UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK

Revised 03/2008

PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS

1. All students must meet the University requirement for graduation.
2. Students enrolled in the nursing curriculum must maintain a 2.0 cumulative graduation index each consecutive semester they are enrolled in the program.
3. A minimum of "C" (2.0) is required in: each nursing (NUR) course in the major; in required Laboratory Science courses; and English Composition, Psychology.  (Required Laboratory Science Courses: Biol 213, 214, Chem 119, Biol. 221. English Composition Courses: Engl. 104 and 105, Psy. 120).
4. Students are allowed only one withdrawal from a nursing course and no more than two nursing course withdrawals during the program. Greater than 2 withdrawals will result in program dismissal. This withdrawal policy does not include courses dropped during the refund period.
5. All course prerequisites and co-requisites must be met for progression in the nursing curriculum.
6. Academic Dismissal is based upon the following policies:
1. Only one required nursing course, lab science course or English course may be repeated one time. A second grade of less than 2.0 in any of the courses listed will result in dismissal from the program.
2. Being "dropped" from the University for Scholastic Deficiency.
7. Students must meet with their advisor upon receipt of a failure grade in any of their core courses.
8. Students in the professional option must complete their course work for graduation within ten (10) semesters of admission into the program.
9. Only six (6) hours of required non-nursing courses may be unmet when the student enrolls in or NUR 498.
10. For RN/BS option Students: Students may take up to 16 credit hours in the RN/BS completion program while completing the lower division non-nursing requirements.
11. For RN/BS completion option students and Accelerated Bachelor to Master option students: All challenge exams must be successfully completed the semester prior to the semester of graduation.
12. For RN/BS completion option students: students who graduated with an Associate degree in Nursing must be licensed as a Registered Nurse in Indiana before taking any clinical nursing courses.

Approved 11/30/98 – Undergraduate Curriculum Committee
Rev. Aug-00
Rev. July-03
Rev. Sept-08

School of Nursing Grading Scale

Effective January, 2004, the School of Nursing has established a grading scale to be used for all courses taught in the Undergraduate Program. Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

A   93-100%
B   85-92%
C   78-84%
D   70-77%
F    < 70%

Effective August 24, 2009, the School of Nursing has established a grading scale to be used for all courses taught in the Undergraduate Program. Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

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PROGRAM DISMISSAL

The undergraduate faculty reserves the right to dismiss any student whose personal integrity, health, and conduct demonstrates unfitness to continue education in the profession of nursing. Integrity and conduct will be judged according to the standards of the 2001 revised Code for Nurses as adopted by the American Nurses Association.

ANA Code of Ethics

STUDENT CONDUCT

Students are subject to the ANA Code of Ethics and the Purdue University Calumet Honor Code and Civility Code (located in the Purdue University Calumet Student Handbook). Students are responsible for aquainting themselves and adhereing to the policies outlined in the documents.  Students must be aware that cheating or plagerism in any form will result in an automatic failure in the course and a referral to the Dean of Students. A letter describing the incident will be placed in your student file. Further disciplinary action will be pursued according to the policies of the university.

Approved 04/03

REINSTATEMENT IN UNDERGRADUATE NURSING FOLLOWING ACADEMIC DISMISSAL POLICY

Students seeking reinstatement following academic dismissal may, in the semester following the dismissal, petition and meet with the committee for readmission consideration.

Students may appeal a decision of denial to the Dean of the School of Nursing.

If reinstated, the student must earn a minimum grade of C (2.0) in all remaining course work. When a student receives a grade below C (2.0), the student will be dropped.

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EFFECTIVE ADMISSION DATE

The effective date of admission to the Undergraduate Nursing Program is Semester 1 in which any course of a NUR designation is taken.


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INTERRUPTION IN PLAN OF STUDY

Students interrupting their progression and part-time study students will be subject to policy or curriculum changes as they progress.


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GENERAL EDUCATION

Council Document 96-15
Research and Educational Policy Committee
Approved January 13, 1997

The Research and Educational Policy Committee recommends the adoption of the following basic general education requirements. These requirements are applicable to all bachelor degree programs for students entering Purdue University Calumet in the fall semester of 1997.

1. ENGLISH COMPOSITION-6 CREDIT HOURS:

   3 credit hours in Composition and an additional 3 credit hour course which is writing intensive.

2. NATURAL SCIENCE-3 CREDIT HOURS:

   3 credit hours chosen from natural science laboratory courses in physics, biology, chemistry, geoscience or appropriate interdisciplinary natural science laboratory courses.

3. MATHEMATICS OR STATISTICS-3 CREDIT HOURS

   3 credit hours in collegiate level mathematics or statistics courses.

4. HUMANITIES-3 CREDIT HOURS:

   3 credit hours chosen from the humanities: literature, history, philosophy, foreign languages, art, music, theater, or appropriate interdisciplinary humanities courses.

5. SOCIAL SCIENCES-3 CREDIT HOURS:

   3 credit hours chosen from the social sciences: anthropology, psychology, sociology, political science, economics, or appropriate interdisciplinary social science courses.

6. SPEECH COMMUNICATION-3 CREDIT HOURS:

   3 credit hours in speech communication.

7. COMPUTER UTILIZATION

   Departments shall identify appropriate course(s) to enable their students to develop computer utilization skills relevant to their major.

8. WELLNESS EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY

   Recognizing the importance of wellness education and of technology's impact on society, the University, as part of the general education experience, shall offer students:

   • The resources and information necessary to facilitate wellness.
   • The opportunity to develop an understanding of the interface between technology and society.

The faculty of the discipline shall decide for their majors which courses fulfill general education, requirements. The Council of Faculty Delegates will be responsible for ensuring that appropriate general education requirements have been identified and implemented.

APPROVING:	DISAPPROVING:
L. Mura, Chair C. Chancey S. Conners S. Singer C. Stacy C. Sekhar S. Sil	None


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ADVISING AND REGISTRATION

For each regular semester and summer session there are three distinct registration periods: early registration, open registration, and late registration.

Early Registration

Early registration is held at announced times during the semester preceding the desired classes. Early registration enables currently enrolled students to pre-register for the forthcoming semester or summer session. New students must attend an orientation and are also assigned times during which they may pre-register. Appointments with advisors are scheduled by calling the undergraduate nursing office at 219/989-2814, beginning approximately two weeks before the registration period.

Open Registration

Open registration occurs during the week prior to the beginning of classes each semester. It should be used primarily by those students unable to register early. In addition, those students who have already registered may process schedule adjustments (adds/drops) during open registration.

Late Registration

Late registration may be accomplished during the first week of classes. Registration during this period is subject to the availability of classes, approval of the academic advisor, and payment of a late fee.

To determine exact registration dates and times for a given semester or summer session, consult the University Calendar or the printed Schedule of Classes.

Advising and Registration Guidelines

1. Students may schedule advising appointments by calling the Undergraduate Secretary at (219) 989-2814 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
2. Students who have advising questions or academic concerns may make appointments with an advisor during the scheduled advising hours. These appointments may be made by calling the Undergraduate Secretary. Appointments are necessary to best accommodate student needs.
3. If you are unable to keep your advising appointment, please call the Undergraduate Secretary.
4. You may wish to contact the Undergraduate Advisor by email if you have questions that do not require an appointment.  The advisor's email address is located under "Quick Clicks" in the Nursing Website.
5. Whenever you are seeing an advisor to schedule classes, we expect you to come prepared with a tentative schedule of desired courses. Please consult the catalog for information on course pre- and co-requisites. In addition, computers are available throughout the university for students to access course availability.
6. Due to the complexity of finalizing clinical placements, students may not know their specific hospital assignment at the time of registration.
7. Students who are "out-of-sequence" (For example, those who have not successfully passed a course, or withdrawn from a scheduled course, or completing an incomplete grade) will be assigned a clinical placement on a "space available" basis. These students’ schedules are subject to change.
8. As much as the School of Nursing would like to honor students’ requests concerning desirable locations, child care and work commitments, the School is unable to change clinical division locations or time schedules.
Registration Procedures
1. Students register according to current nursing semester classification status.
2. Early registration is provided for all currently enrolled nursing students. Appointments for early registration are necessary. Specific dates for early registration will be posted on the Undergraduate Bulletin Board and on the door to the Nursing Department offices. Appointments for registration will be accepted by either phone or in person.
3. Students wishing to change their major code within the School of Nursing must submit a letter requesting an option change to the Admission/Progression Committee by February 1st for a fall semester change.
4. Nursing courses are scheduled to meet the varied needs of our students while complying with the policies of the University and the clinical agencies. As a result, nursing courses may be scheduled with both day and evening divisions when possible. Nursing classes are scheduled by semester. Even with these scheduling strategies, it is not possible to accommodate every student's schedule. Your comments and suggestions for creative scheduling of classes are appreciated.
5. During your first initial advising appointment, the nursing advisor may ask you to complete an Applicant Interview Record. The advisor will also review your transcripts and develop a tentative plan of study. If you do not have an assigned PIN number, you may need to request an alternative PIN number from your advisor.
6. Late Registration - Students may also register for classes or add/drop during Late Registration. Late Registration takes place the first week of classes each semester. Advising appointments may be scheduled by phone or in person during Late Registration; the advisor sees students by appointment only during this time. There are sufficient appointment times to adequately meet student needs.
7. Add/Drop cards must be completed by students and signed by a Nursing adviser. Course Extension Cards can only be approved and signed by the advisor of the department in which the course is offered.
8. The course fees must be paid in accordance with University policy. An application for extension of payment may be obtained at the Bursar's office. Students who do not pay tuition and fees by the deadline or who do not make arrangements for late payment, at the Bursar’s Office, will have their registered course cancelled by the Registrar due to non-payment. The student must see a nursing advisor again to reregister for courses. There is no guarantee that the student will be able to enroll in the same courses or clinical sections that semester.

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ENROLLMENT/PROGRAM CANCELLATION

If, for any reason, you decide not to enroll in the nursing classes you have signed up for during registration, please inform the program secretary immediately at (219) 989-2814. There are frequently other students who desire another division of a clinical nursing course. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated by the Nursing Department faculty and fellow students. If you decide to drop out of the program , please schedule an appointment with a nursing advisor to discuss your options.


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GRIEVANCE PROCESS

It is the belief of the faculty and administration of the School of Nursing that if a student has a problem with or a complaint about a nursing course, clinical laboratory, or faculty member, the student should first attempt to resolve the problem by discussing it with:

1. Instructor involved; and if no resolution
2. Undergraduate coordinator; if no resolution
3. Dean of the School of Nursing
4. Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs

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GRADE APPEALS PROCEDURE

The responsibility for assessing student achievement and assigning grades rests with the Faculty, and except for unusual circumstances, the course grade given is final. If a student has evidence or feels that evidence exists to show that he or she has been assigned an inappropriate grade, the student may appeal the grade following the Grade Appeals Procedure outlined in the University Student Handbook.


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PREPARATION FOR NCLEX

Assessment of NCLEX Readiness:  HESI EXIT EXAM

All non-RN undergraduate nursing students will be required to take a standardized exit exam as part of Nur 289 and Nur 498.  Students must achieve a HESI score of 900 or above on this exam.  Students who score less than 900 are required to complete a faculty supervised remediation program.  Once a student has successfully participated in a remediation program, they can retake the exit exam a second time.  If a score of 900 is not reached on the second attempt, the student must participate in an additional remediation program.  This can include a review course or an individualized study plan which is submitted to the HESI coordinator.  Authorization to take the NCLEX exam will not be issued by the Dean until the exit exam requirement is met.

Approved 11/03
Revised 08/05


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STATE BOARD EXAMINATION INFORMATION

The student will be provided with the information for completing the NCLEX registration process from the School of Nursing. The applicant is responsible for adhering to policies that are necessary for applying, registering, and scheduling for the testing.

Information regarding filling out the necessary forms and applications for State Boards can be obtained on the website:  http://www.in.gov/pla/2493.htm.

or by contacting:

Indiana State Board of Nursing
Indiana Health Professions Bureau
402 West Washington St
Rm. W072
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone:  (317) 234-2043
Fax:  (317) 233-4236


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STATE BOARD GRADUATION PICTURES

The Indiana State Board of Nursing requires a 2-1/2" - 3-1/2" (approximate size) photograph, head and shoulders view in black and white or color, of professional quality to be presented at the State Board Examination in order to gain access to the State Board Examination. The graduating class is responsible (usually through the class officers) for having their pictures taken by a photographer of the class’ choice. Two 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" pictures must be submitted to the School of Nursing which must be signed by the Head of the School of Nursing and affixed with the school seal. If students opt not to get their pictures taken by the photographer chosen by the class, it is the student’s responsibility to furnish the School of Nursing with two 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" photos for the required Department Head signature and school seal.

If a student chooses to take the State Board Examination in any state other than Indiana, it is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain the necessary information regarding identification requirements for admission to the State Board Examination in that state.


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QUESTIONS ASKED BY THE INDIANA STATE BOARD OF NURSING

The practice of nursing in the State of Indiana is regulated through the Indiana State Board of Nursing.  at the completion of the BSN program, graduates of the School of Nursing may apply for licensure.  When applying for licensure, these questions must be answered as a part of the application:

1. Has disciplinary action ever been taken regarding any health license, certificate, registration or permit that you hold or have held?
2. Have you ever been denied a license, certificate, registration or permit to practice as a nurse or any regulated health occupation in any state (including Indiana) or country?
3. Are there charges pending against you regarding a violation of any federal, state or local law relating to the use, manufacturing, distribution or dispensing of controlled substances, alcohol or other drugs?
4. Have you ever been convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendre to:
   
   1. A violation of any Federal, State or local law relating to the use, manufacturing, distribution or dispensing of controlled substances, alcohol or other drugs?
   2. Any offense, misdemeanor or felony in any state?  (Except for minor violations of traffic laws resulting in fines)
      
5. Have you ever been denied staff membership or privileges in any hospital or health care facility or had such membership or privilege revoked, suspended or subjected to any restrictions, probation or other type of discipline or limitations? 
6. Have you ever had a malpractice judgment against you or settled in any malpractice action?

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REVIEW COURSES

The School of Nursing highly recommends that all graduating students take an NCLEX review course prior to taking their state board examination.  Participating in a structured review course prepares the student for not only the content of the exam, but for the unique computer format of the testing.  These courses also address the common problem of test anxiety that many students experience before their state boards, and teach specific techniques to significantly improve a student's probability of success.  Review course participation is especially critical for students who are identified as high risk due to results of diagnostic testing, and/or consistent problems in course testing throughout the curriculum.

The School of Nursing will provide all graduating students with information on national state board review courses that become available in our area each semester, including any review course sponsored by the School of Nursing at Purdue University Calumet.  It is the responsibility of the individual student to register and pay for a review course of their choice.

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EVALUATIONS (STUDENT AND PROGRAM)

1. Each student receives a written evaluation of clinical performance at the end of each clinical nursing course.  An evaluation tool based on the course objectives will be utilized for this evaluation.  The tool should be distributed to students at the beginning of the semester.
1. Each student receives a written evaluation of clinical performance at the end of each clinical nursing course. An evaluation tool based on the course objectives will be utilized for this evaluation. The tool should be distributed to students at the beginning of the semester.
2. A student self-evaluation is required at the end of each clinical nursing course and should coincide with the timing of the instructor evaluation. The student's self-evaluation and the instructor's clinical evaluation of the student's performance should be discussed by the student and instructor at the end of the semester.
3. The faculty will give a formal written notice to students regarding their unsatisfactory performance in a course. If at any time during the course the faculty does not feel the student is meeting the course or clinical objectives, and is in danger of failing, the faculty member will inform the student in writing.
4. The School of Nursing implements an ongoing plan of evaluation of the undergraduate programs. Students are asked to complete the End of Program Evaluation, Course and Instructor Evaluations in a responsible manner.

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FINANCIAL AID

A number of scholarships are available for undergraduate nursing students. Amounts of money awarded and eligibility requirements vary. Scholarships may be based on "need" or " merit" or both. For further information and applications, contact the Office of Financial Aid, Lawshe, Room 130.

Purdue University Calumet Financial Aid Home Page

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NEED AND MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

A number of scholarships are available for undergraduate nursing students. Amounts of money awarded and eligibility requirements vary. Scholarships may be based on "need" or " merit" or both. Click on the link below for a list of available scholarships. For further information and applications, contact the Office of Financial Aid, Lawshe, Room 130.

Purdue University Calumet Scholarship Page

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