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.
Standards of Student Conduct
The Graduate School and the School of Nursing follow the Student Conduct Code of the University of Minnesota
In addition to maintaining the School of Nursing academic standards, University of Minnesota School of Nursing students are expected to be thoughtful and professional when interacting with faculty, patients and their families, nurses, physicians, preceptors, affiliated institutional staff, other students, the public and other members of the health care team. This professional behavior is to be maintained in any and all situations where the student is identified as a U of MN student, including situations off-campus, as well as in "virtual" sites, such as on-line social networking sites.
Professional conduct and demeanor is required of students in cyberspace in the same manner it is required in all other settings. Students must keep in mind that behavior that is illegal or in violation of U of MN policy on campus will be illegal or violate U of MN policy if it occurs and/or appears online. If a student identifies as a U of MN, SoN student in an online forum, the SoN will hold them to the highest standards of professional conduct. While it is not the policy of the School’s staff and faculty to routinely monitor students’ postings on web sites or other social media tools, if inappropriate postings are brought to their attention, the school’s faculty and academic administration will investigate the report.
Conflict Resolution
The first step of any resolution should be at the lowest unit level, between the parties involved or the parties and an appropriate third party (e.g., DGS). Students may wish to contact the Student Conflict Resolution Center or similar support service for advice and possible mediation, but are advised to talk to the DGS first. If no informal resolution is reached at the lowest unit level, a student may seek informal resolution at the collegiate level with the other party and higher level administrators. If the issue is not resolved informally, the student may seek formal resolution. See: http://www.policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Student/STUDENTCOMPLAINTS_PROC01.html
Student Misconduct and Academic Integrity
Every student attending the School of Nursing is expected to adhere to the U of M Code of Conduct, as well as the School of Nursing Behavioral Standards when they accept an offer of admission to the School. Any violation of the above is considered an act of misconduct and warrants disciplinary action appropriate to the violation. A student has the right to contest any allegation of misconduct or disciplinary action. Whenever possible, allegations of misconduct should be settled at the lowest possible level—between the individuals involved. Allegations of misconduct should be resolved as quickly as possible.
When a faculty member believes that a student has engaged in misconduct or scholastic dishonesty, the faculty member will submit a report to the Office for Community Standards. The student may then be required to meet with an OCS staff member to discuss the matter. If a student disagrees with the outcome of the case and does not wish to accept an informal resolution, the Campus Committee on Student Behavior composed of faculty and students, will hear the case.
When students are found responsible for scholastic dishonesty, the sanctions can include but are not limited to the following options: failing grade on an assignment, failing grade in a course, completing a required assignment, being placed on disciplinary probation, being suspended, or being expelled.
Students can expect the severity of the sanction to be increased for a second offense.
Be advised that University policy prohibits withdrawing from a course to avoid a grade penalty of F or N due to scholastic dishonesty. The School of Nursing does not allow a student to withdraw from a class if accused of scholastic dishonesty.
A student has the right to a hearing and to appeal any disciplinary action. Records of academic misconduct are kept on file in the college office and in the Office for Student Conduct and Academic Integrity.
More information regarding the Office for Student Conduct and Academic Integrity can be found here: http://www.oscai.umn.edu/index.html