The University of Kansas School of Nursing maintains a rigorous program, and rightly so. No one wants to worry when they're receiving health care, whether or not their providers are competent. So, the KU Medical Center doesn't just hold students to high academic standards. It also insists students live up to the highest moral, ethical, personal, and professional standards.
Of course, you made it into the School of Nursing, so you're obviously prepared for the challenge. Life has a funny way of throwing obstacles in your way when you least expect them, though. Maybe you find out you and your partner are expecting, and managing your time is about to get much more complicated. Maybe you need to miss class because of a death in the family. Maybe you encounter an instructor who just doesn't seem to like you.
What do you do when these things happen? First of all, you don't panic. You take a deep breath and remind yourself that there's a solution to every problem.
Then, you get help. The Lento Law Firm was founded to help students succeed. We're determined to make sure you're treated fairly and that you get every reasonable opportunity to earn your nursing degree. We know the law; we know the University of Kansas Medical Center system; and if you're in trouble, we know how to come up with solutions.
To find out more about what our Student Defense Team can do for you, call 888-535-3686. Or fill out our online information form.
Nursing Standards at the University of Kansas School of Nursing
Coming to the University of Kansas, you knew academics would be rigorous. Courses are tough; instructors are demanding. You may not have realized that the KU School of Nursing ties academic success to specific markers. According to the school's Performance Standards, for instance, you do not get credit for any course in which you earn less than a C. You cannot graduate unless your cumulative and Nursing School GPAs are above 2.0. And if you're a graduate student, expectations are even higher: you need a minimum 3.0 GPA to graduate.
Further, there is very little give to these policies. You are allowed to make up a failed course, but only once. Should you fail a second course, or the same course for a second time, you face dismissal from the School of Nursing.
Academic Misconduct
Given just how much is at stake and just how high academic expectations are at KU School of Medicine, you can understand why some students might be tempted to take the occasional shortcut. However, academic misconduct can get you into as much trouble as low grades, if not more. School policy includes a long list of prohibited activities.
- Claiming a false identity
- Cheating on a test or quiz
- Helping someone else to cheat
- Giving or receiving unauthorized help on an assignment
- Knowingly misrepresenting your work, including via plagiarism
All allegations of misconduct are subject to investigation and adjudication by the school's PROFITS (Professional Integrity) Committee and can result in sanctions ranging from warnings to expulsion.
Standards of Personal and Professional Behavior
Your personal behavior is subject to just as much scrutiny as your coursework. Nursing is a career that requires public trust, and that's not something you can maintain if you don't have high ethical standards and a well-developed sense of professionalism. As a result, any sort of personal misconduct can have serious consequences, both on your academic and professional careers.
To this end, the School of Medicine maintains an extensive policy against Non-academic Misconduct. That policy contains strictures against general offenses like hazing, theft, and trespassing. In addition, it bars any violation of professional nursing standards, such as disclosing confidential patient information or practicing under the influence. Breaking the law, whether local, state, or federal, can result in sanctions. And, like all university students across the country, you are subject to federal Title IX guidelines regarding sexual discrimination and harassment. Sexual misconduct almost always results in dismissal.
Sanctions
If you are found Responsible for (guilty of) any type of misconduct—academic or disciplinary—you'll almost certainly face sanctions. These can include
- Written warning
- Disciplinary probation
- Academic probation
- Restitution
- Suspension of privileges
- Denial of degree
- Suspension
- Dismissal
- Withholding of degree
Additionally, it's important to remember that any finding of Responsibility can have serious long-term consequences for you, even if the only sanction you receive is a warning. A warning can appear on your transcript. It can wind up in your personal file. It can be mentioned in professional letters of recommendation. That means it can go up again and again over the course of your nursing career. It could keep you from getting an internship; it could hinder your graduate school applications, and it could interfere with your job prospects. Plus, most state nursing boards require you to disclose any disciplinary action taken against you when you apply for your license.
In short, you can't afford any blemishes on your record. It's vital you defend yourself from any charges and challenge the severity of any imposed sanctions. The best way to do that is to retain legal representation from the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team.
Administrative and Judicial Processes
There is always a way to defend yourself at the University of Kansas School of Nursing, though how you go about it specifically can vary widely depending on the particular problem you're facing.
- Academic Deficiencies: Should you find yourself dismissed for academic reasons, you can petition for readmission. There is an application to fill out and a fee. You must also offer a statement as to why you believe you should be allowed to return and an additional statement explaining what you did while away from KU.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Disciplinary misconduct usually involves an accusation, and that accusation must be proven before the School of Medicine can punish you. If the potential sanction is serious—such as suspension or dismissal, you can expect an investigation and a full hearing. These processes give you the chance to defend your innocence or to offer evidence to mitigate your mistake.
Depending on the nature of the specific problem, you may be able to bring your Lento Law Firm attorney with you to any meetings and hearings. Whether they can accompany you or not, though, your Lento Law Firm attorney can play a crucial role in helping you get a just resolution. We can help you develop a defense strategy, work with you to gather and organize evidence, draft documents on your behalf, and even give you practice in making presentations. We're on your side and ready to do what it takes to protect your future.
Trust the Lento Law Firm to Handle Your Case
Whether you've been accused of sexual harassment or you're simply trying to avoid academic probation, the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is here to help. We've defended hundreds of students from all types of issues—from rape charges to cheating scandals. We know what to expect from the University of Kansas School of Medicine processes and procedures, and we know how to use the system to our best advantage.
Call us today to find out more at 888-535-3686. Or contact us online.
