The University of California, San Francisco nursing school is a top-ranked program in the state. As a result, the school holds its students to high standards. The university Code of Conduct states, “As members of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) community, we all share the responsibility to conduct our professional and personal practices with integrity and compassion.” However, colleges often expect even more from nursing students who will become trusted medical community members.
If you're facing an allegation of academic or personal misconduct, the consequences to your future career can be catastrophic. Navigating the UCSF misconduct investigations and disciplinary process can also be challenging when so much is at stake. But you don't have to figure this out alone. The experienced Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is here to help nationwide. Call them at 888-535-3686 or reach out online to schedule your consultation.
Academic and Professionalism Standards for Nursing Students in California
At UCSF, nursing students are expected to follow the University of California rules and regulations on academic misconduct, and they must sign an acknowledgment of their responsibility to follow the rules and the policies and procedures in place if they break them. Students pledge to act “in an honorable, ethical, and professional manner.”
The UCSF Graduate School of Nursing Handbook also sets forth nursing students' academic and professional standards. Potential academic misconduct charges can result from the following:
- Cheating: Under UCSF's rules, cheating includes “Fraud, deceit, or dishonesty in an academic assignment, or using or attempting to use materials that are not authorized.” Examples include copying someone else's work, sharing answers with someone else, and using unauthorized materials during an exam.
- Plagiarism: This includes “the use of another's ideas or words without proper attribution or credit.” Examples include copying
- False information and representation, fabrication, or alteration of information:
- Theft or damage of intellectual property:
- Alteration of university documents:
- Distributing or sharing lecture notes or exams: The code of conduct prohibits sharing lecture notes or exams to give someone else an unfair advantage, distributing them for financial gain, or sharing any other information provided by university faculty in this manner.
The UCSF Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline sets forth all other potential misconduct charges. Potential misconduct can include things like:
- Sexual misconduct,
- Theft,
- Destruction of property,
- Drug or alcohol violations,
- Assault,
- Bullying or cyberbullying, and
- Misuse of university networks or electronic devices
If someone makes allegations of professional misconduct against a nursing student, the Dean decides whether to use the student conduct disciplinary procedures or the “procedures related to academic professionalism standards.” The school can use either or both avenues for investigation and resolution. Under the school's policies:
Breaches in academic professionalism, considered a Core Competency by the UCSF School of Nursing, are differentiated from instances of student misconduct. Any breach of academic professionalism will be addressed via the process outlined below under UCSF School of Nursing Professionalism Guidelines and Procedures.
UCSF School of Nursing Student Disciplinary Process
The UCSF School of Nursing disciplinary process begins with filing a formal complaint within 60 days of the incident. The university will investigate and resolve the complaint through an Alternative Resolution, Administrative Disciplinary Resolution, or the Formal Disciplinary Hearing Process.
- Alternative Resolution: You'll be invited to meet with a Student Conduct Officer to discuss the incident and your options for alternative resolution, including mediation, facilitated dialogue, or a restorative justice conference.
- Administrative Disciplinary Resolution: This process aims for the student to accept responsibility, determine obligations or harm, and develop a restorative plan.
- Formal Disciplinary Hearing: Under the Formal Disciplinary Hearing process, community members, including students, staff, and career faculty, review the available information and determine responsibility. It is not a formal court proceeding, but you can have an advisor during the process.
Potential Sanctions at UCSF
If the school finds you responsible for misconduct, the potential sanctions can vary widely depending on the seriousness of the offense. Potential punishments include:
- Warning or censure
- Disciplinary probation
- Loss of privileges or exclusion from activities
- Suspension
- Dismissal
- Exclusion from areas of the campus or university functions
- Interim suspension
- Restitution
- Revoking a degree
- Other educational or administrative sanctions
Appealing a Sanction
To appeal a sanction or finding of responsibility, you'll need to submit a written. Request to the Vice Chancellor of Student Academic Affairs within five business days. Your appeal should describe why there should be a different outcome on the following grounds:
- “Factual errors in the Disciplinary Record that were not identified at the Formal Disciplinary Hearing, if such failure would have changed the Hearing Body's decision.
- Failure of the Hearing Body to follow the procedure outlined in the Formal Disciplinary Hearing process, if such failure would have changed the hearing body's decision.”
The Vice-Chancellor will decide whether you've proven the grounds for your appeal. They'll consider the record from your disciplinary hearing and the facts presented. The Vice-Chancellor won't make any additional findings of fact or make any judgments about witness credibility. If the Vice Chancellor finds your grounds for appeal are valid, they may modify the hearing panel's decision. Either way, they will give you a written decision within ten days after your request for review. This decision is final, and the university doesn't offer any additional options for appeal. However, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Hire an Experienced Nursing Student Defense Attorney
If you're a nursing student at UCSF facing potential disciplinary action related to academics or alleged misconduct, the consequences of a finding of responsibility can be serious. It can affect your future career and prevent you from completing your nursing degree. That's why you need an experienced attorney advisor from the skilled Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm involved as soon as possible. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to schedule your consultation and discuss your UCSF nursing case, or submit your case online.
