The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) is a public nursing school established in 1889 in College Park, Maryland. It is part of the University System of Maryland and enjoys a stellar reputation for its nursing programs nationwide. The nursing school offers over 20 doctoral, master's, undergraduate, and certificate programs with 28 clinical simulation labs. If you are a part of this prestigious institution, you can benefit from training with high-caliber faculty who can help launch your career. But to remain enrolled and benefit from the many programs and perks that UMSON offers, you must demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and academic excellence. If you cannot keep up with UMSON's requirements, you face multiple issues down the line, including placement on probation, suspension, and permanent dismissal.
As a nursing student, you know how stressful and exciting training to be a nurse entails. You can learn in one of the nation's most prestigious nursing schools and benefit from the experience your program provides. And because you are in a position of public trust and will work with vulnerable patients and their families and coordinate with medical teams, every factor matters during your time at nursing school. But in some cases, the pressure to stay ahead and keep up with your peers may lead you to act in ways unlike you. Whether you experience a lapse in judgment or make a mistake, you can face sanctions that upend your future. If you face these issues, contact the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm today or call 888-535-3686 for more information about the next steps.
Academic and Professionalism Standards at UMSON
To become a proficient nurse, you must adhere to your institution's professionalism and academic standards. These standards help train you to face the potential issues that may arise when you start your career in this field. Professionalism is a staunch requirement in your profession, ensuring you can communicate effectively and efficiently with staff members, patients, and medical teams. Although professional behavior is a significant part of your role, maintaining adequate academic performance is just as critical. BSN students must maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA, while master's, DNP, and PhD students must maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA. How you interact with your professors and how much you can understand and apply the material they teach you determines your graduation prospects.
Student Handbook at UMSON
The student handbook serves as a guide for all nursing students at UMSON. It contains the academic and behavioral standards students must follow to obtain their degree. Per the academic conduct and professional integrity statement, students must aspire to professionalism and demonstrate the technical knowledge and skills necessary to apply them in their practice. The Code of Conduct requires respect for the ideals of academic life, honesty in all academic and personal endeavors, respect for generally accepted standards of the nursing profession, and adherence to the rules and regulations of the nursing school. The handbook prohibits academic misconduct, which includes:
- Cheating on exams or an academic exercise
- The falsification or invention of data
- Facilitating or enabling a student to commit an act of academic dishonesty
- Inducing or threatening a fellow student or staff member to engage in cheating and similar activities
- Unauthorized removal of books and materials or leaving a classroom during an exam without permission
- Plagiarism and taking credit for another person's work
- Falsification of documents, information, or data
- Substance abuse
Besides academic misconduct, UMSON also prohibits behaviors that go against the code of conduct. These include unprofessional behavior, violating patient confidentiality, jeopardizing the safety of others, bullying, malicious destruction of property, unauthorized facility use, falsification and forgery, and failure to comply with the reasonable direction of UMSON officials.
Adjudication Process, Sanctions, and Appeals
Nursing students who violate the terms listed in the student handbook may face a judicial system review and attend a hearing. During the hearing, students may have a support person who acts as a non-attorney advisor. The accused student and the accuser may present evidence, witnesses, documentation, and other data to bolster their case. After the hearing ends, the panel members deliberate privately to determine an appropriate sanction. The student does not receive sanctions if the panel determines that no misconduct occurred.
If the panel believes that a student engaged in misconduct, they may recommend a penalty that includes one or more of the following sanctions:
- A verbal or written reprimand
- Placement on probation
- Temporary dismissal
- Permanent dismissal
- Recommendation for treatment or counseling
- Any other sanction that the panel deems appropriate, depending on the case
Students may appeal the hearing panel's decision to the Dean based on a lack of due process or the emergence of new evidence unavailable during the hearing. Depending on the evidence presented, the Dean may then ask for a new hearing. The new decision is final once this process ends or if the Dean does not accept the appeal.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm
Being a nursing student is an exciting time in your life, setting the standard to becoming a nurse after graduation. However, when issues arise, they can lead to consequences that you did not plan for and issues that delay or prevent your graduation altogether. With so much at stake, you need a Student Defense Team that understands what you are going through.
The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has years of experience working with nursing students nationwide. With their passion for justice and experience, they are by your side when you face sanctions that can upend your future.
You worked hard and went through many trials to become a nursing student at UMSON. Don't let a mistake, lapse in judgment, or misunderstanding end your dreams of becoming a nurse.
If you or someone you care for face allegations of misconduct or academic issues at UMSON, help is ready. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or inquire with the Student Defense Team for more information about your case.
