting to state licensing boards, legal actions, or actions required to comply with professional ethic requirements.

For more information visit the Title IX Compliance webpage.

Student Health and Wellness

COVID-19 Exposure Notification

TTUHSC El Paso has a new notification procedure for COVID-19 exposure. If you meet any of the criteria shown in the graphic, click the link below to submit a Qualtrics notification form to the TTUHSC El Paso COVID-19 Response team. Covid-19 Exposure Notification

Americans with Disability Act (ADA)

The Office of Academic and Disability Support Services (DSS) is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all student with documented disabilities (e.g. mental health, attentional, learning chronic health, sensory, or physical). Accommodations are not provided retroactively and students are encouraged to register with the DSS office as soon as they begin their academic program. TTUHSC El Paso encourages students to access all resources available for consistent support and accommodations.

Please contact the Director of the Office of Academic and Disability Support Services (DSS), to engage in a confidential conversation about the process for requesting reasonable accommodations in the classroom, laboratory, and/or clinical settings. For more information, you can also visit the DSS website. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines apply to all qualified disabled persons. According to the ADA, a “qualified individual with a disability is one who, with or without reasonable modifications to rules, policies, or practices; the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers; or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the participation in programs or activities provided by a public entity.”

For further information please visit: DSS website

Health Insurance Coverage

Students are expected to maintain a general state of good health. The Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing does not provide health insurance for students or their dependents. Students are required to maintain health insurance coverage for each semester of enrollment and be prepared to provide proof of coverage at any time during a semester. Failure to maintain coverage can result in exclusion from clinical practice, holds on records and potential course failure(s). Medical bills incurred by a student are the responsibility of the student.

Academic Health Plans (AHP)

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso offers health insurance coverage to enrolled students. Students may enroll in the plan if they are registered in seven (7) or more credit hours. For information on AHP visit https://ttuhscep.myahpcare.com/.

Student Out-Patient Health Services

Students are required to maintain regular health insurance coverage for each semester of enrollment. As a supplement, students may obtain out-patient health services within the TTUHSC El Paso system. This outpatient service is not a replacement for regular health insurance coverage. Students who pay the medical services fee are eligible to receive these services at the Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso Hague Clinic.

NOTE: Physicians at the Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso Hague Clinic cannot prescribe medication or provide documentation for ADD/ADHD.

Student Affairs and Wellness

The Office of Student Affairs and Wellness at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso is committed to empowering students to become healthy and engaged practitioners. We are committed to fostering their wellbeing through a holistic approach focusing on the following dimensions of wellness, career, social, spiritual, physical, financial, intellectual, creative, environmental and emotional wellness. For questions regarding these resources or how to get involved in student engagement opportunities, please contact our office at 215-4705 or visit their web site https://elpaso.ttuhsc.edu/studentservices/student-wellness.aspx.

Student Counseling and Support Services

TTUHSC El Paso Student Counseling Services are provided through students’ payment of the Student Services Fee. These resources are provided to enhance wellness by providing you, and any dependents you have, the opportunity to manage life’s problems before they become serious and impair your academic and professional performance.

These services include:

• Short-term counciling sessions (individual, couple and family counseling).
• Providers in El Paso and via telepsychiatry so that you can choose the right provider for you and make your own appointment.
• Confidentiality assured. TTUHSC El Paso receives no information with student names related to student counseling services.

Please contact Hector Noriega at hector.noriega@ttuhsc.edu for more information.

For a list of Service Providers go to: https://elpaso.ttuhsc.edu/studentservices/SCS.aspx

Use of Student Counseling Services is private and professional. Confidentiality is regulated by federal guidelines. Without your formal written permission, no information whatsoever is released concerning your use of Student Counseling Services or the nature of your concerns. Therefore, if you seek assistance on your own, your use of Student Counseling Services will not become a part of your academic record and it will not compromise your reputation or future opportunities.

You do not need to go through the school to access Student Counseling Services. You may call the provider of your choice directly to schedule an appointment.

Note: When calling for Student Counseling Services providers, please identify yourself as a TTUHSC El Paso student or family member.

The number below is a 24-hour crisis line, available to any student or family member, whether or not you are currently receiving student counseling services.

24-hour crisis line through Emergence Health Network: 915-779-1800

Questions or concerns:

Please contact the Office of Student Services and Student Affairs located in the Medical Sciences Building II (MSBII), room 2C201 at 915-215-4370 or elp.studentservices@ttuhsc.edu. Hours of operation: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Immunization Requirements

Per TTUHSC El Paso policy, EP 7.1 , immunizations are required for TTUHSC El Paso students Failure to maintain documentation of the following required immunizations can result in exclusion from clinical practice and a hold being placed on school records. Immunization records provided during the application process will be audited continuously throughout the program. The following information must be on file for a student’s immunization record to be considered compliant while enrolled in the GGHSON. Students enrolled in the RN to BSN or MSN programs are required to meet the immunization requirements per the Texas Administrative Code for Health Professions.

Important: Students cannot decline to be immunized except in rare cases. Unless otherwise indicated above, all immunizations must be current no later than two weeks prior to the start of the first clinical rotation. The GGHSON is not responsible for notifying students if they fall out of immunization compliance. Do not ignore courtesy notifications that address immunization non-compliance. Non-compliance will fall under the academic professional code of conduct disciplinary rules. Other specialty-related immunizations or testing may be recommended or required by specific clinical agencies.

Students may receive immunizations through the Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso located at 4801 Alberta Ave. at a discounted rate. Students will need to furnish their ID badge and personal immunization records. To schedule an appointment, call 915-215-4429.

Students should keep personal immunization records in a safe place. You will be required to provide copies of your immunizations and titers. These records are required for all health care workers. Students are advised to never supply the GGHSON with original documents.

Drug Screenings

Drug screenings are required by clinical institutions or may be requested at the discretion of a faculty member or administrator of the GGHSON.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment

TTUHSC El Paso is committed to the health of our students, patients, faculty, and staff, and the public in general. As an institution whose mission is to provide excellence in health care education and service. TTUHSC El Paso is a totally smoke-free campus and this includes vaping and e-cigarette use. For more information, go to: HSCEP OP 10.19.