The University of Kentucky College of Nursing (UK Nursing) is a public nursing school established in 1960 in Lexington, Kentucky. It is part of the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, offering graduate, undergraduate, and certification programs in nursing. UKY Nursing's strong reputation and extensive history allow you to establish a solid nursing base that opens doors to career opportunities post-graduation. However, it also implements strict rules to maintain professionalism, academic progress, and ethical behavior. If you don't keep up or violate the code of conduct, you face probation, suspension, and dismissal from the program.
Being a nursing student comes with exciting new opportunities and responsibilities. You will be exposed to new ideas and challenges during your training to strengthen your knowledge and build your experience. However, it's also when you are under significant pressure to succeed and keep up with your peers. It's easy to make mistakes when stressed or to partake in actions that are unlike you. While your professors understand that this is a normal part of the education process, some mistakes have more substantial repercussions than others. Don't wait to take action when you learn of allegations against you that threaten to upend your future. Send a message to the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team today, or call 888-535-3686 for more information.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Dismissal from nursing school significantly affects your future. It may lead to issues even when applying to another nursing program since the dismissal is noted on your permanent record. Some of the most common reasons for this sanction include not acting professionally, failing to maintain an adequate GPA, unethical behavior, and academic integrity issues. These are broad categories that include multiple other actions within their scope. Some students mistakenly assume they won't be expelled from their programs if they commit a first-time offense. However, receiving this sanction depends on multiple factors, the gravity of the violation being one of the main factors that hearing panels consider when deciding.
The Student Conduct Process
According to the Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook, any person who believes a nursing student committed a violation must send an incident report to the Office of Student Conduct (OSC). Once received, a conduct officer is assigned to determine if there is enough evidence to warrant an investigation. The conduct officer may also request to speak to the complainant or the accused student to discuss the details mentioned in the report and determine the next steps. Per the policy, if the alleged violation may lead to suspension, expulsion, cancellation of a university housing contract, revocation of SO status, or if a restorative conference is inapplicable, the conduct officer sends the report directly to the hearing board for a formal hearing. If this happens, the conduct officer contacts the accused student to explain the process and procedures involved in the hearing.
If the issue can be remedied informally, the conduct officer and all participants go that route. The matter escalates to a formal hearing if the informal meeting does not lead to a solution. All sides present evidence and information supporting their claims before the panel during the hearing. Once the hearing ends, the panel deliberates and makes a sanctions recommendation that they send to the Dean of Students.
Appeals Process
Students may appeal a hearing panel's decision by sending a written request to the UAB within ten business days of receiving the sanctions decision. The UAB has appellate jurisdiction over student conduct cases. However, the appeal does not lead to a new hearing but rather a review of the original hearing. Moreover, students may only appeal under one of the following conditions:
- There was a significant deviation from the procedures that altered the outcome of the process
- The restorative actions recommended by the hearing panel are disproportionate to the alleged violation
- The emergence of new information that was not available during the time of the original hearing may significantly alter the hearing outcome
Once the UAB receives the appeal, they notify the OSC and give the office a chance to respond to the appeal. They wait five business days for an answer from the OSC and review all the information before making a final decision. Per the policy, the UAB chair may:
- Uphold the findings and recommendations established during the hearing
- If the sanction includes social or disciplinary suspension, disciplinary expulsion, cancellation, or suspension from a housing contract, then the UAB chair may modify the restorative action.
- Remand the case back to a hearing board due to a procedural error or the emergence of new information.
Once the UAB decides on the outcome, the decision is final and binding on all parties involved, and there is no chance to re-appeal.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team
Being a nursing student comes with a responsibility to manage your academic and professional performance to prepare yourself for the rigors of your future career. But when misconduct allegations threaten your future, never take on the matter alone. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team is by your side when you face sanctions that can end your career before it begins.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team has years of experience working with nursing students nationwide who face allegations of misconduct or academic issues. Their compassion, knowledge, and passion for justice help you stand firm against allegations and boost your confidence during this stressful time. With the team guiding you through every step of the process, you can decrease the likelihood of a negative outcome and boost your chances of success.
Nursing school is stressful – and facing a hearing adds to that stress and may lead to consequences you are not prepared for. Fight back if you or someone you care about face sanctions for academic, professional, or behavioral issues. Contact the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team through the online portal or call 888-535-3686 for more information about approaching your case.
