Villanova University initial application for a Certificate of Approval to operate in Maryland under Code of Maryland Regulations 13B

Transcription

1 Villanova University initial application for a Certificate of Approval to operate in Maryland under Code of Maryland Regulations 13B

2 Application Form

3 OOSINITIAL MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION Application for Initial Approval for Out-of-State Degree-Granting Institutions to Operate in Maryland Please Note: A separate application form must be completed and submitted with all supporting documentation for each proposed location in Maryland. PROPOSED LOCATION IN MARYLAND. Please provide the full mailing address. If a specific facility is yet to be identified, please provide as a minimum, the county or city in which you plan to operate. Not Applicable. [Ifthese programs/classes are to be offered at a military installation and the recruitment and enrollment of students is limited to active duty personnel, their dependents, or civilians employed at the installation, and ifthe institution waives its right to claim veterans' benefits for enrolled students, do not complete this application. Complete an Application for Exemption to COMAR instead.] PROPOSED START DATE. Practicum in Maryland commences Spring 2015 Applications should be submitted at least 5 months prior to the proposed start date. INSITUTION APPLYING FOR APPROVAL. Name of Institution: Villanova University Web Address: OPEID Code: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, ID Code-- Title IV elie:ibility. Chief Executives Officer: Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, President Mailing Address: Villanova University 800 Lancaster Avenue Villanova, P A Telephone: president@villanova.edu Institutional Liaison: Name and title ofthe individual who will serve as liaison to the Maryland Higher Education Commission: Name: Lesley A. Perry Title: Associate Dean, College of Nursing Mailing Address: Villanova University Driscoll Hall, 800 Lancaster Avenue Villanova, PA Telephone: OOS Initial2012

4 ~1: ********************************** <:][lt1lific:~1rl()~ **************************** I hereby affirm that the answers given in this application and its attachments are accurate and complete and further agree to comply with the Annotated Code ofmaryland and State regulations governing the operation of out-of-state degree-granting institutions (COMAR 13B.02.01). ~~~~~ Please Submit All Information To: Maryland Higher Education Commission Division of Planning and Academic Affairs 6 N. Liberty St., 10 1 h Floor Baltimore, Maryland acadprop@mhec.state.md.us (410) A copy ofthese regulations can be found at the Maryland Higher Education Commission's web site (under Academic Approval Process) along with an on-line application form. ************************************************************************************** I. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION. Only a complete application can be acted upon. While separate application forms must be completed and submitted for each proposed location, the following Supporting Documentation needs to be included only once for the entire package of applications. CHECK EACH ITEM AS ATTACHED. ~ Catalogs and Other Institutional Publications. COMAR 13B A(l) Include one printed copy ofthe institution's home campus catalog or other publication (graduate and undergraduate as applicable) that contains information on: academic progress standards, curricular content ofthe proposed programs, student services information, credit for prior learning as well as credit for practica, clinical experience, internships, and cooperative work experiences. Please also provide copies ofthe awards to be granted. ~ Application Fee. COMAR 13B D(2) The institution shall submit a non-refundable application fee in the amount of(a) $7,500 for up to two degree programs and (b) an additional $850 for each degree program over two programs. The institution's check should be made payable to: Maryland Higher Education Commission. ~ Accreditation. COMAR 13B D(3)(g) Provide a copy ofthe most recent letter of approval (notification) from an organization recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department ofeducation. Along with your most recent notification OOS Initial

5 of institutional accreditation, please provide evidence that you are in compliance with that organization's policies and procedures related to off-campus educational activities. If any ofyour proposed programs require program accreditation provide evidence of that accreditation. [g] Registration as an Out-of-State Corporation. COMAR 13B D(3)(f) To transact interstate business in Maryland, the institution must qualify with the State Department ofassessments and Taxation by making the certification required in the Corporations and Associations Article, 7-202, Annotated Code of Maryland. A public institution is not required to qualify as a foreign corporation. However, a business entity affiliated with a public institution or a private institution (profit or non-profit) must qualify as a foreign corporation. The Foreign Corporation Qualification Form may be obtained from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, Room 809, 301 West Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland or on-line at: Once qualified, the institution must provide a copy of the certificate of good standing issued by the State Department ofassessments and Taxation. 0 Certificate of Compliance COMAR 13B D(3)(o) N/A The University is not proposing a facility in the State of Maryland. Please provide a certificate for each location for which you are seeking approval, indicating that the proposed facility has been inspected and is found in compliance with local and State ordinances pertaining to fire and safety. If this is not presently available, it may be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the start of classes. [g] Board of Trustees Resolution of Financial Solvency COMAR 13B D(3)(e) Audited financials as of May 31, 2013 are attached. Please provide a resolution from your Board of Trustees addressed to the Secretary of Higher Education stating that your institution is financially solvent. [g] Advertisements COMAR 13B D(3)(p) Please provide copies of any advertisements in print format related to the proposed programs. [gj Teach-out Plan COMAR 13B D(3)U)(iv) The institution must provide a copy of its teach-out plan allowing enrolled students to complete their programs ifthe institution decides to cease operation in Maryland. II. APPLICATION QUESTIONAIRE This questionnaire, properly completed with supporting documentation, shall serve as an application for approval to operate in Maryland under the Code ofmaryland Regulations (COMAR) 13B It must be completed for each proposed location. l. Programs. Please enter below, or create an attachment (labeled "A-1: Programs") to this application with ~~~f:l~~~e.~~~~~~t~e.~()ll()~i~g:... ~ ~~ ~~ ~ - ~-~~ ~ -~-~ ~ (a) Provide a list ofthe proposed programs (or individual courses) to be offered at this location. An institution may apply to offer courses only ifthe full complement ofcourses comprise not more than 3 courses (or 9 credit hours) of a degree program. [See COMAR 13B D(5)] For each program/course provide the following information: (1) the full title of the program (or individual course); (2) the degree or certificate to be awarded; (3) the mode of instructional delivery; (4) the number of credit hours (semester or quatter); and (5) whether they are offered at the parent campus. OOS Initial2012 3

6 Program Title Degree Mode of Total Offered Instruction Credit on Main Hours Campus Yes /No Example: Organizational Management MS. Classroom 36sem Yes Example: BUS 1OJ Intra to Business Administration Distance Ed 3 sem Yes RN to BSN Program BSN Online 122 Yes Program with Practicum Requirements (b) Ifthe information does not appear in the catalog or publication you submitted, provide (1) a description of the curriculum; (2) the objectives of each course; and (3) a course schedule for the proposed location. See Attached - A-1 Program Overview (c) Please provide a brief description ofthe student population to be served by the proposed program. The Bachelor of Scien.ce in Nursing Completion Program for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN Program) is an online program designed to provide registered nurses who possess an associate degree or diploma in nursing from a community college or hospital based school of nursing the opportunity to continue their education to obtain a BSN degree in nursing. The students served by this program will be working adult registered nurse students. 2. Educational Need. Before the Commission may evaluate the readiness of an out-of-state institution to operate or award new degrees in the State, including the offerings of an instructional program or a degree level not previously approved, the institution shall present evidence demonstrating the educational need to establish operations, offer programs, and award the degrees in question in the State. In addition, the out-of State institution shall demonstrate that the proposed program, for which the institution is making application, meets a critical and compelling regional or Statewide need and is consistent with the Maryland State Plan for Postsecondary Education. COMAR 13B A & C l INSTRUCTIONS. Please enter the requested information in the spaces provided below, or create an : attachment (labeled "A-2: Educational Need") to this application with your responses to the Lf()!l()_\'.'i~~q~~~~i()!l.~_f(.)!~.~.~~P!()_g_~~-~~.m....! OOS Initial2012 4

7 (a) What critical and compelling Regional or Statewide (Maryland) need and demand do your proposed programs meet? In responding to this question provide documentation as indicated below: (1) If the proposed programs serve occupational needs, present data on market demand and the availability of openings in the job market to be served by the new programs for which the institution is making application. This information may include workforce and employment projections prepared by the federal and State governments, the availability of graduates in the State or region, marketing studies done by the institution or others, and material from professional and trade associations. COMAR 13B E See attached- A.2 Educational Need (2) Ifthe proposed programs serve societal needs (including the traditional liberal arts education), provide a description ofhow the proposed programs will enhance higher education in Maryland and contribute to society in general. ~ See attached- A.2 Educational Need ] (b) If similar programs already exist in the State of Maryland, what are the similarities or differences in your program in terms of the degrees to be awarded, the areas of specialization, and the specific academic content ofthe programs? See attached- A.2 Educational Need (c) Is a Maryland employer sponsoring/supporting the application for the program(s) to be offered at this location? 0 Yes 1:8] No COMAR D(3)(q) N/A The University is not pro2osing a facility in the State of Maryland. Ifyes, please attach a letter ol support from the employer addressed to the Assistant Secretary, Planning and Academic Affairs. The letter should outline the employer's reasons for selecting the institution and its programs and state the benefits to the employees who participate in the program (d) Will the programs/classes at this location be closed? [That is, only available to employees or members of the host site and not open to the general public]. 0 Yes 1:8] No Ifyes, please supply a copy of a memorandum of understanding from the Maryland entity sponsoring your institution. The memorandum shall specify the institution is operating a closedsite and that the courses are offered solely for its own employees. COMAR 13B D(6) (e) Will these programs/classes be offered in affiliation with a Maryland Regional Higher Education Center? 0 Yes 1:8] No If yes, please identify the Maryland Regional Higher Education Center and provide a copy ofthe Memorandum ofunderstanding or agreement. COMAR 13B Administrative Staff. The out-of-state institution shall provide for an on-site administrative staff responsible for overall administrative operation of educational activities including counseling, advising, testing orientation, fmancial aid services, and maintenance of academic records. In addition to being responsible for the administration ofthe policies and procedures ofthe parent institution, the designated administrators are responsible for meeting the expectations set forth in this chapter [of the Regulatory OOS Initial2012 5

8 Standards of the State of Maryland for Out-of-State Institutions]. The duties and size of the staff shall be adequate for the size of educational activities offered. COMAR I INSTRUCTIONS: Please enter the requested information in the spaces provided below, or create an < :;~;~c;~;:;~~:;;~~"a-3: Administrative Staff') to this application with your respon~~~t~~~~ I (a) How are you are planning to meet the above standard on Administrative Staff? Villanova University is not proposing an on-site location in Maryland. However, Villanova University provides students with access to administrative support throughout their online experience. There is a dedicated faculty coordinator for the program, Dr. Margaret Lyons. Dr. Lyons serves as advisor to the online students, providing orientation for new students, reviewing students' academic progress and dealing with a variety of student questions and issues. She also prepares the schedule of courses, in consultation with the Assistant Dean for the Undergraduate Program, and serves as a liaison with the faculty teaching in the program. An administrative coodinator, Mrs. Lynda Capuzzi, is assigned to the online program and is responsible for evaluating and posting transfer credits, conducting degree audits and coordinating with other University offices. Both are available to the students via periodic synchronous online orientation and advisement sessions, via and phone contact. Dr. Lyons and Mrs. Capuzzi work directly with Dr. Angelina Arcamone, Assistant Dean and Director of the Undergraduate Program and with Dr. Lesley Perry, Associate Dean in the College ofnursing for all aspects of program implementation. Villanova's Office of Financial Assistance is responsible for processing all financial aid for students and has assigned a fmancial assistance counselor, Mrs. Meghan Presko, to work directly with the online RN students. She provides information regarding eligibility for financial assistance, works directly with the students to answer any questions regarding financial assistance and reviews financial aid applications and monitors disbursements awards. The Registrar's Office serves as the custodian for the University's student records. The Registrar's Office is responsible for providing course schedules, registration of students for classes through the online registration system, maintaining student grades and transcripts and degree audits to verity graduation status. (b) Who will be assigned to carry-out each of these duties? Please include a curriculum vitae/resume for each administrator in the attachment to this application Curriculum vitae/resumes for the following are found in Attachment 3-A Administrative Staff: Dr. Margaret Lyons, Faculty Coordinator for the online RN-BSN Program Mrs. Lynda Capuzzi, Administrative Coordinator for the online RN-BSN Program Dr. Angelina Arcamone, Assistant Dean and Program Director, Undergraduate Program, College of Nursing Dr. Lesley Perry, Associate Dean, College ofnursing Mrs. Meghan Presko, Associate Director of Financial Assistance, University Office of Financial Assistance Pamela Braxton, University Registrar 4. Faculty., INSTRUCTIONS: Please enter the requested information in the spaces provided below, or create an i attachment to this application (labeled "A-4: Faculty") with your responses to the following \ questions. Ifcomplete and precise information is unavailable at this time, please provide projected L~!1l~!i~g_ i~~()eill1lti()j1 }ll~lll~illg t!i~ ~11~~~~)' lll~jl1_1j~~,~~~11!~~11~ ~1111. ()E.~ ! OOS Initial

9 (a) List all faculty that are to teach in the first year (or cycle) ofthe proposed programs at this location. For each faculty member provide the following information: COMAR D(3)(m) (1) the course(s) the faculty might soon teach; (2) the degrees the individual holds; (3) the degrees areas of specialization; and (4) whether or not the faculty member is full-time or part-time (adjunct) at your parent institution. See attached - A-4. Faculty (b) Please include a curriculum vitae/resume for each potential faculty member. For those faculty who are yet to be hired include a job description and minimal qualifications. (c) Full-time faculty member is defined as an employee: "(a) whose primary professional responsibility is instruction, research, scholarship, or service; (b) who performs those functions normally expected of a fulltime faculty member at an institution ofhigher education, including curriculum development, student advising, and institutional service; (c) who is employed on an annual or renewable contract of at least 9 months long that stipulates an annual salary; and (d) who is not employed full-time by another employer." COMAR 13B (10) Will more than 1/3rd of the classes offered be taught by full-time faculty of the parent institution? Not Applicable IZJ Yes D No Full-time Faculty Waiver. (See COMAR 13B E) If l/3rd or less ofthe classes are taught by full-time faculty ofthe parent institution you will have to apply for a full-time faculty waiver. In order to obtain a waiver under the Regulations, please respond to the following: (1) Demonstrate that the unique role, scope, and mission ofthe institution require a waiver in order for the institution to operate. (2) After making this demonstration the institution shall then provide the following: (i.) Designate by name the faculty members whose primary responsibility is instruction, scholarship, research or service who will perform the duties normally required of fulltime faculty. (ii.) Document that these designated faculty members substantially participate in the development or implementation of one or more ofthe following activities at the institution requesting the waiver: (A) Academic programs, (B) Professional Programs, (C) Research Programs, (D) Service Programs, (E) Admission or Admission policies, (F) Academic Advising, (G) Faculty Appointments, or (H) institutional governance. (iii.) Document that the full time faculty, as a group, participate in all ofthe activities listed in (2)(ii.) above. (iv.) Document that the designated faculty shall perform the requirements of full-time faculty under Section C ofthe regulations- i.e., at least one-third of the classes offered shall be taught by full-time faculty ofthe parent institution. OOS Initial

10 (3) Documentation includes, but is not limited to: (i) minutes of meetings; (ii) contractual obligations; or (iii) job descriptions. (4) Your request will be considered at a regularly scheduled meeting ofthe Maryland Higher Education Commission. 5. Library Resources. Out-of-State Institutions offering programs or courses, or both, in Maryland, shall provide adequate and appropriate library resources within State boundaries and within reasonable distance ofthe instructional site. Usage statistics shall be kept to determine to what extent these resources are available and accessible. COMAR 13B.02.0l.17A INSTRUCTIONS: Please enter the requested information in the spaces provided below, or create an attachment (labeled "A-5: Library Resources") to this application with your responses to the (a) How are you planning to meet this standard on Library Resources? Briefly describe the types of materials and titles that you will make available to your students and how they will access them. Will there be provision for bibliographic instruction and/or library orientation? Student and faculty scholarship is supported by the staff and the holdings of Falvey Memorial Library, which serves as Villanova University's gateway to print and electronic information resources and services. The library has a total of 1,168,882 items, including 569,337 stack items, 35,297 electronic journals, approximately 200 electronic indexes, and extensive microfilm and audiovisual collections to support the informational anq research needs of the Villanova community. Falvey Memorial Library seeks to make the Library's outstanding collection and services as accessible to distance learning students as to on-campus learners. The digital and electronic resources are available to faculty and currently registered students from off-campus, and librarians make every effort to extend research advice to distance learners via e mail exchanges, telephone consultations and live online chats. The Library offers delivery of selected resources in the print collection and works with students to arrange suitable alternatives through other sources. The Library also maintains online guides and instructional tutorial videos that are accessible via the Library's home page. Two Research Librarians have been designated as liaisons to the College of Nursing and are available to faculty and students for consultation and assistance for course work and other scholarly projects. (b) Library Waiver. In extraordinary circumstances, an out-of-state institution may request a waiver ofthe library requirement. Are you requesting such a waiver? 0 Yes [g) No IfYes, this request shall be considered at a regularly scheduled meeting ofthe Maryland Higher Education Commission. The waiver may be granted if justified by the institution demonstrating in this application the following: (i.) the specialized or technical nature ofthe institution's curriculum; or OOS Initial2012 8

11 (ii.) an executed contract or contracts with another library or libraries ensuring students adequate access to another appropriate collection either through location or through information technology. ~Not Applicable 6. Student Services. COMAR 13B concerns student services and activities. These shall realistically reflect the stated objectives, purposes, and philosophy ofthe out-of-state institution. Further, an out-of-state institution shall ensure that all students have access to a well developed program of counseling, testing, advisement, orientation, financial aid, career development, and placement. The institution may determine the specific organization of services, as well as the resources and staffing provided, as long as provision for these services are made. Student activities that complement the instructional program are particularly encouraged. COMAR Section.18 also requires that the out-of-state credits, transcripts, graduates, and other essentials in accordance with standard practice. This includes the physical security and confidentiality of such records. The Section requires as well, a published statement of student rights, privileges, and responsibilities and the school's adherence to its student grievance procedures: INSTRUCTIONS: Please enter the requested information in the spaces provided below, or create an attachment (labeled "A-6: Student Services") to this application with your responses to the following (a) How do you plan to implement the requirements for Student Services cited above? Students enrolled in the online RN to BSN Program will have access to a variety of student services via the MyNova portal, which provides access to all University and College resources, including links to University and College policies, Villanova and social networking tools, academic resources, including library resources, financial assistance and student support services. In addition, the Learning Management System contains a Student Resource Center, ' which provides a variety of guides, videos and other resources to assist students with study skills, writing assistance, and test-taking. Villanova University has an Office of Learning Support Services which provides learning and study skills resources for all students who wish to enhance their academic experience in preparing to meet their educational goals. These services include study skill, time management and test-taking assistance and accomodation support for students with disabilities. Students may request support services in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Office serves as a liaison between students and faculty for students requiring extended time exams, as well as other special accommodations as needed. Online students are able to access these services via the Office of Learning Support Services website, which contains links to a variety of learning support videos, web resources and downloadable apps for mobile devices. Guidelines for obtaining accommodations for students with special learning needs are also specified on the website. OOS lnitial2012 9

12 Students with physical disabilities can also request personalized accommodations, such as closed captioning, screen readers and other types of adaptive technology and software. These requests are processed through the University's Office of Disability Services. Online students also have access to services offered by the University's Career Center. These services include assistance with defining career goals, writing resumes, planning for job searches preparing for interviews, and discussing graduate study. Career Counselors are available to online students via telephone, exchanges or Skype conferences. As noted in Section A-3: Administrative Staff, students also have access to Financial Assistance, academic advisement from a faculty advisor, and course scheduling and registration services. (b) Regarding student records describe the security measures the institution takes to ensure the confidentiality, physical, and electronic security ofyour record-keeping system. All student academic records are maintained by the Villanova University Registrar's Office in accordance with all aspects of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and guidelines established by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). Such records are maintained primarily in electronic form in the University's ERP System, Banner. Banner security is designed so that only employees with legitimate education interest in the data are able to access it. Banner security is reviewed by the University's IT staff on a regular basis to ensure the student data is available only to appropriate staff and faculty members. All non-electronic academic records are stored by. the Registrar in secure locations, with a very limited number of staff members having access to such records. All records needed to produce student transcripts are maintained on a permanent basis. Other information not required to be maintained permanently is disposed of in accordance with the requirements of the University's Record Retention Policy, which is consistent with AACRAO guidelines. The University contractually requires compliance with FERPA by any vendors who handle student education records. Policies regarding Student Records appear on pages of the Undergraduate Studies Catalog, and on pages in the College of Nursing's Undergraduate Handbook, See Attachment A-6(b). (c) Does the institution have a published statement ofrights, privileges, and responsibilities of students? [8J Yes 0 No How will it make this available to its students at the proposed instructional site? RHachment Ifthis statement is in the Catalog you submitted with the application, please indicate the page number: A - 6 (c) If not in the Catalog you submitted, please provide us with a copy ofthe statement. (d) Does the institution have a published student grievance procedure? [8J Yes 0 No Ifthis procedure is in the Catalog you submitted with the application, please indicate the page number. Ifnot in the Catalog you submitted, please provide us with a copy ofthe grievance procedure. See Attachment A - 6 (d) 7. Facilities. (See COMAR 13B ). OOS Initial

13 INSTRUCTIONS: Please enter the requested information in the spaces provided below, or create an attachment (labeled "A-7: Facilities") to this application with your responses to the following (a) Has a specific facility been identified? 0 Yes D No N/A No facility is proposed in the State of Maryland. (b) Has the proposed facility been inspected and approved for use as classroom/laboratory space and been found in compliance with local and State ordinances pertaining to fire and safety? 0 Yes 0 No (1) Ifyes, please provide a copy ofthe Certificate ofcompliance. (2) Ifno, the Certificate ofcompliance must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the start of classes. (c) Describe any special instructional facilities and equipment (computers, audio-visual equipment, etc.) that will be used and available to students in this location. (d) Describe what provisions are being made for periodic repair and maintenance ofbuildings and grounds. What measures are being taken for campus security and fire protection? Ifdangerous or toxic materials are being handled, what provisions are being made for safe storage, handling and disposal? (e) Describe the office (and conference) space available to full and part-time faculty and administrators. inot Applicable 8. Distance Education. "Distance education" means course work for academic credit delivered by telecommunicated instruction to a physical space specifically reserved for the purpose ofreceiving the instruction, for example, a teleclassroom, and requires the payment oftuition or fees for the instruction. "Distance education" does not include telecommunicated instruction at the student's initiation via an individual personal computer. COMAR (8). An institution operating in Maryland and delivering instruction in Maryland by distance education shall provide evidence to the Secretary of compliance with the standards ofgood practice found in COMAR INSTRUCTIONS. Is the institution providing distance education as defined above? 0 Yes ~No Ifyes, please contact the staffat the Maryland Higher Education Commission for a copy ofthe Standards, ofgood Practice and provide evidence ofcompliance as an attachment (labeled "A-8: Distance! J, '~~,ll~~!i?~"),,!?!~,i~ ~ppl,i~ilti()~:,,,, OOS Initial

14 Catalogue & Curriculum

15 A-1 Program Overview Program: College: Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN Program) Villanova University College of Nursing Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Program Description: The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN Program) is an online program designed to provide registered nurses who possess an associate degree or diploma in nursing from a community college or hospital based school of nursing the opportunity to continue their education to obtain a BSN degree in nursing. The BSN degree in nursing prepares nurses to provide evidence-based, quality care to meet the health care needs of a diverse and aging population, to practice in an increasingly complex health care system and to serve as a foundation for advanced education in nursing. The program is driven by Augustinian Catholic values that characterize the mission of the University: the unity of knowledge, the holistic nature of human beings, the importance of community, the discovery of truth and a commitment to addressing the needs of disadvantaged, marginalized and vulnerable populations. Program outcomes for the BSN program: Upon completion ofthe program, students will be able to: 1. Value the uniqueness and diversity among individuals through the study of various disciplines and cultures within the context of Catholic Augustinian ideals; 2. Synthesize current, relevant sources of evidence to implement evidence-based nursing practice; 3. Deliver safe, competent, and compassionate, patient-centered care with attention to quality improvement; 4. Use the nursing process to provide patient-centered care based on sound clinical reasoning; 5. Apply information and technology to provide optimal healthcare for individuals, groups, communities and populations; 6. Provide respectful care that is culturally sensitive and spiritually-based to diverse individuals, groups, communities and populations with particular attention to meeting the needs of vulnerable populations and those experiencing health disparities; 7. Incorporate a variety of modalities to communicate effectively to achieve quality, patientcentered care; 8. Demonstrate leadership to enhance health care outcomes, influence health policy and advance the nursing profession;

16 9. Internalize the values and ethics of the nursing profession, which includes advocacy, global awareness, accountability, social responsibility and collegiality; and 10. Demonstrate scholarly, analytical skills to advance the science of nursing. Degree Requirements: The BSN Completion Program for Registered Nurses requires a minimum of 122 total credits. Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses: 50 credits, 32 of which may be transferred from the students' previous nursing education program. Additional transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions are allowed if they meet certain distribution and grade requirements. Nursing Courses: 30 nursing credits may be transferred from an ACEN accredited nursing program. Nursing Courses: 42 nursing credits must be completed at Villanova University. A curriculum plan outlining the degree requirements appears below.

17 Villanova University College of Nursing RN-BSN Curriculum Plan (122 credits) Lower Division Transfer Credits= 62 credits (32 A&S and 30 Nursing credits) transferred from prior nursing education program 32 A&S credits transferred to satisfy the following 30 Nursing credits transferred to satisfy the following Villanova University requirements: Villanova University requirements: BIO 1205 Human Anatomy &Physiol I BIO 1206 Human Anatomy &Physiol II BIO 1181 or BIO 2105 Cell Bio or Microbiology CHEMorBIO ENG 1050 The Literary Experience PSY 1000 General Psychology PSY 2200 Developmental Psychology SOC 1000 Intro to Sociology Social Sciences/Behavioral Sci Elective Humanities Elective Total Credits 4 cr NUR 1102 Intro to Professional Nsg. 2 cr 4 cr NUR 1104 Intro to ProfNsg Practice 2 cr 3 cr NUR 2206 Essentials ofnsg Practice 2 cr NUR 2207 Prac in Essentials ofnsg Practice 2 cr 3 cr NUR 3114 Nsg. Care ofadults & 3 cr Older Adults 6 cr 3 cr NUR 3115 Prac in Nsg Care of Adults & Older 3 cr Adults 6 cr 3 cr NUR 3118 Nsg. Care of Women & 3 cr Childbearing Families 3 cr 3 cr NUR 3119 Prac in Nsg Care ofwomen & Childbearing Families 3 cr NUR 4108 Nsg Care of Children &A dol NUR 4109 Prac in Nsg Care of Children 3 cr & Adolescents 3 cr 32cr Total Credits 30 cr Arts and Science Courses to be Taken through Villanova University or via Transfer Credit THL 1500 Spirituality and Healing Arts 3 cr PHI 2115 Ethics for Health Care Professionals 3 cr MAT 1250 Statistics in Health Care Research 3 cr SOC 1500 Social Problems 3 cr PSY 2700 Industrial and Organizational Psychology 3 cr NTR 2120 Principles ofnutrition 3 cr Total Arts and Sciences Credits 18cr Nursing Credits Earned through Successful Completion of 12 cr Clinical Decision Making Assessment and Testing Required BSN Courses to be taken through Villanova University College of Nursing NUR 3000 Foundations in Nursing and Health 3 cr NUR 3007 Health Assessment 3 cr NUR 2810 Research and Scientific Evidence in Nursing Practice 3 cr NUR 3122 Imperatives for Global and Public Health 3 cr NUR 4112 Health Promotion and Home Health in the Community 3 cr NUR 4113 Practicum in Health Promotion and Home Health in the Community 5 cr NUR 4114 Nursing and Health Policy 2 cr NUR 4116 Leadership and Management in Health Care 2 cr NUR 4117 Field Work in Leadership and Management in Health Care 3 cr NUR 4118 Cultural Influences on Health Beliefs and Practices 3 cr Total Nursing Credits 30cr Total Credits for BSN Degree 122

18 Course Descriptions: Below are the course descriptions for the required nursing courses in the BSN Completion program for registered nurses: NUR 3000: Foundations in Nursing and Health. The scope and aims of professional nursing practice are examined in the study of concepts ofhealth and systems of care. The College ofnursing philosophy and conceptual framework are analyzed and used to guide course activities. Nursing process, formulation ofnursing diagnoses, use of expanded databases and evidenced based practice are critiqued as a basis for the design of care in professional nursing practice. (3 cr) NUR 3007: Health Assessment. Comprehensive nursing assessment ofindividuals and families is emphasized in this course. Opportunities are provided for the student to apply clinical skills such as interviewing, data collection, genograms and physical assessment. Evidence-based tools will be examined and used during this course. (3 cr) NTR 2120: Principles ofnutrition.this course emphasizes the study ofnutrition and health and focuses on normal nutrition with selected emphasis on prevention ofdisease through healthy eating. It serves as the framework for the clinical nutrition concepts in nursing practice. The course provides an opportunity for students to evaluate their own nutritional health while applying the study ofkey concepts such as energy nutrients, kilocalories and vitamins and minerals. Basic concepts in the study ofdigestion, absorption, and metabolism are also presented. Students also examine how to critique weight loss diets and develop healthy weight loss strategies. The importance ofhealthy nutrition in the life cycle is explored from pregnancy through older adulthood. Practical application of making nutritional food choices during the life cycle are presented and discussed in class activities. Consumer issues such as food safety including prevention of food borne illness and promotion of sustainable food choices are studied as they relate to promoting consumer health. (3 cr) NUR 2810 Research and Scientific Evidence in Nursing Practice. This course provides learning experiences for undergraduate nursing students related to the use of scientific evidence in nursing practice. There is an emphasis on the use of scholarly and analytical skills in examining evidence in clinical practice. The process for discovering new scientific evidence across research paradigms and their associated methodologies is examined. The implications of ethical and legal issues related to the development and use of scientific evidence for nursing practice are identified. (3 cr) Pre- or Co-requisite: MAT 1250

19 NUR 3122 Imperatives for Global and Public Health. This course provides a foundation for students to examine factors that influence the health of communities and populations locally, nationally, and globally. Students use basic public health principles and sciences to identify factors that influence, promote, and maintain health of populations. The course emphasizes the use of epidemiological data, and knowledge related to environmental health, social determinants of health, genetics/genomics, ethics, the influence ofculture, and health behaviors in identifying the nurse's role in population health. Health systems will be explored in examining the impact on community and population health. There is an emphasis on health vulnerabilities as they relate to communities and populations. Planning, implementing, and evaluating the health needs ofpopulations are examined within the context ofevidence-based practice, teamwork, interdisciplinary collaboration, and informatics principles. Learner-focused teaching strategies provide the foundation for students to build their knowledge, skills, and values. (3 cr) NUR 4112 Health Promotion and Home Health in the Community. This course explores the delivery of care to individuals and their families within community settings. The learner explores the unique issues related to interdependent care strategies within a family model that maximizes the health of individuals while continuing to function within their home environment. Emphasis is placed on designing and implementing health teaching as an essential component of goal achievement in community settings. Special consideration is given to the needs ofpopulations experiencing chronic health problems in an effort to maintain their independence or interdependence as they age in place. Nursing care emphasizes the need to be inclusive ofthe family's culture, spirituality, and ethnicity and considers the economic vulnerability issues within the home and community context. Health promotion focuses on planning a population intervention using evidence based strategies with a major emphasis on evaluation. (3 cr) Pre-requisite: NUR 2810, NUR 3122 ' NUR 4113 Practicum in Health Promotion and Home Health in the Community. This course provides the student an opportunity to explore two distinctly different community based settings during this practicum experience. The student provides evidence based nursing care in community settings where the population of individuals and families have the need for assessment and interventions that are provided to maintain or improve their health status through care procedures and health education related to their health problem. Students typically have clinical experience in community-based agencies that provide home care, ambulatory care approaches, and home or inpatient based hospice or palliative care for individuals, communities, and populations of all ages. The student also has experience with an identified population in a local or global setting to mutually set goals that the population believes are essential to the maintenance or improvement of their health status. These evidence-based interventions build on concepts

20 from previous courses. This course provides students with teaching-learning opportunities to care for populations and communities. (5 cr) Pre- or Co-Requisite: NUR4112 NUR 4114: Nursing and Health Policy. This course addresses the impact ofhealth policy, health care financing and economics, and legislative and regulatory authority on nursing practice and the health care delivery system. Societal and professional issues influencing nursing practice will be examined. The role ofthe nurse as an active participant in developing and influencing policy, legislative and regulatory actions will be addressed. (2 cr) NUR 4116: Leadership and Management in Health Care. This course addresses principles of leadership and management and organizational processes related to the practice of nursing using current evidence. Professional values, accountability, role transition, collegiality and interprofessional collaboration are addressed in this course. This course also examines nursing's responsibility for continuous improvement ofthe quality and patient safety in health care systems. (2 cr) Pre or Co-Requisite: NUR 3000, NUR 3007, NUR 2810, NUR 4114 NUR 4117: Field Work in Leadership and Management in Health Care. This course provides students with the opportunity to enact the role of the professional nurse in selected healthcare settings. Students demonstrate the principles ofleadership, management and organizational processes related to the practice ofnursing using current evidence. Professional values, accountability, role transition, collegiality and interprofessional collaboration are translated into the health care environment. Students assume a leadership role in selected health care settings. (3 cr) Pre or Co-Requisite: NUR4116 NUR 4118: Cultural Influences on Health Beliefs and Practices. Cultural influences on health beliefs and practices are examined. Implications for providing culturally sensitive nursing care to diverse individuals, groups and communities are addressed. (3 cr) Description of Practicum and Field Experiences The RN-BSN curriculum includes two clinical practica courses: NUR 4113: Practicum in Health Promotion and Home Health in the Community and NUR 4117: Field Work in Leadership and Management in Health Care. Each course has an assigned College ofnursing faculty member who oversees the course and is responsible for communication with the student, clinical site, and preceptor and for evaluation ofthe student's work in the course. A preceptor that is familiar with and employed in the clinical setting in which the student will complete their clinical practica will be identified for each student. Faculty will work in conjunction with the student and the clinical agency to identify and select the preceptor for each course. Faculty are

21 responsible for obtaining biographical data from the preceptor documenting their qualifications and validating the preceptor's appropriateness for the role of preceptor. The role ofthe preceptor is as a professional role model and mentor for students enrolled in the Villanova University's online RN-BSN program. Students may select their work place as a site for the practicum experiences. However, students may not complete the practica in the same unit or practice site where they are employed, must distinguish work hours from student experience hours and may not be paid for any time spent in student practica time. NUR 4113: Practicum in Health Promotion and Home Health in the Community is a 5 credit course, which requires that students complete 128 practica hours. This course will be offered over 16.weeks. The course provides students with two distinctly different community based experiences during this practicum. Students provide nursing care in community settings where the population ofindividuals and families has the need for assessment and interventions to maintain or improve health status. Students typically have clinical experiences in communitybased agencies that provide home care, ambulatory care, or hospice or palliative care services. In the second component ofthis clinical practicum, students work with an identified population to identify health needs of a population or community, complete an assessment of community resources, and develop and evaluate appropriate interventions to meet the identified health need(s), usually through a health education project. NUR 4117: Field Work in Leadership and Management in Health Care is a 3 credit course, which requires that students complete 64 field work hours and is offered over an eight week period. This course provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate principles of leadership and management and participate in continuous improvement and quality and safety initiatives. Students will participate in a variety of leadership and management activities that include, but are not limited to: shared governance meetings, quality improvement projects, and monitoring of core patient and nursing outcome measures. Students will not have responsibility for direct patient care. Attached is a more complete overview ofthe clinical courses.

22 VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF NURSING RN - BSN Online Program Practicum - Field Work Information Packet/ Course Guide Clinical Courses Overview Clinical Time Students in NUR 4113a & NUR 4113b Practicum in Health Promotion and Home Health in the Community course need to complete 128 clinical hours. This course is split over 2 sessions or 16 weeks. Students in NUR 4117 Fieldwork in Leadership and Management in Health Care need to complete 64 hours. This course is over 1 session or 8 weeks. Student Dress Code Students should dress in professional clothing, wear minimal makeup and jewelry and maintain a neat appearance. Each course syllabi will address any specific dress requirements which usually reflect the clinical site norms for dress. Lab coats may also be worn at the discretion of the preceptor. Students must wear their Villanova student identification at all times - see information under student responsibilities. Student Absences Clinical instructors should impress upon students they are to be on time and are not permitted to be absent from clinical unless they are ill or there are other serious extenuating circumstances such as a death in the family. Students are expected to contact the clinical agency as well as their preceptor prior to the start of the clinical day if they will be absent. Students are expected to make up clinical time lost. Options for makeup should be discussed with the teaching faculty. Clinical Practice Policies Villanova understands that RN-BSN students are licensed nurses, but as students in the program we ask you maintain the following policies: Villanova undergraduate students may not: Administer IV PUSH medications Take verbal or telephone orders Serve as witnesses for informed consents Untoward Events Of course we all hope there are no untoward events during the practicum I field experience; however, if something untoward does take place, please follow the protocols of the agency where the event occurred. Preceptors and Faculty need to be notified. Faculty should also alert the Nurse Faculty Coordinator as to the nature of the event, persons involved, etc. Inclement Weather Notification Policy The College of Nursing is aware that weather conditions may vary greatly from one location to another. If the weather conditions where the student and preceptor live are deemed to be too hazardous for them to safely drive to clinical, clinical may be cancelled at the preceptors' discretion. Hours must be rescheduled. 1