Current version - Indiana University South Bend

2563 GRADUATE DEGREES3 COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Students attaining an unsatisfactory grade (below B–)
in any clinical course may repeat the course only once;
nonclinical courses may be repeated more than once if
approved by the Graduate Faculty Council. If a course
must be repeated, the department may specify additional
conditions relating to progression in the program until
the course is successfully completed. Evidence of lack
of progress toward the degree is described as failure to
successfully attain a B– or higher in a course in which
an unsatisfactory grade has been previously received.
Students who do not complete all degree requirements
within six years following initial registration will be
dismissed.
Grading Scale
All courses in the IU South Bend School of Nursing
M.S.N. degree program utilize the following grading
scale in all nursing courses. An attainment of at least
a B–, or 80 percent, is required to successfully pass a
course. Failure to receive a final grade of B– will require
the student to retake the course.
The official grade code of Indiana University includes
quality points for the purpose of determining the
cumulative grade point average. See page 31 for the
grading code scale.
Health Requirements
Students must meet the same immunization and health
requirements as stated for undergraduate nursing
students.
Statement of Essential Abilities
Graduate students must meet the same essential abilities
as stated for undergraduate nursing students.
Professional Nursing Requirements
Students must maintain active health care provider
level CPR status and Indiana R.N. licensure. Two years
of relevant clinical practice as an R.N. in the past five
years are required. Application may be made during the
cycle when the two years of experience as an R.N. will be
reached.
Criminal Background Check
Criminal history background checks are required of all
graduate nursing students in compliance with state and
federal (House Bill 1633) regulations for individuals
in clinical settings and working with patients and
individuals who are vulnerable or minors. Licensure is
also contingent upon the absence of most felony and
some misdemeanor charges. An updated check for an
enrolled student might have a bearing on the clinical
site in which the student will be placed. Students will be
asked to complete a criminal disclosure form each year
in the fall.
A past criminal history may become a significant barrier
to clinical practicum rotation placements. In addition,
current Indiana law states that individuals who have
been convicted of certain crimes may not be employed by
or operate a home health facility or work in the Indiana
public school system. While a conviction of a crime does
not automatically disqualify a student from participation
in community-based clinical, a criminal history may be
grounds for denying progression depending on the facts
and circumstances surrounding each individual case.
Other Policies
In addition to policies described under the general
statement of the School of Nursing, the following policies
govern master’s study in particular.
Credit Transfers
Students must obtain the consent of the graduate program
director before credit earned at other institutions may be
added to the official transcript. A maximum of 6 credit
hours with a minimum grade of B in courses that fulfill
the curriculum requirements may be transferred from
an accredited college or university with the consent
of the graduate program director. Credit hours used
to meet requirements for the Bachelor of Science in
Nursing may not be used toward the Master of Science
in Nursing. Students wishing to take graduate-level
courses at another university to transfer to IU South
Bend are highly encouraged to seek advising regarding
credit transferability. Requests to transfer courses are
reviewed on an individual basis. Specific information
regarding transfer of credit hours can be obtained from
the graduate program director.
Graduate Faculty Council
The Graduate Faculty Council is a group of nursing
faculty and administration who have the primary
function of overseeing the development, delivery and
assessment of the curriculum and program. The Graduate
Faculty Council is responsible for the development
and enactment of nursing graduate studies policies
and procedures pertaining to student issues, including
admission, progression and graduation.
Accreditation
The School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission
on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Indiana State
Board of Nursing, Health Professions Bureau.