The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Nursing School is tasked with innovation through advancements to the practice and supporting patient care. Graduating from UTA Nursing School puts students in a position to secure a role in a residency program as the foundation of a long healthcare career. Yet, along the way, there are many circumstances that can plague a pupil's opportunity to graduate and even leave them without a future in the healthcare industry.
Failure to meet minimum academic standards, accusations of unprofessionalism, and other allegations of misconduct must be taken seriously. Even though you have the choice to defend yourself, retain the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today. We are an invaluable resource to UTA Nursing School students who will help mitigate potential disciplinary action and keep you focused on your goals. To help you obtain the best outcome, call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or submit your case online.
Academic and Professionalism Standards for Nursing Students in Texas
All students at UTA Nursing School "are expected to maintain the high standards of ethical conduct necessary to ensure accountability for their learning and optimal care of their clients." Subsequently, each student must abide by the school's code of ethics. UTA's code of conduct incorporates the following ethical principles to maintain professionalism:
- Beneficence: The "doing of good."
- Nonmaleficence: A "duty to do no harm."
- Justice: Administer "fair, equitable, and appropriate care."
- Autonomy: Retain the "freedom to make own choices."
- Veracity: Support "truth-telling."
- Fidelity: Maintain "faithfulness and keeping one's promises."
Professionalism standards also encompass everyday practices like competency in medication administration, possessing official identification at all times, a dress code, and being on time for class and clinical meetings. Yet, guidelines also govern enrolled nursing students off-campus. Inappropriate social media usage, issues with drugs and alcohol, and criminal convictions will be investigated and sanctioned by the school.
In addition to their conduct in the clinical atmosphere, UTA Nursing School students must also follow strict academic rules. "Any act of academic dishonesty, including cheating in the classroom or clinical setting, violates" UTA's academic integrity policy. Among those are the following:
- Cheating: Any act to give an "unfair advantage" to a student.
- Collusion: The "unauthorized collaboration" with another for work that is offered for credit.
- Plagiarism: The "unacknowledged" incorporation of the work of another offered for credit.
Also, the institution establishes thresholds for maintaining eligibility as a full-time student. Among those at UTA are:
- Achieve a minimum score on the Medication Administration Competency Assessment.
- Meet the requirements of the Comprehensive Assessment and Preparation Program.
- Score at least 70 percent on a weighted exam or assignment average.
- Pass all clinical simulations.
- Graduate within four years of beginning courses.
Breaching the above academic mandates will cause a nursing student to become vulnerable to discipline—likely academic probation at first. However, remedial requirements often become too heavy an academic load for students to overcome, leaving them at risk of suspension or expulsion from the program.
UTA Nursing School Misconduct Procedures
The Office of Student Conduct (OSC) will investigate allegations of misconduct unless proceedings under the school's Sexual Misconduct Policy are more applicable. The investigation will include interviews with the complainant, the respondent, and relevant witnesses. The OSC may meet with the student following the initial investigation, where the Conduct Officer will do one of the following:
- Dismiss the allegations.
- Proceed with an administrative disposition.
- Proceed with a notice for a formal hearing.
Before proceeding with disciplinary action, the Conduct Officer will offer the student the opportunity to respond to the charges and review available supporting evidence. When the accused student elects not to dispute the alleged facts upon which the conduct violations are based and agrees to the sanctions the Conduct Officer proposes, the student may waive their right to a hearing but may still appeal sanctions.
Otherwise, any violation that has the potential to lead to a suspension or expulsion must be granted full proceedings in front of an impartial Hearing Officer. The procedure will commence as follows:
- The Hearing Officer will read the charges against the accused student, explain each party's rights, and answer any procedural questions.
- The Conduct Officer and the accused student can make an opening statement.
- Each party will present the witnesses and evidence.
- Both parties may cross-examine each other's witnesses and evidence.
- The Conduct Officer and the accused student may present rebuttal evidence and arguments.
- The Conduct Officer is given the opportunity to present a recommendation on sanctions.
- The accused student may present a further rebuttal and recommend an outcome or sanctions.
- Each party will make a closing statement.
The Hearing Officer must, within ten days, render a written decision to the OSC. The decision must be sent to the student and the Conduct Officer by mail or delivered in person.
Nursing Student Sanctions
If the Hearing Officer determines the student is responsible for the alleged misconduct, they may impose sanctions including, but not limited to, the following:
- Grading penalties in the course or on an assignment.
- Restitution or reimbursement to affected parties.
- Suspension of student rights and privileges.
- Academic or disciplinary probation with remediation requirements.
- Suspension from the school.
- Expulsion from the school.
- Revocation of degree or diploma withdrawal.
When sanctions are handed down, licensing boards and administrative agencies will be notified. Moreover, discipline is permanently reportable. But students have the option to appeal.
Appeals Process for UTA Nursing School Students
UTA Nursing School students may appeal disciplinary decisions or the sanctions imposed. Appellants must submit a statement in writing to the Assistant Dean of Students no later than five days following the OSC's decision.
Nursing students may only appeal on the following grounds:
- Procedural errors in the investigation or hearing.
- Alleged bias from the Conduct Offer or Hearing Officer.
- Previously unavailable evidence will change the outcome of the case.
- The sanctions imposed are considered excessive.
The Assistant Dean of Students and an Appeal Official will conduct a review based on the student's argument for appeal. The Appeal Official may approve, reject, or modify the decision or remand the issue for another hearing. A final determination is made within 21 days of the student's appeal submission.
Hire an Experienced Nursing Student Defense Attorney
Although UTA Nursing School may have legal counsel attend hearings, they are barred from actively participating. However, this doesn't mean retaining an attorney isn't a good option; they can help you understand your rights, coach you on presenting a compelling case, and advise you on further recourse.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team has defended nursing students throughout Texas and across the country. Don't let allegations of misconduct, academic issues, or complaints harm your chances for career success. The Lento Law Firm will advise you and provide valuable guidance to increase your chances for a favorable outcome. If you're a UTA School of Nursing student defending against allegations, call us at 888-535-3686 or submit your case online, and we will contact you.
