Rush University College of Nursing (RUCN) is a nursing school renowned for clinical excellence with a vision to lead nursing practice scholarship and drive health equity. It is part of the Rush University Complex, a private university established in 1972 in Chicago, Illinois. The College of Nursing offers multiple nursing degrees and postdoctoral/postgraduate certifications, like Nursing Science and a Master's Entry in Nursing for Non-Nurses.
Being part of RUCN opens many gateways to a successful career in nursing, with opportunities to pursue a career in the Rush University Medical Center. But to remain enrolled in the nursing program and benefit from all it offers, you must demonstrate excellent professional and ethical standards and keep up academically. Failure to do so leads to sanctions that have a devastating impact on your trajectory and future career goals.
Being a nursing student is an exciting and demanding part of your journey to becoming a professional. And no student enters a program intending to leave dismissed or expelled. If you face accusations of ethical violations or lack of progress, you can face sanctions that ruin your future. Don't handle the matter alone - call the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or reach out through the online portal to decrease the chances of a negative outcome.
Student Conduct and Academic Standards
According to the Student Code of Conduct, all students enrolled at Rush University's colleges must uphold the I CARE values of innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence. As a nursing student and future professional, you will work with patients under your care, making it imperative to establish ethical standards to handle your work environment properly. Per the code, the following actions may lead to disciplinary action:
- Hindering the learning process, administration, and others from performing their clinical duties
- Deliberately submitting false documents and forms or inaccurate information
- Unauthorized removal and destruction of university property
- Jeopardizing the well-being of any member of the university
- Unauthorized access to facilities
- Committing an offense that questions your suitability in your field
- Engaging in behavior that goes against the university's moral standards
- Carrying or hiding firearms
- Bringing false claims of academic dishonesty or misconduct against students and faculty
In addition to these standards, students must also ensure that they meet the academic standards established by the university. Although conduct and ethics are integral to your training, the triangle of efficient care is incomplete without maintaining satisfactory progress. According to the College of Nursing's Progression Policies segment, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA to remain enrolled. If students fall below this range, they are placed on academic probation and have two terms to raise their GPA or face dismissal.
Academic Civility Policy
Mutual respect and civility are core components of the environment at the College of Nursing. According to the Academic Civility policy, students must proactively address problematic behavior, stay objective, avoid confrontational dynamics, and prioritize open dialogue to facilitate mutual understanding.
As a future nursing professional, you will work with medical teams, patients, and their families. The academic civility policy helps build positive and beneficial behaviors to minimize adverse outcomes from conversations and situations you may encounter. However, this does not mean that, in some instances, things may escalate, and you may face issues that can land you in hot water.
When your reputation is at stake, or issues arise between your peers or professors that lead to misunderstandings, the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is your shoulder to rely on.
Adjudication Process and Sanctions
The College of Nursing established a process to address violations that range from academic dishonesty to more serious allegations that examine whether a student is fit to become a future nurse. Any person who believes that a nursing student is committing a violation may submit a written complaint to the Dean of the Office of Student Affairs. Once received, the Associate Dean reviews the allegations and, if they suspect misconduct, passes the matter to the Faculty Senate for further review.
Once the Senate meets and discusses the case, they provide their recommendations to the Associate Dean, who determines a sanction. Sanctions range from warnings to dismissals from the university. If the student disagrees with the proposed resolution, they have the right to request a hearing by notifying the Presiding Officer of the Faculty Senate within ten working days.
The Presiding Officer of the Faculty Senate evaluates the evidence presented during the hearing and makes a final decision based on a majority vote. The Office of Academic Affairs also may mandate a psychiatric assessment for students if they display concerning behavior. Non-compliance with this mandate may lead to permanent dismissal from the program.
Hiring a Student Defense Team
The nursing school experience can be an incredible and validating time in your life that trains you to become a future professional. However, it can also be a stressful experience that poses multiple personal and academic challenges. However, whether you experienced a lapse in judgment or made a genuine mistake, you deserve due process and the chance to defend against damaging allegations.
The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has years of experience working with nursing students nationwide. With their passion and commitment to justice, they are by your side when you need help before, during, and after the hearing. The more you wait to take action and work with an experienced student defense team, the less likely your chances of a better outcome.
You worked hard to enter a top medical program like Rush College of Nursing. Don't let one mistake ruin your reputation, leading to a sanction that heavily affects your academic future.
The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is your shoulder to rely on when you have nowhere to turn. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or reach out online for more information about how to approach your case.
