The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Nursing, located in Little Rock, ranks among the top 100 best undergraduate nursing programs in the United States, offering several degree programs to over 600 students.
Graduating from a nursing program is challenging. And when an accusation of misconduct emerges, it presents an additional burden. It can derail your academic pursuit, threaten your graduation, and impact your academic record.
While there are procedures to address these accusations and minimize potential consequences, navigating these issues effectively is complicated. But you don't need to confront those allegations on your own. The Nursing Student Defense Team has the in-depth knowledge, experience, and critical resources to help you reach the best possible outcome in your situation. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686.
UAMS College of Nursing Honor Code
All students at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Nursing are responsible for the information that is included in the student Handbook. The Handbook outlines the Honor Code for all UAMS College of Nursing students, and entrusts each student to maintain the highest ethical standards in his or her discipline in accordance with the guidelines.
The Honor Code applies to all academic work at the College of Nursing, and is defined as a “system based upon a spirit of trust and intellectual honesty within the university that manifests itself as a code of ethics shared among all members of that community.” The Honor Code at the UAMS emphasizes the significance of intellectual honesty and establishes a framework for the student body to uphold these standards.
Violations of the UAMS College of Nursing Honor Code
The Honor Code at the UAMS College of Nursing applies to all aspects of a nursing student's education, including classroom instruction, clinical practice, and research. Actions that constitute a violation of the Honor Code may include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Cheating on exams
- Plagiarism, which includes using someone else's ideas or work as your own
- Intentionally providing false information on official documents
- Falsifying research data
- Any intentional behavior that could harm others or is done with malicious intent within the UAMS environment
- Submitting work that was previously submitted for credit in another course, without prior permission from the instructor of the current course
- Attempting to breach the administrative security protocols for creating and storing exams
- Using unauthorized materials (either written or electronic) during an exam
- Taking an exam on behalf of another student or allowing someone else to take an exam in one's place
- Disclosing contents of an essay or examination that the instructor specified was not to be removed from the exam room, copied, or discussed
- Taking, retaining, intentionally misplacing, altering, or damaging the property of the UAMS, a faculty member, staff member, or another student, with the knowledge or expectation that such actions would provide an unfair academic advantage
- Contacting a member of the Honor Council, except for the chair, regarding a reported violation that has been referred to the Honor Council but not yet adjudicated
- Modifying or falsifying academic records
- Unauthorized discussion of exam content before, during, or after the examination
Procedure for Addressing Honor Code Violations
Suspected violations of the Honor Code are reported to an Honor Council Representative, who will only disclose the information to the Honor Council President and the Associate Dean of Academic Programs. Cases involving clear evidence of academic dishonesty are reviewed by the faculty and administration, who determine the appropriate penalties. Cases of suspected academic misconduct are referred to the Honor Council.
If a faculty member suspects that a student has engaged in dishonorable conduct, the faculty member may:
- Address the issue directly with the student, unless the student requests that the matter be referred to the Honor Council, which the faculty member must do; or
- Refer the matter directly to the Honor Council
If a faculty member attempts to resolve a case of suspected academic dishonesty with the student are unsuccessful, the faculty member may refer the matter to the Honor Council within 10 school days of the time they realized that resolving the matter directly was not feasible. If a faculty member refers a case of suspected academic dishonesty directly to the Honor Council, they must do so within ten school days of becoming aware of the violation.
UAMS College of Nursing Honor Council
The Honor Council enforces the policies of the College of Nursing Honor Code and ensures just treatment of any nursing student accused of misconduct by fellow students. The Honor Council consists of the elected members of the student body and/or other students who are appointed by the dean. A faculty member from the College of Nursing serves as an advisor and impartial mediator in all of the proceedings.
Hearing Procedures
A student charged with an Honor Code violation must receive written notice of:
- substance of the charge(s)
- identity of the accuser(s)
- possible penalties
- the right to a hearing if the student contests the charge(s)
- contact information for requesting a hearing
If a student requests a hearing, the request should be made in writing within five school days of receipt of the charge(s), and the student must confirm receipt of the request. The hearing must be held within ten school days from the Council's receipt of the request. Each party has the right to question opposing witnesses and is entitled to have legal representation at the hearing to provide advice and assistance. Accused students who waive the right of a hearing are considered to be admitting guilt and are subject to the penalties recommended by the Council. The student has ten school days to accept the decision and any accompanying penalties or appeal.
Penalties
Penalties for violation of the UAMS College of Nursing Honor Code include warning, reprimand, probation, suspension, dismissal, or any other action deemed necessary by the dean and warranted by the seriousness of the offense.
Hire an Experienced Arkansas Nursing Student Defense Attorney
Being accused of wrongdoing is incredibly stressful. But don't let that accusation stop you from pursuing your educational dream. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team has extensive experience defending nursing students in Arkansas and across the country. Our team quickly investigates the charges against you and develops the strongest defense possible. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to discuss your UAMS College of Nursing disciplinary allegation, or contact us online.
