Academic Policies

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. These laws require the College to provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified students with disabilities. Generally, the term “disability” means that an individual has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. This policy is intended to guide the student disability accommodation process once a request for an academic accommodation has been made.

Those with questions about this policy, including prospective students who may need a disability accommodation during the admissions process, should contact the College’s Services specialist/ADA Coordinator.

Nikki Flagler
Student Services Specialist, ADA Coordinator
(816) 276-3147

The Interactive Process Between the College and the Student

At the postsecondary level, students are required to self-identify as a person with a disability and affirmatively make a request for an accommodation to the College. Once a request has been made, the College will engage in an interactive process with the student to determine what, if any, reasonable accommodations are available.

A student requesting an accommodation based on a disability must have a disability covered by law and be qualified with or without reasonable accommodation. The College is only obligated to provide reasonable accommodations, and it is not required to fundamentally alter its programs to accommodate a student. Thus, not all accommodation requests will necessarily be granted.

Accommodation requests and supporting documentation are reviewed on an individualized, case-by-case basis. As such, approved accommodations may vary from person to person and from environment to environment for students with the same disability diagnosis. Documentation of a specific disability does not translate directly into specific accommodations.

During the interactive process, appropriate College officials may be consulted to determine the appropriateness of requested accommodations and how best to implement certain accommodations.

Temporary accommodation may be available while the College engages in the interactive process to determine whether ongoing accommodation is appropriate and, if so, what reasonable accommodations are needed. However, temporary accommodations do not reflect a determination that ongoing accommodations will be granted and/or what reasonable accommodations are appropriate, nor do they create an obligation on the part of the College to continue accommodating the student.

Requesting Accommodations and Documentation

Students must contact the ADA Coordinator in order to request accommodations. Students should not make accommodation requests directly to faculty members; if this occurs, faculty members will refer students to the ADA Coordinator. Students must complete the Disability Accommodations Application and provide appropriate documentation (as described below) to be considered for accommodations.

Students must submit the completed Application and required documentation no later than five (5) days prior to the desired implementation date. Any late submissions or deficiencies in the required documentation may result in a delay or denial of accommodations. NOTE: Granted accommodations are not effective retroactively. Students will not be allowed to go back and resubmit assignments or retake exams that were due and administered prior to the granting of accommodations. This underscores the importance of timely and accurate submission of requests and documentation.

Appropriate documentation from a qualified professional is required and should include (1) a description of the qualified professional’s credentials, (2) a description of disability-related impairments as they relate to the student’s ability to learn and participate in the academic program, (3) a description of any tests, assessments, facts, observations, records, other materials, and/or evaluations that the professional relied on in arriving at their specific diagnosis, and (4) a list of suggested accommodations which the professional believes would allow the student to fully and equally participate in his/her educational program and how the professional expects the suggested accommodations to help the student. Some common accommodation requests include, but are not limited to: testing services (for example extended time on scheduled exam days and/or reduced distraction rooms), readers, tape recorded lectures, note takers, magnified text, and specific classroom seating.

1. The fact that specific accommodations are recommended by a professional does not guarantee that those accommodations will be granted; the College may provide alternative accommodations instead.
2. Although documentation of past accommodation history is important and will be considered, it is not decisive as to what accommodations the College may grant.
3. The College reserves the right to request additional documentation if the initial documentation is incomplete or does not meet the requirements outlined above.

Implementation of Approved Accommodations

If a student has been approved for accommodations, the ADA Coordinator will provide the student and faculty with an approval document outlining the accommodations. A student who believes that an approved accommodation is not being appropriately implemented, or is otherwise having difficulty with a faculty member related to accommodations, should first attempt to resolve the issue informally with the faculty member involved. The ADA Coordinator may act as a liaison in some circumstances in order to assist in resolving issues between the student and the faculty member. If the situation cannot be resolved informally, the student may file a grievance in accordance with the procedures outlined below.

Modifications to Approved Accommodations

It is the student’s responsibility to engage the ADA Coordinator with respect to any requested changes to approved accommodations. The presumption will be that there are no significant issues of concern if the student fails to contact the ADA Coordinator to request changes. Students are not to contact the faculty member directly to request modifications to approved accommodations or to request new accommodations. The student must contact the ADA Coordinator to request changes.

Grievance Procedure Related to Disability Accommodations

A student who believes that the ADA Coordinator has not granted an accommodation to which the student believes to be entitled may submit additional information and request a review of the denial decision. If the student is not satisfied with the ADA Coordinator’s final decision to deny accommodations, he or she may file a written grievance with the College President within 10 days of the denial. The President will review the situation, consult with appropriate personnel, and make a final determination on the matter.

A student with any other grievance related to disability accommodations, such as, for example, a faculty member that the student believes is not implementing accommodations appropriately, may file a written grievance with the ADA Coordinator. The ADA Coordinator will review the situation, consult with appropriate personnel, and make a final determination on the matter.

BSN students who consider English as an additional language (EAL) may request academic adjustments, such as:

1. Extended testing time for College faculty-made exams (includes ATI Customized Assessments, but excludes ATI Content Mastery Series exams)
2. Alternate testing setting
3. Use of a student-provided, hard copy, bilingual dictionary

Adjustments are designed to decrease over time and cease prior to Capstone theory course.

The College encourages the timely request of adjustments prior to the start of a semester; however, requests will be considered at any time. Approved academic adjustments are not retroactive.

Procedure:

1. Students self-identify as an EAL learner.
2. Students contact the Track Coordinator to request testing adjustments. Students should not make requests directly to faculty members.
3. If a student has been approved for adjustments, the Track Coordinator will provide the student’s name to the Registrar’s Office who will then send letters to appropriate course faculty.

During testing:

1. Students should present their hard copy bilingual dictionary to the exam proctor upon entry to the testing room for the evaluation of supplemental notes.
2. All other testing policies apply.
3. Extended testing time will be as follows:
   1. ABSN Term 1 and TBSN Semester 1 students receive two times (2x) the allotted testing time.
   2. ABSN Term 2 & 3A and TBSN Semesters 2 & 3 students receive one and a half times (1.5x) the allotted time.

Student enrollment status (full-time, half-time, or less) is determined by total credit hours taken per semester.

The schedule of section offerings is reviewed to ensure that the duration and frequency of each class meet instructional standards appropriate to course type and credit hours earned. The Registrar’s Office conducts an audit of scheduled contact hours prior to publishing the class schedule each term.

Each credit hour corresponds to specific weekly clock hour requirements:

• Theory Credit: 1 clock hour per week per credit hour
• Clinical Credit: 3 clock hours per week per credit hour
• Lab Credit: 2 clock hours per week per credit hour
• Out-of-Class Work: Minimum of 2 hours per credit hour per week

For courses offered in 8-week formats, weekly clock hours increase to match those of a traditional 15-week semester. Total clock hours are calculated using the ratios above and divided by the number of instructional weeks assigned to each course.

Hybrid and Online Equivalency

For hybrid or online courses, the content and assignments should equal the same number of expected hours per week. Calculating student engagement and time on task for assignments such as discussion posts, readings, team assignments, quizzes, etc. will be determined using an approved equivalency guide that was adapted from Ferrum College.

Course requirements and the methodology for assigning grades are the prerogatives of the faculty. One letter grade is recorded on the transcript for each course. All grades are part of the student's academic record and are computed in the student's cumulative GPA. Failing grades are not calculated in a student's cumulative GPA after the course is successfully repeated with a passing grade; however, the failing course remains part of the academic record and is subject to the dismissal policy.

Grades determined by percentages involving decimals will be rounded up to the next whole number when equal to 0.5 or greater. When the decimal is less than 0.5, the grade will be rounded down.

75% Rule

Students must achieve at least a 75% of exam points to successfully complete the course. The final course grade for students who earn at least 75% will be determined by the total course points. See course syllabi for details.

All absences carry inherent academic risk. Students are fully responsible for any material covered, assignments due, announcements made, and participation opportunities missed during their absence. Faculty are not required to re-teach missed content or provide make-up opportunities.

Students should contact faculty promptly to discuss possible options for making up missed content or activities. There is no set number of “allowable” absences—refer to individual course syllabi for specific attendance expectations. Students are responsible for:

• Attending and actively participating in all scheduled learning activities.
• Promptly notifying faculty of anticipated or actual absences, following established procedures.
• Understanding and adhering to all attendance and make-up policies.
• Taking initiative to obtain missed content from peers or faculty.
• Being aware of how their attendance and engagement impact academic progression and financial aid eligibility.

Faculty members are responsible for:

• Accurately tracking and documenting student attendance and academic engagement in all assigned learning activities (didactic, lab, simulation, clinical).
• Engaging with students to understand absence causes and offer support.
• Reporting student non-attendance or cessation of academic engagement to the designated College office (e.g., Early Alert, Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Success) per established procedures, particularly for unofficial withdrawals*.
• Communicating and overseeing the make-up process for missed clinical or lab hours.

Attendance at all assigned clinical and lab sessions, including related activities, is mandatory. These hours are essential for meeting the minimum clinical/lab requirements for course completion and eligibility for nursing licensure. Clinical hours may include simulation, labs, and online activities as outlined in the course syllabus.

All missed clinical hours must be made up; however, availability of make-up opportunities is not guaranteed. Students should consult their course syllabus for specific make-up policies and procedures.

In rare and exceptional circumstances where a student is unable to complete required clinical hours within the designated timeframe due to serious and unavoidable events, a formal request for a Course Incomplete may be submitted. Pregnancy-related accommodations are coordinated through the Title IX office.

Appeals: Decisions related to attendance and academic progression based on this policy may be appealed through the College's formal complaint and grade resolution process as outlined in the Student Handbook. However, the ability to make up required clinical hours is finite, and failure to meet these hours will impact progression and may not be appealable.

*Unofficial Withdrawal: For Financial Aid purposes, if a student misses any class for 15 consecutive working days (or three consecutive weeks), the faculty will report to the Registrar who will administratively withdraw the student from the course.

All students are required to provide their own Windows or Mac compatible laptop computer. iPads and mobile devices do not meet the minimum requirement for software operation. Students assume liability for all functions of personal computers, including all costs of damages, loss of data, or any other consequential, incidental, indirect, or punitive damages, however caused. At a minimum, a student computer configuration should include Microsoft Office software suite and audio/video capabilities.

Students are responsible for:

• knowing how to operate the computer system they choose and the software packages required,
• making all repairs, updates, and configurations to their computer,
• completing assignments in a timely manner regardless of the state of repair of their individual computer system, and
• acquiring any specialized software necessary to complete specific course requirements.

Technology Requirements for Students

All students are required to provide their own Windows or Mac-compatible laptop computer. iPads, Chromebooks, and other mobile devices do not meet the minimum requirements for required software operation.

Students are fully responsible for the functionality, maintenance, and security of their personal computers, including any costs associated with damage, data loss, or other incidental or consequential issues.

At a minimum, student computers must include:

• The Microsoft Office software suite (Word, PowerPoint)
• Audio and video capabilities (microphone, speakers, webcam)

In addition, students are required to install and maintain access to all required testing and learning software programs, including but not limited to:

• ExamSoft, Respondus, ATI Testing, etc.

Students are responsible for:

• Knowing how to operate their chosen computer system and all required software
• Performing all necessary updates, repairs, and configurations
• Completing assignments and assessments on time, regardless of technical issues
• Acquiring and maintaining any specialized software needed for specific course requirements

Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an additional security method that protects and helps prevent unauthorized access across all your applications and accounts. HCA Healthcare mandated all external-facing apps must be secured by MFA, as of May 1, 2025. Research College of Nursing (RCoN) is utilizing this extra layer of security for our Learning Management System, Student Information System and other select systems used by the college. MFA requires a second layer of identification, often delivered to a student's mobile device, before a user can access the systems.

Windows Minimum Requirements

• Operating System: 64-bit versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11

Alternate versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11, such as Windows RT and Windows 10 and 11 S, do not meet requirements

• CPU Processor: Non-ARM-based processor supported by your operating system
• RAM: 4GB of usable RAM or higher
• Hard drive: 4GB or higher of available space
• Administrator-level account permissions
• Screen resolution should be at least 1280 x 768

Mac Minimum Requirements

• Operating System: macOS Ventura, Sonoma or Sequoia
• CPU: Intel or M series processor. Devices using Apple’s M series and Apple Rosetta 2 are acceptable
• RAM: 4GB or higher
• Hard Drive: 4GB or higher available space
• Server version of Mac OS X is not supported
• Administrator-level account permissions
• Screen resolution should be at least 1280 x 768

Students may view their progress and grades using the grade book feature of the Learning Management System at any time during the academic term. It is the student’s responsibility to remain aware of progress in courses and consult with course faculty if additional assistance is needed. Students may view their midterm and final semester grades in the SONIS database, a secure environment, after grades have been entered. Final grades are available for viewing after the close of the academic session or semester.

Programs offered via distance education shall be consistent with the role and mission of the College. Only courses and programs approved by the appropriate curriculum councils shall be offered via distance education. Distance education students shall receive clear, accurate, complete, and timely advisement and information on the curriculum, course and degree requirements, nature of faculty/student interaction, required technological competence and skills, technical equipment requirements, availability of academic resources, availability of student services, program/course costs and payment policies, dates, time frames and deadlines, and academic policies.

Distance education students shall have reasonable and adequate access to the range of student services and student rights appropriate to support their learning. These will be comparable to those offered to on-ground students. The institution shall provide reasonable accommodation and support services for students with disabilities according to policy. Instructors shall provide distance students with information about library services through the learning management system. Information regarding access to College email, courses, and the College website should be included as well as technical assistance information.

In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act (Public Law 110-315), Federal Requirement 34 DFR-602.17(g), and HLC Policy Number FDCR.A.100505, institutions offering distance or correspondence education must have a process to establish that the student who registers in such courses is the same student who participates in and receives academic credit.

The College requires all distance students to upload a photo ID to NursingCAS as part of their application. This photo ID will be used for identity verification for distance students. The ID must not be expired. Driver’s license, passport or state issued ID is preferred. Students will be required to black out all numeric identification on the ID. US Government ID’s and Military ID’s are not accepted. Once a student’s ID has been verified, they will create a secure login and password that will be acceptable for distance education verification.

1. Students should be neat and clean while on campus and when participating in College/academic activities. Lounge wear pants and pajamas may not be worn while attending class.
2. Students should not emanate offensive body odor (i.e. ‘smoker’s odor’) and/or wear strong perfumes, colognes, or body oils.
3. Student ID badges are to be worn at all times. Badges must be displayed in an upright and readable position in the upper chest area at all times. The picture may not be covered.
4. Attire for clinical/practicum settings:
   1. BSN Students - The official uniform is Research College of Nursing embroidered navy-blue scrubs. Shoes must be closed-toe and without holes. Unless specifically approved by course faculty, the official College uniform should be worn while in the student role such as clinicals, labs, or simulations. College t-shirts should not be worn in the student role. Students are not to wear the College uniform while working as an intern/extern, PCT, MHT, etc.
5. Artificial nails shall not be worn by students when providing direct patient care. Natural nails shall be kept clean and nail polish should be in good repair.
6. Hair must be kept from falling forward onto clients or bedside equipment. Students must have neatly groomed facial hair (beards, mustaches, sideburns).
7. Tattoos and other body art must be appropriate for a professional environment. Examples of inappropriate tattoos include, but are not limited to, nudity, profanity, and gestures.
8. Simple rings, watches, and stud earrings are the only jewelry permitted.
9. Religious attire and head coverings are permitted to be worn as long as they do not obstruct the student’s face.
10. Students must meet the dress code requirements for each individual clinical site.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, is a federal law that regulates the maintenance and release of student records at educational institutions and related agencies. The purpose of the FERPA is to protect the privacy of student education records and affords students certain rights concerning their education records. The College annually informs students of their FERPA rights.

The primary rights afforded to students include: (1) the right to inspect and review education records, (2) the right to request to have the education records amended, (3) the right to consent to or prohibit the disclosure of certain information retained by the College, and (4) the right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education if the student believes their FERPA rights have been violated.

Education Records

FERPA regulations governing the College apply to the education records of current and former students. Records of an individual who applied for admission to the College, but never attended, are not education records under FERPA.

Education records are any records maintained by the College which are directly related to the student. An education record may include, but is not limited to: academic records, files, biographical data, course information, grade reports, results of certain examinations, student papers, test scores, advisory information, letters of evaluation, transcripts, admissions information, financial aid information, billing information, disciplinary records, housing records, promissory notes and copies of correspondence. Education records may be maintained in any way, including handwritten notes, print, computer media, video or audio tape, film, microfilm, and microfiche.

The following documents are not education records for purposes of FERPA and this policy:

1. Records that are kept in the sole possession of the maker, are used only as a personal memory aid, and are not accessible or revealed to any other person except a temporary substitute for the maker of the record;
2. Employment records exclusively related to a student’s capacity as an employee of the College and not available for use for any other purpose, except where a currently enrolled student is employed as a result of their status as a student (e.g., work study, graduate assistantship or fellowship with the College);
3. Records maintained by the Research Medical Center Security Department solely for law enforcement purposes;
4. Medical and mental health records made, maintained or used by professionals in connection with the treatment of a student that are available only to persons providing treatment; and
5. Records that only contain information about an individual after they are no longer a student at that agency or institution.

Student Access

Every student has the right to inspect and review their own education record(s), subject to the College’s procedures on the time, place and supervision of the inspection. To request education records from the College, a student must submit a written request to the Registrar’s Office.

The College will respond to a student’s valid request to inspect their education records within 45 days of the date the request is received. If the records that the student requests to inspect and review may not be disclosed under FERPA, the College will provide the student with a written explanation.

If the records that the student requests to inspect and review are to be disclosed under FERPA, the College will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. At the time of inspection, the student must present identification and will generally be required to review the record in the presence of a College official. If the education records of a student contain information on more than one student, the student may inspect and review or be informed of only the specific information about that student. The student is entitled to a hard copy of the education records, if requested.

Confidential letters and statements (e.g., letters of recommendations) will be used only for the purpose for which they were specifically intended. In some instances, a student may waive their right of access to confidential letters and statements contained in their education records. A valid waiver must be in writing and signed by the student. The College does not require such waivers as a condition for admission or receipt of any service or benefit provided to students.

If a student chooses to waive their right of access to confidential letters or statements, the College will not permit the student to inspect and review such letters and statements. Instead, the student will be notified, upon request, of the names of all persons making such letters or statements. A student’s waiver may be revoked in writing at any time and the revocation will apply only to subsequent letters or statements.

Third Party Access to Education Records

The College restricts third-party access to education records and will disclose personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records only with the written consent of the student, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. “Personally identifiable information” is information that is linked or linkable to a specific student that would allow a reasonable person in the school or its community, who does not have personal knowledge of the relevant circumstances, to identify the student with reasonable certainty. Restrictions on third-party access do not include the release or return of personally identifiable information from an education record to the party who provided or created the record.

Unless disclosure is to the actual student, the student’s consent for disclosure to a third party must be written, signed and dated, and must specify the records to be disclosed, state the purpose of the disclosure, and identify the party or class of parties to whom the disclosure may be made. General FERPA Release for Disclosure of Student Education Records forms are available from the Registrar's Office and online. Upon request, the College will provide the student with a copy of any education records disclosed.

With limited exceptions, the College will not disclose personally identifiable information from an education record unless that party to whom the information is to be disclosed agrees to not disclose the information to any other party without the student’s consent.

Disclosure without Student Consent

Records may be disclosed without the student’s consent in the following circumstances:

1. Education records may be disclosed to a College official who has a legitimate educational interest in the information contained in the education record;
   For purposes of this exception, a College official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff position. A College official also includes members of the Governing Board, contractors, consultants, volunteers, and other outside parties to whom the College has outsourced institutional services or functions that it would otherwise use employees to perform.
   A legitimate educational interest exists if the College official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her duties to the College.
2. Education records may be disclosed to officials of another school, upon request, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll or is enrolled;
3. Education records may be disclosed to authorized representatives of the Comptroller General of the U.S., the Attorney General of the U.S., the U.S. Department of Education and State and Local educational authorities, but only in connection with the audit or evaluation of a Federal or State supported education program or in connection with the enforcement of or compliance with legal requirements relating to these programs;
4. Education records may be disclosed in connection with a student’s application for or receipt of financial aid, but only to the extent necessary for such purposes as determining eligibility, amount, conditions and enforcement of terms or conditions of the financial aid;
5. Education records may be disclosed to State and local officials to whom such information is specifically allowed to be reported or disclosure pursuant to State law;
6. Education records may be disclosed to organizations conducting educational studies for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests; administering student aid programs; and improving instruction, provided the College enters into a written agreement with the organization that specifies the purpose, scope, and duration of the study and the information to be disclosed; requires the organization to destroy or return all personally identifiable information when it is no longer needed for the purpose of the study; states the time period during which the organization must either destroy or return the information to the College; and provides that the study must be conducted so as not to permit personal identification of students by third-parties;
7. Education records may be disclosed to accrediting organizations for purposes necessary to carry out their accrediting functions;
8. Education records may be disclosed to a parent of a student if the student is a dependent of the parent for income tax purposes;
9. Education records may be disclosed in response to a judicial order or subpoena. When not prohibited by the court order or subpoena, the College will make reasonable efforts to notify the student before complying with the court order;
10. Education records may be disclosed to a court in response to a legal action between the College and a parent or student;
11. In a health or safety emergency, where there is an articulable and significant threat to a student or other individuals, education records may be disclosed to any person whose knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health and safety of the student or other individuals, if the College records the threat that was the basis of the disclosure and the parties to whom the information was disclosed;
12. Final results of disciplinary proceedings conducted by the College may be disclosed to the victim of an alleged crime of violence or a nonforcible sexual offense;
13. Education records may be disclosed in connection with certain College disciplinary proceedings;
14. The College may disclose to a parent of a student under the age of 21 the student’s violation of any Federal, State or Local law or any rule or policy of the College governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the College determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession;
15. Personally identifiable information that Research College of Nursing has classified as “Directory Information” (as detailed below) may be disclosed to the public unless a hold has been placed upon the release of the information by the student; and
16. Education records may be disclosed if received under a State community notification program about a student who is required to register as a sex offender in the State.

In all other instances, personally identifiable information in education records will not be disclosed without the prior consent of the student.

Directory Information

At the discretion of the College, information designated as “directory information” may be disclosed without prior consent of the student. Directory information means information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. It includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Student’s name
• Address
• Telephone listing
• Electronic mail address
• Photograph
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• Enrollment status (e.g., undergraduate or graduate; fulltime or part-time)
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Degrees
• Honors and awards received
• Most recent educational agency or institution attended

FERPA permits the College to limit the disclosure of directory information to specific parties, for specific purposes, or both. In the exercise of that authority, the College may release all directory information to members of the College family, defined as administrators, faculty, employees and trustees. Other releases will be limited to those situations in which the College, in its discretion, believes the release would recognize a student for academic or extracurricular achievement or otherwise advance the student’s career interests or when the College believes the release would serve to advance the interests and image of the College. Examples of such releases would be the disclosure of directory information to prospective employers, financial aid and scholarship agencies or registry, licensure or certification services. Another example would be the release of directory information in connection with College sanctioned alumni affairs.

The College will provide public notice of disclosure of directory information to students in attendance. The College may disclose directory information about former students without providing such notice.

Directory information may appear in public documents and may otherwise be disclosed without student consent unless the student places a hold on the release of such information. To opt out of the disclosure of director information, a student must provide written notice to the Office of Student Affairs during the first week of each academic term. A student may not use their right to opt out of directory information disclosures to prevent the College disclosing the student’s name, electronic identifier, or institutional e-mail address in a class in which the student is enrolled.

Upon receipt of notice to opt out, the student’s directory information will not be released without the student’s consent. The College will honor all requests to withhold directory information and cannot assume any responsibility to contact a student for subsequent permission to release such information. Regardless of the effect on the student, nondisclosure will be enforced until the student rescinds the decision to opt out of directory information disclosures.

Information Disclosed for Timely Warnings of Crimes

In addition to the exceptions above, the College may provide timely warnings of crimes that represent a threat to the safety of students or employees. FERPA does not preclude the institution’s compliance with the timely warning provision of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act—a federal law intended to provide students and their families with accurate, complete, and timely information about safety on campuses so that they can make informed decisions. Information can, in case of an emergency, be released without consent when needed to protect the health and safety of others. In addition, Research College of Nursing can utilize information from the records of a campus law enforcement unit to issue a timely warning.

Recording Disclosures of Education Records

The College will use reasonable methods to authenticate the identity of any party to whom the College discloses personally identifiable information from education records. All personnel of the College handling requests for disclosure or access to information contained in an education record will maintain a record for each request for and each disclosure of the student’s record, except recordkeeping of a request or disclosure is not required if the request was from or the disclosure was to:

1. The student;
2. A College official with a legitimate educational interest;
3. A third-party with written consent from the student;
4. A party seeking only directory information; or
5. A party seeking or receiving the records as directed by a Federal grand jury or other law enforcement subpoena and the issuing court or other issuing agency has ordered that the existence or the contents of the subpoena or the information furnished in response to the subpoena not be disclosed.

The record of disclosure should be kept on the Report of Request for Disclosure of Education Records Form, which indicates the name of the party making the request and what records, if any, were received; the legitimate interest in the records; any additional party to whom the records may be redisclosed; and the legitimate interest the additional party had in requesting or obtaining the information. This form should be kept with the record(s) that are disclosed. The form may be inspected by the student and the College official who has custody of the education record disclosed. Forms are available in the Registrar’s Office.

Amendments to Education Records

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students have the right to request corrections to their education records if they believe the information is inaccurate or misleading. These amendment procedures, however, may not be used to challenge a grade, opinion, or decision made by the College. To initiate a request, the student must submit a written explanation clearly identifying the proposed change and the reason for it to the College official responsible for maintaining the record.

Within a reasonable timeframe, the College will respond in writing, either approving the change or denying the request. If the request is denied, the student is notified of the right to a formal hearing. Students have thirty (30) days to submit a written hearing request to the Registrar’s Office. Upon receipt, the College will notify the student in writing of the hearing’s date, time, and location. The hearing will be conducted by a College official who has no direct interest in its outcome. During the hearing, the student will have the opportunity to present relevant evidence and may be assisted or represented by individuals of their choosing.

Following the hearing, the College will issue a written decision within a reasonable time. This decision will include a summary of the evidence presented and the rationale for the outcome. If the College determines the record is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s privacy rights, the record will be amended accordingly and the student will be informed in writing. If no changes are made, the student has the right to include a written statement explaining their disagreement. This statement becomes a permanent part of the education record and will be disclosed whenever the contested information is shared.

Complaints of Alleged Violation of FERPA Rights

Students have the right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College 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, DC 20202-4605

If you have questions about FERPA, you may visit the U.S. Department of Education or contact the Registrar’s Office.

Award for Academic Achievement

This award is given to the student(s) in the TBSN and ABSN track who have achieved the highest academic average for the entire program. This does not include transfer credits. 

Barbara A. Clemence Award

This award is given in memory and remembrance of Barbara A. Clemence, President and Dean of Research College of Nursing from 1985-1992. The recipient of this award is a servant leader, someone who exhibits insightfulness and a team player mentality, and presents a willingness to be a risk taker. The award is given to one (1) TBSN and one (1) ABSN student per cohort.

Community Service Award

This award is given to the student who completes the most community service hours. The award is given to one (1) TBSN, and one (1) ABSN student per cohort

DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing

This award celebrates the student’s commitment to compassionate patient care and outstanding clinical skills. The award is given to one (1) TBSN and one (1) ABSN student per cohort.

Longmoor Values Award

This award is given in honor and remembrance of Mr. William V. Longmoor, a hospital board member and one of the founders of the baccalaureate degree program at Research College of Nursing. This award is given to the student who best exemplifies the values, standards, and missions of Research College of Nursing and Research Medical Center. The award is given to one (1) TBSN and one (1) ABSN student per cohort.

Theresa Chang Award

In honor of longtime faculty member Theresa Chang, who served the Research community with distinction for decades and was recognized with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty in 2022. This award is given to celebrates one (1) TBSN and one (1) ABSN student per cohort who exemplifies excellence in clinical practice, values mentorship, and demonstrates selflessness and compassion in patient care.

Graduation honors are awarded based upon cumulative RCoN grade point average.

1. Summa Cum Laude 3.85 or greater
2. Magna Cum Laude 3.7 - 3.84
3. Cum Laude 3.5 - 3.69

Note: Latin honors will be determined the semester prior to graduation (Term 3A for ABSN students; Semester 3 for TBSN students). Honors are not considered final until after semester grades have been posted. This may result in a difference in honors awarded at Commencement and those that appear on the student’s diploma and transcript.

Research College encourages students to communicate with faculty and administration to report problems, request assistance, and seek clarification of any issue or dispute affecting their well-being or academic progression. The purpose of this policy is to ensure due process and due diligence in the event of a student complaint. To the extent possible and when appropriate, decisions will be made within the existing college policies.

Grounds for Bringing a Complaint

This process addresses student allegations including, but not limited to, situations where students claim they have been:

• Denied opportunities provided to other students.
• Held to standards different from those applied to other students in the same course or clinical group.
• The recipient of an unequal or erroneous application of a departmental or College policy.
• Disciplined or dismissed from the College or an academic program without due process.
• Awarded an incorrect final grade.

Specific Grounds for Final Course Grade Appeals (Arbitrary or Capricious Grading)

In addition to the general grounds above, the following specific grounds apply to final course grade appeals:

• The grade was based on criteria not outlined in the course syllabus.
• The grade was determined by factors unrelated to academic performance (e.g., discrimination, personal bias, retaliation).
• The student was held to different standards than other students in the same course section.
• The faculty member failed to adhere to their own stated grading policies or procedures.

The appealing student bears the burden of proof to demonstrate that one or more established grounds for appeal have been met.

Exclusions

This policy does not address:

• Complaints alleging discrimination and/or harassment, which are addressed under the College’s separate Non-Discrimination/Harassment Policy.
• Complaints regarding billing, which are addressed under the College's separate Billing and Appeals Policy.
• Decisions resulting from findings of Serious Clinical Misconduct, Serious Professional Misconduct Affecting Fitness for Practice, or the Commission of a Crime (as defined in the College's Misconduct Policy) that result in dismissal or other severe disciplinary action, as such decisions are final and not subject to appeal under this policy.

Time Limit for Complaint Initiation

• Students must initiate a complaint and attempt informal resolution within three (3) business days of the event, condition, or official notification (e.g., final course grade posting).

Complaint Resolution Process

1. Informal Resolution

Students must first attempt to resolve the complaint informally with the individual(s) against whom they have the complaint. Within three (3) business days of the event, condition, or official notification (e.g., final course grade posting), the student must attempt to address the issue directly with the person(s) involved (e.g., faculty member). If direct resolution is not possible or appropriate (e.g., the complaint involves the behavior of that individual), the student should then contact their Advisor or Designated Administrator for guidance.

If the complaint cannot be satisfactorily resolved through these informal means, the student may then proceed to the Formal Complaint Resolution Process.

1. Level One: Designated Administrator Review (Formal Resolution)

If informal resolution is unsuccessful, the student may request a formal review by submitting a written complaint to the Designated Administrator. The written complaint must include:

• A clear and concise statement of the decision or action being appealed.
• A detailed explanation of informal resolution steps, including dates and outcomes, if applicable.
• Specific details about the complaint.
• Documentation supporting the complaint.
• The student’s desired outcome.

The Designated Administrator will respond to the student and appropriate persons in writing with a recommendation or decision within seven (7) business days.

Final Course Grade Appeals (Arbitrary or Capricious Grading): The following additional specific grounds apply:

• The grade was based on criteria not outlined in the course syllabus.
• The grade was determined by factors unrelated to academic performance (e.g., discrimination, personal bias, retaliation).
• The student was held to different standards than other students in the same course section.
• The faculty member failed to adhere to their own stated grading policies or procedures.

The appealing student bears the burden of proof to demonstrate that one or more established grounds for appeal have been met.

Formal Appeal Process (Escalation Levels)

Level Two Appeal (Administrative Official Review)

If the student is not satisfied with the initial review recommendation/decision, they have seven (7) business days to submit a letter of appeal to the Provost or appropriate administrative official.

• The administrative official has the discretion to appoint a committee of three (3) ranked faculty members to review the appeal and provide a written recommendation.
  • The review session is an internal College process, closed to all not directly involved in presenting evidence or responding to questions. Students may not bring legal counsel or external representation.
• The administrative official will respond to the student, and appropriate persons with a recommendation or decision within seven (7) business days. 

Appeal to President (Final College Decision)

If the student is not satisfied with that decision, they have seven (7) business days to appeal the decision to the President.

• The President will respond to the student via email with a recommendation/decision within seven (7) business days.
• The decision of the President is final at the College level.

External Appeal

If all College administrative processes have been exhausted, the complainant may contact the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) at 573-751-2361 to file a complaint.

All students are required to have an access card for entry into the Research College of Nursing building and the B-Level area of Research Medical Center. The badge is required to be worn by students while at the College and at clinical sites. Students should contact the Operations Specialist/Event Coordinator for replacement badges. Cards must be returned at commencement. Students should contact the Student Services Specialist for replacement badges.

Under unusual circumstances, when a small portion of a course cannot be completed by the last day of class, students may request, in writing, an incomplete grade, or ‘I’. If approved, the student will be given up to 6 weeks to complete the coursework, or the ‘I’ grade will be changed to an ‘F’. Incomplete grades may not be extended beyond 6 weeks without the approval of the appropriate College administrator. For students at risk of dismissal, coursework and the grade change must be completed and submitted by the 6-week deadline or the drop/add deadline of the next semester, whichever comes first. The Incomplete Grade Completion Contract and Request for Extension of Incomplete Grade forms can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office through the Electronic signature software. Students are expected to initiate contact with their instructors to arrange for timely completion of outstanding work. Instructors may require periodic progress reports.

A leave of absence is defined as a temporary suspension in studies for up to one (1) calendar year. Students who are unable to proceed in the full-time plan of study and wish to return are considered out-of-sync and should request the Leave of Absence Request form from the Registrar’s Office. A leave of absence will be considered on an individual basis. Students who are granted a leave of absence must apply for readmission.

Students have access to courses in the Learning Management System five (5) calendar days before the term begins. Access to courses will end three (3) calendar days after grades are due, unless there are unforeseen exceptions, such as an incomplete or a grade appeal.

The College affords reasonable accommodations to pregnant students, including leaves of absence and accommodations related to course work. The College recommends that pregnant students inform their the Title IX Coordinator of their pregnancy status as soon as it is known to initiate the process of identifying necessary accommodations and identifying a plan for the student.

If a student discloses a pregnancy to a faculty member and requests accommodations, the faculty member should refer the student to the Title IX Coordinator. A leave of absence due to pregnancy or related condition may be for various amounts of time depending on a student’s particular circumstances and the period deemed medically necessary by the student’s licensed healthcare provider. To the extent that a student qualifies for leave under a leave policy maintained by a recipient that allows a greater period of time than the medically necessary period, the recipient must permit the student to take voluntary leave under that policy instead if the student so chooses.

The specifics of each course vary and some clinical rotations are offered at limited times. As such, course and/or degree progression will vary based on each particular circumstance and program. Nevertheless, the College is aware of its nondiscrimination obligation with respect to pregnant and parenting students and will address each situation accordingly. The College prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy or related conditions and will provide reasonable accommodations consistent with federal law. As with other temporary conditions, the specifics of leave and return will vary on a case-by-case basis and students will be required to provide medical documentation as necessary to make determinations about leaves and returns. All disclosures regarding pregnancy and related medical conditions will be kept confidential to the extent possible and in accordance with FERPA.

Pregnant students are advised that some clinical areas may present health risks to the student and the developing baby. Concerns about potential health risks and the need for related accommodations should be discussed with the Title IX Coordinator.

Students must maintain > 2.0 cumulative GPA to progress in the nursing curriculum.

1. A grade less than C (C-, D+, D, F, WF) is not satisfactory for progression. A student who receives a grade of C- or below in any nursing course must repeat the course and achieve a grade of C or better.
2. A student who receives two (2) course grades below C (including C-, D+, D, F, NP, WF), whether in the same course or another nursing course, will be dismissed from the nursing program.

Requests for transcripts can be made through the National Student Clearinghouse.

Students wishing to withdraw from a course must notify the Registrar’s Office by email and then a Withdrawal form will be sent through the electronic signature software. Courses dropped during the Drop/Add period (first 7 days of a term) are not recorded on the student’s academic record. Courses dropped after the Drop/Add period are recorded with grade notations of W (withdrawal) or WF (withdrawal failing). The assignment of the grade when withdrawing is determined by the student’s academic performance at the time of withdrawal. The last date of attendance will be used as the withdrawal date for any refund considerations.

The last date for withdrawal (2/3 of the scheduled term) is the date established by the Registrar’s Office and published on the Academic Calendar unless otherwise noted in the course syllabus and calendar. Following the 2/3 date, course withdrawal will not be allowed. Students may change their enrollment during this time but need to be aware that withdrawal from coursework may affect their ability to meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. In order to maintain eligibility for financial assistance full-time students are required to earn 12 hours per semester or 24 hours a year. Part-time students are required to earn 80% of the hours they attempt. Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress is outlined in the Financial Aid section.

Tuition and fees paid by a student authorized to withdraw are refundable only as indicated under Refunds from the “Tuition and Fees” section of the College Catalog. Failure to process withdrawals prior to the last date of withdrawal will result in a grade of F.