Master of Nursing Student Handbook 2008-2009 - School of Nursing ...

Master of Nursing Student Handbook 2008-2009
Students are responsible for keeping up to date on all of the policies and procedures via the School of Nursing website:
www.nursing.umn.edu. The information in this handbook and other University catalogs, publications, or announcements is subject to change
without notice. University offices can provide current information about possible changes.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
School of Nursing
Master of Nursing (MN) Program 2
Philosophy of Nursing Education 2
Mission Statements 2-3
Diversity Statement 3
Equal Opportunity Statement 3
Accreditation 3
Program Objectives 3-4
Curriculum & Requirements
Academic Calendar 4
MN Degree Options 4
Transfer Credits 4-5
Registration 5
Leave of Absence 5-6
Computer & E-mail Requirements 6
Writing Standards 6
Grading & Transcripts 6
Attendance 7
Advising 7
Holds 7
Graduation Requirements & Time Limits 7
Commencement 7-8
Policies & Procedures
Access to Student Records 8
Student Expectations 8
Student Code of Conduct 8
Academic Code of Conduct 8
Grievances 9
Professional & Health Policies
Immunizations 9
Background Check and Nursing License 9
Health Insurance 9
HIPAA and Data Security 9-10
Appearance & Dress Requirements 10
Financial Resources
Tuition and Financial Aid 10
Residency and Reciprocity 10-11
Scholarships 11
University Resources
Office of Student and Career Advancement Services 11
International Student and Scholar Services 11
Council for Health Interdisciplinary Programs (CHIP) 11
Office for Multicultural Affairs 11
Computer Information Services 11
Disability Services 12
Student Mental Health 12
U Card 12
University Senate 12
University Information Centers 12-13
Professional Licensure 13
Student Groups & Organizations
School of Nursing Alumni Society 13
Nursing College Board 13
Alpha Tau Delta 13
National Student Nursing Association 13
Sigma Theta Tau International 13-14

THE MASTER OF NURSING (MN) PROGRAM
In 2006, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents authorized the School of Nursing (SoN) to offer
a Master of Nursing (MN) degree. This program is for people who have a bachelor's degree but are
not yet nurses. The program is an intensive, full-time, 16-month program leading to eligibility to
become licensed as a registered nurse (RN). This program responds to changes in health care,
especially the nursing shortage, by offering a way for people who already have bachelors, masters or
doctoral degrees in other fields to enter nursing as a second career. It provides an excellent
foundation for either the nursing Ph.D. or the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree (DNP) at the School
of Nursing
MN Bridge Program. This is for students who completed the Post Baccalaureate Certificate in nursing
program at the University of Minnesota. This 9-credit program involves both coursework and a
clinically-based capstone project. This option will be offered for a limited time.
PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING EDUCATION
Nursing is a professional discipline involving both an art and a science that exists to identify and
respond to the health concerns of society. The evolving body of nursing knowledge reflects nursing’s
holistic perspective of human beings. This body of knowledge includes nursing science, nursing
history, and nursing philosophy and ethics. Multiple methods of inquiry are used to gain an
understanding of phenomena such as patterns of client-environment interaction, the lived experience
of health, and the relationship of actions to health outcomes.
In providing services to society, nursing practice is based on knowledge from the discipline of nursing,
complemented by knowledge from other disciplines. Provision of nursing care is more than the
synthesis and application of knowledge; it requires ethical determinations, accountability, and the
creative use of nursing skills. Nursing care involves the personal expression of a caring, competent
nurse using self as the primary instrument.
The clients of nursing services include individuals, families, groups, and communities who are viewed
holistically within the context of their environments. The focus of nursing is on the health of the client,
whether well or ill. Since diversity in the backgrounds of persons influences their perceptions of
health, the definitions of health held by clients, nurses, and society may be in conflict. Therefore, it is
important for nurses to acknowledge their definitions of health and to know and respect clients’
definitions and perceptions. Nurses and clients work together to achieve mutually established health
goals related to areas such as functional ability, comfort, self-determination, independence, human
potential, and well-being.
Nursing care is provided in a variety of settings in collaboration with other professionals. Multilevel,
interdependent nursing roles are needed for providing care; each role requires distinct educational
preparation. All nursing students experience learning as a dynamic, interactive process in which
faculty and student alike participate. Students work with clinical nursing experts, participate in nursing
research, and develop skills essential to excellence in practice, scholarship and leadership in a variety
of settings. Students are engaged and actively involved in the processes of learning; curriculum and
faculty facilitate the development of graduates as life-long learners.
SCHOOL OF NURSING MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the SoN is to generate and disseminate knowledge necessary for promoting health by
developing and improving the nursing care of individuals, families, communities and populations that
Master of Nursing Handbook 2008-09, page 2

eflect diversity in society. This mission contributes to the achievement of the three-part mission of the
University of Minnesota.
• The research mission of the school is the continuing development of the discipline and
profession of nursing through basic and applied nursing inquiry and through research-based
practice.
• The education mission of the school is to prepare persons who are skilled in the delivery of
nursing care and the development of nursing knowledge to improve client outcomes and who
will provide leadership in nursing research, education and practice.
• The service mission of the school is to share the nursing expertise of the members of the
School of Nursing with the wider community.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MISSION STATEMENT
In all of its activities, the University strives to sustain an open exchange of ideas in an environment
that embodies the values of academic freedom, responsibility, integrity, and cooperation; that provides
an atmosphere of mutual respect, free from racism, sexism, and other forms of prejudice and
intolerance; that assists individuals, institutions, and communities in responding to a continuously
changing work; that is conscious of and responsive to the needs of the many communities it is
committed to serving; that creates and supports partnerships within the university, with other
educational systems, and with communities to achieve common goals; and that inspires, sets high
expectations for, and empowers the individuals within its community.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
The growing diversity of the nation's population underscores the need to prepare future nursing
practitioners and researchers who are knowledgeable and sensitive to the population's needs. The
SoN seeks to admit and educate a diverse student body, both in order to enrich the students'
educational experience and to prepare them to meet the health needs of a diverse society.
Student body characteristics that will enhance diversity in the school include leadership qualities, a
strong work, community or public service record, special talents and interests, gender (males are
underrepresented in the nursing profession), and a wide range of economic, social, racial/ethnic and
geographic backgrounds.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its
programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex,
age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and
Affirmative Action, University of Minnesota, 419 Morrill Hall, 100 Church Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN
55455, (612) 624-9547, eoaa@umn.edu, www.eoaffact.umn.edu.
COMMISSION ON COLLEGIATE NURSING EDUCATION (CCNE) ACCREDITATION
Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, the CCNE
is an autonomous accrediting agency contributing to the improvement of the public's health. CCNE
ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate education programs preparing
effective nurses. Visit their website for more information: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Accreditation/.
The School of Nursing programs are accredited by CCNE. Reaccreditation is scheduled for 2010. The
Master of Nursing program is also fully recognized by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Graduates of
the program are eligible to take the Registered Nursing licensure examination (N-CLEX).
MASTER OF NURSING PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The Master of Nursing Program is for high-ability, achievement-oriented students who have an earned
baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing. The program provides a challenging learning
environment with innovative approaches to faculty-student relationships and scholarly learning
Master of Nursing Handbook 2008-09, page 3

experiences. Nursing courses include lectures, seminars, laboratories, and clinical practice. Students
learn patient/client care in hospitals, clinics, homes, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare
settings. Students provide care to clients with diverse health care problems in real life situations.
The MN Program prepares graduates who are ready for entry into nursing practice and for continuing
to work toward advanced practice specialization. They are prepared to provide nursing care in a
variety of settings, to use a scholarly approach in acquiring knowledge, to be life-long learners, and to
be leaders in nursing. Graduates identify with nursing as a profession, and are able to articulate the
nurse's role to other disciplines in healthcare and to the public.
At the completion of the program, the students will:
• View individuals, families, communities and populations as unique and as interacting with an
ever-changing environment.
• Describe a focus of nursing as caring in the human health experience.
• Demonstrate competence in the delivery of nursing care that reflects sensitivity to diversity.
• Understand the contributions of philosophic, empiric and aesthetic knowledge to the
development of the discipline of nursing.
• Develop and evaluate positions on moral and ethical issues in health care.
• Understand multiple methods of research.
• Appreciate the obligation for lifelong learning in professional nursing practice.
• Use critical thinking skills to evaluate knowledge for its relevance to practice and for its
potential for contributing to the discipline.
• Foster innovation and manage change in the delivery of care to improve outcomes.
CURRICULUM & REQUIREMENTS
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The SoN follows the University of Minnesota’s academic calendar for spring and fall semesters. Summer
courses are on the extended summer term schedule (check with program director or course faculty for
schedules). The fall and spring calendar is online at http://onestop.umn.edu/onestop/calendar.html.
MN DEGREE OPTIONS
MN Program
Fifty-four credits are required for the Master of Nursing program:
Fall I
Nurs 8170: Research in Nursing (3 cr.)
Nurs 5030: Clinical Foundations/Skills Lab (7 cr.)
Nurs 5222 Advanced Physiology (3 cr.)
Phar 5800: Pharmacotherapy for the Health Professions (3 cr.)
Summer I
Nurs 8100: Discipline of Nursing/Theory (3 cr.)
Nurs 5033: Population Response to Health & Mental Illness (5 cr.)
Nurs 5115 may be taken here if it is offered (3 cr.)
Spring I
Nurs 5200: Holistic Assessment (3 cr.)
Nurs 5031: Adults & Elders (6 cr.)
Nurs 5032: Children & Childbearing Families (6 cr.)
Fall II
Nurs 8140: Moral & Ethical Positions in Nursing (3 cr.)
Nurs 5241: Healthcare Leadership (3 cr.)
Nurs 5115: Informatics (or summer if offered) (3 cr.)
Nurs 5034: Clinical Seminar: Nursing Care of Clients with
Complex Health Conditions (2 cr.)
Nurs 5035: Practicum: Nursing Care of Clients with
Complex Health Conditions (4 cr.)
MN Bridge Program
The MN bridge provides coursework for students with U of M Graduate School Post Baccalaureate
Certificate in Nursing in order to progress through to the MN degree. Three courses (9 credits) are
required: Nursing Informatics (NURS 5115), Advanced Physiology (NURS 5222) and a capstone
project (NURS 5830).
TRANSFER CREDITS
If you wish to use a course from another institution to meet program requirements, you must file a
petition through your advisor, who will submit it to the School of Nursing Graduate Admissions and
Master of Nursing Handbook 2008-09, page 4

Progressions committee. No more than 40% of the coursework on your official program of study may
be transfer courses (this equates to 21 credits for the MN program). Course work will be accepted if
content is in compliance with MN Board of Nursing rules and meets requirements of the MN program.
At least 60% of the coursework must be taken as a registered University of Minnesota student in
nursing. Courses are considered transfer courses if they are taken at another institution, taken for
another graduate degree in a program at the University of Minnesota that is not part of the SoN (e.g.,
School of Public Health), coursework taken before being admitted to the MN program and listed on
your transcript as non-degree, or program courses petitioned and approved based on equivalent
work/life experience.
REGISTRATION
To maintain active student status, MN students must register every fall, spring, and summer term.
Those who do not register in the School of Nursing every fall, spring, and summer are considered to
have withdrawn and their SoN records are deactivated. Deactivated students may not register for
courses, take examinations, submit a Degree Plan form, file for graduation, or otherwise participate in
the University community as School of Nursing MN students. Those who wish to resume coursework
must request readmission to the SoN and, if readmitted, must register in the School for the term of
readmission to regain their active status.
A zero-credit, zero-fee, non-graded registration option is available for those students who, because of
extraordinary circumstances, are not able to take courses in a given semester, but must register
solely to meet the continuous registration requirement. NURS 777 does not meet any other
internal/external departmental or agency requirements. You must meet with your advisor to receive
permission to register for NURS 777. Note that late registration fees will be assessed if you register
past the deadline date.
Students receiving financial aid from the University or other agencies, international students with
certain types of visas, and students who wish to use various University services and facilities may
have specific registration requirements; these students are responsible for obtaining information about
such requirements from the appropriate offices.
REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
The University of Minnesota uses an online registration system through One Stop:
www.onestop.umn.edu. To register for courses, you will need to login using your University assigned
Internet ID and password. There is a tutorial on the registration site to help you get started.
After you have registered, you may go back into the registration system and make changes – add
courses, cancel courses, and change grade-bases (A-F or S-N).
Course Permission Numbers. If prerequisites for a course indicate that instructor consent is required
for course entry, or if a course is closed, or if you are trying to register in the second week of the term,
you will be required to enter a permission number in order to register. A permission number
represents the instructor’s consent for entry into a course. You must, therefore, contact the instructor
of the course to get a permission number. Requests for permission numbers should be done via e-
mail. Faculty e-mails are linked to the courses within the One Stop registration system.
Cancellations, Withdrawals and Refunds. File for an official cancellation by computer or at a
registration center as soon as you decide to withdraw from a course or courses. Tuition and course
fees are refunded on a prorated schedule. For more information, go to www.onestop.umn.edu or
contact the Office of the Registrar in 200 Fraser Hall, 612-624-1111.
You are responsible for your registration; carefully check the courses you have registered for and
apprise yourself of the deadlines for cancellations, grade-base changes, and refunds.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
If you know that you will be absent for more than one semester, you must apply for a Leave of
Absence in order to maintain your enrollment status in the SoN. Please submit your request for a
Master of Nursing Handbook 2008-09, page 5

Leave of Absence (form located at www.nursing.umn.edu) to your advisor. Your request will then be
submitted to the SoN Graduate Admissions and Progressions Committee for review. Due to the
nature of pre-licensure programs, students may be required to repeat clinical course work that is more
than 1 year old.
COMPUTER AND E-MAIL REQUIREMENTS
Computer competency is defined as a basic familiarity with computers, use of the internet and e-mail,
and word processing. The SoN requires that all students have e-mail and internet access for
communication and coursework.
All students registered at the University of Minnesota are assigned an e-mail account. Students in the
SoN are expected to have computer competency and to access their University of Minnesota e-mail
account on a regular basis. E-mail is the official mode of communication used by the University of
Minnesota and the School of Nursing. Faculty and staff regularly send announcements, notifications,
and other correspondence to nursing students through e-mail. It is your responsibility to manage your
University e-mail account to ensure you receive official University announcements. Do not forward the
account to another server (e.g., Hotmail or Yahoo).
Before you can use your e-mail account or use the online registration system, you must initiate your
account. To initiate it, go to www.onestop.umn.edu/initiate. You will be asked to submit your Social
Security Number, your Student ID Number, and your date of birth. Then you will set a password that
you may use for accessing your e-mail and other security controlled sites at the University. For any
secure site, the computer will require your Internet ID – also known as you x.500 – (everything up to
the @ sign in your U of M e-mail address, e.g., smit0000) and your password. If you are unable to
initiate your account, contact the helpline at 612-301-HELP.
WRITING STANDARDS
The SoN has adopted the writing standards from the American Psychological Association (APA). All
written assignments must conform to the stylistic requirements outlined by the APA. Students in the
School of Nursing are required to have a copy of the Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association, 5th Edition (2001), which describes correct stylistic formats. Refer to
www.apastyle.org for more information.
GRADING AND TRANSCRIPTS
The SoN uses two grading systems: A-B-C-D-F (with pluses and minuses) and S-N (S stands for
satisfactory and N stands for no credit). School policy dictates that at least two-thirds of the course
credits on a student's official Degree Plan must be taken under the A-F system. All clinical courses
must be taken under the A-F system. In some instances, courses are offered only using one grading
system. Note: Only courses for which you receive A, B, C, and S grades may fulfill degree
requirements, and S-N grades are not calculated in your Grade Point Average (GPA). Students who
do not maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA will be placed on academic probation. The SoN requires a
minimum overall GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) for courses included on the MN Degree Plan. Grading
option changes are not permitted after the second week of the term (earlier for the summer term).
Under provisions of federal and state legislation, examination scores, course grades, and similar
indicators of student academic progress are not public information. Accordingly, such information
cannot be released or made public without written student permission, except for normal educational
and administrative uses within the University.
The Office of the Registrar in Fraser Hall maintains and releases student transcripts, the official
University record of grades and registration symbols for all courses students take. You can request an
official transcript online at www.onestop.umn.edu. With a picture ID you may pick up an unofficial
transcript in person, free of charge, at the Student Service Center (200 Fraser Hall).
To view your recent grades or find out your GPA or total credits visit www.onestop.umn.edu.
Master of Nursing Handbook 2008-09, page 6

ATTENDANCE
School of Nursing instructors determine and inform students of their own policies and procedures
regarding absence from class and examinations. Make-up work is determined at the sole discretion of
the instructors, and they are not obligated to afford or arrange make-up times due to student absence
unless it is due to one of the following circumstances: participation in a formally approved and
scheduled University activity, performance of military or civil duty (such as jury duty) that cannot be
deferred, illness or family emergency.
Students are expected to attend all meetings of their courses. They may be excused from class,
however, to participate in religious observances and for approved University activities. Instructors
must be notified at the beginning of the term about such planned absences and arrangements made
to make-up required work. Instructors are not required to accommodate makeup of laboratory
experiences or examinations to suit students’ personal convenience or to accommodate
situations such as vacations.
ADVISING
The Director of the Master of Nursing program serves as the academic advisor for MN students.
Contact the director at rowan005@umn.edu to discuss course selection, registration issues, and longterm
planning.
HOLDS
If you have a hold on your record, you may not register or obtain transcripts until the hold is cleared
with the office imposing it. Holds may be imposed for unpaid tuition or fees (e.g., library fines),
immunization or HIPAA requirements not completed, or for disciplinary or scholastic reasons. For
example, the School of Nursing will place holds for a low GPA or for too many incompletes. Holds are
most often placed for failure to provide evidence of up-to-date immunizations, criminal background
check, or CPR certification.
You can view any holds on your record via the One Stop website: www.onestop.umn.edu.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS AND TIME LIMITS
Degrees are awarded on the last day of the month in which the student graduates. Master of Nursing
students graduate in December. To qualify for graduation, you must submit the Application for Degree
form on or before the first workday of that month and must complete all program requirements
(including submission of all necessary forms) by the last workday of that month. The degree is
formally posted on the transcript two to three weeks after the last day of the month of graduation.
As an MN student, you must meet the following guidelines:
• Remain an "active" graduate student--meaning you have registered in the semester you plan
to graduate;
• Apply for graduation on or before the first day of the month you wish to graduate; and
• Complete and have all grades posted for courses by the last day of the month you wish to
graduate (any Incomplete grades must be changed to a grade).
All requirements for the MN degree must be completed and the degree awarded within 2 years of
enrollment. The earliest coursework listed on the official MN Degree Plan form, including transfer
credit, may not be older than five years at the time of graduation.
COMMENCEMENT
Generally, commencement will be hosted once per year in December. To participate in the
commencement ceremony, you must be close to completing all requirements for graduation. Your
advisor will help you decide if it is appropriate for you to participate in commencement.
To make sure your name appears in the printed commencement program, you must complete a
Commencement Attendance Request form, have it signed by your advisor, and submit it to the School
of Nursing Office of Student and Career Advancement Services by the deadline listed on the form.
Master of Nursing Handbook 2008-09, page 7

The Commencement Attendance Approval form and commencement instructions are online at
www.nursing.umn.edu in the “current students” section.
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS
The University of Minnesota has established policies regarding privacy and access to student
educational records. The SoN adheres to these policies, which can be found at
www.umn.edu/regents/policies/administrative/Student_Education_Records.pdf. You may review your
file in the Office of Student and Career Advancement Services (5-160 WDH) by appointment. You
may review the information contained in the file but you may not copy or remove it. Requests made to
the Office of Student and Career Advancement Services to send copies of previously submitted
documents such as transcripts or references to other agencies or universities are usually not granted.
Students are expected to maintain their own records and to contact the primary document source for
additional records should the need arise.
EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENT IN RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP, AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
The University has adopted a comprehensive educational program to provide members of the
University community with the knowledge and resources they will need to act as responsible
researchers and scholars. As part of the educational initiative, each graduate program is required to
provide its students—through courses, informal seminars and individual mentoring—opportunities to
learn about ethical issues from a disciplinary perspective and to explore these openly. If you have
questions regarding the nature or fulfillment of the requirement, please consult with your advisor.
Note: students who plan to conduct research with human subjects are required to submit a Human
Subjects form to the Institutional Review Board that reviews research projects involving human
subjects to ensure that two broad standards are upheld: first, that subjects are not placed at undue
risk; second, that they give uncoerced, informed consent to their participation.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
The SoN follows the Student Code of Conduct put forth by the Board of Regents at the University of
Minnesota. The code is available on the Board of Regents website
http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/academic/Student_Conduct_Code.pdf, or through the Office for
Student Conduct and Academic Integrity at http://www1.umn.edu/oscai/.
The Office for Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (OSCAI) endeavors to promote scholastic
responsibility and skill on the part of individual students; to aid faculty and instructional staff in
providing a positive learning environment through the prevention and detection of cheating; and to
serve as a centralized forum for the fair and even-handed resolution of reported cases of student
scholastic dishonesty. Consultations, workshops and other resources are made available through
OSCAI to students as well as faculty to foster academic integrity and to help define, recognize, and
deter instances of scholastic dishonesty.
The Student Conflict Resolution Center (SCRC) provides a full range of services to students with
campus-based complaints or concerns. An ombudsman helps students resolve problems informally.
An advocate is also available to assist students in formal grievance or disciplinary hearings. SCRC
can help students deal with university regulations and policies, or misunderstandings between
students and instructors or administrators. Students may also have concerns about unfair treatment or
may have been accused of a violation of the Student Conduct Code. Visit the SCRC web site at
www.sos.umn.edu.
ACADEMIC CODE OF CONDUCT
The School of Nursing follows the academic code of conduct put forth by the Board of Regents at the
University of Minnesota. The code is available on the Board of Regents website:
http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/academic/Conduct.pdf.
Master of Nursing Handbook 2008-09, page 8

STUDENT ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE POLICY
This policy addresses academic grievances only. It is the goal of the policy to provide a simple and
expeditious process, allowing for both informal and formal resolutions of conflicts:
www.umn.edu/usenate/policies/stugrieve.html for complete document.
PROFESSIONAL & HEALTH POLICIES
IMMUNIZATIONS
All students in the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center (AHC) schools and programs are
required to have immunizations and/or tests as a condition of enrollment. All immunization
requirements must be completed prior to matriculation. See the Boynton Health Service web site for
more information: http://www.bhs.umn.edu/services/AHC.htm#AHC.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK & NURSING LICENSE
Minnesota state law requires a background check on any person who directly works with patients or
residents in health care facilities. The state allows educational programs to initiate the background
studies on their students as an alternative to each licensed facility requesting the studies. Results of
background checks initiated by an educational program may be released to the clinical sites where
our students are placed. Students sign a Release of Information form that allows the School of
Nursing to share results with other facilities. The release form and the results of the background study
are valid for one year only; therefore, you must update both forms each year.
If the results of the background check disqualify you from having direct patient contact and if the
disqualification is not set aside by the Commissioner of Health, you may not be accepted for clinical
placement at licensed facilities. Consequently, you might not be eligible for a degree in our program. If
you are disqualified but have requested reconsideration from the Commissioner of Health, in most
circumstances clinical sites may allow you to continue direct patient contact at their facility, pending
the outcome of the reconsideration. You must, however, provide documentation that you have
requested the reconsideration.
HEALTH INSURANCE
All Academic Health Center students will be automatically enrolled and charged for the University
Sponsored Health Benefit Plan (SHBP). This plan is approximately $1000+ per semester. Students
can have the plan waived if they are enrolled in an employer-based insurance plan, the University
Sponsored Graduate Assistant Plan, or Minnesota Care. To waive the plan, you must provide proof of
insurance in the form of a Certificate of Credible Coverage to the Student Insurance office at Boynton
Health Service: www.bhs.umn.edu.
HIPAA AND DATA SECURITY
HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and requires us to
implement processes with respect to protected health information as well as inform individuals about
how we protect their information. As a nursing student, you must comply with HIPAA and data security
measures outlined by the University of Minnesota.
The University's HIPAA Privacy Training consists of a total of three courses located in you MyU portal:
1. Introduction to HIPAA Privacy and Security Video (video format)
2. Privacy and Confidentiality in Research (interactive module)
3. Privacy and Confidentiality in the Clinical Setting (interactive module
Partnering with the Office of Information Technology, the University Privacy & Security Office
produced the Public Jobs: Private Data University Security Training Program. The program covers
security measures required for handling private data protected under federal and state laws as well as
University policies. You will learn to identify security issues, how to protect data and hardware, and
the protocol for responding to a security problem.
Master of Nursing Handbook 2008-09, page 9

All University faculty, staff, student workers, and health science students and volunteers are required
to take the training. An e-mail message will alert individuals when to go to your MyU portal and log in
using your U of M Internet (X.500) IDs and passwords.
Each training module is assigned to your portal on a staggered schedule, with two weeks between
each course. The content includes not only HIPAA but the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA), Gramm-Leach Bliley Act (GLBA), the Minnesota Data Practices Act, and University policies.
Step by step instructions on how to complete both of these requirements are located at
http://www.ahc.umn.edu/privacy/privtraining/stepbystep/home.html.
If you experience any technical problems, please contact the University Computer Help Line at 612-
301-4357 (or 1-HELP if dialing from on campus).
APPEARANCE & DRESS
All Master of Nursing students are required to wear burgundy scrubs with the approved official logo of
the School of Nursing embroidered in gold on the top while in clinical sites unless otherwise directed
by faculty (e.g. public health). You are also required to wear a white lab coat with the official logo
embroidered in burgundy.
The scrubs and lab coat must be purchased from Signature Concepts through the following website:
http://www.signatureconcepts.com/uofmnursing/.
As part of your nursing education, you will be completing clinical rotations in local hospitals and other
health care settings. While you are at these locations, you are required to dress appropriately as an
ambassador of our University. Jeans or sandals are not appropriate. If you are in an in-patient setting,
you will most likely be required to wear scrubs, in a community clinic setting, business casual dress is
appropriate. You must wear your University of Minnesota issued clinical ID badge at all times at the
clinical sites. The clinical ID badge is obtained from the U Card Office located in Coffman Memorial
Union, room G22 (612-626-9900).
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
TUITION & FINANCIAL AID
Tuition and fee information is located on the One Stop web site at
http://onestop.umn.edu/onestop/Tuition_Billing/Tuition_Rates/Professional_School_Tuition_Rates.html. Rates
are set in July for the next academic year.
The Office of Student Finance (OSF) administers scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans.
Financial aid application packets are available beginning January 1. Check with OSF for application
deadlines. You may also apply on the Web, either: 1) on-campus at one of the 20 self-serve
computers available in 200 Fraser or 2) wherever you have Internet access at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Full financial aid services are available at 200 Fraser Hall (Student Services Center) on the
Minneapolis campus. Financial aid counselors are available during office hours Monday through
Friday on a walk-in basis and by appointment.
Walk-in financial aid counseling is also available for Academic Health students three days a week (M,
W, Th noon-4 p.m.) at 2-693 Moos Tower. The financial aid counselor, Rockne Bergman, can be
reached by phone at 612-624-4138.
RESIDENCY AND RECIPROCITY
Because the University is a state institution, residents of Minnesota pay lower tuition than
nonresidents. The University’s definition of the term “resident” may be different from the definitions
developed by other, non-University agencies. The University does not recognize declarations of
resident status made by other agencies. Thus a person who is a Minnesota resident for tax or voting
Master of Nursing Handbook 2008-09, page 10

purposes, for example, is not necessarily a resident for University of Minnesota tuition and admission
purposes.
For definitions of residency and for more information about policies, or to apply for residency, please
visit http://admissions.tc.umn.edu/PDFs/ResidencyReciprocity00.pdf.
The University has reciprocity agreements with North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and
Manitoba. If you are a resident of any of the above, you may qualify for reciprocity tuition rates. For
more information, call 612-625-6330 or go to 240 Williamson Hall or visit www.onestop.umn.edu.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The SoN Foundation awards scholarships in June for the following year. All active, full-time, MN
students are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted and reviewed only once per year, in spring
semester. Students are informed by e-mail when applications are available. The scholarships are
awarded by various criteria, e.g., GPA, areas of interest, or need. For more information contact the
Office of Student and Career Advancement Services (612-625-7980 or sonstudentinfo@umn.edu).
Because the MN program is an intense, 16-month course of study, we strongly discourage our
students from working while in the program, especially during spring and summer terms.
RESOURCES
OFFICE OF STUDENT AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT SERVICES, SCHOOL OF NURSING
The Office of Student and Career Advancement Services (OSCAS) is your central resource for
information in the School of Nursing. It is located in 5-160 Weaver-Densford Hall, and the office hours
are 8 a.m. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. Contact OSCAS at 612-625-7980 or
sonstudentinfo@umn.edu.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT & SCHOLAR SERVICES (ISSS)
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is the office dedicated to serving the University of
Minnesota's international community. Its primary mission is to assist international students and
scholars in successfully accomplishing the goals that brought them to the University, by using all
available resources. Visit the ISSS Web site at www.isss.umn.edu/.
COUNCIL FOR HEALTH INTERDISCIPLINARY PARTICIPATION (CHIP)
This organization is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience of University health sciences
students, encouraging the exchange of ideas, and opening the lines of communication among
students in the Academic Health Center. The CHIP Student Center is located in 1-425 Malcolm Moos
Health Sciences Tower (612-625-7100).
OFFICE FOR MULTICULTURAL AND ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
The mission of the Office for Multicultural and Academic Affairs (www.oma.umn.edu/ ) is to provide
leadership for fostering a campus environment that values and actively supports an inclusive and
diverse University community; a community where people with diverse racial, ethnic, and religious
backgrounds; women; people with disabilities; people of all sexual orientations, gender identifications,
or gender expressions; and people from diverse social and economic groups are able to thrive and
achieve their full potential.
COMPUTER INFORMATION SERVICES
The University offers many services through Academic and Distributed Computing Services (ADCS),
including walk-in help centers and a helpline (612-301-HELP). Information about ADCS
computer/information services is available online through the Web at http://www1.umn.edu/adcs.
Master of Nursing Handbook 2008-09, page 11

DISABILITY SERVICES
The University's mission is to provide optimal educational opportunities for all students, including
those with disabilities. The University recognizes that reasonable accommodations may be necessary
for students with disabilities to have access to campus programs and facilities. In general, University
policy calls for accommodations to be made on an individualized and flexible basis. Students are
responsible for seeking assistance at the University and making their needs known.
One of the first places to seek assistance is Disability Services (DS). This office is provided by the
University of Minnesota to promote access, which means ensuring the rights of students with
disabilities (e.g., physical, learning, psychiatric, sensory or systemic) and assisting the University in
meetings its obligations under federal and state statutes.
Disability Services has Academic Health Center Liaisons. The DS Academic Health Center Liaisons
provide direct assistance such as: securing documentation of disability conditions, determining and
implementing reasonable accommodations and, referral, and consultation for enrolled and prospective
students. The Academic Health Center Liaisons also provide consultation with and training for faculty
and staff to ensure access to their programs, facilities and services. All services are confidential and
free. For more information or to arrange reasonable accommodations, contact the DS Academic
Health Center Liaisons in the McNamara Alumni Center, Suite180, (612) 626-1333 (voice or TTY) or
visit the Disability Services web site at http://ds.umn.edu/.
STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH
The University of Minnesota offers a web resource (www.mentalhealth.umn.edu) for students, their
parents, faculty, and staff who wish to learn more about mental health and related resources at the
Twin Cities campus.
U CARD
The U Card is an all-purpose identification and access card for students, staff, and faculty. It is used
to cash checks on campus, check out materials at all University libraries, and access the University
Recreation Center, Golf Course Clubhouse, all residence hall dining facilities, and some secured
buildings and computer labs. Up to $50 (nonrefundable) can be deposited into the U Card's account,
allowing for small purchases in vending and copy machines, at some campus restaurants, and for
computer lab printing costs. The U Card has a checking account that can be used to directly deposit
your financial aid credit balance and make debit purchases at all University Bookstores and at
Boynton Health Service. It also works as a calling card. Your first U Card is free. To obtain your U
Card (or if you need a replacement), go to the U Card Office located in Coffman Memorial Union,
room G22 (612-626-9900), and bring your driver’s license or passport. More information is available at
http://www1.umn.edu/ucard/umtc/tchome.html.
UNIVERSITY SENATE
The University Senate (http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/) is the highest body of participatory
government at the University of Minnesota. The Senate has general legislative authority over
educational matters concerning more than one campus or the University as a whole. While it does not
have prescribed responsibilities, it may deal with any issue that affects the academic mission of the
University or the general welfare of faculty, academic professionals, and students. Functions allocated
to the Student Senate include, but are not limited to, matters in the area of student government and
student organizations. In recent years, the Student Senate has previewed certain items that are
scheduled to appear on the Senate agenda in order to better present the student voice on a given
topic.
UNIVERSITY INFORMATION CENTERS
Coffman Union: 612-624-4636 or http://www.coffman.umn.edu.
University directory information: 612-625-5000, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday,
and noon – 6 p.m. Sunday.
Master of Nursing Handbook 2008-09, page 12

Campus events, including SoN events: 612-625-3243 or http://events.tc.umn.edu.
PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE
Examinations for state licensure may be taken after all program requirements have been completed
and the degree awarded. Applications for examination are available from the Minnesota Board of
Nursing or from the state in which you plan to take the examination.
Policies and procedures related to licensure are formulated by boards of nursing; related questions
should be directed to the appropriate board. Deadlines established for applications are strictly
observed.
For more information about Minnesota Nursing requirements, visit: http://www.nursingboard.state.mn.us/.
STUDENT GROUPS & ORGANIZATIONS
SCHOOL OF NURSING ALUMNI SOCIETY
All School of Nursing graduates are encouraged to become members of the School of Nursing Alumni
Society (www.nursing.umn.edu/Alumni_Society/). It goals and objectives are to:
• Link alumni to the University;
• Generate pride and support;
• Affect School of Nursing /University policy;
• Improve the student experience; and
• Expand the Nursing Alumni Society.
NURSING COLLEGE BOARD (NCB)
NCB is the official student organization that represents student interests within the School of Nursing.
The student body elects board representatives. The board promotes unity among nursing students
and provides them with an official mode of communication with faculty, administration, and other
members of the University community. Board activities include representing students on School
committees and planning School events. NCB is part of the Twin Cities Student Association and has
representation in the Minnesota Student Association, Nursing Alumni Society, and Council for Health
Interdisciplinary Participation (CHIP). All students are automatic members of NCB. Contact
ncb@umn.edu for more information.
ALPHA TAU DELTA
This professional nursing fraternity was founded in 1921 on the campus of the University of California
at Berkeley. The Beta Chapter at the University of Minnesota was chartered in 1927. Alpha Tau Delta
is dedicated to developing leadership, maintaining high professional educational standards, providing
service to the community, and encouraging mutual helpfulness and understanding among students in
the profession. Membership is open to all School of Nursing students. See http://www.atdnursing.org/
for further details.
NATIONAL STUDENT NURSING ASSOCIATION (NSNA)
The mission of the National Student Nursing Association is to organize, represent and mentor
students preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses, promote development of skills needed to
be responsible and accountable members of the nursing profession and to advocate for high quality
health care. Over 300 student members participate in the annual convention focused on leadership.
Membership includes the national and School of Nursing organization. Membership is open to all
students in the School of Nursing. See www.nsna.org.
SIGMA THETA TAU INTERNATIONAL
The international honor society of nursing, Sigma Theta Tau, has a chapter at the University of
Minnesota. Installed in 1934, Zeta Chapter is one of the oldest chapters in the country. The honor
society recognizes superior achievement and leadership qualities, fosters high professional
Master of Nursing Handbook 2008-09, page 13

standards, encourages creative work, and strengthens commitment to the ideals and purposes of the
profession. Zeta Chapter sponsors an annual research day, provides grants for research, presents
annual awards for nursing excellence and leadership, and organizes programs of interest to its
members. The membership selects new members from undergraduate and graduate students
nominated by the faculty and from professional nurses in the community nominated by members or
faculty. See www.nursingsociety.org.
Master of Nursing Handbook 2008-09, page 14