The Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) is the official nursing school at Illinois State University, a public research university established in 1857. MCN offers three types of nursing degrees: an accelerated BSN, a traditional BSN, and an RN to BSN, which is entirely online. As part of the oldest public university in Illinois, you can benefit from the institution's strong reputation and legacy while studying for your nursing degree. However, to remain part of MCN and enjoy the educational and, later, professional opportunities the college offers, you must abide by the regulations established by the college and maintain academic and professional integrity. Failure to do so causes issues like dismissal, negatively affecting your trajectory and future.
Nursing students juggle multiple responsibilities in their academic and professional lives. There is much pressure to succeed, maintain professionalism, and achieve academic standards to graduate on time. Sometimes, you may experience lapses in judgment, which can lead to mistakes. In your race to stay ahead, you may violate the code of conduct or partake in activities that are unlike you. With so much that can go wrong, contacting the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team is essential when something goes awry. Their professionalism and care can help you overcome the adjudication process and decrease the chances of receiving a dismissal or suspension. Send the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team a message here through the online contact form or give them a call at 888-535-3686 to discuss your options in-depth.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Dismissal from nursing school has several short and long-term consequences that may prevent you from becoming a nurse. Even if you try to find another nursing school after being dismissed, you may have to start over and experience difficulties obtaining admission, as administrators prefer candidates with unblemished records. Some of the most common reasons for dismissal include lack of academic progress, unprofessional or unethical behavior, academic misconduct, and code violations. While you may assume that a first-time offense will not lead to suspension, this is not always the case. Having the support of the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome and can prevent the possibility of receiving a sanction that has long-term effects on your professional path.
Adjudication Process at MCN
The Illinois State University Code of Student Conduct contains information on the adjudication process and applies to all university students, including nursing students. Per the code, any student who witnesses a violation must report the matter to the Student Conduct and Communities Responsibilities (SCCR) department. Upon receiving a complaint, the department assigns a case manager to review the complaint and determine whether the SCCR will pursue a formal or informal resolution.
If the case manager believes the issue must be resolved through a formal process, they notify the student via email and schedule a case management conference. During this meeting, the case manager and student review the allegations and the possible sanctions related to the violation. If the student takes responsibility, the matter is resolved through this meeting, and the student accepts the sanctions. If the parties do not agree, the matter then escalates to a formal hearing.
The formal hearing is attended by either an administrative hearing officer or the university hearing panel. The student and the accusing party provide their statements, documents, evidence, and any other material that bolsters their case and helps the panel make an informed decision. Once the hearing ends, the panel members decide on the appropriate sanctions depending on whether they believe the student violated the code of conduct. Then, the panel members send the student a decision letter with their decision and the sanctions imposed.
Appeals
Students may appeal the hearing panel's decision unless they have waived the appeal right based on a voluntary agreement. Filing an appeal must meet the following criteria:
- A procedural error that deprived the appellant of a fair hearing, such as substantial bias, arbitrary or capricious findings, and material deviations from established procedures.
- The existence of new information that was unavailable at the time of the hearing and which may have substantially impacted the proceeding outcomes
- The sanctions imposed on the student are disproportionate to the alleged violation
- An unsupported conclusion that does not have enough supported information
Students who wish to file an appeal have ten business days to deliver the request via email to the Assistant Vice President or Dean of Students. Once the authority reviews the case details, they may request supplementary information from the student. If the sanction includes a disciplinary suspension or dismissal, the appeal is reviewed by the University Appeals Board. In some cases, the board may call for an appeal hearing. These hearings result in one of the following outcomes:
- The sanctions are affirmed.
- The findings are affirmed, but the sanctions are modified
- The case is remanded for a new hearing or case management conference
Appeal decisions are final, as students have one chance to file.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team
As a nursing student, you did not work hard and spent countless hours preparing for graduation, only to be dismissed for a violation. When you learn of allegations against you, don't wait until it's too late. Contact the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team to learn more about the best steps.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team has years of experience working with nursing students nationwide facing allegations of wrongdoing or violations. With their knowledge, compassion, and passion for justice, the team is by your side during every step of the adjudication and appeal processes.
Don't let a violation end your dream of becoming a nurse before you have the chance to graduate. Contact the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team through the online contact form to learn more, or give them a call at 888-535-3686 to discuss your options discreetly and privately.
