The Georgia College and State University School of Nursing is the official nursing school of GCSU. The School of Nursing offers graduate and undergraduate degree and program options for aspiring nurses, including post-master's nursing certificates. The university's history stretches back to the late 1800s, allowing students to benefit from the history and experience in an environment that encourages students to learn and thrive in a diverse environment. However, to stay enrolled at the School of Nursing, you must demonstrate professional and ethical behavior while maintaining satisfactory academic progress. Failure to abide by these policies can cause substantial issues later, including suspension and dismissal from the university.
Nursing students are under considerable pressure to succeed and keep up with their peers in a fast-paced environment. These conditions are purposefully implemented to ensure you have what it takes to endure the rigors of your future profession. Sometimes, you may make mistakes as you progress through your program. While these mistakes are expected and are a normal part of the learning process, not all have the same consequences. More egregious violations have severe repercussions, like suspension, dismissal, or even degree revocation. With so much at stake, never approach the matter alone. Call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team at 888-535-3686 or send a message through the online portal to learn more.
Common Reasons for Sanctions
Universities must ensure that they maintain a level playing field for all their students to maintain their reputation and standing in society. They implement strict codes of conduct and professionalism standards to ensure that their students abide by the rules and engage in behavior befitting their future professions. Some of the most common reasons for implementing sanctions include violations of the honor code, academic issues, behavioral issues, and academic integrity violations. These broad categories also include multiple subcategories that lead to various sanctions. While some sanctions are minor and don't affect your trajectory, others can have debilitating short and long-term consequences that make it difficult to start over.
Adjudication Process
Although the student handbook contains multiple policy links, the dismissal policy at GCSU is not public. However, the adjudication process at the School of Nursing is similar to most in that an investigation usually may lead to a hearing.
Usually, anyone who believes that a student committed a violation may report the incident to an authority at the School of Nursing. This person or group reviews the report to determine if a possible violation occurred. If they believe that the matter warrants further review, they investigate the matter and may call the student for an informal meeting to discuss the details regarding the report. If the student agrees that they did commit a violation, the authority may issue sanctions, and the student will accept them without further procedure. However, the matter escalates to a formal hearing if the student disagrees with the charges or the parties cannot reach an informal resolution.
All parties involved in the case must stand before a hearing panel during a hearing. Both sides can make a statement and present information, documentation, and evidence supporting their claims and witnesses when available. Usually, accused students receive information about the hearing process before they attend the meeting. Panel members may ask questions, and some allow the accused and the accuser to cross-examine witnesses and one another. Moreover, some policies also allow students to have an advisor present. However, they are rarely permitted to take part actively in the proceedings.
Once the hearing ends, the panel members deliberate in private and partake in a vote if they believe that the accused committed a violation. Based on their vote, the panel recommends sanctions they send to an authority, such as the Dean of the School of Nursing or a similar designated person. The accused student is also informed of the hearing panel's decision within a set timeframe.
Appeals
In some cases, students may appeal a hearing panel's decision by submitting an appeal request within a specified timeframe after receiving the panel's decision. However, appeals can only be made under specific conditions, such as:
- The emergence of new information, data, or evidence that was not available during the time of the original hearing, which may have had a significant impact on the panel's decision
- The sanctions recommended by the panel are disproportionate to the alleged violation
- The existence of a procedural error or a deviation from standard protocol that affected the hearing outcome
Based on this information, the appeal authority may modify the sanctions, increase or decrease their severity, or dismiss them altogether. Although an appeal is a chance to reduce the severity of sanctions, don't wait until this process to contact the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team. The sooner you get in touch, the less likely you will face a negative outcome.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team
Being a nursing student is an exciting time in your life, but it comes with its pressures and challenges. To succeed, you may make a mistake or partake in activities that are unlike you, leading to issues. With so much on the line, contact the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team as soon as you learn of allegations against you.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team has years of experience working with nursing students nationwide who face harsh sanctions and dismissal from their nursing programs. With their passion, experience, and knowledge, the team is by your side to guide you through every part of the adjudication process.
Don't let a mistake cause you to lose placement in your GCSU School of Nursing nursing program. If you or someone you love face allegations of academic issues, professionalism concerns, or unethical behavior, don't wait. Call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team at 888-535-3686 or send a message today for more information about handling your case.
