MASTERS & POST MASTERS PROGRAM

Decker School of Nursing Requirements for Admission

Admission requirements include:

• a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by a nationally recognized nursing accreditation agency
• completion of a statistics course prior to matriculation
• One of the following criteria must be met:
  • a minimum grade point average of 3.0, or a B average for all undergraduate course work
  • a minimum grade-point average of 3.3 in Nursing Coursework at the baccalaureate level
  • satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination taken within five years prior to admission to the program
• license to practice as a registered professional nurse (New York State licensure preferred)
• a minimum of two satisfactory academic and professional references.

Students are admitted to post master's certificate programs upon completion of a master's degree in nursing. Graduate Record Examination scores are not required for admission to post master's certificate programs.

Students may be admitted provisionally (lacking some part of the application, usually Graduate Record Examination scores) or conditionally (full status dependent on attaining a specific goal, usually a required G.P.A. after a specified number of credits). Students who do not advance from provisional to fully matriculated status (accepted and enrolled) in a specific program leading to a degree in a timely manner (i.e., do not take GREs) will find their registration blocked . Students may take 12 semester credits on a non-matriculated basis.

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Decker School of Nursing Master's Program Objectives

• Employs theoretical and empirical knowledge from the sciences, humanities and nursing as the basis for advanced professional nursing practice.
• Demonstrates high level judgment, autonomy and expert skill in the diagnosis and treatment of responses to health or illness.
• Evaluates research findings for use in clinical and organizational situations to improve nursing care.
• Participates in the investigation of problems relevant to the practice of nursing.
• Effects change in health care delivery to provide high quality and fiscally accountable care.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the advancement of the profession of nursing.
• Demonstrates skill in communication appropriate for professional presentations and writing.
• Exemplifies moral and ethical principles in advanced practice nursing.
• Designs culturally competent care for clients including individuals, families, aggregates and communities.
• Articulates the roles of nurses in advanced practice to health care providers, policy makers and the public.

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PROGRAMS OF STUDY

The Decker School of Nursing offers a program at the graduate level leading to a Master of Science degree. The major and clinical specialization is in family nursing, community health nursing, or gerontological nursing. Students will select a functional role as a nurse practitioner, clinical specialist, educator, or administrator. Students may pursue a dual functional role with additional credits and should speak to an advisor to develop a plan for this. (top)

Family Nursing

This clinical focus prepares the nurse as an expert in family-centered health care family nursing. Graduates are able to assess the health status of client families; provide expert nursing care; coordinate the care given by others; and assume leadership, consultative, and teaching roles with clients and other health personnel. Research skills are used in the analysis and evaluation of nursing practice. All students must complete core courses which address nursing theory, health assessment, nursing research, professional issues, and the health care delivery system. The curriculum is enriched by support courses as well as electives. The clinical focus is family nursing where the family is viewed as a unit which both affects, and is affected by its members. Students are urged to pursue personal and professional goals through their electives, and some opportunity exists for concentration in a specific phase of the life cycle. Functional role courses prepare students as either clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, educators or administrators. Students elect one of these role options. Courses in other functional roles may fulfill elective credit.

Certified nurse midwives who hold a bachelor of science degree in nursing may complete requirements for the master of science degree in family nursing. (top)

Community Health Nursing

Graduates of this program are committed to aiding the community to achieve optimal health as a means of improving life. Graduates are able to assess and diagnose actual and potential health problems of the community; work with families, groups and communities; and assume provider, consultative, leadership, facilitative, and evaluative roles with the community. In addition, graduates are able to apply sociocultural, public health, epidemiological, and advanced nursing theory to the care of families, groups, and communities. Research skills are used in the analysis and evaluation of nursing practice. All graduates must complete core courses that address nursing theory, family theory, health assessment, nursing research, professional issues, and the health care delivery system. Support and elective courses enrich the program. Functional role courses prepare students as nurse educators, nurse administrators, clinical nurse specialists or community health primary care nurse practitioners. (top)

Gerontological Nursing

Graduates of this program are prepared to provide advanced nursing care to older persons in primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings. Graduates are able to provide physical, functional, and psychosocial assessments of elders in homes, hospitals, communities, clinics, and long term care facilities. They are able to plan intervention strategies and work with other members of the health care team to implement plans of care. Research skills are used to analyze and evaluate nursing practice. Functional role courses prepare students as nurse administrators, nurse educators, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse practitioners. All graduates complete core courses as well as elective and support courses. (top)

Nurse Practitioner Certificate Post Masters Programs

Non-degree, postmaster's certificate programs exist in all clinical areas. These programs are available to students already holding a master's degree in nursing who desire preparation as a practitioner. Students are expected to be competent in research and knowledgeable about nursing theory and professional issues. (top)

Advanced Certificate in Nursing Education

Students in the Educator Role can opt to take NURS 556, 557 & 590 (Nurse Educator I, II, & III) and complete the requirements for their degree, however, for those who want to delve more into the Nurse as Educator role may wish to seek the Advanced Certificate in Nursing Education. Students who also complete NURS 558 (Information and Technology in Nursing Education) are eligible to receive the Advanced Certificate status on their transcript.

Students who wish to pursue the Advanced Certificate in Nursing Education must first understand that there will be an additional $100 fee attached to the Certificate per Graduate School Policy. It is suggested that you read about certificates and the policies attached to attaining one. You must also apply online for the certificate and declare candidacy upon completion. The fee is paid once the declaration is filed. (top)

Nursing Concentrations

Concentrations in maternal/child nursing, home health care nursing, and rural nursing are available for students who wish to enhance their knowledge and skill in these areas. (top)

ORGANIZATION OF THE CURRICULUM

Course specific program plans vary dependent upon the student's choice of clinical and role preparation. Because of recent changes in the curriculum it is essential that students meet with faculty advisor each semester. (top)

GENERAL CURRICULUM PLAN FOR M.S. IN NURSING

Semester I (Fall)		Credits
Nurs 530	Scientific Inquiry: Methods	3
Nurs 502	Concepts in Health Assessment	3
Nurs 518	Advanced PathoPhysiology	3
Nurs 532 or Nurs 540*	Nursing & Community Health Care Delivery Systems Epidemiology and Biostatistics	3
	Semester Total	12
Semester II (Spring)
N 503	SI:Theory	2
N 519	Pharmacology	3
N	Clinical I	3
N	Role I	4
	Semester Total	12
Semester III (Fall)
N 535	SI: Application	2
N	Clinical II	3
N	Role II	4
N 532 or Elective*	Health Care Delivery Systems	3
	Semester Total	12
Semester IV (Spring)
N570	ProSeminar	3
N	Clinical III	3
N	Role III	4
Elective		3
	Semester Total	12
	Program Total	48

* Depending upon program

Students complete a sequence of three functional role courses. They may choose the functional role of:

A. Clinical Specialist
B. Nurse Practitioner
C. Educator
D. Administrator

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General Curriculum Plan for

NURSE PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATE

POST MASTER'S

Semester I (Fall)		Credits
N 502	Concepts in Health Assessment	3
N	Supporting Course	0 - 3
N 518	Advanced PathoPhysiology	3
	Semester Total	6 - 9
Semester II (Spring)
N	Clinical I	3
N	Role I	4
N 519	Pharmacology	3
	Semester Total	10
Semester III (Fall)
N	Clinical II	3
N	Role II	4
	Semester Total	7
Semester IV (Spring)
N	Clinical III	3
N	Role III	4
	Semester Total	7
	Program Total	30 - 33

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ELECTIVES

Students may also elect additional instruction in nursing in accordance with their objectives and needs. Present Decker School of Nursing elective offerings include:

		Credits
N 536	Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Nursing	3
N 546	Community Health Planning for Natural, Manmade and Na-Tech Disasters	3
N 547	Community Disaster Preparedness	3
N 561	Social Aspects of Health, Healing and Illness	3
N 567	Fundamentals of Existential-Humanistic Approach to Counseling	3
N 597	Independent Study	1 – 4
N 598	Research Seminar in Nursing	1 – 4

Additional graduate elective courses in related fields are available throughout the University.
Additional elective courses in nursing may also be provided.
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CONCENTRATIONS

MATERNAL CHILD NURSING CONCENTRATION

		Credit Hours
N 580	Maternal Child Nursing I	3
N 582	Maternal Child Nursing II	3
N 592	Advanced Maternal Child Nursing I Clinical Practicum	1
N 593	Advanced Maternal Child Nursing II Clinical Practicum	1
	Total	8

HOME HEALTH CARE CONCENTRATION

		Credit Hours
N 576	Management of Clients in Home Care I	3
N 577	Delivery Issues in Home Health Care	3
N 594	Management of Clients in Home Care Practicum	1
N 595	Delivery Issues in Home Care Practice Practicum	1
	Total	8

RURAL NURSING CONCENTRATION

		Credit Hours
N 586	Rural Health Nursing	3
N 587	Rural Health Nursing Practicum	5
	Total	8

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Part Time Study Options

Students should see an advisor each semester to solidify plans for the following semester

GENERAL PROGRAM PLAN FOR PART TIME STUDY

(8 SEMESTERS)

Semester I (Fall)		Credits
Nurs 502	Concepts in Health Assessment	3
Nurs 518	Advanced PathoPhysiology	3
	Semester Total	6
Semester II (Spring)
N 530	Scientific Inquiry: Methods	3
N 519	Pharmacology	3
	Semester Total	6
Semester III (Fall)
Nurs 503	SI:Theory	3
Nurs 532 or Nurs 540*	Nursing & Community Health Care Delivery Systems Epidemiology and Biostatistics	3
	Semester Total	6
Semester IV (Spring)
N	Clinical I	3
N	Role I	4
	Semester Total	7
Semester V (Fall)
N	Clinical II	3
N	Role II	4
	Semester Total	7
Semester VI (Spring)
N 535	SI: Application	2
N 532 or Elective*	Health Care Delivery Systems	3
	Semester Total	5
Semester VII (Fall)
N570	ProSeminar	3
Elective		3
	Semester Total	6
Semester VIII (Spring)
N	Clinical III	3
N	Role III	4
		7
	Program Total	48

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Prerequisites or Co requisites

Many courses in the program have prerequisite or co requisite requirements. For that reason it is important that you meet with an academic advisor every semester to insure that your program plan is appropriate. The following list of requirements will assist you in planning.

• Nursing 502 prerequisite to clinical courses.
• Nursing 518 prerequisite or co requisite to first clinical course for nurse practitioner students.
• Nursing 540 is prerequisite to community health clinical courses.
• Nursing 530, 503, and 535 need to be taken sequentially as written.
• Nursing 518 and 519 are sequential courses.
• Nursing 570 must be taken concurrently with or after the third role course.

Clinical and role courses must be taken in order (I, II, III). When clinical and role courses cannot be taken together (i.e., Nursing 521 Family I and Nursing 553 Nurse Practitioner Role I) the corresponding clinical course must taken before the role course (i.e., Nursing 521 must be completed before Nursing 553).

In Maternal Child, Home Health or Rural Concentrations, Practicum courses must be taken concurrently with or after the corresponding didactic course (i.e., Nursing 592 must be taken with Nursing 580 or after).

*****The above is a guide only.*****

Please See an Academic Advisor Each Semester to Avoid Delay in Your Educational Program .

Thesis

Students have the option of writing a thesis or completing comprehensive examinations. When the thesis option is chosen, the specific procedure outlined below should be followed.

1. The process of thesis begins when the student makes an appointment with the Graduate Program Coordinator to discuss the topic and feasibility of doing a thesis. Since the thesis becomes a part of the student's graduate program, thesis planning needs to begin as the student gathers interest in the activity.
2. The Graduate Program Coordinator will suggest faculty members who might constitute the committee.
3. The Coordinator of the Graduate Program appoints the committee after meeting with the student and appropriate faculty.
4. Faculty signs a thesis committee agreement constituting commitment to serve.
5. Students can obtain a copy of the Decker School of Nursing Thesis Guidelines in Nursing in the Graduate Office. The Graduate School also releases the University guidelines which can be found at http://gradschool.binghamton.edu/cs/handbook.html#_Toc497259801.

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Comprehensive Exam

If you do not choose to write a thesis, you must successfully complete a comprehensive exam in your last semester of your program. The Comprehensive exams are given in the Nursing Building and take approximately 6 – 8 hours to complete. You are asked to write a paper in response to a question, or series of questions. Two faculty members within your discipline will grade the comprehensive exams blindly.

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DOCTORAL PROGRAM

Ph.D. PROGRAM

Decker School of Nursing Requirements for Admission to the Doctoral Program

Admission requirements include: a baccalaureate and master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program (equivalent to CCNE or NLN); completion of a descriptive statistics course prior to matriculation; a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 at the graduate level; satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination taken within five years prior to admission to the program; license to practice as a registered professional nurse; a minimum of three satisfactory academic and professional references, and proficiency in at least one commonly used computer based word processing program. Official TOEFL or MELAB scores are required for international students.

Writing samples and personal interview are used to access students academic ability and fit with the research focus of the school. (top)

PhD Full Time Program of Study

Year 01
Fall		Credits
N600	Advanced Quantitative Analysis	3
N601	Theoretical and Concept Analysis Nursing Science	3
N621	The Rural Imperative: Theoretical Analysis	3
N640	Rural People and Communities in Metropolitan Society I (Cognate)	3
	Semester Total	12
Spring
N602	Conceptual Analysis Investigation of Nursing Phenomenon	3
N623 OR	Clinical Semester Rural Health: Health Promotion	3
N624	Clinical Semester Rural Health: Response to Illness
N603	Advanced Statistics: Multivariate	3
N641	Rural People and Communities in Metropolitan Society II (Cognate)	3
	Semester Total	12
Year 02
Fall
N604	Qualitative Methods for Nursing Research	3
N633	Advanced Health Systems	3
Cognate		3
	Semester Total	9
Spring
N606	Advanced Clinical Research Practicum	3
N605	Measurement of Nursing Phenomenon	3
N634	Health Policy Formulation	3
	Semester Total	9
Year 03
Fall
N607	Advanced Research Practicum	3
N660	Nurse Scholar in Health Care Systems	3
Cognate		3
	Semester Total	9
Spring
N699	Dissertation	15
	Program Total Credits	66

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Part time study Options

Year 01
Fall		Credits
N600	Advanced Quantitative Analysis	3
N640	Rural People and Communities in Metropolitan Society I (Cognate)	3
	Semester Total	6
Spring
N641	Rural People and Communities in Metropolitan Society II (Cognate)	3
N603	Advanced Statistics: Multivariate	3
	Semester Total	6
Year 02
Fall
N601	Theoretical and Concept Analysis Nursing Science	3
N621	The Rural Imperative: Theoretical Analysis	3
	Semester Total	6
Spring
N624 OR	Clinical Semester Rural Health: Response to Illness	3
N623	Clinical Semester Rural Health: Health Promotion
N602	Conceptual Analysis Investigation of Nursing Phenomenon	3
	Semester Total	6
Year 03
Fall
N633	Advanced Health Systems	3
Cognate		3
	Semester Total	6
Spring
N605	Measurement of Nursing Phenomenon	3
N606	Advanced Clinical Research Practicum	3
	Semester Total	6
Year 04
Fall
N604	Qualitative Methods for Nursing Research	3
	Semester Total	3
Spring
Cognate		3
N634	Health Policy Formulation	3
	Semester Total	9
Year 05
Fall
N660	Nurse Scholar in Health Care Systems	3
N607	Advanced Research Practicum	3
	Semester Total	9
Spring
N699	Dissertation	5
	Semester Total	5
Year 06
Fall
N699	Dissertation	5
	Semester Total	5
Spring
N699	Dissertation	5
	Semester Total	5
	Program Total Credits	66

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The Program

The Ph.D. program in nursing is designed to prepare nurse scholars with skills and knowledge necessary to conduct research in rural health. Graduates of the program are expected to assume leadership roles in rural health in academic and practice settings.

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Faculty Advisors

Doctoral students will be assigned a faculty advisor to assist in program planning. As the students' research interests become more fully defined it is likely that the faculty member who is or is likely to become dissertation chair will assume primary advising activity.

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Teaching Requirement

Since it is likely that the majority of students graduating from the program will be employed in academic settings, students must demonstrate expertise in teaching before graduation. Specific guidelines for meeting this requirement are being developed.

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Qualifying Examination

Students beginning the program in 2004 will be required to take a qualifying examination after the completion of 12 credits. The purpose of the exam is to predict students' success and/or determine if students need to receive additional guidance and mentoring in fundamental areas of research prior to continuing in the program. If successful, students may progress as their program plan dictates. If it is determined that they need to receive additional mentoring in research skills, students would have one more opportunity to retake the exam. If a student is still unsuccessful, a meeting with the Graduate Program Coordinator and their Advisor would be necessary. Qualifying exams are given in January and June.
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Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination is planned for the third year of the program (post masters entry level full time students.) The comprehensive examination for part-time students is planned for the summer before Year 5 of the program.

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Dissertation

Students will complete a dissertation before graduation. Nursing 607 Advanced Research Practicum is designated as the course in which the dissertation proposal is prepared. Students will be working with their committee members and course faculty. When the committee agrees that the proposal is complete, an oral defense will be scheduled. The format for the dissertation proposal can be seen in Appendix? Data cannot be collected without approval from the student's committee and Binghamton University Institutional Review Board.

Dissertation committees are formed using the guidelines of the Graduate School. The committee is comprised of a minimum of three members. The chair must be a faculty member in The Decker School of Nursing. Final decision regarding the membership of committees rests with The Doctoral Program Coordinator.

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Petitioning an Academic Regulation

You may petition an Academic Regulation by writing a letter to the Graduate Committee in the School of Nursing. The letter should include all relevant information regarding your situation, why you wish to petition the regulation, and what outcome you are seeking.

Meetings are scheduled on a regular basis during the academic year. Students may attend the meeting to provide further information regarding their petition. If the student does not wish to attend, they may have an advocate speak for them. Your advisor or the Coordinator of the Graduate Program may be able to provide more information prior to your petitioning.

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Your "University Bulletin"

The Bulletin in effect when you matriculate into the School of Nursing stipulates the policies by which you may expect to proceed through the program. For example, if you enter in the Fall 2002, then the 2002-03 Graduate bulletin is your contract with the University. The rules and regulations printed at the time are the ones to be followed while you are a student at Binghamton University.

You may be allowed to change your bulletin. To make the change, you must go to the Graduate Program Coordinator in the School of Nursing to request a change. You can only change to a bulletin printed after you entered the School of Nursing. (You cannot change to a bulletin printed at an earlier date.)

A change is not made unless you request it. After it is approved, your request is placed on file.

For Current University Bulletin see University Bulletin

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Current Level

All students who have completed 24 credits after the baccalaureate degree are considered level 2 students. Students who reach the Level 2 are able to be full time with only 9 credits. Doctoral students are considered Level 3 until they have completed all course work and only need to complete their dissertations (ABD). ABD students are considered Level 4.

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A Normal Academic Load

You are considered a full-time student by the University if you are carrying 12 or more credits per semester until you are Level 2 or greater, then 9 credits is considered full time.

You may be a part-time or full-time matriculated student in the Decker School of Nursing. It is not necessary to formally change your status if you move from part time to full time or full time to part time, but it is important to see an advisor before you change status in order to maintain the integrity of your program.

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Adds, Drops, Etc.

The Office of the University Registrar asks all University students to meet the following deadlines, which are important and rigid.

You may add courses, change sections, or change your grading option only during the first weeks of each semester. This time varies, but it is always announced and posted and never goes beyond the first two weeks of a semester.

Each semester, the University assigns a “drop deadline” date. When a student drops a course before the drop deadline, the course registration will not appear on the transcript. Students who drop a course after the drop deadline may be assigned a “WP” or “WF” depending on the student's performance in the course. A “WF” is calculated as an “F” and will have a profound impact on the G.P.A. If a student stops attending class without officially dropping the course, a grade of “F” will be assigned.

University deadlines are firm. Adds or Drops beyond the indicated time period are subject to a late fee. Whether you are adding or dropping, the procedures are the same. The Office of the University Registrar has the necessary forms available for your use.

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Continuous Registration and Leaves of Absence

All students who have been admitted into a degree granting program (matriculate) must maintain continuous registration each semester for a minimum number of credit hours, or must apply for a formal leave of absence. Unless the student registers or is granted a leave of absence, he/she is ineligible to return until readmitted. Graduate students are not required to maintain matriculation during the Summer Session unless they intend to complete their final degree requirements during this period.

Readmission is not automatic and may be subject to additional conditions set by the department or school or by the Dean of the Graduate School.

Graduate students in a degree program who wish to absent themselves from campus for a semester or two should normally register for one credit of continuous registration. A leave of absence is granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as illness or other unusual personal hardship, and requires detailed justification. Leaves of absence, since they are given for personal hardship reasons, are normally for a maximum of one year. If at all possible, requests for leaves of absence should be submitted one month prior to the semester for which leave is requested.

Leaves of absence are not granted to students working toward a graduate degree who are absenting themselves from campus for a semester or two to undertake thesis or dissertation research elsewhere; such students should maintain continuous registration. Students going off campus to fulfill an internship related to degree requirements should similarly register for at least one credit of continuous registration, unless the department or school specifies a course rubric and a minimum credit hour registration to encompass such internship experience.

When a leave of absence is granted, the period of leave of absence is counted against the time limitation for completing the degree.

During the period of leave of absence, a student is not eligible to participate in the student insurance plan.

Students must be registered during the semester their degree requirements are completed.

A student required to withdraw for disciplinary reasons is not entitled to any refund of tuition.

A student who withdraws to enter military service is granted full tuition refund for the semester if no academic credit is received.

Students withdrawn by the University Counseling Center Office for adjustment difficulties may be granted WPs (Withdrawn Passing), in courses in which they are currently enrolled.
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Withdrawal

To withdraw from the Decker School of Nursing at the end of a semester, you must inform the School of Nursing, the Office of the University Registrar, and the Graduate School, in writing, of your decision.

If you leave in the middle of a semester, you must get a withdrawal form from the Office of the University Registrar and have it signed by all the offices indicated. Failure to do this, and leaving campus without properly withdrawing during a semester, means that you will receive an "F" on your transcript. You must return your I.D. card when you leave the University.

There is no academic penalty for withdrawal from the University up to the last day of class in any given semester.

Students who withdraw prior to the "Drop" deadline will have all courses deleted from their records. Students who withdraw after the "Drop" dead- line will have grade(s) of "W" appear for all courses along with the notation of the date of their withdrawal. (This information will appear on the official transcript.)
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Readmission

All students admitted to a degree program must register for each semester, excluding summer, until all degree requirements have been completed. Students who fail to maintain continuous registration, unless granted a formal leave of absence, are ineligible to resume graduate study until readmission has been approved. A student applying for readmission to a graduate program is subject to the rules, procedures, curriculum, and standards in effect at the time of readmission. Readmission is not automatic and may be subject to additional conditions set by the department or school or by the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies and Research.

Non-matriculated students who fail to register for more than two consecutive semesters, excluding summer, are not permitted to register for courses until they have been readmitted.

Applications for readmission may be obtained from the Graduate Admissions Office or the Graduate Nursing Office. A fee is assessed for all applications for readmission to Binghamton University graduate degree programs.

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Academic Honesty and Integrity

Students are responsible for maintaining the integrity of, and individual responsibility for, course assignments. Failure to do so is a violation of the Academic Honesty Policies of the University and the School. (See policy in Shared Handbook).

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Preparation of Written Assignments for Nursing Courses

Students in School of Nursing courses are required to type all written assignments unless specifically advised otherwise. In addition, the School has adopted the use of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association , latest edition, by the American Psychological Association.

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Transfer Credit

Matriculated students may petition to have credits earned at other institutions transferred toward the Binghamton University School of Nursing Graduate degree. The student should submit the institution's course description, course outline if available, and an official transcript (if one is not already on file) to the Graduate Program Coordinator. Credits petitioned for transfer must not have been used to satisfy the requirements of another degree. (See the University Graduate School Student Handbook (latest edition)). Students enrolled in master's programs may transfer 12 credits.

Credits for which transfer is sought must have been earned in graduate level courses with a grade of at least B. Courses without a letter grade cannot be transferred. When courses are approved for transfer, the letter grades are not reflected in the Binghamton University transcript, nor are they considered in determination of the student's grade point average. Courses taken more than five years prior to matriculation may not be used without approval from the Graduate Office. Consult the nursing graduate office for assistance in this area.

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Grading System of the Graduate School

For the purpose of computing semester or cumulative averages, each letter grade is assigned a quality point value as follows:

A = 4.0	B = 3.0	C = 2.0
A- = 3.7	B- = 2.7	C- = 1.7
B+ = 3.3	C+ = 2.3	F = 0

These letter grade values are combined with course credit hours to produce an average. A cumulative average of 3.0 is required for graduation and to be considered in good standing in the Graduate School.

Students who withdraw from a nursing course after the drop deadline will be assigned a grade of either WP (Withdrawal Passing) or WF (Withdrawal Failing) based upon their performance to date in the course. A grade of "WP" or "WF" will always appear on the student's transcript. A grade of "WF" is counted the same as an "F" and will influence the G.P.A.

Students may repeat courses in which they received a grade of B- or lower upon approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator and the Graduate School. Students should submit a petition to the Office of the Graduate Program Coordinator.

When a course is repeated, with the approval of the Graduate School, the grade received in the second attempt is substituted for the first in the computation of the student's grade-point average and in the awarding of credit. However, the first grade remains on the student transcript.

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Requirements for Graduation

In addition to the general policies of the Graduate School, the following are requirements that must be met by students in the graduate program of the School of Nursing.

1. Students must have a final grade-point average of 3.0 in those courses required for the program in nursing.
2. Successful completion of a comprehensive examination or a thesis administered by the Graduate Committee is required for completion of the master's program. Successful completion of a comprehensive examination and a dissertation is required for the Ph.D.
3. Students enrolled in the master's program are expected to complete degree requirements within five years.

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Probation Policy of the Graduate School

According to the Graduate School policies, "the minimum requirement for continuing status in the Graduate School is the maintenance of a B average".

The Graduate Committee of the Decker School meets at the end of each semester to make recommendations for any student whose G.P.A. falls below a 3.0.

Students whose academic achievement falls below this standard should receive special counseling from their faculty advisors in order to improve their performance to satisfactory levels. In order to assure that students receive such assistance when needed, the Graduate School adopts the following probation policies:

1. A graduate student whose cumulative grade-point average falls below 3.0 may be enrolled subsequently only on a probationary status. While on probation, the student must meet at least once each semester with the appropriate Director of Graduate Studies to review academic performance and progress toward a return to good standing. A graduate student may spend a cumulative maximum of three semesters (excluding summer sessions) on probation.
2. A graduate student whose cumulative grade-point average falls below 2.6 will be considered in academic jeopardy, as well as on probation. Students may be in academic jeopardy for only one semester.

Students whose grade-point average would place them on a fourth semester of probation, or a second semester in academic jeopardy, are not making satisfactory progress toward the degree and will normally be severed from the Graduate School. Continued enrollment will require the specific endorsement of their Director of Graduate Studies and approval by the Dean of the Graduate School.

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Incompletes

Graduate School policies governing incomplete grades are set forth in the Binghamton University Bulletin . Graduate students who receive an “I” (Incomplete) normally will have a maximum of six months to make up an I if they register in the subsequent semester, and a maximum of 1 year if they do not register in the subsequent semester. The particular dates are as follows:

Semester	Registered the Subsequent Semester	Not Registered in the Subsequent Semester
Spring	Last Working Day in November	Last Working Day in May
Fall	Last Working Day in June	Last Working Day in December
Summer	Last Working Day in February	Last Working Day in August

Incomplete grades will revert to a WF at the end of the appropriate period in which the “I” was assigned. Extensions of Incomplete grades can be requested of The Graduate School, however, extensions will not be considered beyond one calendar year from which the “I” was assigned. To request an extension students should obtain the appropriate form from the Graduate Nursing Office.

All incompletes that are prerequisite to specific courses must be completed prior to the beginning of the next semester.

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Statement of Expectations Regarding Computer Literacy

It is expected that all graduate students in the Decker School of Nursing will have a level of computer literacy before they begin graduate study. The expectation for literacy is defined in the following list of expected competencies.

The student will:

1. Understand DOS, Windows or an equivalent operating system so that the student can format disks, save files and copy files with ease.
2. Use at least one computer application, such as word processing or spread sheet.
3. Be fairly competent in keyboard skills.

Students will not be asked to document or demonstrate these skills prior to admission; however, in courses where these skills are required, students who do not have them will be at a great disadvantage. Instructors will not assume responsibility for remediation of these skills. If you need to develop these skills, several options are available.

1. The Decker School of Nursing Undergraduate course N.434 - Computer Applications in Nursing and Health Care - can be taken for credit. The course will not be counted as a required course for the graduate degree.
2. Workshops are available on this campus and may also be available in you local area. Contact the Computer Center for schedules.
3. Formal computer coursework is not necessary. Some students have found it helpful to seek guidance from friends and family members who have familiarity with word processing and internet searching.
4. The Decker School of Nursing has some software available that will provide self-learning. Contact the Kresge Center for Nursing Research for availability.

If you have questions, please come to the Graduate Office for assistance.

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Declaration of Candidacy (Both University and Decker School of Nursing)

At the beginning of the semester in which a student intends to graduate, the student should complete Declaration of Candidacy forms. These forms, which are available at the Graduate Nursing Office and the Office of the Graduate School, should be completed and returned to the Graduate Program Coordinator. A cumulative average of at least 3.0 is required for a graduate degree.

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Audits

The following guidelines must be followed if students register for Audit credit for School of Nursing courses:

1. Individual written contracts for Audit must be established between instructor and student. A copy of this contract should go to the student, the instructor, and the student's file.
2. Grading - the proper grade will be:
3. Audit - if the contract is successfully completed.
4. Withdrawal - if the contract is not completed.

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School of Nursing Uniform Code

The student is required to meet the dress code of any agency to which he/she is assigned for clinical experience. The faculty member will inform students of particular regulations during orientation to the agency/clinical service. Non-compliance to the dress code will lead to disciplinary action by the faculty, relative to the seriousness of the infraction.

Students visiting families in the community not under the aegis of a clinical service/agency with a dress code should dress in a professional manner.

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Nurse Practitioner Certification

Any student who completes a nurse practitioner program will have all forms completed for initial certification (i.e., one state) free of charge. Any subsequent documentation for certification or hospital privileges that is requested (i.e., another state) will be assessed a $10.00 charge. A fee of $25 is assessed for complicated documentation for hospital privileges or certification.

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NCLEX POLICY

All applicants are required to have taken and passed the NCLEX examination prior to the start of classes. Students may be conditionally admitted but they must take and pass the NCLEX exam by the first day of classes.

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Independent Study Guidelines

08/08/03 Pending Acknowledgement of the Graduate Committee

Independent study is a mechanism by which students can study a definitive area in depth under the direction of faculty members. Students engaged in independent study are responsible for their own learning within the guidelines of the learning contract established with the supervising faculty member. Independent study can be counted as elective credit and may, with the approval of the Coordinator of the Graduate Program, be used in place of a regular course. Grading procedures for independent study are determined by the student and the faculty member and may be either normally graded or pass/fail.

Students who wish to pursue independent study should use the following procedures:

• Meet with faculty who have expertise in the area to be studied to determine faculty willingness to supervise.
• Obtain an Independent study Form from the Graduate Office and request that the faculty supervisor sign it.
• Return the signed form to the Graduate Office to complete the registration procedure.
• Establish the learning contract with the faculty supervisor, including objectives, work plan and evaluation procedures.

If the Independent Study involves a clinical component, the following procedures should be followed in addition to those previously stated:

• Clinical placement will be facilitated through the Clinical Site Coordinator in consideration of the goals and objectives of the Independent Study.
• Student and faculty supervisor will clearly articulate in writing, the learning objectives and evaluation procedure (s) to the clinical preceptor prior to the student's initial clinical experience for the Independent Study.
• It is advisable that the student and faculty supervisor confer with the clinical preceptor on a regular basis to discuss the student's clinical performance and progress towards fulfillment of objectives.

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Criminal Background Checks/Drug Screening

Criminal background checks and/or drug tests may be required to enter some clinical agencies. Please be advised that the University is not responsible for the costs associated with these requirements. The results of these checks/tests will be disclosed to the University for appropriate action.

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Graduate Funding Policies

Financial Assistance

The Decker School of Nursing has a limited number of teaching, graduate, and research assistantships. These provide stipends plus tuition scholarships and require full time enrollment. Activities involve assisting faculty in teaching and research.

Some professional nurse traineeships, with monies allocated by the Division of Nursing, Department of Health and Human Services, may also be available. The traineeships include a stipend and tuition scholarship and require full time enrollment. Other traineeships and fellowships may be available.

Application forms for assistantships and traineeships are distributed early in the spring semester. Students who require this form of financial assistance must be responsible for completing and returning these forms on an annual basis. Decisions are made early in the summer as soon as all necessary information about financial support has been received.

When the student has accepted financial assistance, in the form of assistantships and traineeships, it should be regarded as a contract between the school and the student. Any changes require mutual consent and should be considered only in extreme circumstances. Students who withdraw from full time study during the semester will incur a debt to the University in the form of tuition payback. Therefore, the decision to drop all or part of the course work must be made after careful thought as students MAY INCUR A DEBT EQUAL TO THE TOTAL COST OF TUITION FOR THE SEMESTER.

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Procedures for Initiating Fellowships, Assistantships, and Traineeships

All students who receive this form of financial assistance:

1. Must return all necessary forms appropriately completed and signed to the Graduate Nursing Office.

2. Must report to the University Graduate Office, ADM134, within the first two weeks of every semester to complete all necessary payroll forms.

3. Must report to the Sponsored Fund Payroll Office, Adm 208, (traineeship and grant funded TA/GA).

Failure to complete these procedures may result in a loss of stipend and/or tuition assistance. If you are unclear about these procedures, please seek clarification . Information regarding other forms of financial assistance is available in the Graduate Office and the Financial Aid Office.

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Scholarships

A limited amount of scholarship funding is available directly through the Decker School. These include the Decker Foundation, Alumni and other scholarships. Each award has different requirements for eligibility. Applications are available in late spring and decisions are made during the summer. Students must be matriculated to be eligible for these scholarships.

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Research Funding

There are two sources of funding for graduate students in the Decker School of Nursing who wish to complete a research project. The first is from José's Fund, and the second is from the local Zeta Iota Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau.

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Sigma Theta Tau

Sigma Theta Tau scholarships are to support the research of its members. Sigma Theta Tau scholarship applications are also available through the Center for Nursing Research. This scholarship can be applied for throughout the year and is approved by the Executive Committee of the Zeta Iota Chapter.

Other sources of funds to support thesis and independent study are available through community groups and agencies. For assistance in locating possible funding sources, speak with the Coordinator of the Graduate Program, Director of the Center for Nursing Research, or the chairperson of your thesis or dissertation committee or independent study project.

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José's Fund

José's Fund is an endowment given in memory of José Reichel, who was the secretary in both the Graduate Office and the Kresge Center for Nursing Research. She was loved by all the graduate students, and upon her death a fund was begun by her family and friends to support graduate student research. Applications for this fund are located in the Kresge Center for Nursing Research. The application must be submitted to the Kresge Center for Nursing Research on or before January 30th for use of funds during the current academic year.

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