Academic Policies BSN in Nursing

6.1  Core Curriculum Requirements

In the event the university changes its core curriculum requirements, students will be required to comply with the expectations in effect at the time of their admission into the program.  A minimum of 30 semester hours is required in the core curriculum coursework.

6.1.1  Communication

Two courses (minimum of five semester hours), one in each of the following disciplines:

• Writing – A college-level writing course including a research paper. Comp 2 should be completed before the NRS 341 Professional Nurse course.
• Speech – A course providing understanding and practice in a variety of speech purposes

6.1.2  Critical Thinking

Four courses (minimum of twelve semester hours).  One in each of the following disciplines:

• Fine Arts - One course from the following disciplines-music, art, theatre or humanities.
• History/Literature - One course from either history or literature.
• Social/Behavioral Science - One course from the following disciplines:  psychology, sociology, economics, or political science.
• Statistics – A course providing understanding and practice using statistics as a tool for decision making and analysis. Minimum grade of C-.Statistics is a prerequisite to Evidence Based Practice in the BSN program.

6.1.3  Natural Science

This requirement is satisfied by the major requirement of at least 11 semester hours in Human Organism Sciences with a minimum grade of D.  May include any of the following courses: anatomy & physiology, microbiology, chemistry (organic, inorganic), biochemistry, nutrition, genetics, immunology, advanced (mammalian) physiology, pathophysiology, neuroimmunology and pharmacology.  Other courses may be approved upon request. Science courses may be embedded in a diploma program.

6.1.4  Health Assessment

Students who have not taken a stand-alone health assessment course may demonstrate skills competency through a video assessment or enroll in the EMU Health Assessment course.  Students will contact the Director of Healthcare Programs to arrange appropriate timing for this assessment, typically within the first semester in which they are enrolled at EMU. Students receive a rubric, an assessment equipment kit, and the means to return the kit to EMU. Students must complete a video demonstrating a head-to-toe health assessment that includes all requirements named in the rubric. 

Successful completion of the evaluation will result in 3H on the student transcript. Students will be charged the audit fee (Lancaster Program Tuition and Fees)  for these 3 credits and $25 for the assessment equipment kit. RN/BSN degree will not be conferred until this requirement is met. 

Timing of assessment must be agreed upon between the student and the Director of Healthcare Programs or the Nursing Department Chair, and must be completed as agreed or the student will be charged an additional $150.

Approved (June, 2022)

6.2  Major Requirements

Students must successfully complete the BSN curriculum - 43 semester hours.

6.2.1  Program Outline

6.2.2 Course Descriptions for Hybrid and Asynchronous Online Programs

• Hybrid program features a blend of classroom and online learning in each course.
• Asynchronous online program features all courses totally online unless indicated on the calendar.

NRSL 325 Effective Communication (3)

This course is designed to enhance the written, oral and interpersonal communication skills of registered nurses. With emphasis on academic integrity, the course helps nurses develop professional writing skills using American Psychological Association formatting. Other content addresses health literacy, assertive communication and motivational interview techniques. Emotional intelligence enhances interpersonal communication skills. Mindfulness and Self-care will be introduced in this course and emphasized throughout the curriculum. This course fulfills a requirement of the nursing curriculum.

NRSL 320 Transitions in Professional Nursing Practice (3)

Content is designed to support a smooth transition for new to practice registered nurses who are employed in their initial professional positions.  Successful transition into the role of a professional nurse will be fostered through faculty and peer coaching and support. An overarching aim of this Nurse Residency is professional socialization while fostering stress management, problem-solving, creative thinking, and durability in the new professional position.

CCSCL 440 Cultural Perspectives (3)

This course focuses on the development of global awareness, faith, and management as it relates to cross-cultural understanding. Students will be challenged to look beyond their own culture and understand social systems and institutions from the perspective of people in another culture. Experiential learning will take place as students participate in an off-campus cross-cultural experience.

NRSL 341 Professional Nurse: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (4)

This course presents the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for current professional nursing practice. Classroom activities focus on library usage skills, an introduction to nursing research, concepts of professional nursing, communication skills, nursing and crisis theories, the history of nursing, and spirituality. A paper is written in which professional nursing concepts are integrated into an individual philosophy of nursing.

NRSL 350 Health Care Policy (4)

This course focuses on contemporary health care issues and their impact on current policy. An open systems model and change theory is used to explore the US healthcare system, health care organizations, health care policy, payment systems and the role of nurses within this system. Possibilities for health care reform and alternate systems are discussed. The effect of behaviors, attitudes, values and perceptions of participants in the system is examined.

NRSL 461 Family Health (4)

This course focuses on nursing with the family as the client. Theories of family nursing are examined and applied with the family experience. Family development and crisis theory are considered. The student will make 4-5 home visits on a family he/she chooses.  In partnership with the family, the student will complete a family assessment and plan of care based on the family’s felt need. 

NRSL 410 Community Health (4)

This course focuses on nursing with the community as the client. Theories of community nursing are examined and applied in community agencies. Epidemiology, communicable diseases, health promotion and prevention are some of the topics taught and applied to a vulnerable population. Each student will do a community assessment of a vulnerable population.  Based on the assessment needs, the students will plan and teach the group.

NRSL 420 Principles of Nursing Management and Leadership (3)

This course presents motivational theory and its application to individual and group functioning. Leadership styles and governance models are examined. Legal issues are discussed. The effect of organizational change on nursing delivery systems is evaluated. The concepts of power, oppression, advocacy, delegation, stress, and change are addressed.

NRSL 430 Evidence-Based Practice Capstone (6)

This course guides the student through the research process and teaches the art of becoming a critical consumer of research. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are examined. Students critically read and critique nursing research. In this course the nurse explores nursing research and applies it to a clinical problem. The course consists of writing, implementing, and orally presenting it as a capstone presentation to the instructor and learning group.

CCUSL 310 Global Trends in Health Care (3)

This course will discuss health and health care that transcend geographic boundaries. The overall goal is for students to develop a worldview that comprehends the interrelationship between health and social systems, institutions, culture, politics, environmental factors, education, and economics. Some topics of discussion will include health disparities among nations, global environmental issues, poverty, human trafficking, and pharmaceuticals as it affects cultures.

SRSML 450 Issues and Values (3)

In this course the student formulates a philosophy of life that provides the basis for professional ethics and accountability, respect for human rights, and a responsible lifestyle in our contemporary world. Ethical theories and personal values are examined through readings, analysis of the workplace, and classroom discussion.

BISTL 390 Biblical Perspectives (3)

This course reflects the commitment of Eastern Mennonite University as a Christian liberal arts university. This is a commitment to nurture an appreciation for the rich resources of the scriptures for creative personal faith and human life in the modern world. It is designed to foster knowledge and understanding of the literature and history of the Bible and the integration of faith, learning, and living.

6.3  EMU Requirements

6.3.1  Semester Hours

Students must successfully complete 120 semester hours.  If sufficient semester hours are not transferred at the beginning of the program, students must secure them through an individualized academic plan which may include:

• Professional Schools and Training (PST)
• Courses taken at EMU
• Courses taken at other accredited colleges after approval by the registrar and/or director
• CLEP or DSST tests once approved by the registrar

6.3.2  Grade Point Average

Students must enter the program with a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and maintain a cumulative grade point average of C overall and in the major (2.0).

6.3.2.1  Academic Probation

Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in the program.  If a student earns a grade lower than C-, they must retake the class.  If the student’s GPA drops below 2.0, or if after retaking a class their grade is still below C-, the student will be considered on academic probation.

6.3.2.2  Academic Review

The performance of students on academic probation will be reviewed by the director in consultation with faculty.  The student may be denied continued enrollment or given conditional enrollment for the second semester. When a student is conditionally enrolled due to academic probation, he or she may take general education or elective courses only after BSN courses are completed.

Within one calendar week following the review of a student’s academic program, the program director will inform the student of any resulting action.  Students may appeal all actions of the academic review process.

6.4  Policies for Transcript Evaluation Specific to RN-BSN in Nursing 

1. There are two frequently-used credit systems in United States higher education:  semester hours and quarter hours. Eastern Mennonite University uses the semester hour system.  In the conversion from quarter hours to semester hours, three quarter hours equal two semester hours.  This is based on the amount of time students are in class and the length of the term.
2. Grades of D or above will be accepted for transfer to the RN-BSN in Nursing Program with the exception of the statistics course meeting the core curriculum requirement, for which a grade of C- or better is required.  Grades for accepted transfer credit form the beginning of the student’s grade point average at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU). Students must have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average to enroll in the RN-BSN Program and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 to graduate from EMU.
3. There is no maximum number of semester hours which may be transferred from accredited institutions for students entering the RN-BSN.  Students who complete the RN-BSN will earn a minimum of 43 semester hours of upper-level credit from EMU.
4. Credit for Advanced Placement (AP) examinations, administered in high school settings by Education Testing Services of Princeton, New Jersey, is awarded according to EMU policy.  Verification of AP scores will be required prior to granting credit and may often be obtained from the student’s high school.
5. Credit for basic training completed in the U.S. Armed Services will be awarded on the basis of recommendations from the American Council on Education using the Joint Services Transcript or DD214 documentation provided by the student.  Beyond basic training, military learning evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) may be submitted to the EMU Assessment Committee for review (see item F). The Assessment Committee will invite the student to submit a Professional Schools and Training (PST) proposal for this credit if the course content is compatible with EMU’s Mission Statement.
6. Students may apply a maximum of 20 semester hours of portfolio credit toward the degree.  Portfolio credit includes any credit from professional schools and training and credit for military training beyond basic training.  Portfolio credit is evaluated on two levels. The learning outcome content must be shown to be undergraduate level (as recommended by either EMU faculty or ACE) and the student must show evidence of content mastery (through the professional schools and training process).  Portfolio credit may not be used towards the 60 SH required for admission into the program.
7. Portfolio-type credits transcripted by other institutions are subject to review by the university registrar.  If the credits are approved for transfer, they will count toward the maximum of 20 portfolio/testing credits that may be applied toward the degree.
8. Credit hours earned from Eastern Mennonite Seminary may be applied toward the bachelor’s degree.  However, when this occurs, the credits applied toward the undergraduate degree may not also be applied to a seminary/graduate degree.
9. Students may apply testing credits (CLEP, DSST, institutional or other testing) to the degree.  Testing from other institutions is subject to review by the university registrar. CLEP or DSST testing is not transferred from another institution; a score report will be required to verify the score achieved and the credit to be granted.  Credit for CLEP or DSST exams are awarded per EMU registrar’s policies.
10. Students may apply a maximum of 20 semester hours of technical credit to the degree with no restrictions applied.  The university registrar will determine those credits that are deemed to be technical in nature.
11. No additional core curriculum courses will be required for a student who has completed the RN-BSN curriculum who wishes to complete a second major at EMU.  Students holding a bachelor’s degree from another accredited liberal arts institution will be required to complete the cross cultural and statistics core curriculum requirements.
12. Students wishing to take courses at other institutions after the initial transcript evaluation is complete are advised to contact the academic advisor before beginning the courses in order to be sure the credits will transfer.
13. Official transcripts and test score reports must be received before credit will be posted to the student’s academic record.
14. RN-BSN students may receive 45 semester hours of credit on the basis of having graduated from a diploma nursing program and holding current licensure as a registered nurse.  These 45 hours satisfy the semester hours required for admission to the RN-BSN program because the learning outcomes of a diploma program are considered directly related to the RN-BSN program and, in essence, a prerequisite.  Upon the recommendation of the nursing department, course work in a specific diploma program may meet RN-BSN requirements for human organism sciences.
15. For the RN- BSN nursing curriculum courses, EMU will accept up to 9 credits from other colleges for courses that are similar and successfully completed by the student.  The student is responsible for submitting evidence of successful completion of the course and the course syllabus. The academic adviser will submit the syllabus of the course to the Director. The Director or faculty member who teaches the identified course will review and make a recommendation. This recommendation will be submitted to the Director for the final approval of the course credits to be transferred.  The evaluation shall be as generous as possible without compromising EMU's academic requirements. The recommendations shall include the following: no further requirement is necessary or on rare occasions, the student may be asked to audit (pay audit rate) an EMU course and do a certain assignment that was missing in the course being transferred. Transfer of courses must be done at the time of admission to prevent problems with financial aid.  Approved by Leadership Faculty Team 9/27/17 Updated by Leadership Faculty Team – 10/11/2017
16. EMU rarely accepts transfer courses to replace courses in the major that meet EMU Core Curriculum requirements. This includes the following courses:  CCSSC 440 Cultural Perspectives, SRSEM 450 Issues and Values, and BIST 390 Biblical Perspectives, and CCUS 310 Global Trends in Health. Approved by Leadership Faculty Team 9/27/17, Updated by Leadership Faculty Team – 10/11/2017

Approved by David A. Detrow, University Registrar

6.5  Attendance

RN-BSN in Nursing courses are accelerated courses that rely heavily on in-class activities. Classes broaden students’ exposure to and understanding of different concepts, perspectives, and practices.  Class attendance and full participation are necessary for achieving the learning outcomes for this course. Students are expected to attend all classes in their courses, whether they are face-to-face, hybrid, or fully online. If absolutely necessary, one absence/ course is permitted for 5 week courses and two absences/course for 7 or 8 week courses. The course must be repeated if there are more absences/course than permitted. There should be no more than 3 absences in the whole program.

6.5.1  Recording Attendance

Faculty have mechanisms for documenting weekly student participation and concerns through Moodle and are required to take attendance each week. Absences will be tracked by the Program Assistant, who will inform the Director and/or the Academic Advisor of recurring absences for any student.  It is highly recommended that a student has no more than three absences in the entire program.

Occasionally, a student may be able to join the class using distance technology (such as Zoom), and be counted as present.  In this case, the student MUST arrange this plan with the instructor in a week in advance. If the technology or connection fails, the student will be counted as absent. The instructor may decide that the class activities for that session are not conducive for distance participation, in which case, the student will be counted as absent.

*Faculty are encouraged to respond to students who reach out proactively for help with needs in extenuating circumstances at any point in a course or the whole program. The director and academic advisor will assist faculty and students to create a written completion plan to meet the course objectives in a satisfactory manner.

6.5.2  Absences within one course and the whole program   (*this policy begins fall of 2018)

When the student encounters an unavoidable absence (e.g. work-related required learning; death in the family; illness requiring a trip to provider), the student will notify the course professor before class meets.

The following guidelines apply to absences within one course:

If one (for 5 week courses) or two absences (for 7 or 8 week courses) occur the course instructor has two options:

• adjust the course grade for participation
• require suitable make-up work
• Issue an incomplete (I) grade until the make-up assignment is complete.  If the assigned work is not completed, a zero will be given for the assignment. When an (I) is given for incomplete work in the course, the faculty will make a plan with the student to complete all assignments within six weeks. This written plan is communicated to the academic advisor and student. If the course is not completed within six weeks, the (I) turns to and (F).   

Repeat the course: If three or more absences occur (7 or 8 week course) or two or more absences occur (5-week course) within one course; the whole course must be repeated. The instructor informs the RN-BSN Director and/or the Academic Advisor to discuss the available options with the student and develop a plan to minimize or eliminate absences in subsequent courses.

If tardiness and early departures occur, the instructor may require additional assignments as make-up work, deduct participation points, and/or develop a plan to minimize or eliminate tardiness or early departures in subsequent classes.

6.5.3 Absences online

The face-to-face policy for student attendance also applies to the online program, although online course attendance is defined in a different manner: 

• Student “attendance” in an online course is defined as active participation in the course as described in the course syllabus. Faculty provide students with clear instructions on how they are required to participate in the course each week.
• Any student absent for an entire week is considered to have acquired one absence.

In an online program, students have greater responsibility for scheduling their time and managing the workload of each course.  Because online courses are community driven, attendance requires students to actively participate in a timely manner. To be counted as actively participating, it is not sufficient to login and view the course, but to submit work as described in the course syllabus and to actively participate with classmates and instructors.

6.5.4  Inclement Weather Policy

Face-to-face classes are never cancelled due to inclement weather. On days when weather threatens travel safety, a synchronous online class will be offered in lieu of the face-to-face class.  For evening classes the decision will be made by 2:00 pm on the day of class. For day classes a decision will be made by 6:00 am. An email (using EMU email addresses and Moodle) will be sent to each student and an announcement will be posted in the Moodle course. 

Lancaster hybrid cohorts on site:  The decision will be made by the Associate Provost and posted on the website. Student alerts will be sent to all Lancaster students. The teaching faculty will email students regarding class instructions either by synchronous zoom, online assignments, or a combination of both zoom and online assignments. See Student Handbook for full description of inclement weather policy. 

6.6  Student Performance Evaluation

Faculty evaluate student performance through a variety of means including written summary papers, oral presentations, group presentations, a research project, student journals, quizzes, and class participation. Grading rubrics for assignments are available in the syllabus or Moodle.

6.6.1  Grading Policy

1. Instructors will have the completed grades submitted through myEMU within two weeks after the last assignment for the course is due.  Any student who has not given the instructor any assignment in time to meet this due date will receive an Incomplete (I). Grades will be processed by the office staff and emailed to the student five business days after he or she receives the grade sheet.
2. Students with an Incomplete (I) are required to make arrangements with the instructor to finish the course work within six weeks.  The instructor must submit the plan for completion to the academic adviser. The instructor may decide to deduct one point per day from the final grade, depending upon the student’s circumstances. 
3. If a student has an (I) and fails to make any arrangements with the instructor, the Incomplete will be changed to a grade based upon completed work six weeks after the course is over.

6.6.2  Grading System

The numerical breakdown for the different letter grades is shown in the following table.

Other Letter Grades Defined

• I = Incomplete.  Allowed at the discretion of the instructor only in case of a justifiable emergency or other unforeseen problem.  An incomplete (I) must be removed six weeks after the close of the course in which it was obtained, or it is replaced by an F.  Faculty must develop a plan with the student to complete the course work and the academic advisor must be notified via emails. No incomplete (I) can be given without a plan.
• P = Pass.  Earned credit that does not calculate into the grade point average.
• W = Withdrawal.  Indicates the student withdrew from the course after completing one half or less of the total sessions included in the seven/eight week courses.  

• For the 15 week courses, a W is given if the student withdraws/drops between the 5th and 9th weeks and receives a prorated refund.  After the 9th week, the total cost of the course must be paid. 
• For 7-8 week courses, a W is given if the student withdraws/drops prior to the 3rd or 4th week.

Letter grades are not assigned to portfolio credit 3035.

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0.  No grade below C- earned in a course, including the EBPP and the statistics core curriculum requirement, will count toward graduation requirements.  D, F, I, and W grades in courses cannot be counted as satisfactory completion of coursework.

6.6.3  Quality Points

6.6.4  Dean’s List

To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must complete 12 or more graded semester hours, earn a semester grade point average of 3.75 or above and receive no grades of W, I, D or F for the semester.

6.6.5  Change of Grade/Academic Appeal Steps

Students have a period of six weeks from the day grades are issued by the instructor to question the accuracy and completeness of the grade reported.  The academic record after that will be considered final.

Appeals for final grade of a course:

Step I:  The student approaches the instructor and attempts to resolve the issue.  In the event the issue is not resolved, the student moves to Step II.

Step II:  The student presents the grievance and supporting data in writing to the program location coordinator within one month of the time the instructor issued the grade.  The location coordinator attempts to resolve the issue. If the issue is not resolved at this level, the student moves to Step III.

Step III:  Within six weeks of the time the instructor issued the grade, the student requests in writing to the program director that the grievance and supporting data be brought before the Appeals Committee.  If the appeal reaches this step, then Step IV is also initiated.

Step IV:  The program director initiates a meeting of the Appeals Committee within three weeks after the appeal is received.  The Appeals Committee consists of the dean, program director and if appropriate, an impartial faculty member from the discipline in which the grade is being appealed.  This committee will respond in writing to the student when the decision has been reached.

 6.6.6  Student Assessment

The university reserves the right to require students to participate in institutional testing programs as part of ongoing assessment of student outcomes.

6.7  Academic Standing

The student’s academic standing is continually monitored by the director in consultation with faculty.

6.7.1  Incomplete Grades

All "I" grades must be changed to a letter grade within six weeks unless special arrangements are made with the program director and faculty.

The instructor will determine the date by which the student must complete requirements for the course, and will submit the final grade, within the following time frames:

• An "I" grade for a fall semester course must be resolved to a final grade not later than March 31 of the following semester.
• An "I" grade for a spring semester course must be resolved not later than September 30 of the upcoming fall semester.
• An "I" grade for a summer course must be resolved not later than November 30 of the upcoming fall semester.

An "I" grade not resolved by the dates identified will be changed to an "F" by the University Registrar's Office.

6.8  Portfolio Assessment of Prior Learning

Below are the guidelines adopted in 1998 by the EMU faculty with regards to awarding credit for prior learning. Some adaptations were made in 2018 when the new curriculum was adopted.

6.8.1  Credit for College Level Learning

Professional judgment must be used to evaluate the level of concepts presented in a particular prior learning experience.  This judgment may be made by a recognized professional organization (for example, the American Council on Education, or ACE) or by individual professionals from the EMU faculty.  An appropriate number of semester hours of credit will be recommended for a particular prior learning experience, by the same professional source.

6.8.2  Credit upon Demonstration of Mastery of Learning Outcomes

Individual students must show that they have mastered the content at a satisfactory level.  Mastery may be validated via test scores. In addition to these methods, an evaluator or the Assessment Committee may desire to interview the student to validate mastery.

Student Learning Outcomes

6.8.3  Credit upon Meeting Requirements of the Registrar’s Office

EMU will not award credit twice for the same content material.  If a portfolio item repeats content in a transcript item or in the RN-BSN program, credit will not be awarded.  In addition, a maximum number of semester hours may be awarded from different sources of credit (see Transcript Evaluation Policy).

6.8.4  Prior Learning Categories

Prior learning experiences can come from a variety of sources.  They can be divided into three categories, each of which requires a different procedure for the awarding of credit.  The four categories are:

1. Graded transcript credit
2. Regulated examination credit
3. Professional schools and training (PST), including CEUs

PSTs are considered ‘portfolio credit’, primarily because in each case there is no third party evaluation of the student’s mastery.  Evidence of learning is presented by the student, and faculty members make a professional decision about the student’s mastery of the content.

6.8.5  Academic Advisory Role

The Academic Advisor works with individual students to determine the types of credit the student needs in order to fulfill EMU graduation requirements, as well as to offer suggestions for earning that credit. 

The Academic Advisor is not responsible for making final decisions about the undergraduate nature of learning, the student’s mastery of content, or the number of semester hours to award.  The Academic Advisor consults the following professional sources in determining a recommendation for awarding credit: faculty from the academic departments involved, publications such as The National Guide (published by the American Council on Education), or institutional testing organizations (e.g. Educational Testing Service).  When necessary to establish the undergraduate nature of a particular program, the Academic Advisor will create an evaluation team of faculty members to examine the learning objectives of the program in question and make a judgment about the level of the program content and the number of semester hours which should be awarded for successful mastery of the content.  The Academic Advisor will facilitate this process by obtaining materials from the program in question and possibly setting up an interview between team members and the program director. The evaluation team will document the decision to accept the content of the program in question and the present rationale.

The Academic Advisor will maintain a record of all previously accepted credit proposals.  Once a program has been approved for credit, either through the ACE guide or by an evaluation team, it will not be necessary to re-examine the program content each time another student petitions for credit from that program.  Students will need to provide evidence of their mastery of the content through a written response to a series of established questions. Students wishing to apply for portfolio credit should contact the academic advisor for more information about learning documentation.

The Academic Advisor will develop and provide training for assessment committee members. The prior learning assessment policy will be evaluated every two years by the academic advisors, the program director, and the university registrar.

6.8.6  Assessment Committee’s Role

The role of the Assessment Committee is to give a final recommendation that credit be awarded.  The Committee is made up of the RN-BSN Program Director and faculty members and serves as a check to the individual faculty evaluator’s recommendations and the presentation of the academic advisor.  Faculty are assigned to the Committee by the provost and serve a two year term.

6.9  Library Use Policy

The overdue book return policy is the same for RN-BSN students and traditional campus students.  The unique nature of the Lancaster location requires separate policies from the main campus.

6.9.1  Journal Articles (Lancaster Students)

1. Articles from print journals owned by EMU will be scanned and posted to the web.  Students will receive an email which gives details on how to access these documents.
2. Inter library Loan (ILL) photocopies will be posted to the web or sent via email for students or administration at the Lancaster location.

6.9.2  Hartzler Library Books (Lancaster Students)

1. Books are checked out from the Hartzler Library on the main campus and shipped via courier to the Lancaster location.  When the student returns items to the Lancaster office, the return date should be marked on the yellow wrap. Materials may be sent back to Harrisonburg by courier or mail.
2. Hartzler Library books taken to the Lancaster location by a professor as a resource for a class are charged to the professor’s account and the professor is responsible for these items.

6.9.3  Requests for Materials (Lancaster Students)

Requests for materials should be made using the following methods:

• For books owned by EMU housed at the main campus, use the “I need materials > Off Campus Student Request link in Sadie.  Use your EMU ID number for “My ID is”.
• The library home page provides access to an ILL form for books and journal articles.
• There is access to an ILL form through most of the databases EMU licenses.

Books secured through ILL for Lancaster personnel will be shipped to Lancaster as soon as possible.  EMU faculty, staff and students are expected to honor all due dates and make sure these materials are returned to Harrisonburg by the date they are due.  Inter library loan books should be mailed back via UPS.

6.9.4  Overdue Notices

Patrons receive an email reminder notice three days before items are due and an overdue notice on the day after the due date.  Both of the emails provide a link into Sadie to renew items if there are no holds or overdue fines.

6.9.5  Recall of Materials

Holds may be placed on materials that are checked out.  After an item has been checked out for two weeks it is subject to recall.  The Hartzler Library reserves the right to recall any materials requested by a professor for use in a class.

6.9.6  Reference and Other Assistance

The library staff is available to assist students in their research by calling (540) 432-4185 or (800) 205-9996.  Students should identify themselves as EMU students and clarify if they attend class at the Lancaster location or the Main campus.  There is a Help form available at the library website; click on the “Need Help” link and choose the “Ask a Librarian” link.

6.9.7  Information Resources

Students have access to numerous resources available through the library website.  There are links to research databases which provide access to journal articles. Students can find electronic books and reference sources through Sadie.  When using these resources from off-campus and at the Lancaster location, students will need to authenticate using their Royal username and password.

6.10  Intellectual Property Policy

6.11  Academic Integrity

6.12  Participation in Commencement

There is one EMU commencement exercise in Harrisonburg, VA and one EMU commencement in Lancaster, PA per year occurring in late April or early May.  Cohorts participate in commencement as a group even though some cohort members may not have completed all of the requirements. In general, all cohorts beginning in one academic year are invited to participate in commencement the following academic year.

Although the RN-BSN follows a different format from the traditional undergraduate programs, nevertheless, the RN-BSN students participating in the commencement exercises are interspersed with the traditional undergraduate students.  They will walk in alphabetical order within the following categories: December bachelor of arts, December bachelor of science, April bachelor of arts, April bachelor of science, summer bachelor of arts, summer bachelor of science.

6.13  Diploma Dates

RN-BSN students are certified for graduation when the academic advisor and the registrar confirm that the student has met all requirements for graduation.  There are four diploma dates: 1) the last day of fall semester in December, 2) the end of spring semester, late April or early May, 3) the last day of the second term of the traditional undergraduate summer school program in mid June and 4) in August, several weeks prior to the beginning of the fall semester.   The degree date assigned to a student is based not only on the completion date of the final requirement but also on the date when documentation of that credit is provided. When documentation (an official transcript, CLEP score report, etc.) is received by EMU within one month following a given degree date, that degree date will be assigned. When documentation is received more than one month following the most recent degree date, the first future degree date will be assigned.  

6.14  Transcript and Enrollment Verification

To assure the confidentiality of academic records, any request for a transcript must be made in writing and must come from the student.  To order an official transcript and additional information go to http://www.emu.edu/registrar/transcripts/. Students should allow 3-5 business days for processing.  All tuition and fees must be paid in full before a diploma or transcript may be released.  

Enrollment verification requests should be forwarded to the RN-BSN Academic Advisor. The begin date for verification is week one and the end date is week 76.

6.15  Degree Completion Requirements

Prior to admission to the RN-BSN, the academic advisor will meet with each student to review the courses required for degree completion.  While enrolled in the RN-BSN program, the advisor is available to students to discuss degree completion, upcoming courses, etc.. 

6.16  Academic Honors

To qualify for graduation honors, students must earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.6 or above, complete at least 31 graded semester hours at EMU and receive no grades below a C- at EMU or elsewhere once enrollment commences and while pursuing a degree from the RN-BSN in Nursing program. The career grade point average includes grades from all course work transferred to EMU.

• Cum Laude:  3.60 – 3.79
• Magna Cum Laude:  3.80 – 3.89
• Summa Cum Laude:  3.90 – 4.0

6.16  Policy on Clinical Practicum Experiences

The clinical experience is a nursing practicum experience which integrates classroom learning with client care, professionalism, and socialization into the nursing role. To facilitate transformational learning, active participation is essential and attendance is mandatory. Active participation entails a place where students show interest, ask questions and get involved in all clinical experiences.

General

Clinical Experiences are required by our accrediting agency, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and are scheduled as part of Community Health and Family Health courses.  For all clinical experiences, students are expected to adhere to the agency policy on infection control including following standard/universal precautions at all times.  

Students are responsible to follow expectations and policies of the facility where they are completing the clinical experience.

Specific guidelines for clinical experiences are found in the course syllabus and/or the course Moodle page.

Grading

While feedback may be obtained from an agency representative or a family, the course faculty is responsible for the evaluation and grading of all student work.

Transportation

Students are responsible for their own transportation to clinical agencies 

CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS

All documentation verifying clinical requirements are to be provided to the Director of Healthcare Programs or the Nursing Department Chair.

Criminal Background Check

 Admitted students will be required to complete a criminal background check prior to beginning the clinical level of the nursing program. Criminal records will be addressed by the Nursing Department on a case-by-case basis.  Students should be aware that certain crimes may prohibit them from participating in clinical experiences that are required for the program and/or may affect their ability to take the NCLEX-RN.  If you cannot sign, please let us know as soon as possible, because you will not be permitted to enter the nursing program. A guidance document is available on the admissions requirements pages of our website www.emu.edu/nursing.  

Background checks are completed by using the following site, www.castlebranch.com 

Background checks will not be accepted from any other source.

Background checks must be completed by the last day of the third course in the program.

Vaccinations

All students are strongly encouraged to have the following: TB skin testing/screening, immunizations including MMR, Varicella, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, influenza and COVID-19. To protect potentially vulnerable individuals during practicum experiences, students will be required to wear a mask if they are not current on their vaccinations. Specific details and requirements related to vaccinations, permission forms, and mask requirements are included in individual course syllabi. 

PROFESSIONALISM IN THE CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Confidentiality

• Confidentiality of client information is to be maintained at all times congruent with HIPAA regulations. It is against all agencies’ policies for students to access client records online from an off-site location.

• Students should never post to any social media any confidential information to which they are exposed while at a clinical agency including client names, demographics, proprietary, operational or financial information. They should also not post anything that would negatively impact the health care organization’s reputation or brand; instead, they should bring any concerns to the attention of the course instructor. 

Maintaining appropriate personal boundaries includes:

• Abstaining from flirting, gossiping, or discussing personal relationships; 
• Keeping telephone numbers and email or other electronic addresses private from clients and their families. However, there may be times when sharing one’s telephone number might be appropriate in Community and Family clinical experiences. It is suggested to consult the appropriate faculty before doing so.
• Receiving gifts only according to the agency policy. Accepting gifts from clients is strongly discouraged;
• Contacting course faculty during normal working hours whenever possible (or according to faculty instructions) unless there is an extreme emergency. 

Professional appearance expectations

• Professional dress:  Business Casual defined as dress slack/skirt with polo shirt/ dress shirt/ blouse, closed toe shoes along with a white lab coat and EMU ID in the following settings:

• Additional Guidelines: No jeans, shorts, capris or sweatshirts; tops or shirts must cover the waist at all times (skin should not be visible when leaning forward, backward, or when arms are above the head); and shirts/blouses should have modest necklines showing minimal to no cleavage. Tops or shirts should be loose fitting. 

Approved 7/12/2022