BSN Grading Policies
Grading
Regardless of the overall course grade, all assigned work must be completed in order to pass each nursing course. The theory and clinical components of each nursing course must be taken concurrently. In accordance with program requirements, a student must pass both theory and clinical components of a course to be allowed to continue with the program. If a student fails either the theory or clinical component of a nursing course, he/she must repeat both components of the course and successfully complete these components before progressing in the program. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of “C+” or above in order to graduate.
Nursing Theory Courses
Students will be given a grade based on points earned on all assignments, quizzes, presentations, and examinations in the theory component of each nursing course. Nursing students must earn a minimum grade of a 77% in the theory component of all nursing theory courses in order to progress in the program.
Nursing Clinical Courses
Students will be given a PASS or FAIL grade based on the demonstration of clinical objectives in the clinical component of each nursing course. Students must receive a PASS in all nursing clinical courses in order to progress in the program.
Performance and practice of clinical skills constitute a large portion of the student’s time in the program. Students unprepared for the clinical experience will be asked to leave the clinical setting and time lost will be considered a clinical absence. Make-up of clinical absences will be determined on an individual basis. Evaluation of clinical performance is obtained through the objectives on the Clinical Performance Evaluation Tool. The evaluation tool is completed at midterm and end of quarter.
Content Mastery Assessments (CMA) Examinations
In addition to passing each course with the minimum passing grade, students must pass the program exit examination on the first attempt (in accordance with the scoring rubric of the examination). If the predicted probability of passing the licensure examination is not calculated, the required minimum score for passing is at or above the National Mean for that version of the examination.
General Education Grading Policy
The grading policy for General Education courses is established to uphold academic standards and provide students with clear expectations regarding performance.
To earn credit for a General Education course, a student must achieve a minimum final course grade of “C” (75%) or higher.
General Education Course Remediation Policy
A student who does not achieve the minimum passing grade in a General Education course may be eligible to complete a remediation process to demonstrate competency. Remediation is not automatic and is contingent upon the student having completed all required graded assignments, met attendance requirements, earned a minimum of “D-” (60%) in the course, and initiated the remediation process through the Office of Student Services.
Remediation may consist of an alternative examination or a structured assignment designed to assess mastery of the original course learning outcomes, as determined by the program. To successfully remediate, the student must achieve a passing score on the assigned assessment. The maximum final course grade awarded following successful remediation is “C” (75%), regardless of the score earned. If remediation is not successfully completed, the original course grade will remain unchanged.
Remediation must be completed within twenty-one (21) calendar days from the official course end date or prior to the start of the subsequent academic term, whichever occurs first. Failure to meet requirements or deadlines may result in forfeiture of the remediation opportunity.
A maximum of two (2) remediation attempts per course may be permitted.
Blended and Online Courses
Blended and online distance education courses are delivered through the university’s learning management system, Edverum, which provides students access to course instructions, syllabi, discussion forums, slides, and videos as well as exams and assignments for each course. Students participating in the university’s blended or online distance education courses are expected to be in attendance, and complete all course activities, in accordance with the syllabus.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements
Attainment of satisfactory progress (attendance, credit earned, and GPA) will be monitored at the completion of each quarter. Students must achieve a 77% or higher in the theory component and a PASS in the clinical component of each nursing course. In the general education courses, students must achieve a 75% or higher. Tutorial sessions may be mandatory for students at risk of not meeting course requirements. Students may also be referred to the Academic Success Coordinator in the Learning Resource Center for assistance with study skills and time management in order help the student make academic progress.
Student progress will be measured at the end of each term. In order to maintain satisfactory academic progress, students must meet the university’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.