University of Connecticut (UConn) School of Nursing students benefit from academic and experiential clinical learning at a top-ranked nursing program at one of the nation's top public universities. Upon graduation, UConn's nursing students begin a long and successful career in the healthcare industry, but only if they avoid disciplinary action. Unfortunately, sanctions of any kind can quickly derail the chances of graduating and the potential to begin a bright career.
Nursing students who encounter unfair standards with academic requirements, accusations of unprofessional conduct, or other allegations of violations need professional assistance. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team stands ready to help UConn School of Nursing students defend against critical administration officials who will investigate, adjudicate, and discipline rule violations harshly. For help, call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or submit your case online, and we will contact you.
Academic Standards for UConn Nursing Students
All students enrolled in UConn's School of Nursing are required to abide by the institution's Student Code, and one of the cornerstones of the program's integrity is managing the potential for academic misconduct. The school identifies academic misconduct as any "dishonest or unethical academic behavior" that includes, but is not limited to:
- Cheating: "Misrepresenting mastery in an academic area."
- Plagiarism: Failure to "properly credit information, research, or ideas to their rightful originators or representing such information" as your own.
Along with being responsible for completing individual work, UConn nursing students must also make progress toward graduation at a pre-determined rate. Academic progression standards for the nursing school are as follows:
- Earn a minimum GPA of 2.5 at the end of the semester in which they have completed 26 calculable credits.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher before enrollment in NURS 3220 and 3234.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all nursing courses. Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.5 for graduation.
Violating one of the above stipulations will cause a student to fall out of good academic standing, and some can get students dropped from the program. Consequences begin with mandated meetings with academic advisors but can quickly lead to probation and even dismissal in a short amount of time.
UConn's Professionalism Standards for Nursing Students
Since nurses are public-facing professionals, UConn will hold nursing students accountable as they will be licensed nurses upon graduation. The school's professionalism standards regulate student behavior in the classroom and through clinical hours but also follow nursing students throughout their time in the program. Some of the prohibitions include the following:
- Making inappropriate social media posts.
- Wearing strong fragrances.
- Violating the School of Nursing dress code.
- Signs of "incompetent, unethical, illegal, or impaired practice."
- Wearing excessive mascara or jewelry.
- Failure to maintain patient confidentiality.
- Substance abuse inside or outside clinical hours.
Considering nursing students must abide by Connecticut licensing requirements, unprofessional conduct claims can often come from outside complaints. Whenever a student is alleged to have committed wrongdoing, the school will begin investigating immediately. Therefore, it's important to know now where to turn when issues arise.
UConn School of Nursing Misconduct Procedures
The respective program director or the Director of Community Standards will oversee misconduct allegations, who will determine if there is a potential violation of the student code, and notify the respondent. The Director will then assign a Student Conduct Officer and set up an administrative conference with the respondent as the first step in the investigation process. The conference aims to review the allegations, explain the grievance process, and attempt to solve the matter informally.
If no agreement is reached between the Student Conduct Officer and the respondent, the case will go through one of two hearing types:
- Administrative Hearing: The procedure will consist of one or two administrative hearing officers who will manage student code violations.
- Academic Integrity Board Hearing: Used for academic grievances, the procedure consists of two faculty members, two students, and one non-voting chairperson.
Both types of hearings are managed similarly and include a Student Conduct Officer, respondent, complainant, witnesses, members of the hearing body, a hearing advisor, and the potential for a support person for each party in the case. Hearings are typically conducted within 15 business days of submitting allegations to the Director.
The hearing body will review an investigation report, witness testimony, pertinent evidence, and cross-examination from the parties, including closing and opening statements. The Student Conduct Officer may make a recommendation to the panel on findings or recommended sanctions. Violations are based on a preponderance of the evidence standard.
When a student respondent has been found responsible for a violation of the Student Code, the hearing body will review the student's conduct history and hear impact statements from the respondent, complainant, and Student Conduct Officer before imposing any sanctions, if any. Following the hearing, the panel of officials will advise students in writing of its determination.
Nursing Student Sanctions
Depending on the severity of the violation, sanctions can range from an exam or assignment failure to removal from the nursing program. If students are found responsible for misconduct, UConn will support the following:
- Warning: A notice that the student has violated conduct standards and a warning that another violation will likely result in a more severe sanction like probation, suspension, or expulsion.
- Probation: An indefinite period where the student will modify unacceptable behavior, complete specific assignments, and demonstrate a positive contribution to the school community to regain student privileges. After six months, the student may apply for a review of probationary status.
- Suspension: A separation from the college for a definite period of time. Although students will be eligible to reapply, UConn will not accept course credits earned elsewhere during the suspension period.
- Expulsion: A student's permanent ban from campus and reenrollment.
Students may file appeals, but only under certain circumstances. The following are the only grounds to challenge disciplinary decisions and punishments:
- To determine whether the hearing was conducted in conformity with prescribed procedures.
- To determine whether the sanctions imposed were appropriate.
- To consider new information sufficient to alter the hearing panel's determination.
Hire an Experienced Nursing Student Defense Attorney
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team will be a worthwhile resource to UConn School of Nursing students for many reasons. Our team of attorneys can help you understand your rights during the disciplinary process, help you build a defense strategy, and advise you on other options for redress to keep you in school.
The nationwide Lento Law Firm has helped nursing students navigate misconduct allegations, progression requirements, and other complaints that threaten their opportunity to graduate and begin a career. Our team will provide you with guidance to promote a favorable outcome, including engaging the school's Office of General Counsel to protect your good standing. Call us at 888-535-3686 or submit your case online, and we will contact you.
