General Academic Policies

Professional Conduct

Ethical practice and academic integrity are foundational elements of the trust and respect patient’s hold for professional nurses. As such, our profession and college has developed codes of conduct meant to support a student’s development of these core skills. It is important for students to review these codes and understand that failure to uphold or comply with the codes may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including inability to obtain a nursing license and dismissal from the program.

Institutional Academic and Professional Rules

During your nursing school journey, you will be accountable to the academic and professional code of conduct in the TTUHSC EP Student Handbook.

Texas Board of Nursing Academic and Professional Conduct Rules

The Texas Board of Nursing may deny an applicant entry to the licensing examination for lack of fitness and unprofessional conduct listed in the Grounds for Disciplinary Action in section 301.452 (a) and (b) in the Nursing Practice Act. Please refer to the following link to the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) Nurse Practice Act (NPA) and Regulations for additional information:
https://www.bon.texas.gov/rr_current/217-12.asp

American Nurses Association Academic and Professional Conduct Rules

The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses, which describes the values and standards, required to maintain the level integrity necessary to practice nursing. Please refer to the following link for additional information: https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/

Dismissal

As per the Texas Administrative Code section 213, nursing students may be dismissed from the program for:

• Behavior evidencing actual or potential harm to patients, clients or the public.
• Criminal behavior that could affect licensure, as set forth in §213.28 (relating to Fitness to Practice) of this title.
• Lack of current fitness to practice nursing, as set forth in §213.29 (related to Fitness to Practice) of this title.
• Failure to maintain good professional character, as set forth in §213.27 (relating to Good Professional Character) of this title.

Social Media Policy

An online presence is inevitable for students as a natural consequence of scholarly activity as well as professional and personal expression. Online activity without proper restraint and thoughtful judgment can impact patient privacy, HIPAA, FERPA, the program, nursing student and nurse. The professional conduct that is expected in online courses, on campus and clinical setting apply to social networking. When participating in social medial applications be aware of the TTUHSC El Paso Operating Policy and Procedure for Use of Social Media found in HSCEP OP 67.03 In addition to the institutional policy, the GGHSON also expects students to follow the standard set forth in the ANA’s Principles for Social Networking and the Nurse

Prevention Tips for Students

THINK before you post. The Quality and Safety in Education for Nurses (QSEN) organization suggests you ask yourself:
T - Is it true?
H - Is it helpful?
I - Is it Inspiring?
N - Is it necessary?
K- Is it kind?

• Maintain honesty in your online communications: Make sure your content has been verified and that you are not perpetuating mere gossip.
• Protect your private online information: Information you post that portray you in a negative light may still be seen in the public domain indefinitely and can potentially damage your professional reputation.
• Maintain Patient Privacy and Confidentiality: Patient and Student confidentiality must be maintained at all times. You should not transmit images of patient information, referring to patients in disparaging manner, taking photos or videos on any personal devices unless there is a written consent. Remember that confidentiality is the backbone of the HIPAA law and its violations can result in heavy fines for the organization and, for the student, possible expulsion from nursing school.
• Maintain Profession Boundaries: You should use caution when communicating online with “prospective and current students, faculty, residents, employers, colleagues, and current or former patients”.
• General Communication: You should not post content that is obscene, defamatory, threatening, inappropriate or injurious as it may have an impact on GGHSON’s professional code of conduct and current or future employment relationships. Do not use TTUHSC El Paso intellectual property (logos, pictures, slogans, etc.) on personal social media sites.

Academic Conduct

Knowledge acquisition is a key component of being successful in nursing school and on the nursing boards post-graduation. As such, academic integrity is a core ethnical value in nursing education. “Academic misconduct” involves any activity that tends to compromise the academic integrity of the university, or subvert the educational process, including but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, falsifying academic records misrepresenting facts, lying, unauthorized use of proprietary materials, selling or purchasing previously submitted work or assignments written by others, and use of aids for exams without expressed permission. Any act designed to give unfair academic advantage to the student or the attempt to commit such an act may be a violation of the academic integrity policies. All students entering TTUHSC EP are required to adhere to related academic integrity policies that prevent cheating, plagiarism and other integrity violations (TTUHSC EP Institutional Student Handbook: Code of Professional and Academic Conduct). It is important for students to read and understand these policies as violations are serious and can place your academic standing in jeopardy. Violations of academic integrity will be subject to sanctions in accordance with the TTUHSC El Paso Institutional Student Handbook: Code of Professional and Academic Conduct up to an including dismissal from the program.

Learning Environment Conduct

Attendance

In order to be successful in nursing school, participation in the classroom, online and clinical experiences is important. Attending class, participating and being on time are part of demonstrating professional behaviors and expectations are specified at the outset of the course in your course syllabus under the heading of professional acumen. However, your faculty recognizes that you may not be able to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. Habitual tardiness or absenteeism to class may have a negative impact on your grade and may constitute a violation of the GGHSON professional code of conduct and/or violation of academic expectations. If you need to be tardy or absent, you should know these attendance rules.

Classroom

Attendance in all classes will support your ability to be successful in the program and is part of your professional acumen score. If you cannot attend class, contact your instructor ahead of time and arrange to obtain notes from a peer. Know the specific attendance requirements for each course and follow course procedures in particular if the absence will cause missing an exam or very important course content.

Lab/Simulation Attendance

Lab/Simulation attendance is required to meet course expectations. Notify your faculty member ahead of time if you cannot attend. Absences in clinical may require a plan for remediation or make-up day. Make-ups may not be allowed if the absence is considered unexcused.

Clinical Attendance

Students must complete all assigned clinical hours in order to successfully complete the clinical rotation. Please notify the course director, clinical faculty and/or clinical preceptor at least 2 hours prior to the beginning of the clinical experience if you will be tardy or absent from the clinical experience. Notify course faculty if a clinical day is canceled by the nurse preceptor or agency. Changes in scheduling clinical days may only be made up in cases of emergency if agreed upon by the course director. More than two clinical absences may put you in jeopardy of failing the clinical course. Makeup of absences is contingent upon availability of clinical sites, dates/times and faculty. If a student is unable to makeup an absence prior to the end of a semester, an incomplete may be issued if the student meets criteria. If you are ill, do not attend clinical. Notify your clinical faculty member and the course director prior to the start of the clinical rotation. Documentation of illness from a physician or advanced practice nurse may be requested.

Online/Distance Education Attendance

In order to be successful in an online/distance education setting, participation in online and clinical experiences is important. Participation and being on time for synchronous activities are part of demonstrating professional behaviors. Expectations are specified at the onset of the course in your course syllabus under the heading of professional acumen. If you need to be tardy or absent, you should know the following:

• Faculty will state in course syllabi the minimum participation requirements and deadlines to meet per week for a given course. Know the specific participation requirements for each course and follow course procedures.
• Your attendance is determined from your level of participation in online assignments and meeting deadlines as scheduled for online discussion boards and/or assignments, will put you in jeopardy of failing the course.
• You have to notify faculty in a timely manner any participation challenges, including an emergency that may impact your ability to meet a course deadline or technical failures.
• Tardiness includes submission of assignments late and lack of engagement/participation in the online activities. Habitual tardiness or absenteeism to class may have a negative impact on your grade and may constitute a violation of the GGHSON professional code of conduct and/or violation of academic expectations.

Disruptive Conduct

The TTUHSC El Paso Institutional Student Handbook: Code of Professional and Academic Conduct prohibits actions against members of the university community, including but not limited to, behavior that disrupts the normal operation of the university, including students, faculty, and staff. Disruptive conduct, as defined by the Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing, refers to conduct that substantially or repeatedly interferes with an instructor’s ability to teach, or student learning. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Excessive or disruptive tardiness.
• Continuous distractive behavior during class presentations.
• Utilization of electronic technology, such as laptop, computers, tablets and cellphones for activities unrelated to class.
• Distractive or inappropriate behavior in online discussion boards, emails, chat rooms, or any other online educational technology.
• Disruptive behavior that continues after the student has been informed by the faculty member that the behavior is not acceptable, may be referred to the assistant dean for the program for investigation. Should the assistant dean find that there is basis for complaint against the student, a form complaint will be filed in accordance with the TTUHSC El Paso Institutional Student Handbook: Code of Professional and Academic Conduct. Sanctions for disruptive behavior can include but are not limited to, dismissal from Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing.

Dress Code

Non Clinical/Non Patient Care Settings

Students should prepare themselves for transitioning into a professional role that will require them to dress differently than they would in a more casual setting.

Clinical/Patient Care Settings

Students in uniform are representatives of TTUHSC El Paso, the GGHSON and the nursing profession. It is important that in the community, our students are seen as professionals and are a healthy and positive influence on our community.

The following clinical dress code policy has been established by the faculty and our clinical partners:

Nursing students are accountable for being knowledgeable and compliant with and being knowledgeable of the Uniform/Dress code requirements and maintaining a professional appearance at all times. Each student’s appearance should be appropriate to convey the level of professionalism, hygiene and grooming consistent with TTUHSC EP university standards.

Nursing students in Clinical/Patient care settings, whether on or off campus, are expected to maintain a professional image at all times. All students are required to follow the uniform/dress code standards listed below which includes attending labs, clinical rotations, or any activity that occurs in a patient care setting:

Exceptions to the uniform/dress code may be stated in individual course syllabi, per individual GGHSON faculty member(s) or per clinical facility requirements. Clinical facilities may require additional conformance to their policy regarding uniforms.

Nursing students in Non-clinical/Non-patient care or Classroom settings are expected to maintain a professional image at all times.

All students are to follow the personal appearance guidelines described below:

* TTUHSC EP Pride Day - Friday. Students are allowed to show their pride by wearing black or red and/or the TTUHSC polo shirt, dress shirt, etc., with the official logo etc. Jeans must be neat, clean, not overly tight or torn in anyway.

GGHSON faculty, administrators, and managers are responsible for enforcing dress code policy. Students not complying with the Dress Code policy may be sent home and/or further disciplinary action.

Essential Functional Requirements for Nursing Students

Essential functions required for completion of a nursing degree consists of the minimum physical and cognitive abilities needed to admission, progression, and graduation with or without reasonable accommodation. Clinical facilities may impose additional requirements for participation in clinical rotations at their site. In the event that a clinical site cannot provide necessary accommodations or requires additional essential functions that a student is unable to meet, every effort will be made to determine if an alternate site is available. In the event that another suitable site that is able to provide the necessary accommodations is not available, the student may not be able to complete the program or may be assigned an incomplete if the concern is temporary (i.e.: cast, crutches, walking boot, etc.). The essential functional requirements are outlined in the GGHSON catalog.

Safety & Security

Parking and Transportation

Students utilizing the parking facilities at TTUHSC El Paso are required to have a current parking permit displayed at all times. Information regarding parking regulations and obtaining a permit can be located at the Parking and Transportation Services website.

Medication Error/Clinical Incidents

In the event you are involved in a safety incident or medication error or exposed to blood and bodily fluids in the clinical facility, you must report the incident to the clinical faculty and/or preceptor, the RN assigned to the patient and the course director. The student and faculty must follow facility reporting policies as well as GGHSON reporting procedures and documentation.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment Policy (HSCEP OP 10.19)

As an institution whose mission is to provide excellence in health care education and service, TTUHC El Paso is a smoke-free campus, both indoors and outdoors. Failure to follow the policy may be grounds for disciplinary action.

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

An educational program has a duty to report to the board of nursing, reasonable suspicion that a nursing student’s ability to perform nursing services is impaired by chemical dependency as per Duty of Nursing Educational Program to Report, Section 301.404 of the NPA. You are prohibited from consuming alcohol or illicit drugs on campus. Failure to follow the policy may be grounds for disciplinary action. Refer to the TTUHSC El Paso Institutional Handbook for more information regarding this policy. Faculty of the GGHSON has discretion to require a drug screen of any student who attends class, clinical or a school function that they suspect is impaired. Drug screening can be conducted at any time during a student’s tenure. Non-negative results may result in withdrawal of admission offer or dismissal from the program.

Safe Practice Clinical Behaviors

The following are expected student safe practice clinical behaviors:

• Be Prepared: You are responsible for planning in advance of the scheduled shift. Read your syllabus to determine what prep work you are required to complete for each clinical rotation. Students are responsible for maintaining the skills and abilities they have learned throughout the semester and to be ready to apply those skills and abilities in subsequent clinical or simulation experiences.
• Reporting/ Documenting: You are expected to, in a complete, accurate and timely manner, report and document nursing assessments or observations, the care provided for the patient and the patient’s response to that care in the appropriate record and to the appropriate practitioner and faculty and report any changes in patient condition. You will adhere to error reporting policies.
• Safe Environment: You will promote and implement measures to promote a safe environment for each patient.
• Boundaries: You must establish and maintain professional boundaries with each patient.
• Privacy and Respect: You are expected to provide privacy during examination, treatment and personal care as well as treat each patient with dignity, courtesy and respect and adhere to HIPAA.
• Scope of Practice: You are expected to adhere to the appropriate scope of practice as set forth in all applicable TBON laws and regulations for a registered nurse.
• Standard Precautions: You are expected to be aware of and in compliance with all infection control policies and standard precautions regarding hand washing including how this applies to blood borne pathogens.
• Clinical Agency Policies: You must adhere to all clinical agency policies while participating in clinical experience even if they are above and beyond GGHSON policies.
• Reporting Medication Error/ Clinical Incidents: In the event you are involved in a safety incident or medication error or exposed to blood and bodily fluids in the clinical facility, you must report the incident to the clinical faculty and/or preceptor, the RN assigned to the patient and the course director. The student and faculty must follow facility reporting policies as well as GGHSON reporting procedures and documentation.
• Stay on Premises: You must stay on the agency’s premises during your clinical experience shift. You may take meal breaks for 30 minutes as appropriate.
• Sanctions for violation of Clinical Safe Practice
• Failure to abide by these expected clinical behaviors may result in an unsatisfactory clinical performance rating, failure of the course and/or dismissal from the program.

Note, students may be immediately dismissed for egregious behavior including, but not limited to:

• Evidence of actual or potential harm to students, patients or the public.
• Criminal behavior whether violent or non-violent, directed against persons, property or public order.
• Use or abuse of drugs during clinical, diagnosis or treatment for chemical dependency, mental illness or diminished mental capacity.

The lack of good professional character as evidenced by a single incident or a pattern of personal, academic and/or occupational behavior, including but not limited to, behaviors including honesty, accountability, trustworthiness, reliability and integrity.

Grading Policies

Grade Modes, Interpretation and Grading Points

The grade mode and the method of determining the grade will be included in the course syllabus as presented to the students at the beginning of the semester. For additional information regarding assignment of letter grades on official transcripts, please refer to HSCEP OP 77.19 Grading Procedures and Academic Regulations.

Rounding of Grades

There is no rounding of any grades and fractional points will be dropped. For more information, see progressions policy, SON OP 30.130.

Reporting of Final Grades

Final course grades may be obtained electronically through the Web Raider portal at webraider.ttuhsc.edu.

Grade Change

Information regarding the process for grade changes is included in the TTUHSC El Paso HSCEP OP 77.19.

Testing/Exam Administration

Testing is only one form of evaluation of student learning utilized by nursing faculty at the GGHSON. In order to ensure students have every opportunity for success, they should read and be prepared to follow all exam administration procedures.

Starting the Exam

• Students must arrive prior to the scheduled testing time or they will not be allowed to test.
• Students shall remain outside the testing room until admitted by the proctor.
• Students shall have their TTUHSC EP student ID on them at all times during the exam.
• All personal property including keys, backpacks, cell phones, books, papers and non-approved electronic devices, including smart devices, must be turned off and stored at the periphery of the testing room.
• Only approved computer hardware may be utilized for face-to-face testing sessions. Students should ensure that the device is set-up with the appropriate software and lockdown browsers prior to the start of the exam.
• Approved devices should be fully charged and appropriate cables should be brought with you.
• Ear plugs and scratch paper will be provided, at the student’s request, by the exam proctor.

During the Exam

• No talking is allowed and no questions will be answered by the proctor.
• Save every answer before proceeding to the next question.
• Students should raise their hand to notify the proctor if they encounter technical issues. Issues that are not disclosed during the exam will not be reviewed after the exam.
• Monitor your time, the exam will be force-closed at the end of the designated testing period.

After the Exam

• Students should not congregate in the hallways discussing the exam as this process can disturb students who are still testing.
• Faculty will release exam grades after completing a review of the exam.
• Students have two weeks after the exam to meet with the faculty member to review or ask questions.
• Students who achieve a score of less than 75% on an exam must meet with their advisor.
• Some courses may have lecture after the designated testing time. Please check with instructor ahead of time to determine what time lecture will begin.
• All testing material must be returned to the proctor prior to leaving the testing room.

Make Up Exams

• Students who miss exams for a university sponsored event shall provide documentation to the faculty at least 48 hours in advance to be eligible to make up an exam.
• Students who miss exams for other reasons may be allowed to make up the exam at the discretion of the course facilitator. Documentation may be required and any make up exam will be scheduled at the convenience of the course facilitator.

Academic Grade Challenges/Appeals

Academic Grade Challenges - Assignment Grades

Assignment grade appeals and grade errors may be resolved by the course instructor or responsible assistant dean. Every effort should be made by the student to resolve concerns informally. This process should be utilized to appeal a grade a student does not feel is justified and could not be resolved informally.

Appeal to the faculty member who issued the grade in writing within 5 business days of the grade being posted. The faculty member will provide a written response to the student within 5 business days of receipt of the appeal.

If the student is not satisfied with the response, he/she has 5 business days from receipt of the faculty member’s response to submit a written appeal and all supporting documentation to the program Assistant Dean. The Assistant Dean will provide a written response to the student within 5 business days of receipt of the appeal. Decisions rendered will be final.

Academic Grade Appeals - Final Course Grades

Final course grades are the only grades that are subject to the appeal process. Other grade concerns are addressed under Academic Grade Challenges. A final course grade can be formally appealed only when there is demonstrable evidence that prejudice, arbitrary or capricious action on the part of the instructor has influenced the grade. The burden of proof that such an unfair influence has affected a grade rests with the student who appeals the grade. Only final course grades may be formally appealed to the responsible academic dean. Earlier grades may be formally appealed to the responsible academic dean. Earlier grades and other academic grievances may be discussed with the instructor involved and with the chair/assistant dean for the program involved. Final grade appeals will be resolved by the GGHSO dean or his/her proxy (TTUHSC El Paso Institutional Student Handbook Code of Professional and Academic Conduct).

To appeal a final grade, the student must first complete the final grade appeal form from the Office of Student Affairs (Final Grade Appeal form). Forms must be submitted within 5 business days of the final grade being posted.

Appeal to the faculty member who issued the grade in writing within 5 business days of the grade being posted. The faculty member will provide a written response to the student and the Assistant Dean for the program within 5 business days of receipt of the appeal.

If the student is not satisfied with the response, he/she has 5 business days from the receipt of the faculty member’s response to submit a written appeal and all supporting documentation to the program Assistant Dean. The Assistant Dean will provide a written response to the student and the Associate Dean within 5 business days of the receipt of the appeal.

If the student is not satisfied with the response, he/she has 5 business days from receipt of the Assistant Dean’s response to submit a written appeal and all supporting documentation to the Associate Dean. The Associate Dean will provide a written response to the student and the Dean within 5 business days of receipt of the appeal.

If the student is not satisfied with the response, he/she has 5 business days from receipt of the Associate Dean’s response to submit a written appeal and all supporting documentation to the Dean. The dean or his/her proxy has 5 business days from receipt of the grade appeal to render a decision. The decision of the dean is final.

Resources for Student Success

Student Affairs

The Office of Student Affairs works closely with the Office of the Dean to ensure that all students are properly advised upon admission. Student Affairs provides students with support with the admission process, degree plan, registration and academic planning.

Student Affairs also keeps students informed of curriculum changes, facilitate progression related problem solving and consults with faculty as needed to best meet student’s The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition, the Student Affairs team can assist with identification of resources for financial or social needs. Please refer to the Office of Student Services and Student Affairs for more information.

Course Syllabi

Early review of access to course syllabi is key to student success. Course requirements and student expectations are stated in each course syllabi prior to the first day of classes or earlier if they are available and begin to work on required readings.

Textbooks

To get the most out of your classes, you must read your course textbooks. Each semester, the required and optional texts are listed for each course on Canvas. Students are responsible for purchasing or renting text books prior to the start of the course through a vendor of their choice.

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.

Additional information on the outpatient services provided can be found on the TTUHSC El Paso Health Services Brochure

Library Services

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC EP) Libraries, accredited in 2018, with two libraries, the Delia Montes-Gallo Library of Health Sciences located in the Academic Education Center (AEC) and the Doris F. Eisenberg Library of the Health Sciences located in the Medical Education Building (MEB). The TTUHSC EP Libraries of the Health Sciences form one of the resource libraries of the National Library of Medicine/South Central Region. The TTUHSC EP Libraries of the Health Sciences support the schools of medicine, nursing, allied health, pharmacy, dentistry, as well as the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The Libraries of the Health Sciences exist to meet the curricular, research, and patient care information needs of the students, faculty, and staff of TTUHSC, as well as the information needs of the larger biomedical and health care community of the U.S. - Border area. For a full listing of the numerous online databases and resources available to students, go to: http://elpaso.ttuhsc.edu/libraries/

Student Lounge & Fitness Center

Student Lounge areas are available to provide a place for students to relax, meet with classmates, network, socialize and study. They are equipped with online access, charging ports and vending machines. As an enrolled student, you also have access to the fitness center locates on campus on the 1st floor of the Medical Education Building (MEB). Using the fitness center is an optimal way to keep healthy and reduce the stress of schoolwork.

Training and Educational Center for Healthcare Simulation (TECH)

The Training and Educational Center for Healthcare Simulation (TECHS) on the campus of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso was created in February 2019 as a program expansion from the Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing (GGHSON) simulation program, the Center for Advanced Teaching and Assessment in Clinical Simulation (ATACS), and the Regional Simulation and Training Center. TECHS has over 24,000 square feet of simulation laboratory space to provide experiential learning through task training, high-fidelity simulation experiences, virtual reality simulators, and standardized patient experiences.

Suggested Study Hours

How you manage your time will impact your success in the program. Successful students come to class prepared. Student participation ought to be approximately 2 hours for each hour of coursework. Thus, if you are taking a 3 hour-per-week course, you should be studying about 6 hours per week for that class. Study rooms are available on campus that are equipped with Wi-Fi and WebEx access.

Academic Faculty Advisors

All enrolled students are assigned a faculty advisor. Your advisor will help guide your academic journey by providing support for your academic success throughout the program. You are encouraged to establish and maintain a relationship with your advisor. NOTE: If your advisor reaches out to you to schedule an appointment, please respond promptly. Any student who does not respond after three (3) attempts by their advisor or faculty will not be able to return to clinical or class until they have met with their academic faculty advisor and are cleared to return.

Faculty Office Hours

An important step to being successful in a nursing program is maintenance of contact with the faculty team. Full-time faculty list their available hours on the course syllabus. Students may schedule appointments to meet with the faculty members during these times. We encourage students to take advantage of office hours to keep a pulse on their progress and for individual help. Additionally, students should maintain contact with clinical faculty.

Student Participation in Evaluations

In an effort to promote continuous program improvement, students are encouraged to participate in the faculty and course evaluation process at multiple times during the academic year. Links to the various types of surveys/evaluations are provided as needed. Information provided by students is anonymous and enhances the program’s ability to facilitate changes to promote a positive learning experience for our students. In addition to the surveys administrated throughout the program, graduates are asked to complete an alumni survey approximately 6 to 12 months after completion of the program.

Leave of Absence

Requesting a Leave of Absence

Students enrolled may request a leave of absence for up to one (1) year. A Leave of Absence form may be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs and must be submitted for review as soon as the student identifies the need for an absence longer than five (5) consecutive days or two (2) total clinical days. Failure to file a Leave of Absence will result in an institutionally initiated withdrawal.

Returning from a Leave of Absence

Prior to or at the end of one (1) year, a student on an approved leave of absence must file a Return from Leave form. The form can be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs. All petitions for return from a Leave of Absence must be submitted in writing to the Office of Students Affairs following the published application deadlines. The Admissions Committee may assign requirements to be met as a condition of readmission, e.g. successful completion of a comprehensive examination, renewed criminal background check and drug screening, etc. Students who do not re-enroll in the semester following the declared expiration of the leave of absence or for one year must seek readmission. Readmission requirements are listed in the section heading “Readmission”.