OnlineMasterofScience(MS)inNursingProgramStudentHandbook

October 2019

http://www.umassd.edu/nursing/

http://www.umassd.edu/extension/programs/msnursingonline/

http://www.umassd.edu/graduate/

http://www.umassd.edu/academics/catalogs/

College of NursingUMass Dartmouth

ContentsWelcome........................................................................................................................................................................................5

Preface............................................................................................................................................................................................6

AcademicAccreditation..........................................................................................................................................................6

KimberlyChristopher,RN,PhD.............................................................................................................................................7

JuneAndrewsHorowitz,PhD,RN,PMHCNS-BC,FAAN...............................................................................................7

Maria Dolce,PhD,RN, CNE.....................................................................................................................................................7

Mission...........................................................................................................................................................................................8

Vision..............................................................................................................................................................................................8

CoreValues...................................................................................................................................................................................8

Philosophy....................................................................................................................................................................................8

Person.............................................................................................................................................................................................9

Environment...............................................................................................................................................................................9

Health..............................................................................................................................................................................................9

Nursing...........................................................................................................................................................................................9

NursingEducation................................................................................................................................................................10

CurriculumFramework.......................................................................................................................................................11

PromotingHealth.....................................................................................................................................................................11

GuidingPersonsthroughtheHealthCareExperience..............................................................................................11

ShapingtheHealthEnvironment.......................................................................................................................................11

Goals.............................................................................................................................................................................................12

ProgramOutcomes................................................................................................................................................................13

CurriculumStructure............................................................................................................................................................13

CourseDescriptions..................................................................................................................................................................14

ScholarlyWork...........................................................................................................................................................................14

EndofCourseEvaluations.....................................................................................................................................................14

Pre-requisites..............................................................................................................................................................................14

CapstoneProject/Practicum................................................................................................................................................15

ProgramofStudy....................................................................................................................................................................16

ProgramofStudy-NursingandHealthcareEducationconcentration............................................................16

2

Program of Study - Global Public Health concentration ..............................................................................................16

Application Deadline ............................................................................................................................................................. 18

Admission Criteria................................................................................................................................................................. 18

Alternative Programs of Study.......................................................................................................................................... 18

RN-BS-MS in Nursing Fast Track .........................................................................................................................................18

BS - MS Fast Track .......................................................................................................................................................................19

The Graduate Admission Program (GAP) for RNs with Non---Nursing Baccalaureate Degree..................19

Advisement................................................................................................................................................................................ 20

Registration............................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Failure to Register or Maintain Continuous Enrollment ............................................................................................20

Leave of Absence............................................................................................................................................................................20

Readmission......................................................................................................................................................................................20

Transfer to the other MS Concentration....................................................................................................................... 21

Transfer to another Graduate Program in the CON ................................................................................................. 21

Practicum/Capstone.............................................................................................................................................................. 21

Health Requirements ....................................................................................................................................................................21

Dress Code ..........................................................................................................................................................................................21

Appointments with Faculty ................................................................................................................................................ 22

Electronic Communication ................................................................................................................................................. 22

Netiquette............................................................................................................................................................................................22

Library ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 22

Hilary Kraus, Associate Librarian............................................................................................................................................22

Official Student Files.............................................................................................................................................................. 22

Sample Student Work ........................................................................................................................................................... 23

Student Contact Information ............................................................................................................................................. 23

Policy on Complaint and Dispute Resolution Process………………………………………………………………..….24

Course Grade Equivalents.................................................................................................................................................... 26

Progression in the MS Program ..................................................................................................................................... 26

Academic Sanction ................................................................................................................................................................. 26

Academic Warning .......................................................................................................................................................................26

Academic Probation ....................................................................................................................................................................26

Academic Dismissal.......................................................................................................................................................................26

Appeal .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 27

Grade Appeal.....................................................................................................................................................................................27

3

IncompleteGrades.................................................................................................................................................................27

TransferCredit.........................................................................................................................................................................28

Graduation.................................................................................................................................................................................28

ProfessionalStudentConduct...........................................................................................................................................29

DefinitionProfessionalNursingCompetency....................................................................................................29

1.CommunicationandObservationSkills.................................................................................................................30

2.CognitiveAbilities..............................................................................................................................................................30

3.GrossMotorSkills,Strength,Mobility,andPhysicalEndurance..........................................................31

4.BehavioralandSocialAttributes/Abilities......................................................................................................31

5.SensorySkills.......................................................................................................................................................................32

6.NormativeDifficulties...................................................................................................................................................33

ViolationofProfessionalNursingCompetencies............................................................................................33

Reportingamatterofconcern.......................................................................................................................................33

Informal Proceedings...........................................................................................................................................................34

FormalProceedings...............................................................................................................................................................34

Probation....................................................................................................................................................................................35

SuspensionandFailureinCourse................................................................................................................................36

DismissalfromtheNursingProgram........................................................................................................................37

Confidentiality.........................................................................................................................................................................37

Appeal...........................................................................................................................................................................................37

AcademicEthicalStandards...............................................................................................................................................37

FinancialAssistance..............................................................................................................................................................39

NursingScholarships...............................................................................................................................................................39

TeachingAssistants/ResearchAssistants(TA/RA)....................................................................................................39

NurseFacultyLoanProgram(NFLP)..............................................................................................................................39

StudentRepresentationonCONCommittees............................................................................................................34

GraduateStudentSenate.....................................................................................................................................................40

GSSVoting....................................................................................................................................................................................40

SigmaThetaTauInternational.........................................................................................................................................40

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Director’s Welcome

Welcome to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth College of Nursing and Health Sciences! As Director for the Masters of Science in Nursing Program, I am excited to work with you in our two graduate study tracks, Nursing and Healthcare Education and Global Public Health. I am confident that, collectively, we will achieve our mission to advance nursing knowledge and maximize the health of the Commonwealth and beyond. Our shared vision for the Masters of Science in Nursing Program is to prepare graduates with the competencies in nursing education and global public health to transform the health care environment. Together, faculty and students will amplify exemplary education, scholarship, and community engagement to shape the future of nursing.

On behalf of Dean Christopher, the entire graduate nursing faculty, and myself, I wish you success and happiness in all your academic and professional endeavors!

Warmly,

Maria C. Dolce, RN, PhD, CNEAssociate Professor, Adult NursingProgram Director, MS in Nursing Program

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PrefaceTheMastersofScience(MS)inNursingprogramisa39-creditdegreeprogramdeliveredinafully

asynchronousonlineformat.ThishandbooksupplementstheUMassDartmouth(UMassD)GraduateCatalog

andaddressesissuesthatareuniquetotheonlineMSProgramintheCollegeofNursing(CON).The

UniversityGraduateCatalogoffersacomprehensiveguidetograduatestudentpolicies,program

requirements,costs,academiccalendar,andfinancialopportunities.Studentsareaccountableforcompliance

withtheUniversityGraduateCatalog,thishandbook,andtheMSCommunitywhichisavailabletoallstudents

onthemycourseswebpage.

Duetoregulationsresultingfromstatelegislationpertainingtotheclinicalexperiencerequirementforthis

program,UMassDartmouthMSDegreeapplicantswithapermanentresidenceinAlabama,Arkansas,Iowa,

Kansas,Kentucky,Louisiana,Maryland,Nevada,NewMexico,Minnesota,NorthCarolina,Texas,Washington,

andWestVirginiaarenotbeingconsidered.

AcademicAccreditationTheMaster’sdegreeinnursingatUniversityofMassachusettsDartmouthisaccreditedbytheCommissionon

CollegiateNursingEducation,OneDuPontCircle,NW,Suite530,Washington,DC20036,212-887-6791.

TheCONisapprovedbytheMassachusettsBoardofRegistrationinNursing.

TheCONisamemberoftheAmericanAssociationofCollegesofNursingandtheCouncilofMemberAgencies

fortheBaccalaureateandHigherDegreeProgramsoftheNationalLeagueforNursing.

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ImportantCollegeofNursingContacts

KimberlyChristopher,RN,PhD

CollegeofNursingDean

TomakeanappointmentwiththeDeancontact:

Robin Couto

AdministrativeAssociate

Telephone:508-999-8586

E-mail:rcouto@umassd.edu

Office:Dion202C

JuneAndrewsHorowitz,PhD,RN,PMHCNS-BC,FAAN

CollegeofNursingAssociateDeanforGraduateStudiesandResearch&Professor

TomakeanappointmentwiththeAssociateDeanforGraduateStudiesandResearchcontact:

DeannaHoffman

AdministrativeAssistantI,NursingGraduatePrograms

Telephone:508-910-6487

Fax:508-910-6546

E-mail:dhoffman@umassd.edu

Office:TextilesLowerLevel,012

Maria C. Dolce, PhD, RN, CNE

Director, Master of Science in Nursing Program

AssociateProfessor

Telephone:508-999-8582

E-mail:mdolce@umassd.edu

7

UMassDCollegeofNursing

Mission

ThemissionoftheUMassDCONistoadvancenursingknowledgeandmaximizethehealthofthe

commonwealthandbeyondthroughexemplarynursingeducation,scholarship,andcommunityengagement.

Vision

Toshapethehealthcareenvironmentthroughtransformativenursingeducation,leadership,andscholarship.

CoreValues

Excellence

Integrity

Professionalism

Respect

Innovation

Collaboration

Community

DiversityinPeople/IdeasApprovedbyFacultyOrganization

May,2014

PhilosophyThefacultypositivelyaffectsthehealthofpersons,familiesandcommunitiesbyeducatingnursestoprovide

qualitynursingcaretodiversepopulations.TheCollegeiscommittedtoprovidinganenvironmentof

scholarshipandcaringwhereintheeducationofnurseswillflourish.Criticaljudgment,researchskillsand

leadershipskillsarefosteredthroughouttheprogramsofstudy.ThegraduatesofthisCollegedemonstratea

commitmenttohumanismandpromotetheachievementofhealthfullivingforsociety.

Theconceptsofperson,health,environment,andnursingaretheguidingconceptsforthedisciplineof

nursingandtheeducationofstudents.Thefollowingsummariesarticulatethefaculty’sbeliefsaboutthese

concepts.

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Person

Apersonisaunique,holisticbeingwhoisconstantlyinteractingwiththeenvironment.Thepersonmay

adapttooralterthisenvironmentinanefforttomaximizehealth.Thepersonexhibitsbothuniqueand

predictablebehaviorsinfluencedbyantecedentfactors,developmentalpatternsandtheindividualand

situationalcontext.

Nursesmayinteractwithpersonsasindividuals,oras,families,groups,orcommunities.Personshavethe

righttomakedecisionsaffectingtheirhealth.Nursesandpersonscollaboratetomobilizethestrengthsof

personstomaximizehealth.

Environment

Theenvironmentconsistsofallforces,bothinternalandexternal,thatreciprocallyinfluenceandinteract

withaperson,family,andcommunity.Theseforcesproduceachangeorresponseintheperson,whichaffects

healthstatus.Positivealterationsintheenvironmentwillimprovetheperson’shealthstatuswhilenegative

alterationspresentriskstohealthstatus.

Health

Healthisaholistic,dynamicstate.Thepersonmaximizeshealthbypersonalreflectionandgrowth,andactive

interactionwiththemultidimensionalenvironment.Inherentintheconceptofhealthisenvironmental

connectedness.Healthistheactualizationofinherentandacquiredpotential,eitherasanindividual,family,

group,orcommunity.

Nursing

Nursingisahumanisticdisciplinethatisbothanartandascience.Professionalnursesassistandcollaborate

withpersonstomaximizehealth.Thefocusofnursingenhancesthestrengthsofapersonbyviewingthetotal

person,familyorcommunitywithrespect,mutuality,andcollaboration.

Professionalnursingcareoccursinanysettingandatanypointonthelifecontinuum.Considerationsof

social,legal,spiritual,cultural,ethicalandeconomicissuesareessentialcomponentsintheplanningand

implementationofnursingcare.Nursingassistspersonstodefinehealthfromtheiruniqueperspective.

Changesinsocietyhaveproducedrapidchangesinthehealthcaredeliverysystem.Nursing,asanintegral

partofthehealthcaredeliverysystem,sharestheresponsibilityforeffectingpositivechangewithinthe

system.

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NursingEducation

Facultyandstudentscollaborateintheeducationalexperiencesothatstudentsarepreparedtosafelyand

knowledgeablyprovidenursingcaretoindividuals,families,andcommunitiesinavarietyofsettings.The

nursingmajorincorporatesaliberalartsfoundation,includinghumanities,socialsciences,andnatural

sciences.Studentsengageindidacticandexperientiallearningactivities.Experientiallearningoccursbothin

thelaboratoryandinregionalhealthcaresettings.Throughtheselearningactivitiesstudentsdevelop

communicationsskills,criticalthinkingabilities,repertoiresoftherapeuticinterventions,andunderstanding

ofselfandpersonsfromdiverseculturalbackgrounds.Facultypromotesprofessionalroledevelopmentby

structuringenvironmentsconducivetolearningandbyprovidingsupportanddirectionwhilechallenging

studentstoreachtheirfullpotential.

ApprovedbyFacultyOrganization2/15/95

RevisedbyFacultyOrganization12/11/97

RevisedbyFacultyOrganization5/30/01

RevisedandapprovedbyFacultyOrganization10/20/2004

Revised and approved by Faculty Organization 10/16/2019

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CurriculumFramework

ThecurriculumframeworkisbuiltuponthePhilosophyoftheCollege.Thecentralconceptisnurse-person

engagementaimedatmaximizinghealth.Nurse-personengagementisshapedbyvalues,beliefandknowledge.

Nursingintegratesempirical,ethical,aesthetic,personal,sociopoliticalandculturalknowledge.Utilizingthis

knowledgewithrespect,mutuality,andcollaborationwiththepersonthenursecreatesandmaintainsacaring

environment.Threekeyprocessesareusedbythenursetoachievethisgoalofmaximizinghealth.These

threeprocessesareequallyimportant,thustheypervadethecurriculumanddirectnursinginterventions.

Theseprocessesare:

PromotingHealth

Promotionofhealthincludessuchactivitiesasfacilitatingwellnessandpreservationofhealthwithinthe

illnessexperience.Thisoccursatalllevelsofbeing:Cellular,functional,intra-psychic,interactional,family

unit,population,socialaggregates,andsystems.

GuidingPersonsthroughtheHealthCareExperience

Nursingactionsareaimedatpromotingthegrowthofthepersonwithinthehealthcareexperience.The

nurseformsatherapeuticalliancewiththepersoninordertoprotecttheinterest/wholenessofthe

individualandvulnerablegroupsaswellasenhancementofhumanitywithinthehealthcaresystem.

ShapingtheHealthEnvironment

Shapingoccursthroughmaximuminterdisciplinarycollaboration,effectiveutilizationofinformation

technology,effective,efficientuseofresources,analysisandevaluationofnursingindicators,considerationof

ethicalandlegalissues,standardsofpractice,andhealthpolicy.

ApprovedbyFacultyOrganization10/16/2019

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MasterofScienceinNursingProgramGoalsandOutcomes

Goals

ThegoaloftheMasterofScience(MS)inNursingprogramistopreparethenursinggraduatetobealeaderin

nursingeducationand/oringlobalpublichealth.

Thenursingandhealthcareeducationconcentrationpreparestheindividualforthenurseeducatorrolein

academic,clinical,orstaffdevelopmentsettings.Theconcentrationreflectsthenurseeducatorand

professionaldevelopmentcompetenciesdevelopedbynationalorganizations.Thegraduateispreparedto

design,implement,evaluateandreviseacademicandcontinuingeducationprogramsfornurses.

Theglobalpublichealthconcentrationpreparesthesociallyaccountableindividualtoapplyskillsand

knowledgeusinganecologicalframeworktoimprovehealthoutcomesofindividuals,families,groups,and

populations.Thegraduateispreparedtoworkinvariousdomesticandglobalsettings,withdiverse

individuals,families,andpopulations,toimprovehealthcareoutcomesthroughillnessprevention,health

promotionandhealthpolicy.

Bothconcentrationsprovidethestudentwiththefoundationalknowledgeofhealthcaresystems,healthcare

policy,nursingresearchmethodsandhealthcareinformatics.Advancedcoursesintheconcentrationallow

theapplicationofknowledgetobeappliedinvariouspracticesettings.Thefinalcapstoneprojectprepares

thestudentforacareerusingadvancednursingskills.

TheMSprogrampreparesthestudent,dependingontheconcentration,withsufficientcontenttositforthe

followingcertificationspost-graduation(studentsmayhavetomeetothercertificationsguidelinessuchas

numberofhoursemployedinagivennursingrole):

• NLNCertifiedNurseEducator

http://www.nln.org/professional-development-programs/Certification-for-Nurse-Educators

• ANCCNursingProfessionalDevelopment

• ANCCNursingCaseManagement

• ANCCAdvancedPublicHealthNurse

http://www.nursecredentialing.org/certification.aspx

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ProgramOutcomes

ThegraduateoftheMSinnursingprogram:

1. Synthesizesspecializedanddiverseknowledgeforapplicationinnursingpractice.

2. Appliesprinciplesoforganizationandsystemleadershiptopromotehighqualityandsafepatient

caretoindividuals,families,groups,andpopulations.

3. Appliesqualityprincipleswithinanorganization.

4. Usesevidencetoguidenursingpractice,addresspatientproblems,anddisseminateresults.

5. Interpretsinformationfromavarietyofhealthcaretechnologiestointegrateandcoordinatecare.

6. Influenceshealthsystemandhealthpolicytoshapecaredeliverytoindividuals,families,groups,and

populationsacrossthelifespan.

7. Engagesininter-professionalcollaborationpromotehealth,guideclientsthroughtheillness

experience,andimprovethehealthsystem.

8. Appliestheprinciplesofculturallyappropriatecareplan,deliver,manage,andevaluatehealthcare

individuals,families,groups,andpopulations.

9. Influenceshealthcareoutcomesthoughnursingpracticebyintegratingadvancedscientific,clinical,

andsystemsknowledge.

CurriculumStructure

TheMScurriculumbuildsonfoundationalbaccalaureatenursingeducation.Thegraduatecorecourses(NUR

500,511,520,547,and605)arecompletedinthefirstyearofacademicstudy.Thestudentmustcompleteall

ofthesecoursesbeforemovingontothesecondandthirdyearcourses.Inthesecondyearandthefirst

semesterofthethirdyear,thecurriculumintegratescorelevelconceptstoteachadvancedrolefoundations

oftheMSpreparednurseaswellaspreparethegraduatetopracticeinarolerelatedtotheselected

concentration.Duringtheprogramofstudy,thestudentwillcompleteonethree-creditgraduatelevel

elective.Thiscourseshouldsupplementalandenhancethecontentalreadyofferedintheprogramofstudyin

theconcentrationselected.Theprogramofstudyculminatesinanintensiveindividualizedpracticum

(minimumof112practicumhours)inwhicheachstudentcollaborateswithanexperiencedprofessionalto

implementarolecongruentintheconcentrationofstudy.

TheMScurriculumusesthefollowingdocumentstoguidecurriculumcreation,evaluation,andrevision.• AACN(2008)EssentialsofBaccalaureateEducationforProfessionalNursingPractice http://

www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/BaccEssentials08.pdf

• AACN(2011)EssentialsofMaster'sEducationinNursing

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/MastersEssentials11.pdf

• AACN(2006)EssentialsforDoctoralEducationinAdvancedNursingPracticehttp://www.aacn.nche.edu/dnp/Essentials.pdf

13

• ANA(2015)Nursing:ScopeandStandardsofPractice,3rdedition

• ANA(2013)PublicHealthNursing:ScopeandStandardsofPractice,2ndedition

• TheCouncilonLinkagesbetweenAcademia&PublicHealthPractice(2014)CoreCompetenciesfor

PublicHealthPractice

http://www.quadcouncilphn.org/documents-3/2014-council-on-linkages-core-competencies-for-

ph-professionals/

• M,Harper&P.Maloney(2016).NursingProfessionalDevelopment:Scope&StandardsofPractice,

3rdEdition.

• NationalLeagueforNursing(2012)TheScopeofPracticeforAcademicNurseEducators

• QSENInstitute(2012)QSEN-LevelGraduateCompetencies,Knowledge,Skills,Attitudes

http://qsen.org/competencies/graduate-ksas/

CourseDescriptions

StudentsarereferredtotheGraduateCatalogforcoursedescriptions.DescriptionsarealsofoundinCOIN.

ScholarlyWork

StudentsarerequiredtosubmitallassignmentsinMicrosoftformat,forexample:MicrosoftWord,Microsoft

Excel,orMicrosoftPowerPoint.

EndofCourseEvaluations

Attheendofeachcourse,thestudentisprovidedtheopportunitytoevaluatethecourseandcoursefaculty.

TheUniversityandCollegeusethesedatatoreviewtheeffectivenessofthecoursedeliveryandthefacultyof

recordinachievingthecourseoutcomes.Insomesemesters,thestudentwillreceiveanadditionalevaluation

withmorespecificquestionsaboutthecourse.Theseevaluationsarerequiredbytheaccreditingbodyand

datagatheredintheaggregateareusedbytheCollegetoinformprogramrevision.Theseevaluationsare

availablethroughweblinksandstudentsarerequiredtocompletetheevaluationprocess.

Pre-requisites

Pleasenotethattheprogramissetupasalock-stepcurriculum.Thismeansthatmanyofthecourseshave

pre-requisites.Followingtheprogramplanpreventsstudentsfromhavingproblemsregisteringforclasses

duetonotmeetingpre-requisiterequirements.Examplesofpre-requisitesintheprogramofstudyinclude:• Completionofthegraduatecore(NUR500,511,520,547,605)beforemovingontosecondyear

courses,

• CompletionofNUR605andcompletionorcurrentenrollmentinNUR 500 before enrolling in NUR

511,

• CompletionorcurrentenrollmentinNUR500beforeenrollinginNUR547,• CompletionorcurrentenrollmentinNUR642beforeenrollinginNUR644,

14

• CompletionorcurrentenrollmentinNUR645beforeenrollinginNUR646,

• CompletionorcurrentenrollmentinNUR675beforeenrollinginNUR681,

• Capstonecourseswillbethelastcourseoftheprogramofstudy(withexceptionofelective).

CapstoneProject/Practicum

MSstudentsmustcompleteacapstoneproject.Thecapstoneassignmentissituatedinthelastsemester

practicumcourse(NUR646orNUR684).

Allgraduatestudentsarerequiredtosecuretheirownpracticumplacementsandpreceptorsin

qualityhealthcareagenciesorpractices.TheMSprogramisonlineprograms,withstudentslocatedin

communitiesthroughouttheUnitedStates.CONfacultycannotsecurepreceptorsforstudents.The

programdirectormustapproveallpreceptorsbeforeastudentcanbeginapracticumexperience.

Preceptorsshouldholdadvanceddegrees(agraduatedegree)innursing,publichealth,medicine,orarelated

field.Preceptorsandagenciesshouldbeselectedbasedupontheirfitwiththecourseobjectivesand

practicumfocus.

Pleasebeawarethatstateandlocalregulationshavelimitedthestateswhereyoumayparticipateinclinical

practicums.Ifyouaremovingafteryouhavebeenadmittedtotheprogramnotifyusimmediatelysothatwe

mayadviseyouofyouroptions.Youarenotguaranteedtobeabletocompleteclinicalpracticumsinnon-

coveredstatesifyoumoveafterbeingacceptedintotheprogram.

15

ProgramofStudy

TheprogramofstudydefinesforthestudentandtheGraduateAdmissionsandProgressionCommitteeeach

student'splantocompletetheacademicrequirementsforthemaster'sdegree.Theprogramofstudyis

subjecttochange,however,thestudentwillremainontheprogramplanthathe/shewasadmitted.

ProgramofStudy-NursingandHealthcareEducationconcentration

ProgramofStudy-GlobalPublicHealthconcentration

SummerpriortoYear1NUR605StatisticalAnalysisData(3cr)–CourseofferedduringSummerIntersessionONLY.

FallYear1 SpringYear1NUR500TheoreticalFoundationsforAdvancingNursingPractice(3cr)

NUR520TheUSHealthCareDeliverySystem(3cr)

NUR511TranslatingResearchEvidenceforAdvancingNursingPractice(3cr)

NUR547PromotingtheHealthofPopulations(3cr)

FallYear2 SpringYear2NUR510HealthcareInformatics(3cr)

NUR644Teaching,Learning,andEvaluationinNursing(3cr)

NUR512IntegratedPhysiologicKnowledgeinPatientCare(3cr)

NUR642CurriculumDevelopmentinNursing(3cr)

FallYear3 SpringYear3NUR615OrganizationalBehaviorandLeadershipinHealthcare(3cr)

NUR645TeachingintheClinicalandTechnologyEnhancedEnvironments(3cr)

NUR646Practicum-Teaching,Learning,andEvaluationinNursing(3cr)

Elective(3cr)–anygraduatelevelcourse≥500

SummerpriortoYear1

NUR605StatisticalAnalysisData(3cr)–CourseofferedduringSummerIntersessionONLY.

FallYear1 SpringYear1NUR500TheoreticalFoundationsforAdvancingNursingPractice(3cr)

NUR520TheUSHealthCareDeliverySystem(3cr)

NUR511TranslatingResearchEvidenceforAdvancingNursingPractice(3cr)

NUR547PromotingtheHealthofPopulations(3cr)

FallYear2 SpringYear2NUR510HealthcareInformatics(3cr)

NUR540PrinciplesofBiostaticsandEpidemiology(3cr)

NUR512IntegratedPhysiologicKnowledgeinPatientCare(3cr)

NUR673GlobalHealthPerspectives(3cr)FallYear3 SpringYear3

16

NUR615OrganizationalBehaviorandLeadershipinHealthcare(3cr)

NUR681ProgramPlanningforNursingPractice(3cr)

NUR684PracticuminGlobalPublicHealthNursingPractice(3cr)

Elective(3cr)–anygraduatelevelcoursenumbered500andhigher

17

Admissions

ApplicationDeadline

March15forsummermatriculation.

AdmissionCriteria

InadditiontoUMassDadmissioncriteria,applicantstotheMaster’sprogramintheCONmustalsomeetthe

followingcriteria:

• Statementofpurpose(Minimum300words),

• Resume,

• Officialtranscriptsfromallpost-secondaryinstitutionsattended(regardlessifacredentialisearned

ornot),

• Holdacurrentlicensetopracticeprofessionalnursingwhereyoulive,

• HoldaBachelorofSciencedegreeinnursingfromaprogramaccreditedbytheNLNACorCCNE.

RegisteredNurseswithabachelordegreeinarelatedfieldmayseekadmissionthroughtheGAP

program,

• HaveaminimumGPAof3.0inundergraduatestudy,

• Submittworeferencesthatdocumentcompetenceandleadershipinprofessionalintegrityinnursing

practice.Iftheapplicantrecentlycompletedundergraduatestudies,areferencefromaformer

nursingprofessorwhocouldspeaktotheapplicant’spotentialforsuccessingraduatestudywould

beappropriate.

AlternativeProgramsofStudy

RN-BS-MSinNursingFastTrack

RN-BSstudentsareeligibletoenrollinuptonine(9)creditsofgraduatelevelnursingcourses.Studentsmay

choosefromthefollowingcourses(pre-requisitesmuststillbemet)-NUR500,511,520,547,605.The

followingconditionsmustbemetpriortoenrollinginthesecourses:

• All200&300levelnursingcoursescompleted,

• A3.3GPAinallnursingcourses,

• RecommendationfromtheRN-BSProgramDirector,

• ApprovalofMaster’sProgramDirector.

Thesenine(9)graduatecreditsfulfillbothundergraduateelective,bachelor’sdegreerequirements,and

graduatedegreerequirements.Studentspayundergraduatetuitionratesforthecoursesandmustgetagrade

18

ofBorbetterforthecoursetocountforgraduatecredit.Inaddition,studentsmustapplyforadmissionin

springformatriculationintotheconsecutivesummer.

BS-MSFastTrack

Seniornursingstudentsmayenrollinuptonine(9)creditsofgraduatelevelnursingcourses.Studentsmay

choosefromthefollowingcourses(pre-requisitesmuststillbemet)-NUR500,511,520,547,605.

Thefollowingconditionsmustbemetpriortoenrollinginthesecourses:

• All300levelnursingcoursesarecompleted,

• Maintaina3.3GPAinallnursingcourses,

• Recommendationoftheirfacultyadvisor,

• ApprovalofMaster’sprogramdirector.

Thesenine(9)graduatecreditsfulfillbothundergraduateelective,bachelor’sdegreerequirements,and

graduatedegreerequirements.StudentsmustgetagradeofBorbetterforthecoursetocountforgraduate

credit.Inaddition,studentsmustapplyforadmissioninspringformatriculationintotheconsecutive

summer.TuitionratesforthesegraduateclasseswillbedirectedbyUniversityExtension.

TheGraduateAdmissionProgram(GAP)forRNswithNon---NursingBaccalaureate Degree

ThisprogramprovidesRegisteredNurseswhoholdanAssociateDegreeinNursingandaBAorBSinafield

otherthanNursingwiththeopportunitytoenterandcompletetheMSprogramatUMassD.

TheprogrampreparesGAPstudentsforMSlevelworkbyassuringthattheyhaveachievedtheCON

baccalaureateprogramoutcomes.

GAPstudents:

• TakeNUR503TransitionsAdvancingNursingPracticeinthesummer.Studentsareallowedtotake

NUR503alongwithNUR605,

• CompileaportfoliothatdocumentshowtheyhaveachievedtheUMDCONbaccalaureateprogram

outcomes,

• Successfulcompletionofthecourseallowsthestudenttoprogressingraduatelevelcourses,

19

GeneralInformation

AdvisementAtthetimeofadmissiontotheMaster’sprogramoftheCON,studentsareassignedafacultyadvisor.Faculty

advisorswillprepareandmaintainthestudents’ProgramofStudy.Everysemester,thestudentandadviser

willdiscusscourseregistrationforthefollowingsemester.Advisorsworkwithstudentstosupportsuccess

intheprogram.

RegistrationRegistrationforclassesisaccomplishedonlinewithintheUMassDCOINsystem.

Master’sdegreenursingstudents,likealluniversitystudents,registerduringtheintervalsindicatedby

StudentEnrollmentServices.Itisessentialthatstudentsregisterforcoursesinatimelyfashionbecausethe

studentwillincuralatefeeof$100.00andundersubscribedcourseswillbecancelled.

Frequently,coursesofferedbytheCollegeandotheracademicunitsrequirepre-orco-requisitesfor

enrollment.StudentsareadvisedtorefertothecurrentGraduateCatalogandtoconsultwiththeiradvisorin

ordertoplanappropriately.

FailuretoRegisterorMaintainContinuousEnrollment

RefertoGraduateCatalogue.

Master’sdegreestudentsmustbecontinuallyenrolledincourseworkintheirprogramofstudy.Failureto

enrollresultsinautomaticwithdrawalfromtheirprogram.Torestarttheirstudies,thestudentwillhaveto

reapplytotheuniversityandtotheprogram.

LeaveofAbsence

RefertoGraduateCatalog

Arequestforaleaveofabsence(LOA)foronesemesteroroneyearmaybemadeincaseswhenserious

illnessorinjuryoranothermajoreventpreventsthestudentfromparticipatinginhis/herprogramofstudy

foranextendedperiodoftime.ToreceivepermissionforaLOA,thestudentmustapplyinwriting(bymailor

e-mail)totheMSProgramDirectorstatingthereasontheLOAisneededandtheanticipatedlengthofthe

LOA(onesemesteroroneyear).AstudentswhofailstoreturnfromaLOAafteroneyearwillbedismissed

fromtheprogramandmustreapplytotheUniversityandCollegecontinueintheirprogramofstudy.

Readmission

AnyformergraduatestudentmustsubmitanapplicationforreadmissiontotheOfficeofGraduateStudies.

Theapplicationshouldbesubmittedatleastonemonthbeforethebeginningofthesemesterinwhichthe

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studentplanstoreturn.Thedecisiontoreadmitisbasedonstudent’sGPA(3.0)orbetter,recommendationof

theMSProgramDirector,andspaceavailability.

TransfertotheotherMSConcentration

Studentsareadmitteddirectlyintoaconcentration(NursingandhealthcareEducationorGlobalPublic

Health).Studentswhowishtotransfertotheotherconcentrationshouldworkwiththeiracademicadviser

andGraduateProgramAdministrativeAssistanttocompletethenecessarypaperwork.Transferrequests

mustbeapprovedbytheProgramDirectorandarebasedonseveralfactors,includingbutnotlimitedto,

spaceavailableinthereceivingconcentration.

TransfertoanotherGraduateProgramintheCON

Studentswhowishtotransferfromonegraduateprogramtoanothermustsubmitaformalrequestin

writingtotherespectiveProgramDirector.Therequestisreviewedforapprovalbytheappropriate

committee(s).Transferisdependentonavailablespaceintheprogramrequestedandthestudent’sgood

academicstanding(CumulativeGPAof3.2orbetter).Programchangesrequirecompletinganewprogramof

studywithanewacademicadvisor.

Practicum/Capstone

HealthRequirements

Master’sdegreenursingstudentsmustcomplywithuniversityhealthservicespolicies.Inthefallsemester

(deadlineOctober15)priortothepracticumcoursethestudentmustsubmittotheGraduateProgram

AdministrativeAssistantacopyofthefollowing:

• RequiredimmunizationsandcurrentTB/Fluvaccination,

• ProofofCPRCertification(HealthCareProvider),

• CORI,

• Copyofpersonalmalpracticeinsurance(pleasenotethatthisisanindividualpolicynotyourplaceof

employmentpolicy),

• Drugscreensandothertestingasrequiredbyspecificclinicalagencies.Thisinformationisanecessarypre-requisiteforpracticumplacements.Studentsareresponsibleforassuring

thatcurrentinformationisonfilewiththeGraduateProgramAdministrativeAssistant.Studentswhodonot

comply,cannotparticipateinpracticumplacements.

DressCode

ThestudentwillwearaUniversity-issuednamebadgewhenconductingCONpracticumexperienceoutsideof

theCollege.ThisnamebadgewillidentifytheindividualasaGraduateStudentNurse.Badgesareavailablefor

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orderattheUniversityCampusStore.Businesscasualisacceptabledressforpracticumplacementshowever,

studentswillalwaysdefertothedresscoderequirementsoftheagency.

AppointmentswithFaculty

Coursefacultywillposttheirofficehoursoncoursesyllabi.Itisuptocoursefacultytoholdtheirofficehours

byphoneorvideoconference.Appointmentsneededoutsideoftheestablishedofficehourswillbenegotiated

bythefacultyandstudentbasedonindividualavailability.

ElectronicCommunication

ThefacultyandstaffatUMassDcommunicatewithstudentsregularlythroughtheUMassDemail.Personal

emailaddresseswillnotbeused.PleasecheckyourUMassDe-mailregularly.Importantcommunication

regardingclassofferings,financialassistance,jobopportunities,andotherinformationwillbepostedonthe

MSprogramCommunitymycoursesiteinBlackboard.Itisthestudents’responsibilitytoreviewthecontents.

Netiquette

Boththestudentandthefacultywilladhereto“Netiquette”atalltimes.Netiquettereferstotherespectfuluse

oflanguageintheonlineenvironment.AmoduleonNetiquetteispostedintheMSCommunityon

Blackboard.Ingeneral,ifyouareunwillingtosaysomethingtosomeone’sface,donotputitintext.

Library

VisittheClaireT.CarneyLibrarywebsitehttp://www.lib.umassd.edu/index.htmltoexploreallofthe

servicesavailabletothestudentsofUMassD.ContacttheCONdedicatedAssociateLibrarian:

HilaryKraus,AssociateLibrarian

Library/InformationServices

Library238

508-999-8681

OfficialStudentFiles

OfficialstudentfilesaremaintainedintheGraduateProgramOfficeoftheCON.Studentsmayreviewtheir

filesinthepresenceoftheMSProgramDirector,whoispresenttoanswerquestionsaboutinformation

containedinthefileandtosafeguardthecontents.

Examplesofitemsincludedinthefileinclude:• Applicationforadmissionwithsupportingmaterials(materialssubmittedduringtheapplication

processarethepropertyofUMassD.MaterialswillnotbesharedoutsideoftheUniversity.

• Changeinenrollmentstatus,• Officialcorrespondencebetweenthestudent,thecollege,andtheuniversity,

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• Transcripts,

• Approvedinteractiveprogramofstudy,

• Advisementnotes,

• Requestsandsubsequentactions.

Copiesofimmunizationrecordsandother“health”recordsarekeptinaseparateareaofthestudentrecord

folder,asarecourserelateddocumentssuchaspreceptorevaluations,contractsorlettersofagreementswith

communityagencies,andotherevaluativedata.

SampleStudentWorkTheCONsaccreditingbodyrequiresustocollectsamplesofstudentworkfromeachcourse.Facultywill

selectwillanarrayofassignments(gradedandungraded)fromthecourseandfilethemforthenext

accreditationvisit.Studentsaremadeawarethatthesamplestudentworkisonlysharedwiththesite-visit

team.

StudentContactInformationStudentsarerequestedtoadvisetheUniversityOfficeofGraduateStudies,UniversityAdmissions,andthe

collegeGraduateProgramAdministrativeAssistantaboutaddress,telephonenumberornamechanges.

FailuretodosowillinterferewithtimelyreceiptoffinancialreimbursementssuchastheNurseFacultyLoan

Program(NFLP)orotherequallyimportantinformation.

Thosestudentswhohavecompleteddegreerequirementsarealsorequestedtosubmitforwardingaddresses

andinformationregardingemploymenttotheGraduateProgramOfficeforcertificationandaccreditation

purposes,andmandatedreportingfollowinggraduationforNFLPrecipients.

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College of Nursing and Health Sciences - Nursing

Policy on Complaint and Dispute Resolution Process

Student complaints During the academic year, a variety of issues may arise where a student believes that she or he has been treated poorly or unfairly or may have some other concern. The following list describes a number of different types of concerns and relevant resources. If a student has a concern and is uncertain how to proceed, an undergraduate student should contact the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies and a graduate student should contact the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

Student complaints implicating the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Standards or Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN) Regulations Any student wishing to file a formal complaint that may violate CCNE Standards or MA BORN regulations should follow the following procedures.

Submission of Complaint: File a student petition in the Dean’s Office where it will be assigned to the appropriate Associate/Assistant Dean. Identify the issue in sufficient detail to permit an investigation into the matter. All complaints must be written and signed and include the student’s contact information. The appropriate Assistant or Associate Dean will acknowledge in writing receipt of the complaint within five business days.

Initial Investigation: The Assistant/Associate Dean will initially investigate and attempt to resolve the complaint. If resolution is not possible, the Assistant/Associate Dean will refer the matter to the appropriate administrator, administrative body, or an administrative official designated by the Dean (the "Referral Investigator"), within three weeks of receipt of the complaint. The Assistant/Associate Dean will communicate resolution of the complaint, or its referral, to the complainant upon such resolution or referral.

Referral Investigation: If referral of the complaint is made as referenced above, the Referral Investigator shall attempt to resolve the complaint as soon as possible, generally no later than three weeks after referral of the complaint. Upon completion of the referral investigation, the College will communicate its findings and, if appropriate, any intended actions to the complainant.

Appeals: If the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome or resolution of a complaint, the complainant may appeal the decision in writing to the Dean of the College. Such appeal must be filed within two weeks of communication to the complainant of the resolution of the complaint. The Dean’s decision will be communicated in writing to the complainant within three weeks of the time the appeal was filed and shall be final.

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Maintenance of Records: The College shall maintain a written record of each complaint filed and its resolution in the Office of the Assistant/Associate Dean for a period of ten years from the date of the final resolution of the complaint.

Complaints not concerning CCNE or BORN regulations (examples below) should be submitted according to guidelines outlined on the UMassD website or in the University Handbook and/or College of Nursing and Health Sciences Nursing Handbooks.

Grade appeals Students who have questions about their grades should seek to discuss the matter first with the relevant faculty member. In certain limited circumstances, students may pursue a formal grade appeal. The process for pursuing a grade appeal is described at https://www.umassd.edu/acadvising/grades/.

UMassD Nursing Grade Appeal Officer is located at https://www.umassd.edu/acadvising/grades/.

Student Conduct & Dispute Resolution The Office of Student Conduct and Dispute Resolution handles complaints for violations of the Student Code of Conduct or other laws and regulations.

Office of Equal Opportunity, Diversity & Outreach The Office of Equal Opportunity, Diversity & Outreach deals with equal opportunity and sexual assault/harassment complaints.

UMass Student Rights & Responsibilities The rights and responsibilities of UMass students, including students’ rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), are found in the statement of student rights and responsibilities.

Other complaints Students with concerns that do not fall within any of the previously described categories should contact the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies or Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research for assistance.

Approved: 10/25/19

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CollegeofNursing–MSProgramAcademicPolicies

CourseGradeEquivalents

AlettergradeofCisthepassinggradeinallgraduatecourses,includingtheelective.GradesofC-andbelow

arefailingandwillresultindismissalfromtheprogram.Studentsmaynotrepeatacoursethattheyhave

failed.

ThegradingsystemusedintheCONincludesthefollowing:

A+(97-100) 4.000

A (93-96) 4.000

A- (90-92) 3.700

B+(87-89) 3.300

B (83-86) 3.000

B- (80-82) 2.700

C+(77-79) 2.300

C(73-76) 2.000

Cisthelowestgradeacceptableforgraduatecredit

C-,D,FUnsatisfactory/Failure(grade<73)

ProgressionintheMSProgramToprogressintheMSprogramintheCONstudentsmustmaintainacumulativeGPAof3.0andmaynotfail

(lessthanagradeofC)anycourseintheprogramofstudy.AcumulativeGPAbelow3.0issubjecttoaction

outlinedunderAcademicSanction.

AcademicSanctionStudentsareexpectedtomakeappropriateprogresstowardcompletionoftheirdegreesorcertificates,and

thosewhodonotaresubjecttoreviewforwarning,probationorpossibledismissal.

AcademicWarning-AstudentwillbeplacedonWarningifhis/hercumulativeGPAislessthan3.00

(B) afterhavingattemptedsix(6)ormorecreditsincoursesthatareeligibletocounttowardthe

degree.

AcademicProbation-AstudentwillbeplacedonProbationifhis/hercumulativeGPAislessthan

2.7(B-)afterhavingattemptedsix(6)ormorecreditsincoursesthatareeligibletocounttoward

thedegree.

AcademicDismissal-AstudentwillbesubjecttoAcademicDismissalifhis/hercumulativeGPAis

lessthan2.00afterhavingattemptedsix(6)ormorecreditsincoursesthatareeligibletocount

towardthedegreeorcertificate.;ORifhis/herGPAislessthan3.00aftercompletionofone-half(20

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ormore)oftherequirednumberofcreditsincoursesthatareeligibletocounttowardthedegree.

AppealAstudentmayappeal,inwriting,anyactionconcerningacademicprobationordismissalbypetitioningthe

MSProgramCommitteewithintheCON.Thestudentshouldworkwiththeacademicadviserduringthis

process.

GradeAppeal

Gradeappealsarepursuedthroughaformalprocess,whichisconveyedintheuniversity’sGradeAppeal

Policy.Thefollowingparagraphssummarizethegradeappealprocess.Studentsandfacultyshouldmake

everyefforttoresolvequestionsaboutgradeswithoutseekingaformalgradeappeal.GradeAppealisalast

resort.Agradeappealwillbepursuedonlyifthereisavalidbasisandevidence.

Onlyfinalcoursegradesmaybeappealed.

Gradesmaybeappealedthatareallegedtobecausedby:

• Unfairandunequalapplicationofgradingstandards.

• Unfairorunannouncedalterationofassignments,gradingcriteriaorcomputationalprocesses.

• ComputationdisputeaboutcalculationofafinalgradeoritstransmissiontotheRegistrar.

• Failuretodocumentafindingofplagiarismthatresultsinapunitivefinalgrade.Definitionsof

appropriatekindsofdocumentationareprovidedbytheAcademicEthicsCommitteeinits

PlagiarismPolicyreportapprovedinApril2004.

GradeAppealOfficer

AfacultymemberisidentifiedastheGradeAppealOfficer,whoservesstudentsandfacultyasan

ombudspersonforgradingissues.S/heprovidesstudentsandfacultywithsomeonetoapproachwith

questionsrelatingtogradingfairnessandprocess;providesthefirstlevelofadjudicationwhenissuesrelated

togradingarisebetweenstudentsandfacultybyconductinganinformalinvestigationoftheissueand

suggestinganon-bindingsolutionwherepossible;andservesasfacilitatorforaformalgradeappealprocess

whenoneistooccur.ContacttheGraduateprogramAdministrativeAssistanttoidentifytheCONgrade

appealofficer.

IncompleteGradesRefertoGraduateCatalog

Incomplete(I)maybegivenonlyinexceptionalcircumstancesattheinstructor’sdiscretionandatthe

student’srequestmadenomorethan48hoursafterthefinalexaminationorlastclass.Thestudentmustbe

passingatthetimeoftherequestormustbesufficientlyclosetopassingfortheinstructortobelievethat

uponcompletionoftheworkthestudentwillpassthecourse.Iftheworkisnotcompletedwithinayearof

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recordingofthe“I,”thegradewillbecomeanF(I).“I”gradescannotbechangedtoW.Theexacttimeframe

andconditionsforcompletionoftheincompleteworkisnegotiatedbetweenstudentandfacultyandmustbe

documentedinamemowithcopiesfortheinstructor,thestudent,andtheMSProgramDirector.The

incompleteworkmustbecompletedwiththesameinstructor.Studentswhoreceiveagradeof"I"haveone

calendaryeartocompletethecourseworkforagrade.Attheendofoneyear,Universitypolicyconvertsthe

“I”toan“F.”

TransferCredit

Transferofcreditistheacceptanceofcreditfromanotherinstitutionforinclusioninaprogramofstudy

leadingtoadegreeawardedbyUMassD.Thenumberofcreditstransferredfromotherinstitutionsmaynot

exceed6[six].TransfercreditappliedtotheprogramofstudymustbeapprovedbytheMSProgramDirector

andtheDean.Amaximumofsix(6)creditsofgraduatecoursestakenbeforematriculationinaMasterof

Scienceprogrammaybeappliedtothestudent’sprogramofstudyifthecoursesarerelevanttotheprogram

ofstudyandthestudentachievedaBorbetter.However,thegradeswillnotbecalculatedinthecumulative

GPA.Oncematriculatedintheprogram,studentsmaytakegraduatecoursesatotheruniversitieswiththe

advanceapprovaloftheiracademicadvisorsandtheMSprogramdirector.CreditforgradesofBorbetter

willbeacceptedintransferhowever,thegradeswillnotbecalculatedinthecumulativeGPA.

Graduation

Studentsmustcompleteallspecifiedcourseworkwithin5yearsofmatriculationandhaveacumulativeGPA

of3.0tograduatefromtheprogram.

Studentsmust:

• Declaretheir“intentiontograduate”intheOfficeofEnrollmentServicesonJuly1forSeptember1

graduation,onNovember1forJanuary31graduation;oronMarch15forMaycommencement.

• SubmitanupdateresumetotheGraduateProgramOfficeatleast2weeksbeforetheendofclasses.

SeeAppendixB

• CompletetheProgramExitSurvey

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CollegeofNursingProfessionalCompetencies–MSProgram

ProfessionalStudentConductTheCollegeofNursingabidesbyandadherestotheCodeforNursing,andtheANAProfessionalStandards,

whichissetforthbytheAmericanNurses’Associationasitrelatestotheprofessionalconductofnurses.Itis

anexpectationoftheCollegeofNursingthatALLstudentsenrolledingraduatelevelcoursesactandpresent

themselvesprofessionallyandrespectfullywheninteractingwithfaculty,staff,colleagues,intheclassroom,

and,whenastudentisrepresentingtheCollegeofNursinginaclinicalsetting.Shouldaninstanceoccurwhen

astudentisnotactinginaprofessionalmanner,theinstructorofthecourse,thestudents’academicadvisor,

and/ortheProgramDirectorwillbeconsulted.

ThefacultyoftheCollegeofnursinghasanacademic,legal,andethicalresponsibilitytopreparegraduates

whoarecompetentinsafenursingpracticetoprotectthehealthofindividualsandcommunities.Itiswithin

thiscontextthatgraduatestudentsaredisciplinedordismissedfromtheCONforunsafepracticeorunsafe

behaviorthatthreatensorhasthepotentialtothreatenthesafetyofaclient,afamilymemberorsubstitute

familialperson,anotherstudent,afacultymember,orotherhealthcareprovider.Unsafenursingpracticeis

alsodefinedasanybehaviordeterminedtobeactuallyorpotentiallydetrimentaltothefaculty,clientand/or

tothehealthcareagency.TheprocessofdismissalwillbeguidedbytheUniversityOfficeofStudentConduct

andDisputeResolution.Pleaserefertothiswebsite.

http://www.umassd.edu/studentaffairs/departments/studentconductanddisputeresolution/

DefinitionProfessionalNursingCompetencyPartofprofessionalcompetenceishavingaknowledgebasethatallowspractitionerstomakesoundclinical

decisions.Professionalcompetenceisthehabitualandjudicioususeofeffectivecommunication,knowledge,

technicalskill,reasoning,emotions,valuesandreflectionindailypracticeforthebenefitoftheindividualand

communitybeingserved(Epstein&Hundert,2002).

TheUMassDartmouthCONhasdeterminedthatthestandardsbelowareessentialtothenursingprofession.

Therefore,studentsenteringthenursingprogramattheUMassDartmouthCONareexpectedtomeetthese

standardsforprogressionintheprogramtograduation1.1ThelistofcompetencystandardshasbeenreprintedforusebyUMassDCONwithpermissionfromDr.BarbaraG.Miller,NewYorkUniversityCollegeofNursingTechnicalStandardsforCoreNursingCompetencyPerformance.

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1. CommunicationandObservationSkills

Studentsareexpectedtosufficientlydemonstrateverbal,non-verbal,written,computerassistedentry,and

observationalskills.Communicationincludesnotonlyspeech,butalsoseeing,reading,writing,andcomputer

literacyabilitiesintheclassroomandclinicalonandoff-campussettings;theabilitytocommunicatewitha

widevarietyofpeople,andtheabilitytobeeasilyunderstood.Thefollowingareexamplesofcommunication

andobservationskills.

• SpeakclearlyandeffectivelyinEnglish

• Hearandobservepatientsinordertoelicitinformation,describechangesinmood,activityand

posture,andtoperceivenonverbalcommunications

• Communicateinwritingorcomputerentry,aswellasorallyusingstandard,professionalnursingand

medicalterminology

• Communicateeffectivelyandsensitivelywithpatients’familymembersandothermembersofthe

healthcareteam,aswellasfacultyandpeersina1-1orgroupsituation.

• Elicit,conveyorexchangeinformationatalevelthatallowsfortheimplementationandevaluationof

thenursingprocess

• Communicateinwaysthataresafeandnotundulyalarmingtopatients,familymembers,andother

membersofthehealthcareteam

• Relayappropriateinformationtopatients:teach,explain,directandcounselawidevariety

ofindividuals,aswellasprovideclear,directcommunicationinEnglishduringhighly

stressful,crisissituations

2. CognitiveAbilities

Nursingstudentsonadmissionandthroughouttheprogramareexpectedtosufficiently

demonstratecognitiveabilitieswhichincludeintellectual,conceptual,integrative,quantitative,

criticalthinkingandcomprehensionskills.Thefollowingexamplesinclude,butarenotlimitedto

nursingstudentsdemonstratingtheserelatedcognitiveskills:

• SufficientskillstoreadandunderstandwrittendocumentsinEnglish

• Sufficientskillsinproblemsolvingincludingmeasurements,calculations,reasoning,

memory,analysis,andsynthesisofsubjectiveandobjectivedataaswellascriticallyappraise

thebestavailableresearchevidence

• Sufficientskillstocomprehendthree-dimensionalrelationshipsandtounderstandthe

spatialrelationshipsofstructures

• Criticalthinkingabilitysufficientforacademicandclinicaljudgmentsdemandedofnurses

whichrequiretheintellectualabilitiestocriticallyappraise,tosynthesizeknowledge,

integrateandprioritizeallaspectsofpatientcareinaprompt,timelyfashion;synthesisof

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objectiveandsubjectivefindingsanddiagnosticstudiesinordertoformulatenursing

diagnosesandinitiateaplanofcareintegratingpatientpreferences

• Incorporatedatafrommultiplepatientsources(e.g.physicalassessment,vitalsigns,labvalues,

interdisciplinarydocumentation)inapromptmannerinordertoprovideappropriate,safepatient

care

• Recognize,makedecisionsquickly,andrespondrapidlyandsafelytochangesinapatient'sstatus

basedonavarietyofsources,suchasphysicalassessmentandpertinentlaboratoryfindings,and

abilitytorevisecaretopromoteappropriatepatientoutcomes

3. GrossMotorSkills,Strength,Mobility,andPhysicalEndurance

Thestudentisexpectedtobeabletoperformgrossandfinemotormovementsrequiredtoprovide

comprehensivenursingcare.Examplesofcarethatthestudentmustbeabletoperformsafely

include,butarenotlimitedto:

• Liftingasdescribedbelow:

• Turningandpositioningpatientsasneededtopreventcomplicationsduetobedrestor

minimalmovement

• Transferringpatientsinandoutofbed

• Transportingandexercisingpatients

• Pullingandpushingpatientsand/orequipment

• Administeringcardiopulmonaryresuscitation(CPR)

Thestudentisexpectedtohavethepsychomotorskillsnecessarytoperformorassistwithprocedures,

treatments,administrationofmedications,andemergencyinterventions.Examplesincludebutarenot

limitedto,theabilityto:

Standand/orsitforlongperiodsoftime(e.g.,minimumof3-4hours)

Standandmaintainbalancewhiletransferringpatients,reachbelowthewaistandoverheadwhile

providingpatientcareprocedures

Walkwithoutacane,walker,casts,walkingboots,orcrutches,aswellas,armsfreeofcastsorother

assistive/restrictivedevicesinordertoambulatepatientandprovidebedsideorgeneralnursingcare

Havetwohands,realorprosthetic

4. BehavioralandSocialAttributes/Abilities

NursingstudentsmustexhibittheprofessionalbehavioralandsocialattributesembeddedintheAmerican

AssociationofCollegesofNursing’s(AACN)(2008)EssentialsofMaster’sEducationforProfessionalNursing

Practice.Theymustpossesstheemotionalandmentalhealthrequiredforfulluseoftheirintellectual,

communication/observational,motorandsensoryabilitiesinordertoexerciseappropriatejudgmentand

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promptlycompleteallresponsibilitiesattendanttothediagnosisandcareofpatientsinavarietyof

settingsandfromdifferentcultures.Thefollowingareexamples,whicharenotlimitedto,thebehavioral

andsocialattributesandabilitiesthatnursingstudentsneedtodemonstrate:

• Abilitytorelatetopatients,familymembers,aswellasworkcooperativelywithothermembers

ofthehealthcareteamandcolleagueswithhonestyandintegrity,andwithnon-discriminationin

relationtothepatient'srace,ethnicgroup,age,religionorpoliticalpreference,abilitytopay,

genderorsexualorientation

• Abilityforthedevelopmentofamature,sensitiveandeffectivetherapeuticrelationshipwith

clients

• Abilitytoadapttochangingenvironments,todisplayflexibilityandtolearntofunctionintheface

ofuncertaintiesinherentintheclinicalproblemsofmanypatients

• Ethicalbehaviorreflectingadherencetotheprofessionalnursingcodeofethics,studentnurses'

codeofethicsandstudentacademicintegritypolicy

• Sufficientemotionalandmentalstabilityto:

• Toleratephysicallytaxingworkloads

• Handleemotionsthatmightaffectpracticeperformance

• Functioneffectivelywhenstressed

• Alevelofconsciousnessandattentivenessthatguaranteespatientsafety

• Abilitytocareforpatientswithcommunicablediseasesusingappropriatestandardprecautions

and/orguidelines

• Abilitytoacceptandintegrateconstructivecriticismgivenintheclassroomandclinicalsettings

• Abilitytoexamineandchangehis/herbehaviorwhenitinterfereswithproductiveindividualor

teamrelationshipsand/orthecareofpatients

• Abilitytoworkinclosequarterswithpatients,healthcareteammembersandnursingfaculty

5. SensorySkills

Nursingstudentsmusthavehearing,visualandtactileskillssufficienttomonitor,access,andrespondto

patienthealthneeds.Nursingstudentsmustpossesstheseskillsinconnectionwiththeotheridentified

technicalskillsinordertoobserveandlearnfromdemonstrationsintheon-campusclinicalsimulation

laboratoryandintheoff-campusclinicalpatientcareareas,andtomakeobservationsaccuratelyata

distanceandcloseathandofthepatientandthepatient’senvironment.Observationnecessitatesthe

functionaluseofthesensesofvisionandothersensorymodalities;itisenhancedbythefunctionaluse

ofthespecimens;andobtainsinformationfromdigital,analog,andwaveformrepresentationsof

treatment/therapy.

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Examplesofthenecessarysensoryskillsinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

• Normaltactilefeelinganduseoftouchtofeelsensitivitytoheat,cold,pain,pressure,etc.

• Useofauditorysensetodetectsoundsrelatedtobodilyfunctionsusingastethoscope;tohear

andinterpretmanypeopleandcorrectlyinterpretwhatisheard;i.e.,physician’ornurse

practitionerorderswhetherverbalorovertelephone,patientcomplaints,physicalassessment

(especiallyheartandotherbodysounds),fireandequipmentalarms,etc.

• Auditorysensetocommunicateclearlyintelephoneconversationsandrespondeffectivelywith

patientsandwithothermembersofthehealthcareteam

• Acutevisualskillsnecessarytodetectsignsandsymptoms,bodylanguageofpatients,colorof

woundsanddrainage,andpossibleinfectionsanywhere;interpretwrittenwordsaccurately,read

charactersandidentifycolorsonthecomputerscreen

• Observationskillstoobservelectures,demonstrations,researchandpatientsituationsinthe

practiceofhealthcareprofessions;observationisnecessarytoperformcompetenthealth

assessmentsandinterventionsandnecessitatesfunctionaluseofvision,hearing,tactileand

somaticsenses

• Capacitytomakeaccuratevisualobservationsandinterprettheminthecontextoflaboratory

studies,medicationadministration,andpatientcareactivities

6. NormativeDifficulties

Thispolicyisnotintendedtoaddressthecommonandexpecteddifficultiesexperiencedbyamajorityof

studentsparticularlyastheystartanewcourse.Thesenormativedifficultiesmightinclude,butarenot

limitedto,mildemotionalreactionandadjustmentdifficulties,mildortransientdifficultykeepingup

withacademicworkandnormativeconflictwithprofessors,fellowstudents,supervisorsand

administratorsinclinicalplacements.

ViolationofProfessionalNursingCompetencies

Reportingamatterofconcern

Students,facultyorstaffwhobecomeawarethatastudentisshowingcharacteristicsthatmaysuggest

noncompliancewithnursingcompetenciesareurgedtoreportthistotheMaster’sProgramDirector.TheProgram

DirectorwillconsultwiththeDeanordesigneeoftheCollegeofNursingandameetingwiththestudentwillbe

scheduledwithinseven(7)schooldaysandmayrecommendinformalorformalproceedings.TheDeanor

designee,aftermeetingwiththestudentandanyotherindividuals,mayrecommendinformalorformal

proceedings.Suchproceedingsmaybeextendediftheyoccurduringsemesterbreaks.AllmembersoftheCON

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communityareresponsibleforcomplyingwiththePolicyonProfessionalNursingCompetenceincluding

reportingofanypotentialinfringementofthispolicy.

Nolawyerorlegalrepresentativeisallowedtoparticipateintheinformalorformalproceedings.No

recordingdeviceswillbepermittedintheinformalorformalproceedings.

TheCONwillinformtheStudentAffairsOfficeofanyconductthatisalsoaviolationundertheStudent

CodeofConduct.Insuchacase,conductthatisnoncompliantunderthispolicyandtheStudentCodeof

ConductwillbeaddressedinboththeCONandStudentAffairs.

Informal Proceedings

Informalproceedings,afterdiscussionswiththestudent,willincludenon-bindingsuggestionstothe

studentforthepurposeofimprovinganursingcompetency(ies)ortheremediationofanursing

competency(ies).

DuringtheInformalProceeding,theDeanordesigneewilldirectthefacultymemberormemberofthe

CONcommunitytoprovidespecificinformationaboutthecomplaintandspecificrecommendations.

ThisinformationwillbedocumentedinthereportingformforthisPolicyonStudentProfessional

NursingCompetence.Thisformwillincludealistofcompetenciesnotmet;circumstancessurrounding

theunmetexpectations,andrecommendations.ThisformwillbeforwardedtotheDeanordesignee.

Thereportwillnotbecomepartofthestudent’srecordbutwillbegiventotheDeanordesignee.The

reportwillbekeptinaseparateconfidentialfilebytheDeanordesigneeforaperiodof3yearsafterthe

studentleavestheprogram.Thestudentalsowillreceiveacopyofthereportingform.Recommended

remediationfromInformalProceedingsmayincludebutwillnotbelimitedtothefollowing:additional

academicwork,meetingswithfacultyorclinicalmentors,periodicreviewofprogress,periodicfeedback

onprogress,andrecommendationforcounselingormedicalintervention.

Formal Proceedings

TheDeanofNursingordesigneewillbeginFormalProceedingsif

• asecondcomplaintisfiled;or

• ifnochangeinthecompetency(ies)and/orGMCbehavioroccursasaresultoftheInformal

Proceeding;or

• iffailureinthecourseordismissalfromtheUMassDartmouthCONisapossibleconsequenceof

thecomplaint.

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TheDeanordesigneewillinformthestudentthataFormalProceedingwillbescheduledwitha

minimumoffive(5)schooldaysnotice.Suchproceedingsmaybeextendediftheyoccurduringsemester

breaks.

TheDeanordesigneewillinvitethefollowingpanelmembersandtheywillhavevotingrights:the

supervisingclinicalorclassroomfaculty,aCONSSPCfacultymember,andaDepartmentChairor

representative.Thestudentmayinviteafacultymemberwhowillhavevotingrightsandanadditional

non-votingpanelmember,whichmaybeafacultymember.

Nolawyerorlegalrepresentativeisallowedtoparticipateintheformalproceedings.Norecording

deviceswillbepermitted.

Forty-eighthourspriortotheproceeding,thestudentmustprovidetheDeanordesigneewiththe

namesofthoseindividualsthathe/shehasinvitedtobephysicallypresentattheFormalProceedings.

TheDeanordesigneewillchairthepanelandstatethenatureoftheviolationrelatedeitherto

competenceorgoodmoralbehavior.TheDeanwillofferpanelmembersanopportunitytodiscussthe

issueandtheremediation.Thestudentwillhaveanopportunitytoexplainhis/heractions.Formal

Proceedingsrecommendation(s)willbemadeafteramajorityvoteofthevotingmembers.Intheevent

ofatievote,theDeanordesigneewillvote.Therangeofremediationrecommendationsmayincludebut

willnotbelimitedtoalloftheremediationlistedunderInformalProceedingsandwillalsoinclude:a

recommendationoffailureintheclinicalorclassroomcourse;arecommendationofdismissal,

suspensionorprobation.Therecommendation(s)willbeforwardedtotheDeanordesigneewhomay

adopt,denyormodifytherecommendation(s)andmakeadecision.AllappropriateUMassDartmouth

administratorswillbenotified.Theproceedings,recommendation(s)anddecisionoftheDeanor

designeewillbemaintainedasconfidentialtotheextentallowed.ThestudentandappropriateUMass

Dartmouthadministrativeofficialswillbenotifiedinwritingofthedecision.

Probation

IfthedecisionoftheDeanordesignee,istoplacethestudentonprobation,thestudentwillbegivena

writtenlistofimpairednursingcompetencies,andbehaviorsandawrittenlistofrecommended

remediation(s).TheDeanofNursing,ordesignee,willdiligentlyreviewthestudentinsubsequent

clinicaland/orclassroomcoursesatleastonceeachsemester.Theprobationmaycontinueuntilthe

inappropriatebehaviors(s)areresolvedandtheCompetencieshavebeenmet.Whenthebehaviorsand

competenciesaremet,theDeanoftheCollegeofNursingordesigneewillrecommendendingthe

probation.Ifprobationcontinuesformorethanonefullsemester,thestudentwillberecommendedfor

35

suspensionandfailureinthecurrentclassroomorclinicalcourse.

SuspensionandFailureinCourse

Ifsuspended,thestudentwillnotcontinueinthecoursefromthedateofsuspensionandwillreceivea

failinggradeinthecourse.Thestudentmaynotprogressinthecurriculumbutmustfirstrepeatthe

coursefromwhichheorshehasfailed.Inrepeatingacourse,thecompetenciesnotmet,and/or

inappropriatebehaviorsidentifiedinthefailedcoursewillbedocumented.Recommendedremediation

willbespecifiedandmayincludebutwillnotbelimitedtothefollowing:additionalacademicwork,

meetingswithfacultyorclinicalmentors,periodicreviewofprogress,periodicfeedbackonprogress,

recommendationforcounselingormedicalintervention.Whenthestudentrepeatsthiscourse,he/she

willmeetwiththefacultymemberandtheDeanordesigneeatmid-semesterregardinganappraisalof

theremediationortheeffectivenessoftheremediation.

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DismissalfromtheNursingProgram

IfdismissedbytheDeanoftheCollegeofNursing,thestudentwillnotcontinueintheCONfromthe

dateofdismissalandwillnotbepermittedtoenrollintheCONatalaterdate.Studentsmayapply

fortransfertoanotherUMassDartmouthcollegeordepartment.

Inallofthedecisionsabove,thestudentwillreceiveacopyoftheactionstakenandwillinclude:

findingofthefacts,conclusionsandrecommendations.Acopywillalsobeplacedinthestudent’s

confidentialfileintheDean'soffice.

Confidentiality

DuringandaftertheseprocedurestheUMassDartmouthCONwillusereasonableeffortsto

maintaintheconfidentialityofallintheprocess.Allindividualsparticipatingintheprocedureswill

beinformedofthisexpectation.Informationprovidedbyafacultymember,student,staffmember

orwitnessinvolvedintheInformalorFormalProcedurewillbemaintainedasconfidentialtothe

extentpossible.WhentheDeanordesigneehascompletedtheprocedures,he/shewill,tothe

extentappropriate,informallinvolvedofthedeterminationofresultsincludingtheidentified

studentandappropriateUMassDartmouthadministrativeofficials.

Appeal

TheDean’sdeterminationoftheformalproceedingmaybeappealedtotheUMassDartmouth

Provostorhis/herdesigneewithin10daysofthedateofthedecisionoftheDean.Thisappealmay

bemadeonthegroundsthat:(1)thesanctionadministeredasaresultoftheoriginalstudent

behaviorisunjustifiedinitsseverity;(2)theweightoftheevidencedidnotjustifyafindingfrom

theFormalProceedings;(3)CONfailedtocomplyinmaterialrespecttoitsFormalproceeding

procedures;or(4)newevidenceexiststhatisrelevantandthatwasunobtainableatthetimeofthe

originalFormalProceeding.ThedecisionoftheUMassDartmouthProvostisfinalandcannotbe

appealed.

AcademicEthicalStandardsAllUMassDstudentsareexpectedtomaintainhighstandardsofacademicintegrityandscholarlypractice.

TheUniversitydoesnottolerateacademicdishonestyofanyvariety,whetherasaresultofafailureto

understandproperacademicandscholarlyprocedureorasanactofintentionaldishonesty.

Astudentfoundguiltyofacademicdishonestyissubjecttoseveredisciplinaryactionwhichmayinclude

expulsionfromtheUniversity.RefertotheStudentHandbookandStudentJudicialCodefordueprocess.A

highstandardofacademicintegritypromotesthepursuitoftruthandlearningandrespectforthe

intellectualUMassDCONMSProgramStudentHandbook,approved5/1/17; updated 10/16/19

37

accomplishmentsofothers.ThesearevaluesthatarefundamentaltothemissionofthisUniversity.Such

valuesareunderminedbyacademicdishonesty.

Academicdishonestyisdefinedasattemptingtoobtainacademiccreditforworkthatisnotone’sown.

Examplesinclude:(1)copyinganotherstudent’sanswersonanexamination;(2)obtaining,orattemptingto

obtain,theanswerstoanexaminationinadvance;(3)submittingapaperthatwaswrittenbysomeoneelse;

(4) submittingapaperthatincludesphrases,sentencesandparagraphsthatwerecopiedverbatim,oralmost

verbatim,fromaworkwrittenbysomeoneelse,withoutmakingthisclearwithoutindicatingthatthese

wordsweresomeoneelse’sthroughtheuseofquotationmarksorotherappropriatecitationconventions;(5)collaboratingonahomeworkassignmentwhenthishasbeenexpresslyforbiddenbytheprofessor;(6)using

unauthorizedmaterialsincompletingassignmentsorexaminations;(7)submittingthesamepaperformore

thanoneclasswithouttheexpresspermissionoftheinstructorsinvolved.Thislistofexamplesshouldnotbe

consideredexhaustive.

Thisdefinitionofacademicdishonestyappliestoinformationsubmittedinotherformsbesidespaper.

Submittingaprojectofamusicalorartisticnaturewhereallorpartoftheprojectissomeoneelse’swork,

withoutacknowledgingthisfact,constitutesacademicdishonesty.Submittingcomputerfilesthatdonot

representone’sownworkisalsoconsideredtobeacademicdishonesty;examplesofcomputer-based

academicdishonestywouldincludesubmittingacomputerprogramortextfilecreatedbysomeoneelseas

one’sown,orsubmittingtheoutputofacomputerprogramwrittenbysomeoneelse,andclaimingtohave

writtentheprogramthatgeneratedtheoutput.

Forallformsofacademicdishonesty,studentswhoknowinglyallowotherstudentstousetheirworkare

themselvesconsideredtobeacademicallydishonest.Exampleswouldincludestudentswhoknowinglyallow

otherstudentstocopytheirexamanswers,andstudentswhogivepapersthattheyhavewrittentoother

studentssothattheotherstudentscansubmitthemforcredit.

AfacultymemberisappointedbytheFacultySenatetoactasanAcademicEthicalMattersFacilitator.This

individualwillofferadvicetobothstudentsandfacultyabouttheissuesinvolvedinpenalizingacademic

dishonesty,andtheprocessofappealingsuchpenalties.

Penaltiesassessedbyfacultymembersforacademicdishonestygenerallyconsistofareprimand,a

requirementtoresubmittheworkinamoreacceptableform,aloweringofagrade,failureinthecoursein

whichtheallegedinfractiontookplace,oracombinationofthese.Insteadof(orinadditionto)assessingsuch

penalties,afacultymembermayreferthemattertotheUMassDStudentJudiciary.Decisionsmadebythe

StudentJudiciarymaybeappealedtotheUniversityAppellateBoard.

UMassDCONMSProgramStudentHandbook,approved5/1/17; updated 10/16/19

38

UMassD CON MS Program Student Handbook, approved 5/1/17; updated 10/16/19

FinancingyourMSDegree

FinancialAssistance

FinancialassistanceforMasterofSciencestudyisavailableintheformofscholarships,traineeships,

assistantships,andloans.Scholarships,traineeships,andassistantshipsareawardedtostudentswithregular

admissionstatusandsatisfactoryacademicstanding.Inadditiontoinformationonfinancialassistance

presentedinthissection,studentsareadvisedtoconsulttheGraduateStudiesCatalog.

NursingScholarships

Severalscholarshipsareawardedduringtheacademicyear.Tobeconsideredforanaward,studentsmust

completeagenericscholarshipapplication,availablefromtheDean'ssecretary.Studentswillreceive

informationaboutscholarshipdeadlinesfromtheGraduateProgramAdministrativeAssistant.

TeachingAssistants/ResearchAssistants(TA/RA)

Graduateteaching/researchassistantsaregraduatestudentsemployedonapart-timebasisbyUniversityof

MassachusettsDartmouth.Theawardofteaching/researchassistantshipcarrieswithitacompensatory

stipendforservicesrendered.Agraduateteaching/researchassistantshipisaformofapprenticeshipand

contributestoprofessionaldevelopment.Itsprimarypurposeistoassiststudentsinstrengtheningand

successfullycompletingtheiracademicprogram.Itshouldincludeactivitiesthatarerelevanttoeach

student’sprogramofstudyandcontributetotheUniversity’steachingorresearch/creativeactivity.

ApplicationsforTeachingAssistantshipsareavailablefromtheCONGraduateProgramAdministrative

Assistant.PleasenotethattheDepartmentChairshireTeachingAssistantsonanasneededbasis.These

positionsarenotusuallyfilleduntillateJuly(fallsemester)andearlyJanuary(springsemester).

NurseFacultyLoanProgram(NFLP)

UMassDCONhasreceivedfundingthroughafederalgrant,whichaimstoincreasethenumberofqualified

nursingfaculty.Participatingschoolsofnursingmakeloanfundsavailabletoassiststudentsincompleting

theirgraduatemaster’sanddoctoraleducationtobecomequalifiednursingfaculty.Theprogramoffersupto

85%loanforgivenessforborrowerswhograduateandserveasfacultyforfouryearsinaccreditedschoolsof

nursing.Formoreinformation,contacttheCONNFLPcoordinator.

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University,College&ProfessionalGovernanceandOrganizations

StudentRepresentationonCONCommitteesThestudentisvoiceisanintegralpartofdeliveringaqualityprogram.TheCONsolicitsinvolvementof

studentsonseveralofthestandingcommittees,thisincludesbutisnotlimitedtotheMaster’sprogram

Committee.StudentswhoparticipateinCONcommitteesrepresenttheirpeersinrespectfuldialogueand

constructivecritique.ManyrevisionsandimprovementsmadeintheCONarearesultofstudentfeedback

andgovernanceparticipation.Thestudentdoesnotneedtobepresentforthesecommitteemeetings–the

studentmayattendinpersonorviaphone/videoconferenceiftheirschedulepermits,ortheymaysubmita

writtenreporttotheappropriatecommitteechair.TheGraduateProgramAdministrativeAssistantwillemail

studentswhenpositionsoncommitteesareopen.

GraduateStudentSenateWorkingcollaborativelywiththeOfficeofGraduateStudiesandtheDivisionofStudentAffairsandmore

broadlywiththeadministrationandfaculty,theGraduateStudentSenate(GSS)isintendedtobeavibrant

organizationrepresentingthegoals,interests,concerns,andprofessionaldevelopmentofgraduatestudents

atUMassD.InordertobeeligibletoserveontheGSS,candidatesmustbegraduatestudentsenrolledinthe

collegeinwhichtheyareseekingtorepresent,andmustbeingoodacademicstanding,asdefinedbytheir

specificcollegeorschoolprogramguidelines.

GSSVoting

Anygraduatestudentwhoiscurrentlyregisteredforatleastonegraduatelevelcoursebearingaminimumof

three(3)academiccreditsshallbeeligibletovoteingraduatestudentsenateelections.

SigmaThetaTauInternationalTheUMassDCONreceivedacharterfortheThetaKappaChapterinApril1986andinducted229charter

members.SigmaThetaTauistheInternationalHonorSocietyofNursing.Constituentchaptersare

establishedinaccreditedcollegiateschoolsofNursing.Theorganizationrecognizessuperiorachievement,

andthedevelopmentofleadershipqualities,fostershighprofessionalstandards,encouragescreativework,

andstrengthenscommitmenttoidealsoftheprofession.Membershipisbyinvitationonlybasedoneligibility

criteria.

MasterofSciencestudentswhoarecurrentlymembersofSigmaThetaTauthroughotherchaptersare

invitedtotransfermembershiptotheThetaKappaChapterandtoparticipateinmeetingswiththeCON

UMassD CON MS Program Student Handbook, approved 5/1/17; updated 10/16/19

40