Michigan State University College of Nursing (MSU Nursing) is a public nursing school established in 1950 in East Lansing, Michigan. MSU Nursing has a strong reputation and offers one of the most competitive nursing programs nationwide. As an MSU Nursing student, you'll benefit from the professional experience and reputation you gain as you study, opening the door to new opportunities. However, you can only graduate and receive your degree if you maintain acceptable academic progress and professional and ethical behavior. If you commit a violation, even by mistake, you won't graduate on time – or at all, depending on the case.
Nursing students undergo rigorous training and strict rules to prepare them for what they may face as professionals who care for people's health and well-being. Yet this pressure also causes mistakes or lapses in judgment, especially when you have other responsibilities outside of college. While some are minor or understandable, others come with severe penalties, including suspension for long periods and permanent expulsion. With so much at stake and your reputation on the line, send an online message to the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team as soon as you receive notice of allegations against you or call 888-535-3686 for help.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Dismissals cause significant disruptions in your life and can lead to multiple long and short-term issues. Some of the most common reasons nursing students get suspended or expelled from their programs include lack of academic progress, unprofessional behavior, academic misconduct, or ethical violations. Although every nursing school has different policies and expectations, most issues fall within the umbrella of the above four categories. And in academia, intent is not always a reason for letting a student off the hook. That's why it is essential to call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team as soon as you learn of charges against you and decrease the likelihood of facing harsh sanctions.
Adjudication Process at MSU Nursing
The CORE student handbook at the College of Nursing applies to all students in the college, regardless of their program. It states that students who commit one or more of the following actions will be dismissed from the COL:
- Earning a failing grade in any of their program's required courses
- Engaging in actions that are severe violations of the Criminal Code of Michigan or put the security, integrity, welfare, or safety of others at risk
- Experiencing behavioral, physical, psychological, or other difficulty that prevents the student from meeting their academic objectives or professional standards
The handbook does not provide explicit information on the adjudication process at the College of Nursing. However, it includes multiple policies that lead to sanctions if violated, touching on professionalism, ethical behavior, and academic misconduct. It also states that the University Dean of Students Office handles issues regarding dismissal and withdrawal. A designated person or group usually reviews complaints made about students, investigates the matter, and asks the student to attend an informal meeting to discuss the case details before scheduling a hearing if the matter escalates or at the student's request.
During the hearing, a panel hears the statements made by the accused and the accusing party, reviews evidence, and speaks to witnesses. Once the hearing ends, the panel members deliberate privately and suggest a sanction. The recommendation then receives a review by the authority that decides on the outcome and informs the student of their decision.
Appeals
Most colleges allow students to appeal a sanctions decision, especially if it involves suspension and expulsion. However, students can only appeal based on the following reasons:
- The student can present new and significant evidence unavailable during the hearing
- The sanctions recommended by the panel are too harsh and disproportionate to the violation
- If the student believes that a procedural error occurred or that the hearing did not follow established protocol
- There is a conflict of interest or potential bias in terms of who participated in the hearing
The student usually has a set timeframe to send the appeal to the appeal authority, which reviews the new evidence to determine if there is a basis for the request. If there is, they may decide on the outcome alone or call for another hearing. While the outcome varies depending on the case, the appeal authority may modify, increase, decrease, or suspend the sanctions altogether. Although submitting an appeal does not guarantee you won't receive a suspension or expulsion, it can significantly reduce the chance of a severe penalty in some cases. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team is right by your side during the entire process, from when you learn of an accusation to the appeals process.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team
Being a nursing student may have its perks, but it also comes with significant responsibility, pressure, and stress. When so much is happening at once, it can be easy to slip up or make mistakes that are unlike you. Regardless of the situation, you deserve fair due process when you are accused of committing a violation that can end your dream of becoming a nurse.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team works hard to reduce the chances of this happening. With years of experience working with nursing students across the US, the team knows how the processes work and stands by your side to guide you through every step. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team uses its knowledge and passion for justice to walk with you during one of the most stressful experiences you may face as a student.
Don't let a minor issue grow and become an unmanageable burden because every second counts when your degree and reputation are on the line. If you receive word of allegations against you at MSU Nursing, act immediately to reduce the impact of what comes next. It's not too late to take action – contact the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team today or call 888-535-3686 for more information.
