At the University of Texas Health Science Center (UT Health) at San Antonio School of Nursing, students gain instrumental academic and clinical experience to create a foundation for a rewarding and long-lasting career. Yet, entry into the healthcare field after graduating from a top-tier institution depends on maintaining a pristine academic and disciplinary record. Unfortunately, any form of disciplinary action can derail graduation plans and future career opportunities.
Students facing allegations of unprofessionalism, remediation, or other violations need guidance from a team of dedicated professionals. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is prepared to assist UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing students in defending against burdensome investigations, adjudications, and sanctions. For help, call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 now or submit your case online, and we will contact you.
Academic Integrity and Progression Standards for UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing Students
Like all enrollees, UT Health expects its nursing students to conduct their studies with the utmost academic integrity. Therefore, acts or attempts to breach that environment and commit “scholastic dishonesty” are prohibited, such as the following:
- Plagiarism
- Falsification
- Sharing exam items
- Misrepresentation
While a first instance of a violation of academic integrity standards may result in a failing grade on the assignment or course, nursing students are still subject to all disciplinary action, including dismissal from the school.
In addition to producing authentic work in classroom and clinical settings, nursing students must also maintain a pre-determined rate of academic progress toward graduation. The requirements for course objectives will vary for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, but some common requirements are the following:
- Minimum semester grade point average.
- Minimum number of course credits and clinical hours passed and recorded.
- Passing all prerequisite courses and evaluation before promotion.
Students may be given a grade of “Incomplete” or “I” for a course when they are unable to complete all work within the allotted semester time because of extenuating circumstances. Extensions may be given, but the course must be passed before moving on in the program, and if not passed within a certain timeframe, students risk dismissal.
UT Health San Antonio Professionalism Standards for Nursing Students
Part of the mission of UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing is to foster professionals who can “critically examine a reliable and extensive body of knowledge and apply it consistently to maximize the clinical benefit of patients.” To promote standards of professionalism, students are expected to demonstrate recommended behaviors pursuant to the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics and the Texas Board of Nursing. UT Health states, “A code of professional behavior cannot encompass all potential issues of conduct which may arise,” but it includes principles to be followed.
The school's principles of professionalism are not rules that specify behaviors but guidelines to provide direction in identifying appropriate conduct, such as:
- Competence in knowledge and skills
- Responsibility for consequences of actions
- Promoting the safety and welfare of patients
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Professional communication
- Lifelong learning for maintenance of skills and judgments.
Students are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a professional manner and to exhibit the characteristics of a professional student. If violations are alleged, students can be subject to punishments ranging from a written reprimand to being dismissed from the program. Nevertheless, all grievances must first pass through official disciplinary procedures.
UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing Misconduct Procedures
Both professional misconduct and scholastic dishonesty are governed by Student Conduct and Discipline guidelines of UT Health, but the disciplinary process will be slightly different depending upon the nature of the allegations: academic or non-academic (personal or professional). Yet, each process is overseen by the school's Dean. Initially, the Dean conducts an investigation that involves meeting with the student to hear their side of the story. If the Dean decides to proceed with formal charges, the case is then sent to a full hearing.
The hearing process varies based on the severity of proposed sanctions. When presented with academic sanctions or those that would lead to a separation from studies, student respondents are granted full due process rights like the following:
- Ability to call witnesses.
- Opportunity to present evidence.
- Chance to cross-examine the complaints' case matter.
- Having an advisor present.
For other cases involving less severe matters like a loss of student privileges, procedures might differ but still grant the student a chance to address the allegations and appeal, if necessary.
Nursing Student Sanctions
Depending on the severity of the violation, academic sanctions can start at an assignment failure and quickly move to probation with required remediation or even removal from the program. Punitive measures can take many forms with non-academic misconduct, from losing student privileges to dismissal. If students are found responsible for violations, UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing will enforce the following punishments:
- Written reprimand
- Privilege loss
- Probation
- Suspension
- Expulsion
Appeals are only eligible if the sanctions are deemed inappropriate, there were procedural irregularities, new evidence arises, or bias or a conflict of interest affected the outcome. Since even the most minor instances of discipline, like a verbal reprimand or loss of student privileges, will be on a student's permanent record, it will be taken into account when seeking employment upon graduation or applying for a scholarship for further education. Therefore, you need professional assistance now to keep your future prospects intact.
Hire an Experienced Nursing Student Defense Attorney
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is a worthwhile investment for UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing students. Our team of attorneys can help you exercise your rights during the grievance process, build a defense strategy to challenge allegations, and even engage the UT system's Office of General Counsel to protect your status as a student.
The nationwide Lento Law Firm assists nursing students in navigating misconduct allegations and progression violations. We will guide you to a favorable outcome and will stand with you throughout the process. Call us now at 888-535-3686 or submit your case online, and we will contact you.
