Academic Policies

Grading System

The grading system for the college courses is determined by the college or university.

The grading system for the nursing courses is based on the student's achievement of course objectives. The School of Nursing's grading scale is as follows:

* GPE = grade point equivalent

Grade Point Average
A grade point average is computed each term and cumulatively. The grade point average is computed by (1) multiplying each grade point equivalent by the corresponding number of credits for each course, (2) adding the products and (3) dividing by the sum of credits.

Calculations include the required college courses from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and nursing courses from The Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing.

College course grades accepted for advanced standing from schools other than Clarion University are not included in calculations.

If a student repeats a course, the most recent course grade is used.

Grade Reports
College grades are mailed to the student's home address according to the policy of the college or university.

Grade reports for nursing courses are addressed and delivered in the student's name after the end of each term.

Honor Roll
Students with high scholastic standing are recognized at the completion of each term (term grade point average) and at graduation (cumulative grade point average):

• Highest Honor: 3.5 - 4.0
• High Honor: 3.25 - 3.49
• Honor: 3.0 - 3.24

Progression Criteria
Students progress through the curriculum according to the Curriculum Plan outlined in the  Curriculum section of this catalog.

Students will progress to the next term when the following are achieved:

1. A 2.0 grade point equivalent or higher in a nursing course.
2. A satisfactory clinical grade in a nursing course.
3. A 2.0 grade point average at the completion of each term and at graduation.
4. Completion of four community volunteer hours each year.
5. Completion of remedial work if the student achieves below 75% on final exam.
6. Completion of required standardized tests.
7. Completion of Professional Portfolio requirements of each nursing course.

Academic Probation
Students who have a grade point average below 2.0 in any term will be placed on academic probation.

Students are involuntarily withdrawn from the School for a cumulative grade point average below 2.0 in any subsequent term.

Students are removed from academic probation when they achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in the term following academic probation. Students may only be on academic probation once during the program.

Professional Probation
Professional probation considers the professional behavior and responsibility of the student. At the discretion of the director of the School of Nursing, a student will be placed on professional probation for conduct that violates program requirements, including problems with attendance. Details of the professional probation policy may be found in the Student Handbook.

Student Attendance
Students enrolled in the college courses follow the attendance policies of the college or university. Attendance at class and clinical experience is necessary for achievement of the objectives of nursing courses. Students with a record of high absenteeism may not be able to meet all course objectives. Course faculty may recommend to the director that a student be considered for Professional Probation based on attendance concerns.  A fee is assessed for a second and subsequent clinical experience and each examination that is made up related to absent time.

Course Audit
Course audit is an option for a student who has challenged course(s) successfully or completed a course satisfactorily. No grade or credit is awarded. Prevailing tuition is charged. Arrangements are made prior to the course.  Audit includes only the theory portion of nursing courses.  Students have the option to complete assignments and/or take the examinations.

Leave of Absence
A leave of absence may be granted for illness, pregnancy or other personal reasons.

A student who requests a leave of absence must submit a letter stating the reason and length of the leave to the director of the School of Nursing. The student must schedule an interview with the director and the financial aid officer.

The student's physician must send a statement indicating when the student can resume class and clinical activity if the leave of absence was due to illness or pregnancy. The School's director determines the point at which the student may re-enter the program.   No faculty action is required.

A leave of absence is not granted to students who are performing at an unsatisfactory level in either theory or clinical. Students who do not qualify for a leave of absence must withdraw.

Voluntary Withdrawal
A student may withdraw at any time.

A student who wishes to withdraw from the School of Nursing must submit a written letter of resignation to the director of the School of Nursing.

The resignation letter must include the effective date of withdrawal, which is the last day class/clinical was attended, and the reason for leaving the School. If no letter is received, the last day of class or clinical attendance will be considered to be the date of withdrawal.

The student must schedule an interview with the director of the School of Nursing and the financial aid officer.

Involuntary Withdrawal
The School of Nursing faculty and administration make every effort to help students who experience difficulty in adjusting to the School and its requirements. However, the faculty may recommend withdrawal of a student whose health, conduct or level of achievement does not meet the standards essential to the individual's performance as a student and nurse.

Students will be withdrawn from the School for any of the following reasons:

• A cumulative grade point average below 2.0 in more than one term.
• A theory grade point equivalent below 1.0 in any college course.
• A theory grade point equivalent below 2.0 in any nursing course.
• An unsatisfactory clinical grade in any nursing course.
• Failure to meet criteria for removal from professional probation.
• Failure to meet community volunteer hours.
• Failure to complete required standardized tests.
• Failure to complete course requirements.

Failure of the same nursing course twice results in dismissal from the program.

A student may be dismissed permanently from the School for a serious breach of conduct as decided by the director or designee.

Readmission
A student who has withdrawn from the School of Nursing either voluntarily or involuntarily has the option to reapply for admission at a later date by submitting a letter to the School's director. The same nursing course may be repeated only once.

Requests for readmission after withdrawal from any nursing course will be acted upon by the entire faculty.

College courses completed with a "D" grade or an "F" grade must be repeated with achievement of a grade of "C" or above prior to application for readmission.

A student is readmitted at the appropriate time in the curriculum. Once accepted for readmission, a student is required to complete a reorientation session. A fee is charged for this reorientation session.

A student will not be readmitted if an outstanding balance is due to the School.