The Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing (MSSON) is a private nursing school established in 1922 in Homewood, Alabama. It is part of Samford University, a Baptist Christian University founded in 1841. The nursing school ranks consistently high among Christian nursing schools in the Southeast, with similar academic and behavioral standards. MSSN offers undergraduate, graduate, and interprofessional degrees for aspiring nursing students ready to take on the rigors of their future fields. But to remain enrolled and benefit from MSSON's programs, you must also abide by the institution's strict rules and religious-based environment. Violations and lack of academic performance lead to sanctions, like suspension or expulsion, that permanently affect your future.
As a nursing student at MSSON, you have plenty of opportunities to learn from professional faculty and peers in what the nursing school maintains is a “nurturing Christian environment.” MSSN's standards reflect its mission statement, which is to “prepare caring, competent, and passionate graduates” committed to service, scholarship, and professional practice. The application of these standards starts in college, where you learn both the theory and practice needed to become a future nurse. But when mistakes happen, you may not know what to do, especially in repeated incidents or severe infractions. With so much that can go wrong, you will need the help of the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team. Contact them today for more information, or call 888-535-3686 for a consultation.
Common Reasons Why Students Face Sanctions
Being part of a nursing school is a significant accomplishment. It is one of the final steps you take to become a professional. Along the way, you may make mistakes or falter academically, and this is due to several reasons. You may face stress or personal issues from home that may affect your performance at nursing school. Or you may experience a lapse in judgment and partake in actions, whether alone or with other peers, that are unlike you.
Some of the most common reasons why students face sanctions are lack of professionalism, academic issues, or committing multiple violations during their time as students. Although your professors understand that mistakes are part of the learning process, some may not be lenient, depending on the severity of the violation. These actions lead to warnings, placement on probation, suspension, and dismissal. Although dismissal and suspension are the most severe punishments, lighter sanctions can still affect your reputation and your career trajectory.
Academic and Professional Expectations at MSSON
As a nursing student, you must maintain good grades and pass your courses to progress to the next phase of your program. While slip-ups occasionally will not make a significant difference, chronic inability to keep up with your peers and maintain the minimum passing grade places you in hot water. According to the Nursing School handbook, students must maintain a grade of C, or 2.0, in every required course in their curriculum. Moreover, students must also receive a C or higher in all science classes and cannot repeat a science class more than two times. Any student who fails two nursing courses with a D or F receives permanent termination from the program.
The student handbook also contains the Professional Conduct Policy that students must abide by or face dismissal. It includes a list that prohibits unprofessional behavior, such as:
- Committing fraud or deceit during an academic exercise
- Committing a HIPAA violation and breaching patient confidentiality
- Misusing social media while identifying oneself as an MSSON student
- Participating in any form of disorderly conduct while engaged in a school of nursing activity
- Intentionally or negligently impeding nursing care to a patient
- Intentionally or negligently violating the rules and policies of MSSON or Samford University
- Exhibiting any behavior which indicates that the student cannot provide adequate nursing care
- Displaying behavior that threatens the health and safety of others.
Students who commit violations must attend a hearing, and they may receive sanctions such as suspension or dismissal.
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic integrity is high on the list of expectations at MSSON and Samford University as a whole. In the student handbook that applies to all students attending the institution, Samford encourages its students to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. Some of the prohibited actions listed in the handbook include:
- Using work from another student or another course
- Plagiarizing
- Copying the work of others or allowing other students to copy your work.
- Obtaining an unauthorized copy of a test or quiz
- Fabrication or falsification of documents or knowingly making a false report about another student.
Hearing and Appeals
Any person who believes that a student committed a violation must report the incident to the Student Conduct Coordinator. The coordinator informs the student of the allegations and conducts an investigation. Based on the findings, the SCC may call for a hearing. During the hearing, the student may defend themselves with evidence, respond to questions, and make a statement. Once the hearing ends, the panel members deliberate and decide on an outcome and sanctions.
Students may appeal the hearing panel's decision within five days of receiving it by sending an email or delivering it directly to the Student Conduct Coordinator. Appeals are only granted depending on specific factors, such as if the honor council did not follow procedure, the sanctions are disproportionate to the incident, or the existence of new and compelling evidence not available at the time of the hearing.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team
Being a nursing student is a challenging and exciting time in your life, but it also comes with responsibilities. If you face accusations of academic deficiency, lack of professionalism, or improper behavior, time is of the essence. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is by your side when your degree is on the line.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team has years of experience working with nursing students nationwide. Whether you made a genuine mistake or had a lapse in judgment, you deserve fair and robust representation regardless of the circumstances. Your future career depends on it.
When you or someone you love face allegations of unprofessional behavior or academic issues at MSSON, every minute counts. Contact the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today or call 888-535-3686 for more information.
