The University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Nursing (UNCG School of Nursing) has several popular programs for undergraduates and graduate students. Graduate programs include an online Ph.D. program, three Doctor of Nursing Practice options, and online master's programs; the school also offers three post-baccalaureate certificates. In addition to a pathway for traditional students, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offers an RN-to-BSN program for students who are already nurses and a Veterans Access Program, which offers individualized programs and specialized support. If you are a student in any of these programs, you should be able to anticipate a bright career path in a field experiencing worker shortages that are only expected to worsen.
But what if an issue arises that derails your path to completing your degree? You may struggle with classes and face the status of poor academic performance, or there may be allegations of misconduct against you. It is daunting to face these kinds of challenges alone, and the stress of navigating the school bureaucracy can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can guide you in resolving any disciplinary issues you face at the UNCG School of Nursing. They have the experience, knowledge, and resources it takes to obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Call 888-535-3686 or tell us about your situation online.
Guidelines and Policies for Students at the UNCG School of Nursing
The UNCG School of Nursing provides several student handbooks for its programs, including its Prelicensure BSN Student Handbook for its undergraduate nursing program. Students are also subject to the guidelines and policies of the Student Policy Handbook of UNCG and its Student Code of Conduct, as well as the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses.
The Prelicensure BSN Student Handbook provides comprehensive information about the school's mission and philosophy, requirements for graduation, including coursework and clinical requirements, student resources, and more. Here are examples of the information provided:
Academic Progression - The handbook describes the criteria for nursing students to progress, which include maintaining an overall grade point average of 2.0 or better and completing required 200- to 400-level courses within two years.
Academic Integrity – The handbook refers students to the UNCG Academic Integrity Policy, noting that “All breaches of academic integrity, including cheating, facilitating academic dishonesty, falsification, misuse of academic resources, plagiarism, and unauthorized behaviors are violations of the Academic Integrity Policy and are subject to disciplinary actions.” The university clarifies that its Academic Integrity Policy is one of three formal processes governing student conduct at UNCG, the other two being the Student Code of Conduct and the professional standards of a graduate or professional school—in this case, the School of Nursing—within the university.
Student Code of Conduct – The UNCG Student Code of Conduct (the Code) asserts that students who embrace its core values of “honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility” will not need the Code, which guides adjudicating violations of the core values.
Safe Practice – The handbook cites the nursing school's responsibility to protect the public and the healthcare community “to prepare graduates who are safe and competent nurses” with a thorough understanding of behaviors that are unsafe.
Drugs and Alcohol – Citing both university and School of Nursing policies, the handbook emphatically states that the UNCG School of Nursing will not tolerate the use of legal or illegal substances and alcohol that may impact a nursing student's ability to provide safe care.
Possible Responses or Sanctions by the UNCG School of Nursing When a Student Violates Any of Its Policies
In any case, when a UNCG School of Nursing student is disciplined, the timeline tends to be fairly tight, with duration from the initial complaint or report to the decision on any appeal tending to be a matter of days or a few weeks. The school's appeal policy includes a grievance procedure.
Academic Progression – The handbook states that “Failure to earn a grade of C (2.0) or better will result in immediate dismissal from the School of Nursing.” Students who voluntarily withdraw from any of the required 200- to 400-level courses must reapply for readmission to the program.
Academic Integrity – The lengthy UNCG Academic Integrity Policy provides a summary of possible charges and the suggested range of sanctions for each. For example, if a student has cheated on a test, sanctions range from retaking the test to earning an F on the test or the course to a recommendation that the student be expelled. The procedure for handling a suspected violation of academic integrity begins with a faculty-student conference; unless the faculty member dismisses the violation, it may proceed to steps that may include a hearing.
Student Code of Conduct – If a nursing student violates the UNCG Code, for example, by engaging in disorderly conduct or hazing another student, there may be a formal charge against the student, a Student Conduct Conference, and a Conduct Hearing. Sanctions may include removal from university housing, restriction of privileges, disciplinary suspension, or expulsion.
Safe Practice – If a faculty member believes a nursing student has engaged in an unsafe practice, the student must immediately leave the clinical setting. If the incident is major, the Course Chair and/or Program Director and the faculty member will review the student's records and recommend whether to reprimand the student, require their withdrawal from the clinical course, or dismiss them from the UNCG Nursing School. There is an appeal process for students who wish to appeal the decision, which includes a hearing before the School of Nursing Student Appeals Committee.
Drugs and Alcohol – Students must agree to comply with the drug testing policies of the institutions where they do their clinical practice, and they must consent to the release of the results to the UNCG School of Nursing. A positive test may result in dismissal from the school. Students who disclose their use of a prohibited substance on their own and request help will be permitted to withdraw—rather than be dismissed—from the UNCG School of Nursing for one year to complete a substance abuse treatment program. After successful completion, they are eligible to reapply to the nursing program.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team Can Help You
If you are a nursing student facing disciplinary action at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Nursing, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help you prevail in this challenging time. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to discuss your UNCG School of Nursing discipline issue with our team, or you can tell us about your case online.
