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Progression & Retention

Undergraduate Progression Policies

Introduction
All nursing and nursing support courses on one level must be completed satisfactorily before a student can progress to the next level. A student must maintain the University and College standards of scholarship and conduct. These standards include:

1. maintenance of a 2.00 current and cumulative grade point average;
2. satisfactory completion of all courses with a grade of C- or better (courses with a theory and clinical component require a minimum grade of "C" in each component); and
3. adherence to the University Student Code of Conduct and the ANA Code of Conduct.

Adherence to Prerequisites
Prerequisites for required nursing courses are to be met in order to progress within the curriculum. If a student does not complete a level course with a grade of "C-" or better, the student may continue within a level in the curriculum in selected courses, according to for prerequisites. Refer to the University Courses of Instruction for a complete listing of courses and their prerequisites. Students may petition the Admissions and Progression Committee for waiver of a prerequisite in extenuating circumstances. Waiver of Prerequisite forms are available from the Office of Student Affairs, Any student enrolled in a nursing course for which prerequisites have not been met will be subject to administrative withdrawal from the course.

Incomplete "I" Grades in Sequential Nursing Courses
An "I" Grade in any sequential nursing course must be removed by the end of the second week of the next quarter in order for the student to continue enrollment in the sequential nursing course. When an "I" grade has not been removed, the student will be subject to administrative withdrawal from the sequential course.

RN/BSN Student Prerequisite Courses
Upper Division courses must be taken in the order as defined by the curriculum schema for the specific program (full or part time).

Repeating Courses
A student may only repeat two (2) courses after admission to the nursing major, excluding General Education electives. General Education electives are: 200 level English (not including business or technical writing); history, fine arts, humanities, and free electives. Examples: (1) a student earned an "F" in 29NURS307 (Therapeutic Nursing Interventions) and then earns a "B" upon repeating the course. Then the student earned a "D" in 29NURS319 (Nursing Theory) and upon repeating the course earned a "C". If the student fails another course, the student is eligible for dismissal. (2) the student earned an "F" in 17-BIO201 (Anatomy and Physiology) and upon repeating earned a grade of "B". The student then took 29NURS323 (Health Patterns A) and earned a "D" and upon repeating earned another"D". The student is, therefore eligible for dismissal.

Note: Admission to the major is defined as admission to the sophomore year for traditional students and for RN-BSN students entry into the course, Transitions to Professional Nursing.

Math Testing Policy (Adopted 11/19/07)

General Guidelines for Medication Calculation Math Testing

1. All medication calculation tests will be developed and administered by faculty teaching the first course of each level.
2. All medication calculation tests will be given at a time and day established by the faculty. Students will be notified of the initial testing dates/times prior to the beginning of the quarter.
3. All students will be tested in the same or similar environment. No tests are to be administered in the clinical area.
4. The policies listed below are the minimum requirements to be followed. Individual course faculty may apply additional stipulations to their course.

Level Based Policies

Program Exit Examinations Policy for BSN Students

1. Each traditional undergraduate student will sit for a nationally normed test following successful completion of Health Patterns Integration (29NURS333). Students in the Accelerated Program will complete the examination during Health Patterns Integration/Synthesis (29NURS714). Each student will be responsible for the purchase of the examination. Students will be guided by identified faculty in developing a review plan based on the results of the examination.
2. Each traditional undergraduate and Accelerated Pathway student will achieve satisfactory performance on a Program Exit Examination administered during the seventh week of the last quarter of the senior year, to qualify for graduation. The College of Nursing will provide this test.
3. Successful completion of the Program Exit Examination will be defined as achieving a minimum score of 900 on the HESI Examination.
4. Students unsuccessful in achieving satisfactory performance on the Program Exit Examination will be given the opportunity to take a review course at their expense and retake another version of the examination until successful. Students will be financially responsible for all subsequent retests. Only after successful completion of the Program Exit Examination will the student qualify for graduation.

General Information

1. The HESI Examination will be used for the Program Exit Examinations.
2. All students are expected to test on the designated test dates for their assigned group.
3. All tests and retests will be administered through the CON at University of Cincinnati.
4. Payment to the CON for the first examination must be received by the due date prior to the exam in order to take the first exam. The current cost per exam is $30.00. Note this cost may vary based on vendor cost.
5. For practice testing opportunities, students may use the RN-CAT Examination software in CATER at no charge or purchase a non-secured copy of the Mosby Assess Test (ISBN # 0323012728) at their own expense.

Exceptions to Policy
Students with extenuating circumstances who wish to seek an exception to any progression policy must submit a written request Petition of Exception to the Chair of the Admissions and Progression Committee. The petition form is available from the Office of Student Affairs (Room 405).

Students will be notified of the disposition of petitions by receipt of a signed copy of the petition application. Please attach any supportive correspondence to the petition form. When applicable, attach a list of courses and the number of credits for which you are currently enrolled, and indicate the number of credits you have earned at UC and elsewhere.

For Graduation Requirements
Petitions which relate to requirements for graduation must be submitted no later than the tenth class day of the quarter immediately preceding the quarter of intended graduation.

For Overloads
Petition relating to overloads during any quarter must be submitted no later than the seventh class day of the preceding quarter.

Review of Student Academic Progression
Student progress is reviewed at the end of each quarter by the Office of Student Affairs academic advisors. They will notify the College Admission and Progression Committee of all students do not meet academic standards for review and recommendation.

For progression purposes a grade of C- is equal to a C and a grade of B- is equal to a B.

Petition of Exception Process

1. A student wishing to petition for an exception to course core or prerequisite requirements should submit the appropriate exception form to his/her Office of Student Affairs academic advisor no later than the 1st day of priority registrations for the quarter the student wishes to take the course in question.
2. Within five (5) business days, the student's advisor will forward the form and a summary of the student's current academic standing, GPA, and other relevant data to the faculty member teaching the course and a copy to the chair of the Admissions and Progression Committee. If a faculty member has not been assigned, the information will be forwarded to the department head responsible for the course.
3. The faculty member will review the petition and submit a recommendation with rationale to the Admissions and Progression Committee chairperson within five (5) business days of receipt.
4. The department head will review the petition and submit a recommendation with rationale to the Admissions and Progression Committee chairperson within five (5) business days of receipt.
5. At the next Admissions and Progression Committee meeting the committee will review the petition in reference to progression issues. If the committee determines that the petition does not require a review by the Curriculum Committee the Admissions and Progression Committee will vote to approve or deny the request based on progression issues.
6. If the Admission and Progression Committee determines that approval of the petition requires a review by the Curriculum Committee, the committee will vote to deny or approve the request based on progression issues pending approval by the Curriculum Committee. If the Admissions and Progression Committee approves the petition pending Curriculum Committee approval, the chair will forward the petition with all relevant data to the Curriculum Committee for final approval.
7. The Curriculum Committee will review the petition based on curricular issues and approve or deny the petition and forward the decision to the chair of the Admissions and Progression Committee.
8. The chair of the Admissions and Progression Committee will notify the student of the final decision by mail.

Probation
Probation means that a student is placed on academic warning for a period of one quarter, the next quarter of enrollment.

Causes for probation:

1. Any students who has a current College or Cumulative GPA of less than 2.0 will be place on probation; or
2. The Admission and  Progression Committee may place a student on probation who:
   1. fails to adhere to the University's Academic and the ANA Professional Code of Conduct, or
   2. demonstrates a pattern of unsafe clinical practice in one or more courses (refer to Unsafe Practice Policy).

Students may be placed on probation twice. After any two quarters of probation, a student who meets a criterion for probation a third time will be recommended for dismissal from the College.

During the period of probation the student is permitted to continue academic studies; however, the student may not participate in public performances or intercollegiate or intramural events and may not hold a major office in student organizations, social sororities, or fraternities.

Dismissal
Dismissal means that a student is permanently excluded from the College of Nursing.

A student may be dismissed who:

1. fails to achieve a grade of "C-" or above when repeating any two required courses; or
2. fails to achieve a grade of "C-" or above when repeating any required nursing courses; or
3. is eligible for probation and has been on probation for any two (2) quarters of enrollment; or
4. demonstrates a pattern of unsafe clinical practice in one or more courses (Refer to Unsafe Practice Policy).

The Admission and Progression Committee recommends to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs that a student be dismissed. Upon concurrence with the Committee's recommendation, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs forwards the recommendation to the Dean, who, upon concurrence, notifies the student in writing of dismissal. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs forwards a revised recommendation to the Dean for the College in situations where there is not concurrence with the Committee's recommendation.

A notation of dismissal is posted on the student's permanent University and College record. A student dismissed from the baccalaureate program of the College of Nursing may be eligible for admission to another college of the university. Upon confirmation of dismissal from the College of Nursing, students will be withdrawn from College of Nursing classes.

Appeal of Progression Decisions
Students will be informed of probation and dismissal decisions affecting their status in the program and each has a right to appeal under the grievance procedures drawn up by the University.

If the student wishes to appeal a probation or dismissal recommendation by the College Admissions and Progression committee, the student must notify the Chair of the Admission and Progression Committee in writing within five (5) working days of notification of the Admission and Progression Committee's actions. It is the student's responsibility to provide clear and concise rationale for the request that the probation or dismissal action to be reconsidered, and to provide supportive data for the Committee to examine. A student may appear before the committee to present their case and be accompanied by a faculty member or other individual selected by the student to serve as an advocate or support person at the time of reconsideration. The advocate serves strictly in an advisory capacity to the student.

A student who requests and is permitted to maintain course enrollment during an appeal process is responsible for any financial risk/loss that may be associated with subsequent course or program withdrawal.

If the Committee upholds the original decision of probation or dismissal, the student may appeal to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. If the Associate Dean upholds the Committee decision, the student may appeal to the Dean.

MSN Progression Policies

Candidacy
A student becomes a candidate for the master's degree upon acceptance into the program. For both full-time and part-time students, failure to register for at least one credit hour in an academic year constitutes a lapse of candidacy. The student must request to be officially reinstated into candidacy status by filing a reinstatement form with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Students, who do not take courses during the quarter in which admission is offered or in the subsequent three quarters, must apply for readmission to the College of Nursing and Health and the Graduate Division of the University.

Students who have met requirements for all course work but the master's capstone (29NURS832) or thesis (29NURS833) must register and pay for one credit hour of independent study yearly, preferable each Autumn Quarter, in order to maintain candidacy.

A student who does not register for at least one credit hour each year will no longer be considered a graduate student but may seek reinstatement into candidacy (See Reinstatement Policy).

Grade Requirements
Graduate students must:

1. maintain a B- grade or better in Core A or B courses and in courses in their major;
2. maintain a C grade or better for the Masters Nursing Core courses (NURS800, NURS801, NURS802, NURS803, NURS804, and NURS805 as well as NURS832 or NURS833);
3. achieve a "B" or better in 2/3 of the course credits required for the degree; and
4. have a quarterly current or cumulative GPA of "B" or better.

For progression purposes a grade of B- is equal to a B.

Grade Point Average
The cumulative average in graduate courses at the end of each quarter must be a "B" (3.00) or above to remain in good academic standing. The cumulative grade point average for the nursing major at the end of each quarter must be a "B" (3.00) or above to remain in good academic standing. Failure to remain in good academic standing may result in probationary status or dismissal.

Incomplete (I) Grades
All "I" grades for required nursing courses must be removed in order to progress to the next sequential course. An "I" grade in any sequential nursing course in any quarter must be removed by the end of the second week of the next quarter in order for the student to continue enrollment in the next nursing course in the sequence according to prerequisites as stated in the University Course Descriptions. "I" grades earned in courses must be removed by the end of the quarter which follows the initial quarter of enrollment to avoid grade conversion to 0.00 quality points.

Graduation will not be permitted if a student has a grade of "I" on the transcript. Course work must be completed or the "I" grade will automatically convert to an "F" one calendar year after the initial grade was given unless College policy leads to earlier conversion, as in Item c, 2 above.

"F" Grades
Graduation with an "F" grade on a transcript will be permitted only if:

1. The student meets published departmental or college standards for the degree program; and
2. A grade of "F" in a required course is superseded by a grade of "C" or better ("B" or better in course in major) in the same course retaken by the student or a substitute course acceptable to the Department Head or faculty advisor for the major.

Accelerated Pathway/MSN Student

Accelerated students must make a C- grade of better in nursing courses in the pre-licensure component of the program and must adhere to the Graduate Student Progression policies in Masters nursing courses.

A student who fails a pre-Licensure Accelerated Pathway clinical nursing course has three options:

1. Repeat the failed accelerated course;
2. Petition to enter the generic baccalaureate program (withdraw from the MSN program) and following entry in to the BSN program take course(s) that correspond to each component of the failed Accelerated Pathway course with continuation in the generic program; or
3. Petition to complete the required pre-Licensure clinical nursing courses by taking the generic BSN courses that correspond to each component of the failed Accelerated Pathway course with continuation in the MSN program. Clinical placement in a specific master's major is guaranteed for one academic year from the year in which the pre-Licensure course work would have been completed if progression in accelerated courses had been maintained.

"NG" Grades
Normally an "NG" grade (no grade reported) should be removed prior to graduation. A student may be allowed to graduate with the "NG" grade when such action is deemed appropriate by the department head or advisor for the major. The department head or advisor is responsible for indicating in writing for filing in the student's permanent folder when a student is permitted to graduate with an "NG" grade.

Prerequisites
Prerequisites for required nursing courses are to be met in order to progress. Refer to the University Courses Description for a complete listing of courses and their prerequisites. Any student enrolled in a nursing course for which prerequisites have not been met will be subject to administrative withdrawal from the course.

Repeating Courses
If a student does not successfully complete a nursing course, the student may repeat the course once.  If a student is unsuccessful in the course on the second time, the student may be eligible for dismissal (a major course must be retaken with a grade of "B" or above and a core course with a grade of "C" or above).

Petitions of Exception
Student progress is reviewed at the end of each quarter by the Office of Student Affairs academic advisors. They will notify the College Admission and Progression Committee of all students do not meet academic standards for review and recommendation.

For progression purposes a grade of C- is equal to a grade of C and a grade of B- is equal to a B.

Petition of Exception Process

1. A student wishing to petition for an exception to course core or prerequisite requirements should submit the appropriate exception form to his/her Office of Student Affairs academic advisor no later than the 1st day of priority registrations for the quarter the student wishes to take the course in question.
2. Within five (5) business days, the student's advisor will forward the form and a summary of the student's current academic standing, GPA, and other relevant data to the faculty member teaching the course and a copy to the chair of the Admissions and Progression Committee. If a faculty member has not been assigned, the information will be forwarded to the department head responsible for the course.
3. The faculty member will review the petition and submit a recommendation with rationale to the Admissions and Progression Committee chairperson within five (5) business days of receipt.
4. The department head will review the petition and submit a recommendation with rationale to the Admissions and Progression Committee chairperson within five (5) business days of receipt.
5. At the next Admissions and Progression Committee meeting the committee will review the petition in reference to progression issues. If the committee determines that the petition does not require a review by the Curriculum Committee the Admissions and Progression Committee will vote to approve or deny the request based on progression issues.
6. If the Admission and Progression Committee determines that approval of the petition requires a review by the Curriculum Committee, the committee will vote to deny or approve the request based on progression issues pending approval by the Curriculum Committee. If the Admissions and Progression Committee approves the petition pending Curriculum Committee approval, the chair will forward the petition with all relevant data to the Curriculum Committee for final approval.
7. The Curriculum Committee will review the petition based on curricular issues and approve or deny the petition and forward the decision to the chair of the Admissions and Progression Committee.
8. The chair of the Admissions and Progression Committee will notify the student of the final decision by mail.

Reinstatement
Failure to register constitutes a lapse of candidacy. Both full-time and part-time students must register for at least one credit hour each academic year preferably in the Autumn Quarter. The student whose candidacy has lapsed must request to be officially reinstated into candidacy status by submitting the appropriate reinstatement, admission, and extension forms to the appropriate Department Head for completion and forwarding to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Criteria for Reinstatement and Extension
The following criteria are used in determining reinstatement/extension requirements for students enrolling in any major in the Masters Component of the Graduate Program.  

Extension
Student requests for extension of the 7-year time limit permitted to complete masters degree requirements will be granted for no more than 3 years beyond the original time limit. Exceptions may be made when reinstatement criteria are met.

Reinstatement

1. All students will be reinstated under the new curriculum in place at the time of reinstatement (See University Graduate Student Handbook).
2. All courses new to the program/major that introduce new content not in the previous program of study must be taken.
3. Once a student has satisfactorily met requirements for a course in the program core the student will not be required to repeat the course. "I" and "N" grades do not constitute evidence of satisfactory course completion.
4. Core Courses Specific to Major
   1. All new courses specific to the major must be taken.
   2. For a period of up to 7 years after taking a course specific to the major, the reinstated student may update knowledge and skills relative to the area of nursing practice by using independent study. The independent study will be accompanied by a formal plan and objectives and be approved by the respective department head. The focus of the independent study may include such areas as readings, pre-accepted practice, and participation in selected portions of previously taken required courses.
   3. A course taken 7 years or more prior to the date of reinstatement must be retaken and satisfactorily completed for noncredit.

Time to Degree
A student pursuing a program of study leading to the Master's Degree must complete all requirements within seven (7) years from the date of matriculation* into the degree program. (See Candidacy and Reinstatement)

Probation
Probation means that a student is placed on academic warning for a period of one quarter, the next quarter of enrollment.

Causes for probation:

1. Any student who has less than a grade of "B" in any nursing course in the major or has a current or cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 will be placed on probation; or
2. The Admission and Progression Committee may place a student on probation who:
   1. Fails to adhere to the University's Student Code of Conduct or the ANA Code for Nurses; or
   2. Demonstrates unsafe clinical practice (refer to Policy on Unsafe Practice); or
   3. Fails to achieve a grade of "B" or better in 2/3 of the course credits required for the degree; or
   4. Fails to achieve a cumulative average in graduate courses at the end a quarter of "B" (3.00).

Students who receive a second probation must present a detailed plan, approved by their faculty advisor, to the College's Admissions and Progression Committee that specifies actions and timelines to improve the likelihood of future success. 

A student who meets a criterion for probation a third time will be recommended for dismissal from the College.

During the period of probation, the student is permitted to continue academic studies; however, the student may not hold a major office in student organizations.

Dismissal
Dismissal means that a student is permanently excluded from the College of Nursing. A notation of dismissal is posted on the student's permanent University and College record. A student dismissed from the College of Nursing may be eligible for admission to another College of the University.

The Admission and Progression Committee may recommend to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs that a student be dismissed. Upon concurrence with the Committee's recommendation, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs forwards the recommendation to the Dean, who upon concurrence notifies the student in writing of dismissal. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs forwards a revised recommendation to the Dean for the College in situations where there is not concurrence with the Committee's recommendation.

A student may be dismissed who:

1. Fails to achieve a grade of "B" or above when repeating a required course;
2. Is eligible for probation and has been on probation for any two (2) quarters of enrollment;
3. Demonstrates a pattern of unsafe clinical practice in one or more courses (refer to Policy on Unsafe Practice);
4. Has been previously suspended from and readmitted to the nursing program and meets the criteria for probation or suspension following readmission;
5. Fails to achieve a grade of "B" or above when repeating either the Capstone Project or Thesis; or
6. Fails to meet the terms of provisional admission.

Appeal of Progression Decisions
Students will be informed of all decisions affecting their status in the program and each has a right to appeal under the grievance procedures drawn up by the Graduate Division of the University (see Graduate Student Grievance Procedures).

If the student wishes to appeal a probation decision or dismissal recommendation on the College level, the student must notify the Chair of the Admission and Progression Committee in writing within five (5) working days of notification of the Admission and Progression Committee's actions. It is the student's responsibility to provide clear and concise rationale for the request that the probation/dismissal action be reconsidered, and to provide supportive data for the Committee to examine. Students may appear before the committee to present their case and be accompanied by a faculty member or other individual selected by the student to serve as any advocate or support person at the time of reconsideration. The advocate serves strictly in an advisory capacity to the student.

A student who requests and is permitted to maintain course enrollment during the appeal process is responsible for any financial risk/loss that may be associated with subsequent course or program withdrawal.

If the Committee upholds the original decision of probation or the dismissal recommendation, the student may appeal to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. If the Associate Dean upholds the Committee decision, the student may appeal to the Dean.