In 1889, for-profit nursing and healthcare school Chamberlain University opened its doors. Over a century later, the school still thrives, and has also expanded to keep current. Today, the school has bachelor, master, and doctoral programs in nursing. It operates in several locations across the nation, and has online programs to make its offerings available to all.
The school boasts an impressive roster of alumni, including Florence Nightingale. Chamberlain seeks to raise the standard of nationwide nursing education. The standards are therefore high for every nursing student who enrolls in a Chamberlain program.
For a future medical professional, academics are critical. Any disciplinary proceedings a student accrues, warranted or not, can have a huge impact on that student's future career. If a student faces misconduct processes, hiring an attorney-advisor can help the student be proactive about protecting their rights—and their future.
Chamberlain's Code of Conduct for Nursing Students
The main tenet of Chamberlain's code of conduct is to establish trust and integrity. After all, “No learning community can thrive if its members counterfeit their achievements or seek to establish an unfair advantage over their fellow students,” the student handbook notes.
To this end, the student handbook lays out careful expectations for student behavior, as well as examples of inappropriate actions. The school prohibits copying, plagiarism (even accidental plagiarism), collusion, and “other acts of dishonesty.” The handbook says that all University students have an obligation to uphold this code of conduct by “making it difficult and unacceptable for others to cheat”.
These high standards and expectations may foster a community focused on academics. They can also lead to an atmosphere rife with allegations of academic misconduct.
Chamberlain takes all accusations of dishonest student activity very seriously. When an instructor hears of misconduct, they can impose “educational sanctions [or] failure of the course.” They can also simply refer the accused to an administrative hearing.
Remediation Policies
Nursing schools expect much from their students, and Chamberlain is no different. Whether a student faces allegations of dishonest or disruptive conduct or is simply failing to meet academic requirements, Chamberlain has clear processes in place for adjudication and remediation.
If You are Struggling Academically
Chamberlain's ASPIRE student assistance program offers confidential support for every Chamberlain student. If any student suffers from school-related stress management or anxiety, or if they have external considerations that are affecting their academic performance (such as financial hardships or family care), the ASPIRE program will provide management and assistance.
If a student feels their grades are unfair, or if they face dismissal because they are failing to meet Chamberlain's academic standards, they can appeal the school. Students should keep records of all extenuating circumstances that they feel impact their performance. A seasoned code of conduct advisor may be able to ensure they experience fair treatment.
If You Face Adjudication or Sanctions
According to the Chamberlain University code of conduct, the school has the right to mete out consequences as it sees fit. Once a student submits an allegation to the school or an instructor decides to impose sanctions on a student, the school will notify the accused student. The school will form a hearing panel and proceed with due process regardless of whether the accused student replies or attends scheduled hearings. After the hearing panel conducts its analysis and investigation of the alleged offense, the hearing panel will decide upon appropriate consequences or remediation.
These processes can occur very quickly. The investigative team must know about any witnesses or evidence two days prior to the hearing. The accused student's legal advisor must identify themselves one day prior to the hearing. Finally, the student only has two days after the hearing to issue any official complaints or appeals.
During this process, the nursing student has specific rights. They must be able to respond to the allegations, and the school must notify the nursing student of the accusation, the details of the hearing, and of the decisions made during the hearing. If you believe that your school has maligned your rights, you need to speak with a code of conduct advisor as soon as possible.
Expulsion and Other Consequences
The Chamberlain University code of conduct lists the consequences an accused student may face, depending on the level of severity of the alleged offense. These punitive measures may range from a reduction of privileges, zero credit for work completed, a failing grade for an entire course, suspension, permanent expulsion, and revocation of an earned degree or certificate.
Since there is such a wide variety of possible punishments, it is vital that students facing remediation speak with an advisor early on in the process. An experienced code of conduct advisor may be able to guide students through the process, review evidence, and help keep Chamberlain accountable to its students' rights.
Appeals
If a Chamberlain nursing student wishes to appeal any sanctions or decisions made after a hearing, they have two business days to do so. According to the Chamberlain student handbook, students filing appeals must follow this procedure:
- The student must submit the appeal in writing.
- There must be a specific basis for the appeal, such as new evidence, procedural irregularities, or inappropriate punitive measures.
The program administrator will review the appeal and issue a further decision. This decision is final.
There's a lot at stake for nursing students. An allegation of academic misconduct or a semester of low grades could impact their entire future. Students facing these frustrating situations need to hire an attorney advisor. Doing so may be their best chance of a favorable outcome.
Attorney Advisor for Nursing Students and Disciplinary Action
Nursing students are under constant pressure, as are their schools. If a student feels that they face unwarranted or disproportionate disciplinary action, they need to know that they have rights—and options. An experienced attorney advisor can assist with both of these goals, as well as guidance through a school's due process.
Joseph D. Lento has years of experience helping students protect their future careers. Contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 to learn more.
