The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing is a rigorous program. It's not just that the school expects the best of you in the classroom. It also expects the best of your personally and professionally.
You're up for the challenge, of course. You wouldn't have made it in if you weren't. Still, it never hurts to prepare yourself ahead of time. What kinds of courses will you be facing, for instance? What are the school's rules and regulations, and what happens if you make a mistake? Maybe most importantly, how do you get help when you need it?
Obviously, the School of Nursing is going to offer you as much help as it can. Your school wants you to succeed. There may be times, though, when you need someone else in your corner. If, for instance, you should ever find yourself under investigation by the School of Nursing, you'll quickly find that faculty and administrators are no longer on your side.
The Lento Law Firm was founded to protect students—to make sure they're treated fairly and that they get justice. If you're in trouble, don't wait to see what might happen. Find out what the firm's Student Defense Team can do for you at 888-535-3686. Or fill out our online information form.
Nursing Standards at the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing
Your first priority as a student is to learn. Seems obvious enough, right? It's not always as easy as it sounds. Courses at UT Austin's School of Nursing are tough, and instructors can be demanding. And the Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum emphasizes not only classroom knowledge but the ability to think critically about that knowledge and to apply it in real-world situations through active problem-solving.
As a practical matter, you must also find a way to stay in Good academic standing while you're doing all that. The University of Texas at Austin's Academic Standing policy requires you to maintain a minimum GPA.
- Below 15 hours, you must earn at least a 1.5.
- Between 15 and 44 hours, you must earn at least a 1.7.
- Between 45 and 59 hours, you must earn at least a 1.85.
- Over 60 hours, you must earn at least a 2.0.
The good news is, you won't be dismissed just for struggling with your coursework. If your GPA should fall below these levels, the first consequence is Scholastic Probation. However, you can be dismissed if you can't bring your grades up while on probation. Further, you should know that even probation is noted on your transcript. That can have effects on your ability to get into graduate school. It can also affect job applications.
Academic Misconduct
Given how much is at stake, and how hard it can be to succeed at the UT Austin School of Nursing, you might be tempted to take a shortcut now and then. You should know, though, that all forms of academic misconduct are expressly forbidden at the university. That includes
- Cheating: Any use of unauthorized materials to complete your coursework
- Plagiarism: Any attempt to pass another person's work off as your own.
- Fabrication: Any invention of materials—sources, for instance, or lab results—as part of your coursework
Here again, a single infraction probably isn't enough to get you dismissed, but it could very well appear on your transcript.
Standards of Personal and Professional Behavior
It might surprise you to learn that the School of Nursing takes your personal behavior at least as seriously as your academic progress, if not more so. Nursing isn't just a profession; it's a position in the public trust. Nurses must have empathy; they must be honest; they must put the good of their patients above all else. The School of Nursing wants to be absolutely sure that you have these qualities.
The University maintains a strict policy on Student Conduct. That policy includes a wide range of prohibitions on everything from underage drinking, to hazing, to assault, to drug possession. Violations of local, state, and federal laws are also policy violations.
In addition, like all students at all universities, you are subject to the federal government's Title IX regulations regarding sexual misconduct. Schools are required to investigate all credible complaints. They're also encouraged to impose harsh sanctions on anyone found Responsible (guilty).
Finally, though, you need to know that the School of Nursing holds you accountable for patient care and for working effectively within assigned healthcare teams. Infractions like showing up late for clinic hours or violating patient confidentiality can also result in disciplinary action.
Sanctions
Should you violate any of the disciplinary policies at the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, the penalties include
- Written warning
- Disciplinary probation
- Academic integrity probation
- Withholding of grades, transcript, or degree
- Restitution
- Suspension of privileges
- Denial of degree
- Deferred suspension
- Suspension
- Dismissal
- Withholding of degree
You should keep in mind, though, that any finding of Responsibility (guilt) can have lasting consequences on both your academic and professional careers. Even if you are just issued a warning, if that warning should appear on your transcript, it will come up over and over again. It could prevent you from getting a good internship. It could play a role in graduate school applications. It might even interfere with job applications. And most nursing boards require you to disclose any offenses you may have committed in school. In short, you cannot afford to ignore any charge against you. You must defend yourself, and you need the best possible help to do that: an attorney from the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team.
Judicial Processes at the University of UT Austin School of Nursing
No matter what issue you may be facing at UT Austin's School of Nursing, you can be sure there's an administrative procedure for handling it. It's not always easy, though, to figure out which procedure you need. For instance,
- Academic Deficiencies: If you're dealing with low grades, you can be placed on academic probation. If you continue to struggle while on probation, you can be dismissed. However, UT Austin allows students to petition for readmission after a semester or a year away from the university. This process is handled entirely through written application, though you may submit documentary evidence in support of your petition.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: Most disciplinary violations are handled through an investigation and a hearing. This means you have the opportunity to submit evidence, call witnesses, and raise questions about any of the university's evidence against you. Crucially, you are allowed to choose an advisor to help you with your case, and this advisor can be an attorney. Your advisor cannot speak on your behalf but can be on hand during all meetings and proceedings to offer advice.
The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm are highly experienced in dealing with both academic and disciplinary issues. They know the UT Austin system and can help you figure out exactly who to talk to and exactly what to say.
Trust the Lento Law Firm to Handle Your Case
Whether you've been accused of sexual harassment or you're simply trying to avoid academic probation, the Lento Law Firm is here to help. We've defended hundreds of students from all types of issues—from rape charges to cheating scandals. We are always on your side, ready to fight for your rights, and determined to get you the best possible resolution to your case.
For more information, call us today at 888-535-3686, or contact us online.
