Academic Policies

5. Attendance

1. Class: Students are expected to attend all class sessions. Absenteeism will result in review of a student’s status in the course by course faculty.
2. Clinical: Clinical attendance is mandatory. Any missed clinical experience will require clinical make-up time at the discretion of course faculty in accordance with course objectives.  Clinical make-up may be scheduled during spring break or exam week.  Any student who misses 10% or more is a candidate for course failure.

6. Permission to take Courses

Any course taken out of sequence or at any other institution must be approved by

the Admission/Promotion Committee or Program Administrators prior to registration.

7. Receiving Credit

1. Students who repeat a failed course or take courses out of sequence must submit verification of the grade received to HackensackUMC Mountainside School of Nursing within one semester after taking the course. Failure to submit transcripts within one semester will be viewed as incomplete course work.
2. Credit will be awarded via CLEP and Excelsior College examinations for selected courses based upon standardized recommended scores.
3. Credit for required courses taken prior to admission will be awarded provided a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) is achieved. Credit for science courses will be awarded if completed within five years of acceptance to the program. All transcripts will be evaluated on an individual basis.

8. Pre-requisites

A student may not progress in nursing until all course objectives and pre-requisites are met as described in the curriculum plan with the exception of N111. Each nursing course is a pre-requisite for the subsequent nursing course. The final Nursing course may not be taken unless all program requirements have been met. Official proof of successful course completion (C = 2.0) must be received in the School of Nursing prior to registration for nursing courses.

9. Math Competency Requirement

90% is required on all Math Competency exams in order to progress in nursing courses. Students are candidates for dismissal if 90% is not achieved on the third testing.

10. Promotion

Promotion to the second year of the program occurs when students have completed all first year requirements with a grade of “C” or above.

11. Extended Periods of Absence

The student must inform faculty in writing concerning an absence of an extended nature. This should be followed by a note from the physician within one week. Extended absence beyond a total of two weeks may necessitate repeat of the course. If a student is unable to continue to meet the demands of the program, for any reason, their status in the school will be re-evaluated.

12. Change of Status

Any departure from contiguous educational curriculum constitutes a change of status. Requests for change of status must be made in writing and approved by School Administration.

1. A student may request a leave of absence for a maximum of one year. This leave allows the individual to maintain status in the school without pursuing academic studies during this period.
2. A program extension may be requested by the student experiencing academic or extenuating personal problems to allow additional time to complete program requirements. The individual continues to pursue academic studies during the extension period. A maximum of one year may be granted for this purpose.
3. Student placement in nursing on return to the program may be affected by the duration of the absence, space available and resources at time of return, and/or curriculum change during the period of absence.  Students must comply with policies regarding the total school program in place at time of return. Validation of skills may be required.
4. Students who do not return to the program of study within the agreed upon time will be dismissed.
5. Withdrawal from a nursing course results in a change of status. A student who withdraws prior to completing one half of a course will receive a WD.  A student who has completed at least one-half of a course before withdrawal will receive a W/P (withdrew passing) or W/F (withdrew failing) grade as appropriate. A W/F constitutes failure of a course.  The last date of attendance is considered the withdrawal date.
6. The name of any student receiving federal monies, whose status changes due to a Leave of Absence or Program Extension, will be communicated promptly to the appropriate persons associated with the Direct Loan or PELL Grant programs and to the NJHEAA.  It is the responsibility of the student to report any change in status to the appropriate source.

13. Incomplete Grades

A grade of Incomplete is assigned when a student has not completed course work. A time plan must be established for completion of work. If not completed by the designated period, the grade will be converted to an “F”. Students will not be permitted to progress to the next course with an incomplete in a pre-requisite course.

14. Course Failure

1. A student who fails a nursing course will be a candidate for dismissal. A student who fails or withdraws failing from any additional nursing course will be dismissed. A student who fails or withdraws failing from a laboratory science course must pass it the next time taken or will be a candidate for dismissal.
2. A student who has failed to achieve a “C” (2.0) must repeat that course. The grade received in the repeated course becomes the official grade for the GPA.

15. Withdrawal from the Program

Students considering complete withdrawal from the program are requested to discuss their intent with the Director of the School of Nursing and submit a letter stating the reasons for the decision.  The program is obligated to submit the name of any student receiving federal monies, who leaves the program for any reason, in a timely manner to the appropriate persons associated with the Direct Loan or PELL Grant programs and to the NJHEAA.

16. Clinical Performance

A grade of Pass or Fail is assigned to clinical practice.  Any student whose clinical performance falls below the expected level of behavior for any nursing course will be a candidate for dismissal. 

Anecdotal records, kept by the clinical faculty, are available for student review and are retained until students exit the program.

17. Performance Improvement Plan/Warning      

Students are advised on a periodic basis during the semester regarding their progress in the academic and clinical areas.  A student is notified verbally and subsequently in writing at any time of unsatisfactory academic and/or clinical performance.  Unsatisfactory clinical attendance will result in a written warning.  Faculty will meet with the student to review identified problem(s). The student will develop a written performance improvement plan which is filed in the student’s portfolio.  Failure to respond to faculty’s request for a conference will be documented on the Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).

18. Probation

Any student whose GPA or Cumulative average falls below 2.0 will be placed on probation for the next semester.  Any student who must be placed on probation a second time due to a GPA or Cumulative average of less than 2.0 will be a candidate for dismissal from the school.

19. Dismissal

The faculty reserves the right to dismiss any student who demonstrates inappropriate professional judgment or behavior, or acts in an unethical manner as identified in the New Jersey Nurse Practice Act, the ANA Code of Ethics, and the Student Conduct Policy of Mountainside Hospital School of Nursing. Students are informed of dismissal in writing.

20. Grade Appeal

A student who wishes to appeal a decision of the Admissions Promotions Committee must submit written notification of intent to appeal to School of Nursing Administration within five business days of receipt of the Committee’s decision.  The student is advised as to preparation of materials to identify the basis for appeal.  The chairperson of the Ad Hoc Appeals Committee will notify the student of the date and time for the appeal within five business days of receipt of written intent to appeal a decision. 

21. Graduation

The diploma and pin of HackensackUMC Mountainside School of Nursing will be awarded when the student has successfully completed the planned program of studies.  The letter of completion will be sent to the Board of Nursing when the student has successfully completed the planned program of studies, and fulfilled all school requirements and financial obligations.  The student is then eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination to become a Registered Professional Nurse.

22. Student Communication

In addition or face-to-face interactions, the program maintains contact with students using other venues such as telephone, emails, and letters.  The student may grant permission to release this communication in accordance with Section 438 (b) (4) (B) of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended.

23. Policy Changes

Faculty of the School of Nursing reserves the right to change school policies.  The student body will be informed of changes verbally and in writing of policy changes.

24. Change of Name

Change of name and address should be made with the Financial Aid Office. A copy of the marriage certificate or court document is required to change name.

25. Grievance Procedure

Steps involved in grievance (includes interpersonal issues, classroom behaviors and student and faculty issues):

1. Students are provided with policies and guidelines, which are published in HackensackUMC School of Nursing Student Guidebook.
2. Faculty is available for guidance.
3. Initiator, whether student or faculty, is required to notify individual(s) involved within five days of identification of an issue needing resolution.
4. Parties must attempt to resolve the issue through discussion, in the presence of a facilitator (agreeable to all parties) within three days of notification.
5. If no resolution is achieved, descriptive documentation of the issue must be signed by all parties and submitted to the Chairperson of the Student/Faculty Coordinating Committee who will review the materials and clarify information.
6. An Ad-hoc committee will be formed.  The Chairperson of the Student/Faculty Coordinating Committee will select members.  Three faculty members and three student representatives (none of whom are involved in the issue being grieved) will review the grievance and a hearing will be held within three business days.
7. A decision will be reached and individuals are notified within 24 hours of the hearing.
8. If the grieving party is not satisfied with the decision, and wishes to pursue the matter further, the problem with all the supporting documentation, will be presented to the Director of the School for final action.  Parties will be notified in writing of the final decision.
9. Voting: Ad-hoc committees of non-academic grievances are upheld or defeated by a 2/3 majority. In event of a tie, the Chairperson of Student/Faculty Coordinating Committee will be allowed to vote.

26. Tuition and Fee Policy

1. Tuition and fees must be paid by the student at the time of registration.
2. If the payment of tuition and fees is not made in full, the student will not be admitted to class.
3. Tuition and fees for courses taught by HackensackUMC School of Nursing are payable to School of Nursing.
4. Tuition and fees for courses taught by other institutions of Higher Learning are payable to the respective institution.  Nonpayment will result in inability to continue in the nursing program.

27. Transcripts

All students will be charged a fee of $5.00 for each transcript requested.  The transcript request form is available on the School website, mhson.com (General Information).  Transcripts will not be released if there are unmet financial obligations. 

28. Waiver Policy

Students have the right to request the waving of any program policy.

1. Submit a written signed waiver request to the program Director during the academic semester
2. The director will review the request within five days of receipt.
3. Based on the review, the director will establish an ad-hoc committee of three faculty most appropriate to review and make recommendations about the request.
4. The committee will make a recommendation to the program director within five days.  The director will review and make decision about the waiver request and inform all parties of the final outcome within 24 hours.

29. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Policy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford students certain rights with respect to their education records. The Act applies to all institutions that are the recipients of federal funding including the HackensackUMC Mountainside School of Nursing. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Curriculum Coordinator, School of Nursing written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Curriculum Coordinator, School of Nursing will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records will be inspected. If the request for access is made to someone other than the Curriculum Coordinator of the School of Nursing, that person is responsible for advising the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the School of Nursing to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the Curriculum Coordinator, School of Nursing for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. When the record has been amended, the student will receive a letter delineating what amendment(s) were made. If the School of nursing decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the School of Nursing will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s educational records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.

Authorization forms required to release education records are available from the Assistant Director, or the school secretary. These forms specify the records to be released state the purpose of the disclosure, identify the party or class of parties to whom disclosure may be made, and are to be signed and dated by the student.

The School of Nursing is not required to disclose information from a student’s education records to the parents of dependent students (as established by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, Section 152). Parental request for information are to be referred to the Curriculum Coordinator at the School of Nursing.

HackensackUMC Mountainside School of Nursing will disclose information from a student’s educational records only with the written consent of the student, except:

• To school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records.
• To certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, The Comptroller General, and state and local educational authorities in connection with certain state or federally supported education programs.
• In connection with a student’s request for or receipt of financial aid; if necessary to determine the eligibility, amount or conditions of the financial aid; or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.
• If required by a state law requiring disclosure that was adopted before November 19, 1974.
• To organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the School of Nursing.
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions.
• To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena provided that the institution make a reasonable attempt to notify the student in advance of compliance.
• To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency.

1. The right to request that the School of Nursing not disclose directory information items about them. Directory information items are defined as: Information contained in an education record of a student that generally would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. It includes, but is not limited to, the student’s name, address, telephone listing, electronic email address, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, awards, most recent education agency or college attended, photographs, film, tape and/or voice recordings, and/or interviews. Faculty and staff of the School of Nursing receive a list of directory information they may disclose.

A student may sign a Directory Information Nondisclosure to prevent disclosure of directory information. When a student signs a Directory Information Nondisclosure form, alternate forms of communication between faculty and student may need to be developed to ensure effective learning opportunities.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

1. The right to know that school officials within the institution may obtain information from education records without obtaining prior written consent and the criteria for determining who will be considered school officials and what legitimate educational interests will entitle school officials to have access to education records.  Legitimate Educational Interest is defined as the demonstrated “need to know” by those officials of the School of Nursing who act in the student’s legitimate educational interest, including faculty, administration, clerical and professional employees, and other persons, who manage student record information. The disclosure to a school official having legitimate education interest does not constitute institutional authorization to transmit, share, or disclose any or all information received to a third party. An authorized disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education record of the student is prohibited.

School Officials are those members of the Hospital/School of Nursing who act in the student’s educational interest within the limitations of their “need to know.” Officials include but are not limited to:

• A person employed by the School of Nursing in administrative, supervisory, academic, research, support staff position.
• A person employed by or under contract to the school of nursing to perform a special task, such as an attorney or an auditor.
• A person or organization acting as an official agent of the school of nursing and performing business function or service on behalf of the School of Nursing.
• A student serving on a committee.

Although a person may be designated a “school official,” he or she does not have the inherent rights to any and all education record information. The Curriculum Coordinator and Academic Coordinator have been designated as FERPA Officers. School officials wishing to examine any portion of an enrolled student’s file must make a request to the FERPA Officer. The school official must demonstrate to the FERPA officer a legitimate educational interest and such a determination must be made on a case-by-case basis. Any entries to an enrolled student’s file will be recorded on a log sheet in the file which includes: date out, file component, purpose of request, faculty/staff signature, date returned and initials of the FERPA Officer.

All Students enrolled at School of Nursing will be notified annually of their aforementioned rights with respect to their education records. Student will be required to sign an acknowledgement form confirming that they have been notified of their rights under FERPA and that they are responsible for knowing their rights.

All School of Nursing faculty and staff will be informed about FERPA regulations during their orientation and will be asked to sign an acknowledgement form agreeing to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as Amended.

Financial information about a student will not be released without written consent. Information about the financial income and resources of students, spouses of students, and/or parents of students will not be released by the Office Coordinator/Financial Aid Officer or a designee without the written consent of the person whose information is sought.

Student records will not be released unless all financial obligations are met or satisfactory arrangements made with the school.

Individual exceptions to any of the above policies may be requested by the student and/or parent (if the student is a minor).

30. Drug/Alcohol Abuse Policy

It is the belief of the faculty in the School of Nursing that the use of illegal drugs, the abuse of alcohol and unauthorized use of controlled substances, compromises the student’s ability to learn, be productive, and creates an unacceptable risk to patients.  Faculty and staff, who because of the use of illegal drugs or alcohol: become less productive, impose a burden on co-workers, endanger patients, and set a poor example to students, will not be tolerated.

“The Drug-Free Work Force Act of 1988″ mandates that employees have the right to work in a substance-free environment.

There are many health risks associated with the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol.  Persons who use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol are at high risk for infections, such as hepatitis and HIV, and chronic diseases such as renal failure and cirrhosis.  Use of illegal drugs and/or alcohol may result in death from overdosing.  In addition, persons who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol have impaired coordination, awareness and judgment.  Such impairment poses a significant danger to themselves and others.

Laws:

The New Jersey State Alcoholic Beverage Control Law prohibits consumption of alcoholic beverages by a person under the age of 21.

The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, makes abuse of controlled substances punishable by law.

The School of Nursing prohibits the following:

1. Use, possession, distribution or sale of illegal drugs, unauthorized controlled substances, or alcohol on hospital or school property.
2. Storing of drugs or alcohol on the premises.
3. Being under the influence of unauthorized controlled substances or alcohol on hospital premises or when involved in educationally related activities.
4. Use of alcohol, illegal or controlled substances off hospital or school property that adversely affects the employee or student work performance, or the school’s reputation in the community.

Any one or more of the following behaviors may constitute evidence that someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs:

1. Observable lack of motor coordination without reasonable explanation.
2. Incoherent speech without reasonable explanation.
3. Inappropriate decision-making behavior without reasonable explanation.
4. Odor of alcohol detected from a maximum distance of two feet.
5. Observable abnormal or erratic behavior without reasonable explanation.
6. Physical or verbal abusiveness.
7. Mood swings

SUCH BEHAVIOR MUST BE DOCUMENTED OBJECTIVELY IN WRITING.

Testing:

When it is suspected that an individual is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a controlled substance, s/he may be asked to submit to testing.

The individual will be asked to sign a consent form that allows both testing and the release of information to the appropriate persons.

When an individual tests positive, an immediate second test is done.  If both tests are positive, s/he will be permitted to explain the test results before action is taken.

Protocol:

Faculty, students or staff who suspect a violation of this policy are required to take action.  If reasonable suspicion exists that a student, faculty or staff member has violated this policy, the Director of the School should be notified immediately.

Faculty and Staff:

The personnel policies of HackensackUMC Mountainside regarding substance abuse will be followed.

Students:

1. If a violation is suspected while the student is in the clinical area, the student will be removed from patient care. The faculty member will remain with the student until the Director or her designee arrives.  The Director or her designee will accompany the student from the clinical area to the School of Nursing.
2. If a violation is suspected while a student is in the classroom, the student will be accompanied to the Director’s office.
3. If the student is asked and agrees to submit to a drug or alcohol screen and the tests are negative, the student will be allowed to resume educational activities without penalty.
4. If the student is asked and refuses to submit to a drug/alcohol screen, or if the student submits to the screen and the results are positive, a plan of action will be established by the Director, or her designated representative.