The East Carolina University College of Nursing (ECUCN) is a public nursing school established in 1960 in Greenville, North Carolina. The College of Nursing is part of the East Carolina University complex, a public research university with its parent university being the University of North Carolina. ECUCN enjoys high rankings as a strong foundation for aspiring nursing students to learn and gain experience. It has over 1,200 students and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. If you are a nursing student at ECUCN, you have many opportunities to train and learn with like-minded people. But to remain enrolled, graduate on time, and avoid disruptions to your progress, you must demonstrate ethical behavior and maintain excellent academic performance. Failure to abide by the code of conduct leads to issues that include sanctions like dismissal or expulsion.
Nursing students are under significant pressure to succeed in their educational endeavors and maintain professionalism at all times. Since you are in a position of public trust and will work with people from various backgrounds, you must have the right demeanor and training to make it in a fast-paced healthcare environment. Although you did not enter the college of nursing with the goal of messing up, mistakes often happen. However, some mistakes have more substantial repercussions than others, especially severe or repeated violations. When sanctions threaten your future and career, don't wait to act. Contact the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team here or call 888-535-3686 for help.
Academic and Professional Expectations
Academic performance and professional behavior are high on the list of expectations at ECUCN. In terms of your progress, you must meet the minimum GPA requirements of your program and demonstrate that you have the experience and knowledge to progress to the next phase of your training. If you falter or cannot keep up, you must remediate your grades to remain enrolled. In terms of professionalism, it is the second part of your training as a nurse. You must behave professionally at all times and maintain this behavior after graduation, or you face legal and reputation issues that can impact your future. These expectations are not unheard of, especially for a research university that relies on public funding and a solid reputation to continue operating.
Code of Conduct and Behavioral Standards
According to the faculty manual, all students must follow the code of conduct and maintain proper behavior. Academic misconduct is a significant issue that students may face, and they receive sanctions if they go against the code. Some of the behaviors that ECUCN considers academic integrity violations include:
- Cheating by receiving or providing unauthorized aid or assistance to others, using prohibited devices during exams or academic exercises, and unauthorized collaboration with others
- Plagiarizing by copying the language, structure, or ideas of an author without giving credit. Other forms of plagiarism include downloading essays or purchasing them from others.
- The falsification or fabrication of information, making untrue statements, making up data and research results, and claiming to have an academic experience that you did not have
- Multiple submissions to professors of the same academic work without receiving permission or authorization from the faculty
- Committing violation assistance by helping or attempting to help others with an academic integrity violation
All members of ECU must follow the regulations, and those suspected of violating the integrity standards must answer to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR).
Adjudication Process and Sanctions
Members of ECU who believe that a student violated the code of conduct must make a complaint to the OSRR. The OSSR tracks and investigates the matter to determine whether the evidence demonstrates that it is more than likely that the alleged conduct occurred. Initially, the faculty member where the transgression occurred may schedule a meeting with the student to gather information and discuss the next steps. If the parties do not come to a resolution, the matter escalates to a Formal Departmental Hearing.
During the hearing, the accused student and the accuser may participate in the proceedings and give their statements and evidence. Once the hearing concludes, the panel members deliberate and issue a sanctions decision. Sanctions for violations include:
- A written warning
- Placement on probation for a specific timeframe where the student's behavior comes under scrutiny
- Deferred Suspension
- Suspension
- Expulsion from the university and being banned from university premises
- Revocation of a degree
- No contact ban
- Restricted privileges
Fortunately, accused students may submit an appeal. To do so, they must show that a violation of due process occurred or that there was a material deviation from substantive and procedural standards. The accused student must send an appeal letter to the OSRR within five calendar days from the date of the sanctions decision. The student receives the final decision in 45 business days or less.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team
Being a nursing student comes with many perks. Still, it also comes with a significant responsibility to perform well, maintain ethical behavior, and be professional at all times. If you slip and make a mistake, you have the right to due process, no matter the situation. That's where the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team has years of experience working with nursing students nationwide. Their passion for justice, knowledge, and compassion help you when you are facing sanctions that can upend your future. With their guidance and support, you have a solid shoulder to rely on when it seems like all is lost.
Don't let a lapse in judgment, slip-up, or mistake cause you to abandon your dreams of being a nurse. Your future and reputation are on the line. If you or someone you love face accusations of misconduct, lack of professionalism, or academic issues, don't wait until you can no longer take action. Contact the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team for more information or call 888-535-3686.
